Rita Mayfield: 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: WaukeganWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 60th District RepresentativeAge: Candidate did not respond.Family: Mother of 2Occupation: 60th District State RepresentativeEducation: BS Computer Info Systems MS Management and Organizational Behavior with emphasis in Organizational DevelopmentCivic involvement: Harbor Lite Chapter of the Links Incorporated Volunteer Financial Instructor, Habitat for Humanity Former Member Waukegan KiwNis Former Member Waukegan Schools Foundation Former Board Member SER/Jobs for Progress Former Founding Member, Citizens Organized for School Leadership Accountabilty (COSLA) Former Parent Advisory Board Member, The First Tee Jr. Golf ProgramElected offices held: Former Vice President Waukegan Board of Education Precinct Committeeman since 2008Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Lack of funding for education, women, children and senior programsKey Issue 2 Developing small business proving greater incentives for growth/retaining businessesKey Issue 3 Addressing our budget problems spending within our means while maintaining programs for our most vulnerable populationsQuestions Answers How would you fix the state's pension gap? Should pension costs be shifted to suburban school districts? Why or why not? Should this issue be voted on in a lame-duck session? Why or why not? How can partisan gridlock be eased to solve the crisis?Need comprehensive reform that protects those currently retired..need to bring all affected parties to table, clearly define this shift and how will it guarantee a quality education for our children, nothing presented to date addresses this issue.How, specifically, would you cut the budget? What does Illinois need to do to fix its status as a "deadbeat state?" How will you vote on future gambling bills? What is your view of slots at racetracks? Casino expansion?Budget has been cut the last two years, cuts are happening but the real issue is how do we get the pension under control, we can't cut enough to do this, we need reform for everyone, no sacred cows. Everyone wants to cut the pensions/budgets of others and leave theirs intact...need to maintain current contracts and negotiate new reforms into new contracts.What can you do specifically to help the economy in your district? How can you help create jobs in your district and statewide? What is your view of the tax breaks granted to companies like Motorola Mobility, Navistar and Sears?I voted no on the tax breaks. We are going to support our small businesses, they are the backbone of every community. I'm meeting personally with business owners to get a better understanding what they need, what laws are not working for them, what assistance is needed from me. Also working with chambers and community colleges to develop workforce. Meeting with business development managers to target new business for my district. I will work with anyone to bring jobs and growth into my community.Do you favor limiting how much money party leaders can give candidates during an election? If elected, do you plan to vote for the current leader of your caucus? Why or why not? Do you support or oppose campaign contribution limits? Please explain.There are limits in place currently. I personally don't have a problem if a party leader wants to donate monies to their preferred candidate. I have not received any of these contributions but several colleagues have and I'm fine with that.Should gay marriage be legalized in Illinois? Should it be voted on in a lame-duck session as civil unions were? Should Illinois define life as beginning at conception? How would you vote on a concealed carry plan? Should the death penalty return?I have surveyed my constituents on both of these issues. My district will not support a yes vote to either at this time.