Barbara Wheeler: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Crystal LakeWebsite: http://www.BarbaraWheeler64.comOffice sought: 64th District RepresentativeAge: 44Family: Married, five childrenOccupation: Director of Client ServicesEducation: Loyola University, BS in Education National Louis University, MA Language and LiteracyCivic involvement: Volunteer at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Crystal Lake Volunteer at North Elementary School, Crystal Lake Member of the McHenry County Farm BureauElected offices held: McHenry County Board, 2002 - present Republican Precinct Committeeman, Nunda Township, 2000-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Jobs.Key Issue 2 Taxes.Key Issue 3 Pension reform.Questions Answers What can you do specifically to help the economy in your district? What is your view of the tax breaks granted to companies like Motorola Mobility, Navistar and Sears? For incumbents, how did you vote on the Sears plan in this fall's veto session?The economy of Illinois is built upon the strength and entrepreneurship of small businesses. Providing benefits and advantages to the elite few does not address the problem for Illinois businesses.It would help the economy in District 64 and the whole state if Illinois would repeal the tax hikes and provide incentives for businesses, big and small.The state needs to revisit the overburdening regulations placed on businesses.If it does not make scientific sense, common sense or business sense, the regulation should be examined as to its motivation and/or its cause.Do you favor limiting how much money party leaders can give candidates during a general election? If elected, do you plan to vote for the current leader of your caucus' Why or why not?While I would not support legislation restricting funds party leaders may provide to candidates,I would support fund raising reform as the current system.How, specifically, would you cut the budget? What does Illinois need to do to fix its status as a "deadbeat state?" How have you or will you vote on future gambling bills' What is your view of slots at racetracks' Casino expansion?I would freeze any new spending until a sustainable budget is in place.The largest bill the state has is its pension bill.Despite all of the state's meager efforts, including raising taxes, it has not made a dent.The first line of business Illinois needs to tackle is real pension reform.Unfortunately, the state has provided two options to manage the budget; raising taxes and gambling expansion.Both options are counterproductive for real economic recovery.What do you specifically support to deal with the state's pension gap? Would you vote for House Republican Leader Tom Cross's three-tier pension plan? Why or why not?I would vote for the Republican three-tier pension plan. It has been the only viable solution to the state's biggest budget deficit.Should gay marriage be legalized? Should Illinois define life as beginning at conception as others have? How would you vote on a concealed carry firearm plan? Should the death penalty be reinstated?I believe marriage is a sacrament between a man and a woman.I believe that life begins at conception.I believe in the right to carry a concealed firearm.