TAX RELIEF

Illinois has more governmental units than any other state in the union. This layer cake approach to government is causing excessive taxes. A restructuring of government to eliminate duplication of services would provide smaller, smarter government at a reasonable cost. Illinois government must become an efficient leader, instead of a complicated bureaucracy.

QUALITY EDUCATION

Education is the door to the future.  The 54th District is very fortunate to have some of the finest schools in the state.  I serve on the Elementary and Secondary Education Committee and will continue to work to maintain the viability of these public school systems, which are the cornerstone of our democracy.

CRIME

According to the Northwest 2001 Coalition survey, gangs and substance abuse are of major concern to our area leaders. Legislation must be tough on offenders and protect victim's rights to help our citizens feel safe in their own communities.

BUSINESS

The 54th District tax base consists primarily of small businesses and private homes.  A healthy business community is essential for our district to remain competitive in a rapidly changing, increasingly global environment. I will work to ensure that the state enhances the Illinois business climate.  As a member of the Tourism Committee, I have learned that tourism is going to be one of the most important industries for the 21st Century.  The reopening of Arlington International Racecourse positions the 54th District to play a major part in that industry.

JOBS

The jobs for the 21st century will be informational and service based. I will work to ensure that job training opportunities are available for all Illinois citizens.  We can and will have productive members of our society today and in the future.  The colleges in our area will play an increasingly important role in the training and re-training of workers as we begin the 21st Century.

HEALTH CARE

Affordable, accessible health care is a growing concern to many people, particularly when the number of self-employed individuals is on the rise and as a larger number of our society ages. Government should facilitate health care, and police it.  However, government should not run health care.  I will work toward that goal.

SENIOR CITIZENS / AGING POPULATION

22,000 residents of the 54th District are now Senior Citizens.  This is more than 10% of the population in the District.  Understandably, affordable health care and housing are major concerns.  Senior Citizens are also concerned about crime, safety issues and appropriate activities.  I will actively solicit their input on these issues.

ENVIRONMENT

The future health of our state demands that we protect the environment. The issues of solid waste disposal, pollution, traffic congestion, airport expansion and noise all need to be addressed on a regional basis with an eye toward safety of the environment without additional state mandates.

PERSONAL CHOICE

I subscribe to the Republican philosophy: "Less government is better government" and on this issue, I believe that the government does not belong in our bedrooms. Although I do not personally believe in abortion, I believe a woman and her family should have the choice to make personal, private and difficult decisions according to their own beliefs. I will, however, seek solutions to reduce the numbers of unplanned pregnancies.

WELFARE REFORM

In the wake of major changes in the federal law, the State of Illinois took bold steps to move Illinois welfare recipients from dependence to productive workers. I will continued to assist that effort for reform that encourages rebirth of individual responsibility and initiative without abandoning our collective responsibility to the littlest victims of poverty and violence.