At 24 years old, Kemp is a Dixon native who currently works as an emergency medical technician. Although he did not originally envision a career in politics, his experiences serving the community and events that shaped his life have motivated him to pursue public office.
A Background in Emergency Services
Kemp identified May 16, 2018, as one of the most transformational days of his life. While attending high school in Dixon, he experienced a school shooting incident involving a student who entered the school with a firearm. The response from local first responders left a lasting impression on him and helped inspire his desire to serve the community.
Following his high school graduation in 2020, Kemp completed an emergency medical technician program, joined a local volunteer fire department, and earned additional certifications through the Illinois Fire Service Institute. He continued working with fire departments and emergency medical services agencies throughout the area, gaining firsthand experience with challenges facing local residents.
Through his work, Kemp said he has become particularly concerned about mental illness and substance abuse. He believes addressing these issues effectively could have a positive ripple effect throughout communities and society.
Addressing Affordability and Economic Challenges
Long asked Kemp about the rising cost of living and what state lawmakers could do to make everyday expenses more manageable for Illinois residents.
Kemp acknowledged that many economic factors extend beyond the authority of the state legislature, including the effects of pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and other economic challenges. However, he believes lawmakers can take additional steps to identify inefficiencies and improve how state government operates.
If elected, Kemp said he would pursue a bipartisan working group that brings together members of the Illinois House and Senate, representatives from the governor’s economic development department and leaders from other state agencies.
The goal would be to examine government operations, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, and understand what agencies need to serve residents effectively.
Kemp emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating spending decisions rather than making broad cuts that could eliminate essential services. He pointed to the effects of reductions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as an example of how changes to public assistance can affect families already struggling financially.
For Kemp, addressing affordability requires lawmakers to work across party lines, listen to the people they represent, and focus on practical solutions.
Utility Bills and Consumer Protections
Rising utility costs were another major topic of discussion. Kemp described the financial pressure that higher energy bills place on households, noting that he has heard similar concerns from residents while campaigning.
He expressed support for the proposed No More Utility Bill Ripoff Customer Protection Act, which he said would establish limits on the margins utility suppliers can earn. Kemp believes the state has an opportunity to negotiate better arrangements with energy suppliers and provide stronger protections for consumers.
Although the legislation had not advanced at the time of the interview, Kemp said he would like to pursue the proposal during a future legislative session if elected.
He indicated that he would favor a cap of 10% or lower on supplier margins. In his view, stronger oversight and better negotiations could help reduce the burden on customers who are facing increasingly expensive utility bills.
Kemp stressed that state lawmakers have a responsibility to negotiate agreements that serve the public interest rather than leaving residents to bear the cost of unfavorable arrangements.
A Campaign Commitment to Reject Corporate PAC Money
Kemp also discussed his decision to pledge not to accept corporate political action committee money.
He expressed concern that large campaign contributions from corporate interests and lobbyists can influence elected officials and shift their attention away from the needs of their constituents.
While acknowledging that running a campaign requires funding for expenses such as signs and other outreach materials, Kemp said he wants his campaign to prioritize the concerns of local residents rather than the interests of major donors.
He connected the issue of campaign financing to rising utility costs, encouraging voters to examine campaign finance records and consider the relationships between energy companies and political candidates.
Kemp said his decision to reject corporate PAC contributions is intended to demonstrate his commitment to listening to constituents and maintaining independence from corporate lobbying interests.
Opposing Flock Cameras and Mass Surveillance
Long also asked Kemp about his opposition to Flock cameras and what actions he would pursue if elected to address concerns about government surveillance.
Kemp raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential security risks associated with surveillance technology. He argued that residents should not have to feel as though they are being continuously monitored by their government.
He expressed confidence in local law enforcement agencies and the Illinois State Police, questioning the need for widespread camera surveillance systems.
Kemp also raised concerns about the possibility of unauthorized access to surveillance systems by foreign actors or individuals with malicious intentions. He believes these risks warrant a closer examination of the technology and its use by communities.
If elected, Kemp said he would seek legislation to ban Flock cameras and similar systems throughout Illinois. He indicated that he would pursue the issue during an upcoming legislative session to address surveillance technology more broadly rather than focusing on a single company.
His position centers on protecting residents’ privacy while maintaining public safety and accountability.
Encouraging Voters to Participate
As the interview concluded, Kemp acknowledged that many voters feel discouraged by politics and have lost confidence in political parties and elected officials.
He encouraged residents to remember the role they play in shaping government and holding their representatives accountable. Kemp emphasized the importance of the state and federal constitutions in defining the authority of government and urged voters to exercise their power at the ballot box.
With Election Day approaching on November 3, Kemp encouraged residents to participate in the election and choose the candidate they believe will best represent their interests.
Throughout the conversation, Kemp outlined his priorities as a candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 74th District, including addressing affordability, improving utility consumer protections, limiting corporate influence in campaigns, and protecting residents from what he views as excessive government surveillance.
Along the Rock is produced by the Radar Free Press. The Radar Free Press is free to the public and relies on community support through likes, shares, and comments.
If you have any questions for recurring guests or episode ideas, please email us at alongtherock@theradar.online.
