Meet John Elleson: Congressional Candidate In IL-09

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Lakewood Church Pastor John Elleson is running for the U.S. House of Representatives, IL-09.

Elleson is running for public office for the first time in his more than 40 years serving Chicagoland communities.

Learn more about Elleson:

Campaign website

www.JohnElleson.com

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Theology

The single most pressing issue facing our district or state is ___________, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Financial deficit

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I’ve been working in the community helping families in every area of their lives for over 40 years.

Do you believe an inequity exists between funding for wealthy and poor schools? If so, what would you do to address the disparity?

Yes I believe we do a lot to help those in need. We just need to be wiser in how we spend the money.

If you support tax cuts in Illinois, what spending should be eliminated to offset those cuts?

We need to balance the budget. Cut 3 pennies from every program. No budget increases until it’s balanced.

What would you do to help constituents struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living, housing and healthcare?

We need to pass legislation that prohibits companies from buying housing that drives up housing costs.

Do you support redistricting in a non-census year?

No.

Do you support the full release of the Epstein files with the victims' names redacted? What should Congress do to pressure the DOJ into following the law with the full release of the Epstein files?

Yes.

Do you support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement in the Chicago area and beyond? Why or why not? If not, what changes do you think should be made?

Yes, we need to know who is in the country. Immigration needs to be fair and wide.

Do you support the repeal of the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail? Why or why not, and do you think wealthier defendants should have an easier route to release?

Yes.

Would you push to repeal the TRUST Act, which bars local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement? Why or why not?

Yes.

Where do you agree and disagree with President Donald Trump on policy?

I think President Trump is doing a good job and I support his policies.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The church I pastor in Arlington Heights is a multicultural, multiethnic congregation that is made up of probably 70 democrats and 30 percent republicans. It’s probably 30 percent Black, 30 percent Hispanic, 30 percent white, 10 percent Asian, and we get along. We share a large meal with each other every week after the service. We need more of this in our Capitol. We need to build bridges and knock this division off. It’s not good for our Country. We are considered a Chicagoland church that loves and helps people. We have been working in the community for a long time. We are known for helping immigrants and anyone in need. It’s about people not politicians.

Editor's note: The same questionnaire was sent to every candidate who has filed to run in this election. The Q&A's are run verbatim from their responses and are not modified by Patch staff.