Q&A with Duffy

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?

As a father of five and a small business owner, I have a vision for Illinois that is the opposite of what is happening right now in Springfield. I believe we can have a state government that is free of corruption, encourages job growth and lowers taxes. When I was in my mid-twenties I started a computer consulting company out of my apartment. I grew it into an active business now providing high paying jobs in Illinois. The money, revenue base, and jobs created by companies in Illinois help us to build better schools, better roads, and to lower the skyrocketing costs of health care. I will fight every day in Springfield to encourage - not discourage - job growth in Illinois. The Governor's proposed Gross Receipts Tax Plan and Payroll Tax Plan, which would devastate Illinois companies, got me engaged in the political process.

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.

Illinois government is one of our largest employers and controls a multi-billion dollar budget. Yet most legislators in Springfield are career politicians who do not have any experience running a company, balancing a budget or creating jobs. I have experience at running a company and making the tough decisions necessary to cut costs and balance a budget. Most importantly, I have experience creating jobs.

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

I will not support any tax increases. We are fiscally challenged in Illinois because we have a spending problem in Springfield. We must reduce spending to get our fiscal house in order. We need a strong ethics bill. For example, companies doing business with the State should meet the same disclosure requirements as candidates running for office. All company owners and executives should be required to disclose relationships they have with elected officials. This information should be accessible on the internet. In addition, the voters should be able to see how every penny of our tax dollars is spent. We should require each governmental body in the state to post all checks issued on a website. This would cost very little since banks currently provide this data and service to customers on a daily basis at no charge. This reform could happen tomorrow if the legislature had the desire to pass it. These are the critical first steps needed to get Illinois on the right track. We must do these things first. A tax increase will only result in more corruption and continued wasteful spending.

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 oppose the expansion of gambling. Illinois should not become dependant on gambling to pay our bills since it is a very risky and unreliable revenue source. Elected officials need to be held accountable for their actions and control their spending. We need to attract new companies, create jobs and stimulate our economy in order to generate more revenue in Illinois. Illinois is a central hub and logistically the perfect place for companies to locate. We need to take advantage of our natural strengths and our outstanding resources.

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

Yes. I believe all elected officials should be subject to recall for those rare occasions when the public trust has been violated. I believe in democracy and the good judgment of the voters.

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?

I completely support public transportation but I do not support the transportation bill as it was enacted. It did not require any accountability on the part of the CTA or the RTA. Every corporation worldwide has become more efficient in order to survive and compete. Yet the transportation bill did not focus on improving efficiency or revenue. Instead the taxpayer simply wrote another check. The "giveaway" of free rides to seniors, regardless of income or ability to pay, will only exacerbate the funding problems in the future. The state needs a comprehensive transportation plan that will sustain public transportation well into the future instead of constantly reacting with band-aid solutions.

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

It would be presumptuous to answer this question. Right now I am focused on trying to get elected. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve our district as a public servant. I have been very blessed in my life and I am ready to serve my state.

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

I whole-heartedly and fundamentally disagree with the policies pursued by Governor Blagojevich. However, I believe an impeachment trial at this point would be just one more distraction. Our state is on the brink of bankruptcy. Companies and jobs are leaving in droves. The leadership in Springfield has the power and authority to resolve these issues but are choosing not to do so. They have allowed personal animosity and large egos to get in the way of doing their jobs. Voters need to make real changes this election cycle in Illinois which will bring balance to our state government and force both sides of the aisle to work together.