Q&A with Brothman

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 is that? What will be your main priority in office?

I am running for State representative because I feel that I better reflect the voters in the 44th District and understand their issues and concerns. My main priority when elected will be to work to pass a responsible budget. It is important to evaluate the current programs, to eliminate the waste and to make sure that programs are funded before we start promising new programs for which no new revenue has been secured. Governor Blagojevich has arbitrarily cut funding for many important programs, for a domestic violence program out of this year's budget, for instance, in order to make room for his pet projects. Another priority of mine will be to work for property tax relief. With the economy struggling, families in District 44 are paying the highest sales tax in the nation. They deserve better. Finally, I believe we need to expand services to our veterans to show respect for their allegiance to protect our freedom.

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.

In order to encourage economic development, my first initiative would be to repeal the recent sales tax increase that was enacted by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger and his democratic county board members. Businesses continue to take their job away from Cook County for other areas and other states because Cook County has the highest tax in the Country. Run-away spending is controlled by various patronage appointees of President Stroger, and that, combined with a regressive tax assessment system, ensures an unfriendly atmosphere for businesses and tax payers alike.

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

I will not support increasing the state income tax or sales tax.

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

Gaming cannot be counted on as a predictable source of revenue, and expanding gaming in Illinois is not the solution to the State budget crisis. Gaming revenues have dropped nationally this year, and it does not make any sense to make a new form of gaming available to the tracks when our State gaming dollars have seen recent declines. Illinois should work to help the nine current riverboat casinos in operation today to be more competitive with surrounding states.

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

I would not support a recall process aimed solely at a specific elected official. That is what the ballot box is for. I would, however, support a recall procedure which allows elected officials to be recalled in specific circumstances, such as breaches of ethics or betrayal of the public's trust. I would support strict guidelines to prevent witch hunts and the attempt to remove good officials who must make tough and perhaps unpopular decisions, such as judges must often do.

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?

Suburban taxpayers do not want to pay higher taxes for services they do not receive. With the rising cost of gas and with the cost projected to continue to climb significantly, any tax proposed legislation related to mass transit funding must address the suburb-to-suburb commuter. The State cannot look just at Chicago-to-suburb travel; it must also address the STAR Line and the extension of the "El" to Elgin. HB 656 did not address these concerns but only dealt with current services. And while the bill passed with the Governor's amendatory veto containing the provision for free rides for seniors, we continue to hear that a fare hike is still needed because HB did not address improving service or expanding infrastructure.

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

Yes, I believe Tom Cross has been an effective leader amidst all of the turmoil in Springfield. Mike Madigan's dysfunctional relationship with the Governor and President of the Senate has ultimately led to the stalemate in Springfield. While some legislative leaders were making personal attacks on one another, Leader Cross was busy working on the issues that needed to be answered. Passing a fair and balanced budged and Capital Plan for the people of Illinois were at the top of the list.

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

Yes.  I believe there would need to be a clear indictment in order to impeach him on the alleged criminal activity, but he has shown total disregard and lack of respect to the legislators and citizens of Illinois. He has wasted tremendous amounts of time and money calling legislators to Springfield for special sessions, and much of the lack of progress in this session has been a result of the lack of trust our legislators have in our elected governor.  I find it truly appalling that his own party has failed to hold the Governor accountable.