One incumbent and three candidates participated in a lively Public Forum on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, to share their thoughts on governance and convince undecided voters to support them. The event was co-hosted by Morrison Chamber of Commerce and Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., to a large gathering at Morrison Institute of Technology, 701 Portland Avenue (IL Route 78, south), Morrison, IL. There was time for informal questioning and refreshments after the event.
The Guests of Honor were, left-to-right, Chief Deputy John Booker (Democrat candidate for Whiteside County Sheriff); Executive Director of Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center Joan Padilla (Democrat candidate for 71st District State Representative); 71st District State Representative Tony McCombie (Republican incumbent); Sergeant Kristopher Schmidt (Republican candidate for Whiteside County Sheriff.)
Brandi Langer, Sauk Valley Chamber Financial Specialist/Office Manager, welcomed attendees. Meridith Layne, Morrison Chamber Coordinator, closed the program.
Candidates each made two-minute opening and closing remarks. Moderator Jerry Lindsey posed questions to them, some of which were supplied by the public. Lindsey is President of Morrison Area Development Corporation (MADC) and Editor of the Whiteside News-Sentinel. Katie Selburg was the timer.
McCombie describe Springfield as “a mess. It’s still really hard [because of the lack of a State budget for so long], but [Illinois] is on the mend. There [have been] more conversation, open hearts, and cooperation” in her second year.
She opposes raising the Minimum Wage to $15 per hour, because “it poses a hardship on small businesses. It will raise the cost of products. You won’t get people receiving aid/services from the State.” She cited a man who received a $1 raise and saw a $2 cut in his wife’s public services. “We have a higher minimum wage than areas around us.”
“I disapprove [of a graduated tax plan]. A flat tax is not regressive; property tax and sales tax are regressive. I am not afraid to put it [a Constitutional Amendment] on the ballot. A 6.27% tax would mean taxes of $480-to-$562 a month as proposed.”
“I oppose legalizing recreational marijuana use as it is written. Less than 1% tax revenue could be coming in [for State use]: 50% for the General Fund; 25% for schools; 25% [unknown answer]. How will Law Enforcement monitor it to keep people safe? Illinois has debauched medical marijuana use. Medical marijuana should be expanded.”
McCombie does not support restricting gun ownership. “The State uses victims as political pawns. Two-thirds of 38,000 deaths in the United States are suicides.”
The Incumbent supports Term Limits in the General Assembly.
Does she have solutions for underfunded and under-performing schools? “Give less [money] to wealthy schools and more to poorer districts.” The Legislature is mandated to pay “50% plus 1″ in State funding to schools. It is not close to meeting” that level. “Enforce it. We passed the new evidence based funding model in 2017.”
Lindsey asked, “Is the State addressing out-of-State college enrollment?” She answered, “No! The MAP Grant is now for four years, instead of [making students] reapply every year. Keep tuition down, and fund the schools.”
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:
“Where will money come from to address State needs?” “Fifty percent of the 32% increase in the income tax was voted last year; I voted No. The three most important responsibilities of a State budget are education, public safety, and [assisting] the most vulnerable.”
“What do you think of a flat tax?” “Neighboring states are looking to the flat tax. Multiple tax levels [i.e., a graduated tax plan] are difficult and problematic.”
“How will you deal with the State Pension program?” “If the State will pay its bills, it will fix the pension program.” McCombie does not favor lowering pensions, but will look for a new way to fund them, such as 402k’s.
CLOSING STATEMENT: “I have nine years experience in Municipal and State Government. [You have] to go across party lines, be vulnerable, and push harder [to create important legislation]. I [will work for] less Government, [fair] taxes, and efficiencies to find funding.”
Padilla said, “I’m here as a candidate mainly because of frustration [regarding no State budget] for the last two years. I understand how Social Services benefit our people. We need to have people in Springfield who understand that.”
She believes the Legislature “should slowly, incrementally raise the Minimum Wage. Middle-to-lower income people put their raises right back into the community. We need to support businesses but [also] help young people get to wage levels [that allow them to become business owners].”
She approves of “a Constitutional Amendment to set the income tax [rate] in Illinois. A flat tax [as opposed to a graduated tax plan] hurts those with lower-to-middle incomes; it is regressive.” She illustrated, by contrasting the economic impact of a 5% tax on a family’s $100 dollars of income, with the impact that a 5% tax would have on a family earning $1000 of income.
“I am a proponent of medical marijuana to help people. We could look into growing it here, but not unregulated. The tax source from recreational marijuana sales will benefit us financially.”
Padilla does not support restricting gun ownership, but proposes gun ownership regulation. “We need to talk about why the United States leads the world in gun violence.” She noted receiving a phone call that morning from her teacher husband; he stated his school in Dixon had an ‘active shooter’ situation. He and his students were safe.
The candidate supports leadership Term Limits in the General Assembly. “I am in favor of new ideas and fresh faces in Government. We should rotate between Districts for leadership roles.”
Does she have solutions for underfunded and under-performaing schools? Her answer was, “Schools and education is a top priority.” She suggested funding from a fair tax or using revenue from marijuana sales.
Lindsey asked, “Is the State addressing out-of-State college enrollment?” She answered, “No! We are at $4.5 billion of underfunding now. I am a Trustee of Sauk Valley College. We have ‘brain drain’ in Illinois, [as students leave the State].”
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:
“Where will money come from to address State needs?” Padilla disagreed with McCombie’s tax percentage numbers. Look at what [good the] agencies do. Their [primary] costs are based on workers’ [salaries/wages].
“What do you think of a flat tax?” A flat tax is regressive to lower-income earners. It has a stronger impact.”
“How will you deal with the State Pension program?” “The problem is due to the State borrowing against the pension fund, creating debt.”
CLOSING STATEMENT: “Your questions tonight will help me be a better candidate and [Legislator] in Springfield. I bring focus on those who need help and compassion. I need your support.”
Booker stated, “I am the Supervisor of 94 people [in the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office]. Public safety must come before party [affiliation].”
“Communication and community involvement” are the most important skills [of a Sheriff]. “We need you to take part in the fight against crime. We have to get Officers out of their cars, walking the neighborhoods.”
He was asked, “What efficiencies will you make without affecting [i.e., increasing] the budget?” He answered, “Safe Passage, we’re onboard with that. A new program is that NAMI [Sauk Area] will train Officers regarding mental health. We will get Officers out of their cars.”
He was asked, “What do you bring to the office of Sheriff that your opponent lacks?” Booker replied, “My experience and proven dedication to be Sheriff. I was moved to the Detective division; I have investigation skills; [exhibited by] my administrative job as Lieutenant and now Chief Deputy. I’ve been in the role of Sheriff when he’s out of town. I work with the SWAT team.”
Is he in favor of nonviolent offenders doing community service? “Yes,” he answered. “Alternative programs would help.” He responded to Schmidt’s pledge, when he becomes Sheriff, to initiate the One Eighty substance abuse program, “We could start that now. We don’t have to wait until November.”
Asked if there is increased drug distribution in Whiteside County, Booker admitted there is. To attack the problem “Detectives buy drugs [to catch dealers]; Road Deputies can assist Cities; trained canines can be loaned [for searches]. We should continue the D.A.R.E. program and go after drug dealers.”
“What are the two most vital issues facing the County, and how will you address them?” The drug problem and youths, making sure schools are safe. Officers can go to visit schools.”
“What are your views on a recent televised Officer’s alcohol use?” “He should get the same [law enforcement] treatment as citizens, not special treatment. [We need to] educate people before they go to drunk driving classes.”
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:
“Twenty-two Illinois counties have passed ‘Sanctuary County’ status regarding firearms; what is your position?” Booker answered, “I support [current] Concealed Carry legislation with training. [I am] not for arming teachers; we need more research.”
“What will you do to make communities safer? What do you need from us?” “Lock your [house] doors and cars. [We will] get the word out, get Cops walking the subdivisions. I will [encourage] community involvement with local Police. You can make a phone call and help us out.”
“People who run for office often want to be a change agent. What is one change you are committed to make if you become Sheriff?” “Kids are most important and safety for our kids. [We should] continue on with programs [that involve children] and reach out to them. I will be a role model.”
Editor’s note: Booker shot back when Schmidt responded to the last question, “I haven’t gotten responses from [Kris] when I send requests!”
CLOSING STATEMENT: “Experience and integrity, that’s what I have. Lieutenant Seth Janssen will be my Chief Deputy. Open my personnel file; I have never been suspended. Experience matters.”
Schmidt said, “The most important skill [of a Sheriff] is communication–with the people you work with, citizens, and community organizations/services. Transparency shows your passion. [I intend to] lead by example.”
What efficiencies will he make without affecting the budget? “I will reevaluate what we are doing now.” As an example, “The Evidence Manager could be put on the road, and we could make the Evidence Manager position a civilian position. Other agencies have working programs to model. I have researched them, talked to Police Chiefs, and other organizations.”
He was asked, “What do you bring to the office of Sheriff that your opponent lacks?” He stated, “My military experience [gave me] pride and a foundation of working through difficult problems. I have an Organizational Management degree; 27 years of civilian Law Enforcement experience; five years Air Force Law Enforcement experience.” Schmidt noted he was promoted to Sergeant over three DeWitt, IA, Police Officers with more years’ experience. “I will lead by example and be out of the office to be in touch with people.”
Is he in favor of nonviolent offenders doing community service? “Yes. We have Drug Court to help keep people out of jail. It costs [the County] $40 a day if they go to jail. One Eighty is a program whose motto is “Prevent. Reach. Develop,” regarding drug addiction treatment/prevention. Offenders must complete 30 hours of community service and 30 hours of education on substance abuse. Rock Island does this and has 90% success in [reducing] substance abuse. I will implement this program as Sheriff.”
Asked if there is increased drug distribution in Whiteside County, Schmidt replied, “Definitely! We have to combat it with law enforcement; prosecute offenders through the States Attorney Office; model a holistic approach with drug offenders.”
“What are the two most vital issues facing the County, and how will you address them?” “Drug abuse: we can do better; educate Deputies and Officers; get them off the street. Schools: I was a School Resource Officer, and they used retirees to do this; be a role model.”
“What are your views on a recent televised Officer’s alcohol use?” “Image is everything. We’re held to that higher standard in a public arena.”
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS:
“Twenty-two Illinois counties have passed ‘Sanctuary County’ status regarding firearms; what is your position?” Schmidt stated, “I support it. The Federal Government knows what it is doing; there is no control for guns. I will be a proponent of the Second Amendment as Sheriff.”
“What will you do to make communities safer? What do you need from us?” “Work with communities and talk one-on-one with organizations. I’ll ask what safety programs [could be] brought to the workplace and how we can foster self defense.”
“People who run for office often want to be a change agent. What is one change you are committed to make if you become Sheriff?” “Change has to come internally. [At the Sheriff’s Office,] morale is at an all-time low. We are not recognized for our efforts. I will recognize Officers and employees and [acknowledge] Officers for their training.”
CLOSING STATEMENT: “I have 27 years experience in Law Enforcement, including five years in the United States Air Force. I have a proven record of hard work and dedication. [You can make a] FOIA request to see my [performance] statistics at the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office. I didn’t want to complain about the problem. We have an opportunity to pick our Sheriff, not have one picked for us.”