JoAnn Osmond: 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: AntiochWebsite: http://Www.joannosmond.comOffice sought: 61st District RepresentativeAge: 66Family: I am a widow (my late husband was Timothy H. Osmond)we have two children and three grandchildrenOccupation: Retired Insurance Producer/agency ownerEducation: Holy Child High School- WaukeganCivic involvement: Antioch Rotary Club; Lindenhurst, Antioch, Zion Gurnee Chamber of Commerce member;Elected offices held: State Representative 61st DIstrict since 2002; Precinct Committeeperson for 10 yearsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Jobs...bringing Illinois back to a state that welcomes business not sending it away.Key Issue 2 Exposing Fraud in government. I have supported and will continue to support photos on Link cards and then Verifying residency and eligibility for any state supported program every three years.Key Issue 3 Promoting TourismQuestions Answers How would you fix the state's pension gap? Should pension costs be shifted to suburban school districts? Why or why not? Should this issue be voted on in a lame-duck session? Why or why not? How can partisan gridlock be eased to solve the crisis?If Governor Quinn and his administration were serious about solving the problem we should have discussions and meetings every day until there can be a solution. Working together can solve this issue. COLA's have to addressed and soon. I support the members of the General Assembly not having a pension as it is, a 401(K) would be the answer. If the Democrats believe in the cost shift they have enough votes they should pass it. Last year the Democrats passed the largest tax increase in Illinois History on families and employers. Strange things happen in lame-duck session, I would hope that we could come together and revolve this prior to that but it has never happened in the past and with the Speaker in the chair it will not happen this year. The "gridlock" is in the hands of one man, Speaker Michael Madigan.How, specifically, would you cut the budget? What does Illinois need to do to fix its status as a "deadbeat state?" How will you vote on future gambling bills? What is your view of slots at racetracks? Casino expansion?Cutting the budget would be focusing on the fraud, making sure our overdue bills are part of the budget and paid and absolutely no new programs. Look for duplicate programs and consolidations in all departments. I have not supported gaming...I would support slots at the racetracks and no casino expansions.What can you do specifically to help the economy in your district? How can you help create jobs in your district and statewide? What is your view of the tax breaks granted to companies like Motorola Mobility, Navistar and Sears?The tax breaks were given to keep business in Illinois. My district is a boarder district with Wisconsin. It is hard to keep business when Wisconsin gives a welcoming to any business in Illinois with tax breaks, new roads, advertising their business throughout their state. Illinois says, "stay with us and pay more taxes". Property taxes are higher, gasoline is higher on and on. Tourism is an industry that has been abondoned by the adminsitrations of the past ten years. Tourism dollars brings people who spend money which creates jobs.Do you favor limiting how much money party leaders can give candidates during an election? If elected, do you plan to vote for the current leader of your caucus? Why or why not? Do you support or oppose campaign contribution limits? Please explain.If re-elected I would support Tom Cross. He has proven to care about bring this state back and has stood up on more than one occasion to Speaker Madigan.Should gay marriage be legalized in Illinois? Should it be voted on in a lame-duck session as civil unions were? Should Illinois define life as beginning at conception? How would you vote on a concealed carry plan? Should the death penalty return?I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman and do not support any change. No I am pro-life. I support conceal carry. I do not believe that the death penalty should be returned.