Corinne Pierog: Candidate Profile

Back to 25th State Senate District

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: St. CharlesWebsite: www.electcorinnepierog.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: 25th State Senate District Age: 64Family: Robert Krawczyk (husband)Catherine Battista (daughter)Alexis Grabel (step-daughter)James Pierog-Sheehan (son)Occupation: ConsulatantEducation: MBA - Roosevelt UniversityMA - San Francisco State UniversityBA - University of California, IrvineCivic involvement: St. Charles Housing CommissionDance Heritage Coalition Board MemberUnited Way of Central Kane County Board Member (2013-2016)Illinois Business Enterprise Program for Minorities Females and Persons with Disabilities (2013- 2015)Elected offices held: St. Charles D303 Board of Education School Board Member (2009-current)Questions Answers What needs to be done structurally to make the legislature more effective? Will you vote for your current legislative leader? What is your position on term limits in general and specifically for legislative leaders? Do you support the ongoing drive for a constitutional amendment on redistricting? What will you do to promote implementation of any changes you recommend?The Legislative Leader Term Limit Referendum Act (HB 257) was introduced last session and would establish term limits for the offices of Speaker of the House of Representatives, President of the Senate, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and Minority Leader of the Senate. Although it was not enacted, I would support this type of legislation, and I encourage our legislative leaders to support term limits as an opportunity for inclusion and diversity. I also support a Constitutional Amendment that would support legislative redistricting. Research produced by the state clearly shows that our partisan redistricting process consistently decreases the level of competitiveness in general elections. Voters are faced with fewer choices, and fewer contests in which the district's minority party has any chance of winning.Would you vote for an increase in state income taxes or sales taxes? Would you vote for new taxes, such as on services? What is your position on a graduated income tax?Illinois has to work toward a sensible budget, balanced with judicious spending of Illinois tax money and pension reform including refinancing the state's pension obligation.Illinois taxpayers need property tax relief, an issue I have fought for on the St. Charles D303 school board. Due in part to my efforts, St. Charles now has the lowest property taxes in Kane County. The direct effect of lower taxes can be seen around the community: new housing developments are popping up, existing homes within downtown neighborhoods are being renovated, new factories are being built and industries are relocating into the district. This growth, if extended throughout the state, will create revenue without further burdening Illinois taxpayers with higher taxes. Much has also been said about Illinois personal income tax and its personal exemption. Income tax revenue is about 50% of Illinois' revenue and anticipated to be over $15 billion in fiscal year 2017. The personal exemption reduces an individual's tax liability allowing only income above a certain level subject to taxation. In Illinois, the state personal exemption is the third lowest among neighboring states. By raising the personal exemption more money would be returned to the taxpayer, and who in turn may choose to spend it or save it towards their retirement.What changes, if any, do you support in education and education funding in Illinois? Please be specific.The cost of education has risen and due to an extended economic recession the needs of many of Illinois students have increased. The Foundation Level for FY2017 is set at $6,119 per pupil, an amount that has not changed for eight years, nor has the level been fully funded. While the need to support Illinois' students is clearly documented, the state cannot continue to rely solely on property tax owners to fund education. Nor should middle class school districts be punished by having their funding redirected to other districts. School districts and their administrators need financial stability, an adequate fund balance, and a balanced budget. Illinois has to fulfill its constitutional obligations and adequately fund our schools. Our students are our future, and timely investment in this precious resource will provide a real return on this most valuable asset, our children.On Illinois' budget, specifically, where do you believe cuts need to be made?The budget process is one of the most important activities undertaken by a government. Budgeting is a roadmap that establishes broad organizational goals, has a focus on measurable results and outcomes;engages effective communication with stakeholders; and demands fiduciary accountability and responsibility of the taxpayers' money by government management and related employees.Illinois' budget development process should begin to focus on long-term goals, including revenue and spending projections for at least five years, instead of short-term political gains. I would also encourage Illinois to develop a bi-annual budget that can be reviewed on a quarterly basis, adapting to a potentially changing economic environment. Supplying regular projections allows the governor and legislators to evaluate the consequences of their proposals for years beyond the upcoming budget and their tenure. It also permits for a greater transparency and better decision-making by the public, stakeholders and elected officials.What approach do you support toward fixing the public pension systems?With an over $100 billion unfunded pension debt and the 2013 pension reform efforts being struck down by the Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois needs a real, sustainable solution to the pension crisis that is constitutional and fair to all parties. We need to bring all parties to the table in good faith negotiations, such as revisiting elements of the compromise pension bill (SB 2404) that was agreed upon by labor organizations as well as lawmakers, and is fiscally prudent. There are also smaller steps that can be taken immediately, including curbing the spiking of pensions.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?During the last two years, Illinois' social service agencies have been decimated, affecting over one million of Illinois' most fragile residents, and forcing these agencies to take on $37,681,590 in debt. Medicaid patients are left without care because the state cannot pay its bills.Illinois' 57 public universities and community colleges, economic and intellectual engines for Illinois have had to lay off staff, cut programs, and defer capital improvements. College students are leaving Illinois seeking schools that will offer them financial and academic stability.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Ruth Bader GinsburgWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The most important thing in life is not money but love.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?My life has been a remarkable journey leading me to where I am now, I have faith that God will continue to guide me.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Actually I had three favorite subjects, math, English literature and speech communications.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Love your neighbor as yourself, for there is no greater commandment. - Mark 12-31