Making Democracy Work

CANDIDATES ANSWER POLICY QUESTIONS

Who is on the ballot in the next election? What are their policy positions?

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 13

All candidates where asked to particiapate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received and in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions :

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office? For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years
3.How will you encourage Smart Growth in the county?
4.Decisions considering Winchester House need to be made during the next term. Address: renovating the current facility, building a smaller facility, closing the facility.
5.What do you see as the use of the forest preserves in regard to conservation, wetlands, recreation and roads?
6.What mass transportation projects do you favor?

Carrie Travers +

Candidate for Lake County Board, District 13

For the past eleven years, while Carrie and her husband John have been raising their family in Lake Forest, Carrie has been very active in Lake Forest education and childcare. Carrie has served in several volunteer leadership positions in Lake Forest School District 67, including most recently as the president of the Cherokee Elementary School Association of Parents and Teachers. Carrie Travers graduated from Northern Illinois University with a major in labor relations and a minor in economics. She has worked for a nationally recognized printer, both in human resources and in sales.

Response to Questions

1. The three key issues that need to be addressed in the next term are taxes, transportation and environment. We need to ensure that our tax dollars are spent in a fiscally prudent manner. We need to seek solutions to the transportation issues and decide how to fund it. In regards to the environment, new demands for water will need to be drawn from surface waters and shallow aquifers. The County or a regional authority will need to regulate withdrawal and protect recharge of these supplies. The Forest Preserve District will need to concentrate on purchasing additional quality open lands before it becomes developed.

2. I have been attending the County Board's committee-of-the-whole meetings and their monthly board meetings. I have met with our local elected officials to discuss their concerns. I have met with current county board members and have discussed in length the history and current standings on key county issues. But most importantly, I have been reaching out to the constituents by walking door to door listening to what issues and concerns are important to them.
3. First I would propose implementing SmartGrowth in the Lake County Government's Strategic Plan Goals under Infrastructure, Environmental and Development Issues. The Smart Growth principles should be consistently applied in county planning, building and zoning review. In addition, I would support the County leading by example when they are building and/or renovating their own facilities.

4. I have concerns and need to see some more feasibility studies. Are the market forecasts for renovating the current facility or building a smaller facility overly optimistic? Can the County compete successfully with the private sector in this market? Another consideration that needs to be addressed is the fact that the Winchester House has a higher percentage of Medicaid patients than the private sector. If this facility were to close, how would Medicaid patients be cared for? Are there enough quality Medicaid facilities available in the private sector in Lake County? The public needs to be informed about these economic and social concerns and have the opportunity to provide public input before any of these decisions are made.

5. As our county grows, so does the need for open space grow. The forest preserves are crucial for conservation of our wildlife habitat and the preservation and restoration of our open land. Where private or public wetlands are destroyed, wetland mitigation should occur on forest preserve lands where they may be overseen by experts and hopefully kept and preserved in perpetuity. Forest preserves are in the position to educate the public about conservation. Recreation may be provided if surrounding municipalities have not already provided these recreational services.

6. Since more people are coming into Lake County to work than leaving Lake County for employment, I am in favor of improving the reverse commute by adding more reverse commute options on the train and providing express service rail-bus. We should encourage mass transit whenever and wherever it is feasible.

sUSAN LOVING GRAVENHORST

Susan Loving Gravenhorst is a long time resident of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and is a candidate for re-election to the Lake County Board for a second four-year term. She is a member of the Lake Forest Hospital Women's Board and Auxiliary, served on the Lake Forest Caucus for eight years, and as president of the Lake Forest APT. She served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois for 18 years, and as its chairman, is a past member of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and is a former teacher of high school English and speech. She supports a strong fiscal position, helping to secure a "AAA" rating from Standard & Poor's and to reduce the tax rate on assessed valuation. She voted to establish a disaster training center in the county, to open a traffic management center for the new PASSAGE traffic plan, and worked to establish the Ft. Sheridan Forest Preserve. She is working with the LF-LB Senior Center to obtain a grant to fund continuing transportation services, and supports LF and LB Open Lands. Recommended by the Lake County Farm Bureau.

1. The three key issues, in my opinion, are transportation, water, and Winchester House.
2. In the last four years, I have worked to ensure the development of the new Ft. Sheridan Forest Preserve, now open, and the development of new facilities at Ryerson Woods. I worked with the city of Lake Forest and the Forest Preserve District to expand the Middlefork Savanna area and worked with the Knollwood community on business development and road improvements. My strong fiscal position helped to ensure a "AAA" rating from Standard & Poor's and to reduce the tax rate on assessed valuation. I voted to establish a disaster training center in the county, supported LF and LB Open Lands, and met regularly with local officials and community groups. I am very proud of the new traffic management center, which oversees the PASSAGE monitoring and coordination of traffic lights. I am working with the LF-LB Senior Center to obtain a grant to fund continuing transportation services.

2.Smart Growth in our county can be encouraged by maintaining a balance between development and open green space. Being a member of the Planning, Building, and Zoning and the Community Development committees, I see both sides of the issue. It is my responsibility to work to maintain this balance.

3.Decisions concerning Winchester House will certainly need to be made during the next term, but these decisions must be made by all 23 members of the County Board. Working together, we will consider the options for maintaining Winchester House as a viable county facility. The first step in this process will be to establish a successful business plan so that discussion can follow.

4. The forest preserves are a most valuable asset to our county, not only in their property value but especially in the value of life that they offer to county residents. Conservation of wild life and natural resources is everywhere in the preserves, and the wetlands within them provide a natural balance of water. Recreation is an important part of Lake County life, and the hiking and biking trails, the lakes for fishing and boating, and the open spaces are abundant in all forest preserves. Roads should be kept to a minimum but must provide adequate access to all areas within the preserves.

6. I support the RTA program "Moving Beyond Congestion" which is working on a solution for mass transportation problems for our entire region.

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 18

All candidates where asked to particiapate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received and in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions :

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office? For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years
3.How will you encourage Smart Growth in the county?
4.Decisions considering Winchester House need to be made during the next term. Address: renovating the current facility, building a smaller facility, closing the facility.
5.What do you see as the use of the forest preserves in regard to conservation, wetlands, recreation and roads?
6.What mass transportation projects do you favor?

JOHN SONNENBURG John Sonnenberg is an experienced government, education and corporate professional with particular expertise in accountability, quality management, technology, and administration. He is a leader in our community that has worked to improve our schools, transportation, technology infrastructure, and recreational offerings. He has led this charge not through words, but through actions. He is on the grill at football games, coach in the field, working with the Eagle Scouts on their projects, chairing the Broadband Committee as our voice for better services from Comcast and AT&T, organizing the effort to support the schools' programs to fund and build the best educational system in the world, and developing the next ideas that will improve our community. More information is available at http://www.electsonnenberg.org .

John and his wife Beth, have raised two children in Vernon Hills over the last 18 years.

Questions

1. Three key issues. Qualifications, Transportation, Preservation. First, John Sonnenberg has a much broader background and higher level of professional qualifications. Despite over 10 years in office the opponent has failed to make any significant difference in District 18. John has a proven record of getting the job done and has the support of the State government to help.

Second, the issue of transportation is critical to our residents, John support for the Lake County Transportation Alliance and efforts to bring State and Federal funds to District 18 both for roads such as Routes, 21, 22, 45, 60 and 83, and increase Metra services without a sales tax increase.

Third, the Lake County Forest Preserve has preserved natural areas throughout the County except in District 18. Despite her key position on the Lake County Preserve Board. District 18 only as 1% of the district preserved and virtually no recreational facilities. I have always worked toward the common good. My selection of a career in education is evidence of my ultraistic character. I continually improve myself by taking on new and supportive positions. Additionally, I have worked with State Senator Terry Link and State Representative Kathy Ryg to meet with key county leaders. I have met with most of the county board members and many county employees to see what is happening on the inside. I have also reviewed county documents and I am an avid viewer of the County Board Meetings. But it is the interactions I have every day over almost two decades that has given me a clear understanding of what is important to my neighbors. This lifetime of involvement with others in the schools, clubs, community organizations, and business that empowers me to be a formable representative for District 18 on the County Board.

3.The major issues and solutions deal with planning for the growth in our county. Uncontrolled growth that is currently occurring is having devastating effects on our communities. Roads are jammed, there are not enough commuter rail stops, land preservation that should have helped was acquired mostly in areas that are not affected by development, our wells are drying up, our property taxes have increased to deal with the need for new schools and new teachers, and virtually no recreational or county services are provided by the county in District 18. This is due to that fact that the incumbent has not voiced our views at the county level. In fact she often abstains from critical votes to limit develop due to her close relationship with developers. We need planned development. Developers need to incur the full cost of their profitable efforts and not be a burden to the taxpayers.

The problems with Winchester House can be addressed. Many efforts are now occurring to help resolve this issue. Additionally, there is an open-minded review of the general purpose of the facilities to focus on specific issues such as dementia. There are two major issues that have not been addressed in any way by the Board. First, why was the Board so surprised by this issue that they had to be such a scrooge and fire over 50 hardworking county employees before the Holidays last year? This problem has existed for years. The County's long range plan even called for more hiring. This lack of understanding of what is happening in facilities such as Winchester House is a clear message that a change is needed at the Board level. Second, why are there no" quality" processes occurring in the county to identify meaningful improvement to the service the county offers.

It is clear that land preservation and control is critical to any county to minimize the negative aspects of change. The forest preserve also has roles to provide education, research, recreation, and conservation efforts. In District 18, all of these key roles have not occurred. With only 1% of the district is preserved it is clear that the District has not benefited from the growth control that could have been provided. The district has 102 acres in a corn field and another 135 acres that is hard to get to and only has three small shelters and some outhouses. For a third of our county tax dollars we deserve more. I have a plan to take this lack of stewardship and use it to facilitate change in our community. We may not have large tracks of land to acquire, but we could develop libraries, parks, stadiums, and learning facilities.

The only transportation issues I will support are those that the county works together to seek state and federal funding to build. The main roads include Routes 21, 22, 45, 60 and 83. Route 60 is clearly the most important. We need to work with planners to increase the expressing of traffic from the I94 to the main transportation hub at the intersection of Route 45/83/60. To due this we need to actively participate in the Lake County Transportation Alliance. In the same area we need to develop additional commuter rail service. And decrease freight service for additional commuter service on the North Central line. To do all of this we need to work with the State legislators that are supporting my candidacy. Together we can get the funding needed from the state and federal sources without asking for an increase in sales tax as my opponent supported.

PAMELA O. NEWTON

276 Saddleback Road Vernon Hills , Illinois 60061 847-212-8188 pnewton@pyro.net

Commissioner Pam Newton is the current Lake County Board Member for the 18th District and has been an elected official in Illinois since she was 28 years old. Pam has become accustomed to blazing new trails as she set many local records as the youngest elected female on both the city council and county board. Pam is the mother of three children, the youngest being in college in Boulder, Colorado . In addition to her elected position as county commissioner, Pam concurrently serves as the commissioner for the Lake County Forest Preserve District and was recently elected to serve as the district's Vice-President.
Pam has been active in local, state, and national government for over twenty years. Pam has been both chair and vice-chair of Planning, Building, and Zoning committees and blends her expertise of land use planning with open space development concepts. She travels the country speaking on sustainable development and environmental conservation and preservation methods of land use.
Pam Newton holds many state and national appointments, and is Past President of the Illinois Association of Conservation and Forest Preserve Districts, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Association of Park Districts, and holds the prestigious position of Chairman of the National Association of Counties Land Use, Energy and Environment Committee. In Washington , D.C. , Pam also serves on the Great Lakes Regional Council and represents Illinois in the National Recreation and Parks Association.

Pam also is a member of the National Wetland Symposium Policy Committee and will be meeting on an advisory council to the National EPA on wetlands in Washington D.C. this year. She has recently completed a trip to the Louisiana Coastal wetlands with the Governor of Louisiana, and is dedicating her time to an awareness campaign to save America 's wetlands.

Pam has undergraduate work in biological field stations around the world, is a graduate of Knox College and has a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Dominican University .

1. The three key issues for the Lake County Board include: · water quality and quantity for all residents in Lake County , including the westward expansion opportunities for Lake Michigan water

· the long term care of our elder population, including the future of Winchester House in Libertyville

· traffic and transportation, including new roads, lane widening, and intersection improvements

2. In District 18, I have had an incredibly successful last four years bringing new programs, products, services and county buildings to my constituents. Specifically, I have worked to bring:

A new county courthouse on Route 56 and Diamond Lake Road A new University Center at Route 45 and Route 21, Milwaukee Avenue A new addition to the Hulse/Depke Center on Milwaukee Avenue New drug prescription discount cards for every resident and their pets New Fairway Drive connecting Route 45 to Route 60 in Vernon Hills A NEW Forest Preserve named Heron's Creek near Long Grove/Hawthorn Woods Added hundreds of acres of new open space and opened handicapped accessible playground for all children at Independence Grove

3. Smart Growth must be controlled and coordinated within each village/city jurisdiction through coordinated zoning of growth zones and open space zones. Planning is the key to smart development patterns.

4. Winchester House needs a paradigm shift. I do not believe a $20 Million facelift is the solution. Anew facility that expands elder care to rehabilitation services for citizens of all ages recovering from a stroke, or hip and knee replacement is more realistic for cost recovery. Such a facility could cost at least $39 Million and compete with the private industry. I would also like to see an advisory referendum to ensure that the taxpayers of Lake County with to continue funding patient services. DeKalb County proposed such a referendum and found that the taxpayers were prepared to fund their new structure. Lake County could learn from that experience.

4. I am honored to serve as Vice-President of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. The Forest Preserve land acquisitions are different than park district holdings in Lake County . As a regional land management system, the forest preserves are designed to protect all species of flora and fauna, as well as unique and substantial natural resources. Our primary goals are conservation, education, preservation, and recreation. I believe that passive recreation is the model as we move forward with citizen requests to use their land. Roads should only be built as access to the sites.

5. I have worked on the Metra rail expansion for double tracking and increased schedules for family-friendly commuting. Of course, I favor bikes on trains and busses to close the fuel/energy conservation loop as well as light rail inter-community opportunities.

I currently serve as chairman of Land Use, Energy, and Environment for all counties in the United States .

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 20

All candidates where asked to particiapate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received and in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions :

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office? For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years
3.How will you encourage Smart Growth in the county?
4.Decisions considering Winchester House need to be made during the next term. Address: renovating the current facility, building a smaller facility, closing the facility.
5.What do you see as the use of the forest preserves in regard to conservation, wetlands, recreation and roads?
6.What mass transportation projects do you favor?

DISTRICT 20

David B. Stolman 208 Jacobs Court Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (847) 883-9918 Home 847) 401-8736 Cell

Office held: Lake County Commissioner-20th District 1992-present Date of birth: 11/24/48 Education: Sullivan High School, Chicago,

University of Illinois 1966-1970
DePaul Law School 1970-1973
Years resided in the district: 31 Present occupation: Attorney/businessman Spouse: Maureen +married 34 years, 2 children, Karen 31, Ken 27

Prior political experience: Buffalo Grove Zoning Board of Appeals-12 years Represented Long Grove on the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (1991-1993) Served on School Dist. 96, 102, 125 committees:referendum campaigns, curriculum, development, needs assessment, business partnerships

Community Activities: President: Congregation Beth Judea, Long Grove Founding member:N.W. Suburban Jewish Community Center N.W. Suburban Chairman: Jewish United Fund Lawyers/Government Agencies Buffalo Grove Chamber of Commerce Muscular Dystrophy Man of the Year United Way Partner for Buffalo Grove

Lake County Board Experience: Chairman:County Finance Committee Vice Chairman:Transportation and Public Service Law and Judicial Committee Economic Development Committee Revenue and Legislative Committee Affordable Housing Commission Chairman Forest Preserve Enterprise Committee Forest Preserve Finance Committee Forest Preserve Revenue Committee Museum and Education Committee

1. The first issue is transportation. I will continue to implement transportation initiatives to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion. I advocate the expansion of Buffalo Grove Road, which I have worked to add to the future Road Improvement Plan. This north/south artery is too narrow for current traffic usage and expansion would significantly alleviate some of the congestion. I am spearheading an effort to reengineer and reconfigure the intersection at Lake-Cook /Arlington Heights Road. This is a major component of the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Redevelopment Project.

Another important issue is to promote economic development within my district through such innovations as public/private partnerships in order to reduce taxpayer burden.

The third issue is to preserve and protect open space, with a focus on the Buffalo Creek Redevelopment Project. This provides for a complete transformation of the site's natural resources and recreational amenities, and will remediate ongoing flooding issues.

2. I have led efforts to secure significant Road Improvement funds that provided: A major expansion of Deerfield Parkway, Stoplights at dangerous intersections, Intersection improvements, Lane expansions, Resurfacing of roadways, The first installations in Lake County of ITS (computer integrated traffic signalization), The reconfiguration of Port Clinton/Prairie Road which now connects with the first new north/south corridor (Fairway Drive) in Lake County in decades.

I have spearheaded efforts that resulted in $26 million in improvement to the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve: a project which involves multiple agencies such as the Lake County Forest Preserve, Cook and Lake County Departments of Transportation. and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

I led efforts to develop and implement a South Branch Court to serve the citizens of southern Lake County.

3. The County has a Framework Plan designed to make land-use planning a more effective partnership between the County and municipalities, but the County does not have legislative authority that requires municipalities to comply with County zoning and land-use ordinances. Utilities such as water, sewer, and roadway improvements, which are under the County's jurisdiction, can be used as leverages that would require municipalities and developers to adhere to density restrictions and other land-use issues that impact controlled growth. I have participated in focus groups that explore these growth issues, however, these groups typically are comprised of staff representatives from the County and municipalities and rarely include elected officials. I propose that these quarterly focus groups continue, but with more active participation of elected officials who vote on land-use policy issues impacting their communities. Greater cooperation between County officials and staff representatives from municipalities is needed to ensure better land use planning.

4. The projected cost of a rehab to bring the building to livable standards is $20 million. The patient census is at a low point, labor costs are not sustainable, and now that walls have been penetrated, costly renovations under life/safety issues are the focal point. The facility can't compete with more modern facilities, and it is losing $5 million annually. Therefore, renovation is not an option. As long as it is open, to diminish the loss, I have advocated that the patient mix be changed to provide for Alzheimer patients, rehab patients, and supported-living care which is fully funded by public aid. Consultants hired by the County project that new construction would take three years and cost $30 million, and should accommodate about 2/3 as many beds as the current facility. The county will solicit proposals to develop a business plan for Winchester House to explore if building a smaller building is a better option than closing the facility.

5.Within my own district, the creation and current redevelopment of the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is an exemplary model of my vision for Forest Preserve use. This project addresses major ongoing flooding issues on regional and local levels, provides for open space, acres of restored wetlands and prairies, protection of natural resources and wildlife, and provides much needed recreational amenities for the citizens of Lake County. A traffic component of the restoration project is projected to improve the congested intersection at Lake Cook and Arlington Heights Road adjacent to the Preserve.

6. I led the County's efforts to secure funding for the Metra second-track purchase. The Buffalo Grove and Prairie View station are two of the most heavily utilized stations on the North Central Rail Line, and this expansion has been a much needed accommodation for commuters and has helped reduce gridlock on nearby tollways and expressways. I am a long-standing advocate of the extension of Route 53, and believe that if Route 53 is coupled with a mass transit component, there will be significant improvement in the flow of traffic throughout the northwest corridor.

MARC TEPPER

My wife Carrie & I have lived in Buffalo Grove for the past 17 years. I have been active in Kildeer-Countryside CCSD District 96 schools for the past 10 years. I served as spokesperson for the Facilities & Boundaries Committee, and then was elected to the School Board in 2000. I have since been re-elected and currently serve as the School Board President. I have also served on Congregation B'nai Torah's Board of Trustees for the past 16 years and was the President during 1998-1999 and currently serve as the Treasurer.

I have a BS degree from Colorado State University in Natural Resources Management. I have worked for environmentally friendly companies and currently I am the President of MCS Enterprises, Ltd. A manufacturer's representative selling air pollution control equipment to the areas industry.

I have two children, Samantha who is a freshman at the University of Kentucky, and Dan who is an 8th grader at Twin Groves Middle School.

1.The key issues will be a) determining a long term vision and goals for the county, b) transportation, and c) determining the long term issues surrounding healthcare in general and Winchester House.

2.I have attended both Board meetings and Committee of the Whole meetings to see how the Board interacts. I have had some discussions with current Board members and department heads to gather information on what is needed on the board. I have also reached out to my local community (District 20) to see what residents want and need from County Government.

3. Smart Growth begins with having a vision for the future. Using "SMART" goals (Strategic, Measurable, Attainable, Result Oriented, Time Driven) will provide a working path for administrators and county departments to reach the goals set by the Board.

4. Before any decisions can be made on Winchester House a decision needs to be made on the continuation of services to the population that requires healthcare and human services. We need to understand why private homes can turn a profit while Winchester House continually loses money. Can a renovated Winchester House or a smaller properly designed facility serve the needs of Lake County residents? We will always need some type of facility for residents.

5. Forest Preserve lands are a treasure for residents. We need to make sure that all properties are developed quickly for maximum recreational use by residents. Local residents should have a say in what type of recreational uses are being considered.

6. We need a comprehensive master plan for transportation. A first step is the Lake County Partners and consensus building among local leaders and our State representatives. Since the proposed Route 53 expansion is unfunded, discussions on Route 53 should not overshadow other projects needed in the county to help alleviate traffic congestion. An environmentally sensitive Route 120 by-pass is the beginning of proactive thinking concerning traffic.

COUNTY BOARD DISTICT 21

All candidates where asked to particiapate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received and in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions :

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office? For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years
3.How will you encourage Smart Growth in the county?
4.Decisions considering Winchester House need to be made during the next term. Address: renovating the current facility, building a smaller facility, closing the facility.
5.What do you see as the use of the forest preserves in regard to conservation, wetlands, recreation and roads?
6.What mass transportation projects do you favor?

ANNE B. MAINE

Ann B. Maine PhD, age 47, was first elected to the Lake County Board, District 21, in 2002. Since that time she has served on the Public Works and Transportation, Health and Human Services, and Records and Legislation Committees. As a Forest Preserve Commissioner, she chairs the Land Preservation and Acquisition Committee as well as serving on Finance and Executive Committees. She has been a member of the Stormwater Commission since 2002. She previously served as a Trustee of the Village of Lincolnshire for 6 years. Maine lives in Lincolnshire with her husband and 4 sons. She is a senior lecturer in Biology at Lake Forest College where she has worked for 14 years.

Question 1:

Three key issues are improving the transportation system, addressing water resources and preserving open space. We must continue to work with our State and Federal Legislatures to secure money for multifaceted transportation needs; as a County we have worked to have developers help pay for road improvements necessitated by development. Our Lake Michigan shoreline belies the fact that water is a scarce resource. Current residents, especially those on wells, need the assurance that increased development will not dry up their wells; while continued economic health requires an adequate and stable supply of water. We are beginning a regional approach to address this issue which must include assessments of current sources and future needs as well as education of the public and conservation measures. Our Forest Preserves are a jewel that attract people to Lake County. We must work with partners to expand our preserves in the face of continued population growth.

Question 2:

I secured Lake Michigan water for over 500 homes in my district that had radium contamination in their wells. As a member of Public Works and Transportation I have worked to increase public education of water issues as well as conservation measures. I have opposed increased Board salaries and stipends, citing fiscal responsibility. As a strong advocate for open space, I have overseen the purchase of 4 new stand alone preserves throughout the County as well as numerous additions to other preserves. I also helped secure an important addition to the Des Plaines River trail. I was able to get the Forest Preserve Board policy changed to ensure monies from easements are put in the Land Acquisition fund.

Question 3:

Most of the residential and commercial development that occurs in Lake County is regulated by municipalities. However, when possible County government can influence and support Smart Growth. The County has resources and information that may be unavailable to many smaller communities, many of which are looking at expansion. This includes formulas demonstrating impact on local schools, the largest part of any tax bill. We need to ensure that they get information, so Smart Growth decisions can be made.

The sewer agreement with the Village of Volo is one such example. It set a framework for the number of residents and how much commercial growth. In addition, the County as facilitated a regional approach be the communities along Rt. 173 in northern Lake County. We have been working with the Village of Grayslake to encourage a regional approach to growth on Rollins Road.

Question 4:

The changing nature of senior care caught Winchester House by surprise, resulting in a dramatic decrease in occupancy. It is an old building and any expenditures into must be scrutinized. Current expenditures are needed to comply with state codes. In order to make a long term decision, we have had a number of meetings on nursing home trends and financing. I also was part of a group that visited DeKalb County Nursing home to learn about different models and approaches to caring for elderly, needy residents. Just last week we were presented with some scenarios for building a new facility, that would emphasize Alzheimers care as well as assisted living. We have asked for a business plan. Without this plan I can not say what would be the responsible decision.

Question 5:

Our Forest Preserves are one of the reasons people love Lake County. We need to add to our system, which serves many purposes including being a respite for people and animals, reducing flooding, and saving rare plants and habitats. We can not be viewed as a land bank for other units of governments with goals antithetical to the Forest Preserve. We have turned down many such requests and will continue to do so. I support low impact recreation in our preserves, such as hiking, biking, boating, picnicking and horse back riding. We do have 4 golf courses which are quite popular, however, I do not support increasing that number. Some preserves are of such high quality that they have reduced public access. I do support increased trail access where possible.

Question 6:

As I mentioned in Question 1, addressing our transportation needs is a crucial issue for Lake County. I was pleased that this year's Transportation summit looked beyond road projects. There is no single solution, so the key is to have options for our residents. The TMA of Lake-Cook Road has been very successful with its Shuttlebug program. I would like to see that replicated in other areas including Rt. 60. Van pool programs could be effective in other parts of the County. We need to continue to work with Metra to ensure that rail schedules meet workers' needs. Working with villages and towns to include pedestrian and bicycle paths as part of their planning of residential, office and commercial space is very important. Too often it is impossible to walk from one store to another. Long term, I support continued commuter rail expansion in the Chicago area coupled to PACE and employer programs.

COUNTY BOARD DISTRICT 22

All candidates where asked to particiapate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received and in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions :

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office? For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years
3.How will you encourage Smart Growth in the county?
4.Decisions considering Winchester House need to be made during the next term. Address: renovating the current facility, building a smaller facility, closing the facility.
5.What do you see as the use of the forest preserves in regard to conservation, wetlands, recreation and roads?
6.What mass transportation projects do you favor?

Carol Spielman

My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Political Science, specializing in American Government, and include a strong component of Economics. My thesis was an examination of Business and the Government in the year 1980. For a time I worked for the Department of Health and Human Services, Region V, managing a small business program. I taught American Government at Oakton Community College and other local colleges. I worked in our small family business.

In 1992 I was elected to the Lake County Board and the Lake County Forest Preserve District Board and have served on many committees.

1. Winchester House is a key issue for the county board. Another major issue is real estate taxes for seniors. A third is that the budget adequately provide the necessary services for health care, law enforcement, transportation, and insuring a healthy business community.

I have been very engaged in chairing the county committee on state and federal legislation. I do my homework to keep up with ongoing issues, as well as to prepare for decisions on new issues. I am a voice for our tax dollars, a voice for access to health care, and a voice for our environment. To the extent that it can be done, development and roads should be planned together. I support other models of Smart Growth, which include transit oriented development and discouraging sprawl by allowing more density. There was a consensus by the County Board that we need additional information in order to determine the future of Winchester House. That will be forthcoming within a few months. A major renovation of the present building seems unlikely. Topping the list of uses of the forest preserves is the preservation of open spaces + natural areas. That is as it should be. Forest preserve use for recreation is determined by the sites and how they are planned. Given the many requests made to the forest preserve board, we will soon consider a policy to establish the kinds of recreation to be allowed in the forest preserves. Wetlands are a natural feature of some preserves and, in other situations, they are created. Roads, however, should be limited, except where they already exist.

6. Improvements to improve intersections and to widen roads by adding lanes.

COUNTY CLERK

All candidates for the office of County Clerk where asked to particiapate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received and in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions :
1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office?
For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years
3. How will you increase the number of voters in Lake County?
4. We have seen improvement in voting access with the provisions of the "Help Americans Vote Act." In your view what are the next steps to be taken to continue providing equitable, easy and fair access to the polls?

WILLARD HELANDER

Biography

Elected in 1994, Willard Helander was first in Illinois to post "live" election results on the web and create a video on serving disabled voters. A licensed attorney, Willard ended punch card voting before November 2000 and received high marks for an ADA voting option with a paper ballot for all voters. In 2001, Willard organized comprehensive voter drive with 204 individuals and 86 civic, business and governmental participants. She partnered with the Lake County Genealogical Society to preserve and index fragile, neglected vital records from the 19th century at no cost to taxpayers.

Willard has served on the Advisory Board of the State Board of Elections, chaired the Public Health Committee of IACCR and represented Illinois on the bipartisan Joint Elections Officials Liaison Committee to lobby at the federal level. She received the first international Innovative Technology Award conferred by IACREOT.

1. Three key issues for next term:

Increasing voter confidence that one's vote is safe and counted by launching new empowerment/ education technology. These include 1.) voting information terminals for libraries, schools and shopping centers with touch screen video interface to learn about voter registration, voting options, the voting equipment + including accessible voting + and how to become an election judge; 2.) laptop computer applications we developed with IT called "decision technology" to assist voters with special circumstances, and 3.) on-line training for election judges to ensure consistent compliance with all voting laws and procedures.

The portable voter information terminals can be used in future "Democracy Days" at schools and corporations. The decision technology guides through a series of "pop up" queries requiring a series of "yes" or "no" answers which lead to the required affidavit. Developing this application in our office saved licensing costs and provides terminology consistent with our training materials.

2. Contributions to Office in Past Four Years

In 1995, I began fax requests for vital records with credit card purchases, and was first in Illinois to post election results virtually live on election night. Also, first in Illinois to provide email requests for absentee ballots and piloted early voting in 2005. Our web site includes registration verification, sample ballots, polling place and early voting links that provide pictures, driving directions and a map. We offer an on-line survey to track early voter preferences in order to respond with future locations that will maximize voter participation. Coded voters using mapping software and received international award for innovative technology.

Launched a monthly cable program and radio /cable service announcements to educate and empower voters. Publish Election Connection newsletter to inform election judges and local election officials in 180 units of governments. Developed a speaker's bureau serving schools, civic and senior groups, and corporate events.

3. Increasing the Number of Voters in Lake County

Voter registration increased by 35,238 between 1984 and 1994; the increase between 1994 and 2004 was 118,530. Opportunities to register increased through a record number of deputy registrars (nearly double my predecessor's number), with nearly two thirds of all registrars residing in predominantly minority and bilingual areas. We have recruited bi-lingual volunteers and offer all voter educational videos and brochures in Spanish. The national percentage of voters participating decreased under Motor Voter, in part because new registrants' history demonstrated a preference for non participation. I have launch comprehensive voter awareness campaigns, made voter history and campaign communication resources more readily available to candidates with diskette/CD sales, GIS maps and real time access to ballot requests. Innovative programming included thousands of young voters through our student election judge program and future voters with Passport to Democracy in schools (3rd grade + high school).

4Providing equitable, easy and fair access to the polls

Chief among reasons a vote is not counted is the voter appears in the incorrect voting location. We have very capable election judges as evidenced by our smooth conversions to optical scan voting in 2001 and the ADA compliant voting system in 2006. Our new decision technology will further aid judges in serving voters in the incorrect location. I support legislation permitting "voting centers" where a voter may have several options for voting on Election Day and thereby minimize those penalized by precinct voting requirements. Piloting a "live" link with our voter registration file during early voting in 2005 demonstrated how this could work successfully. The new programs described in #1 above are also important aids. Additionally, I would like to partner with the League of Women Voters to link seniors and voters relying on public transit with rides to the polls.

SHERIFF

All candidates for the office of Sheriff were asked to participate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received, in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

The questions:

1. What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2. For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office?
For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years?

GARY DEL RE

About Sheriff Gary Del Re

Sheriff Del Re began his law enforcement career in 1973 as a police officer in Buffalo Grove. Promoted four times, he rose to the rank of Commander. While attending college at night, the Sheriff earned a Bachelor¡¦s Degree in Business Administration from Columbia College. The Sheriff is a graduate of Northwestern University¡¦s Traffic Institute for Police, as well as a graduate of the 17th Session of the Senior Management Institute for Police, held in conjunction with Harvard University¡¦s School of Government.

He either serves on the Board of Directors or is a member of 13 civic law enforcement associations. Sheriff Gary Del Re is working to build the strongest child safety agenda in Illinois¡¦ history. He was first in Lake County to develop a Child Exploitation Unit. Working with members of his Command Staff, the Sheriff became the first in the entire State of Illinois to introduce, ¡§A Child is Missing,¡¨ an alert program which uses computer-mapping technology via satellite imagery, and a national database to call up to 1,000 people within 60 seconds after a child has been reported missing.

Sheriff Gary Del Re hired the first County-wide Director of Homeland Security. With a strong emphasis of keeping our roadways safe, the Sheriff has committed to eradicating drunk drivers from our roadways. The Sheriff¡¦s Office ranked 1st in all 102 Illinois counties in drunk driving enforcement.

What have all these ¡§firsts¡¨ meant for the citizens of Lake County? A reduction in serious crime for 6 consecutive years. Sheriff Gary Del Re remains committed to stopping the epidemic of drugs and violence that potentially can harm the lives of our children. Sheriff Gary Del Re pledges to work tirelessly with all Lake County communities to continue to identify solutions to crime.

#1: What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?

As Sheriff, I will continue my commitment to stop the epidemic of drugs and violence that continues to poison the minds and lives of our children, and I will continue to work tirelessly with local communities to find solutions to crime.

I will continue my strong commitment to protect seniors from financial exploitation and physical abuse. Likewise, I plan to build the strongest children¡¦s safety agenda in Illinois history. This effort will include expanding programs to keep children safe in their homes, at school, and in their communities.

I will work hard to rally our entire County to overcome a very complex challenge¡Xkeeping our homeland secure. Homeland Security is a shared responsibility. Our enemy is smart and resolute. We, however, are smarter and more resolute. I believe we will prevail against all who believe they can stand in the way of America¡¦s commitment to freedom, liberty, and our way of life.

#2. For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years?

  • Built a new Libertyville substation so the men and women of the Sheriff¡¦s Office could function in a professional atmosphere.
  • Entered into a public-private partnership, which enabled us to take possession of a new police facility known as County III in Lake Villa.
  • Updated our Communications Division in Libertyville and secured an $8 million dollar state-of-the-art 800 trunking 911 communications system.
  • When completed in October of this year, our new Jail facility will accommodate an additional 104 secure detention beds and 288 County-sentenced residents to our alternative confinement program.
  • In May of 2003, we significantly upgraded our Marine Base located in Fox Lake, allocating $96,000 in much-needed improvements.
  • Upgraded and improved our outdoor Firearms Facility located on Russell Road, with nearly $200,000 in upgrades. Dozens of law enforcement agencies now use the facility at minimal cost.
  • Our proposal of the Great Lakes Disaster Training Center to be located on our 80-acre Range facility is very close to final approval. Here is a snapshot view of what the Facility will be: A training facility that will provide opportunities for first responders to practice skills not available in Lake County or our surrounding area.
  • An investment by a private foundation to build and operate a state-of-the-art technical training campus for Lake County¡¦s first responders.
  • An opportunity to provide Lake County what federal, state and local governments cannot due to restrictive budgets and limited funding.
  • Location ¡V All of the Lake County agencies will save money, as travel, overtime and housing costs will be minimized.

MARK C, CURRAN 709 North Ave. Waukegan, Illinois 60085 Telephone 847-782-0200 Facsimile 847-782-0600

October 9, 2006

Brief Biography

I have worked as a prosecutor at the county, state and federal levels with more than 15 years of experience. I went to work for the Lake County States Attorneys Office in 1990 as an Assistant States Attorney and left in 1998 after serving as a Senior Felony Prosecutor responsible for handling many high profile cases. I was hired by Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan, in 1998 to help with the newly created Sexually Violent Person's Bureau. In 1999 he was promoted to Chief of the Gang Crimes Bureau. In this position Curran prosecuted the street gangs from one end of the state to another; held seminars on fighting gangs throughout the state; and served as editor of a statewide newsletter for law enforcement. I also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and represented the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Illinois State Police.

What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?

Increasing the morale of the office will help to professionalize the office. Low morale results in employee apathy, and employee apathy can be detrimental to the safety of the public. Previously I worked for Michael J. Waller, Lake County State's Attorney, and James E. Ryan, former Illinois Attorney General, and both of these men created work environments where the employees enjoyed their jobs. My ethics proposal will help to professionalize the office by holding all of the employees to a higher standard than that which currently exists. My budgetary proposal is designed to restore the confidence of the taxpayer that there money is handled with care. The attitude must always be one of great respect for the tax payer's money. (See budgetary proposal previously released).

(3) The Sheriff's Office needs to be more proactive in crime prevention. A young person convicted of an offense carries that stigma for the rest of their lives. We need to be more proactive in making sure that less and less people wind up in the criminal justice system especially as our legislatures continue to increase the penalties for many offenses.

How have you prepared to run for this office?

I have prepared to run for this office through my diverse career in law enforcement at the county, state and federal levels. I have also been an educator at the college level for more than a decade and have taught more than one hundred hours of college level classes. I have been listening to the concerns of the citizens as well as the people of the Sheriff's union that have unanimously endorsed me and have formulated detailed plans to professionalize the office that can be found on my web site at curranforsheriff.com

What is the County's recidivism rate and what can be done to lower it?

Community policing through programs like the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and SPECDA (School Program to Educate and Control Drug Abuse) will help to lower the recidivism rate. A program similar to the COPS program in Chicago where police work in conjunction with the community to address specific needs will also help community relations. The police will begin to be viewed as part of the community and not as authoritarian figures that merely arrest people. More needs to be done regarding the inmate program to ensure that they are aware of the 12 step programs and the faith based initiatives. The recidivism rate in Lake County parallels the rate of the state which is in excess of fifty percent.

Drug use is rampant across the County. What is the role of law enforcement in Lake County in reducing its use?

Law enforcement needs to be proactive as far as fighting drug use in Lake County. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is responsible for the forty nine schools and only has one school resource officer. The Lake County Sheriffs Office does not offer a Dare Program or equivalent program. We need to get into the schools and help prevent young people from a life time of pain in drug addiction. We need more officers to handle the schools since one officer can never be enough coverage.

TREASURER

All candidates for the office of Sheriff were asked to participate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received, in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

1. What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2. For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office? For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years?

ROBERT SKIDMORE

Born and raised in Lake County, Graduated from Highland Park High School and earned a degree from Southern Illinois University. Married for 33 years and have three grown daughters. Obtained 22 years of experience working in the Lake County Treasurer's office. During the first 15 years as a deputy treasurer, I was given the opportunity to learn all the different facets of the office from cashiering, banking, investing, distribution of tax dollars and balancing of the books. The past 8 years as the Lake County Treasurer has provided me experiences in the areas of upgrading of technology and automation in banking and implementation of computer software programs.

Three key issues:

1) Stay committed to reviewing and implementing new technology. (In the area of banking, collection and security). I would love to say lower taxes and school funding, but by Illinois State Statutes the treasurer's responsibility is to send out he bills on time, collect those dollars and distribute those dollars to all the taxing districts in a timely manor, we have nothing to do with the assessment process. 2) Stay committed to reviewing new automation procedures. Keep in mind new ways tax payers could pay their taxes like on-lines, direct withdrawal. 3) Security of taxpayer and banking information. Technology has been great, but we need to make sure that all this information remains secured.

Since taking office: 1) Expanded payment options to include credit card payments, online payments, direct withdrawal, e-checks, drop boxes and additional bank locations. 2) With the help of others upgraded the county web site 3) Implemented an E-Mail reminder notification system to those that register. 4) Initiated a Bilingual phone system for questions. All these have added convenience for the taxpayers, banks, and mortgage companies and as a result less penalties. This has all been done while completing a countywide computer implementation software upgrade. This wouldn't have been done without he help of all 17 employees of the treasurer's office

GLENN RYBACK

I was born in Highland Park and have been a resident of Lake County since 1974. As a licensed Realtor since 1986, I have handled people's largest investment - their home. During those years many residential and business property sales were handled in Lake and Cook County along with waterfront and vacation properties in Wisconsin. My business office has been in the same location in Gurnee since 1989.

I have been a member of the Wadsworth Village Board since 1993 and am presently Senior Trustee chairing the Ordinance Committee. During the past 13 years duties have included serving on the village finance committee and as the road and bridge committee chair, responsible for the village road paving and resurfacing budget.

Outside the village, I have served on the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) board of directors since 1993. An additional executive committee appointment was made in 2000 and in 2005 I was appointed to a special SWALCO finance committee, formed to reduce operating expenses and increase potential revenue sources. During 2000-2003, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.

Board of Directors roster included my name.

3 key issues to be addressed in the next term

Elimination of nepotism in office. The current treasurer has been in office nearly 8 years. During that time he has appointed his cousin Todd Schnieder as deputy treasurer. During the 1970's the current treasurer's father Bob Senior held this office. During the 1960's, his uncle Ray Sheehan held this office. During the 1950's, uncle Hugo Schnieder held this office. Had their been no challenger in this election, the current deputy might be the likely successor appointed if the present treasurer retired during his term. Notice the similarity of names? They are handling $1.7 billion of county funds each year. The new administration will position an experienced financial specialist as the deputy treasurer, not a relative.

Upgrade of Website. A significant portion of the population does business and searches for information by means of the Internet. The current website has much room for improvement. Without going into great detail here, residents can simply search the Cook County Treasurer's Website for information. Some information is on the Lake County system, but only a fraction is available by comparison. It has not kept pace with the growing population in Lake County.

Taxpayer notification of unpaid property tax status. During the past 8 years, several property owners have lost ownership due to lack of notification. A Parcel at the corner of Route 43 and Route 60 was given to a purchaser from the tax scavenger sale after the senior citizen who had occupied the residence for many years was forced out. The family was overseeing the property for their mother and was unaware of the proceeding due to lack of notification.

A parcel in Lincolnshire (the Clavey property) suffered a similar fate. The Cuneo's learned that a $300,000 tax bill they never received notice of caused their loss of a parcel, which later was sold for about six million dollars by the purchaser from the tax sale.

How have you prepared to run for this office?

The treasurer is the banker for the county. Funds collected from real estate tax bills must be collected and disbursed promptly. While the current administration has advanced to a "lock-box" system, which collects and negotiates remittance more rapidly than in the past, funds are not disbursed to the taxing bodies as rapidly. Between 60 to 80% of a tax bill is remitted to school districts for operating overhead and teacher salaries. Presently, tax anticipation bonds or warrants are issued to pay today's bills while waiting for reimbursement from the treasurer. The costs to issue and administer the bonds are borne by the school districts. By instituting my new procedures, these costs can be mitigated or totally eliminated.

There are a number of improvements to be made not only in the collection of inheritance taxes, mobile home taxes and real property taxes but also in dissemination of information to residents. These include the homestead exemption, senior citizen tax freeze and exemptions for handicapped accessible adaptations for returning disabled veterans which are available but not often shared with the general public. The office is in need of updating, which will be a priority.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES

All candidates for STATE REPRESENTATIVES were asked to participate in this on-line voters' guide. Responses are presented exactly as received, in the order received; a brief biography was also requested.

1.What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?
2.For challengers: How have your prepared to run for this office?
For incumbents: What have been your contributions to your office in the last four years?
3. Do you support spending limits for political campaigns and providing a set amount of public funding for all candidates to agree to take no private contributions. Explain.
4.What are your proposals for funding education in Illinois?
5.How do you propose funding basic health care services in Illinois?
6.What can be down to keep doctors in Illinois?
7. What is your opinion of gambling as a funding source for state services

DISTRICT 58:

WILLIAM GRIFFIN - REPUBLICAN

The three issues I believe need to be addressed are the following:

Budget

Education

Health Care

How have you prepare to run for this office? My experience as a business person, teacher at the college level and now at the high school level along with extensive community service including Chairman of the Board at a local community college have prepared me with broad experience to help solve the complex issues of the State of Illinois.

Do you support spending limits for political campaigns and providing a set amount of public funding for all candidates who agree to take private contributions. Explain. I have not made up my mind on this issue. I need to study both sides of the issue.

What are your proposals for funding education in Illinois ? Before I address the funding issue, I believe we need to reform our education system at the high school level. The reforms that have been put in place do not go far enough nor are they happening as fast as they should. We should require high school students to take four years of science, four years of math, four years of English, and at least three years of history. Currently high school students can complete school with only having to take one year of science. In an ever-increasing technological world, my proposal would allow students to be more prepared for college and the work force. I also oppose the recent reduction of test grading scores in math and science for eighth graders imposed by the Democrat controlled State Board of Education. Lower passing test scores are a poor substitute for a good education. I also support the concept of Dual Enrollment encouraging high school seniors to begin taking college courses in the second half of their senior year at a local community college.

The first bill that I introduce in Springfield will be called "Leave No Teachers Behind" it will address the pension problem for teachers and call for 50 % of all new natural revenue each year to be set aside for education. The bill will call for amortizing the pension systems over a 40-year period with annual payments required each year. It will also call for a 1% reduction in spending across departments in the State of Illinois with the expected savings to be approximately 240 million dollars with the money going towards education and to reduce the state's deficit.

How do you propose funding basic health care services in Illinois ? I support efforts to have public policy debates on health care. We must reduce health care costs and provide greater access to health care providers. I support a market driven approach and will work with large and small businesses to fight for affordable health care for their employees. My proposal will call for the aggregation of trade associations to be able to offer health care plans to their members at discounted cost and with a cafeteria-style approach. If trade associations can be allowed to pool their resources together and purchase health care plans for millions of workers we are on our way to have many more people insured.

What can be done to keep doctors in Illinois ? Work to create a more friendly business environment in Illinois and start paying our Medicaid payments on time.

What is your opinion of gambling as a funding source for state services? Overall gambling is not the answer to Illinois ' financial problems. Therefore, I am not in favor of the expansion of gambling as a key source of income for the State of Illinois . We should be reducing our spending and helping create more jobs in Illinois as a source of reliable income. It is my opinion that people who have the least may be suffering the most from casinos. It is quite possible that gaming encourages a belief and dependence on luck for achieving financial success, rather than rational thinking and hard work.

DISRICT 51: AMANDA HOWLAND - DEMOCRAT

I am a former educator turned family practice attorney and a nationally ranked high school gymnastics judge. One of my primary motivations to run for state representative was to bring both my knowledge and experience in education and my mediation skills to the school funding debate in Springfield. My specific plans include bringing both sides of the partisan aisle together to make school funding more efficient while boosting the amount of money that actually reaches the classroom.

I will be a full-time, engaged and committed representative who will also focus on other key issues such as being a strong supporter of stem cell research, affordable health care, and no tolerance drunk-driving legislation.

1. What do you consider the three key issues to be addressed in the next term?

a) Getting control of the state budget is crucial to the health of our state economy. We must institute strict controls on spending, including pay-as-you-go appropriation. We also must take a hard look at our priorities.

b) Improving our state-wide educational system and working for long-term solution to the funding problem is essential. Illinois is 49th in the nation in the amount of money that goes into schools. I would insist that funding go to the schools first in any budget and that unnecessary government spending be eliminated.

c) To enhance job creation in Illinois, we must focus on encouraging small businesses growth and development, since small businesses are the biggest creators of jobs. Small businesses should receive the same kind of considerations given to large businesses that locate or expand in the state. I would also push to make health-care more affordable for businesses.

2. For challengers: How have you prepared to run for this office?

I have worked on several political campaigns, including for congressional campaigns, as spokesperson for a presidential campaign, and as an Election Protection Attorney in Ohio helping voters retain their rights to vote and a fair election process. In addition, I have educated myself about the issues facing our district, spent the past nine months going door-to-door listening to the concerns of voters, and researched possible solutions. I am ready to go down to Springfield with fresh ideas and am prepared to do what it takes to get those ideas enacted.

3. Do you support spending limits for political campaigns and providing a set amount of public funding for all candidates who agree to take no private contributions. Explain.

I strongly support the idea of publicly-financed campaigns, however, we need to be extremely careful when structuring such a plan. Those who seek to influence elections will do their best to circumvent any campaign-finance reform. We do not want to penalize those who would strictly follow such a law without reining in those who would not. In particular, I think the standard needs to apply to all candidates or none, not just those who refuse private contributions.

4. What are your proposals for funding education in Illinois?

As a former educator, I know that "more money" is not a complete answer to the problem of improving student performance. The real answer lies in making sure that the money earmarked for education is used effectively in the schools, so more of the benefit reaches the classroom. For one thing, I would push for legislation that would reward consolidation of smaller school districts. Fewer highly-paid school superintendents means significant savings can be devoted to the classroom. I would also move to opt Illinois out of the federal No Child Left Behind mandate. It is so expensive to comply that opting out will be a net positive to the state even if some federal funds are lost. Finally, I want to abolish the education funding shell game. Giving education the priority it deserves will attract business to Illinois and is our duty to our children.

5. How do you propose funding basic health care services in Illinois?

I would support passage of the "Healthy Illinois" initiative that would offer affordable health insurance to uninsured individuals, the self-employed and small businesses by creating several large group plans, similar in cost and features to large-company insurance plans.

Unlike my opponent, I believe Illinois should make funding for the All Kids insurance program a top priority. The state would actually save money in health care costs once the program is properly funded since it will eliminate uncovered expenditures on the part of hospitals that then become the responsibility of taxpayers.

6. What can be done to keep doctors in Illinois?

Doctors who leave the state often cite the high and rising cost of medical malpractice insurance. This is not a result of legal claims, which are decreasing. Rather, it is the insurance industry's response to dismal investment results of the past few years. I do not support simplistic caps on damages in medical malpractice cases since the experience of states like Ohio, California and Wisconsin demonstrate insurance companies do not reduce rates once caps are in place. Caps make it less likely that those hurt by medical mistakes will have their day in court.

I propose a four-part insurance reform plan: 1) License forfeiture for physicians with repeated proven negligence or incompetence. 2) Insurance reform that offers premium discounts for physicians with clean records. 3) Hospital rules that require professional staff to report, without personal consequences, unsafe conditions they observe. 4) State subsidies for physicians in underserved or high-risk professions.

7. What is your opinion a gambling as a funding source for state services?

Gambling is just another band aid. The state needs to focus on changing its priorities and putting state solvency at the top. We need to be looking for ways to cut out unnecessary expenditures and become fiscally responsible. However, if we are going to rely on gambling, it should to supply supplement funds for things like education, heath care and road construction. It should not be a main funding source.