Democrat Jotham Stein is running for the soon-to-be-vacant seat for the 14th District of the U.S. Congress.

The St. Charles resident and first-time candidate’s campaign addresses national issues from global warming and health care to local concerns such as employment. He described job growth in the district as a tremendous failure during Rep. Dennis Hastert’s term.

“I can fix the problems,” Stein said. “I can bring jobs to the district and I can bring health care to all Illinois families.”

In a bid to make the 14th District more competitive, he wants to increase federal funding of research at universities including NIU. Stein also wants to improve upon the issue of college costs.

“We need to make sure our universities and colleges are affordable for everyone,” Stein said.

Stein blends his desire to work at the federal level with local level plans to bring jobs to the district. He said he will do this by encouraging Illinois development of alternative energy production, such as wind farms.

Stein said that, in general, he believes there is strong support for such a move, but he does have a response ready for any skeptics.

“Anybody who looks at the science is very much in favor of it,” Stein said.

Stein also said he wants to bring a variety of jobs to northern Illinois, not simply “green” jobs. He cites his years in law working with businesses as an asset to understanding what will draw companies to the district.