CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Candidate:  Mike Smith          Position Sought:  State Representative, 91st District

1) Why are you seeking this office?

I want to continue to serve my district and constituents and district in addressing the many important issues that help shape a better future.

2) Why do you believe you are qualified for this office?

I have thirteen years experience in this office which gives me the contacts and ability to get things done for my district.

3) If you're the incumbent, what have been your significant accomplishments during your term?  If you are a challenger, what do you believe have been the significant disappointments of the incumbent, and how would your term in office be different?

This term has been the most challenging of my years in office due to the protracted disagreements between the legislature and the governor.  I am pleased that the legislature has held the line on the governor's budget breaking proposals.  We passed a balanced budget that addresses our most serious needs and provided a record amount of new funding for our schools.  On a personal note, I have made a conscientious effort to increase accessibility to me and my office through increased office hours and the creation of several advisory committees on key issue areas.

4) Have you ever owned or managed a business?  If yes, please explain.

No.

5) What to you believe are the major issues facing voters in the district?

I believe economic development and job creation continues to be the number one issue in our district.  Infrastructure improvements are an integral part of economic development.  Health care availability and affordability are also key issues.  Crime is another issue bothering voters as well.

6) What do you believe are the major issues facing businesses in the district?

Maintaining a business in today's ever-changing world is extremely challenging.  I am very concerned about making sure that we have an adequately educated and trained workforce to meet our needs.

7) What role should the State of Illinois play in economic development?  How do you propose to expand and attract businesses to the district?  How do you propose to stop businesses from leaving Illinois?

The state should play a key role in economic development by working with our local officials and agencies.  Infrastructure development is very important and must be funded through a much-needed capital budget.  We need to continue and enhance the incentive packages in place for business development.  We also must be mindful of business retention and expansion in all of our efforts.  We must ensure that any new legislation or funding mechanism does not place an undue burden on existing businesses.

8) Do you support the continued construction of Veterans Drive in Pekin?  Why or why not?  If elected, how will you help with this project?

I wholeheartedly support the Veterans Drive project and am currently working to include funding for it in the long-awaited capital budget.

9) What are the top three financial issues facing the State of Illinois?  How would you address those issues?

The top three issues are a stagnant state economy, education funding reform, and pension debt obligation.  Improving the state's economy would have a positive impact on the state's revenue.  Reforming education funding would relieve the constant demand for more state resources and the inequity that results from an over-reliance on property taxes.  We must be diligent in maintaining our obligations to fully fund our pension obligations and continue on the path of repayment of past abuses through the plan which runs through 2045.

10) Does the State of Illinois need additional revenues?  Why or why not?  If yes, what new revenue sources will you support?

Yes, according to most economists we face a structural deficit in the state that is only going to be solved by addressing our revenue structure.  I have always supported efforts to reform the way we fund public education in Illinois by shifting the burden from local property taxes to the income tax.  I would be open to considering some change to the sales tax as well.  Having said that, we must always make sure that our spending levels are proper and we are saving taxpayer funds wherever possible.

11) Does the State's budgeting process need to be improved?  Why or why not?  If yes, what will you do to improve it?  

Yes it does need to be improved.  The process needs to be more open to rank and file legislators and especially give some real responsibility to our appropriations committees.  We also need to have more time for public examination and input once a final budget agreement is reached but before it is voted on the General Assembly.

12) Does the State of Illinois need a Capital Budget?  What should the priorities of a Capital Budget include?  Where will the funding come from for a Capital Budget?

As I have stated in previous answers, I feel a capital budget is desperately needed not only for the many projects that can be funded but also for the economic boost it would provide.  The priorities should include road construction, school construction and building projects at state supported institutions.  The current proposal for funding of a capital budget would come from a major expansion of gaming.  While I am not a huge fan of legalized gaming, I do realize that this may be the best approach to finance our many capital needs.

13) Do you believe Illinois' businesses currently pay their "fair share" of taxes?

Yes, I do.

14) If elected, what would be your top three priorities?

My top priorities would continue to be economic development, improving our public education system, and ensuring financial accountability at the state level.