State senate candidates say why they're best for Lake Co.

Democrat state Sen. Michael Bond and his challenger, Republican Lake County Board Chairwoman Suzi Schmidt, have outlined reasons why they would be effective in Springfield.

Schmidt and Bond recently addressed issues in Daily Herald questionnaires and in an editorial board endorsement interview.

They are running in the 31st Senate District that covers most of northern Lake County. Voters will decide the election for the four-year seat on Nov. 2.

Both candidates responded to a question about why they would be effective in the General Assembly.

Schmidt, 59, of Lake Villa, said she's been in the Republican minority on the county board in the past, and successfully worked with the majority party without trading votes on issues. She said she would have no problem working with Democrats in the General Assembly to pursue cost cuts.

“The politicians in Springfield have failed the people of Illinois with their mismanagement of funds," Schmidt said, “and I plan to take my budget policies to the senate to get our state back on track."

Bond, 40, of Grayslake, said voters must ask themselves who would have a “seat at the table" to help Lake County, because he expects the Democrats to retain state government power. He said he's had a role in acquiring at least $300 million in state funding for county road projects since his 2006 election.

“If my opponent goes to Springfield, she's going to be in the minority," Bond said.

On the issue of the state's budget crisis and trimming $13 billion in debt, Schmidt said one avenue she would pursue is seeking an audit of the All Kids health care program.

Schmidt wrote in her questionnaire that steps should be taken to remove more than 90,000 participants on the taxpayer-subsidized All Kids insurance who are above the federal poverty level or are “undocumented."

Bond said one of his money-saving ideas would be to locate more state offices in Springfield instead of Chicago. He said money on building leases and salaries could have saved by concentrating the offices in Springfield.

Schmidt and Bond agree tax increases are not the way to solve the state's budget woes.

Bond is completing his first four-year term as state senator. He gained the job by defeating Republican Warren Township Supervisor Suzanne Simpson.