The following is the response to a Northern Star questionnaire sent to all local candidates for the 2020 election. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and consistency.

Name:

Paul Stoddard

Occupation: 

NIU Professor Emeritus, Geology (retired 2017).

Education: 

A.B., Brown University; M.Sc., Texas A & M University; Ph.D., Northwestern University

Position running for:

Illinois State Representative, District 70

Related experience: 

DeKalb County Board Member, 2007-present. Positions held: Board Vice-chair; Chair, Ad Hoc Rules, Finance, Health and Human Services, and Forest Preserve committees.

DeKalb County Board of Health 2009-2014 (Chair 2013-4), DeKalb County Stormwater Management committee 2012-present.

DeKalb County Community Foundation Land Use Committee 2015-present.

Why are you running: 

To bring civility and fairness back to our state government. Our political system has devolved into shouting matches between the two major parties, with the louder party getting its way. In my time on the County Board, I’ve introduced several changes that have helped to decrease partisanship and lead to a more harmonious board that strives to reach decisions by consensus. I firmly believe that the best solutions are those that take everyone’s views into consideration.

Goals you want to accomplish if elected:

Enactment of at least some of the following proposals: Fair map redistricting, local funding of campaigns, state matching of small campaign contributions, and committee power-sharing (giving the minority party control of some of the committees). In addition, I would like to see Illinois move towards universal access to affordable healthcare. We also need to rethink our revenue sources, most specifically a shift from funding schools with local property taxes, which leads to a large burden on homeowners and a very unfair education system in which poorer regions can not afford high-quality schools.

Why students/residents should vote for you:

As a long-time educator, I know the value of a quality education. It is a key that can open many doors for our students. NIU and the other state schools have suffered financially during recent budget battles. We need to restore NIU’s funding to necessary levels so students can have access to the education they deserve. As NIU thrives, so does our region. I will fight to make this happen.

The Northern Star is publishing the candidates’ responses to our questions as they are given to us. The Northern Star is not endorsing local candidates.