Safe Communities Are the Foundation of a Free Society

Every family in Northwest Illinois deserves to feel safe—in their home, in their neighborhood, and in their daily life. But in too many communities, that feeling of safety is slipping away.

From the rise in gun violence to the spread of drugs and human trafficking through rural corridors, Illinois is facing a public safety crisis. And Springfield’s response has been reactive, ineffective, and hyper-partisan.

Andrew Chesney has had every opportunity to lead, and he’s chosen soundbites over solutions.

The Problem: Politicians Playing Politics with Public Safety

While career politicians argue on camera and push extreme talking points, crime continues to spread—from cities into the rural communities that once felt immune.

Under Andrew Chesney’s watch:

• Local law enforcement remains underfunded and overburdened

• Opioid and fentanyl trafficking continue to devastate families

• Illegal firearms and gang activity are on the rise—even in small towns

• The SAFE-T Act passed without meaningful Republican-led reform efforts

• There’s been no serious push to address mental health in the justice system

Public safety isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a leadership issue. And right now, we’re not seeing any.

Atkinson’s Plan: Strength, Support, and Smart Solutions

Joshua T. Atkinson is a U.S. Navy veteran who understands what it means to stand watch. He’s not here to grandstand—he’s here to protect people and fix broken systems. Here’s what he’ll fight for in Springfield:

1. Fully Fund and Equip Local Law Enforcement

Every sheriff, police officer, and first responder in District 45 deserves the tools, training, and resources to do their job—and return home safe. That means reliable funding, modern equipment, and community trust.

2. Combat Drug and Human Trafficking in Rural Illinois

Rural highways, farmland, and small-town corridors are being exploited by traffickers. Josh will champion enhanced penalties, greater inter-agency cooperation, and smarter data sharing between counties and state law enforcement to stop criminal networks before they spread.

3. Fix the SAFE-T Act with Smart, Bipartisan Reform

The SAFE-T Act was well-intentioned in its push for justice reform, but it was rushed, poorly implemented, and deeply flawed in ways that jeopardize public safety—especially in rural communities like ours.

Josh will work across the aisle to fix what’s broken, repeal what doesn’t work, and strengthen the parts that protect both law enforcement and the rights of citizens. Reform shouldn’t come at the cost of safety—and safety shouldn’t come at the cost of fairness.

4. Support Mental Health for First Responders and Veterans

Public safety doesn’t end with a badge or uniform—it continues with mental resilience. Josh will advocate for better access to counseling, peer support, and early intervention for those on the front lines of trauma and crisis.

5. Hold Repeat Violent Offenders Accountable

Justice should be fair—but it must also be firm. Josh supports truth-in-sentencing laws, keeping violent offenders off our streets, and ensuring Illinois doesn’t swing so far toward reform that it forgets about victims.

A Veteran’s View on Community Protection

“You don’t protect freedom by being soft on crime.

As a veteran, I know the cost of complacency. We can’t allow political theater to replace real public safety policy.

I support law enforcement, and I support thoughtful reform—but we need leaders who care more about results than headlines.

The people of Northwest Illinois deserve better. I’ll bring the discipline, clarity, and courage it takes to keep our communities safe.”

— Joshua T. Atkinson

We Don’t Need More Fear. We Need More Action.

District 45 has too much at stake to keep waiting. While Andrew Chesney focuses on headlines and division, Joshua T. Atkinson is offering a clear path forward: steady, serious leadership that restores safety, supports law enforcement, and builds community trust.

Let’s fire the soundbite politician and put someone in Springfield who’s ready to serve.

Take Action

Support real public safety reform—donate, volunteer, or help spread the word.
Together, we can protect our communities, support our officers, and bring common sense back to Springfield.