Q&A with Holmes

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 feel while accomplishing much in my two-years of office there is much to accomplish to move Illinois forward. I have been motivated by the people of the 42nd district to continue taking a hard look at energy needs. I have spent the past two years working to get more green initiatives in the state and as energy prices continue to rise I will continue to work to provide green energy initiatives.

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. 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 legislation that I have sponsored has benefited and contributed to many areas of Illinois as well as many areas of life for the people of Illinois. I first introduced the Smart Cities and Green Cities Acts (HB 3394) which would establish a state program to make grants available to municipalities for urban preservation and redevelopment and for green technology it would also provide that the state of Illinois establish a program to make grants to municipalities whose buildings conform with the United States Green Building Council's Leadership on Energy and Design (LEED) rating system. I have led efforts such as SB 138 which would provide an income tax credit for each individual taxpayer who is a teacher teaching in a school in Illinois. It would provide that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the eligible classroom expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year, but the credit may not exceed $500. I also worked locally to solve the health care crisis by coordinating specialty health care services, pharmaceutical drug assistance and diagnostic testing for individuals with limited or no insurance (HB 732). I also worked to keep our children safe from child predators by requiring registered sex offenders to disclose their email addresses, instant message and chat room identities (SB14). These programs and many more that I have led have improved the quality of life in Illinois.

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

There is no circumstance I foresee in which I would support a raise in the state income tax or the sales tax. My record shows that I voted No on HB 656, which did create a tax increase to fund the RTA- Regional Transportation Authority. The people of the 42nd district are already overly burdened by property tax and do not need an additional tax on them during an economic recession.

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 do not support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks. I do favor licensing and building a new casino in the city of Chicago. The horse racing industry has declined in revenue in recent years and I do not believe adding slot machines at a race track to save the horse racing industry is good policy. I do believe we should award the final license and I do believe in building a new casino in Chicago. We are losing millions of dollars a year in revenue to neighboring Indiana. A casino in Chicago would boost the economy as it has done, in surrounding Joliet, Aurora, and Elgin.

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

I would and have supported giving voters the ability to recall state officials. I voted for and supported SJRCA 70, which would allow voters to recall their state elected officials. SJRCA 70 provided for petitioners to legally pass petitions for the State Board of Elections to hold a special election for recall. I was supportive of this measure in May of this year.

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 tax increase that would partially fund the RTA. The people of the 42nd district are already overly burdened by property tax and do not need an additional tax on them during an economic recession.

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

The Senate will be voting for a new Senate President this coming year and I will be voting for the person who best understands the needs and values of the 42nd Senate District. That person must have a solid energy plan, have a well rounded health care plan, as well as have a keen outlook on our future and our children's future. That person must also have a desire to fund a capital program; the program must meet the needs of the ever growing traffic and infrastructure of the collar county areas.

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

Impeachment is not to be taken lightly. If the General Assembly decides to take up impeachment for any official, I will take my constitutional role as an adjudicator very seriously, and address the facts as they are presented.