Q&A with Garling
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 main motivation for running is to ensure that the work the people expect from their government gets done, like passing a capitol works bill. That alone would create jobs up front and afterwards. Give business the ability to move goods cost effectively and allow customers to easily access their place of business. I would improve state services so that a simple act such as returning a phone call becomes commonplace. The rest will follow.
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.
Since being elected as a Trustee I have helped pass the Greenest Region Compact that is putting the village on a course to lower its carbon footprint. As Chairman of the Economic Development Committee I work constantly at creating a better business environment in the village so that we can increase our retail base and jobs. I'm working on making it so the residents of the village can shop locally thus not having to travel far. Shopping locally encourages walking and bicycling rather than driving the car. Thus we save on gas, pollute less and get some exercise. And we keep our dollars here rather than send them somewhere else. I am working to ensure that the village can fulfill its master plan by laying the ground work for improving the infrastructure that will be needed ten years hence. I helped to change the Police department by installing a new Police Chief from within the department who understands the community he serves and the personnel in the department because he has lived and served here. We feel we now have a stronger police department that has the whole Board and the communities support as a result of these changes. Using the above accomplishments as an example I want to extend those to the State of Illinois. I want to increase business so that we can increase the number of jobs and increase the amount retail taxes to provide the services people expect from their government.
3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.
No. Based on my previous answers I believe that passing a capitol works bill will improve our infrastructure and that will attract business and thus jobs. As a result increased tax monies will flow from the improved infrastructure paying the cost of these and additional state services.
4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.
A government dependent upon gambling to support itself is a sign of a weak state economy and a government unwilling or not knowledge enough to create the conditions needed to strengthen the state economy. Lets create real jobs by passing a Capitol works bill that will fix our infrastructure thus encouraging business to locate here, thus creating jobs...good jobs, not the jobs casinos create, that pay a good living wage and offer a brighter future to Illinois citizens.
5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?
Yes, but I would want it to be extremely difficult to accomplish so as to prevent abuse of this power.
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.
7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?
If the current leader were the only choice yes I would vote for him. Otherwise I would take a careful look at all the candidates before making a choice.
8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?
They need to be reminded that they work at the pleasure of the people of the state and I will be there to make sure they remember that fact.