Campaign info

• Position sought: State Senate District 25
• Political Party: Democratic   
• Website: electstevenhunter.com
• Email: electstevenhunter@gmail.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/electstevenhunter2012
• Phone: 331-442-4608

Personal info

• Age and Birthdate: 41, 10/27/1970       

• Family: I am married with two amazing daughters.      

• Education: Military and Occupational Training
• Occupation: Network Operations at AT&T
• Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Geneva 15 Precinct Committeeman       

Candidate questions

Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position? I am an IBEW Local 21 Union Steward. It has allowed me to approach issues and solve problems from different angles. As a representative of not only the individual, but for the Union as a whole this experience gives me the ability to not only represent my district, but the state as a whole. I have proven that when reasonable people work together, reasonable solutions can be formed that benefits all parties involved.  

What would your priorities be if elected to this office? I am a firm believer in Article 10 of the State Constitution. Coming up with new funds or revenue streams will be exceedingly difficult when we are currently operating under a budget deficit. I would prefer to see the pension funds and 529 college savings plans invested in municipal bond programs that would allow school districts or local governments to refinance high interest construction bonds. Reducing the debt load, we will free up capital that can be used for financing the system of public education. This would also provide a guaranteed source of fixed rate income to the pension funds.

We need to put a moratorium on any new spending and divert all possible new revenue sources towards paying our existing bills. It is important that we work with Governor Quinn to take responsibility for our debts.

Communications is a way to defeat the deficit. Expanding the states broadband system and intranet is very important in opening up communications. The states accounting systems are mediocre at best. This makes it very difficult to track spending. It is imperative that we integrate the system to better track income and expenditures to clearly determine our true budget needs.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I have decided to run for office instead of allowing another career politician to continue the status quo by obtaining an open senate seat.  It’s time for the people in this district to have someone represent our interest and lobby for us in Springfield.  I am looking forward to doing just that. 

What should first be done by the state to keep businesses that have strongly voiced the possibility of leaving, such as CME and Sears? Our leadership has done an excellent job of negotiating deals that have attracted businesses and jobs to the State of Illinois, thus providing us with new streams of much needed tax revenue that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.

What can be done to help College Illinois? College Illinois is a private program not currently funded by the state. The state is doing what is necessary for our residents to receive their benefits. This program has currently been halted and is under review. Although as I stated earlier if we could use the College Illinois funds to refinance high interest constructions bond for our schools, we could see a fixed rate of return that would benefit both the program and the state.        

What should the government do to create more jobs? Infrastructure improvement will play a key role in creating jobs and increasing efficiency of small businesses. Improving railroads, bridges, highways and the other failing infrastructures in this state will help to increase business productivity. Better transportation will make for better business. There are federal grants that are becoming available to help finance such projects. Specifically in our district, I would like to see the Metra line pushed out from Elburn to DeKalb. The purpose of this is to provide an innovative triangle including the students and research professors at Northern Illinois University, Fermilab, and DuPage National Technology Park. This will help to develop the currently stagnant and under utilized Technology Park.

What are your philosophies on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, and what should government’s role in those issues? I stand for equal protection under the law. That includes GLBT individuals and couples. As a Veteran of the U.S. Navy it is my obligation to support and defend the U.S. Constitution which includes the United States Supreme Court ruling Roe vs. Wade.       

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 support a Chicago casino. It would provide jobs and increase the states tax revenue. I am open to debate on the possibility of slot machines at the airports and race tracks.      

What do you suggest for property tax relief? The state must release funds to the county and local municipalities in a timely manner. This will allow local governments to accurately budget and refrain from having to max out there tax increases. We should also look at limiting state mandated unfunded obligations. These obligations include those that do not provide there own revenue streams.         

Should the state consider consolidating school districts? What would be the best way to accomplish this in your legislative district?  I believe in leaving the school districts in local control. I believe the community should have a direct say in the education of their children and the ability to control costs.        

Should the state legalize marijuana? I do not feel the state should legalize marijuana. 

Are there ways to reform the legislative scholarship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program? I believe that Legislative Scholarships should be awarded. The purpose of a state college is to provide our residents with as much education as possible and provide businesses with a talented labor pool to hire from. For some students scholarships are needed to obtain this goal. I feel the General Assembly is capable of properly awarding scholarships to Illinois residents.        

Who are your political heroes and why? The closest thing to a political hero to me is John F. Kennedy. He first served to defend his country in the military and then served in public office.  Kennedy made it clear that we as a people should not wait for a political hero. That if every citizen makes an effort to better there community, this would be more effective than any single individual contribution. Working together we are better able to achieve our common goals.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against you? If so, please explain. No, I have never been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against me.