Campaign info

• Position sought: State Representative, 84th District
• Political party: Republican
• Website: www.patfee2012.com
• E-mail address: patforstaterep84@gmail.com
• Phone: 630-229-6674
• Address: 2978 Ogden Ave. Aurora, IL 60504

Personal info

• Family: I am a proud wife, mother and grandmother.  Our son Robert 32, and his wife Kristen live in Houston. They have three beautiful sons, ranging in ages from 7 weeks to 5 years old. Our daughter Sarah, 30, and her husband Brandon live in Rockledge, Florida. Kaitlin, our youngest daughter, is a freshman at the University of Missouri.
• Education: Associates Degree- Nursing.
• Occupation: Homemaker, Community Volunteer 
• Relevant experience: Formerly served on Board of Directors of Naperville Public Television (NCTV17), Diversity Fund Chairwoman for Sun-Sentinel Newspaper, Second V.P. for the Illinois Federation of Republican Women, Director for Barrington Area Council on Aging, Director of Volunteer services at Benedictine Hospital and a member of the Naperville League of Voters

Candidate questions

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

My priority is to get Illinois back on the right track. This means repealing the Democrat’s historic 67% income tax increase and the implementation of incentives to not only keep jobs but to create jobs here in Illinois. We cannot cut our way out of the fiscal mess we are currently in; we have to grow our way out of it.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I not only live in but I’m actively involved within the community I seek to serve. I am not beholden to anyone but the people within the district.

What should first be done by the state to keep businesses that have strongly voiced the possibility of leaving, such as CME and Sears?

I would repeal the corporate income tax increase in addition to the 67% income tax increase. We have some of the hardest working people in the US right here in Illinois. As legislators, we need to make sure that we have a competitive policy environment to keep the major employers here while encouraging small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses here.

I strongly support the repeal of the Democrats’ 67% income tax increase on individuals and their 46% increase on corporations. I would vote to repeal these tax increases, which are taking over $1,000 out of the pocket of the average Illinois working family.  The democrats’ promise to make this temporary has already failed. 

I will oppose any effort to extend or make permanent the temporary income tax increase.

The Democrats’ income tax increase has cost Illinois jobs and is hurting our economy. Surrounding states are actively pursuing Illinois businesses to relocate. For too many years businesses have been the target for increasing state revenues. Even prior to the tax increase last January, businesses were relocating out of Illinois and choosing other states for expansions. After the tax increase, unemployment in Illinois went up, not down.

What can be done to help College Illinois?

End College Illinois – it is a classic example of good intentions mired by failed goals and policies.

What should the government do to create more jobs?

In order to attract and retain private sector jobs, Illinois must first get its fiscal house in order. The State cannot continue to over-tax, over-borrow and over-spend. More importantly, businesses need stability from state government. The General Assembly should continue to cut wasteful spending, to pass pension reform, and to reduce Illinois’ long-term debt. These steps will promote economic stability and encourage businesses that were once skeptical to reconsider Illinois as a good place to conduct business. These steps will increase revenue in Illinois to make our economy more competitive with neighboring states as well as with foreign countries.  I think that practicing such public policy will create favorable environments for large and small business alike.

What are your philosophies on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, and what should government’s role in those issues?

Support women’s health by being pro-choice. Support current civil union laws. The government should play a minimal role in our personal lives.

Do you support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois? Should a casino be built in Chicago?

I could support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois if it can be done ethically. The Gaming Board must have the authority to regulate it and I believe that there must be a ban on campaign contributions from the industry. I could also support a casino being built in Chicago but only if the same rules apply there as they do in the rest of the state. I am against massive expansion of casinos in Illinois.

What do you suggest for property tax relief?

I was involved with the creation of the circuit breaker program.

Should the state legalize marijuana?

No

Are there ways to reform the legislative scholarship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program?

I support eliminating the scholarship program. It has been used irresponsibly by pay-to-play politicians.

Who are your political heroes and why?

Ronald Regan

Have you ever been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against you? If so, please explain.

No.

Editor's note: This candidate profile information was updated Sept. 24, 2012, 5:52 p.m.