Nona Parker
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?
I believe that Data Centers should fall under the jurisdiction of local municipalities. Therefore, policies or legistlation should include a requirement for community engagement, local decisions on the placement of data centers, research on environmental impacts and a requirement for Data Center owners to bear the cost of electricity and water usage. The costs and environmental impact of data centers should not be hidden or passed on to residents of the community. Policies should include these key protections.
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 support federal funding for science research. Illinois should continue to receive this funding and use it to fund the science research that is vital to the citizens of Illinois. Audits of state spending is key in order to prevent funds from being redirect from research and used for non essential programs.
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?
First of all, I oppose the use of our vital farmland for solar farms and data centers. I will support funding to farmers to help with methods that reduce runoff, soil erosion, research, and other solutions that help to guard our farmlands against the negative effects of our changing weather patters.
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 listen the experts on the subjects in question, I research claims and findings on the subject in question, I examine current or proposed legislation on the subject (if any), I get input from constituents and I formulate an opinion based upon scientific evidence and common sense. This method may not always align with the popular opinion, but this is my preferred method of decision making.
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?
I believe educating the public on outbreaks, and ensuring the safety and effects of vaccines and other preventative measures are the best way to approach any community outbreaks. I also believe that we should be willing to learn from the mistakes, misrepresentations, and false information that occurred during the covid outbreak. Honest reporting without cover-up and corruption at the heart of public information is vital to regaining public trust and cooperation in times of public health crisis.