Daniel Regna: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: WoodstockWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry County State's Attorney Age: 51Family: Married (Tiffany) with 3 children (Daniel, Anna Bryce). My wife is also an attorney. My 17 year old son is a senior in high school and my 9 year old twins attend elementary school.Occupation: Attorney (general practice)Education: US Military Academy, West Point NY, Bachelor of ScienceNorther Illinois University College of Law, Juris DoctorateCivic involvement: 23 year resident of Woodstock, ILCub Scout LeaderVice President Woodstock Little LeagueAmerican LegionVeteran's of Foreign WarsKnights of ColumbusSt Mary Church, Woodstock, ILElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?At an early age, I developed a deep desire to serve our citizens, communities and Nation. My commitment to service led me to West Point and the United States Army. I left active duty with a singular purpose of becoming a prosecutor serving our communities. Following law school, I served nearly 10 years as a prosecutor in McHenry County. Now, I seek to continue my lifetime calling to public service as State's Attorney. Given my record of service, unique experiences and deep roots in McHenry County, I believe that I am the most qualified candidate to serve our Citizens.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?Reform must occur within our State's Attorney's Office. Political corruption exists within that office unlike anything ever seen in McHenry County. Bianchi's administration is rife with self-serving political bosses, political candidates and political cronies leading a political patronage army intent upon perpetuating their ambition and power. My opponent's candidacy is borne of this political corruption. The paramount issue for McHenry County voters is simple: Who do you trust to end this insidious political corruption? Bianchi's political protege and hand-picked successor Patrick Kenneally; or a West Pointer, former US Army officer and seasoned local attorney. I will reform that office.With the advent of medical marijuana in Illinois and the actions of other states legalizing marijuana, what are or should be the county's priorities toward prosecution of crimes involving marijuana possession? What position do you advocate for the prosecution and sentencing of people convicted on marijuana charges? Where does marijuana-possession fit in your priority for prosecuting crimes?Criminal prosecutions for possession of small amounts of marijuana are a costly and time-consuming venture posing a significant burden upon the court system. Many otherwise good citizens receive a substantial mark on their permanent record with a marijuana conviction adversely affecting opportunities for employment, higher education, and military service. Given societal stigmatization, a conviction can lead to a disproportionate penalty with loss of these opportunities. I favor a court diversion program for minor offenses whereby a person receives substance abuse education and random urine screens with charges dismissed upon successful completion. However, persons illegally distributing marijuana would be ineligible.Describe your position regarding the allocation of resources in the state's attorney's office. Are personnel allocated as they should be? Are there capital expense or other budgetary items that the office must address, and, if so, how do you propose to address them?With residents facing ever-increasing property taxes, local government must reduce the tax burden through smaller, more efficient government. In 2014, State's Attorney Bianchi prosecuted 3,645 criminal cases with 61 personnel. Remarkably, in 2004, Bianchi's predecessor prosecuted 4,685 criminal cases with 45 personnel. Over 10 years, Bianchi has increased staff by 35% to prosecute 22% less criminal cases. Further, Bianchi adheres to a counter-productive policy requiring prosecutors to undertake more trials thereby sending marginal cases through costly litigation. I will reduce litigation and staff costs by properly triaging cases to prioritize serious matters while efficiently disposing of lesser matters.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?In 2008, I lost the Republican primary election for McHenry County State's Attorney's Office to incumbent Louis Bianchi.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Since 2004, McHenry County has witnessed the immense power of a State's Attorney run amok in political intrigues and power struggles. In 2016, voters have an opportunity to reform and restore their State's Attorney's Office to its proper role free of political influences. The primary issue is trust. Who do the voters trust to reform the State's Attorney's Office? As State's Attorney, I will exercise restraint with my immense powers; implement ethics reform; seek justice while ending politically-motivated prosecutions; reduce expenditures; and disengage from the bitter factional warfare within the local Republican Party. I will not fail McHenry County.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Few current leaders possess the character, integrity and leadership of past generations. Although from the past, the leader that most inspires me is Dwight Eisenhower.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Humility and modesty in success. With every individual accomplishment, you will always find a support team lifting a person upon their shoulders to achieve success.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Frank Sinatra sang "Regrets, I've had a few. But then again, too few to mention." I certainly have regrets, but no desire for any do-overs.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was and remains history. Human nature is unchanging. By studying the lessons of the past, we can successfully navigate our future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Love is all that matters. Love your family and friends. Love your neighbor as you love yourself treating everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.