Stacey Keagle: 2022 candidate for Illinois Senate 49th District
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: Illinois Senate 49th District
City: Plainfield
Age: 48
Occupation: Nurse
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: How well did the Illinois government respond to the COVID-19 crisis? What do you think should be done differently?
Governor Pritzker along with many other Democrats, sensationalized the mitigations and circumvented the safeguards protecting Americans from government overreach. The Governor unilaterally made decisions circumventing the Legislature and local governments. The Democrats ignored repeated calls for local governments to make some of these decisions.
Q: 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 State Legislature exists to protect itself," is what I've been told and this is why Springfield seems like such a swamp most of the time. As someone new to politics, I am not an expert on how these corrupt officials leverage their positions to make money, but, I would like to point out that term limits seem like a great step forward in preventing people like Mike Madigan from achieving the "mafia like" shake down that we are seeing unraveled by the FBI in the courts. I will support term limits and work to achieve this goal.
Q: What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?
The State of Illinois is in disarray. We witness daily the Governor running this State through his progressive policies and anti-police rhetoric. While pensions are a big expense and a weight on the budget, the Constitution clearly protects retirement benefits. The State of Illinois created a Tier 2 pension system which has alleviated some of the long-term costs as well as buy-out offers for vested, but inactive members of the Tier 1 system which is the most costly. Continuing to find ways to offer options to employees and retirees that could be mutually beneficial to the State finances is key.
Q: Describe at least two circumstances in which you have shown or would show a willingness to act independently of the direction or demands of party leadership.
I've held many leadership roles in my career and as I've done in the past, I will always represent and uphold the best interests of the citizens of Illinois and what's best for my district.
Q: What should lawmakers be doing to stem out-migration from Illinois?
There are so many factors contributing to our migration: pandemic related policies, energy policies, crime and public safety, etc. The State of Illinois would be doing the citizens a great service if our policies were to pull away from handouts, forcing successful industries to close such as coal plants without viable alternative energy options and support our law enforcement community that will ensure community safety. These three issues would go a long way in making Illinois an attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
Q: Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should government be taking to address the issue?
As humans, we should all be conscience of the environment. Climate change is taking place whether it's believed that humans is the direct cause of climate change or not. Education is always key to improve technology that would address pollution. I do not believe the government should mandate or force industries to change, but, rather allow industry to modernize naturally through innovation.
Q: 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?
The Progressive Tax that Governor Pritzker tried to get passed the last election cycle was openly defeated by the voters of Illinois. We live in the United States of America where we should be treated fairly and equal, and this includes taxes. I oppose picking winners and losers and I also oppose the progressive tax.