Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running for Congress to disrupt the status quo. The 7th Congressional District is home to the largest life expectancy gap in West Garfield Park. Our citizens are losing their healthcare due to the failure of Congress to pass the Affordable Care Act subsidies, cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. I will do the following: lower costs—housing, healthcare, childcare and groceries. I will create more jobs. I will make sure that every neighborhood is safe. Our government is broken and I will fix it.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
The most important issue is access to affordable healthcare. There is a series of interconnected failures that have led to a 20 year death gap in West Garfield Park and Englewood. People who live in those communities die 20 years earlier than those living downtown. The issues of food deserts, lack of affordable housing, jobs and crime contribute to the death gap. Also, lead tainted water from service lines is harming children and adults. I will fix it. We need to take back the Tariff authority—that is raising taxes on citizens. I will use federal tax credits and collaboration with state and local governments to bring grocery stores, jobs and stability to vulnerable communities. I will make sure every neighborhood is safe. I will reverse the cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP. I will protect and preserve Social Security. I will invest in Mental health and dental services through expansion of Federally Qualified Community Health Centers.
What is one unique challenge your district faces and how do you plan to address it?
The Death Gap in West Garfield Park and Englewood due to lack of access to healthcare and a series of interconnected failures by government. This has been exacerbated by the Trump Administration’s cuts to the Department of Education, OffIce of Minority Health, Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and other vital agencies. I will prioritize federal resources for vulnerable communities. I will connect our vast array of health care assets to vulnerable communities. I will reverse the cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP. I will introduce a Marshall Plan for the West and South sides of Chicago. I will utilize federal tax credits to spur economic development in distressed areas. I will collaborate with state and local officials to improve the quality of life for residents in the District.
What do you think federal immigration reform should look like?
We need comprehensive Immigration Reform that provides a path to citizenship for those who have been here for decades and have not committed any crimes. We need to abolish ICE. They have lost credibility. We need an enforcement entity that operates with constitutional due process.
How should Congress address the rising costs of health care?
The insurance companies and other special interests have put profits over patients and greed over humanity. I support passing Medicare For All. The current system is broken and must be fixed.
What approach would you take on tax policy and what is your top priority?
My top priority is to take back the Congressional authority over Tariffs. The power to tax is derived from Article I Section 8 of the Constitution. It is the power of Congress. This will lower costs for consumers. Also, I will ensure the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share by closing loopholes in the tax code.
Is the House currently using its oversight powers in the way it should be? What areas of government need more or less oversight?
No, President Trump and his family are enriching themselves through deals with foreign governments. We need more oversight around impact of the cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP benefits. I will utilize my oversight to hold the Trump Administration and Agencies accountable.
What is the most pressing foreign policy issue facing the country and what role should the House play in dealing with it?
There are a series of issues. President Trump’s utilization of Tariffs and wearing of relationships with our allies has caused serious trust issues. The protection of Palestinian people in Gaza. There must be a two state solution that protects Israel and the Palestinian people.
How do you view AI and the role the government should play in its regulation?
We need to prepare our workforce for Artificial Intelligence. Our education system needs to adapt to AI. There are jobs that will not be displaced—plumbers, electricians, etc. we should ensure our children have employment opportunities once they complete their education. If young adults want to get a trade that should be made available.
How would you describe the current state of your party and what changes or new approaches would you like to see your party adopt?
The party needs to focus on lowering costs, creating more jobs, and making every neighborhood safe. We need to have a plan to improve the lives of all Americans. That plan should include holding the Administration accountable.