Q. What needs to be done structurally to make the legislature more effective? Will you vote for your current legislative leader? What is your position on term limits in general and specifically for legislative leaders? Do you support the ongoing drive for a constitutional amendment on redistricting? What will you do to promote implementation of any changes you recommend?

A. I believe that Leader Durkin is doing an outstanding job in an extremely difficult environment and I support his efforts.

As far as term limits, too many politicians view their position as a career, as a way to benefit themselves. They become focused on doing everything to protect their job, so they draw gerrymandered districts to ensure they stay in office.

While the recent court ruling is a setback for those who want to reform state government, I will continue to fight to pass term limits and redistricting reform so we can limit the power of career politicians and change the culture in Springfield.

Being a legislator must become about public service again, it shouldn’t be a decades long career.

Q. Would you vote for an increase in state income taxes or sales taxes? Would you vote for new taxes, such as on services? What is your position on a graduated income tax?

A. I am opposed to raising taxes. A better way to raise revenue is by passing economic reforms that grow our economy and expand our tax base. With needed reforms like workers’ compensation reform, a property tax freeze and political reforms to make our political system more responsive to voters, we will increase confidence in Illinois and bring new businesses and families to the state.

We also need to close corporate tax loopholes and stop large companies from receiving tax breaks at our expense.

Q. What changes, if any, do you support in education and education funding in Illinois?

A. Educating our children is the most important responsibility government has.

Unfortunately, for too long we have shortchanged our children by making false promises and underfunding our schools.

I am extremely proud of the work we have done in ending proration for the coming school year by ensuring each student receives an increase in funding.

The next step is to reform the school funding formula so every student, no matter their circumstance, is able to receive the quality education they deserve.

However, we must be cautious in how we change the formula — we should not punish fiscally responsible schools to bail out those that have not maintained fiscal discipline.

Q. On Illinois’ budget, specifically, where do you believe cuts need to be made?

A. We need to take a hard look at each line item in the budget and really consider whether a state as in debt as Illinois can truly afford certain luxuries. In addition to examining the budget line by line, we can save money by finally implementing a constitutional pension reform plan, reforming our procurement system, and cutting waste and fraud out of Medicaid.

In addition to cuts, we need to implement structural changes like workers’ comp reform and a property tax freeze to grow our economy and, in turn, our tax base.

The only way to fix our budget issues and fund our schools and needed social services in the long term is to have a growing economy.

Q. What approach do you support toward fixing the public pension systems?

A. We need to control our pension costs while making sure those who have been promised pensions get what they’ve earned. We need to make sure pension obligations are fulfilled, and for new work, we should move government workers to a defined contribution system, just like the private sector.

Q. What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?

A. Did not reply.