Veteran Link versus newcomer Wilson for Lake County state senate seat

Despite a sizable advantage in campaign funding over an upstart opponent, a longtime state senator from Lake County says the political climate dictates he work as hard as ever before the November election.

Terry Link of Waukegan, a Democratic state senator since 1997, is facing Republican Don Wilson, a Gurnee village board trustee, in the Nov. 4 election. It's Wilson's first try at a statewide office.

Wilson and Link are running in Senate District 30, which includes parts or all of Buffalo Grove, Gurnee, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Vernon Hills, Waukegan and Wheeling.

Link's money advantage is documented in the most recently available reports filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections. Campaign finance reports show Link had $131,810 available to him in mid-July compared to Wilson's $1,705.

However, Link said during a Daily Herald editorial board endorsement interview Friday that a possible voter sentiment against incumbents in both major parties could be a stumbling block in what's expected to be a low-turnout election Nov. 4. He said he needs to work to spread his message to voters.

"The whole lay of the land is different," Link said.

Wilson departed before the interview started because he wanted to record the private session. Link opposed the recording. The newspaper's ground rules require that all candidates participating in an interview must agree to it.

"I have every right to record any interview that I do, so I've got my copy of it as well to avoid any editing," Wilson said.

On the issues, Wilson and Link have addressed whether a temporary income tax increase should be extended or made permanent, and the idea of shifting the cost of educators' pensions to suburban schools.

Wilson wrote in a Daily Herald candidate questionnaire that he opposes a continuation of the income tax hike because it was sold as temporary when approved in 2011.

"Then the same people who voted for it increased spending," Wilson said. "I would vote for a three-year gradual reduction if spending cuts were included. This would help our bond rating and help us save money."

Link said he wants to explore all avenues before deciding the income tax issue. He said an expansion of casino gambling and identifying and ending wasteful practices in state government could fill a budget hole that would occur if the 5 percent tax rate reverted to 3.75 percent at year's end, as scheduled.

"The current income tax hike is particularly hard on middle- and lower-income people, and I am dedicated to finding a practical solution," said Link, who voted for the hike in 2011. "I do not support extending the income tax at the current rate, but would consider a graduated tax that did not place the tax burden on working families."

Wilson, a small-business owner, said while the state must give the next generation a chance to succeed through good education, it can't be done by shifting pension costs to suburban school districts. Link said rather than place pension costs on local schools and force property tax increases, savings can be achieved through limiting pay spikes for employees approaching retirement.

Both candidates were asked in questionnaires how they'd work to make the General Assembly function more effectively and productively.

Wilson said he would push for term limits "so that the focus of being in Springfield is on the people's work and not retaining power."

Link said he'd continue to collaborate with both parties to pass meaningful legislation.

He said he's had success forging bipartisan bills, including anti-smoking and gambling measures.