Q&A with O'Connor

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

I am seeking the office of state representative in order to challenge the stagnant political environment of the state and promote a participatory, pro-democracy agenda. Illinois can flourish and lead the rest of the nation by example in areas including but not limited to improving public transportation, ushering in a new wave of renewable energy projects, providing quality health care for all, and building economic fortitude. Protecting and expanding our public transit infrastructure is highly important to many Illinoisans and me. Unfortunately, incumbent Bob Biggins has opposed many past transit funding bills. Recent legislature has instead promoted widening highways and building new roads! Mass transit requires a drastic overhaul to improve carbon emissions and promote cleaner travel, reduce traffic congestion, create jobs, and serve citizens efficiently in their commutes. Voters still want change, so I am giving voters a real choice this year without being fueled by corporate donations!

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

Greens are no longer the alternative, we are the imperative! In the wake of a global climate shift crisis, we're becoming more reliant on foreign oil. In a time when over 47 million Americans lack health care, pushes for privatization prevail. In the midst of a budgetary crisis, both parties in Springfield acquiesce to corporate influence. For these reasons I will promote Clean Cars Illinois, protecting open spaces, expanding rail service to smaller towns. I will support Health Care For All Illinois, as health care is not a privilege but a right. And I will demonstrate fiscal responsibility by opposing legislative official wage increases and trimming some of the fat. The General Assembly absolutely needs a fresh voice and I can contribute by being that voice for REAL change.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.

I do not support raising the state sales tax; in fact, I believe it should be eliminated for products such as food, medicine, and other "necessities". However, to balance the state's lost revenue from this sales tax reform, I would support raising the state income tax for individual earners and corporations, while closing corporate loopholes and offering refundable credits for low and middle-income families. In addition, I would also like to reduce property taxes and utilize the state income to alleviate some of the taxpayer dollars going into local public schools. Illinois has one of the lowest income tax rates in the nation, and we are seeing the decay of many social services all around us especially within our schools and health care system. Government programs are too important for maintaining a higher quality of living. If we cut taxes too much, we may end cutting our own throats.

4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.

I oppose any expansion of gambling and even support phasing it out in favor of genuine progressive taxation. The fact is, gambling is a hidden tax on the poor. In all actuality, adding slot machines at racetracks and building new casinos will push heavier regressive taxation, meaning those with less will be hurt that much more. It's true what they say, "the house always wins". In a public statement I made, I sharply criticized the compromise pushed by state lawmakers to expand casino gambling to fund road expansion projects in exchange for increased mass transit funding. Instead of expanding gambling to pay for new road construction, why not take care of the roads we have, and use mass transit to address the growing commuter needs.

5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?

Voters of Illinois and any democratic body should already have a mechanism in place for recalling public officials. There are many recent polls illustrating that voters favor recall. A democracy relies heavily on citizens participating in the governing process. In turn, a democratic government is supposed to be responsive to the participatory citizenry. With a General Assembly ignoring and neglecting many of the voices coming from the public, there must be measures taken to assure citizens their right to govern. I also support other electoral reform measures aimed at improving our democratic process including instant run-off voting and open ballot initiatives.

6. Did you support the suburban tax increases that were used to keep the public transportation trains and buses running without cuts or fare increases?

The way I see it, taxes are investments for the future. Transportation is a public good and individual collectively help to maintain public goods. The CTA and RTA clearly needed to be bailed out for the greater good of the public commuters this past year. If it wasn't transit, would people get behind a fractional raise to their taxes for a major operational project? For example, what if we had no interstate highways, what if we had no Internet? Individuals cannot conceivably build and maintain these projects on their own dime using tax refunds. Although, I am ideologically opposed to the DuPage sales tax increase, I understand the board's short-term reasoning. Hopefully in the near future, the suburban boards will attempt to fund local transportation with an alternative route. Personally, I would suggest generating revenue through an environmental "true cost" tax on automotive manufacturers and the oil industry.

7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?

Well, technically no Green Party candidates have been elected to the Illinois General Assembly yet. It's highly possible, that when I am elected, I may become the party caucus leader depending on the success of other Greens running for General Assembly. If Charlie Howe of the 115th District or Jeremy Karpen of the 39th District are elected, I would gladly support either one of them for the position. We would find consensus if this becomes the case.

8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?

I think many citizens of Illinois want to see Governor Rod Blagojevich ousted, whether it's sooner or later. Most want it the former, though impeachment proceedings are debatable at this point. His demeanor and actions/inactions can easily be viewed as poor leadership, but I don't believe there is enough evidence linked to the job-selling allegations connected to Tony Rezko necessary to provoke impeachment. Besides, if the House ever did vote to impeach him, the State Senate trial is full of Mr. Blagojevich's friends. If impeachment is inevitable, it has to be done carefully and competently.