Position sought: State Senate, District 42
Campaign contact information: 630-423-6120
Age: 53
Family: Married 23 years; three children
Education Include degree(s) and school(s): Attended National Institute of Engineering in Lima, Peru
Occupation: Small businss owner
Political Party: Republican
Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Plainfield Township Park District Board of Commissioners (2011-present)
Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?
Came to small business ownership through the ranks, starting as a common laborer and moving up the ranks to plant manager before opening my own company.
What would your priorities be if elected to this office?
The first priority would be to serve the needs of my constituents, and, to do so, to fight for a balanced budget and lower taxes through a statewide conversation about where our priorities lie and how best to fund those priorities while eliminating waste and duplicative or non-functioning programs.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
While running for office in a partisan election, I will not be held hostage by party leadership to vote for anything not in the best interests of the people of the 42nd district.
What should first be done by the state to keep businesses that have strongly voiced the possibility of leaving, such as CME and Sears?
The first priority should be to find out why they believe Illinois’ business climate leaves them in an uncompetitive position, and then work on those common issues to assist these firms to become more competitive. Tax giveaways don’t solve the problem; they simply are a means to subsidize specific special interests at the expense of others.
What can be done to help College Illinois?
College Illinois was set up with flawed data, and assumed that state investment of income would draw much higher returns than has historically been the case. I do not believe that the program can be expanded as it is currently run without adding to Illinois’ already critical budget and spending crisis. We have to live up to our promises, but we should not expand any program further without first finding ways to assure an ability to meet our obligations.
What should the government do to create more jobs?
Our first priority must be to balance the budget, reduce taxation and improve the business climate by reforming workmen’s compensation rules to give business an incentive to expand locally and across the state.
What are your philosophies on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, and what should government’s role in those issues?
I strongly believe in the sanctity of life, and believe government has a role in protecting life. I am also opposed to any expansion of the definition of marriage to include same-sex marriage.
What do you suggest for property tax relief?
State government does not levy property taxes, and therefore any action I would take in Springfield would be indirect. I will not favor any legislation that would amount to another unfunded mandate on local government that might necessitate an increase in property taxes to pay for it.
Should the state consider consolidating school districts? What would be the best way to accomplish this in your legislative district?
If we truly believe that education is best left in the hands of local communities, then state government should do nothing to mandate consolidation. I do believe, however, that the idea of consolidating is a conversation we should have as a people. I see no role for the state in this issue other than possibly assisting in a consolidation program should local residents approve of the move.
Should the state legalize marijuana?
I would favor only a strictly controlled program allowing for the limited use of medical marijuana, requiring a doctor’s prescription and dispensed only by a licensed pharmacy.
Are there ways to reform the legislative scholarship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program?
I would favor only a strictly controlled program allowing for the limited use of medical marijuana, requiring a doctor’s prescription and dispensed only by a licensed pharmacy.
Who are your political heroes and why?
Ronald Reagan. He knew what he believed, how to express those beliefs and how to lead others to accomplish the nation’s goals.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against you? If so, please explain.
No
