Q&A with Chapa LaVia

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

I am running for re-election because I deeply love the community that I serve and I believe I am the best candidate to advocate for our needs in Springfield. I am committed to ensuring resident receive the state assistance they deserve and I have worked hard to achieve the goals I set out to accomplish when I first took office in 2003. However, there is much more work to be done and I am looking forward to the challenge. My main legislative priorities with continue to be improving education, senior citizen services, reducing crime, promoting economic growth and job creation and ensuring Illinoisans have the ability to access high-quality affordable healthcare. Passing Stricter government ethics, passing tougher laws on sex offenders. Being the only elected official which is a Female Veteran I strive to make sure that our wounded veterans returning home from the Iraq and the Afghanistan war get the state of the art medical treatment and all services we need to afford them.

2. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

I am proud of my reputation as a accessible and open advocate for the people of the 83rd District and for Veteran's in the entire State of Illinois. For nearly 20 or so years the city of Aurora was divided into several legislative districts and my community could not rely on any one legislator to let their voices be heard in Springfield. When I took office in 2003, I have worked hard to champion issues for all of the people of Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. I have put in place five Citizen's Advisory Committees that meet with my office on a quartley schedule. These groups keep me abreast of local issues, and often keep my office open late to better serve the constituents needs at any times. I am very proud of my legislative record. I have help successfully fight to close the gun show loophole and spearhead efforts which brought Ceasefire to Aurora. I worked to secure an increase every year for the state's per-pupil spending each year. I secured over $30 million in additional funding for local schools in the 83 RD District. I have fought to increase the minimum wage. It was my legislation which created the River's Edge Redevelopment Initiative in Aurora, which will attract new jobs and the development of downtown Aurora. I have voted against tax and fee increases on businesses and working families. I have been a very, very strong voice for all Service men and woman, Veterans in the State Capitol.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.

Earlier this year I voted for legislation what cut income taxes for 95% of the taxpayers, and raised them on 5% off the wealthiest. That would have amounted into $1 billion of new money for schools, reducing the need for property tax increases and help fund the so badly needed statewide capital construction plan. I believe that we need tax relief for the middle class. I am not in favor of anything that would make the tax burden greater on the middle class.

4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.

At this time I would not be in favor of expansion. Regardless of where someone comes down the issue, the state needs a tightening of the state's gaming regulations, especially if gambling is expanded. I would like to see more money devoted to helping problem gamblers and stopping them from gaining access to Illinois facilities. I would also like to pass legislation to give money back to the community in which a Casino has been fined by the Gaming board for infractions. I would like to see the 10% of the fine collected go to a not-for-profit dealing with individuals with gambling addictions.

5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?

I would be in support of allowing voters the recall power. It is an important check and balance to let elected officials mindful that they work for the people whom elected them info office.

6. Did you support the suburban tax increases that were used to keep the public transportation trains and buses running without cuts or fare increases?

I did. I felt it wasn't the preferred solution, but it was all that was available to avert a devastating crisis. With the current economy, higher gas prices, especially on middle-class and lower-income families are now depend on mass transit. There has been an increase of ridership. I feel that we as elected officials need to advocate more forcefully for increased federal assistance to our mass transit agencies and passenger high speed rail. We must be investing in infrastructure and rebuilding of the mass transit system here in Illinois and in the United States.

7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?

The only election I am focused on is my election for the seat of State Representative. In the given time, I will vote for the person which is best qualified to lead the chamber. The most important reason I would select that person is that they understand the separation of powers doctrine and will defend and uphold the institutional rules of the House of Representatives and the Illinois Constitutional process of the Illinois legislature.

8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?

As I walk door to door in my district, I have heard from so many of the voters who favor the idea of impeaching the governor. They are fed up with how he has conducted himself in office and that he is close to individuals which have been found or pled guilty to federal criminal corruption charges. I feel the voters should have the final say.