Suzanne Ness’ Answers to Daily and Northwest Herald Questionnaire

Published with the permission of McHenry County Board member Suzanne Ness, now running for State Representative against Allen Skillicorn:

Suzanne Ness

Should Speaker Madigan resign from his leadership positions? If he does not resign, will you support him for a new term as House speaker?

As a candidate for State Representative that has never worked in Springfield, my main goal right now is to talk to voters and learn what their priorities are for state government before I even consider who I would vote for as Speaker of the House. I will only commit to voting for a Speaker that shares the values of the communities that I represent and someone who will join me in fighting for affordable health care, good paying jobs, and tax relief for middle-class families. There is no doubt that Illinois is in need of real honest ethical reforms and I would expect to work with a Speaker who is committed to making those necessary changes. As a member of the McHenry County Board, I worked to set new ethical guidelines on the board and build relationships across party lines to promote bipartisan solutions. I will bring that same approach to Springfield, because our state’s problems are larger than one person or one party and pointing the blame will not help us reach productive solutions.

What is the biggest challenge facing your district and how do you propose tackling it in the legislature?

The biggest problem facing my district currently is the lack of leadership and services provided to local residents. For the past six years, we have had a Representative who has done nothing to improve our local communities or serve as a voice for our families in Springfield. Like many places throughout the state, our area is struggling in the face of the COVID-19
pandemic. Our Representative has made light of this crisis and failed to step up to the plate when true leadership was needed more than ever. The lack of COVID testing and contact tracing in our district has made it incredibly difficult for families and businesses. Navigating the difficulties of the failed unemployment system with no assistance from our representative has left too many families without access to the benefits they need. While no one was prepared for this pandemic, we should be able to rely on our elected officials and leader to provide necessary services and assistance during these times. As State Representative, I will be open and
accessible to constituents especially in times of crisis.

The graduated income tax is designed with the intent to reduce taxes for 97 percent of Illinoisans. Do you believe that will happen? Why or why not? What assurances can be given to voters?

Illinoisans will have the final say on whether or not the income tax structure in our state should change and giving voters that power is how this process should be done. If the amendment passes, legislators will be tasked with the responsibility of providing necessary oversight in the
budget process to ensure that all revenues are being used to benefit the state as a whole by improving the state’s finances, encouraging economic growth and ensuring the future viability of our state.

ComEd officials have acknowledged in an agreement with the federal government that it funneled money through contractors to friends and colleagues of Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan. What do you think should happen as a result of this. Specifically, how should potential legislation impacting ComEd be handled next session?

ComEd’s admission shows the lengths special interests will go to get their way, and any elected official convicted of working with them to violate the public’s trust should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. When dealing with any legislation impacting ComEd or any other special interest, we should make sure these measures will actually benefit Illinois families and not just corporations. ComEd is part of the problem, but not the entire issue. We need to make sure we are taking all steps to stop future events like this from happening again.

Describe at least two circumstances in which you have shown or would show a willingness and capacity to act independently of the direction or demands of party leadership.

As a member of the McHenry County Board, I pride myself on working with all members of the board, regardless of political ideologies. Within my first few months on the board, I was able to introduce new ethics guidelines for the Board with a group of other women board members on both sides of the aisle. Currently, I still regularly meet with members of the board, both
Republican and Democrat, to talk about bi-partisan solutions to our County’s problems.

The problems in this state are much broader than just one party or belief. In Springfield, I am committed to working with any Representative who also wants to see common-sense legislation for tax relief, affordable healthcare and anti-corruption policies passed, regardless of their party
affiliation. I am going to Springfield to work for the people of the 66th District and no one else.

How would you rate the governor’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis? Does the legislature need to have more input and influence in establishing rules and policies related to stemming the spread of the disease? What you have done differently, if anything? If nothing, please say so.

Governor Pritzker took a lead early on in declaring a state of emergency and issuing the stay at home directives in order to stop the spread of COVID and worked to build an infrastructure of healthcare in case the infection spread out of control which helped Illinois become a state with one of the lowest infection rates in the U.S. Our state owes the biggest gratitude to doctors, nurses, first -responders and others on the front-lives who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. The state has done well releasing emergency funds to local counties and municipalities, and providing information and access to business resources, in addition to the PPP loans and other federal relief programs. Any legislation or policies that our State passes in relation to COVID must be guided by science and the advice of medical experts. As a state, we also must make sure these new policies and laws are feasible for the businesses in our community. We cannot find a solution for this new way of life if we aren’t considering all people, businesses and organizations affected by it. I would have liked to have seen more testing sites throughout the state as access to testing has continued to be an issue especially in my district. The other component missing is contact tracing. For months public health officials have talked about the 3 T’s testing, tracing, treating. If testing and tracing were more accessible, it would be easier to consider re-opening schools and
businesses. As it stands, it is an area that continues to lag behind. The other area where the Governor could have done better is working on the issues of accessing unemployment benefits. I’ve talked to many people who are still not getting their benefits and they can’t get a hold of anyone when they try to call. This is the one low mark in the State’s response under Governor Pritzker.

Regardless of whether the federal government provides assistance, what is the impact of the pandemic on the state’s economic outlook and what immediate and long-term actions should be taken to address it? Would you support increasing taxes to pay for COVID-19 response or to make up for lost revenue related to COVID-19?

Instead of forcing a tax on our middle-class and struggling families, I want to see the federal government take a firmer leadership role in tackling this pandemic. Illinois and other states have been struggling to keep afloat during this pandemic from the lack of PPE, financial and educational support from the federal government. While we are still learning what all the impacts COVID-19 will have on our State’s finances, the legislature must be prepared to deal with the influx of furloughed workers, displaced families and backlog of finances that are a result of the global pandemic.

On the McHenry County board, we were able to enact a balanced budget within my first year on the board. We must do the same at a state level. Our first priority should be protecting essential healthcare needs, education and senior care while also managing how much the state is spending as a whole.Do you support any type of tax on retirement benefits?

I do not support any tax on retirement benefits.

Should Illinois prohibit lawmakers from lobbying other levels of government? Should lawmakers be prohibited from becoming lobbyists after their term in office? For how long?

I believe that Illinois should prohibit lawmakers from lobbying other levels of Government. I would support any legislation that toughens restrictions for those who wish to become a lobbyist, like longer waiting periods after leaving public office and universal lobbyist registration. I want the residents of the 66th District and Illinois to be able to trust that I am working for the benefit of them in Springfield and not for special interests. Whatever we can do to make lobbying more transparent for the public is necessary.

What are the most important components that should be included in legislative ethics reform? What will you do to help them come to pass?

The most important components to include in ethics reform are harsher fines for politicians found guilty of violating the public’s trust. This should include paying back every dime of tax- payer money that lawmaker has received. I would also like to see pensions stripped for politicians convicted of crimes, a ban on red-light cameras, and as I mentioned before, more
thorough lobbyist registration policies.

What should the state do to address the still-growing problems with its key pension programs?

Consolidation is key and it has already begun. Also strictly protecting pension funds and limit pensions to 1 per person- even if they take the highest one, only allowing a person to collect 1 pension from a state-funded plan. Any plans for pension reform must include bringing all stakeholders to the table so that all interest groups can make their voices heard and so
decisions are not being made solely by lawmakers.

Do you believe climate change is caused by human activity? What steps should state government be taking to address the issue?

Yes, I believe that climate change is caused by human activity and we need to explore a number of options including building a renewable energy infrastructure, looking into activities like regenerative farming since so much of Illinois is covered in farmland, and encourage companies and individuals to use more recycling and upcycling in manufacturing and
purchasing. A shift towards more renewable energy can also help to bring thousands of new green energy jobs to help improve our local economy.

Protestors have massed in the streets in Chicago and other cities across Illinois for greater social justice and changes in the funding and responsibilities for police. How significant a role does systemic racism play in limiting equal opportunity in Illinois? To the degree that it exists, what should be done about it? What, if any, changes should be made in funding and duties of police?

Systemic racism has plagued our country for too long. The recent murders of black and brown men and women are unjust and deserving of the highest level of justice, we also must realize that reacting with violence is not the answer. As a non-person of color, myself and other non- people of color must be willing to listen. We all must step outside of our own personal
experiences and understand the perspective of others. While I may never personally understand what people of color go through every day, I am empathetic of their struggle and am committed to being an ally both in protest and legislatively.

Illinois passed a bipartisan police reform measure several years ago with input from stakeholders, community members and legislators on both sides of the aisle. That same approach should be used now to strengthen the relationships between law enforcement and citizens. Every local community’s issues are different, and any reforms on the state level must
take into consideration the diversity of our state. As State Representative, I would work with the Black Caucus, our local sheriffs, police officers, community leaders, local residents and underserved communities to listen to their concerns and raise their voices in the conversation to
develop meaningful change.

The answers of State Rep. Allen Skillicorn can be found here.


Comments

Suzanne Ness’ Answers to Daily and Northwest Herald Questionnaire — 14 Comments

  1. She sidestepped the Madigan question already but he is funding her LOL

    COVID testing and tracing is to be implemented by your lovely Governor so talk to him even though it is a joke!

    No position on the Referendum REALLY!

    If you can’t make up your mind on that then you have already become the politician nobody wants!

    ComEd isn’t the problem it is the jackals that took the money!

    Look no farther than across the room at your County Board Chairman Franks and your donator Madigan!

    They didn’t have to take the money but it appears corruption is rampant!

    Testing for COVID has zero correlation with deaths!

    The problems in this state however do have a correlation to one party and that is your Democrat party!

    The Progressive Tax will leave the door wide open to tax SS and the middle class!

    Trump actually lowered the tax on the middle class so do you support that?

    Do you have any clue on how much the Pension Plans are underwater?

    You will never be able to tax enough to make it up!

    Why don’t you call out your lapdog Chairman for taking a $56,000 Pension for being a State Rep!

    No guts!

    Less than 40% of scientist believe global warming so don’t you believe in science?!

    You lost me right away at systemic racism! Ask Chuck Wheeler he only sits a few seats from you of what he thinks.

    Wondering if you wrote this or one of Madigan’s/Frank’s minions?

  2. And how much money has Madigan given to her campaign?

    Nice easy questions courtesy of the Franks Herald.

  3. She’s a joke, fraud and a waste, but unfortunately she’s going to win.

    Wtf GOP!?

    GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!

  4. Being a Liberal Democrat, I expect Ms. Ness to repeat “systemic racism”, which if it exists, really began in Africa, with Blacks enslaving each other (Tribe A conquering and enslaving Tribe B).

    This worsened, with Arab and European slave traders involved.

    Unlike “most” Blacks, I discuss this, because it’s true. 😐

    Unlike most White Liberal Democrats, my extended family and I, all Black, resided in Lawndale, Garfield Park and Austin, when those communities were Black, Integrated and Black.

    We saw businesses and Whites leave.

    Whites haven’t lived in those areas, since 1965, 1970 and can NOT still be blamed for those area conditions.

    We did it.

    We doesn’t mean all, but at least some Blacks. 😐

    Finally, we left Austin for a White Suburb, because we could no longer sit in our yards, porches and parks in peace.

    We did NOT want to be victims of drive by shootings by evil murderers. 😐

  5. Skillkorn is a useless pudwhack.

    He should be giving back every dime he ever received in compensation for his time in office – he sure as heck didn’t earn that paycheck.

    He’s been on a ton of milk cartons these last years.

    The man is human vomit.

  6. Eddie, not ‘European’ slave traders, predominantly Jewish and Arab slave traders!

  7. CPTKangaroo, who where these Jews? It was a White European Christian Male dominated world then. 😐

  8. Davy, I don’t fall for msm lies all the time. 😐

    Sure, there were Jews involved in slavery.

    At that time, Euorpean White Males were dominant in governing and slavery. 😐

  9. Fierabras, a total waste of carbon, calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, iron, hydrogen and nitrogen as well!

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