A Q&A with Laura Bartell
Q. Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?
Laura Bartell: I am seeking the Republican nomination because I want to be a voice for all district families and for our entire Northwest suburban community -- without any hidden agendas. I will work tirelessly to give to the people, not take from the people of the 66th District. I have committed myself to this endeavor because I am a loyal Republican who believes in the values and principles of this district. I am dedicated to maintaining a form of government we collectively believe in and I will work diligently to ensure that our state government gives us value for our hard earned tax dollars. My main objective for my district is to hold the line on taxes, slow spending, and work toward a plan to double our economy into the future by embracing our economic engines. I will bring a commonsense and restraint into the tax and budget process.
Q. Tell us what contributions you would make.
Bartell: As a commissioner on the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues I have worked on issues objectively with both sides of the fence. As co-president of Surrey Ridge Civic Association I have brought residents' issues to the forefront followed by amicable resolutions. As state representative I will organize and bring together the different facets in an effort to accomplish business in a more timely and cost effective fashion.
Q. The 2007 session showed again how heavily legislative action relies on consensus by the governor and legislative leaders. Should rank-and-file legislators play a larger role? If not, why? If so, how can that change be made?
Bartell: Absolutely. There is a definite need for leadership and accountability in Springfield. Legislators need to move away from special interest and start legislating with the real world in mind.
Q. Illinois residents will vote in 2008 on whether the state should call a constitutional convention. Do you favor a convention? Why or why not? If yes, what constitutional revisions do you favor?
Bartell: Yes. First and foremost a recall on the current governor. I would also work to pass the "Show Us" bill to push government toward more transparency and accountability.
Q. Do Illinois' ongoing budget problems have their roots in too much spending or too little revenue? Or in some combination of both? Please explain.
Bartell: There is far too much spending which leads to higher taxes. We need to start paying our bills and living within our means. We need better management and accountability.
Q. Do you favor any changes in the state's funding of schools? If yes, what changes? If you favor no changes, explain why.
Bartell: Yes. We need to reevaluate how we spend our education tax dollars. I support legislation that would direct 65 percent of every dollar we give to our schools be spent in direct classroom instruction. I intend to put forth a plan that would put a portion of education tax dollars directly into the hands of the student instead of in the hands of bureaucracy.
Q. Do you favor or oppose putting new state employees on defined contribution instead of defined benefit retirement plans? Either way, explain why.
Bartell: I would favor looking into defined contribution retirement plans for new state employees due to the fact that we will never be able to recoup the dollars already raided from the pension funds which runs into an excess of $2 billion. At this point, I would rather put employees pensions in their own hands to protect it from future abuse.
Q. Does Illinois currently taxes businesses too heavily, too lightly or the right amount? Please explain and tell us what changes you would favor.
Bartell: Taxes are too high across the board. The real problem lies in the fact that when taxes are allotted for specific destinations they don't end up being used for the appropriate allocations. We need to use our assets more efficiently in order to get more for every tax dollar. If this can be achieved we will be able to maintain or lower our tax base and afford better services. I will introduce a bill that mandates funds allotted for specific purposes be only used for that intent.
Q. Should the state lease or sell some assets such as its tollways and the lottery? Why or why not?
Bartell: Absolutely not. If a private company can manage these entities and show a profit, why can't the state of Illinois?
Q. What issue or issues specific to your legislative district and its residents do you plan to address in Springfield?
Bartell: My career success was solely based on putting and keeping money in my employers' pockets. As state representative my constituents are my employer. One of my main objectives is to hold the line on taxes. If we continue to embrace a high tax philosophy of doing business our economy will drastically slow killing some 100,000 jobs and will shrink families disposable income. We need to embrace our economic engines and put forth a plan to double our economy going into the future. Government does not create wealth -- the American people do. My promise is results through leadership.
State house, 66th district
One 2-year term
Laura Bartell, 45, Arlington Heights Republican. Occupation in advertising sales and investment banking.
Politics: Current member, Cook County Commission on Women's Issues; current secretary and deputy committeeman, Regular Republican Organization of Elk Grove Township. Unsuccessful run for Arlington Heights Village Board April 2007.
Community: Co-president, Surrey Ridge West Civic Association; Volunteer at Our Lady of the Wayside School; Christian Family Movement; St. Raymond School, 1999-2004.
Family: Husband, Bart Bartell; children Anthony, 12, Vincent, 7.