Q&A with Schneider

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 a committed and active member of my community, and that involvement has lead me to politics. I am a member of the Interschool Council of the Batavia Public School District; I have served as the president of the PTO at my children's school; I am a current advisory board member for Chicago Health Connections; and I have been an active volunteer for the local and national Democratic party. As a private citizen, I worked with state Sen. Haine to advise and assist him in crafting and passing legislation with the Illinois General Assembly. I have been called upon to lend my expertise in a similar capacity at the federal level on Capitol Hill.

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.

All of my experiences, on the local, the state, and the national level, have enabled me to build working relationships with both Democrats and Republicans. I have the ability to work across the aisle to achieve results, rather than blindly adhering to party politics. As state representative, I will bring that same commitment and work ethic to the issues that matter for this district. My goal is to listen to the needs of the voters, to develop and advocate legislation that will best benefit this district, and to be a strong voice for fiscal responsibility.

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

Corporate loopholes that currently exist need to be addressed and closed to improve the revenue stream.

Illinois residents have paid the price of this unfair burden for too many years.

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 oppose the expansion of gambling. I would support further fiscal responsibility of casinos regarding local law enforcement and social services revenue in the counties they reside.

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

Legal indictments under the terms of the Illinois constitution allows for recall. Opposition to policy does not. Before one casts their vote, they should explore the candidate views and policies to better understand how it will affect them at home.

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?

This is a decision that needs to be made with careful consideration based on the needs of the constituents of the 50th District. What I decide will be explained with clarity to the people that have elected me.

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

Unfortunately, this has taken the focus off the real issues that affect the every day lives of the people, allowing for pork projects and special interests to sneak in under the radar. This has made a bad situation even worse.