Metro East Sun

Doug Jameson wants the voters of the 113th District to go to the polls with just one question in mind.

“They need to be asking themselves, does the current system really work for them or if they could be doing better,” Jameson told the Metro East Sun. “If you're looking for the kind of change so many of them have told they are, they need to go to the polls and be the change they want. My gut feeling is that people are really frustrated with the status quo.”

A Belleville Republican, Jameson is running for the seat held by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) and throughout his campaign has presented himself as the fiscally responsible, totally accountable option the district so desperately needs.

Doug Jameson

“I pride myself on being a fresh voice for the people,” he said. “My opponent was handpicked by (House Speaker Mike) Madigan and that’s who he works for. I’m going to Springfield to do the work of the voters.”

Jameson said that starts with having the courage to say no to the state’s runaway taxes and finding a way to slow its rampant out-migration.

“Some in the area are still advocating for even more increased taxes and fees to counter the issue of out-migration,” he said. “The fact that even they admit that people leaving the state is the bottom-line problem tells you that’s the real problem we need to tackle. We’ve got to take the burden off people in the state and level the playing field with adjacent states by addressing taxes, workman’s comp and tort reform. Consolidation of school districts is another area we need to look at. We can’t just tax our way out of the dilemma; we’ve got to broaden the base.”

Jameson said another example of lawmakers not heeding the will of their constituents can be seen in nearby Madison County, where for the third time in recent years a 1 percent sales tax increase will be on the ballot in the form of a referendum.

“All the people I’ve interacted (with) don’t have the appetite for any more taxes, no matter what the revenue is said to be needed for,” he said. “People are already overtaxed, but here are their representatives again pushing the idea of added taxes.”  

The 113th House District includes all or parts of Belleville, Swansea, Fairview Heights, Washington Park, Fairmont City, Caseyville, Madison and Granite City.