Gary Grasso: 2022 candidate for U.S. House 6th District
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: U.S. House 6th District
City: Burr Ridge
Age: 71
Occupation: Attorney
Previous offices held: Burr Ridge as Mayor (2005-12; 2019-present) and two
terms on the DuPage County Board (2012-18)
Q&A
What needs to be done to get Congress to work constructively, whether that be senators and representatives of both parties working with each other or Congress itself working with the president?
Listen to all views, participate with facts and respect a different opinion.
What is your position on changing voter access?
The American people must be confident that we have free and fair elections. Voter integrity is foremost in our democracy. Any change in voting procedures should focus on making sure that every voter who is eligible to vote should be able to vote. Every vote must be counted.
Do you recognize that the election of Joe Biden as president in 2020 was legitimate and fair? If not, why?
We will never know but should be taking the necessary steps to assure the 2022 General and 2024 presidential election are fair and legitimate. The peaceful transfer of power is the hallmark of our democracy.
What, if anything, should Congress do to prevent another violent attack such as the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol?
I am the only candidate to state that the storming of the Capitol by force was not legitimate political discourse. It was a riot causing significant injuries and death, with deliberate destruction of sacred national ground. Therefore, we must work hard now to assure the 2024 presidential election is fair and legitimate. Do the work to assure Americans that every voter who is eligible to vote is able to vote and every vote is counted. Mail-in ballots should not be handled by third parties and our electronic in-person voting machines must be all designed to be hack-free. We have the time, let's do the job.
What do you consider America's role in world affairs? In particular, what should our role be regarding current points of tension involving Russia/Ukraine, the future of Taiwan or other threats of Chinese expansionism and the Middle East?
Lead by example, support our allies, keep our treaties, and use our moral compass to spread democracy. Russia, China and Iran are neither our friends nor wish us good will. None can be trusted. America must always put its interests first, and then the interest of our allies. Through and with NATO to show unity, there should be substantial and continuous support for Ukraine economically and militarily through aid. It is also important that the US play a significant role in rebuilding Ukraine's cities, infrastructure and military. Taiwan is our ally and we should honor its sovereignty against Chinese aggression. Iran simply cannot be allowed to develop any level of nuclear weaponry because we must presume it will use such weapons against Israel, and any of its neighbors it wishes to dominate - and ultimately the US.
Do you acknowledge humans' role in causing climate change? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?
Climate change is real. The US can and should strive over time to lessen the carbon footprint, but not so suddenly as to make us energy dependent upon others - especially those countries, like Russia, that are not our friends.
Please define your position on health care reform, especially as it relates to the Affordable Care Act.
The Affordable Care Act has been with us for over a decade. One of its goals was to make health insurance more affordable for more people, especially many of our most vulnerable. This is an admirable goal that I believe needs more attention. Many of our most vulnerable need more affordable care.
What immigration policies do you support? Where, if at all, do you see room for compromise to produce an effective policy on immigration? Does the government have any responsibility toward Dreamers who were brought to the United States illegally as children and are now adults? How will these policies affect your district?
Like so many Americans, my grandparents were immigrants that came here to give me the American Dream. I have lived the American Dream. Thus, I support making it easier for legal immigrants to enter our country and become citizens. I support making it very difficult for illegal immigrants to enter our country and remain here, especially those with serious criminal backgrounds or who commit serious crimes here. DACA residents are a reality that should be dealt with fairly through a uniform agreed, legislative path toward citizenship. My district will benefit from fairly enforced immigration laws, and a defined path to citizenship for DACA residents.