Q&A with Crespo
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?
Addressing government spending will continue to be one of my top priorities. There are numerous examples of mismanagement that need to be seriously addressed before, or at least simultaneously addressed as, we explore new revenue streams. The disparity in school funding has to be front and center. The 44th district represents school unit U46, and school districts 211, and 54, which clearly illustrate some of the problems stemming from the state's current funding mechanism. Additionally, a representative needs to have the experience and will to fight strong lobbyists interest for the benefit and welfare of the middle class.
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.
I introduced and passed House Joint Resolution 132, which rejected the Compensation Review Board's recommended pay raises. In a time like this, legislators should not be lining their own pockets with expensive raises. Also, I am a chief-co sponsor of HB 6669 to rollback Stroger's unfair Cook County sales tax. I introduced and passed HB 2671 and HB 3477 to crack down on sex offenders, and introduced and am still working on HB 6660, which has been endorsed by numerous school districts to promote and facilitate the use of wind turbines for the benefit of school districts in the region. I am also proud to have introduced HB 1432, which requires that insurance companies treat eating disorders as a mental illness. I also introduced and passed out of the House HB 1434, which would allow Harper College to offer two Bachelor degree programs on a pilot basis.
3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.
Before considering any tax increase, we need to take a long, hard look at how the State is spending tax dollars. A good place to start would be to review the Auditor General reports and findings. Government agencies and entities need to take the reports seriously, and there should also be consequences for the agencies or Department Heads if they fail to respond to and act on the findings. I do support finding a way to reduce the tax burden on middle class Illinoisans.
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 do not support the expansion of gambling to pay for increased spending. It's an unreliable source of revenue. Additionally, before considering any expansion, the state must thoroughly understand the impact of casinos and adequately subsidize treatment options for gambling addicts.
5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?
Yes
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. Because of the buying power of the Northwest Suburbs, the tax increase can amount anywhere from $10 to $30 per capita. The unfortunate part is that my district gets almost nothing in return. PACE service is deplorable to almost nonexistent in the 44th district. METRA, which does serve the district, increased fares anyway. But most importantly, it is difficult to ask taxpayers to foot the bill, when the CTA loses $40 million dollars annually because of absenteeism.
7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?
As long as the current leader performs his job diligently and responsibly, then yes. This session he helped stop a governor who is out of control.
8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?
Yes