Q&A with Cole

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?

Prior to my election to the Illinois House of Representatives, I served as a Lake County Board & Forest Preserves Commissioner for 10 years. Serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee for 4 years, Vice-Chairman of the Board for 2 years, Forest Preserves Treasurer for 6 years and Chairman of the Public Building Commission for 4 years gave me a unique and significant perspective to government finance, bond structure, tax code, legislative rules, constituent services and departmental organization. As an incumbent State Representative I recognize the importance of needed changes to Illinois laws and the challenges that face Lake County & Illinois to improve business growth and jobs; quality education opportunities & property tax relief; natural resource protection & availability of health care for our families, seniors and veterans.

2. 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.

As a first term State Representative I have focused on advocating for Lake County families. I have sponsored a comprehensive range of legislation that I call "Family Focus." These initiatives are designed to preserve & strengthen the quality of life for families in Lake County and across Illinois. The "Family Focus" initiatives of which I have been the Chief House sponsor include (HB1242) income tax credit to cover start-up costs for businesses that provide child care services to their employees; (HB1239) ovarian cancer screenings as one of the preventative health services offered by hospitals and other community health care centers; (SB14) requires sex offenders to register all of their internet communication identities (such as e-mail addresses, instant messaging identities, etc.) and all blogs or websites registered to or used by the sex offender as part of the offender's required annual registration with their local law enforcement agency. In addition to this set of initiatives, I will continue to advocate for open space, school funding reform, transportation improvements, MRSA reporting standards, small business promotion & safe communities.

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

I will be open minded about reviewing legislation that would not increase the overall tax burden on individuals & families. As said - the *devil is in the details".

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

In most circumstances, I am opposed to the expansion of the current number of gaming locations. I would consider the possibility of a casino in Chicago, but the details of that legislative initiative would be the deciding factor. The need for additional social services cannot be overlooked when considering expanding gambling in Illinois. The home foreclosure rate in Las Vegas is the highest in the U.S. and under the current proposal for gambling expansion (conceived by the Illinois Senate), Illinois would be the second largest gaming state (trailing behind Nevada). Slot machines at the Illinois racetracks should only be considered if leadership manages to get the votes to expand the number of gambling licenses in Illinois. Two townships in the district I represent (District 62) held referendums on the expansion of gambling into Lake County. The citizens from both townships voted overwhelmingly No. Their opinion will carry significant weight to a decision I may have to make about expanding gambling elsewhere.

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

Yes. I voted for HJRCA0028 (Rep Jack Franks) calling for an Illinois Constitutional Amendment; provisions for recall.

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?

No, I did not vote for the sales tax increase. Although this was a good deal for Cook County, it was not so for the county I represent. And contrary to the *question*, fare increases did occur (10% increase) on Metra (that serves Lake County). Very, very few fixed bus routes (Pace) exist in central Lake County - yet the burden of the increased tax falls on 90% of the population that does not get the benefit. Much was said in the press before the tax was imposed, but little six months later. Hiring was increased by CTA and now they are talking about a new administration building. Far greater accountability should have been negotiated...and nothing in that new tax addresses the serious need for equipment, repairs and additional trains & buses.

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

Yes. The House Republican Caucus has a limit on the number of years a leader can serve, however. This would be the 6th year for Minority Leader Tom Cross. No such limit exists for the Democrat Majority in either the House or Senate.

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

I support the provisions for recall (Governor, Constitutional Officers, Legislators & Judges) as suggested in HJRCA0028. To date, the 2010 election will occur sooner than if the legislature started impeachment proceedings. It appears to be an unnecessary, enormous legal expense - when the election of 2010 could produce the same result.