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The Mechanics
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Democrats Mon Nov 02 2009

So You Are Going to Run for State Rep....

We got an email from Jonathan Goldman about his candidacy for state rep in the Democratic primary for the 10th district.

I suspect when the email was sent they didn't figure it would be the suburban Republican who would do the item on it. But he makes some points I would like to take a closer look at. You can find what was in the email here.

Work to put Illinois' fiscal house in order. "We need to get serious once and for all about fixing the State budget, rather than lurching from one fiscal crisis to another. We need to restructure our tax policies based on ability to pay and address our structural deficit so that we can pay our bills on time and fully fund our pension obligations," said Goldman.

So bottom line, who is going to pay more? Who is going to pay less? As for the pension system, do you think the current state pension system should be available to folks who go to work for the state three years from now?

Fight for increased school funding. "As a Local School Council member, I've had to make difficult budget decisions, and I've seen firsthand the impact on kids when we can't provide them with the education they deserve."

Well, where is this increased school funding going to come from? It seems to me you have three options. One is to reduce state funding to other districts (like mine in Oswego) and use that money other places. The second is to raise local property taxes. The third is to raise other taxes. I don't think there is a candidate out there who doesn't want to improve school funding. "Where are you going to get the cash?" is the question.

Promote clean technologies and the creation of green jobs. "We are on the verge of an economic revolution built around reducing global warming pollution and cleaning up our environment. Illinois can create jobs by promoting clean technologies and reducing energy use."

I guess the first question that comes to mind is, how does reducing energy use promote jobs? It may be good policy for a host of reasons, but specifically how does reducing energy use promote job growth?

How do you increase jobs by promoting green technology? Tax breaks? Incentives? If so those are going to either reduce revenues or cost the state money.

Push for common sense gun control laws. "We must take action to stop the tragedy of gun violence in Chicago."

Common sense gun control laws...

Chicago already has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. All guns have to be registered with the police. If you have a weapon in a car in Chicago that is not in a broken-down state (or a laser sight), it's a $500 fine and an auto impound. You can't have a handgun unless you had it years ago. You can't have any ammunition in your possession unless you have a valid registration for a weapon that uses that caliber (so don't buy any ammo as a gift). Can't own a laser sight.

For more info the state police, click here [PDF]. So what else to you want to regulate? What common-sense piece is missing? What additional constraint on firearm use/ownership/sales or possession is going to solve the problem of gun violence in Chicago? Looking forward to hearing your answer on this.

It seems regulation has not solved nor even helped the problem in Chicago.

Finally, I have a question that I have asked at least one other non-incumbent Democrat running for state rep (her answer was a blank stare and she looked at me like I had grown another head): Will you vote for Mike Madigan to have another term as Speaker of the House?

Yes, I realize that a suburban Republican is not this candidate's target demographic. Yes, I understand he is by no stretch the candidate who is talking in general and not specifics.

But with the way things are in this state I think the time for generalities has come and gone. If you want to show you are a progressive or even a conservative, give details.

 
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Joe Knows / November 3, 2009 6:41 PM

DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS MAN! He has duped many people in the past and I am sure he will again. Ask current 26th Ward Alderman what he thinks of Jonathon Goldman. Ha! What a joke.

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