Melinda Bush: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: GrayslakeWebsite: http://www.voteformelinda.comOffice sought: 31st District SenateAge: 55Family: Married to Andy Bush, one adult child Chris WillenOccupation: Lake County Board Member, Lake County Forest Preserve CommissionerEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Grayslake Economic Development Commission, Past Member Lake County Forest Preserve District - Rollins Savanna Site Planning Committee LAke County Land Preservation Committee Illinois Parks and Recreation - Community Service Award Recipient Habitat for Humanity - House Walk, Co-Chair Grayslake District 46 Referenda - Co-chairman (successful passage) Lake County Historic Preservation Conference - Organizer Downtown Merchants Association Grayslake 5K Family Fun Run - Committee Chairman Volunteer PADS, GryslakeElected offices held: Grayslake Village Trustee Lake County Board Lake COunty Forest PreserveHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 When I decided to run to be your Senator in the 31st District, I did so knowing that I refused to be a typical politician.And as a life-long public servant, I've learned that too many candidates make broad statements to score political points.Statements made without understanding the dire issues facing our state.I refuse to be that person.I have a deep, abiding respect for the people of the 31st District.I firmly believe that respecting you means respecting the issues you face every day.I am spending the time that I'm afforded, in not having a Democratic Primary opponent, doing everything in my power to understand the complexity of the issues facing the State of Illinois.Developing reasoned positions to move our state forward.Once the Primary is over, I look forward to taking my case to the people of the 31st District.Key Issue 2 Please see response to key campaign issues #1Key Issue 3 Please see response to key campaign issues #1Questions Answers What can you do specifically to help the economy in your district? What is your view of the tax breaks granted to companies like Motorola Mobility, Navistar and Sears? For incumbents, how did you vote on the Sears plan in this fall's veto session?When I decided to run to be your Senator in the 31st District, I did so knowing that I refused to be a typical politician.And as a life-long public servant, I've learned that too many candidates make broad statements to score political points.Statements made without understanding the dire issues facing our state.I refuse to be that person.Do you favor limiting how much money party leaders can give candidates during a general election? If elected, do you plan to vote for the current leader of your caucus' Why or why not?Please refer to answer to first question from the editorHow, specifically, would you cut the budget? What does Illinois need to do to fix its status as a "deadbeat state?" How have you or will you vote on future gambling bills' What is your view of slots at racetracks' Casino expansion?Please refer to answer to first question from the editorWhat do you specifically support to deal with the state's pension gap? Would you vote for House Republican Leader Tom Cross's three-tier pension plan? Why or why not?Please refer to answer to first question from the editorShould gay marriage be legalized? Should Illinois define life as beginning at conception as others have? How would you vote on a concealed carry firearm plan? Should the death penalty be reinstated?Please refer to answer to first question from the editor