Q&A with Dist. 50 hopefuls
Four candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for the state House 50th District in the Tuesday primary -- real estate broker Anton L. Graff, 50, of Yorkville; marketing director at Senior Services Associates Inc. Kay Hatcher, 62, of Yorkville; corporate officer for Cottonwood Farm Terry Hunt, 55, of Big Rock; and director of constituent relations for Dennis Hastert, David C. Richmond, 45, of Batavia.
Candidates were asked to complete a Q&A; some excerpts from their answers are given below. To read each Q&A in full, visit dailyherald.com.
Q. 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?
Anton L. Graff. To offer my lifetime of experience in law enforcement, municipal management, real estate, community involvement and family values representing the 50th District along with giving back to society through the reward of public service. The main issue is honesty in government also, ethics reform, property tax relief, strong voice for law enforcement and our first responders, education funding alternative sources, transportation/Route 47 first, business retention and growth, suicide prevention, address affordable housing and health care for seniors and preserving the character of the land through good planning.
Kay Hatcher. Each of us has a vision of how our community, and the world surrounding it, might be better. 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.
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.
Terry Hunt. My motivation is very simple. I believe in the concept of true citizen government and I believe that I am an excellent candidate for this position. The fact that I have never run for public office affords me a unique perspective and opportunity as a state representative. I will enter office with clean slate. As the Representative of the 50th District, I will be responsible only to the citizens of our community. I have no political debt to pay, and as a result my promise to be a faithful servant of our community can be relied upon. My training and experience as an accountant and a businessman will be a valuable resource to my constituents.
David C. Richmond. To represent our future by working on quality of life issues. Good roads and quality schools which the state of Illinois needs to help us with. A tax cap on property assessments, so if your neighbor is fortunate enough to sell their home for a lot of money, your assessment and taxes do not go way up.
Q. 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.
Graff. I will become a strong advocate for change on how education is funded along with government accountability; reduce the tax burden on hard-working families and seniors with property tax relief; and promote a conducive environment for businesses to grow in Illinois through public/private initiatives become more market driven. Support our agricultural industry, promote and reward the use of renewable energy throughout the state -- become a leader in the industry. Improve how government functions, transparency in government builds trust with the people, pass a budget on time, pay the state's bills on time, invest in public infrastructure to promote interstate commerce and public transportation for commuters. Finally, support the educational community with a commitment to increase funding the state's share without increasing gambling in our state.
Hatcher. More than any other attribute, I bring an understanding of collaboration. 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 an amalgam 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.
Hunt. I believe that government should be simple and easy to understand. Laws and public policy and legislative intent should not be buried in the fine print on page 256. I believe in governmental transparency. No bid contracts, insider deals, etc. are the source of much consternation in Illinois and we must put an end to that sort of politics as usual. I believe English should be the official language of the state of Illinois. I would support legislative changes to insure that benefits and privileges intended for U.S. citizens of the state are protected.
Richmond. I would bring to Springfield my ability to get things done. People want results and for the last six years, I have helped a lot of people achieve results as the director of constituent relations for Congressman J. Dennis Hastert in his Batavia district office.
Q. The 2007 session showed again how heavily legislative action relies on consensus by the governor and legislative leaders. Should rank-and-file legislators play a larger role? If not, why? If so, how can that change be made?
Graff. Yes, rank and file legislators should play a lager role. Change is needed and this is an understatement. The change needs to create a mechanism for providing the legislative branch an opportunity to break this stalemate/dysfunctional government by the leaders instead of government by the people. One recommendation is a recall provision. Another I would explore creating a date certain provision when the legislative body has a right to call a vote without the leaders approval with a simple majority vote by either house. Let's remember the spirit of the constitution representation by the people and I define the house as representation by the people. I am open and ready to listen to others on how we can improve government efficiency.
Hatcher. The House of Representatives has 52 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, the House Minority also has a term limit for a Leader, 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. Instituting a leadership term limit for the majority and minority leaders for both the Senate and House would do wonders to clear the air.
Hunt. The 2007 legislative session is an excellent example of why we need a return to true citizen government. Rank-and-file legislators can, and should, play a much more significant role in the process than many of them have demonstrated in recent years. Rank-and-file legislators primary responsibility must be to the citizens who voted them into office. The most direct way the voters of the 50th District can make that happen is to elect representatives who are not obligated to, or unduly influenced by, the legislative leaders or special interest groups.
Richmond. Rank-and-file legislators must play a larger role. Until the majority of Democratic legislators believe they should play a larger role, Speaker Madigan, Senate President Jones and Governor Blagojevich will continue to get nothing done.
Q. Illinois residents will vote in November 2008 on whether the state should call a constitutional convention. Do you favor a convention? Why or why not? If yes, what constitutional revisions do you favor?
Graff. Yes, a constitutional convention should be called to address a recall provision for elected officials and school funding to name a few. The main reason is how each of these issues today are not working, our schools have lost ground in today's competitive market, and the tax burden on homeowners is disproportionate throughout the state which has created a burden on hard-working families and seniors. Also it has reduced the ability for affordable housing. The recall provision provides an insurance policy for all the citizens in the state the ability to correct individual government abuse of power/corruption.
Hatcher. While there will be innumerable public and private polls stretching into 2008 on the need for a constitutional convention, I think there can be only one answer. The partisanship and obstructionism have simply gone too far. I have never seen so many residents so enraged. It has ceased to become an issue of thoughtful consideration and has become a very potent catalyst for change. Or, perhaps catalyst is too nice a word. Perhaps weapon more clearly reflects the average voter's regard for the way our state is being run. I can't say I blame them. The process might actually make a bigger mess of things -- I'm not at all sure that progress will be made, but it will at least give the public a feeling of being in control of their destiny. Time for a little more sunshine?
Hunt. From many perspectives, I truly wish that we had no need for a constitutional convention. Our state constitution has long served the citizens of Illinois in an excellent manner. Yet there is clearly a widespread and growing support for a recall initiative, which would require a convention. My disappointment at the prospect of a convention is the implication that our constitution needs to be changed, when I really think the problem can be traced to individuals.
Richmond. If special interests are allowed into the debate, then I would oppose a constitutional convention. If the convention was run by statesmen, I would support it. I just do not think Illinois and Chicago have enough elected statesmen. Remember the recall provision was taken out of the last constitutional convention.
Q. Do Illinois' ongoing budget problems have their roots in too much spending or too little revenue? Or in some combination of both? Please explain.
Graff. The budget problem is complex through a government created culture which needs to be changed. We need to spend the funds collected for that purpose and stop robbing Peter to pay Paul such as the pension funds and increase gambling to solve all our revenue problems. I am open to explore other revenue sources to support our schools, roads, environment, and criminal/social justice. I do believe there needs to be a major effort to spend within the revenue collected and I will encourage the financial leaders in our state to become involve with developing solutions with appropriate monitoring methods, along with creating a competitive environment for public bid projects with an open transparent process.
Hatcher. Both. The budget must be reassessed yearly, in order to accommodate unexpected changes in the economy and public needs. We've seen too many crises that could have been avoided simply by fulfilling previous commitments before adding new programs.
Hunt. I believe that the citizens of Illinois already pay more than enough taxes if the state of Illinois were operated efficiently. I believe that the budget problems are the result of a combination of factors, but the principal elements are too much spending and inefficient spending -- not too little revenue.
Richmond. Illinois, Cook County and Chicago have a spending problem. Stroger Hospital does not need another $100 million. I do not think Stroger has that many relatives to put on the payroll.
Q. Do you favor any changes in the state's funding of schools? If yes, what changes? If you favor no changes, please explain why.
Graff. Yes, I favor changes in the formula on how schools are funded in this state by reducing the burden on property taxes to other funding sources. I am open to explore statewide sales tax increase, income tax for both employer and employee contribution only if related to property tax relief and/or tax credits. Also, the ability for local authority to develop alternative funding sources through revenue sharing between governmental agencies. Currently, local collected sales tax can only be spent for municipal expenditures. Furthermore, any solutions needs to be phased and transparent on how the funds are collected and spent for the purpose as stated in the tax law … no interfund borrowing.
Hatcher. I think anyone who has had any experience in education believes that the funding system has to change. My experience on the school board taught me a great deal but it isn't a simple issue. Paramount to changing the formula is the necessity for Chicago to assess property in the same manner the rest of the state does. Local control and local property tax dedication decided by local taxpayer is the real linchpin. Local community colleges are an important natural extension of this K-12 funding question. During the previous governor's administration, 50 percent of all new revenue was dedicated to education. Today, there are numerous obligation (including pensions) that impact those same funds. We've learned that any new source of revenue does not automatically go where it was first designed. Sending money to Springfield can be a very scary thing.
Hunt. I think school funding should come from a combination of sources, not just local property taxes -- which often places an unfair burden on senior citizens. A portion of sales taxes could be earmarked for education for example. However, no matter the source of funding we need to make other changes. I support the "65 percent solution" to insure that the funding follows the student into the classroom. I also would introduce school choice initiatives that would create a competitive situation creating both a higher quality of education for our students and a lower cost to our taxpayers.
Richmond. Yes, the funding of schools should be changed. I support the Fair Tax approach. We need to shift our over reliance of property taxes to the Fair Tax. This needs to be done without loosing local control of schools.
Q. Do you favor or oppose putting new state employees on defined-contribution instead of defined-benefit retirement plans? Either way, explain why.
Graff. No, I believe until the state can find ways to become functional and accountable this type of change can be premature to support. I believe benefit package changes need to develop support from both the labor representation and management. So I am open to investigate this option bringing management and labor together since my experience with labor issues involving change in benefits even for future employees needs consensus support to be effective and sustainable.
Hatcher. The proposals I've seen suggest coordination with Social Security. How can we coordinate with Social Security when we question its solvency? The issue has a number of sides that need to be considered. Many public employees, for example, are not compensated as well as many professionals, and so a defined benefit has the potential to offer them a more secure retirement. It has to be considered.
I supported the legislation approved in 1995 that ensured both pension obligation bonds and dedicated revenue growth would bring us much closer to pension solvency. The current administration has ignored that directive.
Hunt. I favor defined-contribution plans for several reasons. Certainly they afford a much higher degree of cost control and allow the state to provide funding without the unpredictable influence of market volatility. Defined-contribution plans provide employees with a guaranteed fair pension plan for their retirement, but not a golden parachute.
Richmond. Until the pensions are 100-percent funded, all new state employees should be hired on the defined-contribution retirement plan. Private businesses have gone to defined-contribution plans and it has worked out fine. Many bankrupt businesses had defined-benefit plans. They referred to this as their legacy costs. It has worked in private business so I would support this.
Q. Does Illinois currently tax businesses too heavily, too lightly or the right amount? Please explain and tell us what changes you would favor.
Graff. I believe there is a reason why companies and businesses are leaving Illinois and these issues of taxation on businesses seems to be a common thread for some industries. I do believe the taxation on businesses in general seems to be within the norm, however, all taxes need to be reviewed since we have a financial crisis in this state. I would explore business tax credit as incentives for using renewable fuels, energy conservation, employment training and retention, and if the industry improves their proficiency through capital improvements/retooling and employee safety.
Hatcher. Last year, Illinois businesses paid over $29,000,000,000 in state and local taxes, nearly 50 percent of the state total. And Illinois businesses pay a higher share of total state and local taxes compared to our neighbors, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. The entire tax system needs to be carefully evaluated to ensure that our state's economic competitiveness remains viable. Small businesses are 95 percent of Illinois' economy, and they are the lifeblood of our communities.
Those same tax-paying businesses are life-long education drivers, with each of us learning diverse professions through desire or need. My experience with the River Valley Workforce Investment Board, the Valley Industrial Association and numerous chambers of commerce have reinforced my understanding for the need for investments in business and education partnerships. The ripple effect is phenomenal. We need to partner with business, not bleed them dry.
Hunt. Statistically, Illinois is ranked 49th best in terms of being considered a good place to do business. By my own nature I try to see the good in people and situations but "49th best" is just a politically correct way of saying next to last. Clearly that needs to change. We are losing business to neighboring states from all directions. Part of that problem is due to a relatively unfavorable tax burden on businesses in Illinois.
Richmond. The Fair Tax approach would reduce the tax burden on businesses. If businesses have to close their doors because of increased taxes, it is a lose-lose situation. President Reagan taught us when everyone is working, everyone is paying taxes, the economy expands and everyone benefits. Unemployed people do not pay taxes.
Q. Should the state lease or sell some assets such as its tollways and the lottery? Why or why not?
Graff. The state should explore the upside on selling any asset looking at the long-term investment return, not to solve a short budget crisis. The theory is once an asset is sold the investment return should have the potential to be better than the asset itself, however, the asset is owned by all the people and any sale process should be totally transparent and open for public comment with a review board of financial professionals represented by both sides of the aisle along with independents.
Hatcher. Government often moves slowly, and perhaps with good reason. It lessens the opportunity for disaster. If enough voices can be heard on issues such as this. How can any responsible leader think long-term and still consider taking a few dollars today in exchange for a perpetual revenue source? Luckily, the idea was defeated by our legislators earlier this year.
The governor's attitude reminds me of Popeye's old friend, Wimpy, offering a hollow promise of gratification. "I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." Seems to me we'd be the ones left holding the bag.
Hunt. I do not believe that the state should mortgage our children's future in a short-sighted attempt to correct today's problems. I think the tollway system should be phased out, and returned to the taxpayers as the freeways that were promised to us years ago. Quick fixes rarely turn out to be long-term solutions. Rather we should be looking to cutting waste in our government by eliminating pay to play politics and runaway taxation.
Richmond. No. One time cash influx is not good for the long-term health of Illinois economy.
Q. What issue or issues specific to your legislative district and its residents do you plan to address in Springfield?
Graff. Honesty in government with an open and transparent government. Representation by the people not special interest -- ethics reform. Education funding alternative to provide tax relief to the property owners. Improve and invest in public road improvements -- Route 47 first. Affordable housing and health care for seniors. Business growth and retention. Alternative solutions regarding solid waste disposal. Address the high cost of energy from gasoline to electricity, more emphasis on renewable energy use/reduce the need for use of fossil fuel, green building initiatives, preserving the character of the land through good planning. Continue to support the agricultural industry in our area. Continue to support emergency preparedness and training for public safety personnel and support agencies. Address the higher education affordability for state residents and increase state funding for our colleges and universities. Address the shortage of health care personnel and future teachers.
Hatcher. A more comprehensive ethics law needs to be passed. Infrastructure must be addressed. The 50th District desperately needs transportation relief/repair. How we pay our existing commitments must be addressed before we add new ones? We need to structure economic incentives so business, and personal income, thrives. We must be mindful of the weakest among us; attention needs to be paid to the "Silver Tsunami" that is about to affect our work force and communities, as the Boomers require additional resources. Preserving and protecting our environment must be a priority.
Hunt. There is no legislative district in Illinois that is more impacted by the proposed "Prairie Parkway" than the 50th. Poor planning in past is not a justification for the future permanent and irreplaceable loss of valuable farmland and open space that would occur if this ill-advised billion dollar project goes forward. There are other choices available to alleviate the undeniable traffic problems we are facing. A combination of options that provides an alternative river crossing, alleviates gridlock on Route 47 and improves north-south traffic flow while costing fewer dollars and causing less environmental damage deserves to be considered. Further, I would propose that from the money we save with those changes that we would spend the $1 million estimated by IDOT to correct the problems at the deadly intersection at Route 38 and Meredith Road.
Richmond. Good roads and quality schools which the state of Illinois needs to help us with. I want my legacy to be "the person who was in office when Route 47 was finally made 4 lanes and repaved." The state needs a capital plan to bring local matching funds to improve our roads. Denny Hastert has brought back $4 million to start widening Route 47. He also brought back money for the Anderson Road bypass in Elburn that is waiting for the local match. Our area is dealing with explosive growth that is hurting schools. The state needs to help us build some of these new schools.