BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Lieutenant Governor candidate Christian Mitchell is on the campaign trail, making stops across Illinois and here in Bloomington-Normal. Previously, Mitchell served as the Deputy Governor alongside Governor J.B. Pritker, and he is now working to make an impact on residents throughout the state.
“Myself and JB are running because we want to make sure that you have the brightest possible future. We have invested both capital and scholarship dollars in Illinois State University and all our universities around the state of Illinois; we believe that our young people are our future. 20% of our population, 100% of our future,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell added that it is important to the duo to make sure students have the best possible shot at life. Students are not the only people concentrated in McLean County, though it is often referred to as the breadbasket of Illinois.
“We want to make sure that our soybean farmers can not only sell their products, not only make money, but also pass on the family farm to the next generation,” Mitchell said.
But this still is not all McLean has to offer, as Bloomington-Normal is the 7th largest metropolitan area in the state, which acts as a hub of industry and culture.
“We want to make sure industry comes here, and that we’re standing in a beautiful downtown. We want to make sure that you have all the assets you need to attract and keep young people, yes, on campus, but also who want to stay and build a life here,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell also spoke about the upcoming midterm elections and why students should be involved.
“We’ve got a series of really bad cuts that are coming from what’s called HR1, or the big ugly bill from Washington. It’s going to potentially close nine rural hospitals here. It’s going to raise the cost of everyone’s health care. We’ve got economic crises caused by Washington not acting, and it’s going to potentially cost the state of Illinois like $10 billion,” Mitchell said.
He noted the importance of getting individuals from Illinois into Congress who will work towards the best interests of the individuals within Illinois. AI was also mentioned as one of the biggest influences on why someone should vote in these midterms.
“We’re also dealing with a revolution in artificial intelligence, and we need a generation of politicians that is able and willing to take that on, that is focused on your future,” Mitchell said. “We’ve made a deal, a bargain, every single generation in the past, which is to say, if you go to college, go to trade school, go to community college, you’re going to be able to afford to live in a wonderful community, to have a good and decent job, to raise a family, and pass on a better life than the one that you had. That deal potentially breaks if we don’t deal with AI and figure out the future of work.”
Certainly, one of the most important parts of Mitchell’s potential role is being the right-hand man to Pritzker. Essentially acting as the vice president of Illinois and inevitably president of Illinois if Pritzker ever had a leave of absence. Mitchell described the feeling and position as privileged.
“We want to invest in our institutions of higher education and K-12 education,” Mitchell said. “We want to make sure that people feel safe and can afford a home and have good and decent healthcare. You know, within my own office, I’ve got to focus on things like our Rural Affairs Council and our Main Streets program to reinvigorate and help push forward our downtowns.”
There is a balance to be maintained, though, as Mitchell still retains many of his own responsibilities and goals. Despite this, Mitchell stated he was not concerned about this and would work well with Pritzker.
“I’m going to be really focused on getting done the things that my office focuses on, but also being a really good governing partner for JB. And I think that if we do those things together, it’s going to move the state of Illinois forward,” Mitchell said.
For the latest election information and interviews with candidates, check out WZND.com
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