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

Car

What are some transportation challenges in your district?

Ww need dedicated bus lanes at major intersections. We are lucky to have 2 separate train lines that run to downtown Chicago.

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

I believe their could be better coordination between the multiple agencies. IDOT needs to do a better job of thinking about bike lanes in my district. We have next to none.

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?

I do not believe the legislature should micromanage however, IDOT has been slow to get some projects rolling that could be beneficial.

States like Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia have passed legislation that has shifted their transportation infrastructure spending towards projects that prioritize safety, transit and cycling, and greenhouse gas mitigation. What’s your position on Illinois’ current transportation infrastructure spending, and if you could change anything, what would it be?

I would like to see public transit busses run on a cleaner energy source. I was disappointed that this wasn't addressed in the transit bill in the spring or veto session. We also need to make it safer to use public transportation. I have talked to many people that simply won't use public transportation because it is unsafe. We also need to extend the red line past 95th st and into the south suburbs.

This fall, the Illinois General Assembly passed a historic investment in transit operations – as well as significant governance reforms in the establishment of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. How do you view the Assembly’s role in ensuring both the short- and long-term success of this legislation?

The passage of the bill was one big step forward. The reshaping of the agencies was in my mind a really good first step. I want to watch closely to see what results this produces. I believe the mayor of Chicago was given to much control in selction of board members and I am open to the board positions being elected positions rather than political appointments.

What is your position on investing to expand passenger rail service in Illinois, including the development of high-speed rail?

I am.absolutely in favor of high speed rail coming to Illinois. It is at the very top of my list of things I would like to see accomplished during my time in the general assembly.

Federal funding for Illinois transportation projects – such as the Red Line Extension and Red-Purple Modernization projects – has come under threat from the Trump administration. How can legislators shore up funding for critical infrastructure projects under a hostile federal climate?

I believe this hostile environment will be short lived. The governor not going to "war" with the president would be helpful but as a legislator I have no control over that. Our current budget situation leaves little room for supplementing federal funds. I would like to take a look at all the "temporary" jobs that were created because of federal covid funding. Now that that money is gone elimination of those jobs that weren't meant to be permanent could go a long way to fund infrastructure.