Sal Raspanti: 2022 candidate for Illinois Senate District 28

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: Illinois Senate District 28

City: Park Ridge

Age: 59

Occupation: City Clerk of Park Ridge, retired Vice President of Global Sales, FM Global

Previous offices held: Park Ridge City Clerk, Alderman 4th Ward, Park Board Commissioner

Q&A

Q: What needs to be done structurally to make the legislature more effective? What is your position on term limits in general and for legislative leaders specifically?

A: Structural change requires a change in leadership. As a results oriented local and business leader, I've spent my life working with folks from all different backgrounds and political beliefs, to serve and provide solutions for our customers, residents, and partners. That is what I will bring to Springfield where I will work to build bipartisan compromise around solutions that ensure the legislature works effectively for the interests of the people. I support term limits for elected officials and especially for legislative leaders. I support fair maps, so politicians don't pick their voters.

I also support structural ethics reforms that are desperately need in Springfield - one of the most corrupt state governments in the nation. We need a revolving door ban to prevent politicians from becoming lobbyists immediately after retiring and we should have an outright ban on legislators serving as lobbyists.

Q: Federal assistance has enabled the state to make important advances toward improving its budget. What will you do to ensure these advances continue when the federal aid is gone?

A: Illinois has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. The Daily Herald is right to point out that the influx of Federal money is not a sustainable solution. That is why I will work to reform state programs to drive down costs. That means cutting costs where we can, working to improve efficiencies, remove duplicative programs and ensure programs are delivering services to those in need. I'll also lead by example, I oppose automatic pay raises for politicians. While serving as an alderman in Park Ridge, I am proud to have part of a nonpartisan city council that was successful in reducing spending (without compromising critical city services) at a time when the city's finances were problematic and cuts were required to prevent our bond rating from being downgraded. In 2012 I voted for a reduced tax levy increase of 1% vs the proposed 6.35%. As city clerk, my focus is improving communication of services and efficiency of how they are delivered, without increasing cost to taxpayers.

Q: To what extent are you happy or unhappy with the evidence-based model for education funding now in place in Illinois? How would you define "adequate" state funding for Illinois schools and what will you do to promote that?

A: Education is the keystone to a great career and the ability to pursue your dreams. As the son of Italian immigrants my parents sacrificed so I could get a great education, and it changed my lot in life. I believe every child should have access to an excellent education and I believe the State should fund it. Illinois used to be the most unfairly funded education system in the nation and the evidence-based model started to change that. We need leaders in Springfield who will ensure the State lives up to its promise to provide money to schools and doesn't siphon money out of schools for politicians' pet projects. My primary concern is that kids are getting an excellent education. We talk a lot about funding which is an input. I'll bring a focus on measuring and driving outputs. Today nearly two-thirds of fourth graders can't read or do math at grade level. I'll work to change that and ensure schools have whatever resources they need to do so.

Q: Do you believe elections in Illinois are free and fair? What changes, if any, are needed regarding election security and voter access?

A: Yes. I am running for office because I believe in the integrity and fairness of the electoral system in Illinois. I support common-sense reforms and improvements like removing voters who have moved or passed away from the voting rolls. Today, Illinois politicians are out-of-touch and out-of-step with their voters because they aren't accountable. That is why I support reforms like term-limits and fair-maps to return power to the people and actually allow voters to hold politicians accountable at the ballot box.

Q: How well has Illinois responded to Supreme Court indications that it considers abortion, gay marriage and other social issues to be state, not federal, responsibilities? What if anything needs to be done in these areas and what would you do to make your vision come to pass?

A: Nothing has changed in Illinois as a result of the Supreme Court's actions or indications. Women here still have access to the full range of reproductive health options, and that won't change. I'm running to impact things I can change: lowering the cost of everyday items, reducing the violent crime in our community, driving down taxes, and restoring our schools to excellence.

If our abortion laws are going to be changed, that should be put to the people to vote on in a statewide referendum. It shouldn't be decided by a handful of politicians in Springfield like when my opponent voted to repeal the parental notification law, allowing minor children as young as 12 years old can get an abortion with out even notifying their parents. That kind of extremism has no place in Illinois.