Dennis M. Reboletti: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 45

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Illinois House District 45

City: Elmhurst

Age: 56

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: Former State Representative (2007-15), Addison Township Supervisor since 2017

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

Illinois must prioritize our residents first. The state has failed to help migrants and spent resources that could have been spent on our obligations to the disabled, veterans, the homeless, and all our most vulnerable residents.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

Ethics begins with electing people with good character. Lincoln once said that nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Unfortunately, there are too many examples of our ethical standards being abused. Too many times, our elected officials have failed Lincoln’s test. We must elect people of good standards — high standards. I hold myself to these standards. All our elected officials should do the same.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

Simply, yes. Voters should have access to their prospective representatives to ensure they are aware of the candidate's issues and stay informed on a vote that will impact their daily lives.

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

The SAFE-T Act should be repealed. There was nothing wrong with the previous bail system. The act has not performed as anticipated. It has failed to keep violent offenders off our streets. Many of these violent offenders are automatically released back into our communities. Once released, no system is in place to get these offenders back to court. Worse, the law makes getting these offenders back to court difficult.

The passage of the SAFE-T Act has forced experienced law enforcement officers to leave their profession and, even worse, prevented prospective recruits from joining. The SAFE-T Act is a significant driver of recruitment decline. In short, the SAFE-T Act must be repealed. My first act as a state legislator will be filing to repeal this dangerous and destructive act.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

Gun safety starts and stops with responsible gun ownership, common sense policies, holding bad actors accountable, and addressing root causes like mental health concerns. This is how we improve safety overall. We must enforce the laws in place.

We need to target gang violence throughout Illinois. It’s unfortunate when violent gang members are released back into the street because of the SAFE-T Act. Chicago has a gang problem. We must address the gang violence problem harming public safety. We must stay focused on gang violence.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

No, I do not, and I will continue to work with the Secretary of State to make our streets safer for all constituents.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

As a lifelong district resident, I have seen the community grow and understand its needs. As a former state legislator, I held the General Assembly accountable. As a former prosecutor, I kept our streets safer.

As current Addison Township Supervisor, I support the community through the food pantry and Addison Township Community Mental Health Board.

As a small-business owner, I am committed to creating a thriving business environment in Illinois. I know what it takes to be an effective legislator because of my experience and dedication to the community I have had the pleasure to call home my whole life. That’s what makes a good legislator.