Tommy Hanson: Illinois 5th Congressional District Candidate Profile

CHICAGO — Tommy Hanson, a Chicago Republican who works in commercial and residential real estate, is challenging Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley in Illinois' 5th Congressional District in the Nov. 3 election.

In his responses to Patch's candidate questionnaire, Hanson identified affordability as a pressing concern and emphasized his business background. He also outlined his positions on immigration enforcement, tariffs, data centers, privacy and other issues.

Hanson's answers below are presented verbatim, including spelling and punctuation.

Your Name

Tommy Hanson

Town of Residence:

Chicago

Position Sought:

U.S. Congress - Illinois 5th Congressional District

Party Affiliation:

Republican

Family:

My wife, Laraine, works with me in commercial and residential real estate. I mostly assist her in the Englewood and Garfield Park areas of Chicago, helping people lease and buy residential properties. We gain so much satisfaction helping people who are having tough times.

Education:

Denison University/B.A. Liberal Arts

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

None

Campaign website:

www.votetommyhanson.com

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

Obviously, affordability is a huge problem in Chicago/Illinois. But it goes further than this: The Chicago Mayor and Governor of Illinois are not helping our citizens of this great city and state; whereas these elected officials support higher taxes(gasoline, food, electricity, water, real estate, fees, etc.). And, they are doing nothing about bringing business into Illinois from other states. They are not being business friendly or minding their city/state budgets; while the Chicago Mayor and Governor would rather spend their time and our tax money, fighting The President of The United States. For Pete's sake, how is it they can't even make a deal with The Bears! This is a time to encourage cooperation with The President and/or any President and the federal government, not spurning Washington D.C.'s offers to help us. As a result, the citizens of Illinois are suffering - mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.

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

I'm a business person; while Congressman Quigley, my opponent, is a career politician/elected official. He doesn't understand anything about business and/or making Chicago/Illinois prosperous. In fact, Congressman Quigley, Chicago Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker couldn't possibly understand, comprehend my role as a business person. Simply Put: They wouldn't last a week.

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

I'm not for cutting programs; rather I am for cutting abuse, fraud and manipulation of programs the elected officials are supporting, for getting reelected.

What can be done to alleviate concerns about the demand for electricity, water use and rising electricity costs as more and more data centers are built across Illinois? Do you support restrictions or a moratorium on new data centers?

First of all, the data centers can't be built next to residential neighborhoods, which is a myth made up by the naysayers. This is because zoning doesn't allow it. Data centers go under the classification of industrial which is restricted from residential areas. Additionally, these centers are responsible for their own electrical grids, back up power and water supplies. Going further, these centers throw off tax revenue, paying for community services and programs; for instance, Elk Grove, has a new a data center, causing no problems/concerns; while it employs 250 people with good paying jobs - no noise, no complaints, no problems. In Chicago, at 300 W. Adams, a data center is being built, approximately 100,000 square feet, where this is going to create high paying jobs, tax revenue and much needed revenue for the office building. I could go on and on about this; because most people don't understand the complexity and values of data centers, especially in times; when Chicago/Illinois are starving for jobs, new business and revenue.

Do you support regulations on AI?

No. I believe that we should have regulations on AI/AI companies; until we can fully understand what it is capable of. This would entail having periodic revisions to see if certain regulations needed to be implemented - more or less. This way we can fully monitor the situation, instead of letting it run wild. As for anything new to our environment/economy, we must closely watch to make sure of its safety for the public - America. Being reckless and without watchfulness, could cause harm we can avoid. This goes with anything. I believe we should approach with caution and move from there.

The use of automated license plate reader systems like Flock cameras is increasing at police departments across Illinois, creating concerns about privacy, government surveillance and how that data is used or shared. What role, if any, should the government play in regulating the use of license plate readers, and what steps should be taken to protect Illinois residents' privacy and civil liberties?

I'm against Flock cameras and all cameras.

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

Undocumented immigrants should register as such, in order to be considered for citizenship. They should pay income taxes and a surcharge for breaking the law(entering America illegally). While being considered, undocumented immigrants should be placed behind those those who have applied for citizenship, legally, and have followed the rules and laws of municipal, county, state and federal codes. This helps prioritize those who have been waiting longer and have followed what is required to become a citizen. Companies that hire undocumented immigrants should pay a daily fine and become sponsors of undocumented immigrants and any laws they break, fines and back taxes... President Trump is enforcing the laws on the books, as President Obama who deported more than Trump has every year, so far.

I also believe I.C.E. should only go to the cities/states who want them. I.C.E. should not go to the sanctuary status cities, counties and/or states that don't want them. It is causing unnecessary violence and expenditure of federal monies which could be spent elsewhere and saved, instead of where not wanted. More specifically, Chicago/Illinois can figure this out without - federal help, assistance and/or money.

Do you support President Donald Trump's attempts to impose tariffs on U.S. trade partners? What should be done to offset rising costs for Illinois businesses and consumers?

Yes. Other countries such as India have charged 200% tariffs on American good; whereas tariffs on India and/or any country that excessively tariffs America, is fair game. Most importantly, President Trump's goal is to replace individual income taxes with tariffs. The end result being less or no taxes; thus the more money flowing into the economy, the more money flowing into America, lowering our overall debt. The overall goal is American prosperity - in our physical, mental, emotional and financial lives.

What limits, if any, should Congress place on U.S. military action in Iran? Do you believe the president should be required to obtain congressional authorization for military operations against Iran?

The President's job first and foremost, is the protection of Americans safety, economy and super power status. This is the Executive Office's duty, as stated in The Constitution. Congress can not infringe upon this right, which is the reason President Trump was elected...The fact of the matter is, by putting pressure on these countries, which are abusing other nations militarily, threatening, hostilities, etc., America can maintain peace through strength. Abuse of other countries is unacceptable and should be held accountable. Economic pressure is the best option; while military force is the last alternative... As time goes on, Iran will submit; because the surrounding Middle Eastern Countries, Europe and Britain will fall in line, sage guard and support America's efforts. Nobody in the Middle East finds Iran's behavior acceptable; while those that do, are doing it for reciprocal gain.

What are your ideas for making housing, food, gas and utilities more affordable for your constituents and all Americans?

The Big Beautiful Bill is to make America prosperous, through tax breaks, incentives and eliminating regulations; whereas the America economy must grow, in order to pay for expenditures, debt and all the programs on the books. Currently, America's GDP is @32 trillion; while President Trump's goal is to exceed 40 Trillion and beyond - sooner than later. Once this takes hold in due time, interest rates will start coming down, bringing in more revenue for considering new programs; while prosperous Americans will do their best to not just enjoy the fruits of their labor, but also give back to America.

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

I'm tired of the only way to address America's problems, challenges and/or hurdles is through hate. Everywhere you go in cities like Chicago, you see individuals mad, frustrated and jumping on the hate wagon, rather than common sense problems solving. Going further, I'm going to say something many may not like: America is a gift from God. In order to please God, we must be good stewards of His property. We must accept and adhere to the First and Second Commandments. We must be like servants, as The Lord Jesus Christ was; when He walked on this earth. If we do, then there should be nothing to worry about: Proverbs 5;3.