Integrity and Politics

So the government shutdown is over, and a lot of people are angry at the Democratic leadership for caving without getting much in return, especially the ACA subsidies that they were fighting for in the first place.

People are right to be angry. The timing (right after the election). The Dems who voted to end it were either retiring or not on the ballot next year. It sounds like more political games again, instead of seriously fighting for the American people.

In my opinion, I don't think the Republicans were ever going to cave on the ACA subsidies. The leader of the Republican party showed he was all too eager to starve people by denying SNAP benefits to the neediest, even though that covers both Republican and Democratic voters. It also gave the Speaker all the excuse he needed to delay a vote on the discharge petition of the Epstein files. So would there ever have been an ideal time to end the shutdown? Did the Republicans have any intent to negotiate, or act in good faith? No, they would have been all too happy to drag this out then say "I guess it's too late to do anything about the ACA".

We need to press our leaders to stop using government shutdowns as political tools. Shutdowns didn't exist until the 80s, and wasn't weaponized until Newt Gingrich came along. It is time that we the American people say that the only people who shouldn't be getting paid during a government shutdown is Congress

So how does this tie into my run for the DuPage County Board? Because this shutdown exemplifies why we need new leadership, on both sides, but especially on the Democratic side. We need people who will stand up and say "I believe in this" and mean it. We need people who will stand up and do what is right for their constituents, regardless if they are Democrat or Republican. We don't walk around with a "D" or an "R" on our chest (except those red hat wearing......people). We need people who compromise when it is necessary (like for budget issues) and stand firm when compromise is not warranted, such as ICE's lawless actions in terrorizing our county. I WILL NOT COMPROMISE ON THE VIOLATION OF OUR CIVIL RIGHTS!

So, if I am elected to the Board, I promise to listen to everyone in the district, whether they be gripes, ideas or compliments. I will always act on behalf of what the majority wants, and explain the reasons for my actions to those who disagree. I won't be able to please everyone, because no one can. But I promise to be accessible to everyone.