Ernie Marcelain

Ernie Marcelain was born in Lake Forest, Illinois. Marcelain earned a high school diploma from Sandwich High School and an associate degree from Waubonsee Community College.

His career experience includes working as a manager, firefighter, and EMT with paramedic training. [1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former union and firefighter/EMT who is currently a husband of 24 years and proud father to a 22 year old daughter who’s attending college.

Since I was 5 years old my ambitions were to be in office solely to help people in anyway I can. I have strong empathy and a strong backbone when it comes to people who are less fortunate as myself. My father is a former Military police officer in Vietnam and my grandfathers both served valiantly in WW2 in both theaters. Those strong patriotic roots gave me pride and respect to our American way of life. My role model is Abraham Lincoln and I strive everyday to to project his ideals and compassion for all Americans.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Making life more affordable for working AmericansProtecting and expanding heathcare and hospitalsBoosting small businesses while creating good paying jobs

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Heathcare

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Abraham Lincoln hands down. He was able to see the world through a different lens and his words carry true to this day. He was tough and compassionate at the same time.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Strength along with not being afraid to stand up for what is right and standing up for the everyone. Looking ahead at problems coming and acting before the problem exists. When a crisis happens the elected official should not rely on others to help but they should roll up their sleeves and physically help in anyway possible. An elected official is no better than the everyday person.

The leader of an elected official is the people they represent.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of an elected official is to vote for any legislation that is to protect their constituents and make life better. They must not be afraid to push back when the voters voice needs to be heard.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would love to have a legendary where people will say that I changed their life for the better. There’s nothing better than putting people in a better spot because of things I did.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Fireworks for Americas bicentennial. I was 2 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Pizza Hut cook. I worked there for 2 years and it was one of my most favorite jobs. The teamwork and fun was most enjoyable

What is your favorite book? Why?

Pet cemetery by Stephen King. It was one that I couldn’t put down back in the day.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superman. All of those powers and never taking power for granted. Shooting lasers out of your eyes would be kinda cool too.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I struggle with taking other people’s problems onto myself. Things like that keep me up at night.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

There has to be a good relationship but there also needs to be frank and honest dialogue with a little give and take from time to time.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Heathcare is the biggest challenge with hospitals on the verge of collapse. If that were to happen lives would be in danger and with that unemployment will skyrocket.

Another challenge is keeping affordability at a level where everyday workers like myself can put food on the table.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don’t think it’s beneficial to have previous experience. I actually think the opposite is true. We have a lot of career politicians who play the game and not do the job they were elected to do. We need people who will feel any pain their constituents will feel with the policies that are passed.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I absolutely think it’s required to build relationships with other legislators. No one idea or policy is good for all. There must be cooperation between all to get the ultimate goal of the voters winning. There may be great ideas from other lawmakers that are not thought of that will be solutions for most issues.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Abraham Lincoln

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Possibly but if I do it will be at the will of the voters to recommend it.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I had a person who told me that we need to not blame the people in charge of the federal government for the problems but we need to blame ourselves. We are the rulers of own destiny by the actions we take everyday.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Oversight is extremely important with emergency powers. We must have checks and balances with any powers a person might have.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill that will give hospitals and healthcare a way to stay afloat. The next one would be to give relief financially to the residents.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I oppose changes currently.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

One 80 year old African American man was sharing his stories of growing up with segregation and racism and he said he was very worried America was going back to that and I saw tears in his eyes. It was a very powerful experience and broke my heart.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I’m extremely proud of raising my daughter with my wife to be smart and empathetic person that she is. Another thing I’m proud of is overachieving expectations and having people not regret putting their trust in me.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

Nothing at this time.