Q&A with Schmitz

1. Why are you running for this office? What will be your main priority in office?

I am running for office to continue to work for the residents of the 49th district. My main priorities will continue to focus on education, transportation, public safety and property tax reform.

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.

I've been fortunate to work public safety issues such as tightening the child safety seat laws and updating laws regarding the fast-changing internet. I have also worked on numerous open space initiatives in our District as well as transportation concerns.

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

I don't support raising the income or sales tax. Illinois continues to have a spending problem as the majority party is unable to balance priorities with existing revenues.

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 don't support the expansion of gaming.

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

I voted to place this measure on the November ballot. Unfortunately, the Senate did not concur with the House's action. Illinois should have a recall provision.

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 did not support the sales tax increase. The amount of money our County was to receive versus the amount our residents were paying was extremely disproportionate

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

Our caucus changed its rules in 2002. We are the only caucus to vote for one-half of our leadership team as well as having our Leader elected with term limits. As a result, should our Leader decide to run again, he will be within his term limit and I would support his re-election.

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

Should the Speaker decide to form an impeachment Committee to hear charges against the current Governor, I would formally request to serve on such a committee. Impeaching an elected official is not a small affair, nor should it be. The charges would have to be clear and proven beyond a reasonable doubt.