Tracy Smodilla: Candidate Profile

Back to 22nd State Senate 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: StreamwoodWebsite: www.tracyforsenate22.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 22nd State Senate District Age: 54Family: Married for 29 years.Occupation: Small Business OwnerEducation: Chicago School of Massage TherapyAmerican Institute of BankingInstitute of Certified Travel AgentsRich Central HSCivic involvement: Economic Development Commission, BartlettRTA Transportation Oriented District Steering CommitteeTri-Village Garden ClubAmerican Massage Therapy AssociationBartlett CARE (Citizens Advocating Responsible Environments)Soroptimist InternationalNewYou46Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.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?1) Term limits for leadership and legislators, independent fair maps, transparency and accountability. 2) No. 3) A maximum of 14 years for senate or house legislator; a maximum of eight years for leadership. 4) Yes. The Fair Maps Amendment is a proposal of the people, it creates balance and the opportunity for voter choice. 5) Continue the bipartisan effort to put Fair Maps and Term Limits back on the ballot. Encourage the people of Illinois to elect outsiders, those not beholden to a ruling class into office for effective reform to our broken system.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?Before we discuss raising taxes, we must talking about spending and the budget. We must have complete transparency to understand where every nickel is being spent. We must address reforms for pensions, workers compensation and a bloated bureaucracy. We should be giving local governments the opportunity to negotiate contracts at the local level. We should be looking for ways to streamline government operations and services, thus creating better outcomes of service and lowering costs to taxpayers. Rather than the usual knee-jerk response of raising taxes on the backs of families, businesses and commerce, let's create a more business friendly environment that will broaden the tax base. Increased opportunities and jobs is what Illinois needs. If new taxes are still requried, I would first propose striking parity among all income earners, exempting those falling below a minimum threshold. However, I do not support a graduated income tax. A flat tax is fair and encourages entrepreneurship and job growth. We should also incent high income earners to stay in Illinois, contributing to the economy.What changes, if any, do you support in education and education funding in Illinois? Please be specific.1st problem is the archaic General State Aid formulas in the hands of politicians and special interests picking "winners and losers". The bulk of the money coming out of the GSA is funneled into Chicago and suburban school districts. Unfortunately, property tax cap laws in certain districts allow for students in those districts receive a higher, disproportionate amount of aid than others. For example, a Chicago student receives a GSA tax subsidy of $811, whereas the downstate student receives $25. This system should be scrapped in favor of an equitable program where local control of the educational dollar is put into the hands of the parents. The wheel doesn't need to be reinvented. We must look at neighboring states successful alternative programs and best practices. We should also consider recent evidence based reports that include simplified formulas that could provide equitable funding for every child in the state based on needs. Another concern in my school district, U-46, is the need to borrow money and the cost of that debt. Currently, U-46 is hovering around $500MMin debt, including principal and interest. Another concern is the rising cost of administration, despite enrollment remaining flat. I also support school choice, charters and vouchers. Children and their parents should be able to pursue the education of their choice and need, not limited by zip code. We can't relegate any child to a system that is failing them when choice is not only possible, it is the only hope for academic success for many.On Illinois' budget, specifically, where do you believe cuts need to be made?As previously mentioned, the consolidation of services and agencies to mitigate spending and optimize outcomes and value to the beneficiaries and taxpayer would help the budget.What approach do you support toward fixing the public pension systems?1) Move state employees into 401k style retirement plans; 2) Reamortize the existing debt into an affordable line item to the state debt; 3) Remove COLA from retirement pensions. 4) Increase cost sharing for healthcare benefits to the beneficiary.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We must remain diligent in advocacy for our most vulnerable including the mentally ill, disabled and aging populations. Our veterans require our attention to ensure that their immediate needs and those forecasted are appropriated for; all spending bills must come with the backing of a funding bill to ensure that services are never again interrupted. Continued support of reforms already underway so as not to impede their progress. Criminal justice reform, greater control at the local level for our municipalities, choice in education and creating opportunities for small businesses and job training and growth in our most underserved communities.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pastor Corey Brooks at the New Beginnings Church has given rise and hope to a community in desperate need. He fearlessly walks the talk.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?That your circumstances don't have to define you. I grew up in poverty but I knew I could choose to make my life better.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have actively sought to adopt children when we learned that having our own wasn't part of a greater plan.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved history and civics. The birth and rise of civilizations around the world are fascinating and make me appreciate the country we live in.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?True happiness lies in the service to others. In their joy, lies yours.