All Americans deserve an honest government that is working toward the common good rather than individual gain. The unfortunate reality in our state, if not our nation at large, is too many politicians serving themselves instead of the public. This must change and I hope my time so far in Congress demonstrates my desire to embody this change.
Structural changes can lead us to a more ethical government that honestly serves the people. I strongly support term limits for members of Congress. I did not run for Congress to find a new career or a new hometown. My family is here in the 10th District and this is my home. My small business in the 10th District and, as a third-generation owner of this family-run business, I remain committed to it and to our customers.
I support fair representation. The redistricting process in Illinois should be reformed to take out the pervasive political maneuvering that has sadly become endemic to the system. Extreme gerrymandering in our legislative districts reflects a partisan government that serves itself and its own interests first. The Illinois Board of Elections should draw the new legislative maps using a computer program based on population, not let partisan leaders draw the map, rewarding themselves and punishing their present and future opponents. We must stop the process where the politicians pick their voters to ensure re-election.
I oppose earmarks and took a vow as Congressman not to request them. Although some earmarks fund worthy programs, too many do not and reflect a common misuse of precious taxpayers’ dollars. Ending the earmark process that has been so abused by those in Washington is an important and immediate way to cut federal spending.
In Congress I am working to increase transparency in government. Too often citizens have little access to the legislative process and little understanding of legislation itself. The recent 2,400 page health care legislation is a prime example of a bill that many legislators admitted they had not even read before voting on it. A bill that is read by so few and understood by even fewer certainly cannot be the best effort to fix a health care system in need of reform.
Critical reforms like these can lead us to a better government that serves the people more effectively and honestly. At the same time, we must commit ourselves as individuals to do our own part towards building a government that truly serves the people.
