Randy Auxier offers voters an alternative

CARBONDALE - While much of the spotlight in the 12th Congressional District race has been focused on the Republican and Democratic candidates, Green Party candidate Randy Auxier, of Murphysboro, says he should appeal to voters who don't like that millions of dollars is being spent to convince them to vote for either Mike Bost or Brendan Kelly.

"I am in the position to serve the people because I'm not beholden to a party that has pumped millions of dollars into a campaign," says Auxier, a professor of philosophy and communication studies at SIU-C.

Auxier said he decided to run because he no longer has confidence in the Republicans or Democrats to effect positive change and provide leadership, especially for southern Illinois.

Republican Mike Bost, of Murphysboro, is the current U.S. representative; Brendan Kelly, the St. Clair County state's attorney, is the Democrat running for congress.

"I could either sit back and complain or try to do something to change things," Auxier said. He said the most important issue for the Green Party is a given.

"Everybody knows the environment is our number one issue," he said. "Climate change is the biggest threat to the human race ... less so to the privileged."

Auxier said that threat is real in the Shawnee Forest, where a 17-year logging ban has just been lifted, and the big oaks, maples and hickories are in danger of being harvested.

Other issues on his party platform include health care, infrastructure and education.

Auxier addressed the proposed Southwest Corridor highway, that would link southern Illinois with the Metro-East area near St. Louis. He said a viable connection is already there, in the form of railroad tracks "that have been there for decades."

Auxier said that connecting and repairing the tracks where needed would also provide jobs for the area.

Auxier also said that he is open to considering all point of view. "That's what I do for a living," he said.

Working "across the aisle" won't be a problem for Auxier, either.

"I'm already there," he said with a grin. "Both sides will have to step past me to cross."