Niki Conforti: 2024 candidate for U.S. House 6th District representative

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: U.S. House 6th District

City: Glen Ellyn

Age: 61

Occupation: Energy consultant

Previous offices held: Elected Precinct Committeeman

What must be done to achieve a consistent national policy on immigration, not just in terms of what such a policy should be but also in terms of getting a policy through the Senate?

Current Immigration Policy needs to be updated and streamlined. The process must be fair and responsible for all. Like in the early part of the last century, when my grandfather came through Ellis Island, we need to reinstate health and background checks prior to entry.

If either is failed, entry must be denied in order to protect American citizens. This is not being done on the southern border today. As a result, crime is rampant across the country and diseases, which have been irradicated for decades, are resurfacing threatening the safety of the American people.

In order to get the newly proposed policy through the Senate, there must be some element of assistance built into the policy. I would propose adding employment assistance. By helping those that qualify to enter into this country that are not educated or skilled find jobs and become more productive in society many will benefit, and the policy is more likely to get passed.

Do you believe the nation's election system and those of the individual states are secure and fair? If not, what must be done to improve them?

The state of our country depends on free and fair elections. Today there is so much doubt around the validity of our voting system that many people question election results at all levels.

Until all elections require proof of citizenship to register to vote, photo ID at the polls, and a safe and secure tabulation system that resides on our shores, there will always be the opportunity for fraud.

What responsibilities does the United States have toward achieving peace in the Middle East? Do you support a two-state solution?

Peace in the Middle East is the ultimate goal. The United States must take actions toward achieving this goal. Families are suffering. People on both sides are dying. Americans are dying. America has a responsibility to protect its people and its interests in the region and should act accordingly.

Do you think the United States is providing adequate support for Ukraine? Should the U.S. support Ukraine’s efforts to join NATO?

The war in Ukraine has gone on much longer than anyone anticipated. The United States has provided support, both monetary and military, since the early days of the war. I believe the support has been and is adequate. Foreign allies need to also participate to the same degree in support of Ukraine.

Going forward I would like to see support be in the form of goods, not dollars. This would benefit American manufacturing at the same time as supporting Ukraine's efforts against Russia.

How do you perceive the financial health of Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid? To the degree you may see problems with these programs, what should be done about them?

Each of these programs is necessary to provide aid to the American people in different ways. They all have their problems with funding. Waste and fraud are rampant in these programs.

If we can establish a commission to oversee each of these programs for continuous process improvements, increasing accuracy in payments and reducing/eliminating fraud and the potential for it, there would be some relief.

How do you assess the state of the national economy? What should be done to make it stronger or more stable?

The economy today is lackluster. Businesses are closing. People are losing their jobs. Food cost and gas prices are high. Interest rates are still the highest they have been in years, making new homes and cars virtually unaffordable for many. The everyday American is being forced to live off their savings and credit cards in order to maintain their standard of living.

People are struggling as a result of current policy. Congress must pass policies that will begin to turn the state of the economy around. That includes reinstating Energy Independence — this is the foundation for everything. It will bring down price at the pump, grocery prices and start to bring relief to the people.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective congressional representative in dealing with the issues the country will face in the next two years?

Over the course of my professional career, I have been a results-oriented person focused on success. I've had the opportunity to work in a number of industries directly related to federal policy. Energy, health care, small business, and the job market. This coupled with my education on the economy forms a foundation that will help me instinctively understand how proposed policy will impact the people of my district.

Additionally, I have always lived in or near District 6 since I was a child. I've experienced what the people of the district have experienced and have a good understanding on what is needed and how to get it done. If I have the honor of being elected, I will work with the best interests of the people in mind.