2004 Year in Review

Interview with Mike Boland

Mike Boland

During the political campaign period thecity1.com has invited state and national political incumbents and their challengers to our offices in Morrison for a question and answer session. We offer a few written questions in advance, which are responded in writing by the candidates and the interviews are unscripted with questions from thecity1.com.

TC1 written question 1.) Please give our viewers online a description of how long you have lived in the area, what vocations you have experienced and family and children.

Mike Boland Written Response: I have lived in the Quad Cities area all but 2 1/2 years. I have two grown daughters - Susan Boland and Barbara Stuckwisch. Susan is an Associate Professor and Research and Instructional Services Librarian at the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Barbara is Executive Director of the Henry County Child Advocacy Center. My wife Mary and I will be married 37 years this December. We have one grandson. I grew up in poverty and have worked hard all my life at a variety of jobs - store stock boy, paper route, sweeped classroom floors, worked in a factory, laborer on construction, landscaping, summer park director, and taught in public schools nearly 30 years. I continue teaching Saturday mornings at a local community college. I earned a BA and MSE and 43 hours beyond the Masters Degree.

TC1 written question 2.) Our funding system in Illinois for our schools is based on property taxes. Should this be changed and if so, how?

Mike Boland Written Response: The funding system in Illinois for our schools is far too over-reliant on the property tax. It results in inadequate funding for most of our downstate schools, and results in great inequities in funding between different school districts. This lack of educational funding hurts many of our children's life chances. This could be changed in one of three ways: 1) A swap of a broad based tax such as income tax for property tax; 2) Placing a surcharge on incomes above $250,000 (these taxpayers received the biggest tax breaks from the Bush administration). The proceeds would be split between and additional $250 per pupil to all schools and a grant rebated to all residential property taxpayers; or 3) Expand gaming, perhaps including a casino boat in the south suburbs of Chicago. This would capture the money from Illinois gamblers currently going to the Indiana gaming boats. The same could be done with Waukegan or Rockford whose gamblers currently go to Wisconsin casinos.

TC1 written question 3.) Is it reasonable for a Morrison, Illinois resident to believe they can make a difference with their vote?

Mike Boland Written Response: Yes, definitely! I believe that Morrison by voting for me has gained a strong advocate for their needs. By showing that they vote for someone who works hard for their community (including obtaining $150,000 of personal legislative initiative money for the Morrison parks, streets and sidewalks) they have gained the respect of other political leaders. Because of their votes, I have passed on to those who may wish to follow in my footsteps that the people of Morrison will support you if you treat them right.

TC1 written question 4.) Senior citizens as well as young citizens are losing health care benefits at alarming rates. How can Illinois government help reverse this trend?

Mike Boland Written Response: The best thing that Illinois can do to help senior citizens is to expand the Circuit Breaker and Pharmeceutical Assistance Program so that more of our seniors and the disabled can benefit from this crucial program. I was active in previous efforts to expand eligibility for the Circuit Breaker. We also should keep expanding the Kidcare program which helps many children currently without health insurance. We have now expanded that to include many parents who are lower income working moms and dads because we found that the best way to get children covered is to get their parents covered. We need to expand eligibility for medicaid and make sure medical providers are paid in a timely manner. Lastly we need to allow small businesses and non-profit groups to buy into the state employee health insurance system.

TC1 written question 5.) Can you describe the benefits the proposed Highway 30 Economic Corridor will bring to Morrison and the surrounding area?

Mike Boland Written Response: I have strongly supported the expansion of Highway 30. By fostering economic growth through more tourists, travelers and trucks, Morrison and the surrounding area will be able to create jobs so that our children and grandchildren can stay in the area. Distribution centers, truckstops, and other businesses will come to the area. The Morrison area will become more attractive as a retirement area, again strenghtening the local economy, expecially local small businesses.

TC1 verbal question 1) The funding mechanism for Illinois public schools continually shortchanges our schools and as a result teacher layoffs and cuts are common. Numerous fee based programs are now common. Is our system of education funding based on property taxes flawed?

Mike Boland Response: We have a serious problem with how we fund out primary schools and interestingly we do a great job with higher education funding. I believe good education programs can really be an economic boost. There are three areas being discussed regarding tax reform for school funding:
1). A tax swap, not an increase, but a lowering of the property tax and an increase in income tax.
2). Pat Quinn has proposed a surcharge on all personal incomes over $250,000 which could be applied to school funding.
3). More gambling available in the state including the possibility of revenue from a new and additional casino. I can support the concept of additional revenue from a new casino.

TC1 verbal question 2) Will we see real tax based changes that improve school funding this session?

Mike Boland Response: I think we will see some movement however, it’s not guaranteed as this governor has said he will veto any tax increases.

TC1 verbal question 3) If you are re-elected to the Illinois House, is there specific legislation you are interested in introducing?

Mike Boland Response: Yes, I have have a strong interest in three items. (1) last session we passed job protection measures for volunteer firefighters that needs further enhancements to protect EMT personnel among other things and (2) We need to pass legislation prohibiting our state purchasing authorities from buying goods manufactured by child labor or political prisoners. (3) We need property tax relief for our veterans and to further assist our military families.

TC1 verbal question 4) Morrison residents, like many Illinois taxpayers simply don’t understand why state government has a financial mess. How can you reassure voters that re-electing Mike Boland won’t be more of the same?

Mike Boland Response: Illinois taxpayers have a right to be upset but they must remember the previous administration of Governor George Ryan was largely to blame. I believe in spending wisely and want to remind you I voted against every tax increase introduced this past session. Additionally, I believe projects such as the Highway 30 realignment will have a positive economic effect in this area and we need to pursue and implement these types of projects.

TC1 verbal question 5) Will the prison in Thompson open this year?

Mike Boland Response: The village of Thompson has more money invested in its infrastructure than most other small towns in Illinois. I was instrumental in getting Thompson a brand new water tower, expansion of the sewer and water system, and new roads and streets. Mt Carroll has been able to receive additional funds as well.

TC1 verbal question 6) Is it possible the Thompson Prison could never open?

Mike Boland Response: The prison will probably open as older prisons in the state become decommissioned.

TC1 verbal question 7) Morrison is having its 150th birthday in 2005. How will you be able to help Morrison if re-elected?

Mike Boland Response: I want to provide proper funding for our education system and I’m taking steps to achieve that goal. I want to improve the infrastructure in Morrison and the Highway 30 realignment would be a positive step for the area. I want to make even more visits with Morrison and get to learn even more about the people and town.

Mike Boland Final Statement: thank you for having me visit and state my vision for our future. I hope people will understand I work very well with all groups including blacks and Hispanics and I am a creative thinker. I enjoy coming to Morrison and if re-elected I want to have a town-hall type meeting to get closer yet. Thank You.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
October 15, 2004