West Central Reporter

Joshua Griffith has taken the step from reading to reacting.

The House hopeful is looking to unseat Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) in the 93rd District, in large part because he wants something done about Illnois' taxes, including the record-setting 32 percent state income tax hike passed this summer.

“People aren't happy,” Griffith told West Central Reporter.

Someone who used to spend time reading about politics events and policy, Griffith said it's time to do more, thus prompting his first run for public office.

Griffith said the cold reality of the tax increase hit home when he realized how much his household would pay the state.

“I saw what was coming out of my paycheck,” Griffith said.

Griffith has five children, and he said he wants to make a difference in what they experience later in life.

“I want my kids to have something to come back to (if they leave the state to go to college)” Griffith said.

High taxes, he said, force people and businesses to move away. It becomes especially discouraging when people see huge tax increases without meaningful and significant reform, and they realize how much of the burden they will be shouldering as taxpayers.

In response, Griffith is one of several candidates proposing a firm 1 percent property tax cap as a plank in his platform.

Griffith grew up in Gilson, attending Knoxville Jr. High and Knoxville High School. After high school, he completed Army basic training and earned a bachelor of science degree in religion and a master’s in education in teaching and learning from Liberty University. 

Griffith works as production and marketing manager at Locke’s Roofing & Siding in Galesburg.

The 93rd Dstrict includes parts of Knox, Warren, Fulton, McDonough, Mason, Schuyler, Brown and Cass counties.

Griffith will face the incumbent Hammond in the March 20 primary.