Q&A with Ryg

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 committed to continuing to represent my constituents in an independent, responsive manner as demonstrated by my record as a member of the General Assembly. I am frustrated by the current state of political gridlock and will continue to press for solutions to the many challenges we face including property tax relief, transportation and transit, education funding reform and accountability, and affordable health care coverage. I have a record of bi-partisan cooperation which leads to finding our common ground to advance a shared agenda. I am also proud of the constituent service we offer to assist those who need access to state services or help in navigating the bureaucracy of state programs. My office has often identified issues which can be addressed to ensure constituent and taxpayer concerns are heard and responded to.

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 am available to listen to and learn from my constituents utilizing their experience and expertise to address the issues. I have worked to build coalitions to meet identified needs given the limited resources available. I am committed to cost effectiveness and service efficiencies using best practices. These efforts have led to the development of the Lake County Transportation Alliance, the After School Coalition, and legislation to provide tax credits to enhance economic development opportunities. I serve as Chair of Lake County Partners Strategic Task Force for business and job development. I sponsored the Mass Transit Funding and Reform legislation supported by our local business and government leaders and taxpayers who agreed that transit and road improvements are needed to maintain our quality of life. I am chief sponsor of the Education Fiscal Accountability legislation, have passed legislation requiring insurance coverage of special medical needs and Chair the Disabilities Services Committee. I am committed to continue to meet with all my constituents to move our state forward in the most fiscally responsible way.

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

Given our current economic conditions I don't believe working families should be taxed further. I do support a thorough review of the state's tax structure and sponsored legislation which provides property tax relief based on the Cook County assessment process and property tax exemptions available to taxpayers statewide. I believe that any increase in general income or sales taxes must be accompanied by some form of tax relief. Our current tax system creates a structural deficit (economic slowdowns lead to revenue declines at the same time expenses rise) and I am open to discussion of proposals that have proven effective in other states. I supported a Constitutional Amendment which would have provided an opportunity for tax fairness to insure equity in how taxes are assessed (based on ability to pay) and collected and will continue to work towards these goals.

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 open to consideration of gaming expansion provided revenues are available to social service programs to serve the needs of gaming and substance abusers. The decision to allow gaming in the state was made prior to my serving as a legislator and as a legal activity, supported by many citizens as a form of entertainment, I believe we must carefully consider the opportunities to insure that gaming revenues benefit the communities where casinos and tracks are located and not just the gaming owners and operators. Any expansion of gaming must also provide revenue to underwrite the state's system of social services. I strongly support the reform measures proposed to insure adequate oversight of gaming operations by an independent board of experts. Ongoing oversight and transparency is critical and I will not accept any opportunity for personal gain or conflict of interest in considering expansion proposals.

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

I voted in support of a recall amendment. I believe elected officials must be accountable to those who have entrusted them to hold public office. I encourage constituents to communicate their concerns and ideas to me and other public servants and believe they are entitled to a full understanding of the complexity of the issues we must deal with. I know that it is not possible to please all the people all the time, but I firmly believe in accountability to the voters and taxpayers of Illinois. I am committed to making my constituents and the citizens of Illinois my highest priority.

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 co-sponsored the Mass Transit Funding and Reform legislation which provided for the necessary operating funding to maintain our public transit systems which are vital to the economic viability and quality of life in the northeastern Illinois region. This legislation provided the first audit and review of the Regional Transportation Authority and CTA, Metra and Pace in over 20 years. As a member of the Mass Transit Committee, we incorporated the recommendations of the Auditor General in improving the accountability and long range planning of transit providers, strengthened the representation of suburban interests by adding members to the boards, provided for reforms in the CTA pension and healthcare plans including reduction of benefits as negotiated with the unions and paid for by a Chicago only real estate transfer tax, and provided for funds to be returned to the counties where the tax is collected to be used for transit and road improvements at the direction of the locally elected officials. I sponsored legislation requiring annual accounting of the collection and spending of these funds. These efforts were fully supported by local business and elected leaders and constituents who recognize the need to address transportation gridlock.

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

I am frustrated by the personal and political agendas of the Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House. I continue to press the leaders to put aside their differences and respond to the pressing needs of the State and its citizens. I respect and appreciate the Speaker's expertise and experience but continue to work for an improved process where the members of our caucus are more fully engaged in problem solving and empowered to engage in bi-partisan negotiations. We must act to resolve our budget crisis and respond to the state's infrastructure needs with a capital program for roads, transit and school construction. Prior to committing to voting for Speaker Madigan, I will be seeking his commitment to improve the process by which legislation is offered and negotiated. I will also seek opportunities to return to the concept of conference committees of Democrats and Republicans, Representatives and Senators who present their initiatives to the leaders including the Governor, as opposed to our leaders controlling the process.

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

Given that the candidates for Governor will be circulating their nominating petitions in less than one year, I do not believe we should expend any effort or expense in a process of impeachment which will only distract the General Assembly and our leaders from the important work we should be engaged in. I believe impeachment efforts will only prolong the personal and political agendas which are so damaging to the well being of our state and its citizens.