Friedman, Morrison differ on how to boost economy

Republican Arie Friedman of Highland Park and Democrat Julie Morrison of Deerfield have different ideas on how to boost Illinois’ economy if elected to the state senate.

Friedman and Morrison are on Tuesday’s ballot to represent the 29th Senate District, which includes parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Mount Prospect, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Deerfield, North Chicago and Glencoe.

Democratic state Sen. Susan Garrett of Lake Forest, who represented the district for a decade, didn’t seek re-election this year, thus opening the door for Friedman and Morrison to go for the seat without facing an incumbent.

Friedman and Morrison addressed several issues during a Daily Herald editorial board interview and on candidate questionnaires. One issue they touched on was what they would try to do about helping the Illinois economy if elected.

Morrison, elected as West Deerfield Township’s supervisor in 1997, said she’d encourage starting “a larger conversation” about tax incentives for businesses. She said some type of tax credits should be given to any businesses, not just Fortune 500 companies, that create jobs.

“In addition, I want to look at giving tax credits to companies (that) move part-time positions to full-time, hire veterans and create carbon-neutral jobs in our state,” Morrison said.

Friedman, a pediatrician who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2010, said he’d first try to pump up the economy by pushing to repeal the state’s higher corporate and individual income tax rates that went into effect last year.

“Once we demonstrate that we understand the job-killing nature of high taxes, job creators will begin to appreciate that Illinois considers them assets rather than deep pockets,” he said. “Additional measures that would help create jobs include meaningful reform of our legal, workers’ compensation and regulatory systems.”

Meanwhile, both candidates have received a flow of cash donations of $1,000 or more since Oct. 22. State law requires candidates to report donations or in-kind services at $1,000 and beyond.

Friedman has collected $46,500 in cash since Oct. 22, according to state campaign disclosure documents. Free Market State PAC was his top contributor in that time with $20,000.

Morrison has received $56,500 in cash donations since Oct. 22, documents show. The Senate Democratic Victory Fund was her most generous donor at $40,000.