Tom Georges: Candidate profile
Bio:
Name: Tom Georges
City: Mundelein, Illinois
Website: https://tomgeorgesforillinois.com/
Twitter:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomGeorgesForIllinois/
Party: Democrat
Office sought: Illinois State Senate District 26
Age: 54
Family: Wife, 2 daughters, 1 son
Occupation: Retired Military (Colonel, Army), Real Estate Management
Education: Masters of Applied Administration (Organizational Development) University of the Incarnate Word, Bachelor of Science (Liberal Arts) Northern Illinois University, Associate of Arts (Liberal Arts) College of DuPage, Addison Trail High School
Civic involvement: Planning & Zoning Commission - Village of Mundelein, Cub Scout Pack 60 - St. Joseph Catholic Church, Libertyville
Elected offices held: None
Questions & Answers
Would you vote to approve a graduated income tax? If so, what qualifiers would you impose and where would you set the brackets? What would the top tax rate be?
Last breakdown I see lists seven (7) states which have no income tax, two (2) tax partial income, eight (8) states have a flat tax (to include Illinois) and 33 states use a progressive tax structure. Yes, I am in favor of a graduated income tax structure for Illinois. I would support a bi-partisan approach for qualifiers and brackets which would be equal to the income tax brackets currently in place for 95% of all people. The progressive tax structure would only affect the top 5% of Illinois income earners; essentially, I am in favor is what is called (but not agreed on regarding tax structure) the millionaire's tax.
How big a problem is the level of property taxation in Illinois? If you view it as a problem, what should be done about it?
The level of property taxation is a major problem in Illinois. Many talks about taxes have occurred over a period of years but it is a continual topic of discussion. Taken from the Illinois Department of Revenue PIO-16 (R-03/16), "In fact, until the depression of the 1930s, property tax was the main source of funding for state government. Today, however, only local governments levy and collect property tax." Most state income comes from Income Tax, Sales Tax and Federal Aid while property tax is most effected by county officials. Voters must look at the elected officials who have been in office for the last many years and vote for change at the county level for property tax. A state legislator that doesn't have all the facts and is not up to date on all the requirements of local municipalities, who attempts to enact legislation which limits lower level elected officials from doing their job, is not acting in the best interest of the community. I do agree with capping current property tax rates and developing other methods of generating income to offset the requirement of raising property taxes in the future.
Illinois is the 6th highest populated state yet the income tax is low ranked 42nd lowest in nation. We need to equalize where funds are received so the property owner is not penalized for ownership. Local and state legislators must work together to provide relief to property owners while taxing those who rent and/or work in Illinois but live in a neighboring state, yet, still use and benefit from all the services which Illinois provides to the people.
What is your evaluation of Gov. Rauner's job performance? Please specify what you view as its highs and lows.
I think Governor Rauner is in a difficult position with a politically divided state. Specific to District 26, this district has become extreme and polarized as the current elected officials do not have the moderate conservative approach with the receptiveness to the socially progressive changing times. If we could eliminate the far right, along with eliminating the far left, work with both Democrats and Republicans who align near the middle, I think Illinois would be a much better place to live.
High: Abortion - I believe a legislator represents all people within the district and in doing so, must remove themselves from their independent thought and that of respective religious beliefs and afford the opportunity for all individuals and groups to exercise their rights. Whichever decision is made by a woman and/or couple, with the help of family, church and the many other support groups, I believe it is the responsibility of the state to ensure a safe, and clean environment in which to support a decision and allow all people to exercise their individual rights.
High: Marriage Equality & Ex-Gay Therapy - A family is who we choose to be with and those we love, to include the choice of a spouse. Ban on ex-gay therapy for minors.
High: Green energy part of Illinois' future - The development of new and safe forms of renewable energy is potentially a huge untapped market for job growth and economic development. Illinois must plan today for what is expected tomorrow and become proactive rather than reactive.
High: Automatic voter registration.
Low: Let families choose between traditional, charter or private schools. The education system within the state needs a major overhaul. An educational system with the separation of charter schools and private schools is like having kids in a household having a different set of rules and guidelines in which they must follow. Competition is good and no child should be left behind but all should follow the same set of established guidelines.
Low: Won't help or impede immigration enforcement (sanctuary). I think ICE needs to change its mission statement and be divided into two separate areas to include criminal enforcement and immigration assistance. I believe state law enforcement resources should assist federal law enforcement agencies in the apprehension of serious criminal offenders. I think all resources should be available to apprehend criminals regardless if they are inside or outside the United States. That said, serious crimes need to be defined. This is a nation built on immigrants. ICE should promote and assist non-citizens to better assimilate into the country. Many jobs and industries depend on work that immigrants primarily hold.
Low: Public officials do not deserve a raise and minimum wage to $10/hour. In order to attract and maintain the best quality workers you must treat them fairly and respectfully. Property taxes increase, cost of living increases and so should public official's salary based on COLA. Don't raise expenses I can understand no COLA increase otherwise there is less incentive to remain a state employee. Also, minimum wage to $10/hour is not a wage which individuals can comfortably live. I agree with a work program for students and/or a probationary period for employees entering a new job but after an agreed time period is over, I think large businesses should be required to a $15/hour minimum wage. Some exceptions may occur for the very small businesses which support or are attractive to high school students or temporary employees.
Low: Right-to-work zones. Considering the overall comparison of RTW vs union, RTW benefit from unions without passing on the benefits to the workers. In addition, many aspects of the work environment are questioned to include: safety of work environment, craftmanship, education, and insurance, as RTW zones do not have the built-in cost of quality control and enforcement standards of unions.
What is your evaluation of Senate President John Cullerton's job performance? If you voted for him for president in the last legislative session, please explain your vote.
Illinois must meet financial obligations and identify measures to help its people while gradually eliminating expenses, prioritizing and determine necessary operating and capital expenses. I think Mr. Cullerton should do what is in the best interest of the people of Illinois. Spending cuts must start from the top and work down which should include staffing needs, and reduction in the many levels of Illinois government, to possibly include reducing the number of state legislators (with independent redistricting).
Should there be term limits for legislative leaders? If so, what would you do to make that happen? What other systemic changes should be made to strengthen the voice of individual legislators, limit the control of legislative leaders, encourage bipartisanship?
Yes, I support legislator leadership term limits. Unless a person is appointed to an office and/or is in a district in which there is no challenger, running a campaign is very difficult. If the political system changed where it would attract the best people to run, term limits may not be required; until then, term limits should be created.
Some may say that term limits puts power in legislative staff, but, legislative staff rotates with legislators.
I am tagged as a "Conservative Progressionist" and I believe it is time to remove the very far right wing legislators currently in office. Politics in District 26 has become extreme and polarized; politicians do not represent the true thoughts and beliefs of the people. District 26 is an example of the big dollar doners controlling state politics. I have 31 years of military experience which provides me a conservative approach but on a social side, I believe in all the Democratic values. Also, I was endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois. With these three items, I know that I can see and understand all the values of District 26 and do what is in the best interest of the people.
How concerned should we be about Illinois' population loss? What needs to be done to reverse the trend?
It is important that all Illinois legislators work together and regularly pass a state budget. Illinois finally has an approved budget, but it is still one of the lowest rated states in the nation. I think it is difficult to resolve education, pensions, and property taxes without increasing income or other outside-the-box approaches to increase income. Progressive Income Tax, Increased Gaming and/or the investment in Clean Energy are options. The budget of Illinois does not operate like a family budget. Unlike families, state governments build, manage and/or maintain highways, parks, and universities; and provide services to help with health care, shelter and other basic needs. Also, to a varied extent, state government regulates business, helps stimulate the economy and must be prepared to act in times of disaster on a community scale. Just like a business, if we stay stagnant, we will not keep up with the constant changing times and long term, we will not remain competitive as a community. So, property values will decrease while taxes remain high to cover expenses (just like they are today). Illinois residents, to include our college aged children, are moving away from our community as they are attracted to newer areas which are more robust, growing and offer greater opportunity. As we should adjust and stay ahead of change, we need to plan and manage expenses. We need to stimulate the local economy, promote growth to attract and retain people, business and ultimately attract our graduating college students back home to a thriving area. Either we grow, update, and adapt to changing times, or we regress and become a stagnant district.
Please provide one example that demonstrates your independence from your party.
As stated in question 5 above, I am tagged as a "Conservative Progressionist". I have 31 years of military experience which provides me a conservative approach but on a social side, I believe in all the Democratic values. Also, I was endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois. With these three items, I know that I can see and understand all the values of District 26 and do what is in the best interest of the people.
What other issues are important to you as a candidate for this office?
I think we must all care for and give credit to those who have served to maintain our freedom and defended our rights as citizens of the United States. My top three priority include:
Priority 1: Economic development (Working and investing in tomorrow and the future). Illinois must plan for and invest in the future and operate more like a business to create alternative forms of income. Infrastructure improvement/repair, lottery, and responsible recreational marijuana legislation are a few options. The development of new and safe forms of renewable energy is potentially a huge untapped market for job growth and economic development. Illinois must plan today for what is expected tomorrow and become proactive rather than reactive.
Priority 2: Correction of past injustices (To do what is right and move forward as one entity). As we evolve over time, we must ensure that our legislators remain current and their voting records reflect the people they represent today not in a way which pushes Illinois 35 years into the past. Legislative votes should reflect equal rights. Legislators should ensure measures are taken to preserve the environmental beauty of our lakes and lands. Legislators should raise themselves above their personal and religious beliefs and do what is best for all individuals they represent, rather than that of the big donors who fund elections. In 2018, during this legislative session, my opponent voted AGAINST the ratification of the equal rights amendment. We need to remove this mindset of the past and do what is right.
Priority 3: Current fiscal responsibility (Dealing with current financial situation). Illinois must meet financial obligations and identify measures to help its people while gradually eliminating expenses, prioritizing and determine necessary operating and capital expenses. All politicians can talk about lowering taxes but is that realistic with Illinois in such a financial crisis. We need to cap current property tax rates, develop a check and balance system more than just the equalization process, and grow in the Illinois economy. Pushing the debt to tomorrows generations is not a solution. Spending cuts must start from the top and work down which should include staffing needs, and reduction in the many levels of Illinois government, to possibly include reducing the number of state legislators (with independent redistricting).
In addition, here a few questions meant to provide more personal insight into you as a person:
What's the hardest decision you ever had to make?
Who is your hero?
Each amendment in the Bill of Rights is important, but which one of those 10 is most precious to you?
What lesson of youth has been most important to you as an adult?
Think back to a time you failed at something. What did you learn from it?