John D. Elleson

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>John Elleson completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elleson's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-388652-2025-12-24\" id=\"heading-bio-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-388652-2025-12-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-388652-2025-12-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m a compassionate conservative with common sense, and I bring a steady, unifying voice to a divided political climate. With decades of service in the community, I’m not just a leader in words but in action—working tirelessly to build bridges across cultural, political, and economic divides.\r\nI understand the real challenges families face because I’ve walked with them through it all. With a proven track record of integrity, service, and results, I’m ready to bring fresh, grounded leadership to Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388652-2025-12-24\" id=\"heading-key-message-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-388652-2025-12-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-388652-2025-12-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I believes in leading with compassion and understanding. We need practical aid-based programs for addiction, homelessness, and mental health. We need community-first healthcare policies, expand local clinics and affordability initiatives without federal overreach. We need to be committed to serving the community and addressing local issues. Listen before legislating. It is then that we can build trust through transparency and accountable leadership. The results will foster bipartisan solutions that stabilize families and uplift vulnerable citizens.</li><li>We need to be focused on policies that uplift and support working families while protecting religious liberty and building bridges across differences. This includes supporting law enforcement with resources and training rooted in de-escalation and community trust. Drugs must be kept off the streets and keep our youth out of crime. On top of all this, we need to promote job creation through local businesses while removing burdensome regulations and support community-based economic revitalization.</li><li>We need to have a vision for the future. I will ensure a prosperous future for constituents by putting their needs first.\r\n<p>Three main stances I am running on:\r\nBuilding Trust\r\nEmpowering Families\r\n</p>\nBridging Communities</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388652-2025-12-24\" id=\"heading1-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-388652-2025-12-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-388652-2025-12-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI’m passionate about creating practical, compassionate solutions for the issues that matter most to families and communities. I believe in leading with common sense and a steady, unifying voice, especially in today’s divided political climate. With decades of service in the community, I understand the real challenges families face—whether it’s addiction, homelessness, or mental health. I am committed to advocating for aid-based programs that provide real support for those in need. I’m also passionate about healthcare policies that prioritize local solutions over federal overreach. I want to expand community clinics, make healthcare more affordable, and ensure that everyone ha\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-388652-2025-12-24\" id=\"heading2-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-388652-2025-12-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-388652-2025-12-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs a candidate, I believe the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official are integrity, accountability, service to the people, and a strong commitment to upholding the Constitution. First and foremost, an elected official must have honesty and transparency. The people must be able to trust their representative to make decisions based on what is right, not personal gain or political ambition. Accountability is also crucial; an official should always be responsive to their constituents and act in their best interests, not their own. Additionally, an elected official must be committed to serving the public good, focusing on the needs of families, communities, and the nation as a whole, while respecting the rule of law and protecting individual freedoms. A strong work ethic and the ability to build bridges across party lines are essential in creating meaningful change and addressing the challenges facing our country. Ultimately, the most important principle is always putting the constituents first and ensuring that their voices are heard in Washington.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-388652-2025-12-24\" id=\"heading3-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-388652-2025-12-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-388652-2025-12-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibility of anyone elected to office is to serve the people they represent with integrity and put their needs and America first. My job is to listen to the needs of my constituents, fight for their values, and work tirelessly to deliver results that benefit families and communities. I believe in upholding individual freedoms and ensuring that our government operates with accountability and transparency. It’s critical that we strengthen our economy, support American workers, and maintain law and order. I will work to create a prosperous future for everyone, cut through government red tape, and make sure we’re always putting America and its people first - that’s what true leadership looks like.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-388652-2025-12-24\" id=\"heading4-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-388652-2025-12-24\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-388652-2025-12-24\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-388652-2025-12-24\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy very first job was in my family’s bakery, which was our family trade, and I started helping out when I was a young kid. My parents and siblings worked together every day, and it instilled in me the value of hard work and teamwork.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nJohn Elleson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elleson's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I’m a compassionate conservative with common sense, and I bring a steady, unifying voice to a divided political climate. With decades of service in the community, I’m not just a leader in words but in action—working tirelessly to build bridges across cultural, political, and economic divides.\r\nI understand the real challenges families face because I’ve walked with them through it all. With a proven track record of integrity, service, and results, I’m ready to bring fresh, grounded leadership to Washington. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I believes in leading with compassion and understanding. We need practical aid-based programs for addiction, homelessness, and mental health. We need community-first healthcare policies, expand local clinics and affordability initiatives without federal overreach. We need to be committed to serving the community and addressing local issues. Listen before legislating. It is then that we can build trust through transparency and accountable leadership. The results will foster bipartisan solutions that stabilize families and uplift vulnerable citizens. We need to be focused on policies that uplift and support working families while protecting religious liberty and building bridges across differences. This includes supporting law enforcement with resources and training rooted in de-escalation and community trust. Drugs must be kept off the streets and keep our youth out of crime. On top of all this, we need to promote job creation through local businesses while removing burdensome regulations and support community-based economic revitalization. We need to have a vision for the future. I will ensure a prosperous future for constituents by putting their needs first. Three main stances I am running on:\r\nBuilding Trust\r\nEmpowering Families Bridging Communities What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I’m passionate about creating practical, compassionate solutions for the issues that matter most to families and communities. I believe in leading with common sense and a steady, unifying voice, especially in today’s divided political climate. With decades of service in the community, I understand the real challenges families face—whether it’s addiction, homelessness, or mental health. I am committed to advocating for aid-based programs that provide real support for those in need. I’m also passionate about healthcare policies that prioritize local solutions over federal overreach. I want to expand community clinics, make healthcare more affordable, and ensure that everyone ha What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? As a candidate, I believe the most important characteristics and principles for an elected official are integrity, accountability, service to the people, and a strong commitment to upholding the Constitution. First and foremost, an elected official must have honesty and transparency. The people must be able to trust their representative to make decisions based on what is right, not personal gain or political ambition. Accountability is also crucial; an official should always be responsive to their constituents and act in their best interests, not their own. Additionally, an elected official must be committed to serving the public good, focusing on the needs of families, communities, and the nation as a whole, while respecting the rule of law and protecting individual freedoms. A strong work ethic and the ability to build bridges across party lines are essential in creating meaningful change and addressing the challenges facing our country. Ultimately, the most important principle is always putting the constituents first and ensuring that their voices are heard in Washington. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibility of anyone elected to office is to serve the people they represent with integrity and put their needs and America first. My job is to listen to the needs of my constituents, fight for their values, and work tirelessly to deliver results that benefit families and communities. I believe in upholding individual freedoms and ensuring that our government operates with accountability and transparency. It’s critical that we strengthen our economy, support American workers, and maintain law and order. I will work to create a prosperous future for everyone, cut through government red tape, and make sure we’re always putting America and its people first - that’s what true leadership looks like. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My very first job was in my family’s bakery, which was our family trade, and I started helping out when I was a young kid. My parents and siblings worked together every day, and it instilled in me the value of hard work and teamwork.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Video for Ballotpedia", "answer_html": "<div style=\"float:left\">\n<table cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" class=\"wikitable\" width=\"205\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td><div class=\"thumb embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"width: 258px;\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideo autoResize\" style=\"\"><!--\n--><div class=\"embedvideowrap youtube\" style=\"width: 250px\"><iframe allow=\"accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"141\" loading=\"lazy\" modestbranding=\"1\" src=\"//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/iRxVif5gJUY\" width=\"250\"></iframe></div><!--\n--></div><!--\n--></div><span style=\"font-size:80%\">Video submitted to Ballotpedia<br/>Released March 11, 2022</span>\n</td></tr></tbody></table></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>John Elleson did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released March 11, 2022\n\nJohn Elleson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey."}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<div class=\"floatright\"><a class=\"image\" href=\"/File:Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png\"><img alt=\"Candidate Connection\" data-file-height=\"141\" data-file-width=\"504\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"56\" src=\"https://ballotpedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb/d/de/Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png/200px-Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png\" srcset=\"https://ballotpedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb/d/de/Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png/300px-Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png 1.5x, https://ballotpedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumb/d/de/Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png/400px-Candidate_Connection_Logo_-_stacked.png 2x\" width=\"200\"/></a></div>\n<p>John Elleson participated in <a href=\"/Survey\" title=\"Survey\">Ballotpedia's candidate survey</a> on February 26, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and John Elleson's responses follow below.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-2\"><a href=\"#cite_note-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<p><b>What would be your top three priorities, if elected?</b>\n</p>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">1) Jobs<br/>\n<p>2) National Security<br/>\n3) Infrastructure<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-BPsurvey_3-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-BPsurvey-3\">[3]</a></sup><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table>\n<p><b>What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?</b>\n</p>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">Dealing with the drug epidemic, opioid addiction. I know of about 8 people in our church with relatives who have died of heroin overdose in the last year. It’s a real issue. We need to stay on the jobs issue and do everything we can to promote Good Job Creation. We need good high paying jobs for those who get out of high school and college. When I got out of high school, if you didn't want to go to college, you could go to work at Caterpillar, start out at $22.00 an hour, and that was 1980. We have to change this and get back to good high paying jobs. I also think we need to be working harder on the addiction issue. Our kid's futures are getting hurt with bad choices and the traps of addiction. Education, skill and vocational trade training. Personal responsibility for all areas of our lives, especially the younger generations, so they could have the best future possible. We should be investing in a decade of rebuilding our national infrastructure.<span class=\"error mw-ext-cite-error\" dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Cite error: Invalid <code>&lt;ref&gt;</code> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many</span><sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table>\n<p>Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. John Elleson answered the following: \n</p><p><b>Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?</b> <br/>\n</p>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">Pastor Joel. Very disciplined, honest and nice to everyone. Always looking for the best in others.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-2\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">Blessed in the Darkness by Joel Osteen<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-3\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">- Integrity - Leadership - Good Policies - Problem Solving - Self-awareness - Authenticity - Willingness to listen to others<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-4\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">- Integrity - Leadership - Good Policies - Problem Solving - Self-awareness - Authenticity - Willingness to listen to others<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-5\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">- Integrity - Leadership - Good Policies - Problem Solving - Self-awareness - Authenticity - Willingness to listen to others<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-6\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What legacy would you like to leave?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">To live a life of integrity, to not take short cuts, to be honorable, to treat people with respect, and to love and fear God.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-7\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">Apollo 11 landed on the moon 7 years old<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-8\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What was your very first job? How long did you have it?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">My family grew up in the small town bakery business, getting up at 2:00am before school, 7 days a week. We were taught to work hard.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-9\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">Yes<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-10\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table><b>What are your thoughts on term limits?</b> <br/>\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">2-3 terms (6 years) max<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_4-11\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-4\">[4]</a></sup>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "John Elleson participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on February 26, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and John Elleson's responses follow below. [2]\nWhat would be your top three priorities, if elected? “ 1) Jobs 2) National Security 3) Infrastructure [3] [4] ” What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why? “ Dealing with the drug epidemic, opioid addiction. I know of about 8 people in our church with relatives who have died of heroin overdose in the last year. It’s a real issue. We need to stay on the jobs issue and do everything we can to promote Good Job Creation. We need good high paying jobs for those who get out of high school and college. When I got out of high school, if you didn't want to go to college, you could go to work at Caterpillar, start out at $22.00 an hour, and that was 1980. We have to change this and get back to good high paying jobs. I also think we need to be working harder on the addiction issue. Our kid's futures are getting hurt with bad choices and the traps of addiction. Education, skill and vocational trade training. Personal responsibility for all areas of our lives, especially the younger generations, so they could have the best future possible. We should be investing in a decade of rebuilding our national infrastructure. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many [4] ” Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. John Elleson answered the following: Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? “ Pastor Joel. Very disciplined, honest and nice to everyone. Always looking for the best in others. [4] ” Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? “ Blessed in the Darkness by Joel Osteen [4] ” What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? “ - Integrity - Leadership - Good Policies - Problem Solving - Self-awareness - Authenticity - Willingness to listen to others [4] ” What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? “ - Integrity - Leadership - Good Policies - Problem Solving - Self-awareness - Authenticity - Willingness to listen to others [4] ” What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? “ - Integrity - Leadership - Good Policies - Problem Solving - Self-awareness - Authenticity - Willingness to listen to others [4] ” What legacy would you like to leave? “ To live a life of integrity, to not take short cuts, to be honorable, to treat people with respect, and to love and fear God. [4] ” What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? “ Apollo 11 landed on the moon 7 years old [4] ” What was your very first job? How long did you have it? “ My family grew up in the small town bakery business, getting up at 2:00am before school, 7 days a week. We were taught to work hard. [4] ” Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? “ Yes [4] ” What are your thoughts on term limits? “ 2-3 terms (6 years) max [4] ”"}]