Q&A with Sugrue

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?

The incumbent, Kathy Ryg, has been unopposed since 2004. The voters of the 59th District deserve a choice in who represents them in the Illinois House. She has been rated as one of the four most liberal members of the House. Her voting record represents the agenda of the Blagojevich administration more than the interests of the people in her district. I want to lower the tax burden on people in the 59th district. My opponent, on the other hand, has a record of raising taxes on her constituents.

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.

I would demand more accountability and transparency in the budget process. I would advocate sunshine laws that would give taxpayers time to be informed about what is in the state budget before it's voted on. I would sponsor legislation to end pay-to-play. I would oppose any new spending that is not offset by cuts elsewhere in the budget.

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

Given the amount of waste in our budget, I cannot foresee any circumstance that would justify raising 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? Please explain.

No. Nine casinos in Illinois are enough.

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?

No. My opponent voted for that tax increase, despite the fact that Lake County voters have twice rejected proposed sales tax increases in referenda for roads here in Lake County. Lake County residents should not have to subsidize the inability of Chicago politicians to cut the waste in the CTA's bureaucracy.

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

Yes Tom Cross has done a good job in setting a common agenda for House Republicans.

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

In my opinion, the evidence against him in the Tony Rezko case alone are grounds for impeachment.