District 41 candidates disagree on pension reform

Elmhurst Alderman Chris Nybo stresses his experience "making the tough decisions" necessary to balance a governmental budget.

Democrat Brian Stephenson, a political newcomer, says low-cost community programs like several he's founded offer a good example for the state to follow.

The candidates - both attorneys - are running for the open Illinois House of Representatives seat in District 41. The district includes portions of Elmhurst, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace and LaGrange Park.

Both candidates oppose increasing the state income tax.

Nybo, 33, a Republican and an employment attorney, said "meaningful pension reform" for state employees is the first step in solving the state's financial mess.

He supports a defined contribution pension system for new hires and increasing the contribution rates for all employees. State employees and retirees should also pay more toward their health insurances, he said.

Nybo calls for across-the-board pay and hiring freezes, even when it means renegotiating union contracts.

In Elmhurst, he said, "we brought our unions back to the table and said 'Look, we can't do this' We found a way to work with our public employee unions to get through these tough economic times - and the state hasn't done that."

Stephenson, 49, of LaGrange Park says reducing pension benefits for some jobs could cause the state to lose out on qualified candidates.

"If we cut back on pension programs, there may be extremely qualified teachers who wouldn't want to pursue that job," Stephenson said.

The first step in solving the state's financial crisis should be for the Auditor General conduct a full audit of "where the money is and where it's earmarked to go," Stephenson said. Then the legislature needs to set priorities, he said.

Stephenson is a co-founder of Turn the Corner, a program to teach improv skills to teenage offenders, and other "people helping people" programs in the community. If elected, he promises to start "program after program" to address issues in the 41st District, including joblessness, empty storefronts and problems facing senior citizens.

Nybo stresses his experience as an Elmhurst alderman dealing with budget constraints and skyrocketing pension costs. Nybo also has served on the DuPage County Zoning Board.

"I know these decisions aren't pleasant, but I know they need to be made and I have made them," he said.

Stephenson, meanwhile, says he offers a fresh approach as a political outsider. "I have no experience and no background as a public official, and quite frankly, I think that's why my campaign has been going as well as it has."

Nybo is endorsed by the Illinois Sierra Club and the National Federation of Independent Business. Stephenson is backed by the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Italian-American Political Coalition.