As your next Representative, I will be more concerned with implementing real solutions to these problems than I will be in getting re-elected.
On the Balanced Budget...I will fight hard for a Balanced Budget for Illinois, a reduction of wasteful spending, a repeal of taxes and fees that discourage business expansion and productivity, and the creation of strong incentives for homegrown small businesses. In addition, I will champion fiscal conservatism in Springfield. Under the Blagojevich administration and Democratic control of the Legislature, a state law requiring state government to fund pension obligations is being ignored. The Democrats see new revenues and an option to pay our retirees—I see a state failing to make good on its promises to pay. Although I generally believe in defined contribution retirement accounts—a promise made must be kept and those individuals who are relying on a defined benefit must be made whole. I also believe state government must live within its means and that means paying its obligations on time. Pension funds are not additional revenues and failure to adequately fund these future obligations will result in the downgrading of our state’s bond rating, higher interest costs for borrowing money and a fiscal crisis in years to come.
On Taxes...I will fight efforts to raise your taxes. I will work tirelessly to decrease them. The state does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem and it is time to put the state on a diet. The best way to increase state tax revenue is to embrace policies that favor job growth and economic prosperity. When Illinois businesses succeed the state benefits in many ways, including increased tax revenue.
On Education...It's time to seriously tackle the issue of education finance. My background as a public finance investment banker and bond lawyer affords me a unique skill set to work to improve our schools and restore fiscal discipline to the system. I want more money to make its way to our classrooms and to pay quality teachers. Too many dollars are wasted on bureaucracy and red tape and we must do more to insure our children are equipped to compete in tomorrow’s world. We have the best schools in the nation in the 58th District. We must retain local control of our schools and provide them with the resources to be successful. In addition, we must fully fund Illinois community colleges—these institutions are important to training tomorrow’s workforce and play an important role in education and economic development.
On the Environment…I will defend the environment and will fight to protect Lake Michigan. As an elected Park District Commissioner and active member of the Illinois Association of Park Districts I have worked hard to preserve open space and fund conservation efforts both in our District and throughout Illinois. I support the existing OSLAD program for open space and would support extending this much needed program. I am especially concerned about recent reports of asbestos contamination at the Johns-Manville superfund site in Zion. There are reports of friable asbestos washing ashore at Illinois Beach State Park and along the shore of Lake Michigan. Like the recent BP pollution in Indiana I will stand with Congressman Mark Kirk in efforts to protect and improve the water quality of Lake Michigan and our rivers and streams. Common sense environmentalism is good for our economy and business and we can find ways to protect the environment without loosing jobs and forcing business out of existence. My candidacy has been endorsed by the Illinois League of Conservation Voters.
On Transportation…We must address the issue of transportation in a regional and coordinated manner. I will work with the municipal leaders of the 58th District to promote transportation policies that benefit our region. I support the RTA and increased funding for Metra. We should examine the option of shifting more of our motor fuel taxes to the RTA for Metra and Pace. The funding formula can be adjusted and we can allocate funds in a more balanced manner. This does not have to result in a net tax increase. Local and state highways are also an integral part of any transportation program and I will work with County and municipal leaders to address ongoing transportation needs. The most important point I can make here is that a well developed and functional transportation system is essential to the economic growth and development of the District and I am the best candidate to work to improve that system given my understanding of business, local government and the financial markets. This is why I support a new capital bill to move Illinois into the 21st century.
On Issues of Local Government…As a bond lawyer and municipal attorney, I have a strong background in municipal and local government and sincerely believe in the concept of local control and representation. Our state statutes provide for local control of schools, parks and other services because local citizens are best suited to address specific issues involving their communities. As your State Representative it is my job to make sure local officials have the resources to address their problems. It is my job to listen to local officials—not to replace their judgment. There must exist a true partnership between the state and local government. The recent trend of increasing unfunded mandates on local government and encroachment into areas typically dealt with by local officials is disturbing. I respect local control in matters such as zoning and planning, budgeting and enforcement and will champion local government. Local government can be an incubator for economic growth through the use of tools like TIF Financing, Special Service Areas, Business Districts and other development tools. I would support giving local governments increased tools to enter into economic development agreements with businesses. As a matter of fact I intend to seek appointment to the Local Government Committee upon my election.
On Healthcare…Very few issues touch the lives of all Illinoisans like the issue of healthcare. There is no denying the healthcare costs are skyrocketing. Many families and seniors are facing serious issues and need relief. Market solutions to healthcare and insurance will produce the best results. The use of medical savings accounts and tax credits can help alleviate the costs of healthcare. We must work with Illinois healthcare providers and insurance companies to improve the regulatory and business climate. Frivolous lawsuits drive up the cost of healthcare for all of us. Women’s reproductive health is also an important issue and although the Supreme Court has established the right of women to have abortions it is a question that I am asked to take a position on. Although I believe abortion is a personal tragedy I do not believe the government should regulate a personal decision that must be made by a woman with her family and friends.
Illinois was one of only 8 states to receive a grade of "F" from the National Alliance of Mental Health. We must do a better and more compassionate job of providing essential mental health services to our residents. I am committed to working to find solutions to this serious crisis.
We must also work hard to protect our children from the devestating effects of substance abuse. Of particular concern is the abuse of prescription medication which can be easily obtained via the internet. I support legislation which would provide safeguards to make it more difficult for minors to order prescription drugs via the internet.
