Q&A with Grosskopf

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 office to reform the way we grow our communities so that our children do not have to pay for growth with over crowded schools and to prevent citizens from being taxed out of their homes. I am running to reform government in a way that will put the needs of the citizens above the needs of special interests and the career of a politician.

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.

The contribution that I will bring to state government is my experience of teaching in the public school system. My experiences in the classroom and in the public schools will allow me to offer new solutions to the problems of education and funding education that most people in Springfield do not have.

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

We need to reform the way we tax and use taxes. For many schools the property tax is the main source of income for schools. We need to reform education funding so that eventually it will be funded based on income tax, and not the property tax.

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

I am against the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks and I am against licensing and building new casinos. There are currently 10 licenses for gambling and 1 is not being used.

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

I support giving the voters the ability to recall elected officials.

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 not support the suburban tax increases that were used to keep the public transportation trains and buses running without cuts and fare increases because the citizens were not told what the problem was with the funding, why we were in a tax and how the tax would solve the problem. It has led to more distrust of government

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

If elected I would vote for the Democratic nominee for Speaker.

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

The idea of impeachment is a constitutional topic. The U.S. Constitution lists the reasons for impeachment, but the Illinois Constitution does not list 1 single reason to impeach members of the executive and judicial branches. Any impeachment proceedings would set a precedent on the reasons for impeachment and cannot be taken lightly. The will of the people elected the Governor and a legislative body would need to take that into consideration when thinking about impeaching the Governor.