Q&A with Link

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?

Since being first elected State Senator in 1996 I have been a strong advocate for my district in Springfield. I have been a leader in the senate on tougher environmental laws, the banning of smoking in public places in Illinois, and on the capping of property taxes. The 30th district needs someone who has the experience to continue to get the job done for them in Springfield.

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.

Last year I passed into law the most important piece of legislation that I have had the privilege of working on, that being, the Illinois statewide smoking ban. It is possibly the most important public health initiative that I have worked on.

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

I believe an increase in taxes should be our last option and in this time of economic recession I believe it could be a burden that families would be unable to take on. I believe we have options that need to be considered prior to the increasing of taxes. The senate this year approved a pension obligation bond deal that would have helped restructure our current pension debt and ensured that we didn't miss a payment. I believe that an expansion of gaming can also help fix schools, roads, create infrastructure and put people back to work.

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 support the expansion of gambling in Illinois and have voted in favor of it repeatedly as a state senator. One of the original goals of the boat licenses was to place boats in communities that were economically depressed to that the community could share in the profit thus building a better economic situation for itself. And that is exactly what it has done. Look at Metropolis, Elgin, Aurora or Joliet and you will see that these communities have prospered with the help of these boats. It has also helped the state economy. I believe that the new licenses should be competitively bid.

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

I did not and do not support a constitutional amendment to recall elected officials. Elected officials are just that: Elected. If the people of this state decide that they do not like an elected official then they can vote them out of office. If an elected official does not perform their duties as becoming that office then there are safeguards of impeachment that can be used.

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 vote for HB 656 because it gave better representation to the suburban areas on the transportation boars, it allowed for better equity and tax distribution for the suburbs and collar counties and it helped keep the transportation system going at a reasonable cost to riders.

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

No, since President Emil Jones is not running for re-election. I will vote for someone who understands the needs of the suburbs and how issues are viewed by the voters of my district. Someone who will help work out an agreement on a capital bill that will put people back to work and improve our current infrastructure.

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

As a member of the senate I would be bound by the constitution to serve as a jury member if such a situation were to arise. I believe if there was enough evidence of impropriety against the Governor that Speaker Madigan, an outspoken critic of the Governor, would have called for a hearing on the allegations and begun impeachment proceedings.