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Called to Serve: Kimberly Carris, Wife of Jim Carris, Authors Op-Ed

At different times in life, we are called to serve. Whether that be enlisting in the military, volunteering at a food bank, your place of worship, a retirement center, or a school, helping a neighbor in need, or volunteering at a medical center, whatever it is, it ALL matters. Giving back gives us all a sense of purpose. Taking care of one another is what life’s all about. My husband, Jim Carris, has been called to serve. Deep in my heart, I know that he is the leader we need right now for the United States Congress to represent Illinois’ 10th District.

Jim running for Congress was not an easy decision. Walking away from a gratifying professional career, taking time to campaign, and putting our family on the front line isn’t easy. After much thought, Jim and I feel strongly that right now is the time for him to do this. Jim has spent his life building a career as a business leader, an attorney, a father and husband, and, just as importantly, as the son of an immigrant who taught him the value of hard work and opportunity. But as we’ve watched our children grow—one in middle school, one in high school, and one in college—we’ve also watched them struggle with the same burdens so many families in the 10th District face.

The reason that I know Jim is ready for this role is because he has deep knowledge of many of the sectors that affect our country’s policies, a hunger to learn from others, an incredible work ethic, and a strong sense of pride and gratitude for our country. Jim’s regret in life is that he didn’t join the Marines. When he was a Senior at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, he took the entrance exam to join and received a perfect score but his parents wanted him to instead go to college. Jim is a very hard worker. He worked and paid his way through the University of Illinois and then Loyola Law School and then went on to get an MBA at Notre Dame University. As a testament to his love of country, Jim has carried a copy of the US Constitution in his briefcase (now campaign backpack) since Law School.

The truth is, Jim doesn’t just think about decisions as a candidate—he thinks about them as a husband, a father, a son, and a seasoned business leader. He knows what it’s like to juggle bills, worry about the future of our kids, and wonder if we’ll be able to afford the things they need. He’s never forgotten his roots as the son of an immigrant, and he brings that humility and determination to everything he does.

That’s why I’m asking every family in the 10th District to examine the current situation in our District and ask themselves a simple question: can we afford two more years of the same far-left policies? Can we afford to keep doing nothing while our children grow up in a world that feels harder and less hopeful with each passing day? With crime running rampant and their futures worse off than their parents for the first time in our country’s history?

Jim wants to help you get in the business of the 10th Congressional District, which is raising your families and taking care of our elderly – not worrying about whether your elected officials are working for you or against you. He won’t stop fighting for the families in this District—especially the moms like me who work tirelessly to give their kids a better future. He truly loves people and will fight every day for all of us. When he goes to Washington, he will vote for the women of the 10th District.

One of the things I’ve learned in my life is that if you are unhappy with the way things are going, then change them. We can make a change, and it starts with us. It starts with us thinking and voting differently than we’ve done in the past. And it starts with someone like Jim, who has lived the challenges we face, is committed to our families, and is ready to get to work for all of us.

If you care about your family and friends, please consider voting for my husband, JIM CARRIS for Congress. He’ll do everything within his power to look after all the people of the 10th District.

—Kimberly Carris, proud wife and partner of Jim Carris, candidate for Illinois’ 10th Congressional District

Read the full op-ed here: https://patch.com/illinois/winnetka/called-serve-nodx