Sandra Pihos: 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: Glen EllynWebsite: http://www.sandrapihos.comOffice sought: 48th District RepresentativeAge: 66Family: Married, four children, three grandchildrenOccupation: Former Teacher and Guidance CounselorEducation: Bachelor of Arts in History Mount Union College (Alliance, Ohio) 1967, Master of Science in Secondary Education Northern Illinois University 1971Civic involvement: Ex-officio Board Member Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, Board Member Connection of Friends, Co-founder Illinois Alzheimer Legislators Alliance, Honorary Board Member Giant Steps, Illinois State Director of Women in Government, former Co-Chair and current member of the Conference of Women Legislators, Board Member Partnership for Educational Progress Foundation, Advisory Board Family Shelter Service, Board Member DuPage Regional Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society, Advisory Board Member of National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)Elected offices held: Past president of Glenbard High School District #87 School Board (1993 - 2003), State Representative (2003 - present)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The fiscal crisis in the state of Illinois and budget issuesKey Issue 2 Job creation and business friendly climateKey Issue 3 Resolving the pension crisisQuestions 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?Every question asked has relevance, however, without sincere collaboration from all General Assembly members and the political will to actually address and solve critical issues, nothing will be accomplished, no matter what good solutions are brought forward. In the meantime, I perform my "due diligence" to be highly informed and involved in discussions, where possible, on all the subject areas listed, that might be "allowed" to advance. I feel a strong obligation to spend my time working directly with my constituents who are at risk because of the General Assembly's lack of resolve instead of answering questionnaires. I am delighted to have a conversation with any constituent who has a questions or wants to educate me with their viewpoint. I invite my constituents to call me at 630-858-8855 so I can give their concerns my personal attention.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?See aboveWhat 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?See aboveDo 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.Yes, I favor a limitation for dollars given to candidates by party leaders and I support campaign contribution limits. I would vote for the leader of my caucus if given that opportunity.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 will read any bill and analyze it as introduced and amended but these social issues are not where I think our focus should be given the nature of the financial crisis we currently face. We need to give our full attention to our budget and finances first.