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 [...]

Name: Franklin F. Ramirez Position for which you are a candidate: Kane County Board, District 17   Why are you seeking this position? To better represent the district.  Our current elected official for years has been in office but rarely seen or heard by her constituents.  I want to make sure that the people's voices are heard within District 17.  When we read in the newspaper that another scandal is happening at the County, I want my elected official to let me know that everything will be ok and that they are taking the proper measures to address the situation.  [...]

Name: Connie Cain Position for which you are a candidate: Illinois Representative, 66th District   Why are you seeking this position? I am running for state rep because I believe Illinois should be a thriving state. Instead, Illinois was just one of three states to lose population in the 2020 census. All the other Midwestern states gained population.  Illinois needs to be better at competing with other states for people and businesses.   What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position? I am a lifelong Illinois resident. I have lived in the district for 30 [...]