Glenn Poshard Democrat
Glenn Poshard is serving his fifth and final term in the U.S. House of Representatives, a self-imposed term limit for this tenure in Congress. As a member of the House, Poshard has been vocal on education, labor, transportation, energy, health care, agriculture and economic development issues. He currently holds a seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Small Business Committee. Born and raised on a family in White County, Illinois, he graduated from high school in 1962 and volunteered for the United States Army, 1962-1965. He was sent to Korea with the First Cavalry Division, where he received a Meritorious Service Award. Poshard returned to Illinois, graduated from Southern Illinois University (SIU) in 1970, then stated his career in education as a teacher and coach at Galatia and Thampsonville high schools. He earned a master's degree from SIU in 1974, afterwards serving for 10 years as an educational administrator. Poshard was appointed Illinois State Senator for the 59th District in August 1984. He as elected to the State Senator in November of 1984, reelected in 1986, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1988 and 1990, serving the 22nd District of Illinois. After redistricting, he was elected to the 19th District seat in 1992, 1994 and 1996. In the Senate, he helped write legislation such as the Education Reform Act of 1986, the Rural Revival Act, and the Unemployment Compensation Act. |
George H. Ryan Republican
George H. Ryan was elected to his second term as secretary of states on November 8, 1994, becoming the 36th Illinoisan to serve in the office.
Born February 1934, Ryan served as lieutenant governor for eight years (1983-1991) and a ten-year legislative career (1973-1983).
A lifelong resident of Kankakee and a pharmacist, Ryan began his political career as a member and later chairman of the Kankakee County Board. He was elected to the Illinois House in 1982 and reelected four times. During that tenure, he served two terms as House Republican leader and one term as Speaker of the House (1981-1983).
As secretary of state, Ryan has advocated for the fight against drunk driving, the prevention of violence in society, in support of adult literacy, in increasing the awareness about the need for organ donors, and in the use of 21st century technology in libraries and government.
As an advocate for traffic safety, Ryan has won passage of several anti-drunk driving initiatives including legislation that lowers the legal limit for drunk driving from a blood-alcohol content of .10 percent to .08 percent. Ryan's history of anti-drunk driving efforts earned him the 1994 Government Leadership Award From the National Commission Against Drunk Driving and the 1995 Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) Government Leader Against Drunk Driving Award.
1. What are your three top goals to accomplish in the areas of parks, conservation, recreation and open space?As governor, I will continue established partnerships, between the Department of Natural Resources and park districts, forest preserves and other local park and recreation districts, explore reasonable options to expand the funding sources for the OSLAD grants and the Bicycle Grants programs; and ensure the highest level of professionalism within the Department of Natural Resources. |
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FEATURE ARTICLE
Glenn PoshardContinued from page 13Shawnee National Forest and have been a leader in establishing the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. 2. What initiatives would you support for additional funding for park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies to satisfy the growing demands of citizens for recreational facilities and services? I broke into the teaching profession in the early '70s by coaching a variety of high school sports. The positive mental and physical benefits of team sports and other athletic endeavors are clearly evident, and we have a responsibility to make sure that those outlets are available for people of any age who are young at heart. The physical well-being which exercise promotes is an important part of our efforts to control healthcare costs. Adequate public facilities are an integral part of that effort and should be supported vigorously. Additionally, parts and other recreation facilities improve the overall quality of life in a community, which has a positive economic impact. As governor, I would work to provide matching funds to increase the funding for park districts in this state I would also work in cooperation with the federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, to ensure that the funding needs of these necessary programs are met. 3. It is widely reported that juvenile crime and teen pregnancy rates increase during the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. How would you assist park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies in their important role in addressing youth at risk and decreasing juvenile crime? As a former schoolteacher, I recognize the challenges facing parents and their children in an increasingly complex world. The lack of constructive activities plays a direct role in the incidence of crime and other negative behavior exhibited by our young people today. I believe a vibrant parks and recreation system, which provides for a constructive outlet for energy and imagination is a highly effective response to the problems faced by out youth. Our young people need to be enrolled in structured summer activities, and our government has a responsibility to make sure every child who is willing to participate has that opportunity. I have personally observed the effectiveness of a variety of mentor or tutorial programs which intervene in a child's life before trouble starts, and funding for those programs is truly the ounce of prevention which is necessary to make our communities more safe for everyone. In Congress, I supported Ameri-Corps in order to enable young people to pay for college for participating in community service projects. 4. What is your view on property tax cops? Since 1991, when the property tax limitation Law (PA 87-17) was first enacted in the collar counties, this concept has grown to include non-home rule taxing districts in Cook County as well as |
George H.RyanContinued from page 132. What initiatives would you support for additional funding for park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies to satisfy the growing demands of citizens for recreational facilities and services? I will support increasing the percentage of real estate transfer tax revenues dedicated to the acquisition of open space-especially unprotected, unique natural areas; providing other dedicated bond funds for the protection of large tracts of land, especially parcels in urban settings within watersheds that provide increased habitat and recreational opportunities. 3. It is widely reported that juvenile crime and teen pregnancy rates increase during the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. How would you assist park districts, forest preserves and recreation agencies in their important role in addressing youth at risk and decreasing juvenile crime? One of my main goals in establishing new volunteer programs for parks and recreation agencies is the development, expansion and funding of after-school programs for young people to keep them off the street. I have observed successful after-school program in Champaign that give kids supervised activities, a library, a quiet room to do their homework, computers, art classes, athletics and conversation with responsible role models. We need to expand these types of programs across the state. 4. What is your view on property tax cops? I want to discuss this issue at length with park districts and other agencies affected by property tax caps. I believe property tax caps have been successful in holding down the explosive growth of property taxes in areas that used to see double-digit increase in property tax rates every year. Tax caps have an appropriate place in controlling the growth of government. However, the impact of tax caps is not uniform throughout the state. 5. Because the IAPD has a strong partnership and working relationship with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, please share the criteria you will use for selecting the director of the department? The criteria I will use include leadership, great personal interaction skill; a wide-ranging knowledge of all aspects of conservation, land management, environmental science, recreation and sports; good administrative skills; an ability to listen and to negotiate different viewpoint; innovation; and a love for Illinois' land and wildlife. 6. What are your personal recreational pursuits? I am an avid golfer. I also hunt and fish. |
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 Glenn PoshardContinued from page 14authorizing all non-tax cap county boards to hold referenda to allow citizens to establish tax caps. Numerous examptions to these tax caps have been introduced by the General Assembly over the ensuing years. I would have to carefully study any proposals designed to circumvent the limits on tax caps. It makes no sense to pass tax caps and then create several loopholes in them. We must ensure that adequaate funds available for all needed programs such as education, child caare and park districts. 5. Because the IAPD has a strong partnership and working relationship with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, please share the criteria you will use for selecting the director of the department? I feel that natural resources are important to this state's economy and quality of life. Therefore, I would look at candidates for the |
 Director of the Department of Natural Resources to thaave a strong sense of what it will take both programmtically and scientifically to lead Illinois into the 21st century. From overseeing the operation of state parks and preserving our natural heritage, to understanding the importance of the research conducted by the three Scientific Surveys, my nominee would have to share my concerns for the future. What are your personal recreational pursuits? I try to run or work out as often as my schedule will allow. Most of my time is devoted to my work as a congreeman and my campaign for governor, but I have participated in summer softball leagues, and I enjoy golfing when I get a chance. As a former coach, I recognize the importance of remaing physical active. • |
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