Carbondale Reporter

Serving the various communities of downstate Illinois has long been a mission for state Sen. Paul Schrimpf (R-Waterloo). 

“I felt that I was called to a life of public service at a young age, which is why I attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and served in the Marine Corps,” Schrimpf told Carbondale Reporter. “I was able to earn my law degree as a Marine and had the opportunity to serve our country in a number of positions as an attorney.”

Even after his time with the Marines came to an end 20 years after it began, Schrimpf wanted to give back to his Southern Illinois community. 

Sen. Paul Schrimpf (R-Waterloo)

“This is why I ran for election in the Illinois Senate, so that I can continue to serve my community, my state and my country,” Schrimpf said. “As a Marine, an attorney and an Illinois Senator, I have been blessed with opportunities to serve my community and my country in a number of ways.”

As a Marine, Schrimpf served as a Judge Advocate General and played a part in the prosecution of Saddam Hussein. He also assisted with the building of support for a victim-advocate evidentiary privilege to help sexual assault victims.

“During my time as senator, I have been able to pass a number of bills to help encourage economic development in our region and protect the families and industries of Southern Illinois,” Schrimpf said.

Schrimpf believes that the Chicagoland region has been far too influential in the state’s government over the years, leaving Southern Illinois forgotten. He is working hard to ensure that this does not continue and that Carbondale specifically will have a voice. 

“I have worked to serve as an advocate for the people and the industries of Southern Illinois, so that our region is not forgotten in Springfield,” Schrimpf said. "In addition, we have to strengthen the Carbondale campus of SIU, which is a not only a major economic engine in the region, but a key component in the future of our workforce. I believe that as Carbondale goes, so goes the rest of Southern Illinois."

Change-wise, Schrimpf is hopeful about the future of Carbondale and Southern Illinois and wants it to be a place where all residents can have a bright future.

“I believe we can help make that happen through state government, through economic-development tools, infrastructure projects and careful governance,” Schrimpf said.