Name: Jeanette Ward
Position for which you are a candidate:
Illinois Senate District 25
Why are you seeking this position?
I’m running to protect Freedom, Faith, and Family. It’s difficult to enjoy freedom in IL when taxes and corruption are crushing our residents. In light the fact that ComEd agreed to pay $200M in fines for bribing “Public Official A”, who is the “Speaker of the House of Representatives”, term limits are long overdue. My opponent took $1.44 M from Madigan, yet when asked by the press, she is “not prepared to talk about it”. It cost YOU the taxpayer, in higher electric rates and no-show jobs for Democrat party operatives. We need swifter justice longer sentences for public officials convicted of corruption. Fair maps, where YOU the people choose your legislators, and not the other way around, would also help to restore freedom in IL.
The IL Governor has been hostile to the Faith community. If abortion clinics, marijuana dispensaries, and grocery stores could remain open, so could Churches. The People’s legislature should have convened to deliberate.
Illinois families are being crushed by one of the highest overall tax rates in the country. I will work to reduce taxes. Protecting families also means DEFENDING, not DEFUNDING the police. I will always vote to give law enforcement the tools they need to do their job. Finally, I will work to promote a culture of life in Illinois. My opponent was a cosponsor on the most radical abortion law in America, which allows abortion up to the moment of birth, PAID FOR BY TAXPAYERS. Even abortion supporters think that’s too radical.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I served for four years on the largest elected school board in Illinois (U-46). During my term, I firmly opposed tax increases and voted no on every increasing budget and tax levy, particularly in the wake of declining student enrollment. I advocated for better curriculum that teaches students how to think, instead of what to think, and strongly opposed a fellow board member who stated that the American Flag was nothing more than toilet paper (who set a poor example of citizenship for our students). I am also an elected Precinct Committeeman in Wayne Township.
I hold a B.S. in Environmental Resource Management (1995) from Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. Environmental Science and Health, Option Environmental Chemistry (1997) from the University of Nevada – Reno, and an M.B.A.(2003) Northern Illinois University.
I have worked for 23 years for a materials and life sciences company. My division makes UV-curable coatings. I have held various positions including Chemist, Account Manager, Regulatory Affairs Manager, and Product Manager. I am working full time while campaigning. If I win, my employer has agreed to allow me to work part time with full benefits. I will not enroll in the state pension plan. I am running because I care about this state I call my home, not to enrich myself. In contrast, my opponent IS enrolled in the state pension plan and voted to increase legislator pay.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
1. Ethics Reform: In light of recent developments where ComEd admitted to bribing “Public Official A”, who is the “Speaker of the House of Representatives”, ethics reform is beyond overdue. Term limits could remedy this; eight years in any particular office is a good place to start. Mike Madigan has been in power a record 35 years, and he’s been in office since 1971 – two years before I was even born. My opponent also took $1.44 M in campaign cash from committees controlled by him, and has refused to call for his resignation, claiming she is “not prepared to talk about it”. The scandal cost YOU, the taxpayer, with higher electric rates and no-show jobs awarded to Democrat party workers. The cost to taxpayers of corruption must be answered with swifter Justice and longer sentences.
Fair maps where nonpartisan committees draw districts and voters choose their politicians, not the other way around, is best for our representative republic.
Legislators shouldn’t be able to lobby their colleagues in areas where they have a conflict of interest.
Finally, the Speaker of the House should not also serve as his state party’s Chairman.
2. Reduce Taxes: Illinois has > 20 new taxes since last summer that the working poor and middle-class will shoulder. Making Illinois business and family-friendly by reducing the tax burden will bring jobs and growth to our economy and doing so will result in increased revenue since more businesses and families will be able to afford to live here.
Campaign Policy
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.