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Eric Mattson: 2022 candidate for Illinois Senate 43rd District

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: Illinois Senate 43rd District

City: Joliet

Age: 53

Occupation: Firefighter/Paramedic

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: How well did the Illinois government respond to the COVID-19 crisis? What do you think should be done differently?

I believe the Illinois government did what they could with the circumstances they had. We need to be realist and conclude that you can't make everyone happy. The government needs to do, and did what they did to keep us safe. As an emergency responder myself I know first hand that no one likes PPE and the precautions mandated. But it's part of it, we need to take precautions to be safe.

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?

First is the Omnibus bills that get passed and then have to be re-legislated later on when more time is

available. As of lately we see a great deal of legislature is passed in the midnight hour. This doesn't give all the proper stakeholders time to discuss the bills properly.

I think some major consideration has to be done when theses issues arise.

Q: What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?

With balanced budgets as of late we can see some light at the end of the tunnel. With the continuity of government we see that the parties involved recognize the issues and have come together to solve problems.

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.

As a first time candidate I cannot prove acts of working outside the boundaries of the party. I can say that

sometimes it's only the proper thing to do. Go to Springfield as an individual, remaining humble, honest and accountable to the people who voted for you.

Q: What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?

Investment. Invest in local resources. Invest in education. Invest in new tech jobs, Lion Automotive, Rivian. Great examples. Secure the infrastructure, bring good jobs, which leads to great schools, great roads, better higher education.

Q: Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?

The scientist say the climate change is our fault. Government is doing the proper things. Some think the

government isn't doing enough, some say they aren't doing it fast enough. Regardless, the fact of the matter is that The People have to come to the conclusion that we are part of the problem. We must then work to be part of the Solution.

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 cannot say for sure if it will be reintroduced. The intent is to make tax increases directly related to the legislature. Without it being introduced no assurances can be made.

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