Q&A with Krenz and Schmitz

Two candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for the state 49th District House seat in the Tuesday primary -- businessman Jim Krenz, 50 of Carpentersville and incumbent Timothy L. Schmitz, 42 of Batavia.

Candidates were asked to complete a Q&A; some excerpts from their answers are given below. To read each Q&A in full, visit dailyherald.com.

Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

Jim Krenz. I'm running for the 49th District for a simple reason: State government in Illinois, for too long, has failed to deliver to the taxpayers. Officials in both parties are not standing by the principle, that public servants are to serve the people they represent, never their own special interests! During the past year, I have found the residents of the 49th District fed up with career politicians who are completely disconnected and absent from their lives and perpetually on the ballot! They want to hear on a regular basis from the person they've sent to Springfield! I will bring the residents of the district back into the process of our state government by maintaining regular contact with them through mailings, talk radio, use of a mobile office, and daily prompt return of their phone inquiries. I will work: for the establishment of term limits; to bring an end to post legislative term lobbying contracts; and to overhaul the broken state pension system.

Timothy L. Schmitz. I am running for re-election to continue working on behalf of our district. Our area is unique as it has numerous issues relating to growth. Our schools, roads and infrastructure are all areas which need our attention. In spite of the current climate in Springfield, I believe that I have been effective for our district. I understand that while certain principles must remain untouched, compromise and consistency is key to continuing our work.

Q. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

Krenz. See No. 1 above. And further: In 1990-91 I worked as a member of the Northern Illinois Air Conditioning Contractors of America's legislative committee to fight the efforts of Nicor gas company as they established Nicor Services Company and further attempted to cross-subsidize the marketing of this service operation with revenues from the utility payer billings. After many trips to Springfield and countless hours of work, we successfully caused a disclaimer to be required in all of their advertising to natural gas bill payers. This occurred through a process of negotiation and compromise. The overhaul of the state pension system will require similar negotiations and compromise. The funding of the existing state pension obligation will require a concentrated effort toward making this a major priority of the next General Assembly.

Schmitz. I've had the pleasure to work on issues such as medical malpractice reform; toughening child safety seat laws; updating laws regarding the fast-changing internet; closing loopholes in our criminal statutes; and challenging the majority party regarding the budget. This past session I introduced and passed into law a bill which requires library districts to fully disclose their annexation ambitions. They will now closely follow a process that many other local bodies have followed for years. This bill is a direct result of actions taken by libraries in our own area. Districts would annex land without an open process to the citizens. The new law corrects these actions.

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?

Krenz. The power is currently concentrated in a small contingent of elected officials with too much power. Rank-and-file members must be brought into the process as elected terms are limited in the House and Senate offices. When the rank-and-file become more in control of state government, the will of the voters actually will have a chance to prevail. Again, I believe our dysfunctional General Assembly is due to too many individuals returning perpetually to Springfield by election and later as lobbyists. The will of the voters is diluted by the strength of these far too powerful individuals.

Schmitz. While the governor continued to show his complete lack of knowledge and respect for the legislative process, the legislature stood strong against his bullying tactics. His constant threats and record-setting special sessions showed the importance of consensus amongst the members of each chamber. I can only speak of the role our rank-and-file legislators had in the Republican caucus. We constantly met, discussed options and were unified in our approach to the overtime budget. Leader Tom Cross carried our message to the Leader's meetings whenever they met. I strongly believe that our role and dedication moved the process forward and kept the final budget in line with our goals.

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?

Krenz. Yes, I do favor calling a constitutional convention. The major issues requiring change -- state pension system overhaul, term limits, and an elected official recall process -- would best be handled within this process. Returning more voice to the voters in state government, reflects what I stand for.

Schmitz. A constitutional convention was not a major topic amongst Illinois residents until the last two governors. It has been over 30 years since the last convention and I believe it is time for another convention. While the delegates will determine the changes, I do think the issue of a recall should be studied and debated. I also would like to see the school funding area addressed.

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.

Krenz. Emphatically. Too much spending. The taxpayers of Illinois (both individuals and businesses) are currently extremely over-burdened! It is the nature of government during time of abundance to expand and grow without regard for the future. Just prior to the end Gov. Ryan's term we enjoyed a budget surplus! We now are in a time of falling revenues. The state must react just as its citizens in their homes and businesses do. Expenses must be reduced to meet revenues. Smaller government must become more efficient government. Members of the General Assembly must in the future be "in touch communicators" who can bring a message of truth to their electors regarding areas to be cut, rather than looking for "pork" to bring them, in a sorry effort to insure their re-election. The legislators were wrong to issue themselves a pay increase in times like these while they should be setting an example of reduced spending.

Schmitz. The "battle" in Springfield is always over dollars, programs and projects. The appetite of many is to spend. I strongly believe there are sufficient funds to operate a safe and efficient Illinois. I also believe that there is a lack of setting priorities amongst the elected Democrat leaders who are controlling the process.

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.

Krenz. First, I do not believe a lack of funding, in general, is the problem! More money will not solve the current issues in the public education system. Further, I fear transferring the burden from one governmental body to another will only further give chance for hidden added taxation burden. The current property tax bills are undecipherable to most of us taxpayers, including most school and state officials. The answer first is to stop the "experimental teaching methods" which have been in continual evolution with dismal results, since the 1960s, and return to a system of basic, solid three "R's" education. I also believe a school choice system of vouchers would create competition that would help to control the ever-growing (even during economic downturns) wasteful and inefficient system.

Schmitz. Illinois funds its schools with a regressive tax. The property tax unfairly taxes its citizens regardless of income. I will again work with colleagues to create a funding plan which funds our schools in a more equitable manner. We have already passed several pieces of legislation aimed at curbing rising property tax rates for seniors. We also have passed legislation which will grant additional funds to school districts that are growing at alarming rates. Unfortunately, the "Fast Growth" program was not funded by the governor again this year. I will continue my efforts to see that these districts receive fair funding from the state.

Q. Do you favor or oppose putting new state employees on defined-contribution instead of defined-benefit retirement plans? Either way, explain why.

Krenz. I'm absolutely in favor of replacing the defined-benefit plans with defined contribution plans for all persons becoming eligible for the pension system after January 2009 or sooner. Also state employees must be returned to the Social Security system roles and it must be a factor considered into their pension program. Getting some control over this pension monster will take two actions. First, implementation of the new plans so we can accurately compute the pension system cost going forward for "new participants." This will stop the daily expansion of the "monster." Second, we then must more accurately calculate the existing pre-promised obligation, to determine exactly the money amount due to be funded. When these defined benefit plans were implemented years ago, people's life expectancy was much shorter and no one had factored in early retirement incentives and folks being on the pension 30-plus years. Early retirement must stop. Rather "highly trained" folks should be encouraged to stay on the job. Retirement age under the defined contribution plans will be determined by the prudence of the persons saving and investing and the level of dollars they individually decide they need to retire!

Schmitz. I believe the state should look at the current benefit package and make the necessary changes to the pension plans for all new hires. I don't believe the state can offer its current benefit package to new employees. The current administration has already proven to the employees that they are unwilling to adequately fund the existing system.

Q. Does Illinois currently taxes businesses too heavily, too lightly or the right amount? Please explain and tell us what changes you would favor.

Krenz. "Taxes" alone are not the cost that overburdens and drives business from Illinois. The ominous fee increases passed by the General Assembly (hidden non-transparent taxes) create a burden so heavy for the trucking business sectors that they are fleeing daily from our state. Further, the cost of complying with the reporting requirements is an extreme burden for the very small business of 5-15 staff. The Illinois economy cannot survive if the General Assembly continues to aggressively attack the business of Illinois with more ignorant taxes, fees, regulations, and insurance laws. We must work to create an environment that creates a business climate of growth and efficiency.

Schmitz. The job climate in Illinois is regressive. Statistics show employers leaving the state to relocate to a worker friendly environment. This administration has increased fees on employers while closing tax incentives initially created to increase jobs. We need an environment which doesn't penalize an employer for wanting to grow, spend more capital and hire more employees.

Q. Should the state lease or sell some assets such as its tollways and the lottery? Why or why not?

Krenz. No. We should not be selling taxpayer-funded or paid for assets of the state! Control of these must remain with Illinois voters, not potentially international groups or other nations. PERIOD!

Schmitz. No, in both cases. There is no plan to replace the revenue that each entity contributes. The lottery brings in dollars to the state that would be erased. The tollway sells bonds based on income received at the toll plazas. There has been no plan offered to replace these funds to satisfy the bonds.

Q. What issue or issues specific to your legislative district and its residents do you plan to address in Springfield?

Krenz. Families and businesses of the 49th, "I promise to you" to: 1.) work to re-focus secondary education from "college prep only" to a choice. College prep or employment focused technical and trade training establish a voucher system of school choice for all Illinois schools. 2.) To investigate an umbrella system of "stop loss" catastrophic health coverage. Keep families out of bankruptcy caused by catastrophic health conditions. (I do not support universal health coverage!) 3.) To work for restructure of Department of Children and Family Services -- less dependence on unsupervised agencies. The foster parenting system is in disarray and failing the kids in it! 4.) My stand on the illegal immigrants issue is: illegal means illegal! First before any other action, fully seal all borders. No taxpayer paid benefits to illegals. None! 5.) I will work to bring back "our tax money" from Springfield for severely needed road and infrastructure expansion of northern Kane County! 6.) To work to establish a long-term plan to bring Illinois' Public Sector Pension Systems in line with the private sector plans through the utilization of 401k type programs and similar self-directed pension systems, while securing the pre-existing pension obligation! 7.) I promote a pro-life position on matters of abortion and I firmly support the traditional family and the values it stands for! 8.) I promote the right of citizens of Illinois to legally own firearms, while we vigorously enforce, to the fullest extent, all existing laws and penalties against those who use firearms in any criminal way! 9.) I stand for minimal intrusion by our state and federal governments into our lives! I will work for the return of ethical Illinois government: term limits; no pay-to-play contracts; transparent campaign funding; no paid lobby or consulting work after being an elected official; no multiple state paid pensions.

Schmitz. I will continue to focus my efforts on public safety, education funding and capital programs. As stated earlier, our district is quickly growing. State funds for roads, bridges and school construction will continue to be a priority. These, along with making sure the current administration does not bankrupt our state will continue to be my focus.