Curt Coplien - On the Issues:
IMMIGRATION:
Legal immigrants are the foundation of this nation and should continue to be embraced with open arms; however, a nation without borders, is not a nation. The fact is a legal pathway towards citizenship in the United States exists, but that process cannot start with unlawful entry. The danger to the public that has been caused not only locally but nationwide by undocumented migrants who have entered illegally via the wide-open southern border is not sustainable. As a board member, I will oppose the use of any taxpayer funds to provide services or dollars to undocumented migrants who travel to Stephenson County because of the Federal government’s refusal to enforce existing immigration laws. We have a limited number of resources in Stephenson County and those resources should be provided to our legal residents in need. I also urge the State the legislature to repeal the TRUST Act which prohibits law enforcement agencies in Illinois from coordinating with federal immigration enforcement operations.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
As a retired 26+ year veteran of the Freeport Police Department, I understand the challenges facing today’s law enforcement officers and will continue to work hard to ensure that the brave men and women who are tasked with providing our public safety services have the necessary funding to be properly trained and equipped. I publicly opposed the implementation of the ill-advised SAFE-T Act which eliminated cash bail in Illinois and will continue to oppose any legislation that puts the interests of criminals ahead of victims.
2ND AMMENDMENT:
I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and firmly believe that law-abiding citizens have a God given right to be able to protect themselves and their families. As a county board member, I will never support the enforcement of any unconstitutional laws, executive orders, or regulations that are contrary to the right of the people to keep and bear Arms. The rights afforded to us in the 2nd Amendment shall not be infringed.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
I believe that taxpayers in the State of Illinois are already overburdened and elected officials at all levels of government have an inherent responsibility to ease that burden by maintaining fiscal responsibility. At the county level, essential functions should be properly funded while appropriations for discretionary expenses and functions should be closely scrutinized.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
To create a climate that fosters economic growth, we must ensure that every county department is being operated as effectively and efficiently as possible. To promote and maintain a pro-business environment, county government should lead by example, and that starts with a board whose members focus on what unites us, rather than what divides us.
WALNUT ACRES (STEPHENSON NURSING CENTER):
We all agree that our senior citizens deserve the highest possible quality of care, however, the disagreement amongst the current County Board members is whether Walnut Acres (formerly known as Stephenson Nursing Center) should be owned by the county or the private sector. Given the strong opinions on both sides of the issue, I support a binding referendum question to allow the voters of Stephenson County to settle the issue of ownership of Walnut Acres.
