Q&A with Prochno

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 is that? What will be your main priority in office?

I am seeking this office because I believe that participation in government presents me with the opportunity to work on and advance programs to benefit the public good. My 12 years of service as a village trustee clearly showed me the impact that an elected official can have in making positive change. I believe that public service is an honorable profession. I will work on re-establishing public trust in government, restoring public accountability for expenditure in taxes, advance transparency, and bring back a bipartisan approach to solving problems. In my service as a trustee, I worked with several municipal conferences, regional agencies, other communities and township governments. My approach is to solve the issue, not inquire as to the political leanings of those who are working with me. Equally important is the need to change the "anti-business" climate that exists in the state today. My family has owned a small business for over 60 years, employing about 40 people, and we have worked diligently to support small businesses and will continue to do so on the state level. In addition, as a physical education teacher, I want to immediately move forward on the important issue of advancing the well-being of our young people. I want to address the issues of obesity and eating disorders, which are negatively affecting young children.

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.

I strongly believe that our state government, at this time, is dysfunctional; it must be brought back to a position of working together in order to address the extreme problems confronting our state. As such, I believe I can make a serious contribution to being to re-establish a fair, working government in our state capitol. My 12-year service as a trustee has given me a knowledge of government and the importance of working with groups and individuals with divergent views, yet directing everyone to compromise and arrive at a sound solution. Further, I have been active in community not-for-profit activities for many years. All of these activities and programs have aided me in advancing numerous causes that again, made me realize that moving forward is dependent upon involving young people, listening to their side of an issue and directing everyone to the ultimate goal. From my involvement in the Sheila Ray Senior Center to creating the annual Memorial Day observance and Veteran's Park in Elk Grove Village, I saw that leadership could achieve success. My contribution, I believe, will be confronting the serious issues facing Illinois by working both sides of the aisle and plowing ahead, full force, to get Illinois away from the terrible partisanship, which has worn down our state.

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

In my many contacts with the voters of House District 66 during the past year, they have made it very clear that they expect their state elected officials to address the issue of responsibility of their tax dollar. They have lost trust in their state government; believe that the government has misspent the tax revenues that have been raised and permitted runaway spending with no clear or reasonable responsibility for the legislature's actions. I share this concern and therefor will make accountability of the tax dollar a priority. This issue must be resolved. The public must, once again, have confidence in their state government in order for the government to effectively more forward. I intend to work on this issue through legislation, committee assignments, my caucus, and hopefully, with members of the other party who share this issue. I realize there are many urgent and legitimate needs for the citizens of Illinois. However, without the support of the public in the belief that the legislature is acting correctly, tax increases do not succeed and create more distance and distraught between the citizens and state legislatures. Therefore, because of the issue stated above, I would not support raising the state income tax or sales tax.

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

As stated above, I have served 12 years as trustee on a village board. I support the right of home rule for communities; it has provided many benefits to our communities in the northwest suburban area. House District 66 includes part of Arlington Heights, which is, of course, home to an outstanding racecourse. However, I am aware that a number of years ago, the village board adopted a resolution in opposition to slot machines at that racecourse. Therefore, I would want any state legislation that permitted slot machines at a racecourse to provide that the local village board has the right to make the decision as to whether the machines could be placed at the course. Time has passed since Arlington Heights passed the resolution and the board and the community may want to reconsider the issue; however, as long as the resolution is on the books, and not repealed, I support the local community making the decision as to wether or not to place the machines.

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

Yes, I would work toward amending the Illinois Constitution to include a recall provision so that the public can vote on the removal of elected officials. I support this proposal on the basis that citizens should have the right to remove any elected official who does not represent the best interests of the state and is abusing the powers given to that position. I would, however, want an amendment that establishes a clear-cut basis for removal.

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 not a member of the General Assembly; I am seeking my first term to the Illinois House of Representatives. If I had been in the Illinois House when this issue was presented, I would first have examined service modifications throughout the system. Citizens have criticized the excessive buses used by PACE, and I share that concern. I realize they are beginning to work on adjustments to this issue and develop unique transportation needs. I am a supporter of public transportation. As a trustee, I have worked on public transportation issues for the seniors in the townships; have worked with PACE; Elk Grove Village has the largest industrial park in North America, with 100,000 workers and 3,800 businesses. Approximately one-third of the workers use public transportation to get to work. Therefore, it is important that our area be served by public transportation. What the legislature cannot do is immediately turn to a tax to address a problem. I believe that in order to find the funding needed to continue to operate the system that the RTA Board should have reviewed the fare structure and route modifications. I expected that much discussed capital plan will address the equipment needs and the modernization of the system.

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

I will vote for the current party leader of the Illinois House Republican members. Representative Cross, during the time I have sought this office, has been responsive to my questions and assisted in working with me. I have had the opportunity to talk to members of the House Republican caucus and they all praise his performance as House Minority Leader and his sincere inclusive policy. They state that he consistency seeks their input. I believe that is the hallmark of a leader.

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

As someone who has not served in the Illinois House of Representatives, I do not have all the specific facts on the conduct of this governor. Nevertheless, we are a government of laws, not of men. Certain allegations as to the conduct of the governor could point to the need for the Illinois House to create a bipartisan commission of House members, evenly divided between Republican and Democrat members, to investigate whether or not the charges are of such a nature that could give rise to a possible impeachment. The House committee would not rule on whether or not he should be impeached; that is the responsibility of the State Senate, which would conduct the hearing. I do support the House setting up a committee if they believe that the governor has abused his powers and gone beyond the powers granted by the Illinois Constitution. We have three equal branches of government: the executive, legislature and judiciary. I believe each must respect the constitutional authority of the other branches. If the governor has exceeded his authority in violation of the Illinois Constitution then I support a commission examining his actions.