Q&A with Tryon
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 dedicated a significant portion of my adult life to public service. I have served as a member of the County Board, as County Board Chairman, a Board of Health member, a Mental Health Board member and have volunteered for various non-profit and charitable organizations. I wish to continue to build upon the successes that I have been able to achieve for residents of the 64th District as their Representative in Springfield. As an environmental scientist, I hope to continue to work on legislation that protects our groundwater resources. I also want to continue working to improve our transportation system and I want to make Illinois the most competitive state in the nation by increasing job opportunities.
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 have been successful with numerous legislative initiatives that have benefited the residents of the 64th District. Legislation I have sponsored and passed include rewriting the tax cap law which saves taxpayers significant tax dollars each year. I also passed legislation that increased government accountability through a transparency in spending bill, improved public safety through a groundwater protection bill, worked to secure transportation funding for Routes 176, 14, 31, 47 and the Western Bypass in Algonquin, as well as for a full interchange at I-90 and Route 47. I also passed consumer protection legislation for cell phone users and clean water legislation to protect our rivers and streams.
3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.
Under the current economic climate, I would not support a tax increase. State spending is a matter of priorities, and the state must fund its existing programs without adding new costs. I will continue to vote only for budgets which are balanced and reasonable.
4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.
Yes. Currently Chicago has casino access to locations in Indiana. We should strategically locate a casino in Chicago which generates most of the state's convention business, and keep that revenue in Illinois. Why should we allow Indiana to profit from Illinois' economy? Expanding slot machines at race tracks provides additional revenue from existing gaming locations which could be used to fund a capital/mass transit bill.
5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?
Yes. I was the chief co-sponsor of legislation to allow a vote to amend the state's constitution to provide for recall of state 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?
No. I voted against the .05 percent sales tax increase. This tax was not fair or equitable and benefited the city of Chicago at the expense of suburban tax payers.
7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?
Yes. Leader Tom Cross has been a strong supporter of ethics reform, campaign reform, as well as a fiscally responsible leader, and has taken the lead in road funding tort reform and pension reform.
8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?
When we currently have the most investigated state government administration and members of the governor's inner circle indited and convicted, the House of Representatives should convene an investigation to determine if just cause for impeachment exists.