Senate candidates talk tax, education, transit reform
Q&A: State Senate District 26
Two Democrats are running in the Feb. 5 primary for the 26th state Senate seat long held by Republican state legislator William Peterson, who is retiring.
Bill Gentes of Round Lake and Richard Hammes of North Barrington are competing to face Republican candidate Dan Duffy, of Lake Barrington, in November. Duffy is uncontested in the GOP primary.
Candidates were asked to limit their Q&A answers to 150 words.
Q. Tell us what contributions you would make.
Gentes: I have led the charge on transportation by serving on the Lake County Transportation Alliance Board, and by chairing the 120 Bypass Coalition. I am working closely with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to locate a hospital square in the center of the 26th District to better serve all the district. I worked closely with the state to help Round Lake Unit District 116 get back on solid footing.
Hammes: I think I can make a strong contribution with regard to education and the importance of preparation for college (part-time community college instructor for more than 35 years) as well as in the area of mental health and allied programs. I think my education and work experience coupled with energy and a drive to get things done will serve me well in this role.
Q. Do you favor any changes in the state's funding of schools? If yes, what changes? If you favor no changes, please explain why.
Gentes: School funding needs to be improved, we need to find more funding and decrease schools' reliance on property taxes.
Hammes: Yes, I think the state should be at least at the national average of 50 percent funding of schools and thereby assist in reducing the property tax burden. We will have to develop new revenue sources to achieve this. Currently the state is looking at casino expansion as a panacea, but I am cautious about relying on this as a primary source of revenue.
Q. Does Illinois currently tax businesses too heavily, too lightly or the right amount? Please explain and tell us what changes you would favor.
Gentes: I think the whole tax structure in this state needs to be overhauled so we can find fairness for all.
Hammes: Based on limited specific knowledge at this time, I think businesses may be sufficiently taxed at this time, although there appear to be loopholes that could be plugged to generate some additional revenues. We need to be careful about always pointing the finger at business as being the source for new funds. Ultimately most increases will find their way to the consumer, which becomes a hidden tax. It is difficult for politicians to recommend tax increases for the general public, but this may be a more equitable route to take if we need more revenue. I think the gross receipts tax may negatively impact some businesses that have low profit margins and create other problems including employee reductions, moving from the state or just closing. Such a plan will need careful evaluation and structure if it is proposed. I do not think this tax is advisable at this time.
Q. Should the state lease or sell some assets such as its tollways and the lottery? Why or why not?
Gentes: No, I think the sale of these assets are short-term fixes, and to give away long-term revenue is short sighted. The only way I could see that is if the state were guaranteed revenue sources from the sale for the long haul.
Hammes: No, the state should retain control of these entities. There may be some short-term gain, but based on what I have read, long term, the state will receive less revenue than if we keep control. Additionally, I think the general public needs some voice in these programs and services via the legislature, which would be reduced or lost if these assets are removed from state oversight.
Q. What issue or issues specific to your legislative district and its residents do you plan to address in Springfield?
Gentes: There are four main issues, tax reform, education funding, transportation funding and water issues.
Hammes: Roads and education are the two key issues. Clearly, public transportation is important as well. However, the expansion of major roads, the extension of Route 53 and how to fund education without continuing to over burden property owners are the key issues to deal with in this district. I also believe that the voters in this district are concerned about student performance and having a better understanding of the finances of their schools. These are concerns that I intend to address in the senate.