R. Cary Capparelli: Candidate profile

Bio

Party: Democrat

City: Chicago

Office sought: Illinois House 20

Age: Did not reply

Family: Single

Occupation: Self-employed as president of OMNI-Communique Inc.; instructor in geography (online education) at South Dakota State University

Education: Ph.D. from University of London; master's from Northeastern Illinois University; master's from Medill, Northwestern University; bachelor's from Drake University

Civic involvement: Public member, Illinois Banking and Real Estate Board (1997-1999); member of the board of directors, Illinois International Port (2000-2009), chairman of its Homeland Security, Legislative, and Marketing committees, member of its Executive Committee

Elected offices held: None

Incumbent? No

Website: www.carycapparelli.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/247782418714303/

Questions and Answers

1. What is your position on placing a 'Fair Maps' amendment on the November ballot? If the amendment makes the ballot after the primary, will you support it? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support an amendment on the ballot to reinforce the integrity of "Fair Maps." Gerrymandering is an "illegal" method that strengthens and increases representation for some but suppresses others. It is not only wrong but creates confusion for voters and makes no geographic sense. An independent commission should draw legislative boundaries that should be designed in easy-to-understand rectangles and squares and not to appease politicians.

2. What are the most important components that should be included in legislative ethics reform? What will you do to help them come to pass?

Perhaps there are many, but one that stands out in Illinois is the practice of lawmakers serving in both government and as a consultant or lobbyist for special interests. It is unethical and should be completely unlawful for a lawmaker to serve as a consultant or lobbyist. I'd certainly be prepared to enter legislation to prohibit this "shady" practice.

3. What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?

The Illinois pension crisis is the result of greedy government officials who implemented non-sustainable pension plans and should hold some fiduciary responsibility. Although you can't take away the commitments made under the existing pension programs, going forward the state must make major changes to such programs with new hires. It would be my opinion that the state must adopt a sustainable pension program for its agencies, etc., that does not run debt and this can be best achieved by instituting the types of pensions enjoyed by most Americans; an IRA that is both self-funded by the individual and complimented with contributions by the employer.

4. Describe at least two circumstances in which you have shown or would show a willingness and capacity to act independently of the direction or demands of party leadership. Do you support term limits for majority and minority leaders in both chambers?

This primary election, in particular, shows my willingness and capacity to act independently of party demands and leadership. In fact, as an independent Democrat, I am not the endorsed candidate of the party which prefers a candidate with allegiance to the Speaker and not the citizens of House 20. My independence is further highlighted by the fact that I have run in past elections as both a Democrat and a Republican. My ideology has not changed and that is an ideology shared by most of the people who reside in House 20. I simply seek the best vehicle to allow me to represent my neighbors.

5. What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?

To stem out-migration from Illinois, the state needs to reassert itself as tax-friendly to both commerce and its residents. It has failed both groups and the outcome is now obvious. The state needs to formulate incentives to keep corporations here and for others to relocate in Illinois, and to keep and expand its workforce. Despite not being a warm weather paradise, Illinois has many "good" things to offer residents from a big city in the north to a large national forest in its south. Lawmakers must utilize its selling-point advantages and create an environment conducive to business and jobs.

6. Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?

Climate change, which some geologists and geographers may call "climate shift," has existed since the beginning of time. The entire Midwest was once covered by glacial ice. At the same time, man has probably contributed to some of the changing conditions in air quality, weather and other conditions. It would be impossible to calculate which has been a greater factor but it is not possible to change "natural" occurrences. However, man is accountable with those conditions he/she produced. Governments, federal and state, must continue to curb impacts caused by man with continuous technological advancements and law to lessen the consequences of individual and industrial contamination of the planet.

7. The graduated income tax is designed with the intent to reduce taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans. Do you believe that will happen? Why or why not? What assurances can you offer voters?

Although the "Fair Tax" or graduated income tax will probably eventually become law, I doubt it will achieve its objective because I am not convinced by the argument made that it is based on strong criteria. In my opinion, the flat income tax rate is a more fair method because it is unbiased and would be favored by the majority of the constituents in House District 20. For that reason, I would not be a proponent of a graduated rate because it would not be fair to the majority of the people I would represent.