59th House candidates explain plans for business, jobs

Republican Dan Sugrue, 46, an attorney from Green Oaks, is challenging incumbent Democrat Carol Sente, 49, a business owner from Vernon Hills, who was appointed state legislator in the 59th District about a year ago to replace Kathy Ryg, who resigned.

What follows is excerpts from the candidates’ answers to a Daily Herald questionnaire.

Q. What is your No. 1 campaign issue?

Sente: Create more jobs, get people back to work and make Illinois a more business-friendly state.

As a small-business owner, I understand how to help create more jobs in Illinois. I sponsored legislation to create tax incentives for small businesses, create greater access to small business loans and make it easier for retailers to open new locations in Illinois.

Companies that take state tax breaks should be held accountable and be required to pay the tax breaks back if they leave the state.

I believe, also, that we have the opportunity to lead the nation in improving environmental standards and fostering the development of green jobs and sustainable technologies that will help the environment, improve people’s health and be a source of economic growth.

We need to encourage new green businesses to relocate or start in Illinois. I am eager to initiate more environmental legislation. This is why I am a member of the Green Caucus and on the Renewable Energy Committee.

As an owner of an environmentally responsible architectural firm that designs green and LEED building facilities, I want to bring this background to state government to explore ways for Illinois to lead the nation in environmental stewardship.

Sugrue: Protecting jobs in Illinois. Politicians cannot create jobs, but they can support pro-growth tax policies and limit burdensome regulations that are stifling business growth today.

When Illinois residents have jobs, they generate revenue for the state and state costs related to unemployment are reduced.

I applaud Governor Quinn for appointing the Illinois Economic Recovery Commission, a volunteer group. I would appreciate the opportunity to implement some (but not all) of the commission’s recommendations including:

Ÿ Expand the pool of venture capital in Illinois by establishing a new venture capital fund that will invest in targeted growth industries.

Ÿ Invest a small percentage of Illinois state pension funds in venture capital investments in Illinois.

Ÿ Develop a public relations program that will promote Illinois to foreign investors.

Ÿ Use the Office of Trade and Investment to promote Illinois exports.

Ÿ Promote public-private investments in infrastructure projects.

Ÿ Eliminate wasteful spending by conducting a line by line audit and ending redundant state programs, reforming state employee pensions and reforming Medicaid spending.