Candidate Questionnaires - March Primaries

Raymond Lodato Q & A

1) What is the No. 1 issue in your district and how would you address it?

Jobs are the No. 1 issue in the First District.  Our district has an unemployment rate of 13.9%, about 50 percent higher than the national average, and higher still in many communities in our district.  A recent report by the Environmental Law and Policy Center says that there are local clean energy firms that are poised to create jobs.  As Congressman, I will sponsor legislation to increase the amount of renewable energy used by our utilities. We need to create a market for their product, which will create jobs for our residents.  I also support President Obama’s efforts to build high-speed rail from Chicago to other Midwestern cities.  The Midwest High Speed Rail Association has developed plans for high-speed rail, which will restore Chicago’s place as the nation’s transportation hub.  This will provide us with the transportation of the 21st Century, along with jobs that cannot be outsourced.

2) How would you promote job growth in your district? 

See above.

3) Should the federal government cut spending and where? 

We need to identify military weapons systems that the military does not want and that are merely providing pork-barrel spending for influential members of Congress.  Also, the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan should provide the ability to reduce spending further with our troops no longer deployed in such great numbers.  The recent report of the Department of Defense budget proposal that reduces one percent of their costs is a start in the right direction, but more can be done.

4)  If Republican, which GOP presidential candidate do you support?

N/A.

5) Give an example of something you’ve done that is bipartisanship in nature.

As a longtime member of IVI-IPO, I have participated in the endorsement of candidates from all major parties.

6) Name one good policy idea that comes from the opposing party.

The 2008 Republican platform states that they are opposed to the reinstitution of the military draft, as I am.

7) How do you define family values?

Family values in public policy consist of providing a stable social safety net so that parents and guardians can provide for their children to grow into productive members of society.  Such a safety net would help relieve the anxiety of parents and guardians about their ability to provide for their children, particularly during times of economic distress.

8) What are your thoughts on the healthcare law?

The Affordable Care Act was an historic accomplishment and an achievement that will help to limit health care costs and provide coverage to most Americans.  However, I would favor institution of a single-payer model, which would further reduce the costs of health care by eliminating the role of profit.

9) Who is your political role model? 

Harold Washington, for his efforts to serve all Chicagoans, no matter whether or not they  supported him, and Ted Kennedy, for never wavering in his convictions.

10) What’s on your iPod?

Too much ‘80s music.