Q&A with Hatcher

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?

The wheels have fallen off the wagon in Springfield, and the chaos affects every single resident of our state. I want to bring accountability back to public service. There is no greater responsibility than being trusted by the public to speak on their behalf. I have had the opportunity to do so, and am convinced the process works. Women often take a spiral staircase to leadership. Each step, from girl scout volunteer and civic association president to school board member, county board member and forest preserve president taught me more strategies and gave me better tools to serve my neighbor. As a state representative, taking those skills to Springfield is an exciting opportunity to provide a better world for a larger group of men and women of all ages. All issues revolve around a sound economy, whether energy or education. Regional growth has stretched both the physical and social infrastructure in the 50th District to the limit. My priority is to introduce and support legislation that lowers the angst factor of my constituents, whether it's navigating crowded roads or hitting roadblocks while seeking a better quality of life. We need to honor existing commitments before making new ones.

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.

More than any other attribute, I bring an understanding of collaboration and the ripple effect of each vote. Each legislator is independent, as is each member of the school and county boards I have worked with through the years. A public servant must do three things: listen, learn and lead. Listening is the most important. No effort will be successful unless you possess the ability to understand and integrate other views. The legislative process is not always pretty, but the end result usually is a balance that benefits our residents as a whole. Lone Rangers may get attention, but often they don't represent the public, they represent themselves. There are already enough of those in Springfield. My sphere of understanding includes transportation, economic development, business, diversity, education, agriculture and the world of the veteran, seniors and the disabled. I'm used to standing by unpopular votes against very persuasive "experts" and would hit the ground running. I'm ready.

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

None that I can currently trust to be responsible. There is always a "trade" formula of some type floating in the legislative air to lower property tax and replace with a different revenue vehicle, such as an income tax or sales tax. Springfield - and specifically the current governor - has proven time and time again it can't be trusted to fulfill those commitments. Pension bond money has been used for other purposes and dedicated funds for projects like saving open space are routinely raided for another nice sounding, but unfunded, initiative.

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

The 50th District is home to one gaming group (Aurora) and the recipient of community impact dollars of a second (Elgin - Kane County). The original legislation was designed to aid river towns regain economic vitality. Depending on community negotiations, the industry brings both jobs and infrastructure enhancement. Additional sites would generate funds for Capital Projects, but would they bleed funds from communities now benefiting from revenues? There are a finite number of people who enjoy gaming, and my guess is that any new sites would simply dilute the existing clientele and drop the revenues of the old facilities. I'm concerned for the welfare of my own district. If new facilities are built, the same rules that apply to every gaming facility in the state should also apply to Chicago. Talk of overhauling the regulatory board may be an option, but every casino in the state should have the same oversight.

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

Yes, as long as it includes appropriate safeguards to protect responsible elected officials making responsible, but sometimes unpopular, decisions. It works in other states, and it can work here. Time for a little more accountability.

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 initiative was appropriate - the funding package was not. Loss of Federal funding was averted, but infrastructure needs, fund restrictions and substantial Pace support was incomplete. The legislation simply did not distribute funds equitably, and suburban residents were paying for Cook County amenities. Thousands of people in the Fox Valley take the train to work everyday - it is, in itself, an economic engine. However, those riders should pay their fair share; fares today do not pay their way. The challenged among us rely on this network as their only transportation link. I work daily with the frail and disabled - I know first hand that the RTA system must be supported. To be truly effective, investment must be made in a network that extends far beyond these traditional vehicles. Kane County is wisely doing a Route 47 Corridor Study, seeking input from affected communities to secure IDOT commitment, and Ride-In-Kane provides a necessary life link for many. Kendall County is currently designing a transportation network with the help of state and local funding partners. In high growth areas such as ours, more and more transportation needs fall on local budgets. Once again, we're talking about collaboration and the best and highest use of public funds.

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

Absolutely, and with pride. The House of Representatives has 51 Republican members, each of whom brings unique skills and each of whom represents a unique demographic and geography. The structure today includes a Republican Minority Leader, chosen by the other legislators, to drive important issues and reach consensus. That Leader is aided by a leadership team dedicated to learning what other House members favor. Each individual House Republican makes an individual vote, and does not have his or her hands tied by a political mandate. Unlike the other bodies, Houses Minority Leader Tom Cross has instituted a voluntary Leader term limit, which I think is a VERY healthy philosophy. Too much power, for too long, strangles the initiative of potential leaders, gridlocks the system and reinforces the public's belief that Springfield sometimes does more damage than good. Cross has done a phenomenal job of finding common ground between members of both parties. I believe instituting a leadership term limit for the Majority and Minority Leaders for both the Senate and House would do wonders to clear the air.

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

I think the idea of impeachment gives him more status than he's due. Impeachment is a tool specifically designed to address crimes of high treason or criminal malfeasance. His crime is much more pitiful - total and complete disregard for the intelligence and pocketbooks of the residents of Illinois and the public servants elected to represent their interests in Springfield. The more appropriate tool would be a recall amendment to our state constitution