This candidate for Congress listens

On Saturday, Jan. 14, I had the pleasure of attending a house party for a young man destined to become the next representative for the 10th Congressional District of Illinois. His name is Ilya Sheyman.

Don’t be put off by the name. He’s as American as they come, the son of immigrants who “made it” after escaping from persecution in their native country.

There’s something different about this aspiring congressman. For one thing, Mr. Sheyman has thought through a large number of issues and he knows where he stands.

I looked him up on his website, and having listened to him speak (with a presence and sense of urgency uncommon in a person so young) I was not surprised to see that his list of issues is lengthy and entirely cogent to today’s major concerns. More, he actually takes a concrete stand on the issues and tells you why.

“Progressive” is perhaps the best word to describe his position, if you need a cubby-hole. But this young guy is not cut from the same cloth as Barack Obama or Norman Goldman or even Thom Hartman. He listens.

Have you noticed this in politicians? They listen to your question, then give you a canned answer that triggers off one or two key words and has nothing to do with what you asked.

That ain’t the case with Ilya Sheyman. He listens and he gives straight answers. You may not like the answers because he’s a progressive, but his concern genuinely appears to be for the people; not money, not power, not fame. And that’s refreshing.

All in all, it was an afternoon well spent.

M. Max Maxwell

Round Lake Park