Tonia Khouri: Candidate Profile

Back to 11th Congressional District

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: AuroraWebsite: toniakhouri.comTwitter: @tonia_khouriFacebook: Tonia Khouri for CongressOffice sought: 11th Congressional District Age: Family: Husband Joe, Daughter Stephanie, Sons Tony and PaulOccupation: DuPage County Board Member, Owner of Green TEducation: Harvard Kennedy School of Government 2013B.S. Public Relations, Southern Illinois University -Carbondale, 1991Civic involvement: Governor-Elect Transition Committee: Intergovernmental EfficienciesBoard of Directors, Choose DuPageBoard of Directors, DuPage Convention and Visitors BureauBoard of Directors, DuPage Workforce BoardDuPage County NAACP, MemberIndian American Republican OrganizationThe Rotary Club of NapervilleNaperville Area Chamber of CommerceAurora Chamber of CommerceNaperville Woman's ClubNaperville 100 Women Who CareNaperville Township CommitteemanElected offices held: DuPage County Board - District 5 Chairman, Economic Development Chairman, Mass Transit Finance Committee Legislative Committee Health and Human Services Committee Judicial Public Safety Committee Environmental CommitteeQuestions Answers How will you work to make Congress more productive and effective? What actions are needed to produce a healthy federal budget? Specifically, what changes do you advocate regarding how revenue is produced or what our spending priorities are? In particular, what effect does current policy have on your district and what changes, if any, are needed?DuPage County has held our tax levy flat during my entire time on the board. We were able to do this because we were prepared and took the time that was needed during the budget process. I want to bring this same responsible and pragmatic approach to the budget process when I'm elected to Congress. Currently, much of our spending is passed through very large omnibus bills, which allows for unnecessary spending to be added because they are #8220;must pass#8221; bills. All these large bills do is add debt to the future generations of Americans. We must elect proven leaders to Congress that have the experience and the will to protect the taxpayers hard earned money.What immigration policies do you support? Where, if at all, do you see room for compromise to produce an effective policy on immigration? How will these policies have an impact in your district?For as long as I can remember, we have talked about the need of immigration reform and it is about time we elect leaders with the political courage to get things done. Immigration reform must start with securing our borders for both an economic and national security purpose. To achieve real immigration reform we must take a step by step approach. First, we must secure the border physically and technologically. Second, build a tracking system for the 40% of people who over stay their visas while visiting our country. Third, we must deal with the people that are here illegally. We must create rules that will determine who will be able to stay and who will not. If they are allowed to stay, they must meet those requirements and also have to complete certain tasks. At the end of the process they would be able to stay here but not become a citizen. We also need to build an E-Verify system that will work effectively and ensure companies are following the rules by actually enforcing the laws and rules already exist. I have been spending a lot of time in the Latino community here in the district and their views and opinions are helping me learn about the needs of the Latino community.What should be the top priorities in Congress related to the Affordable Care Act? If you want changes, what specifically do you recommend? If you want the act entirely eliminated, please address these questions: Is that politically feasible? If it proves infeasible, where do you see the potential for compromise? If it is eliminated, what would you replace it with, if anything?I believe that we must make large changes to the ACA, but I will not vote to repeal it until there is another law already passed to replace it. Too many people lost their coverage when the ACA became law and I will not allow people to lose their coverage again. I would vote for a bill that brings more competition to the insurance marketplace. Allowing people to buy insurance across state lines would allow people to shop for the best coverage that they were able to afford. Allowing people to make their own choices is the foundation of our government and we need to allow this again.What military or diplomatic roles should the United States play to promote peace and stability in the Mideast? Under what circumstances, should we have military forces actively operating?The first thing that we need to do is have a grand strategy. We are currently operating with a plan that does not tie our efforts into the entire region. The grand strategy should be focused on diplomacy, information, military, and economics. We need leadership that is willing to look at the region as a whole and plot a course forward that will end with the goals that are laid out. The end goal must be to keep Americans safe. We need to be focused on preventing terrorist attacks on America and her people. We should never rule out using our military but they should be used when it will result in protecting Americans.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?2012- DuPage County Board District 5-Won2014- Dupage County Board District 5-WonWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe taxes are extremely important for anyone running for Congress this year. People are being taxed more and more and are looking for relief. I am the only candidate running in this election that has a proven record as an elected official in fighting for the taxpayer. I have run for office two times and followed through both times on the promises that I made while campaigning. I have never voted to increase taxes and fought to keep an 11% income tax off of our local business. The people I have represented know that with me you get honesty. I have a reputation for working hard and being genuine in what I say. That will not change when given this next opportunity to serve. I will not change but I will lead the fight to change the way DC works.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.The members of Congress who belong to the Congressional Future Caucus, a group of bipartisan legislators dedicated to pragmatic, innovative leadership to solve current challenges.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father, a Marine, taught me to be honest, have integrity, and always do my best. I still carry these values with me today.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would do it the exact same way. The love I've shared and the lessons I've learned have made me who I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. If we know our history, we glean insight into our future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I try and teach them my personal life mission statement: To serve God and ALL his children with compassion and integrity.