:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/DCDPCDF4TMZ7GGDM477G2Q65NI.jpg)
Political party
Democrat
Age
53
Town of residence
Elmhurst
Current occupation and employer
Resigned as Customer Team Manager from Clorox to run for this office
Education
University of Michigan, AB Political Science 1987
American College in Paris, Winter Semester 1986
Boston University, MBA 1995
Immediate family
Married to Mary; two boys, Jacob (16) and Dylan (13)
Website
Civic involvement and volunteer work
Board Member, Elmhurst Youth Baseball
Former PTA Secretary of Churchville Middle School
Member, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce
Democratic Precinct Committeeman
Previous elected offices held
First time running for office
What should Illinois do to improve its business climate and promote job growth?
We must create a stable political and financial environment to improve the state’s business climate and to promote job growth in Illinois.
Three steps we can take to create that environment is to: 1) select a new Speaker of the House; 2) put an end to gerrymandering; 3) get our financial house in order. Choosing a new Speaker of the House and reforming the way we draw legislative districts will help reestablish trust between residents, businesses, and elected officials. Finding solutions to our structural financial issues like the $7 billion in unpaid bills and $130 billion in unfunded pension liabilities will create confidence that the state is a reliable place to do business.
Illinois has all of the necessary physical and human resource infrastructure for job growth, we just need to create the proper environment for it to thrive. ...
What gun control measures do you support at the state level?
I support the Gun Dealer Licensing Act. This bill provides for a reasonable method to reduce the amount of illegal gun purchases. It is not about the right to bear arms, the types of guns, or an impact to conceal-and-carry. It will require criminal background checks for gun store employees, basic store security measures, and employee training. I don’t think those requirements are too much to ask to reduce illegal gun sales and, ultimately, the loss of life.
What are your thoughts on the steps Illinois has taken to address its pension crisis? What additional reforms are necessary?
The steps Illinois has taken to address the pension crisis has had limited impact on the overall problem. The state created a more affordable pension system when it developed the Tier II structure in 2012. Unfortunately, no plan has been successfully put in place to address the $130 Billion in unfunded pension liability that the state accumulated from years of pension holidays under the Tier I system. ...
My plan to address the pension crisis includes the following three reforms:
Reduce our unfunded liability: I believe that we should re-amortize our pension debt. Illinois would pay a level amount each year instead of an increasing amount which will absorb over a third of our General Fund discretionary spending by 2045 if nothing changes. ...
Create a sound retirement system for the future: All options should be on the table including traditional pensions, 401K-style plans, and Social Security. ...
Update GARS (General Assembly Retirement System): The current system is woefully underfunded and is not necessary for people who are choosing to run for office. ... I will not accept a pension under the current GARS system.
The current political climate across the United States seems more divided than ever. What will you do to foster cooperation and compromise among members of the Illinois General Assembly?
... Select a new Speaker of the House: I will not vote for Mike Madigan. Illinois needs a fresh perspective, and a new leader who can build coalitions and compromise with other elected officials.
Put an end to gerrymandering: I will support a Fair Map Amendment to create a bi-partisan, independent commission to create fairer, more competitive legislative maps. Currently, Illinois has legislative districts that look like poorly designed jigsaw puzzle pieces. These districts were created purely for partisan purposes. As a result, there is no incentive to work across the aisle. Fairer maps will create more competition and force legislators to listen to everyone in their communities, not just those folks from their own political parties.
And on a personal level, I will work with Republicans and Democrats alike to make Illinois stronger by finding compromise wherever possible.