Linda Z. Polacek
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?
This is an issue I’m still learning about, and I’d need to better understand the pros and cons on residents before supporting specific policies. I think it’s important to work with local officials, legislators, experts, and the people directly affected to try and find a balance between encouraging economic growth and protecting residents from higher utility bills and any other negative impacts.
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?
I’m not familiar enough with the details of science research funding so I can’t say what policies I would support. I’d like to learn more about how federal funding affects research in Illinois and then explore what role the state can reasonably play in supporting important research while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
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?
Having visited the Illinois State Fair for the past three years I learned that Illinois is number in the nation for soybean and corn production. And that is where my knowledge on this ends. In my brief google research I learned there are climate-smart farming techniques, local agricultural advocacy, and targeted research investment. I realize there is so much I don’t know or understand on this so as a state senator I’d reach out to farmers as well as conservation organizations, to better understand what lawmakers can do to help.
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.
In my personal life I listen, ask questions, and consider reliable information before making decisions, especially on subjects I’m not familiar with. As state senator I would do the same. I would have to get information from qualified experts, do my homework on the research, and of course listen to the people affected by what ever the issue is. An important part of serving responsibly is being willing to learn.
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 knowledge on measles and whooping cough is very limited. I’d need to learn more about the recent outbreaks and the best ways to address them. I’d reach out to public health professionals, physicians, for reliable information and guidance, and then work with local health departments and legislators to see what steps we take that could help protect our communities.