Seth Lewis: 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: BartlettWebsite: www.VoteSethLewis.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 23rd State Senate District Age: 47Family: Wife- BhavnaTwo sons- Max and ClarkOccupation: Small business owner State Farm Insurance AgentEducation: Bachelor of Science- Industrial Engineering University of IowaCivic involvement: Bartlett Little League PresidentBartlett Raiders TreasurerKnights of Columbus Baseball, football, basketball coachElected offices held: Trustee- Bartlett Fire Protection District (2015)Questions Answers What needs to be done structurally to make the legislature more effective? Will you vote for your current legislative leader? What is your position on term limits in general and specifically for legislative leaders? Do you support the ongoing drive for a constitutional amendment on redistricting? What will you do to promote implementation of any changes you recommend?To make our legislature more effective we need to implement the following items:Term Limits for elected officials (8-10 years)Term Limits for legislative leadersFair maps where the people pick their politiciansWhen these 3 main items are implemented, then the legislature will consist of individuals who are working on making Illinois a place where people want to live instead of leave.I support Minority Leader Christine Radogno. Her district is near the 23rd, and located in DuPage County. In my discussions with Leader Radogno, she has a good understanding of the issues that face the residents of our state. She is passionate about helping others, is diplomatic, and willing to work with others to obtain mutual success.Would you vote for an increase in state income taxes or sales taxes? Would you vote for new taxes, such as on services? What is your position on a graduated income tax?The State of Illinois needs to implement systematic budget reform and make modifications to its regulatory environment so that Illinois businesses could expand and out of state employers would look to come to Illinois before ever considering new revenues. Illinois needs to be able to compete with other states for jobs. We should be leading the midwest in job creation - not lagging it. We have some great things to tout in our state; we are a transportation hub, we have the highest skilled work force in the Midwest, our infrastructure is second to none, and we have a top level higher education system.Unfortunately we have fewer job in Illinois now then we had in 1999. Companies evaluate a state's tax environment, regulatory environment and education system before they consider moving to a new state. Above all though, they look at the stability of the business environment. Unfortunately, Illinois is at the bottom as it relates to all of these categories.We must incentivize job creators to come to Illinois - and the first step to making that happen is to reform our state government.What changes, if any, do you support in education and education funding in Illinois? Please be specific.Yes, I support a change to the school funding formula. The changes should work to reduce school funding on rising property taxes, be equitable equal for all, eliminate unfunded mandates, and create a level of accountability within the educational environment. However, I will oppose the recent formula changes pushed by the democrats in the Senate. These plans are all predicated on taking away funding for suburban school districts.On Illinois' budget, specifically, where do you believe cuts need to be made?When elected I would like to use my engineering, business, and communication skills to help with our budgeting process. Throughout my career I have always tried to approach a problem or crisis with honesty, integrity, and a genuine desire to work with others to develop a mutually agreeable solution. The Illinois budget is no different. In broad terms, I would do the following:1. Quantify all revenue sources2. Quantify all mandated expenses such as bond payments, pension payments, etc.3. Quantify all variable expenses 4. Develop process improvement teams to re-engineer government systems so that services are delivered to those who need it most in the most efficient manner possible5. Invest in fraud detection teams to root out corruption in government programs. The initial program would be the Illinois Medicare program6. Proceed with working groups of the different stakeholders to agree on base numbers and then build consensus from there.What approach do you support toward fixing the public pension systems?With $111 billion liability our pension fund is almost 25% of our total budget. Because of this liability, our schools are underfunded, our credit rating is last in the nation, our roads/bridges bridges are crumbling, child care is underfunded, and our seniors are not being taken care of.I support the Batinick and Fortner plans. These plans will allow pensioners the choice of whether they want to leave their retirement in the hands of the politicians or control their own retirement destiny. I also support changing the local "spiking cap" from 6% to CPI and a $180,000 cap on salary.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As a candidate, the most important issue is making sure constituents know that I am going down to Springfield to be an independent voice for them. I am an engineer, small business owner and family man who understands firsthand how career politicians are hurting our state. I am going to Springfield to stand up to both parties, and look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to fix this mess. I am tired of the finger pointing in Springfield.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by Elon Musk (prior to his death, Steve Jobs was most inspiring).What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard, be respectful to everyone, and remain humble, kind, and honest.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?The challenges faced in life have helped to define who I am. I would want to give my do-over to someone who truly needed it.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math - it has helped me to develop a logical approach to analyzing different situations.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard, be respectful to everyone, and remain humble, kind, and honest.