Valerie Burd: Candidate Profile

Back to 50th State House 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: YorkvilleWebsite: www/valerieburd2016.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 50th State House District Age: 69Family: Husband Paul; five adult children: Paul and Andrew Vondrak; Samantha Benesh; Emily Thomas; and Alex BurdOccupation: MarketingEducation: bachelor of science in journalism and minor in political science from NIUCivic involvement: Member Kendall County Health Department's Environmental Advisory Committee; Board member of the American Association of University Women, Aurora branchElected offices held: Mayor, United City of Yorkville 2007-2011Ward 2 Alderman, 1998-2007Questions 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?Gerrymandering needs to be abolished to make the legislature more effective and more representative of the people. I support the drive for a constitutional amendment to redistrict. I would vote for the current legislative leader. I am not in favor of term limits in general. My years on a City Council made me realize how much time it takes for newly elected people to understand the law and assimilate all the information needed to be effective in office. I would not be against term limits for legislative leaders. I also think taking money out of politics would help and I would support having candidates who collect the required number of signatures be eligible to receive a fixed amount of money for their campaigns provided by the government and that would be the only money to be used in the elections. This would level the playing field and have candidates listen more to their constitutents rather than be beholden to lobbyists and PACs. I would work to bring these issues to my constituents, send out press releases and do other educational outreach in addition to reaching out to my fellow legislators and leadership to pass legislation to accomplish these goals.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?I would vote for an increase in state income taxes. I am for a graduated income tax, but until a constitutional amendment could be passed, I would try to get an increase passed that would provide loopholes for the middle class and effect wealthier people more. I would look at an increase in sales tax, on services. Both Democrats and Republicans realize the state has to have more revenue. The state is in a shambles. Two years without a budget has ruined our financial standing, causing our bond rating to be lowered to junk bond status and increasing our payments. We have to take strong steps to address the impass in Springfield and try to rebuild our financial standing.What changes, if any, do you support in education and education funding in Illinois? Please be specific.I support redoing the funding formula to make sure that each school district is receiving its fair share. From research I've seen, it appears that children who qualify for poverty level assistance are not receiving equal funding to their school districts. Children downstate who are at poverty levels should get the funding they need. Instead, it appears an unequal portion is being given to the Chicago School District. Districts in areas where there is high growth but no industrial or commercial base to support property taxes also are having a hard time. I am strongly in favor of taking much of the funding for schools off our property taxes. Property tax is an unfair tax as it can highly tax people who do not have a high income buy are living in areas where property values have risen fast. It hurts people on fixed incomes. The state, according to the constitution, is supposed to provide the majority share of educational funding but until state finances are put back on track, this can't happen.On Illinois' budget, specifically, where do you believe cuts need to be made?Unfortunately, the majority of the budget is taken up by pensions. The state spends relatively a small percentage on everything else. We need to fund education, and programs that help people in need, and parks and we desperately need to rebuild roads and bridges.What approach do you support toward fixing the public pension systems?Since this state has specified the method for pension payment in the constitution, there is no way to "fix" it by trying to change the amount provided or how it is provided. Most methods suggested would face court challenges.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We need to look at ways to lower our real estate taxes. Illinois is the worst state in the US and many residents tell me that is why they want to move out of state. We need to get a budget passed and get on track to stabilizing the state economy. I am in favor of a $15 minimum wage and of making public universities and colleges tuition free. I think we need to re-look at charter schools.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Elizabeth WarrenWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?If your word isn't any good then you are no good. Honesty is the best policy.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Selling property we owned when the market was high before if crashed.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American history. It helped me as a journalist, covering municipal meetings and later as an official.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always be kind to each other. Money isn't what matters, it's how you treat one another.