Phillip Owen Wood: Illinois' 8th Congressional District Candidate

CAROL STREAM, IL — Ahead of Illinois' June 28 primary elections, Patch distributed questionnaires to candidates running in contested races in the Democratic and Republican parties, including the eight candidates seeking a two-year term in the United States House of Representatives, representing Illinois' 8th Congressional District.

On the Democratic side, incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi is facing a challenge from Junaid Ahmed. For the Republicans, Chris Dargis, Karen Kolodziej, Chad Koppie, Peter Kopsaftis and Phillip Wood are seeking the nod. Mohammed Faheem is running as an independent.

The congressional district covers parts of Cook County, DuPage County and Kane County. All or parts of Addison, Barrington Hills, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Lombard, Palatine, Roselle, Schaumburg, South Elgin, Streamwood, Villa Park and Wood Dale are included.

Name

Phillip Owen Wood

Campaign website

https://philwoodforcongress.co...

What county do you live in?

DuPage

City or town of residence

Carol Stream

Office sought

US House of Representatives 8th District of Illinois

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

PhD

Occupation

Pastor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Family

My wife of 35 years, Penne, is a public school math teacher, and we are blessed with 4 adult children, 2 sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. They all are involved with careers and training in medicine, education, and law.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

59

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No

Why are you seeking this office?

I was so disgusted after the last election that I set out immediately to find a viable pro-life candidate to support. When none stepped forward I felt compelled to enter the race myself to be a voice for those without one.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

. . . the Economy and the rising cost of living. I intend to help foster energy independence, which impacts the cost of nearly everything we purchase, to help control government spending, and to decrease the tax burden on both individuals and corporations to help crank up the economy. The supply chain also needs to be addressed and we must encourage getting people back to work and producing the goods we use right here in America.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a compassionate conservative with strong Pro-family and Pro-life values

If you are challenging an incumbent, how would you perform differently if elected?

More responsive, more reflective, and more proactively working on behalf of the constituents, as opposed to the outside special interest groups that fund his campaign.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Safety in our neighborhoods and the support of strong values that respect the police and others who are acting on our behalf.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

A full career of ecclesiastical and non-profit organization leadership that addressed real world situations such as at-risk youths, homelessness, suicide, and addictions. I believe the resources are right there in our neighborhoods and communities, if we would work together to find solutions.

What was your first paying job, and what did you learn from it?

I delivered the local paper and learned that if I did not take the initiative to build my route, no one else was going to do it for me. I believe if people are given the right opportunities, they will rise to the occasion. Work is its own reward.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father drilled in me through his words and deeds to always work hard and be honest.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It is evident from the price of gas at the pump, the price of groceries at the store, and the growing disrespect of our country around the world that we need change. Re-electing the current, career-politician incumbent to another term is just going to be more of the same. It is time for change!