A Q&A with Richard Hammes
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?
Richard Hammes: I am a candidate for the State Senate because I believe we need new voices in Springfield to make the changes necessary to restore Illinois as a leader in education, business development, fiscal responsibility and public transportation. I believe that one voice can make a difference and when combined with others seeking similar directions, change is inevitable. Currently, Illinois ranks in the bottom 20 percent in state funding for education, mental health services and other vital programs. We can do better and when I take my seat in Springfield I will push for the changes necessary to restore Illinois' standing as one of the best states in the union.
Q. Tell us what contributions you would make.
Hammes: I think I can make a strong contribution with regard to education and the importance of preparation for college (part time community college instructor for more than 35 years) as well as in the area of mental health and allied programs. I think my education and work experience coupled with energy and a drive to get things done will serve me well in this role.
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?
Hammes: I think they should have a larger role. The leadership in both houses should not be able to hold back legislation from getting to the floor when there is a consensus to get it there. I would need to study this further to determine if coalitions of senators could apply the pressure needed to move leadership or some procedures could be enacted to obligate them to do so. Perhaps just more public pressure based on rank and file publicity may create change, although at this time the leadership seems to have total control.
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?
Hammes: There are pros and cons to this. It may impact some current initiatives negatively and delay some legislative efforts because we will want to wait for the convention to complete its work. We have not had one in many years and there may be value in having one every 20 or so years. I think leaving it to the voters makes the most sense. I am not sure if I would be "actively" for or against it at this time.
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.
Hammes: I think we need to much more seriously review current spending in non-essential programs. We should also review if there are programs that can be combined with others to save administrative costs or eliminated. Additionally, we should be very cautious about starting new initiatives or expanding others too rapidly given the limits in available revenue. It is likely, however, that we also need more revenue to meet the needs of critical programs, namely education, roads and public transportation. We also need to restore the funding to the pension system (funds that were taken and moved to other programs) and pay our bills in a timely manner (for example, health care providers should not wait up to a year or more to be paid). I would look at spending reductions first in non-critical programs and then to increasing revenue if warranted to fund essential programs.
Q. Do you favor any changes in the state's funding of schools? If yes, what changes? If you favor no changes, please explain why.
Hammes: Yes, I think the state should be at least at the national average of 50 percent funding of schools and thereby assist in reducing the property tax burden. We will have to develop new revenue sources to achieve this. Currently the state is looking at casino expansion as a panacea, but I am cautious about relying on this as a primary source of revenue.
Q. Do you favor or oppose putting new state employees on defined-contribution instead of defined-benefit retirement plans? Either way, explain why.
Hammes: A thorny issue. Based on what I know at this point, employees make a significant contribution to this fund and therefore it should be solvent. I think raiding the fund for other programs, just like the federal government does with Social Security is largely responsible for the shortfall in the system. I am not opposed to changing the type of pension plan, but I would need solid data to indicate why it is necessary. If there is no viable way to have a solvent system with the current plan then we will have to look at options. Otherwise, I favor leaving it the way it is.
Q. Does Illinois currently tax businesses too heavily, too lightly or the right amount? Please explain and tell us what changes you would favor.
Hammes: Based on limited specific knowledge at this time, I think businesses may be sufficiently taxed at this time, although there appear to be loopholes that could be plugged to generate some additional revenues. We need to be careful about always pointing the finger at business as being the source for new funds. Ultimately most increases will find their way to the consumer, which becomes a hidden tax. It is difficult for politicians to recommend tax increases for the general public, but this may be a more equitable route to take if we need more revenue. I think the gross receipts tax may negatively impact some businesses that have low profit margins and create other problems including employee reductions, moving from the state or just closing. Such a plan will need careful evaluation and structure if it is proposed. I do not think this tax is advisable at this time.
Q. Should the state lease or sell some assets such as its tollways and the lottery? Why or why not?
Hammes: No, the state should retain control of these entities. There may be some short term gain, but based on what I have read, long term, the state will receive less revenue than if we keep control. Additionally, I think the general public needs some voice in these programs and services via the legislature, which would be reduced or lost if these assets are removed from state oversight.
Q. What issue or issues specific to your legislative district and its residents do you plan to address in Springfield?
Hammes: Roads and education are the two key issues. Clearly, public transportation is important as well. However, the expansion of major roads, the extension of Route 53 and how to fund education without continuing to over burden property owners are the key issues to deal with in this district. I also believe that the voters in this district are concerned about student performance and having a better understanding of the finances of their schools. These are concerns that I intend to address in the senate.
state senate, 26th district
One 4-year term
Richard Hammes, 66; North Barrington Democrat. Psychologist and management consultant for Hammes and Associates of North Barrington.
Politics: No previous experience.
Community: Board member and officer, Barrington Chamber of Commerce 2000-2003; member, Barrington Area Council on Aging 2004-2005; currently on CASA of Lake County.
Family: Wife Barbara Hammes; children Aaron, 26 and Jordan, 22.