What types of transportation do you use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy?

In an average week, I drive my own car when I leave the house to go to a store or a restaurant or a doctor's appointment or on other personal business. This is because I highly value freedom of movement, and I feel that all Illinoisans should ideally have similar freedom of movement according to personal preferences.

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

I wouldn't say the 10th Legislative District has any serious "transportation challenges", but a few things could be improved, like communter trains blocking railroad grade crossings for stops during rush-hour traffic, and tollways with less than full interchanges.

How can the State of Illinois address the impending combined $700 million fiscal cliff facing the CTA, Metra, and Pace in a way that ensures sustained and adequate funding for the future?

The state needs to understand why public transportation is losing money--how much is ridership down because of security concerns, how much due to telecommuting and closed businesses and offices in downtown areas, how much due to maintenance or inefficiencies in operations--and change schedules and fares accordingly.

A federal rule allows for states to flex up to 50% of federal highway funds towards transit instead. New Jersey currently flexes 15%, and California flexes 12% compared to Illinois at just under 3%. Would you make any changes to this amount, and if so why?

Public transportation options in the 10th district are not as ubiquitous as in other cities, so funding choices may not be fully comparable. Commuter sentiment is indicated by ridership, and that should determine funding priorities.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) plays a significant role in transportation throughout the state and in Chicago. What is your opinion on their relationship with the Chicago Department of Transportation, local communities, and the impact that has?

The impact of IDOT per se in the 10th district is not apparent in my experience.

How do you view the Illinois General Assembly’s role in setting IDOT’s priorities for public transit, passenger rail, and strengthening accessibility in transportation?

IDOT should implement priorities passed by the General Assembly and Governor, and should provide data on current and trending geographic and modal traffic densities for periodic review of those priorities.

What is your position on IDOT’s current proposals for rebuilding North Du Sable Lake Shore Drive?

I'm not familiar with proposals for Lake Shore Drive.