Denika McMillen: Candidate profile

Bio

Party: Democrat

City: Naperville

Office sought: House District 41

Age: 43

Family: Married with three children

Occupation: Licensed clinical social worker

Education: Master's of social work from University of Michigan: bachelor's in psychology from University of Illinois

Civic involvement: Naperville Unit District 203 Parent Diversity Advisory Council; Indivisible Naperville; Naperville Neighbors United; Moms Demand Action; Planned Parenthood; Lisle Township Democrats Organization.

Elected offices held: Precinct committeewoman

Incumbent? No

Website: www.mcmillen4u.com

Facebook: @denika.mcmillen.79

Questions and Answers

1. What is your position on placing a 'Fair Maps' amendment on the November ballot? If the amendment makes the ballot after the primary, will you support it? Why or why not?

I think that it should happen. Yes, I would support the amendment. It would stop politicians or those in office from drawing their own district and also allow citizens to be more involved with the process with an independent commission.

2. What are the most important components that should be included in legislative ethics reform? What will you do to help them come to pass?

I think the requirement to report to the legislative ethics commission which has the ability to say no to opening an investigation, to issue a subpoena or publish a founded summary report. I will support the amendment that creates more independence for the Inspector General.

3. What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?

They should pass the Fair Tax amendment, revamp the pensions program, and increase the amount revenue sources.

4. Describe at least two circumstances in which you have shown or would show a willingness and capacity to act independently of the direction or demands of party leadership. Do you support term limits for majority and minority leaders in both chambers?

I would act independently of demands of party leadership if it went against the values of my constituents or if it was deemed to be unethical. I will not stand idly by when something is not done the right way. Yes, I support term limits for the leaders in both chambers.

5. What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?

There needs to be more job creation and funding the educational system and building a better infrastructure.

6. Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?

I do believe that the changes in the climate have been a result of human activity. We need to pass the CEJA to get on track for our 2050 goal of 100% renewable energy. We are currently only at 8% renewable energy. We should set restrictions on carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions now that it is possible due to the amendment change.

7. The graduated income tax is designed with the intent to reduce taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans. Do you believe that will happen? Why or why not? What assurances can you offer voters?

Yes, because once the Fair Tax amendment is passed, the tax increases will be based on income ranges over a certain amount. The top 3% will be directly affected. The only assurance that I can offer is that we have to let this plan play out as it was something that was going in the right direction.