Campaign info

• Position sought: Illinois State Representative, 98th District
• E-mail address: cfsilosky@yahoo.com
• Website: www.citizensforsilosky.com
• Phone: 815-409-0960

Personal info

• Family: Married to Steve Silosky for 31 years; children Melanie, 30, an aerospace engineer for Jet Propulsion Laboratories; Michael, 30, a medical physicist technician at M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Facility; Stephanie, 28, band director at Oswego High School; and John, 27, a chiropractic physician in Elgin and Joliet. Grandchildren Hank, Lynne, Mark, Penelope and Jack.
• Education: Studied at American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, and Northern Illinois University, Dekalb
• Occupation: Treasurer at Mesco Inc.
• Political party: Republican
• Previous elected or appointed offices: Elected precinct committeeman 28th precinct Plainfield Township

Candidate Questions

Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?

I am also the poster woman for the Conservative Committeeman Project (www.conservativecommitteeman.com). I have worked on local, state and congressional campaigns, and am considered the most appropriate and viable candidate for this office by various organizations and individuals including: retired state's attorney, senator and Judge Ed Petka; Representative Tom Morrison; Adam Andrzejewski (former gubernatorial candidate and head of For The Good Of Illinois); Illinois Conservatives PAC; Illinois Citizens for Right to Life PAC; Homer-Lockport Tea Party; "A" rating with the Will County Tea Party Alliance.

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

As an elected state legislator, I will work to overturn the the recent tax increases on individuals and businesses. By lowering tax rates, reforming our workman's compensation program and by taking a strong stand to severely limit state spending, we can begin the process of ending our systemic budget crisis.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

There are many good candidates out there; however, if you are referring to the 98th State Representative District, and even if you are not, credibility is everything. I am and have been a conservative Republican even when it was not popular to be one. Those who call themselves one thing, then do otherwise give people little reason to believe the promises they make now will be kept when elected to office. Those who have been drawn to my campaign have done so because I do not put my finger in the air to see which way the political wind is blowing. It has garnered the support of organizations and individuals as well as a public who are desperate for someone who means what they say and says what they mean.

What should first be done by the state to keep businesses that have strongly voiced the possibility of leaving, such as CME and Sears? 

Illinois cannot continue to be extorted by large corporations that threaten to move elsewhere unless tax breaks are granted. We need to end the reason why those companies might choose to move. Revising our tax policies to make them more fair and competitve with other states, firms won't leave the state, their investments, and trained workers, because there is no financial incentive to do so.

What can be done to help College Illinois?

College Illinois, a program wherein parents could lock in a rate for college education for their children, literally from birth, with monthly payments into the program, expect the promises made years ago to be kept. However, the cost of education have been driven up far more than ever expected, and has exceeded extensively what has been put in. The expectations of this program to adequately support education cost years later was a tremendous mistake; nevertheless, those promises must be kept. This will be a legislative issue that we are looking at quite carefully to find the funding for those in the program. This program, in concept a good way to help our children, in actuality is one more example of Illinois legislators who made decisions years ago without forethought as to what the future would bring. Time to change that.

What should the government do to create more jobs?

Illinois could greatly affect job creation and business growth in Illinois by reviving and revamping DCEO to more of a model of the former DCCA. Doing so, we could also revive, with local government cooperation and shared investment, the revolving loan programs that proved successful in previous administrations to promote growth of existing businesses and encourage new business developement. Putting people back to work would greatly enhance the revenue base of state government — even with reduced tax rates — money that could be earmarked for further development, along with other funds that become available as social safety net programs are needed by fewer of our citizens and families.

What are your philosophies on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, and what should government’s role in those issues?

Marriage is a sacrament, and in accord with  my Christian faith, I am against same-sex marriage. I am endorsed by the Illinois Citizens for The Right To Life, therefore my answer regarding abortion should be self-explanatory. In regards to the government's role here, let me say this: politicians have made a mess of it, using these issues as political tools for power with little real understanding of the havoc wreaked on society. Enough is enough.  

Do you support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois? Should a casino be built in Chicago?

I do not support any gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois. Gambling consumes, it does not produce. In a state that has the greatest debt of 50 states, with more people without jobs, this bill targets the middle and lower classes who can least afford to spend what they do have. The rich can afford to go Las Vegas, while the rest cannot. Is this the best our state legislators can do? I think not.

What do you suggest for property tax relief? 

A freeze on property tax for property owners 65 and older would be beneficial, particularly because of fixed incomes that are getting smaller all the time. Sen. Chris Lauzen has proposed something to this effect in his bid for county board. Helping property owners get the tax relief so desperately needed, with the understanding that approximately 60 percent of real estate taxes pay for schools, the consolidation at that level if possible would possibly effect property owners in a positive manner, which should be further investigated.

Should the state consider consolidating school districts? What would be the best way to accomplish this in your legislative district?

At this time, I do favor local district consolidation where feasible, but believe that to be a decision based on local needs and taxation.

Should the state legalize marijuana? 

No.

Are there ways to reform the legislative scholarship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program?

I would support calls to eliminate the program — not because of any pernicious and recurring abuse of the system but because of the perception that such abuse is inherently possible. Should the program continue, I, as a legislator, would set up an independent review committee to recommend those who might benefit from the scholarship.

Who are your political heroes and why? 

President Ronald Reagan was an ordinary man with extraordinary talent. He embodied the American "can do" spirit. He understood that intelligence and wisdom were not the same thing, for if that were true, a government of, by, and for the people would actually be limited to the elitist few, and he knew better.

He knew how to delegate authority, and the American public knew that when he spoke they could trust that he meant what he said. His leadership and ability to make the tough decisions were proven correct by the striking economic turnaround that he is credited with to this day. I believe that history will prove this ever true, and not just my perception. 

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher wasn't known as the "iron lady" for nothing. She stood up to those in parliament who were more concerned with making fun of how she said something, than with what she was saying. It was a man's world, but it didn't stop her. Her conservative values formed early on as the daughter of a grocer stood her in good stead, and she was unflinching in her resolve and courage. Her pointed remarks about socialism gives a glimpse of her thought process. "The problem with socialism is, that you eventually run out of other people's money." It is well worth remembering in this day and time.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against you? If so, please explain.

No.