Q&A with Froehlich

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?

My interest stemmed from being active in the community and in public service for a number of years, and wanting to contribute on a statewide level. I was a teacher in local schools for several years, and after a family member was severely injured by a drunk driver, I became very active in anti-drunk driving advocacy and served as the executive director of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. I felt that serving in the General Assembly was a good extension of the advocacy work I was committed to locally, including education, DUI and safety issues as well as other issues like healthcare, the environment, and finding solutions to the state's problems. I am running for re-election because my commitment to my values and to making a difference on these important issues has not changed. I believe that I can serve our area well in Springfield, and I think that I am a moderate voice in many of the important debates happening right now, including how to find solutions to the state's problems without requiring the middle class to take on a greater burden and instituting greater ethics requirements to keep officials accountable to local residents. There is more work to do, and I am committed to voicing our area's concerns and finding real solutions to our state's problems.

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 former teacher and a former executive director of an anti-drunk driving advocacy group, I have been working to improve educational resources and working to curtail drunk driving. I chair the House Disparities in Educational Achievement Committee, and in that role, I have been working to bring greater attention to the specific needs of school districts and students of varying abilities to help all students reach their goals for success and compete in a global economy. In the area of drunk-driving prevention and safety, I have sponsored legislation that requires DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device on their car, so they cannot drive if they have been drinking. This past month, a bill that I sponsored was signed into law cutting out the loopholes that have allowed DUI offenders from other states to get off with minimal penalties in our state. Through my service on the House Environmental Health Committee, I have been working to bring attention to the issue of water testing. I believe that we must pay attention to the toxins and chemicals that remain in our public water sources and the affects they play on our bodies and our families as we continue to consume that water. I also understand the fiscal constraints on this investigation process, and I'm working to find a compromise that will protect safety in a cost-effective way. I am sponsoring legislation to repeal the Cook County sales tax increase and to add a referendum to prevent such increases in the future. I am appalled that our area has the highest tax rate in the nation at a time when so many families are struggling under higher gas prices, utility rates, food costs and living expenses, and I believe we need to work together to find solutions to our problems that do not involve raising taxes. I believe this legislation will spur a healthy debate on the issue in Springfield and among the collar county legislators and the referendum legislation will better hold different governmental bodies accountable to the needs and concerns of local residents.

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

I believe that far too many families are struggling under the burden of high gas prices, utility rates, food costs and living expenses. We certainly can't raise taxes on the middle class and working families that are already seeing their standard of living drop. What we need is tax reform that equates to real tax relief for people that are now hurting.

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

When the proposal for the giant expansion of casino gaming positions came up this year, I voted no. I do not support more than doubling the casino gaming positions in this state, because I don't think it's smart policy. When people's incomes are dropping, it's not a good time for government to rely more heavily on gambling. However, I do favor selling the 10th casino license and I may consider one addition license, depending on the specific details. Overall, I think relying on gambling for fundamental needs is bad policy. I believe that we also need to take more serious steps to help people who residents with the negative social results that gambling brings, including addiction and problem gamblers.

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

I definitely support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials; I introduced a constitutional amendment to provide for recall power and I co-sponsored the version that passed the House. I believe that voting is a powerful tool for democracy, but voters deserve to have stronger tools when officials engage in corruption, or behave incompetently. I also believe that having this ability is a greater check on elected officials and holds them accountable to the needs of their area.

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 am a member of the mass transit committee, and I was a co-sponsor of the bill that included the increase to stop a devastating crisis of public transportation shut-downs that would have impacted many families in my district. I do not believe that tax increases should ever be the quick or hasty choice for solving problems, and I was very reluctant to support one in this case. However, I spoke to many local residents and local elected officials to find out their perspectives on this issue and many people told me of the fear they had of public transportation being dramatically cut and the impact this would have on their commutes, their business and tourism in the area. Public transportation is too important to allow it to implode. In light of the skyrocketing gas prices since this passed, it's even more important that we work to maintain our public transportation. Through this legislation, we've seen reform of the CTA pensions, more suburban representation on the RTA board, and we've strengthened the RTA's oversight powers.

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

At this time, I am listening to the concerns of residents in my area and focused on their opinions going into my own election. If and when I am re-elected, I will consider the merits of the candidates, as any discerning voter should, and will choose the candidate that I believe will best serve the state and our area.

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

I have asked many residents in our area about their opinions on impeaching the governor, and many are in support. I agree with the frustrations of many people in our area who are tired of gridlock and want to move forward, and I am hopeful that we can work together better moving forward. I believe the General Assembly should exercise stricter oversight of the governor and we should closely examine what he is doing. Since voters don't have the option of recall, I believe the General Assembly must be in a position to weigh the evidence and impeach the Governor if warranted.