Burt Minor: 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: WarrenvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Burt4StateRep42Office sought: 42nd District Representative Age: 58Family: Married 36 years to Dr Judy Minor Daughter Nicole Prater (Mike), Son Burton Scott Minor, Daughter Bridget Minor (Engaged to Adam Rukavina)Occupation: Retired USAFEducation: MS Embry Riddle University BS SIU Carbondale AA/AS Belleville Area College AA Community College of the Air ForceCivic involvement: Ã#130;circ;yen;Winfield Township Republican Chairman and Committeemen Ã#130;circ;yen;DuPage County Republican Central Committee Member, Chaired County Fair, Chaired Top Golf John Tiegen Fundraisers Ã#130;circ;yen;Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Legislative Chairman Ã#130;circ;yen;Wheaton Chamber of Commerce Ã#130;circ;yen;Summerlakes Homeowner Association Past Board Director and President Ã#130;circ;yen;Boy Scout Troop 514 Past Scout Master- Eagle Scout Troop 42 Ã#130;circ;yen;Past Alderman, City of Warrenville, IL Ã#130;circ;yen;American Legion Member, West Chicago Ã#130;circ;yen;Veterans for Foreign Wars Life Member, Warrenville Ã#130;circ;yen;West Chicago Rotarian Ã#130;circ;yen;Knights of Columbus 4th Degree MemberElected offices held: Winfield Township Republican Chairman and Committeemen DuPage County Republican Central Committee Member Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Legislative Chairman Summerlakes Homeowner Association Past Board Director and President Alderman WarrenvilleQuestions 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 for legislative leaders specifically?The legislature is currently ruled by Mike Madigan. No bill can be debated without his approval. That needs to change. I, as a Republican legislator, deserve to be able to bring bills forward that benefit the constituents of DuPage County and the rest of the state. We are there to represent the interests of our Districts, not to be the rubber stamps for one-man's agenda. I will vote for Jim Durkin to remain the Republican Leader. In regards for term limits, , I believes 10 years should be the appropriate limit for House members. .There must be term limits on leaderships. Long-term leadership by one man and one party has failed the taxpayers of Illinois. Our world is progressing because of innovation and fresh ideas. Our government must do the same. Term-limits will help encourage new ideas and recruit citizen legislators.On budgeting, what should be done to ensure that the state does not again go through a period of time without a budget in place? What will you do as a legislator to help ensure that the spending priorities you espouse during your campaign are reflected in the budget?The budgeting fiasco was purely a power play by the Democrats hoping to cause pain and blame it on the Republicans governor. Our state cannot withstand another budget impasse. The legislature must pass a consensus budget. We must work in a bi-partisan way to cut wasteful spending and reform our state so that we can create jobs and attract business. I will propose legislation that a Governor's presented budget is automatically adopted in 90 days if the legislature does not act or amend it. Hopefully, this will expedite the process and force legislators to work together. We must prioritize all spending and examine all past expenditures. We have so many unfunded mandates that it has paralyzed the state. Many programs that have been funded have never been evaluated and go forth without any consequences or validation. I will ask for validation from all these areas and help prioritize these expenses, and eliminate the failed areas.Should the legislature approve ballot initiatives either for a constitutional amendment on legislative redistricting or one on term limits? If so, how would you recommend the issues be structure? If not, why not?Yes, to both. No one in Illinois should be a lifetime politician. A Citizen Legislature is needed of citizens who are there to Improve the State, not their own bank accounts. As for redistricting - give it to an outside agency that mathematically draws compact rectangles based upon population count. Many states have had success with computer designed maps and once and for all we get the politics out the process.What approach do you support in fixing public employee pension systems?This is one of the most critical issues facing our state and it is also crushing our local governments. Previous politicians made outlandish promises Illinois cannot sustain. A 401(k) style plan and giving existing workers the option to have their own self-managed accounts is a big first step. We need to look at a Constitutional Amendment allowing a reform of pension benefits going forward.To what extent do you support or oppose legalization of marijuana for recreational use?I understand to many it is a revenue issue. I have concerns about the social, medical and regulatory issues. I have watched in amazement as Colorado, Washington, and now California and Oregon legalize marijuana. Although each state stands to add billions of revenue, the research on the negatives on the health and welfare of the users of marijuana shows long-term harm. There are also the short-term effects of both increased DUIs and increased addiction. I oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As the new state representative from central DuPage County, I will strongly oppose imposition of a state-wide property tax, insist that all levels of government cooperate in enforcement of the laws, and encourage business growth by repealing laws and regulations that prevent bringing more jobs and businesses to Illinois. We need to put a tourniquet on spending, attract more businesses and jobs, and allow Illinois to thrive as the great state it is!Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Secretary of Defense James Mattis. A man of conviction integrity and he lives by his principles. I hope to emulate that as a State Representative.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My Fathers hard work ethic.The son of a poor share cropper in Georgia picking Cotton as a kid living in a log cabin. Hard Worker!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To change anything in the past would be to put me in a different spot today. No thanks, I wouldn't change a thing!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Industrial Arts. It taught me incredible skills and that the most difficult tasks are achievable with the proper tools and education. Thanks Mr Eugene Bach!If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Keep Reaching for the Stars! You are the Best thing that ever happened to me and you keep amazing me every day!