Name: Raja Krishnamoorthi Position for which you are a candidate: U.S. Congress, from the 8th District   Why are you seeking this position? I was brought to this country at three months of age by my parents, who came here because they wanted a better life for themselves and their children. For a time when my family suffered severe economic hardship, we participated in public relief programs. Thanks to the generosity of the American people, coupled with hard work and perseverance, my family ultimately achieved the American Dream. Each night at the dinner table, my father would sing the praises [...]

Name: Junaid Ahmed Position for which you are a candidate: U.S. Congress, from the 8th District   Why are you seeking this position? To be clear, I never intended to run for Congress – so, please pardon me if I am not as polished as professional politicians. While being a candidate is new for me, community service is not. My family and I volunteer in two soup kitchens, participate in meals on wheels, and aid in local natural disaster relief efforts. I’ve organized rallies for universal healthcare. And I helped successfully lobby the state to shut down an ICE detention [...]

Name: Deborah Allan Position for which you are a candidate: Kane County Board, District 17   Why are you seeking this position? I think government serves its constituents best when it is generous rather than punitive (alternative Courts and the stormwater and beekeeping ordinances, for example), it is transparent and hard-working (as in Open Gov bookkeeping and the committee structure for vetting legislation and County processes), and it is thoughtful and innovative (the Sheriff's/State's Attorney/County Clerk offices' initiatives, IT/Development/Water Resources & Environment Departments, for example). I have learned that being part of the work of such government is very rewarding [...]