Will County Gazette

George Pearson says he is convinced all the stars are aligning for his run at being Will County GOP chairman.

“I’ve always wanted to have the chairmanship and the reason I’m running right now is that the post is vacant and I don’t believe those who have expressed a willingness to stand up so far have the right mindset and message for what’s now needed,” he told the Will County Gazette. “I think I bring something to the table none of the other candidates can.”

Currently the Republican precinct committeeman for Monee, Pearson said he would be the first African American GOP chairman in Will County history. He added the change could not come at a more critical time for the GOP as a whole.

George Pearson | Photo contributed by George Pearson

“I plan to have real, true engagement with the minority community about Republican values,” he said. “I don’t believe we have had the kind of strong presence in those areas that we should. It’s like we’ve automatically conceded that all those voters are all going to vote Democratic.”

Will County Board member Steve Balich believes if anyone can sway the perception of the party against such odds, it is Pearson.

“I’ve known George for more than 15-years, during which time he’s been very active in the party,” he said. “He’s very articulate and speaks to issues directly. He not only does what he says he will do, he does it well. On top of that, he’s a true conservative, someone who believes in less government, less taxes and less regulation. He’s respected by everyone; not a person in the party that knows him doesn’t respect him.”

Pearson said another part of his message will be about reducing property taxes and making it easier for people to keep the homes they have long invested in.

Finally, Pearson said, he is convinced his life experiences make him uniquely qualified to build and expand the party’s base more than anyone else in the field.

“I am an American, I am a Christian and I am black,” he added. “I’m hoping to be able to bridge the gap between groups and bring everyone together.”