Fred Crespo: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: Hoffman EstatesWebsite: FredCrespo.comOffice sought: 44th District Representative Age: 56Family: Wife: Dorothy Crespo RN Daughter: Jennifer Crespo Daughter: Stephanie CrespoOccupation: Full Time LegislatorEducation: B.S. Loyola University Chicago Kent College of Law (1yr)Civic involvement: >Children's Advocacy Center-Board Member. >Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health-Board Member. >WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger)-Leadership Board. >Former Chairman of the Hoffman Estates Cultural Awareness Commission. >Former member of the Hoffman Estates Plan Commission. >Former member of the Hoffman Estates Utility Commission. >Former volunteer Head Coach for Track Field and Cross Country at St. Hubert. >Streamwood Park District-Foundation Board member.Elected offices held: State Representative Hoffman Estates Trustee (2005-2006)Questions Answers How will you work to make the General Assembly function more productively and effectively? Wlll you vote to retain your party's current legislative leader? In what specific ways do you support changing how government in Springfield works?I will continue to promote an environment of bipartisanship, as this is the only way we can effectively get things done. I have been a strong proponent of measuring performance for budget purposes. As Chairman of an Appropriations Committee in the House, I've made it a practice to use audit reports to determine how to fund state agencies. I have also introduced legislation that changes how we do business in the state, such as performance-based funding for higher education, and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. I intend to continue implementing wise budgeting principles in state government.If the Supreme Court, strikes down the SB 1 pension reform, what is your Plan B and why do you think it would be both legal and effective?In the event the court strikes down SB 1, we hope that we'll have a legal framework upon which to draft a bill that is fair to taxpayers, workers and retirees and a bill that preserves retirements for those who have paid into them while helping to address the unfunded pension debt. This situation was created over several decades. By contrast, over the last five years, the state has fully funded the state's pension systems at their mandated levels. We have to work under the premise that any solution to the pension issue will take years to correct the problem.As it stands now, the 2011 income tax increase will expire as planned on Jan. 1. Do you think that expiration should be reconsidered? Would you support making the increase permanent or extending it for some period of time? Please be specific about what level of tax increase, if any, you would support.I did not support the state income tax increase, and I haven't supported a tax increase as a state legislator, nor did I as a village trustee. I was a member of a workgroup composed of the House State Government Administration and Revenue committees that conducted an in-depth and comprehensive review of all taxes and tax rates in the state. This could serve as a blueprint moving forward. However, any discussion of tax reform should happen after we first address current spending and identify and prioritize future spending.Do you support cuts in state spending? If so, what specifically do you suggest cutting and how will those cuts be sufficient to restore the state's financial health and economic climate?The state has taken steps to cut billions of dollars in spending over the last three years, but more work is needed to make targeted cuts while protecting vital services like education, health care and programs for seniors and veterans. In the House Appropriations committee that I chair, we have cut state agencies' budgets by as much as 15% for poor performance. We also cut the Lieutenant Governor's office's budget 25% because of redundancy of services. These initiatives need to be coupled with the creation of a better business environment that will enable our businesses to grow.What changes, if any, do you believe the state should make in the area of education? Would you support the the so-called pension cost-shift to local schools?I am part of a House workgroup put together to review how schools are funded across the state. The current funding formula favors the Chicago school district at the expense of suburban and downstate school districts. We are looking at ways to ensure that funding is fair and equitable. We also need to review unfunded mandates that create financial pressures for local school districts. We also need to find ways to ensure that parents are more involved in their children's education. I am opposed to shifting the cost of pensions to the local elementary and high school districts.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Fixing the state's finances is one of the top issues, as it affects everything else in state government. We also need to create a businesses-friendly environment that will enable businesses to grow and create good paying jobs. We also have a moral obligation to provide for our most vulnerable citizens. We need to continue finding ways to offer relief for seniors on fixed incomes, so they don't have to choose between paying for medication, paying for utilities or food. We also need, as a state, to do a better job of funding mental health services.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I'm mostly inspired by everyday people who do extraordinary things or overcome insurmountable odds. They inspire me and motivate me to do my job.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?There have been, and continue to be, many big and small lessons that have helped me learn and adapt to an ever-changing world.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would take a pass on a do-over. I believe that every experience we encounter allows us to learn and become better human beings.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I attended De La Salle, and was greatly influenced by the Christian Brothers' committment to serve others.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I have two great daughters, and have always encouraged them to be humble but assertive, and as women to be strong and independent.