Q&A with Austriaco

1. 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?

I'm running against the status quo and a political system that has continued to disappoint us. The middle class is struggling to keep its head above water, and the career politicians in Springfield do not understand that. The voters I meet at the door feel that their needs and concerns have been ignored. It's time for new ideas in Springfield. Instead of constantly complaining about what's wrong and who's to blame, we need someone who's going to roll up her sleeves and take action. I want to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle to strengthen schools, improve public safety, pass tax relief, and improve care for veterans. I am pushing for a new law to repeal the Cook County sales tax increase and to require voter approval before any future tax increases can take effect. I'll fight to see that injured war veterans returning from overseas receive state-of-the-art treatment from Illinois facilities. I will work to pass a new law requiring sex offenders to wear electronic monitoring devices at all times. It is also important that we institute meaningful ethics reform in Illinois and end pay-to-play politics.

2. 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.

The experience I have as a real estate and mortgage fraud attorney will be an asset in Springfield. I intend to craft legislation that strengthens protections for consumers against predatory lenders. I can use my training in negotiation and conflict resolution to bring elected officials from both sides of the aisle together to reach consensus on the difficult issues we face. I'm a wife and working mother with two girls who understands the importance of living within a budget and the challenges facing middle-class families.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.

Illinois residents are struggling financially. The rising prices of gas, prescription drugs and other basic needs like groceries make balancing a family budget even more difficult. The home lending crisis has also hurt many families in my district. Middle-class families need tax relief, not tax hikes.

4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.

I'm very skeptical about relying on an expansion of gambling as a way to increase state revenues, partly because there is no way to know that doing so will actually lead to more revenue, especially in a down economy. Further, there are many social consequences caused by gambling, such as increased divorce rates and bankruptcies, which must be weighed against the possibility of adding new tax revenues to state coffers. I do favor tighter regulations of the industry and I believe that if gambling is expanded and more revenue is realized that additional funding must be directed towards helping problem gamblers and restricting their access to gambling facilities.

5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?

Yes. I believe that allowing the recall of elected officials provides an important check on their attentiveness to their constituents and is a reminder that they serve at the discretion of those who elected them. I don't believe that voters should be forced to wait until the next election to remove officeholders who have engaged in malfeasance or have performed recklessly in office. By passing strict petition and signature requirements, we can ensure that the power to recall elected officials is not abused.

6. Did you support the suburban tax increases that were used to keep the public transportation trains and buses running without cuts or fare increases?

Again, at a time when families are struggling, and particularly in Cook County where taxes have increased dramatically, another tax increase is not the solution. It is important that we strengthen our mass transit system, and this is an area where the federal government should lend a hand. The state should more aggressively fight for federal assistance to rebuild our infrastructure.

7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?

I am currently focused on my election for state representative. If elected in November, I will give careful consideration to who I will vote for as speaker of the Illinois House. My vote will be given to the person I feel will best lead the chamber.

8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?

Impeachment is certainly on the minds of many residents I have spoken to in my district. The state constitution is silent on the specific grounds for impeachment, so the Legislature must tread very cautiously. Because so many of his close associates have been indicted on criminal charges related to state business, Governor Blagojevich's record needs to be scrutinized by the Legislature. A closer examination of his record and how he has conducted himself in office, including his possible involvement in criminal activities, is necessary. As a state legislator, I would be prepared to move forward on impeachment if the facts warrant it.