Campaign info

• Position sought: Illinois State Senator, 43rd District
• Website: Sandy4Senate.com

Personal info

• Education: Lincoln-Way High School; bachelor's degree in business administration, Lewis University, Romeoville
• Occupation: Financial services 
• Political party: Republican
• Previous elected or appointed offices: None

Candidate Questions

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

First of all, I love Illinois. I also have nearly 20 years in financial services, which will enable me to step right in — on Day 1 — to helping Illinois get back on track. Illinois is insolvent, jobs are fleeing the state. And as senator, my core priorities would be jobs, repealing last year's tax increases and Illinois' fiscal solvency.

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

If elected senator, I will lead the fight to grow jobs without more spending, I will lead the fight to grow our economy without more taxes, I will lead the fight to repeal the largest tax increase in our state history and I will lead the fight to make Illinois fiscally sound.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am not the status quo, the Chicago Machine. I am beholden to no one and serve no earthly master. I am a conservative Republican. I am the conservative alternative to the status quo, the Chicago Machine. I am you. 

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

Repeal last year's tax increases so jobs won't leave Illinois. Then we need to have a serious conversation about real tax reform. Why? Because the (tax) barrier to enter is too high and the taxes are too high to stay in Illinois.

What can be done to help College Illinois?

First: All current commitments must be kept. Second: It's clear that the investment model did not take into effect a sustained downtrending market, and the portfolio had no offset. And I'm also wondering why, in the first place, the money was placed in vehicles where principle could be lost. Be that as it may, CI needs to determine how far out the money for current commitments will go before it can no longer meet the commitment. Then determine the shortfall and plan now to meet that shortfall. The State of Illinois does not have bailout money and CI should not wait for it. Start now in devising a plan to meet the future shortfall. It's the only responsible thing to do.

What should the government do to create more jobs?

1. Lower taxes. 2. Get out of the way. Seriously.  

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

I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. Period.With regard to abortion, I am pro life — I choose life.  

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 would not support a gambling bill for Chicago because it would take jobs away from Joliet.

What do you suggest for property tax relief? 

That we cap property taxes at 2 percent over the appraised value. We've lived with declining home values for the last four years and this decline will continue for a while yet before values begin to rise.  
In the meanwhile, local governing bodies need to check their spending because homeowners are either underwater or have job issues which should make further property tax increases unlikely.

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

Illinois' biggest issues are jobs and the fiscal condition of our state. I truly believe that anything else is tertiary.

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 feel that the program should be eliminated.

Who are your political heroes and why? 

President Ronald Reagan. He reminds me that to be a political candidate one does not have to have political experience, credentials, per se to be successful. President Reagan's message was always uplifting: of hope, liberty and how we can be our best without government's intrusion in our daily life. And he always believed in the goodness of the U.S. I love that for all the names the other side called him, this gentleman became one of the greatest presidents of our time.  

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

No.