When you examine Illinois politics, Illinois Republicans have one mantra: “Madigan.” That’s the general premise of their campaigns, adding in one or two social issues that divide and separate as opposed to build and boost our local economies.
Illinois Republicans have controlled nearly every county board, city council, and other local government positions in the 15th District for decades – and what do the people have to show for it? Mass exodus.
The needs and missed opportunities in the 15th District have been mounting for decades. It is time someone did more than give lip service but actually do something to address our needs.Tweet
These issues have been compounded through a consistent lack of adequate representation of the people of the 15th District. Representative Shimkus, in his nearly 25 years in office, has never even bothered to meet voters or hold a single town hall.
The time has come for us to demand better for ourselves because we deserve better.
As a Democratic candidate and nominee in 2018, I held multiple town halls, joined communities in 98 parades and met voters wherever they were throughout the 15th Congressional District and beyond.
It still astounds me that our grass roots campaign out-raised a two-decade incumbent Republican in 15th District contributions.
Instead of complaining about the mass exodus and jobs leaving our region, we should demand our representatives do something about it. That is only one of the reasons I decided to run in 2016.
Still, it is important to note that the problems in rural Illinois have resulted from actions on both sides of the political aisle. Building a path to success requires abandoning the overly simplified rhetoric of revolutions too often supplemented with verbal attacks that are plaguing our political discourse.
I think bigger than the limited perspectives available to us from either party.
Addressing the needs of our District requires working together.
I am running to be your next Representative to work with you:
- to focus on the people and policies for an economy that works for everyone
- to provide an education that prepares our children for the jobs of today and tomorrow
- to reform our healthcare system so that it is both affordable and accessible for all of our residents
- to begin the fight to clean up our corrosive political system that is too often dictated by big money and big personalities instead of ‘ground up’ solutions.
This is far bigger than a single issue or candidate – it’s about making a difference in the lives of regular people. We should be using our values and principles to make good policies that work for workers, for veterans, for women and children, for seniors and for anyone living with a chronic illnesses or disabilities.
“Expecting better from ourselves means expecting better from our elected officials and our government.”Tweet
We all have a role to play in creating a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren. What we do and don’t do lays the foundation upon which tomorrow is built.
I have always believed that our best days are in front of us, but it doesn’t just magically happen.
That is why I am asking for your support and your help in becoming your representative in the 15th Congressional District of Illinois.
The 15th District is the largest district in the state, encompassing 30 counties. That’s a lot of territory to cover.
As a candidate, I need to visit every county and listen to as many voters across this amazing district. Your contributions will assist in getting the vote out, mailings, organizing, and so much more.
You can easily contribute at ActBlue. This site is secure, efficient, and set up for ease of access for both contributor and candidate.
If you find any difficulty in donating on that website, please give me a call or email me anytime, (217) 246-8281 and kevin@gaither4il.com.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/gaither4il
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