Linda Chapa LaVia, 42, a Democrat, is a three-term incumbent. She is challenged by Joan Solms, 70, a Republican. The 83rd Representative District sits entirely inside the borders of Aurora Township and includes much of the Kane County portion of Aurora.

Linda Chapa LaVia
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for re-election because I deeply love the community that I serve and I believe I am the best candidate to advocate for our needs in Springfield. As a business owner, as a Real Estate Broker, as a Veteran, as a Mother, I am committed to ensuring residents receive the state assistance they deserve and I have worked hard to achieve the goals I set out to accomplish when I first took office. However, there is much more work to be done and I am looking forward to the challenge. My main legislative priorities will continue to be reducing crime, improving education, promoting economic growth, and ensuring Illinoisans have access to high-quality healthcare. Being the only female Veteran in the General Assembly and the Vice Chair of the Veteran's Affairs Committee I will continue to strengthen laws in protecting all of our Armed forces service members, Illinois National Guard, Illinois Reservists and all Illinois Veterans.

I am proud of my reputation as an open and accessible advocate for the people of the 83rd District. For nearly 20 years, Aurora was divided into several legislative districts, and members of my community could not rely on a single representative to serve as their voice in Springfield. Since taking office in 2002, I have worked to be a champion for ALL the people of Aurora, and residents know they can come to me if they need information or help accessing state or federal services. I have established five Citizens' Advisory Committees that I meet with regularly to keep me abreast on local issues, and I often keep my office open late to better meet the needs of working families.

I am also very proud of my legislative record. I successfully fought to close the gun-show loophole and spearheaded efforts to bring the CeaseFire program to Aurora. I worked to increase the state's per-pupil spending each year since I took office, securing $30 million in additional funding for local schools. I fought to increase the minimum wage, and I was proud to help create the River's Edge Redevelopment Initiative, which will attract new jobs and development to downtown Aurora. I have helped in securing millions of dollars for open space grants to improve all parks for the 83rd District. Bottom line, I deeply love this District.

The General Assembly has been unable to reach agreement on changing the school funding formula. Should it be changed? If so,
how? What can/should be done to aid schools that don't have a large property-tax base?
We must work to decrease the disparity between affluent districts and less affluent districts. Frequently, school districts in less affluent communities are forced to ask voters for a property tax increase just to make ends meet. This places the burden of funding public schools on the shoulders of people who can least afford it. However, proposed "tax swap" legislation could in reality become the largest tax increase in Illinois' history, which is unacceptable to me.

The state must do more to help schools with struggling students improve their test scores to ensure we are capturing the maximum amount of federal assistance. I continue to advocate for a special session of the General Assembly dedicated solely to education funding reform. I want legislators to meet with their constituents and come to Springfield ready to tackle this difficult but essential question. Only then will we be able to come to a solution that will benefit all of Illinois.

Over the past six years we have made strides to improve Illinois' education funding system by steadily increasing the states per pupil foundation level; however, there is more work to be done.

In recent years, we've managed to drive more than two billion dollars in new funding into public schools, without an income or sales tax increase. In the 83rd District, we have put $30 million plus into our public school system in my tenure as your State Representative.
More money isn't always the way to better schools. Money is a factor, but only one of many. For the last three years I have sat on the Illinois Re-Enrollment Taskforce and we have found that we need to increase parental involvement and by borrowing a page from business and adopt a best-practice approach to schooling - seeking innovative and effective teaching techniques and then replicating them here in Illinois to reap greater rewards at minimal cost. I have also been a committee member of Elementary and Secondary Education for my entire three terms in Springfield.

We must also demand that when the Federal Government places mandates on the state of Illinois educational system, that the dollars follow with to carry out those mandates, such in the case of "No Child Left Behind," which left a great deal of schools, children and parents behind.

Do you support the East Aurora School District referendum? Why or why not?
No, with the extreme financial crisis our state and country is now experiencing and the sharp downturn in the economy. At this uncertain time, we cannot afford to add further to the tax burden facing families in school district 131. However, in the end, it is up to the voters on November 4th to decide.

Should the state hold a constitutional convention? Why or why not?
I do not favor a constitutional convention. While it is wise to periodically consider whether or not the state's fundamental charter needs to be revised, the present political environment makes it an inopportune time to do so. I am not convinced that attempting to produce a new constitution right now is the best solution to the current difficulties in Springfield. While the disagreements in the capitol are keeping the state from making progress on many important issues, the best way to break through the gridlock is to rely on elections as the ultimate check on the actions of elected officials.

As with the federal constitution, we already have a mechanism in the Illinois constitution that allows for amendments. As I walk door-to-door in my district, I have not very few voters ask me my position on the constitutional convention. Their main concerns, as are mine are health care, relieving the middle class tax burden, improving schools and getting our economy back on the right track.

Were we to have a constitutional convention, I would be very concerned that special interest groups might have a disproportionate effect on the re-writing of the constitution and that we could end up with a document that leaves the state in a worse position than we are in now. The cost of conducting the Constitutional Convention would be quite sizable as well.

In the end, it is up to the voters on November 4th to decide.

With all the power the four legislative leaders possess, how can you be an effective lawmaker? Do you support your party's leader in the House?
I have been a very effective leader in Springfield. With my vast background as a Small business owner, Real Estate Broker, Mother, Veteran, Minority and a strong advocate for all people of the 83rd district I have been very effective. I have risen to leadership in four years by being appointed as the Chairman of Local Government Committee in the Illinois House of Representative and have a strong role in legislation as the Vice-Chairman of the Veteran's Affairs Committee in the House. Changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of Veterans and Service men and women of the armed forces not only here in Illinois, but thorough the United States.

We were recognized by the Federal Government as a Beacon for Veterans and Service men and women of the Armed Forces for the rest of the other 49 States. I solely attribute this to my time as an Enlisted Army Service, a United States Army Officer, and an Illinois Army National Guard Officer. The attribute of wearing all three sets of combat boots has made me humble to represent all sectors of our Armed Forces.

I believe that a change in Senate leadership offers the state an opportunity for a fresh start and for better relations in the Senate and in the House. I also think that the dire economic circumstances facing the state are serious enough that even the most stubborn legislator will work together. Legislators must make it clear to their leaders, that the time for games is over and our citizens will no longer tolerate foolishness.

The only election that I am focused on right now is my election for state representative. At this point, there are no declared candidates for legislative leader. I will vote for whoever is best qualified to lead the chamber

How should the state fund a capital-construction program?
First, I do feel that the incoming General Assembly will need to make funding a capital construction program, one of its top priorities.

Legislators must advocate for an increase in federal assistance for road construction and rebuilding, for mass transit agencies and passenger rail systems and high speed rail. Here in Illinois, we send much more tax revenue to the federal government; than I feel that we get back in return.

America must begin investing in rebuilding the infrastructure at home.

I also believe that the creation of an independent group to set priorities for capital spending projects would be the best way to ensure that money needed to upgrade and repair the state's crumbling infrastructure is spent free from political considerations.

At the same time, it is the responsibility of representatives and senators to have a handle on the needs of their community. Taxpayers expect that they will go and fight to bring back the district's fair share of tax dollars. While the majority of capital spending decisions should be made by the independent panel that you suggest, I also feel that General Assembly members should be allocated discretion over a certain amount of the capital spending dollars. However, and, this is important to note - projects identified directly by members would still need to be vetted and approved by the panel to ensure that they are genuinely meritorious and are not being used on frivolous projects that do not address fundamental infrastructure needs or that are used to reward political or campaign supporters. Our constituents expect that we will fight to ensure that their tax dollars are returned to the district.

Do you favor the recall of constitutional officers? Why or why not?
Yes, I would be in favor allowing voters the recall power. It is an important check on elected officials and keeps them mindful that if they deviate too far from the platform they promised when running for office, if they prove to be not up to the job or are beset with corruption problems, the voters can rein them in and take back their government.

Do you support an expansion of state health care?
There are 1.8 million Illinoisans that lack health care insurance and tens-of-thousands more that only have sporadic coverage or that face extremely high deductibles.
I'm not sure it is feasible or necessarily desirable that state government should have the primary responsibility for providing health care to all citizens. Its present role in managing the state's assistance to low income individuals through the Medicaid program seems proper, but given the challenges facing all states at the moment, it is difficult to see administratively or economically how the state of Illinois could manage such an undertaking.

This issue will require strong federal leadership and a willingness to adopt a hybrid approach that leaves room for private insurers and employer-provided health care.
One of the biggest challenges in this regard is helping small businesses to afford the cost of health care. Many small businesses, who employ millions of Americans, want to offer care, but it is cost-prohibitive. I would support a small business health care tax credit to provide small businesses with a refundable tax credit of up to 50 percent on premiums paid on behalf of their employees. his would provide a strong incentive to small businesses to offer high quality health care to their workers.

Reimbursing employers who incur catastrophic costs due to an employees' illness would also help to spread risk and reduce costs overall in the health care system - allowing them to provide more reasonably prices plan to their employees.

Finally, a stronger emphasis on preventive care, exercise and good nutrition will keep people from developing serious illnesses that are expensive to treat and drive up health care costs.

What can be done at the state level to further combat gangs and gun-related violence?
The Governor can restore funding for the successful Operation CeaseFire program.
One which was cut by Governor Blagojevich in one of the more pointless and vindictive actions of this governorship. Passing common sense gun legislation, like an assault weapons ban, and a limit on the number of firearms an individual may purchase in a month to prevent gunrunning. I feel our district has done a fantastic job in the last six years of lowering our crime rate when related to gangs and gun-related crimes, however is a great deal of more work to be done and to keep constant pressure on in those areas.

What would you change about the state's budget and spending habits?
I believe that a creation of an independent group to set priorities for capital spending projects would be a wise way to ensure that money needed to repair and upgrade the state's crumbling infrastructure is spent free from political considerations.

Taxpayers expect that we will go and fight to bring back our district's fair share of tax dollars. I feel that the majority of capital spending decisions should be made by the independent panel, I also believe that the General Assembly members should be allocated discretions over certain amounts of capital spending dollars.

I would like to see in place a vetting ad approval from the panel to ensure that they are genuinely meritorious and are not being used on frivolous projects that do not address fundamental infrastructure needs or that are used to reward political or campaign supporters. Our constituents expect us to fight to ensure that their tax dollars are returned to our districts. I would like to make sure that the state is spending within its ability.

I feel before we can fund new programs, we must come up with a revenue source to pay for the programs.

I would support tax cuts and rebates for the middle class, which has shouldered a disproportionate share of the tax burden in the country. I believe that some the money individuals receive in tax cuts and rebates will be plowed back into the economy, which in turn provides a stimulus for business.

Ending tax subsidies and tax brakes to companies that ship American jobs overseas while rewarding companies that move to Illinois or expand their businesses.

Offering tax credits for developers of alternative sources of energy, such as wind and solar power - which will help make Illinois a leader in important and developing industry and is essential for America's national and economic security.

I feel that the state needs to live within its means. As seen with AID, the state needs to pay its bills in a timely manner and re-prioritize spending, putting some expenditure on hold, if necessary, to get caught up on the backlog of outstanding bills, which totals approximately $2 billion.

I would like to see us place a freeze on increasing pension benefits. We need to make sure that we remain able to meet our obligations to retirees without adding to the strain on the state's pension systems.

Working on the budget as early as possible, in the new 95th General Assembly.

The House holding a series of statewide budget hearings to provide ordinary citizens who may not have the time or ability to travel to Springfield the opportunities to learn more about the budget's components. My staff organized one in Aurora and it was very affective.

The state must be prepared to make cuts and tighten belt. We must prioritize spending to cover the most essential functions of state government.

We must lobby the Congressional members to do their part in increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate. Illinois currently gets a 50% match from the federal government; our biggest portion of the backlog of unpaid state bills involves reimbursements to Medicaid providers.

These are just a few areas which I would like to see us maintain or lobby harder on behalf of the citizens of this state for a healthier budget in years to come.

What are the other issues affecting residents in your district that you'd like to see addressed in Springfield?
• Doing my part in ending the fighting that has captured life in Springfield for the last two years.
• Passing stricter government ethics reform, tougher lobbyist disclosure rules.
• Tax reform to benefit the middle class.
• Passing tougher laws, such as electronic monitoring devices for all released sex offenders.
• Securing additional state funds for schools in my districts and securing funding for Higher Education in my district.
• A new capital construction bill for the state, with specific line-item guarantees that a fair amount of money would be spent in our district. More dollars for the River's Edge development. Job creation and training program dollars. Open space grants.
• Passing tougher laws on combating gangs and gun-related violence and reestablishing CeaseFire.
• As a Veteran, making sure that wounded veterans returning from the Iraq & Afghanistan wars get the best medical treatment to recover from their injuries. Maintaining VetCare and the Vet scratch off lottery ticket.
• Helping homeowners avoid foreclosure and combating predatory lending.
• Senior Citizens rights, protection and more dollars for services.

Joan Solms
Why are you running for this office?The state needs fiscal conservatives to become financially sound. My opponent is a fiscal liberal and socialist. Wrong direction.

The General Assembly has been unable to reach agreement on changing the school funding formula. Should it be changed? If so, how? What can/should be done to aid schools that don't have a large property-tax base?We need a voucher system.

Do you support the East Aurora School District referendum? Why or why not?This is not an issue I am running my campaign on. State taxes and fees concerns me.

Should the state hold a constitutional convention? Why or why not?Yes.

With all the power the four legislative leaders posess, how can you be an effective lawmaker? Do you support your party's leader in the House?
Smile.

How should the state fund a capital-construction program?
With tax dollars.

Do you favor recall of constitutional officers? Why or why not?
Yes.

Do you support an expansion of state health care?
Must see proposals first. This is a complex issue.

What can be done at the state level to further combat gangs and gun-related violence?
I worked the streets. I support the 2nd Amendment.

What would you change about the state's budget and spending habits?

Increase individuals funds by raising dependents income and raising the level of taxable income while decreasing entitlement programs. We want strong families, less government, personal choices and responsibility.

What are the other issues affecting residents in your district that you'd like to see addressed in Springfield?
My campaign is not based on the questions you asked. You missed what I believe are the most important issues: Taxes (personal and real estate); parents rights and abortion; 2nd Amendment rights; immigration; education funding/the right to choice; religious freedom.

My campaign is based on a conservative vs. a socialist. The public has a real choice in this campaign. I hope you report it that way. Start with reporting my opponent's voting record -- where we differ. My opponent has done unethical things which the Beacon would not report. Please go beyond seniors and veterans. All seniors are not poor or helpless, nor are veterans.