Michael E. Camerer: Candidate profile
Bio
Party: Republican
City: Bartlett
Office sought: State House of Representatives 45th District
Age: 61
Family: Married to wife Robin for 34yrs, three adult children, two married
Occupation: Chiropractic Physician
Education: New York Chiropractic College
Seneca Falls, New York
Master of Science Human Anatomy &
Physiology Instruction MSHAPI 2013
National College of Chiropractic NCC
Lombard, Illinois
Bachelor of Science BS 1984
Doctor of Chiropractic DC 1984
Judson College
Elgin, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts BA 1981
Civic involvement: Bartlett Chamber of Commerce, member; Bartlett Rotary Club, member; Bartlett Learning Center/Clare Woods Academy, former board member; Bartlett Veterans Memorial Foundation, former member; Bartlett Boy Scout Troup 227, former assistant scoutmaster; Bartlett Park District, Aquatic Advisory former committee member; Village Church of Bartlett, past financial director;
Elected offices held: Bartlett Village Trustee, 2013-present; Precinct Committeeman Wayne Township Precinct 32 2016-2018;
Incumbent? If yes, when were first elected: No
Website: CamererforIllinois.com
Twitter: @CamererForIL
Facebook: CamererForIllinois
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?
Yes, "Fair Mapping" is needed and should be on the ballot. If the amendment makes the ballot it would definitely have my support. I believe that if an independent commission were drawing legislative boundaries it would bring fairness to the process, putting an end to gerrymandering and partisan politics which really is what Illinois voters are asking for.
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?
Legislators should be required to disclose conflicts of interest and then be allowed to recuse themselves from voting on issues where they are involved personally or financially. Legislators should also be restricted from consulting for or lobbying on behalf of other organizations that might be able to contribute finances to their already existing business or careers they might have in the future.
3. What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?
Ultimately the problem stems from not living within a budget and spending more of the taxpayer's money than you receive. We need to evaluate areas of excess and duplication and make some tough choices about where we can cut back, instead of continuing to spend and tax. Currently we are spending approximately one quarter of the state budget to fund pensions. It would be an unreasonable assumption that we would be able to continue doing this indefinitely at the taxpayer's expense. So amending the Illinois Constitution's pension clause is a viable option, changing how pensions are paid in the future, but continuing to meet the needs of those currently receiving pension payouts.
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?
As a Bartlett Village Trustee I was able to show my ability to go against the majority by objecting to video gaming facilities that potentially have a negative effect on our society as a whole and individuals specifically. I will always act independently concerning issues that cause moral or ethical conflict in order to uphold the values of my constituents and do what's best for the people I represent regardless of the demands of party leadership. I support term limits for all members of the legislature including both majority and minority leaders.
5. What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?
Instead of increasing taxes and pushing businesses away we need to reduce government spending, and live with in a balanced budget. When business increases in Illinois so will the work force, with the return of good paying jobs and the ability to retain their hard earned dollars the exodus of people leaving the state will stop. Illinois needs to become more business friendly, developing policies that will encourage business development, investment and the creation of quality jobs. When businesses are able to return a profit because the state treats them fairly, the need for additional employees will increase. Job growth ensues with the growth of business, when businesses succeed, Illinois will succeed.
6. Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?
As our world population has grown so have the greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide. So, although records for measuring temperature have only been kept since the late 1800's it is evident that human activity is having an impact on climate change. With the increased needs of humans we are producing increased emissions especially through consumption of fossil fuels. Our government needs to continue efforts to promote renewable energy and encourage the residents and businesses of Illinois to become more energy efficient by offering incentives to use renewable energy sources. As the residents of Illinois and the world increase, renewable energy usage will decrease fossil fuel consumption and climate change will begin to stabilize.
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?
No, I do not believe that the majority of Illinoisans will see reduced taxes, since the proposed tax increase does very little to effectively solve the problem of pension reform and at best would only be a temporary plug to the leaky bucket. The proposed amendment changing the flat tax to a graduated tax also opens the door for future tax increases which would likely be levied on the middle class and business sectors.