Kathleen Willis: Candidate profile

Bio: Kathleen Willis

City: Addison

Website: www.repwillis77.com

Twitter: @repwillis77

Facebook: Friends to elect Kathleen Willis or kathleen willis

Party: Democrat

Office sought: State Representative for 77th district

Age: 56

Family: Husband Tom, 4 grown children, Elyse, Heather, John, Victoria

Occupation: Full time legislator

Education: BA Elmhurst College, Human Service Administration, Masters UIU Library Science and Information Technology

Civic involvement: Kiwanis, District 4 School Foundation, previously, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, PTA, TPO, Addison Community Council

Elected offices held: Addison District 4 School board, 2000-2012

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?

I supported HR1025, to show that I was open to the discussion of a graduated income tax. Our current tax system favors the rich like Mr. Rauner. I favor a plan that will cut taxes on the middle class by asking those in the highest level of income to pay more. I encourage my colleagues to come to the table as we work on the details of what this plan will look like.

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?

Property taxes are the number one complaint I hear as I walk my district. I supported SB484 and HB 156 which expanded exemptions for seniors and veterans. Every year I host property tax appeal clinics to help property owners reduce their bill. However what the state needs to do is to increase our support of education. By doing that we can reduce the dependence of our school district on local property taxes. That is one reason I supported the current budget that added 350 million dollars to the education.

What is your evaluation of Gov. Rauner's job performance? Please specify what you view as its highs and lows.

I think the governor has failed the people of Illinois. He held the state hostage while he tried to push his turn around agenda that vilifies unions. He needs to work in a bipartisan manner to enact laws that provide property tax relief, common sense gun safety legislation and protect women's health. I am happy that he did support some of these issues finally but it took almost 4 years to get to that point. Such as with our current budget, HB40 and HB 2354.

What is your evaluation of Speaker Michael Madigan's (President John Cullerton's) job performance? If you voted for him for speaker (president) in the last legislative session, please explain your vote.

Speaker Madigan has worked well with every governor no matter what their political party except Bruce Rauner. Only Mr. Rauner has turned the speaker position into a war zone. When I vote for speaker, I vote for someone that will work with me to help the people in my district. Someone that supports the same issues I do; lower property taxes, better funding for education, and safer communities, and common sense gun laws.

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?

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? Term limits empower lobbyist and nonelected staff. We have term limits they are called elections, every two years. The best leaders on both sides of the aisle are those that recognize the need to work in a bipartisan manner.

How concerned should we be about Illinois' population loss? What needs to be done to reverse the trend?

Illinois needs to show that we value our middle class. We need to show stability in our funding of services and education by passing a balanced budget every year. We need to show support for our state universities by funding them at an adequate level, so that we can stop the migration of our students to other states.

Please provide one example that demonstrates your independence from your party.

I voted No on HB244 which would have reduced penalties for selling drugs on school grounds.

What other issues are important to you as a candidate for this office?

I have spent the last few years working for common sense gun laws, banning bump stocks, restricting assault style weapons, holding gun dealers accountable and keeping guns out of the wrong persons hands, especially in times of personal crisis. I have also worked to protect the rights of our unions, rights that the governor want to diminish, such as the right to bargain, the right to fair wage and the right to fair workers' compensation.

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?

Deciding to leave a career at elmhurst college that I loved to run for state office. I was very happy and secure in my position at the college. To change careers at age 50 was very frightening.

Who is your hero?

Each amendment in the Bill of Rights is important, but which one of those 10 is most precious to you?

The 1st. specifically the right to free speech.

What lesson of youth has been most important to you as an adult?

Do not lie. You will always get caught.

Think back to a time you failed at something. What did you learn from it?

I lost an election in 2011 for village trustee of Addison. I thought it was the end of the world. It wasn't. I picked myself up and worked harder next time and won the position as state rep in 2012.