House District 59 candidates say they have solutions to state's budget woes

All but one candidate in the race for the 59th House District are opposed to raising taxes to plug an $11 billion state budget shortfall.

Republicans Mohan Manian of Green Oaks, Dan Sugrue of Green Oaks and Vernon Hills Trustee Cynthia Hebda all say Springfield needs to reform, restrain and refocus their spending priorities. Democrats state Rep. Carol Sente and Buffalo Grove Village President Elliott Hartstein agree cuts need to be made.

But Hartstein is the only candidate who is open to a tax increase.

The candidates responded to questionnaires from the Daily Herald in advance of the Feb. 2 primary election.

Sente, 48, says she's optimistic about economic recovery and believes it will have a positive effect on the state's budget.

"I am hopeful that in time the state will recover much of its lost revenue as the economy rebounds," she said. "I will treat the state like I treat my own business, making difficult but necessary cuts in spending and deferring purchases to balance the budget. I do not believe it is prudent to raise taxes while people and businesses continue to struggle. I oppose a tax increase and believe we will not restore the economy to health or help struggling families if we increase their taxes."

In opposition to Sente, Hartstein is open to tax increases. "To be honest and candid, some type of tax increase will be needed," he said. "Such an increase must be done equitably by increasing exemption levels or other measures to compensate for the regressive nature of our tax system along with significant property tax relief such as increases in the homeowner and senior exemptions."

Hartstein, 61, said the increased revenues must be combined with cuts.

"I believe any realistic plan to solve the state budget crisis requires a combination of changes, reforms, cuts and some new revenue for the short and long term," Hartstein said. "Every agency of state government needs to see where significant cuts can be made without jeopardizing the delivery of services to citizens."

Hebda, 53, sees the financial crisis as a catalyst for change.

"Now, more than any time in our state's history, we have the opportunity to review every program to determine if they are providing the needed service for our constituents," Hebda said. "I would not support a tax increase on the hard-working citizens of Illinois. Economists and entrepreneurs believe raising taxes during a recession will harm the economy and could actually cause revenues to stay stagnant and not ultimately increase."

Manian, 45, says state legislators need to go back to basics.

"The first step to address the current budget crisis is to stop spending money you don't have. We need to balance the budget by bringing projected expenditures in line with projected revenues. We need to determine the causes for the state's deficit spending over the past eight years," Manian said. "I oppose any increase in state taxes to help balance the budget. I would support any veto made by the governor regarding tax increases."

Sugrue, 46, sees four sectors that need reform.

"The main areas of the budget and need to be reformed are pensions, education, the Department of Corrections and Medicaid," Sugrue said. "I'm opposed to tax increases because they only drive more businesses and jobs out of state and never bring in the amount of revenue their sponsors predict."

Sugrue said the state needs to reduce taxes in order to entice new companies.

"We can attract more businesses and jobs by lowering our individual and corporate tax rates and easing the oppressive regulations that burden our business community."

The 59th District includes portions of Buffalo Grove, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Indian Creek, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mettawa, Mundelein, Northbrook, North Chicago, Park City, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, Waukegan and Wheeling.