House hopefuls tout their abilities

Republican candidates for the 66th House District squared off Saturday at a forum by emphasizing their different kinds of experience.

Christine K. Prochno, a third-term Elk Grove Village trustee, talked about her decade-long political career over her opponent, Laura Bartell of Arlington Heights.

"What separates me from my opponent is experience -- 10 years of elected experience as a village trustee, 10 years with working with intergovernmental organizations, community members and presidents," said Prochno, a former school teacher.

Bartell emphasized her corporate experience working in investment banking, which she says trained her to be fiscally savvy.

"The biggest difference is that I believe in a smaller, leaner, more efficient government and more accountability of our tax dollars," Bartell said during the forum, held at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Prochno said she was particularly concerned about property tax relief, education funding and long-term solutions to the state's transportation problems.

Bartell told the audience she was focused on economic matters. She said her main objective was to hold the line on taxes and state spending. She added she'd put much of her energies on building the district's economic growth. She'd especially support a property tax freeze, especially for seniors.

Gambling in Illinois, illegal immigrants and raising the state income tax, were among the major issues discussed. Both candidates said they do not support expansion of state gambling licenses, breaks for illegal immigrants or raising income taxes.

Regarding health care issues, Bartell said she'd support monetary caps on malpractice lawsuits to keep insurance costs down.

Prochno said the state should take a closer look at health care reform, especially toward some of the effective programs the state has in place now. She added the state should be careful in its analysis to avoid approving medical programs that would need funding the state doesn't have.

Both are vying for the GOP nomination to run for the seat of longtime Republican state Rep. Carolyn Krause of Mount Prospect, who is not seeking another term.

Krause, who served as Mount Prospect mayor from 1977 to 1989, defeated then-state Rep. David Harris of Arlington Heights in the 1992 Republican primary after a newly drawn electoral map gave her an opening to run.

The primary election is Feb. 5.

The winner of the Republican primary will run against the Democratic nominee in the general election in November. Mark Walker of Arlington Heights is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.