Q&A with Wintermute

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?

My main priority in office will be to work with every elected official in this state to develop a long-term plan to reinvigorate Illinois' sagging economy. I have heard many politicians pay lip service to the idea of developing a long-term economic growth initiative, but I have yet to see any follow through. My experience as a small business owner, and economic development coordinator has given me the insight and knowledge to actually present ideas that will move Illinois' economy forward. To grow jobs, you need to first grow employers! One easy way to help grow our economy is to restore the federal depreciation schedule. This is not a 'sexy' talking point by any means, but at this point we need substance over 'sexy'. By re-coupling with the federal schedule, companies in Illinois will get a 30% bonus incentive to invest in capital infrastructure for their companies. Another idea I have heard discussed is reducing the utility tax for manufacturing. We all know that Illinois has lost a lot of good paying manufacturing jobs, we need to get those back. There is a unique opportunity for Illinois to attract more of these jobs. As the rail hub for the nation, it is inexpensive to ship goods into and out of Illinois, that gives us an advantage. Adding to the fact that manufacturing overseas is returning to the United States due to increasing fuel costs being in the industry I know there has been 400% increase to ship a 40 foot container from China to California. Illinois can, and should attract these good paying jobs back to our state.

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 business owner, I will bring some of my lessons from the "business world" to Springfield. For example, too many times we hear that business and labor can not work together. I do not buy that for one second. I employ 70 employees, most of whom are unions, and it makes me proud that I can run a successful business that pays a good union wage, and provides an opportunity for my employees to live a good life. The average tenure for an employee at my company is 14 years, I think that figure alone points to the fact that business and labor can prosper if they work together. I think we need to reevaluate the relationship between business and labor. I am the one who can and will work to build that bridge. This is not a zero sum gain, businesses and unions should work in tandem to prosper.

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

I would not support a personal income tax hike. I would not support a sales tax hike. I understand that the State has a $2 billion budget deficit, but we cannot tax our way out of that deficit. Deficits are caused by spending more money than you have available to you. We do not have a problem with taxpayers NOT paying enough taxes - we have a problem with a State that cannot live within their means.

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 do not favor slots at the race tracks, as such a change in state law will have a negative impact on the thousands of employees that work at the casinos in and around my district. One thousand people are employed by gaming in the 42nd Illinois Senate District. I want to retain these jobs. I would favor a new casino in Chicago, so long as the 10th license was used, and the City had no control over the operation of the casino. Corruption is far too ingrained in the City to allow any control of gaming.

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

Absolutely. Elected officials need to be held accountable every day they are in office, not just once every few years when they are up for election. Sometimes voters simply make a mistake and elect someone to a position that they are not very well suited for.

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 do not. Illinois Compiled Statues, 70 ILCS 3615, the Regional Transportation Authority Act gave the RTA oversight of the CTA's budget and allocation of operating and capital funds. For all of the years, that the RTA failed to increase fares to keep pace with expenses, they failed in their statutory responsibilities. They should have made cuts or increased fares long before the term "doomsday" was ever coined. Government should not be run on a crisis basis. Neither the RTA nor the CTA acted in a fiscally responsible manner. The result was that the taxpayers had to pick up the tab.

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

No one has asked me to support them for Leader. I am focused on winning my campaign for State Senate. When I do consider a candidate for Leader, I will evaluate who best can help me address the issues and priorities of the 42nd Senate District.

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

I believe that should the House impeach the Governor the Senate needs to hold hearings that have no overtones of politics. This seems impossible given the current state of affairs, however under no circumstances would I support any proceedings against the Governor simply to make a good showing. Patrick Fitzgerald is an extremely competent and diligent US Attorney, and unless there is a finding of gross negligence on behalf of the Governor, we need to let our judicial run its course. We can not set a precedent in this state of impeaching any official simply because we 'think' he may be guilty, or that s/he is unpopular.