James Lawson Jr: 2022 candidate for Illinois Senate 49th District
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: Illinois Senate 49th District
City: Plainfield
Age: 42
Occupation: Union Electrician
Previous offices held: Plainfield Township District 19 Precinct Committeeman
Q&A
Q: How well did the Illinois government respond to the COVID-19 crisis? What do you think should be done differently?
Horribly. The government does not have the right to force a vaccination or any other medical procedure on anyone. They also do not have the right to shut down or fine any business while they "try" to figure things out. We should adapt over time. Be more prepared and proactive instead of reactive.
Q: What are the most important components that should be included in legislative ethics reform? What will you do to help them come to pass?
I believe there is little to no ethics in our government and hasn't been for some time. This is the reason people don't trust the government or politicians. More transparency and accountability must be placed into our laws to protect the people from the legislatures.
Q: What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?
There is a major draw down on the people because of the pensions promised by the state. It will take auditing of each program to see what can be done to loosen the tax burden on the people of Illinois and provide benefits that were included in the program. Being part of a defined benefit program myself, we, the membership, have to make tough decisions to help our program succeed. A brief example of this is to reduce the multiplier that is used to determine the pension amount.y
Q: Describe at least two circumstances in which you have shown or would show a willingness to act independently of the direction or demands of party leadership.
The government divided the people into Republican and Democrat. United we stand, divided we fall. The media exploits this divide by creating narratives to dissuade people from voting their core values.
Q: What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?
Lower the cost of living. Lower the property tax. Limit their intrusion into people's lives and businesses.
Q: Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?
The only climate change I experience is the changing of the seasons.
Q: The graduated income tax is designed with the intent to reduce taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans. Do you believe that will happen? Why or why not? What assurances can you offer voters?
I do not agree with a graduated tax. If it did what it was intended we wouldn't have to revisit this issue again and again. I see it as a redistribution if wealth, this is unfair. The only way forward is a flat percentage.