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Two vie for 40th Senate District Republican seat  Share
The February 2 Primary Election will pit Adam Baumgartner against Judy Ogalla for the Republican ballot slot in the 40th Senate District. Winner in the primary race will face-off against Democrat Toi W. Hutchinson in November. Ogalla is a steadfast opponent of the proposed Will County Airport, an issue that she said spurred her to seek election to the Senate. She has been endorsed by STAND (Shut This Airport Nightmare Down), the National Taxpayers United of Illinois, the Illinois Conservative Group, the Will County Board and the United Hellenic Voters of America. A member of the National Rifle Association and the Will County Farm Bureau, she has pledged ''a strong stand'' to work for the people of the State of Illinois. Her ''10-point plan for a better future'' includes:
-Working to end the state government's ''business-as-usual Ð tax, borrow and spend'' philosophy. -Cutting taxes and fees to create a business-friendly environment that encourages jobs. -Educating children and funding special education programs ''so that our most vulnerable children develop life skills to succeed as an adult.'' -Ending corruption by demanding accountability through the development of an online information system that shows how and where state agencies spend money. -Supporting farmers ''so our biggest industry stays strong and vibrant.'' -Being smart by preserving and conserving ''our precious soil to ensure we can grow food for future generations.'' -Promoting strong family values and teaching responsibility for one's self. -Educating birth mothers about their choice to make an ''adoption plan'' for their unborn child. -Re-developing vacant manufacturing sites to bring jobs back to communities that need them the most. -Encouraging growth in renewable fuel industries and green technologies to keep jobs in Illinois. Ogalla is a business woman, wife and mother of three. Baumgartner, 24, is the owner of four local businesses, a two-term member of Peotone School District 207-U who has been endorsed by the Chicago Tribune. As a successful businessman who started his first business at the age of 17, he said he understands what it takes to create jobs and knows how to make difficult decisions required to maintain a balanced budget. Baumgartner said he believes the State of Illinois needs legislators with those skills, and he will focus on job growth, lower taxes and spending, a more open government and a balanced budget. He has pledged to oppose an income tax hike, stressing he believes the state should cut spending the same way constituents have had to tighten their belts since the market meltdown in 2008. With all that he feels is wrong with Illinois government right now Ð including jobs moving out of state, ''over-regulation and corruption'' Ð higher taxes will not solve the problems. Baumgartner also said he supports: -Limitations on campaign contributions controlled by political parties, but not individuals or groups. -Drawing legislative boundaries constructed by an independent, non-partisan organization, rather than by the legislature itself. -Moving Medicaid into a managed-care system with a small co-pay, perhaps $2 per visit, with a copy of the bill sent to them so they can check it in an effort to eliminate ''fraud in the system.'' -Full and timely disclosure for information requested under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. While it is an improvement, he said, it still allows officials to withhold information. His first priority, he added, is ''to improve the job climate in Illinois.'' Noting that small businesses create some 80 percent of all new jobs, the state ''needs to become a more welcoming place'' for owners of small businesses. Baumgartner is single and lives in Monee. Karen Haave is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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