Q&A with Reboletti

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?

I have lived in DuPage County my entire life and I am grateful for the public service of others who have provided my family and me with a solid education, a safe community and excellent parks and recreation opportunities. I have always felt that it is my responsibility to make certain that these opportunities are available for my child and future generations. I have enjoyed my many years of public service whether it was prosecuting violent offenders as a former Will County State's Attorney, studying the impact of new construction in Elmhurst while serving as a city alderman or debating legislation in Springfield. As your state representative, I will continue to work as your public servant and ensure that the values and beliefs of the residents of the 46th district are well represented in Springfield. There are so many issues that I am passionate about. One issue that seems to naturally fit my job experience is public policy which pertains to criminal law. I will continue to ensure that victims have a voice in the legislature, and I will push for stricter laws that will protect our families and children. In addition, the state can no longer turn a blind eye to the state of our economy. It's vital that the state learn to live within its means and stop raising taxes on its residents. I believe in a zero-based budget, and I feel that the current method of producing a state budget does not ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent in a fiscally prudent manner. We also need to address the loss of jobs in this state, especially manufacturing jobs. For to long, this state has made the business community the bully and has driven jobs out of this state. We need to put together a policy which attracts new jobs and at the very least maintains the businesses that we currently have.

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 prosecutor, I feel that I make my greatest contribution sitting on the Judiciary - Criminal Law committee. The majority of the legislation that I sponsored or co-sponsored dealt with laws which would protect our residents. I am especially proud of two pieces of legislation which I sponsored and was signed into law. To protect our youth from the dangers of psychoactive drugs, I introduced legislation which would make Salvia Divinorum a banned substance in Illinois. Salvia Divinorum, also known as Magic Mint or Sally D, has similar properties to LSD and was legal to smoke in Illinois. After hearing first hand the dangerous effects of this drug, I sponsored legislation which would make this drug a banned substance in Illinois. In addition, I also sponsored legislation which would keep illegal guns off the street by strengthening penalties for "straw men". These "straw men" are responsible for purchasing weapons and either selling or passing them onto individuals who they know will use them solely for criminal activity.

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

During my first term as state representative, I voted against the Democrat's attempt to raise taxes on our families. With families experiencing skyrocketing gas prices, higher prices for groceries and school supplies, I feel that the Democrat leadership in this state has not made a solid case to its residents that an income or sales tax increase is necessary. Regarding education funding, I currently do not support the proposed measure which would increase income taxes for education funding. The biggest fault that I find with this legislation is that it does not guarantee property tax relief for my local families. In addition, with the current leadership dynamic there is no trust that the increased revenue from the income tax would be solely used for education funding and not to pay for the pet projects of the Democrat leadership.

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 support the addition of slot machines at race tracks. I also support the release of the 10th gambling license, provided that all taxes on casino revenue are to be used as a dedicated revenue source for education, pensions and a capital program. In addition, I believe that an additional casino needs to be met with stronger oversight by the state and tougher ethics laws to govern this expansion.

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

I voted in favor of giving voters the ability to recall elected officials.

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 voted against the sales tax increase for CTA, Metra and Pace. My biggest problem with this proposal was that the CTA in the past has been known for its bureaucratic inefficiencies, patronage and bloated budgets. I feel that the mismanagement of the CTA has led it to its current fiscal problems, and this sales tax is a temporary band aid for an agency that will be in the same financial difficulties five years from now. In addition, the revenue from this tax increase only goes to operations of these agencies and does not address any repair or updates to its aging infrastructure.

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

Yes, State Representative Tom Cross has done a solid job of listening to member's concerns and driving issues that effects our residents such as the jobs program.

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

There is no Governor in the history of this state that has abused the power of this office like Blagojevich. I think it is completely disgraceful that Governor Blagojevich has taken it upon himself to circumvent the legislature when he does not get his way on matters. However, the idea of impeaching a sitting Governor has never been approached before in this state's history, and the legislature needs to thoroughly discuss and debate this issue before proceeding with any hearings. As a former prosecutor, I also feel that the legislature should wait for the federal government to complete their investigation into Governor Blagojevich's administration before acting on impeachment hearings.