Focus on economy for Dist. 96 GOP hopefuls

Experience matters, say the two Republican candidates vying for their party's nod in the 96th House District race.

Darlene Senger, a Naperville city council member, and Michael Bowler, a former legislative aide, both say their personal backgrounds put them in the best spot to take over the seat of retiring state Rep. Joe Dunn, a Naperville Republican.

The winner of the Feb. 5 GOP primary will face Democrat Dianne McGuire of Naperville in the November election.

The 96th District covers a large portion of western Naperville, eastern Aurora and a small part of Warrenville.

When it comes to the big issues facing the state, Senger and Bowler mostly agree.

Both list improving transportation and the economy as top priorities. Both believe rank-and-file legislators need to play a larger role in government. Both are unhappy with Springfield's current leaders.

Their major difference, they say, is experience.

Senger, a financial adviser, says her position as an elected official, as well as her community and professional experience, will allow her to serve the area most effectively.

She sits on numerous boards and is a past president of the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation.

"Mike and I are pretty similar in many of the issues," she said. "The big difference is that I come from an experienced background."

Bowler, an insurance broker, says he's running for office for the first time, but he knows the legislative process.

He served as a legislative aide for state Rep. Jim Meyer and a legislative coordinator for then-Republican House Leader Lee Daniels.

He also served as an executive clerk in the DuPage Circuit Court Clerk's office and as co-chairman of the Illinois Young Republicans.

"I know what it takes to run a district office," he said. "There is no learning the system when I get down there. I'll hit the ground running."

Transportation, the economy and education are among the many issues that need attention, they both say.

Senger wants to secure funding for Route 59 improvements. A combination of revenue sources will be needed, but businesses also should be involved, she said. She also doesn't oppose using gambling revenue for road improvements.

Bowler is more cautious, but said he doesn't oppose it either. Fund reallocation is a possibility, he said, and preferential to using tax dollars.

He said he's upset state leaders have been put into a spot where they have to "bail out" Chicago's transit system.

"(City leaders) really need to look inside first before looking down to Springfield," he said.

Better agency oversight, and a more thorough evaluation of funding sources, could prevent this from happening again, he said.

As for improving the economy, Senger said taxes on businesses must be competitive and fair, and "fees" and excise taxes shouldn't be added to fund general revenues. Bowler says state businesses are taxed too much.

He vows to do "everything I can as a legislator to bring a consensus and stand strong against the people continuing to add unnecessary services and making the state vulnerable."

As for school reforms, Senger says the funding system isn't her concern -- it's student performance she worries about.

Programs such as all-day kindergarten have shown to improve skills, she said.

Bowler believes beefing up parental involvement at all levels is a must. When that's not there, administrators and teachers must step up in helping guide students.

"Everything starts at home," he said.