Jeff Wilson
RepublicanQ1 Illinois currently has 138 data centers, with 8 underway, and plans for 29 more. Additionally, the cost of electricity and water are on the rise with nearby data centers straining current resources in combination with increased energy costs to consumers. Data centers also have several environmental and health impacts, such as significant water usage and noise pollution, which can lead to decrease in net economic gains. What policies, if any, do you support in managing existing data centers or establishing additional data centers? What specific plans do you have, if any, to mitigate utility cost burden for residents? Why these steps?
Regarding proposed data centers, I favor local jurisdictional control and final decision making based on full and complete transparent information provided by the vendor and/or economic developer(s). Such information must provide complete (1) Detailed resource requirements (power, water, environmental, siting, emergency back-ups, etc.), (2) Life-cycle operational requirements and staffing (3) Construction requirements and resources needed for construction (4) Labor requirements (5) Depending on the scale, hyper-scale, etc. developer provides power (preferably separate from the grid), (6) developer provides utility rates that increase caused by the data center are not transferable to the community. (7) That the economic benefits claimed are independently reviews by a third-party agency chosen by the community. My role is to response to constituent needs. Regarding existing data centers - respond to constituent needs.
Q2 Research activities in Illinois heavily depend on federal funding. However, federal funding cuts for science research and agencies like the NIH and National Science Foundation leaves the future for science research less assured. What policies, if any, do you support or plan to implement to secure funding for continued science research at either the state or federal level?
With a MS in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Illinois is understand the need for basic research. And that there are competing needs for funding. I do take issue that the future of scientific research is less assured. It depends on the nature, purpose, and expectant results of that research and where it fits in the overall priority of all research efforts. With national security as a priority. Not all research requires federal funding. I will apply a commonsense approach, on a case-by-case basis for projects that prove to be a benefit Illinois.
Q3 Illinois is an agricultural hub, making it an important factor for the state’s economy. What policies or plans do you have, or support, to support Illinois agriculture against changing weather patterns?
Yes, Illinois is an agricultural hub. I support basic research that has a high probability of success. I also support collaboration with industry.
Q4 Scientific issues increasingly influence public policy. When developing policy positions or making decisions on topics involving science, how do you seek out information, evaluate scientific evidence and expert input, and ensure your decisions are well informed? If you can, please share an example of when this process influenced your perspective or decision.
I apply the scientific method, commonsense, historical perspective and past lessons, and advice from various sources.
Q5 Measles and whooping cough (pertussis) cases are on the rise in Illinois, with multiple outbreaks in 2026. How have you, how do you plan to, address this public health concern? How will you plan to work with relevant stakeholders (epidemiologists, scientists, physicians, for example) to mitigate this problem?
My plan is to work with relevant stakeholders to have a commonsense understanding and approach and a full understanding of the consequences of any decision affecting public health policy.