House Dist. 48 candidates differ on job creation

As effects from the recession continue to batter Illinois residents, both candidates for state House District 48 say job creation is their top priority.

But while incumbent Republic Michael Connelly of Lisle, an attorney, favors tax incentives to attract private corporations and better promotion of local infrastructure, Democratic challenger Barbara Green of Lisle, a retired journalist and college professor, said leaders need to get behind small businesses and green technology.

“I know a lot of people have been out of work for a long time and they're not finding anything, which is a horrible position to be in when you have a family to support Green said. “I believe the state should make a stronger investment in small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

She supports more small business grants and loans for hiring new employees.

Connelly points to his record of backing business incentives for Ford, Mitsubishi and Navistar in aiming to bring jobs to Illinois. He also said tax incentives and showcasing resources such as Illinois railways and laboratories will help convince employers to settle in our state.

“When you put in place a true, transparent budget process and a taxation that is fair, you become a destination economy, which we should be, Connelly said. “We have several prestigious universities, two major research labs and ... rail, water and air infrastructure that other states only dream about. We have so much brain power here and the fact Illinois is 48th in the country in creating new jobs shows there's something just flat wrong here.

He also said Illinois is losing business to Wisconsin and Indiana because the cost of workman's compensation insurance is higher here.

Green would like to see jobs created on a more local level, by sponsoring measures that would create provisions for municipal road upgrades and expansions, as well as green technology expansion in the district.

“The (DuPage County) Forest Preserve District has land that could be used for wind farms, which would not only help the environment and generate power for local businesses at a reduced cost, but would also create jobs in various fields like engineering, she said.