Suzanne Ness: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 66

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 66

City: Crystal Lake

Age: 55

Occupation: State Representative

Previous offices held: McHenry County Board member (2018-20)

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

When I talk to folks in our community, I hear a lot of different concerns and perspectives on the immigration issue. Although this continues to be an issue that should be dealt with federally, states should respond by coordinating together to pressure the federal government to take meaningful action on immigration.

What we can do in our community is ensure that community leaders, safety net organizations and law enforcement have the resources needed to deal with this crisis from the state and ensure these costs do not fall onto homeowners through high property taxes.

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?

While the state has strengthened ethics policies in the four years that I've been in office, I do believe there are more measures we can take to strengthen our ethics policies. I would like to see stronger conflicts of interest measures, more autonomy for our Inspector General, limiting general assembly members to holding one office only (for example we have members who serve in other elected roles), and more disclosures added to the statements of economic interest.

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

I support this initiative.

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

Crime is down throughout the state, at least what has been reported, and jurisdictions seem to be adjusting to many of the changes that have been made. Having more resources available is also making a difference.

Both sheriffs of the counties I represent have innovative programs that are helping address more of the root causes of crime and I meet regularly with law enforcement officials from my district so I can be responsive to any changes or adjustments that may need a legislative fix.

One change that the state can make is ensuring we provide the resources for law enforcement to execute and enforce the laws and policies we enact. I was endorsed by the Illinois Sheriff's Association and I'm committed to ensuring we are partners with law enforcement. It is a priority of people in my district.

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?

The assault weapon ban, which I supported, has only been in place for a short time and we need more time to assess the effectiveness of it before we make additional changes. Gun violence continues to be an issue that plagues our state and country, so more work does need to be done to strengthen background checks and crack down on illegal sales. I also support measures for safe storage of guns, especially in homes with children.

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

I support abolishing this requirement and I cosponsored HB4431 which would eliminate this requirement. Safety for all those on the road is the most important concern, but we also need to ensure we are not putting any undue burdens on seniors with clean driving records.

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

I always have and always will have an open-door policy in my office for all constituents. Regardless of if we agree on all issues or not, I take my role of representing the district seriously.

I listen to all sides of an issue when weighing whether or not we, the legislators, should do or not do something. I genuinely care about the people I represent and I believe in building relationships and trust. I am a lifelong learner and have found that by working with others who may hold a different view than me, I have found that I am able to craft better legislation and I am committed to being bipartisan as is evidenced by the legislation I've passed and supported.