Joe Berning

Joe Berning attended the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. His career experience includes working as a district sales manager for a Fortune 500 company, for Prudential Insurance Company, and as the owner and operator of JB Consulting. He has been affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the National Association for Advancement of Colored People, Future Farmer's of America, Jo Daviess County Democrats, and the Lion's Club.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I grew up on a dairy and hog farm with a good work ethic. After farming, I worked in direct sales with several Fortune 500 companies, including the Agricultural and Insurance industries, serving people throughout NW Illinois, where I am now a candidate for State Senate.

I have lived in the rural Galena area, Jo Daviess County, my entire life and my wife and I have been married for 45 years. We have 3 adult children, each with families, and a total of 11 grandchildren, who's futures I care about very deeply.

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?

That I intend to represent all the voters in the district, regardless of party affiliation. NW Illinois has many good, hard-working residents and their voices deserve to be heard.

I will listen to them and be considerate for their concerns to the best of my abilities, without prejudice.

A big part of my motivation to campaign for this position is the fact that the incumbent has chosen to Not communicate with many of the constituents.I fully intend to do all that I can to help save our family farms.

In recent years we have seen the "playing field" between the smaller to medium sized farms and the larger to mega sized farms become far too favorable for the latter.

Instead of giving tax breaks and volume incentives to the large corporate farms, there are some programs we could legislate that could help all farms more equally.

We should have some incentives to help young family farmers get started in the business.

Also, a fair and progressive tax system would allow for the state of Illinois to lower the death tax rates, making it easier to pass a farm (and other businesses) from one generation to the next.I want to help solve the affordability crisis that is harming -- even destroying our lower to middle class.

Many of today's younger families are struggling to buy their first home, pay increased rents, replace a vehicle, buy clothes, groceries, fuel, etc... due to the gross inequities between themselves and the wealthy class, i.e. the corporate CEO types who have become millionaires, while not offering their employees fair wages or benefits.

When we start taking better care of our "blue collar" workers, we automatically strengthen our families and our communities.

Strong Unions for union labor and collective bargaining is a must.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about protecting and conserving our Social Services, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and SNAP benefits.

I believe that healthcare benefits must be made affordable to everyone, and that we must do a better job of taking care of our veterans, our disabled, and our elderly.

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

I wholeheartedly believe (as I was taught growing up on the farm), in honesty and integrity.

Also, in following "The Golden Rule" -- which simply states that we should treat others as we ourselves want to be treated.

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

To help the people in my district to obtain and maintain a good and decent quality of life.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My legacy would be to have my family, friends and acquaintances to think of me as someone who genuinely cared for their well-being and happiness.

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

I was five years old when JFK was assassinated. I will never forget standing with my mother in front of the black and white TV, watching the funeral and seeing the tears run down her face.

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

To be able to work together to pass legislation that is beneficial to all the people living in our state.

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

Healthcare, good job markets, bringing new businesses into our state.

A fair and progressive tax system to help with keeping the budget balanced, pensions funded, etc...

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

Although I personally have very little of that type of experience, I do think it would be beneficial.

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

Yes, for sure. I think it would be very helpful in being able to work together to create and pass good, well-thought-out legislation.

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

For past, it would be easy to say Abraham Lincoln.

In the present, I do like Senators Mike Halpin and Steve Stadelman, who would also be my "neighbors".

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

I really do not think so.

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?

Yes, I can think of several... Here's just one: A lady told me about how her son was shot and killed one night, while out on some back-roads (with some friends). She said the case was never solved, and apparently was dropped several years ago.

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

The legislature oversees the use of emergency powers.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I choose to not disclose that information at this early date.

I will say it could have to do with helping small to medium businesses get started, including farmers.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

An accomplishment that I'm most proud of is that I started my own business as a direct result of being let go from a large company that thought they would retain the customers that I had obtained and developed.

In my first year of running my "JB Consulting" business, I kept and continued to sell and service 48 of those 51 customers.