Candidate profile: Johnnie Ray Smith II
Name: Johnnie Ray Smith II
Age: 36
Hometown: Ashley
Occupation: Correctional Lieutenant (IDOC), business owner, Blissville township board member
Position seeking: 115th State Representative
Party: Republican
Incumbent: No
Website or social media page: www.johnniesmithjr.com, www.facebook.com/johnniesmithfor115th
Why are you running and why should people vote for you? My roots run to deep in southern Illinois to leave. I am staying and fighting to give our children a better chance to succeed as we have. Spending is out of control ,taxation is out of control ,second amendment rights are at risk,and we are at a pivotal point. Corruption outweighs morality and taxpayers are the bearers of the burden. Business owners are leaving the state or closing the doors for good. Families already struggling to make a living are subjected to more taxation taking food of the dinner table. Voters should elect me on the basis of my record. No matter what position I hold I strive to make a difference and this position will be no different. I have proposals for pension funding that would add billions in funding to the pension system.I have proposals that would give small businesses readily available capital now as opposed to the end of the year. I am one that thinks outside the box using pragmatic strategies to accomplish feats thought to be unaccomplishable. I will bring a voice of family man ,a voice of a Christian man ,a voice of a dedicated husband and a ethical prospective to seek bipartisan legislation to move this state forward.
What would your goals be, if elected? I will work to close the budget gap. I will work toward solutions to secure funding to the pension systems. I will work to shore up funding to education so our children have the best opportunity to get that vital start. I will work to bring good paying jobs back to the district restoring the infrastructure necessary to succeed. I will work to reduce taxes through spending assessments and current funding statute changes.
What issues are most pressing for your constituency? Taxes, infrastructure , education funding, and the lack of a conducive environment for new businesses. This is a mention of only a few of the most pressing issues.
This story was originally published February 10, 2020 at 9:39 AM.