Stakes are high, keep incumbent in Congress

I have known Bill Foster for close to 25 years now, worked closely with Bill for about a decade, and got to know him quite well. I saw his ability to tackle extremely complex problems and formulate solutions while understanding the nuances and ramifications of the solutions.

Prior to becoming an award-winning physicist at age 19, he and his brother founded a theater lighting company, ETC, in their basement, which now has worldwide customers. When Bill decided to enter public service (after his business and scientific career), he divested all interest in the company to avoid any conflicts of interest.

I would describe Bill Foster as civic-minded, ethical, open-minded, thoughtful, pragmatic, inquisitive and empathetic. He understands the dynamics of Congress and what it takes to be effective. He is not an ideologue. He understands that change comes in incremental steps.

I met his opponent Qasim Rashid last fall at an event in Batavia. I noted that he was a very smooth talker. He introduced himself as a progressive and human rights lawyer. As we were talking, I let Qasim know that I supported Bill Foster. He asked me if I knew Bill voted against Trump impeachment and said “it is fact, look it up.” I did, and Bill indeed voted twice to impeach Trump. Looking on Qasim’s Facebook page, it is clear he has embraced a strategy of disinformation and a loose relationship with the truth.

Please visit BillFoster.com for the real facts. It’s not the time to support a smooth-talking unknown ideologue as the Democratic candidate for the 11th District. The stakes are just too high.

The Daily Herald, by their endorsement, agrees with the need to support Bill as the Democratic candidate, so please join me to elect Bill on March 19th.

David Johnson

Geneva