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NAME:  Carolyn Schofield

POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:

Illinois State Representative District 66

  1. Why are you seeking this position?

I have lived in Illinois all of my life. My husband and I moved to Crystal Lake 19 years ago to be close to our families in nearby suburbs and have every hope that our children will raise their families near us. That vision is becoming further from a reality. Illinois is losing our children to more affordable colleges outside of our State and they are staying in those states that are offering them greater promise. Illinois is also losing residents to surrounding states, in particular because of Illinois’ high property taxes. Things need to change. We need to think about the big picture and for the long term. We need to create a state that businesses want to come to, people want to live in, and children want to come back to.  We need to bring in more businesses to Illinois. New businesses lead to new jobs, which, in turn, introduces more taxpayers into the system to lessen the burden on the existing population. We need a constitutional fix to pension reform and work together to solve problems rather than figuring out who is to blame. I want to be part of the solution of a better future for Illinois.

  1. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I am by far the most experienced candidate in this race. I have a combined 13 years of experience on the Crystal Lake City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission. I am currently serving on the McHenry County Board for which I chair and vice-chair several committees. My voting record proves that I am a protector of the taxpayer by keeping the County levy flat for 2014 and 2015 and reducing the County levy for the 2016 year. I have worked to create jobs in our region through supporting innovative business attraction and expansion programs and the development of a regional comprehensive economic development plan. I have regional experience as a board member for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Northwest Water Planning Alliance. I have a strong environmental background through my education and community and civic service. I am a successful advocate for protection of our groundwater, and promote sensible planning through environmentally-friendly practices.  I am the only one in this race with children in our public school system, and I understand the value of being an active volunteer within our community. I fully understand that the decisions we make must be thoroughly researched so that intended and unintended consequences are understood before voting.

At all levels, I have shown my ability to work collaboratively toward shared goals. I am honored that the current holder of this seat has endorsed me in this race. Representative Tryon is a well- respected leader in Springfield and has the best insight as to the qualifications and experience needed to be productive in Springfield. I have the proven experience to get Illinois moving again.

  1. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?

With 60 votes needed to approve a bill and only 47 Republicans who vote, the greatest challenge will be to overcome being in the super minority. I would gladly work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle on beneficial legislation. I have proven my ability to put partisan politics aside and effectively work toward solutions which are in the best interest of my constituents.

Today’s legislative process is too heavily controlled by the House Speaker and Senate President. When one lawmaker can block a bill from being heard, the system is working against the spirit of our Constitution. Springfield needs operational rules that allow any bill to be heard when the majority of the Representatives or Senators (regardless of party) want it heard.

I support term limits and believe changes in representation and the infusion of new ideas can be healthy. I believe 12 years would allow lawmakers to build the necessary bipartisan relationships, facilitate a working relationship with the constituent base, and be successful and effective. Term limits for legislative leaders are especially important so there is no longer a concentration of power and control like we see today.

I absolutely support the fair maps amendment proposal, which would take legislative map- drawing out of the hands of politicians and instead have districts determined solely by population and geography. In 2012, Speaker Madigan, who is also the State Chairman for the Democrat Party, created a gerrymandered map that protected his incumbents and assured his continued control of the House.

Release for publication:        x    yes

I will attend the forum:         x    yes                        no I will not be able to attend

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