About the Candidate
Name: Tracy Jennings
DOB: Oct. 9, 1968
Occupation: Candidate in the Illinois 7th Congressional District
Political Experience: N/A
Website: tracyjenningscongress.com
Twitter: @TracyJenningsIL
Candidate Statement
Hello, my name is Tracy Jennings and I am a candidate in the Illinois 7th Congressional District.
Thank you WTTW for the opportunity to utilize this platform.
Our district has endured years of not having a clear legislative agenda, missed Congressional votes, mismanagement of public funds, as well as inefficient and ineffective forms of communication that has negatively impacted constituent services.
My vision for the district is to first set a clear agenda focused on legislation that will be driven by the voices of our constituents.
As that agenda is set, I will set up an infrastructure within our offices that will provide a first class experience for all.
Enhancing how the Congressional office communicates through modernization, increasing our case worker presence, PROPERLY managing EVERY penny of our annual budget of $1.4 million, and hosting quarterly meetings with the Congressman to give constituents the opportunity to interact directly with their member of Congress.
These are just a few of the things I plan to accomplish as your future Congressman. In our district we have a lot of pressing issues that must be addressed. I believe that education is the most pressing issue we as a district face today.
The gap in receiving an adequate education in low income communities versus affluent communities is far too large in our district.
In the 7th Congressional District Black and Brown students make up the majority of the population of students who receive an unacceptable level of education.
According to Politico, there is a $26 BILLION difference in funding between schools with non-white students versus white students, nationwide.
We must level this imbalance out!
ALL students deserve to receive an exceptional level of education and receive the best opportunities to lead a productive and prosperous life.
This is an issue that will not be fixed overnight. However, I am confident that I am the person who can and will lead us as a district into better days.
Expect more. And thank you.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running for Congress as an Independent because I am a passionate individual who is committed to our community and strongly values civic duty. I want to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and that the community feels appreciated through consistent longstanding action. I am a strategic solutionist who envisions safe communities that will enjoy economic opportunities, quality education and constituents that are engaged in local, state, & federal government. As an Independent, I believe that I can help us begin the process of returning to a state of true bipartisanship where competition between various parties is not the focus. The focus must be returned to the constituents and what is in their best interest. As public servants it is our duty to put them at the forefront of our agendas.
What is your vision for this office?
As a future first time Congressman, my vision for the office would be to completely modernize the technology in the Congressional offices to enhance the efficiency of our communication and operations with constituents. In addition, I will establish two district offices, one located in the Downtown Chicago area and another in the Western Suburbs of the district for convenience for all of the constituents. Following that, I will hire and designate a total of four case workers which will adequately support our constituents needs in the district. I will properly manage all funds that are utilized within our budget and look to assist the federal government in paying down the national debt. In conjunction with that, I will post the statement of distributions quarterly on our official website to ensure that constituents can hold our office accountable in all fiscal matters. Finally, I will host quarterly conversations with the Congressman meetings in four different locations to give constituents an opportunity to voice their concerns to me personally and to remain physically active and present in the community. As mentioned, as a future first time Congressman, my goal for the first year is to establish a foundation and structure that sets us up to be successful in serving our constituents in all matters.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
The most pressing issue within our district is education. Across the district we see a major discrepancy between schools in low income communities versus schools in affluent communities. As we know, an exceptional education plays a significant role in determining these key factors that lead to a prosperous life: generational wealth, holistic health, and safer communities. Black and Brown students make up the majority of the population of students who are receiving an unacceptable level of education within my district. Whereas, a healthy number of White students are receiving an exceptional education within my district. According to Politico, there is a $26 billion difference in funding between schools with non-white students versus white students. We must level this imbalance out. ALL students deserve to receive an exceptional education and receive the best opportunities to lead a productive and prosperous life.
