Illinois State Representative Candidate Rich Garling

Our community deserves the best facilities, teachers and programs available when it comes to providing a quality education for our children. Our society thrives when we have an educated populace. We all suffer when resources are mismanaged. As your state Representative, I will advocate for a substantial increase in state school funding.

Skyrocketing property taxes are an unfortunate reality in our area. By ensuring that Illinois pays its fair share of education dollars, we can help relieve the burden to local taxpayers. We have become overly reliant on property taxes for the way we fund our local public schools. Fiscal discipline is an idea Springfield needs to relearn. I will use my business and local government background to change this broken system.

Efficient roads and safety are utmost concerns to everyone in Lake and McHenry County. Many of our communities struggle to fund road improvement projects to handle an ever increasing population growth. I will work hard to bring more state and federal money to improve roads and relieve gridlock.

Growing businesses and well paying, sustainable jobs are essential to the economic vitality of the region and contributing to the local tax base. We should encourage companies to move to our area – they should not have to worry about being slapped with exorbitant fees or navigate financial obstacles. As Chairman of the Economic Development for Island Lake, I understand how to retain and attract businesses here in Lake/McHenry County.

Seniors living on fixed incomes should not have to worry about rising property taxes driving them out of their homes. I strongly support assessment freezes for qualified seniors, the disabled, military veterans and personnel currently serving on active duty.

Quality health care should be affordable and readily accessible to everyone in Lake/McHenry County. I support programs which provide prescription drug coverage for retirees and those that provide health care for all children in Illinois.

Environmental protection is essential to maintaining our parks, wetlands and other natural resources. I understand the importance of expanding recycling and energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses, and helping ensure everyone in our area has access to a safe, clean water supply. We need to expand our roads and transportation infrastructure without harming our environment or natural areas. By supporting initiatives like The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact or the Cool Cities Compacts we can work towards keeping our environment clean and healthy for generations to come.


		© 2008, Committee to Elect Rich Garling