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Tom Georges
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Tom Georges (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Illinois State Senate to represent District 26. He lost in the general election on November 6, 2018.
Georges completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.
Elections
2018
- See also: Illinois State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Illinois State Senate District 26
Incumbent Dan McConchie defeated Tom Georges in the general election for Illinois State Senate District 26 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Dan McConchie (R) | 54.7 | 51,754 |
 | Tom Georges (D)  | 45.3 | 42,924 | |
| Total votes: 94,678 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Illinois State Senate District 26
Tom Georges advanced from the Democratic primary for Illinois State Senate District 26 on March 20, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Tom Georges | 100.0 | 16,261 |
| Total votes: 16,261 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Illinois State Senate District 26
Incumbent Dan McConchie advanced from the Republican primary for Illinois State Senate District 26 on March 20, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Dan McConchie | 100.0 | 16,408 |
| Total votes: 16,408 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
- See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Tom Georges participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on July 21, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Tom Georges's responses follow below.[1]
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
| “ | Support for our military and veterans. Caring and giving credit to those who have served to maintain our freedom and defended our rights as citizens of the United States. 1 – Getting budget back on track 2 – Protecting women’s rights 3 – Providing checks and balances with property tax 1 – Getting budget back on track. Economic development (Working and investing in tomorrow and the future). Illinois must plan for and invest in the future and operate more like a business to create alternative forms of income. Infrastructure improvement/repair, lottery, and responsible recreational marijuana legislation are a few options. The development of new and safe forms of renewable energy is potentially a huge untapped market for job growth and economic development. Illinois must plan today for what is expected tomorrow and become proactive rather than reactive. 2 – Protecting women’s rights. Correction of past injustices (To do what is right and move forward as one entity). As we evolve over time, we must ensure that our legislators remain current and their voting records reflect the people they represent today not in a way which pushes Illinois 35 years into the past. Legislative votes should reflect equal rights. Legislators should ensure measures are taken to preserve the environmental beauty of our lakes and lands. Legislators should raise themselves above their personal and religious beliefs and do what is best for all individuals they represent, rather than that of the big donors who fund elections. 3 – Providing checks and balances with property tax. Current fiscal responsibility (Dealing with current financial situation). Illinois must meet financial obligations and identify measures to help its people while gradually eliminating expenses, prioritizing and determine necessary operating and capital expenses. All politicians can talk about lowering taxes but is that realistic with Illinois in such a financial crisis. We need to cap current property tax rates, develop a check and balance system more than just the equalization process, and grow in the Illinois economy. Pushing the debt to tomorrows generations is not a solution. Spending cuts must start from the top and work down which should include staffing needs, and reduction in the many levels of Illinois government, to possibly include reducing the number of state legislators (with independent redistricting).[2][3] |
” |
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?
| “ | Illinois Budget – It is important that all Illinois legislators work together and regularly pass a state budget. Illinois finally has an approved budget, but it is still one of the lowest rated states in the nation. I think it is difficult to resolve education, pensions, and property taxes without increasing income or other outside-the-box approaches to increase income. Progressive Income Tax, Increased Gaming and/or the investment in Clean Energy are options. The budget of Illinois does not operate like a family budget. Unlike families, state governments build, manage and/or maintain highways, parks, and universities; and provide services to help with health care, shelter and other basic needs. Also, to a varied extent, state government regulates business, helps stimulate the economy and must be prepared to act in times of disaster on a community scale. Just like a business, if we stay stagnant, we will not keep up with the constant changing times and long term, we will not remain competitive as a community. So, property values will decrease while taxes remain high to cover expenses (just like they are today). Illinois residents, to include our college aged children, are moving away from our community as they are attracted to newer areas which are more robust, growing and offer greater opportunity. As we should adjust and stay ahead of change, we need to plan and manage expenses. We need to stimulate the local economy, promote growth to attract and retain people, business and ultimately attract our graduating college students back home to a thriving area. Either we grow, update, and adapt to changing times, or we regress and become a stagnant district. Taxes (Information & Knowledge) - Many talks about taxes have occurred over a period of years but it is a continual topic of discussion. Taken from the Illinois Department of Revenue PIO-16 (R-03/16), “In fact, until the depression of the 1930s, property tax was the main source of funding for state government. Today, however, only local governments levy and collect property tax.” Most state income comes from Income Tax, Sales Tax and Federal Aid while property tax is most effected by county officials. Voters must look at the elected officials who have been in office for the last many years and vote for change at the county level for property tax. A state legislator that doesn’t have all the facts and is not up to date on all the requirements of local municipalities, who attempts to enact legislation which limits lower level elected officials from doing their job, is not acting in the best interest of the community. Civil and Equal Rights – I fully support civil and equal rights. A family is who we choose to be with and those we love, to include the choice of a spouse. Political Campaigns - I think there should be legislator leadership term limits. Unless a person is appointed to an office and/or is in a district in which there is no challenger, running a campaign is very difficult. If the political system changed where it would attract the best people to run, term limits may not be required; until then, term limits should be created. Education – I believe education is very important and cannot over emphasize the importance of a quality education. The education system within the state needs a major overhaul. An educational system with the separation of charter schools and private schools is like having kids in a household having a different set of rules and guidelines in which they must follow. Competition is good and no child should be left behind but all should follow the same set of established guidelines. Our state universities must work together, acquire a better reputation and have a much better return on investment. Graduate tuition at state universities should be much more affordable and education for the first two years of undergraduate work at community colleges should be free for resident students. We need to return to the emphasis of the trades and the first two years of trade schools equivalent to the undergraduate level should be state funded. Redistricting – As much as possible, redistricting should better follow county, city, village lines with communities of like interest. Pockets of communities should not be identified and included in districts to better the odds of incumbents remaining in office. Politicians must adjust to the times and reflect the constituents they represent. Public Pensions – In 2015, the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously ruled the proposed legislator changes to pension reform to be unconstitutional. I do not agree that legislators should propose changes to pensions which were offered to employees at time of hire and I agree with the Illinois Supreme Courts’ decision. While I was in the military, pension benefits changed numerous times and each change was based on time in which an individual entered the service. Illinois may change the current pension system, but a pension and compensation package should be consistent throughout employment period and based on date of hire. The benefits of pensions and salaries must be weighed between what Illinois can afford and the experience of a person which accepts a position. At the time a position is offered, an individual must determine if it is in their best interest to accept or deny working in a position. Benefits of an individual should not change after time of hire. As figures may vary, Illinois average teacher’s salary is ranked 11th while the per capita education expenditures are ranked 49th. Shifting pension obligations from the state to local school districts is just the transfer of an expense from the state to the local school district without considering follow on order of effects. Where will the local school districts receive the money to cover pensions? School districts receive their money from property taxes, so if you do not want your property taxes to drastically increase, the shifting of pension obligations to the local school districts is not a good idea. Weapons - As a 31-year military veteran, I support the Second Amendment. Weapons can become second nature to a trained, experienced, law abiding, registered citizen, occurring over time, not initially to the enthusiast. That said, we choose to live in a suburban environment where additional restrictions exist in many areas for the safety and benefit of the public. I do not support military assault, automatic weapons, or bump stocks in the suburban areas. Infrastructure & Roads – District 26 has continually grown yet our transportation system is antiquated. After decades of talk and no action, it is increasingly difficult to build the Route 53 extension at its current proposed location. However, I do believe that something like a Route 53 extension is needed and should be built at a new agreed upon location farther West. A highway extension farther West should limit interference to higher populated communities, wildlife and lakes while providing the much-needed jobs, growth, and increased infrastructure to attract people and businesses and potentially, the development of new suburbs. I think the expansion of Route 83 (which already connects to Route 53 and Interstate 355) and/or the expansion of Route 31 (which already connects to Route 12 in Wisconsin and Interstate 90) are the best options. Opioids - Opioid usage is becoming a major issue within many communities throughout Illinois. I believe the opioid addiction should be considered a public health crisis to emphasize the importance of funding treatment centers to assist affected communities and work toward combatting this crisis. Local and State government – Why does Illinois have more units of local government than any other state? I think we need to look at the elimination of levels of government and overlap of authority. We should look at combining or increasing areas of responsibility which should include the number of state legislators. Many politicians talk about cost of salary and pensions so why isn’t the number of levels of government ever considered as a reduction option?Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[3]
|
” |
Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Tom Georges answered the following:
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?
| “ | My father – Wisdom and the drive to succeed to become better. My wife – Open mindedness; reminding me there are softer and different approaches in order to reach the same objective. Teachers – Knowledge; molding of the future generations. My kids – Patience; providing me a continual flow of new ways, excuses and terminology to stay current with the times.[3] |
” |
| “ | Moneyball (adapt or die).[3] | ” |
| “ | To represent the people from which they were elected; keep personal opinions, large donations from individuals and political action groups; and, religion out of politics.[3] | ” |
| “ | Service, Leadership, Commitment & Integrity[3] | ” |
| “ | - Being accountable for what I do or fail to do - Setting overall policies and standards - Ensuring individuals or entities have the knowledge and means to be successful - Working toward a common goal[3] |
” |
| “ | At age 5, I can remember Neil Armstrong walking on the mood, and all the talk about the Sears Tower construction.[3] | ” |
| “ | Aside from small odd jobs performed when very young or working for my father at his retail store, my first job in which I received a paycheck was working at a bakery and helping cut and package Eli’s Cheesecake.[3] | ” |
| “ | Awkward or embarrassing for me, I became sick while on a carnival ride. The guy in front of me wound up wearing my lunch (not my best day but very memorable).[3] | ” |
| “ | The Christmas season is my favorite holiday and time of year. Although it seems to be starting earlier and earlier every year, I enjoy the lights, decorations and in general, it is a time of year that everyone acquires a festive spirit around the world.[3] | ” |
| “ | A combination of Superman and Roger Rabbit.[3] | ” |
| “ | I am proud to have served in the military. The loss of time and memories on a daily basis with family while in the military was always a struggle. Being exposed to different cultures and ways of life, I quickly learned to appreciate the United States and in particular, the lifestyle which exists in the Chicago area. We are lucky to have an abundance of fresh water and Chicago as an economic base. I sometimes wonder how patriotism, nationalism, and mutual respect for one another was lost. After returning home, it bothers me when I see someone throwing garbage out their car window or emptying their ashtrays on the ground of a parking lot because they don’t realize how lucky they are to be in Illinois.[3] | ” |
| “ | No. If I had previous experience in politics I probably would not be running for office. Also, do not believe that lobbyists working for topics of major political divides between the people or those with a strong religious background should be appointed to office as it may be difficult for their personal experience to remain out of politics and do what is good for all constituents. I believe there is a reason for separation of church and state.[3] | ” |
| “ | Taxes, health coverage and pensions are all major issues for Illinois but that’s not what is going to redirect Illinois and prepare the state for the future. I see the greatest challenge over the last decade was that Illinois has not had proper leadership which is inclusive of leadership with set goals and objectives which are in the best interest of the people of Illinois. Yes, taxes are high; but, would most of us mind as much if we received better and more services which would cost less if we all participated and contributed? Where we don’t need supplemental insurance? I have listened to many discussions about pension reform; but, doesn’t anyone deserve to receive a compensation package which was offered at time of hire? How would anyone feel if they were hired with one promise but years later or after retirement, their employer arbitrarily changed their mind.[3] | ” |
| “ | A mutually respectful working relationship should exist. The state legislature should assist the governor to run current state operations and manage legislative change to guide Illinois into the future. Legislators are the eyes and ears of the governor for the many districts which they represent.[3] | ” |
| “ | Yes. It is beneficial and necessary for all legislators to work together. Politics, religion and other personal beliefs should be set aside and all legislators should work toward a common goal for Illinois.[3] | ” |
| “ | Independent commission with special judicial over site, governor impeachment authority, incarcerated individuals counted at their former residence, with attention to county, city, village lines. I do not think all legislators should be up for reelection at the same time.[3] | ” |
| “ | I would like to be on committees or subcommittees in which I can make a difference or require change.[3] | ” |
| “ | Combination of FDR and Abraham Lincoln.[3] | ” |
| “ | No.[3] | ” |
See also
- State legislative elections, 2018
- Illinois State Senate elections, 2018
- State legislative special elections, 2018
- Illinois State Senate
- Illinois State Legislature
External links
- Search Google News for this topic
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook page
- Illinois Legislature website
Footnotes
- ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
- ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Tom Georges's responses," July 21, 2018
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
Current members of the Illinois State Senate
Leadership
Senate President:Don Harmon
Majority Leader:Kimberly Lightford
Minority Leader:John Curran
Senators
District 1
Javier Cervantes (D)
District 2
Omar Aquino (D)
District 3
Mattie Hunter (D)
District 4
District 5
Lakesia Collins (D)
District 6
Sara Feigenholtz (D)
District 7
Mike Simmons (D)
District 8
Ram Villivalam (D)
District 9
Laura Fine (D)
District 10
Robert Martwick (D)
District 11
Mike Porfirio (D)
District 12
District 13
Robert Peters (D)
District 14
Emil Jones (D)
District 15
Napoleon Harris (D)
District 16
Willie Preston (D)
District 17
Elgie Sims (D)
District 18
Bill Cunningham (D)
District 19
Michael Hastings (D)
District 20
Graciela Guzman (D)
District 21
Laura Ellman (D)
District 22
Cristina Castro (D)
District 23
District 24
Seth Lewis (R)
District 25
Karina Villa (D)
District 26
Darby Hills (R)
District 27
Mark Walker (D)
District 28
Laura Murphy (D)
District 29
Julie Morrison (D)
District 30
Adriane Johnson (D)
District 31
Mary Edly-Allen (D)
District 32
Craig Wilcox (R)
District 33
Don DeWitte (R)
District 34
Steve Stadelman (D)
District 35
Dave Syverson (R)
District 36
Michael Halpin (D)
District 37
Li Arellano (R)
District 38
Sue Rezin (R)
District 39
Don Harmon (D)
District 40
Patrick Joyce (D)
District 41
John Curran (R)
District 42
Linda Holmes (D)
District 43
Rachel Ventura (D)
District 44
Sally Turner (R)
District 45
Andrew Chesney (R)
District 46
David Koehler (D)
District 47
Neil Anderson (R)
District 48
Doris Turner (D)
District 49
District 50
Jil Tracy (R)
District 51
Chapin Rose (R)
District 52
Paul Faraci (D)
District 53
Chris Balkema (R)
District 54
Steve McClure (R)
District 55
Jason Plummer (R)
District 56
Erica Harriss (R)
District 57
Christopher Belt (D)
District 58
Terri Bryant (R)
District 59
Dale Fowler (R)
Democratic Party (40)
Republican Party (19)
