Daniel 'Danny' O'Toole: Candidate profile

Bio

Party: Democrat

City: Chicago

Office sought: State Senate District 10

Age: 45

Family: Married with for children

Occupation: Chicago Police Department sergeant

Education: Bachelor's in marketing from the University of Illinois at Chicago

Civic involvement: Community outreach on Chicago's West and South sides, including youth sports and civic group organizations

Elected offices held: None

Incumbent? If yes, when were first elected: No

Website: otoole4ilsenate.org

Facebook: facebook.com/otoole4ilsenate

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?

The Constitution should be changed to allow an independent commission to draw legislative boundaries. Yes; the question should be placed on the ballot for voters to decide because I believe in giving voters a voice on changing the Illinois Constitution.

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?

The formation of a citizen's oversight commission, with the investigative and criminal referral power. I will take an active role and do everything that I can to pass legislation on enforceable ethics reform legislation.

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

Units of state government should meet their current pension obligations as defined by actuaries, however, more efficient financing methods need to be immediately started with new hires.

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 current police sergeant, I lead a search warrant task force and act independently every day, doing what is right. I support term limits for majority and minority leaders in both chambers.

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

Lower personal tax rates; lower business tax rates; incentivize businesses to relocate into Illinois and create jobs.

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

No. Climate change is due to weather patterns as evidenced by vast changes in the climate before the use of fossil fuels.

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?

I see too many loopholes in the graduated income tax rate thereby eventually resulting in bad public tax policy. I need to study it further.