By Ginny Skweres
Zion-Benton News Staff

Government students at Zion Benton Township High School were part of history last week. They were the selected audience to hear James C. Mitchell, Jr. announce his candidacy for president of the United States of America.

Mitchell, 63, was invited to make the announcement at the school by history teacher Bruce Hansen.

“I decided to make a run for president because I believe my generation needs to provide a better legacy for our children and the future for our grandchildren,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is a Republican candidate from Lindenhurst, who has been involved in community organizations including the Lake County Board for two years and is currently serving on the Lake County Regional Office of Education. He also served in the U.S. Navy for seven years from 1967 to 1974. Currently he works for the village of Highland Park as an engineer at the water treatment plant.

“We need to salute people who take the time to make a difference,” said Principal Scott Murphy. “Thank you for choosing Zion-Benton High Schonl to make your announcement.”

Mitchell explained to students that in order to run for the highest position in the land he must be at least 35 years of age, open his financial records to the Ethics Commission and file papers with the federal election committee. He has other requirements fo meet in order to be placed on the ballot, including getting signatures.

Mitchell plans to use the Internet and his Web page to communicate his ideas since he does not have a warchest of campaign funds. In fact, instead of seeking donations, he encourages people to make a donation to a charity of their choice.

Mitchell’s platform is based on the Ten Commandments and a strong military. Other issues, in order of importance are family values, education, health, science, environment, finance, commerce, community involvement and homeland security.

He suggested Americans follow the Scout code.

What a better place the country would be be if this was done,” Mitchell said. ‘Think of the Ten Commandments as individual responsibility.”

While making this run for the presidency Mitchell’s immediate goal is to he involved in politics and shape the debates that are sure to follow. He would like to raise the question of whether the United States is involved in a cultural/religious war pitting the value structure of radical Islamic factions against the Judeo-Christian beliefs and the Constitutional Republic American’s enjoy. He also raises questions about other international treaties and relationships.

He offered the students one piece of advice and that was to register to vote when they turn l8 and to then to vote.

Before the students left the room, Hansen suggested they shake the hand of someone who could become the president. The students did shake hands and were properly respectful.

More information is available at Mitchell4PresidentO8.com

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