Illinois has a multifaceted budget problem.  Pension maintenance and management debacles are one of the primary causes of our current budget deficit problems.  Our pension funds have been underfunded and our pension management and investments have not been performing which has created a continuing and growing pension deficit. When one cannot pay bills and manage their expenses, the … Continue reading ON PENSION SECURITY & REFORM

Illinois spends, and is on the hook for, significantly more money than it receives in annual tax revenue. The Springfield status quo that caused this problem now holds itself out to be the solution to its own mess. Others in this race have said on the record that raising taxes would be the first order … Continue reading Fiscal Reform Should Not Begin With Tax Increases

Candidates are touting a progressive income tax as a solution to our budgetary crisis. This policy proposal misses the important point that Illinois voters must decide on the issue in the form of a proposed constitutional amendment before the Illinois legislature can pursue any such changes. Article IX of the Illinois Constitution is entitled "Revenue" and … Continue reading Progressive Income Tax Is Not A Simple Legislative Solution

I am an Eagle Scout. That process instilled in me valuable lessons that continue to guide me, including strong and disciplined work ethic, and dedication to our community, our nation, and our world.   To become an Eagle Scout, one must follow the scout law and the scout oath (https://www.scouting.org/discover/faq/question10/), obtain a certain amount of merit … Continue reading Lessons From Becoming An Eagle Scout

Increasingly, concerned Illinoisans are recognizing the need for a form of term limits.  We've seen that career politicians suffer from tunnel vision and provide stale leadership that loses focus on the constituency, eroding both the quality of our state, its government, and overall public trust.  Term limits would work to solve those problems by limiting service … Continue reading Illinois Needs Terms Limits, Either By Rule Or By Voice