Local Candidates Talk Issues at Forum

OSWEGO, IL — Several candidates running in the March 15 election stopped by the Oswego Village Hall Wednesday evening to talk about issues important to them and why they’re running.

Not all candidates were able to attend, namely state senators and representatives due to Gov. Rauner’s State of the State address, but every candidate was given the opportunity to submit a written statement to be read by a representative.

Below is a summary of all candidates who appeared at the Village Hall or submitted a statement.

U.S. Senate

James T. Marter - Republican

• Against Planned Parenthood.
• Against raising taxes.
• Wants a balanced budget.
• Fiscally limited government.

Not in attendance:

Andrea Zopp, Tammy Duckworth, Napoleon Harris, Mark Steven Kirk, Elizabeth Diane Pahlke

Congress

6th Congressional District

Not in attendance:

Robert Marshall, Amanda Howland, Peter J. Roskam, Gordon (Jay) Kinzler, Gerald “Jerry” Drabik

11th Congressional District

Tonia Khouri - Republican

• Disappointed with Washington. “They let us down.”
• “We need real leaders in Washington. Leaders with political courage to get things done.”
• Voted against property tax increases and voted against salary increases for elected officials.
• “I’m going to Washington to protect our basic freedoms. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom and right to bear arms and the free enterprise system.”

Herman White - Republican

• Research scientist.
• Worked on higher education, public safety and health care, which are “being eroded by the leadership we have.”
• “Economy and budget deficit is a problem because we don’t put out a budget on time.”
• “I believe that we should have a very secure country. A country that will be the place people will want to come to and we will help them to come to.”

Not in attendance:

Bill Foster, Nick Stella

14th Congressional District

Jim Walz - Democrat

• ”You and I are not represented at all. It seems like it’s only the big money getting all the attention.”
• “Corporations are not people and money is not free speech.”
• “We have a moral responsibility to combat the effects of climate change.”
• “We have to wean ourselves off of fossil fuels that we use.”

John Hosta - Democrat

• “American families have been devastated by trade policies and it’s time to change that.”
• “Chinese have an inhumane dangerous work atmosphere that we as Americans embrace.”
• “Chinese women are strapped down and forced to have abortions and we say and do nothing”
• “Chinese have infringed upon American patents and engage in espionage and we say and do nothing”

Jesse Maggitt - Democrat

• Witnessed economic downturn upfront and the devastating impact it’s had.
• Running for Congress to do things right, even when no one’s looking.
• “I like to be on duty. Government has not provided the availability that you deserve.”
• “I’m here to serve and be on duty 24/7.”

Not in attendance:

Randall M. “Randy” Hultgren

Illinois Comptrollers

Not in attendance:

Susana Medoza, Leslie Geissler Munger

State Senators

25th District

Corinne Pierog - Democrat

• Fiscal prudence and non-partisan approach is the best way toward governance.
• Wants to help initiate policies that assist families and communities.
• Believes in the protection of the middle class.
• Wants to see growth in Illinois businesses.

38th District

Christine Benson - Democrat

• “38th District needs a fresh voice.”
• “I want to be a citizen servant.” Wants to fight for children and communities.
• “I understand living within my means, struggling to pay the bills and putting my kids through school.”
• “We can’t balance the budget on the back of our kids, our seniors, our veterans and our disabled.”

49th District

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant - Democrat

(sent representative)

• Fought to prevent cut to education.
• Educator with over 18 years of experience in local schools.
• Brings passion for education.
• Experience as a small business owner.

Michelle Smith - Republican

(sent representative)

• Hard worker and dedicated member of the community.
• Worked tirelessly for several organizations; all about leadership.

Not in attendance:

Jim Oberweis, Sue Rezin

State Representatives

50th District

Not in attendance:

Keith Wheeler

75th District

Not in attendance:

Martha J. Shugart, John D. Anthony

84th District

Mike Strick - Republican

• “Illinois is definitely broken. We’ve got issues with our pension problems.”
• Believes in term limits.
• Illinois needs a balanced budget.
• Small and limited government; Reduced property taxes.

Not in attendance:

Stephanie A. Kifowit

97th Representative

Not in attendance:

Mark Batinick