Q&A with Connelly

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 is that? What will be your main priority in office?

I am running because in my years of public service I have a track record of looking out for the taxpayer first and want to bring that record to the Illinois House of Representatives. My record shows I demand accountability with government staff, hold the line on taxes and will think outside-the-box to initiate and implement complex and creative solutions to issues. Further, more than any other state in the union, Illinois needs to reform the way it does business. This state needs full transparency from the state government to city councils to allow the eyes of the people to find bureaucratic duplication and unleash the power of the market to promote market-based cost-savings measures. The state must also think outside the box for ways to bring real property tax relief while also making higher education more affordable.

2. Tell us what contributions you would make. Tell us of important initiatives you've led.

I am not an incumbent, and as such, seek to bring a fresh vision to the Illinois House of Representatives. I will make decisions based on the fiscally conservative principles that the residents of this district have come to appreciate and expect. Consistent with that principle, I have a record of initiating and seeing to completion many initiatives that are making a difference in our community. For example, as the current Chairman of the DuPage County Economic Development Committee, I've been entrusted to lead in the implementation of the County's economic development initiative - Choose DuPage. Choose DuPage brings together some of the brightest business minds in the country at little or no cost to the County to seek ways to make the County more attractive to the business community, retain existing businesses and recruit new high-paying jobs to DuPage County. Choose DuPage is a vehicle to find ways to reduce the tax burden on businesses and individuals and create an environment amenable to entrepreneurship and new business development. As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, I will work to promote new job growth by supporting:

Taxation policies that are fair and encourage entrepreneurship.

• Tax incentives to encourage job creation.

• A comprehensive regional transportation infrastructure plan.

• Keeping Illinois competitive in light of the global economic changes.

• Support research for the development and advancement of new high tech industries - especially alternative energy; and

increased funding for job training and workforce development.

From 2001-2006 I served as a Trustee in Lisle. There, I worked with Mayor Broda and my fellow board members to ensure that both incorporated and unincorporated Lisle residents who were affected by TCE contamination in their wells had access to clean drinking water. Further, I spearheaded the Lisle/Benedictine University Sports Complex Project that is one of the more creative public/private partnerships in the State of Illinois. Benet Academy, Lisle Senior High School and Naperville North, among others, use the Sports Complex to host sporting events. I am especially pleased that it has hosted numerous major economic impact events such as the upcoming NCAA Division III National Track and Field Championships and the USATF Regional Junior Olympics Competitions. I also initiated the Neighborhood Meeting program that brings staff and elected officials from many government bodies together in different neighborhoods to discuss issues in a relaxed, informal environment. This program has been very well received.

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

I am hard pressed to believe there would be any circumstance where I would support an increase in the state income or sales tax in this dysfunctional environment. Our state is a fiscal cesspool due to runaway spending, the foisting of unfunded mandates on other local governments and the raiding of pension funds that now puts a giant hole in our state's finances. Like our businesses and families, when the money's not there, you cut costs. Unfortunately, you don't hear much about cutting costs in Springfield. The "revenue enhancements" - aka "tax increases" - crowd seems to have blocked out the notion that spending is out of control. Spending is out of control and needs to be reigned in. Many years ago, Governor Edgar came into office facing a similar fiscal crisis and made the cuts necessary to make Illinois competitive again while also ensuring appropriate levels of funding for education and human services. We are faced with a similar crisis today thanks to the current Governor. I will look for ways to reduce the size of state government by looking for ways to consolidate departments, stop unnecessary unfunded mandates that cripple the budgets of our local municipal governments and school districts and defend local control of our school boards. Until we get our fiscal house in order, we should not look to our already over-taxed citizens by increasing the state income or sales tax.

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

I am leery of any massive gaming expansion in Illinois. I read recently where a University of Illinois professor opined "casinos create $3 in social costs for every dollar collected by the state." There is an allure to gaming inasmuch as you're not raising income or sales taxes. However, the social cost must be factored into any vote. I appreciate Speaker Madigan's suggested restructuring and further empowering of the Gaming Board. Many states around the country have allowed racetracks to lease slot machines. Horse racing is a large component of our agricultural economy and the communities where they are located. With that in mind, the sate should ensure that our horse racing industry has the tools needed to remain competitive. I will keep an open mind on a Chicago-based casino. In light of the tourist and convention business lost to other states, a Chicago-based casino could provide new revenues for Illinois. It must be run by private industry and not by the city of Chicago.

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

Yes.

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?

The DuPage County Board did not vote on this issue. This bill was passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor. I would have voted NO because the bill generally serves to pay off CTA pension debts and did not address long-term capital needs in the suburbs such as the much needed STAR Line. With suburban-based jobs on the rise, business and labor leaders must meet and face the new challenges to our road and mass transit infrastructure. As suburban reliance on the current RTA/CTA/METRA/PACE systems continues to increase, we must incorporate innovative ways to keep up with the demand by creating additional suburb-to-suburb transportation options instead of focusing solely on suburbs-to-Chicago options.

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

It is rather presumptuous to be discussing a vote for the leader of your caucus before the voters of your district give you that right. I will say that I have great respect for Minority Leader Tom Cross. From my experience with Tom, his manner of seeking the opinions and input from all of his caucus members is what I look for in a leader.

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

The Illinois Democratic Party controls both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The leaders of the Illinois Democratic Party in the House can commence impeachment proceedings at any time. Frankly, however, the 2010 election will be here soon enough at which time the people of Illinois will directly weigh in on this issue.