2022 Voter Guide

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

It is paramount the Secretary of State seat does not revert to a political one marred by scandal and corruption. I am the only candidate who has pledged to maintain it as one of service, rather than merely a steppingstone to higher office, who has the unique independence to pursue progressive issues without ties to machine politics or organization leaders with deep pockets. I am also the only candidate with a lifelong history of – and the best record for -- standing with working families even when I wasn’t running for office or an elected official.

The secretary of state’s office touches everyone in Illinois, responsible for what keeps the state moving—knowledge, business and transportation. It stands as guardian of residents’ personal information, business records, consumer/ID fraud, lobbying and other areas requiring the highest ethical standards. I believe my reputation gives confidence to constituents regarding the trust, integrity and safety constituents must expect of this office.

Illinois’ Secretary of State office has one of the largest, most diverse collections of responsibilities nationwide. I graduated Western Illinois University with a dual major in accounting and operations management and earned an MA with emphasis in government studies at Loyola University-Chicago. Prior to my election as alderman of my home ward, I established a successful accounting career in the private sector at several Fortune 500 companies, as well as with Chicago’s Department of Aviation and Housing Authority. My work has exposed me to nearly every aspect of government management. I believe my accounting and cost-benefit analysis experience in particular would be invaluable to a hands-on approach to fostering accountability and transparency throughout the office.

What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?

The FY 2021 state budget for SOS gives insight into how functions are extremely segmented, often by separate funding streams. I have proposed ways to enhance services -- making them less costly, more accessible and likely to improve outcomes. For example, implementing digital license plates could not only help reduce uninsured driver costs, but work in concert with technical upgrades in the REAL ID Act to reduce activities related to both vehicular and identity fraud issues. This could mean more funding available for public awareness campaigns (e.g., literacy advocacy, traffic safety, organ/tissue donation).

I would want to study which interrelated functions and technical upgrades might work more effectively in harmony, rather than as separate entities, especially in administering grants, for which over $48 million was requested for FY2021 for everything from police-related memorials/family assistance, to support for health and education initiatives.

Covid closures, of course, caused much frustration and confusion, particularly among those without adequate internet access. Regardless of Covid-related issues, I see that this highly automated office must address the “digital divide” that negatively affects service delivered to senior, economically disadvantaged and rural populations. This includes ensuring sufficient branches in all sectors of the state, as I am aware of concerns about limited locations in the Chicago, Central and possibly other sectors.

What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?

Many residents are concerned about crime. I agree with studies that show preventive/progressive measures to be more of a deterrent than increased criminal penalties. For example, concerns about carjacking, especially by teen perpetrators more likely to face futures marred by such actions. The digital license plates I have proposed can reduce carjackings and their use in additional crimes. “Stolen” displayed on plates warn of the potential for quicker identification and arrest.

The Youth Engagement office described below would provide year-around opportunities for youth and young adults to learn about navigating paths to positive futures through civic engagement, professional and community responsibility. In addition, I have proposed ways to mitigate recidivism among convicted residents in general through reducing the financial burden posed by driver-related fees/penalties and, upon release, receiving ID and other support to improve their chances of gainful futures.

What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?

Service

•Focus on equity in hiring, contracting and service delivery to each part of the state
•Implement digital license plates
•Provide discounts to seniors
•Establish Jesse White Youth Engagement Office in all of the state’s 122 driver vehicle facilities via public-private partnership
•Send automatic voter registration birthday cards to 18-year-olds, with choice to opt out

Business
•Quality service at an affordable price (e.g., advocating to the legislature for fee reductions related to drivers licenses and ticket penalties)
•Access to services (e.g., library/mobile offices for the underserved)
•Ease and timeliness of transactions through modernization of both technology and human capital development
•Advocate for at least two Chicagoland emissions facilities

Responsibility
•Making sure every driver and pedestrian in Illinois is safe and that all vehicles are licensed and insured
•Introducing young people to their civic responsibility as drivers, voters, businesspeople and organ donors
•Augmenting educational campaign about organ/tissue donations, particularly underserved communities of color
•Preserving the history of Illinois through the library system, making books and research accessible to all ages and expanding VR technology in our libraries