21st Senate hopefuls have different views education

Republican State Sen. Dan Cronin and his opponent, Democratic challenger A. Ghani, have different views on ways to reform education.

Cronin, of Elmhurst, has represented Senate District 21 since 1993. He says funding reform is a complicated issue, and involves teachers, families, homework, discipline and high concentrations of poverty.

"Approaching and really having a meaningful impact on students in the classroom requires a very targeted and specific policy, and only money is not needed at this moment," Cronin said.

He said good teachers need to be given incentive, support and mentoring so they can assist with after-school programs and tutoring.

"We have a lot of these programs in place, and they're simply not working," he said. "You have to have a very hands-on, targeted approach."

Ghani, 70, a retired real estate broker, ran unsuccessfully for Oak Brook village president last spring. He's against local control of school districts, and wants one school superintendent for the entire county.

"We need to reorganize the education system in Illinois," Ghani said. "Why are there so many superintendents?"

If elected, he hopes to put the idea to referendum and see how the public responds.

He also believes there should be a stronger focus on math and science.

"The job market needs math and science teachers, and we need to create jobs inside the United States," he said.

Green Party candidate John Basco of Downers Grove says he's running to let people know the Green Party's a viable alternative to the two other parties. He declined to comment about specific issues.

District 21 includes portions of Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Wheaton.