Town Hall Lets Citizens Get Close to Their Congressman

On Saturday, the approximately 40 Libertyville residents who came to question and hear his answers at Libertyville’s Village Hall left knowing their Congressman intends to work for them. 

People came with questions about government waste, government regulation, the layoffs at Abbott Laboratories, bipartisanship and the country’s debt ceiling.

The Congressman, who was sworn into office Jan. 5, answered them all as well as reporting on his first month in Washington. 

Tina Arpino of Libertyville, arrived with her neighbor, Patriciz Apgar, to hear what their Congressman had to say about taxes and health care reform. 

"[The Health Care Reform Act] really is a disaster and the tax increase is wrong,” said Arpino referring to the recent income tax hike by the Illinois General Assembly. 

Just as Dold opened the meeting by referring to his Congressional offices in Northbrook and Washington as “your offices” encouraging constituents to get in touch with issues, he pushed people like Arpino and Apgar to let their local representatives know how they feel. 

“We have to focus on how we can do better. Be vocal with your state representatives and state senators. Certainly I know the mayor’s door is always open as is ours,” said Dold. “We work for you.” 

, who also attended the event, became involved because he recognizes the partnership necessary between all levels of government to help the lives of its citizens.

“[Dold] is very pro municipality,” Weppler said. “When he came to me reaching out to municipalities, I opened the Village Hall to him [for the meeting].” 

A number of people were concerned with Abbott Laboratories' recent announcement that it was laying off 1,900 people including 1,000 in Lake County. 

Dold believes relieving burdensome government regulation and America’s high corporate tax rate are ways to alleviate situations that move jobs overseas. 

“What incentives can we give companies in Illinois?” Dold asked rhetorically. “[Abbott] is adding jobs elsewhere. We need to make the [research and development tax] credit permanent,” he added, suggesting a tax incentive for business.

During the give and take, Dold never let the group forget that first and foremost he was a small business owner particularly when he was asked how he would vote when it was time to increase the nation’s debt ceiling. 

“The way I like to look at the debt ceiling is we purchased a business with debt. It is a good business so we have to pay the debt,” Dold said. “The question is what spending cuts are going to come along with it.” 

Phil Kmaks, the head of Oakmont development's homeowners association in Greggs Landing came with a resolution from the group to hand Dold. The resolution called for government to tighten its belt by giving up its existing benefit package for one more akin to most American workers. 

“I came to discuss what the [Oakmont] board feels government should do,” Kmaks said. “[The members of Congress] should lead by example.” 

When Kmaks had the opportunity to speak again, he expressed frustration with racial and political division in the country wondering how Congress can accomplish much as a result. Dold answered with some practical optimism. 

“The partisanship was worse when I came into office than it’s even been. I’m hopeful to see this turn because the two sides will have to work efficiently for any legislation,” said Dold explaining that Democrats and Republicans agree 40 percent of the time and disagree the rest. 

“We have to reach across the aisle to find some common ground,” he added. “Let’s take some of the 40 percent we agree on and pass some legislation.” 

With that, Dold discussed the bill he introduced with Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Western Springs) to heavily fine people polluting the Great Lakes. The Senate version of the law is co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Springfield) and Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park). 

Dold also explained that both Democrats and Republicans agree the most important issues before them are jobs and the economy. 

“I want to move legislation forward to help businesses and employees,” Dold said. “The more people we get back to work the more people are paying taxes,” he added explaining one way to increase revenue without raising taxes. 

Some people, like Patti Kondor of Libertyville, came with a specific need. Her son resides in the New Foundation Center, an organization that helps adults with mental illness.

Dold knelt by Kondor’s seat as she explained that New Foundation is funded by the State of Illinois which is so far behind on its payments it's affecting her son’s welfare. 

“Human services are jobs too,” Kondor added explaining the lack of payment for promised funds could impact not only her son’s welfare but people’s employment. 

Dold again suggested she push her state representative and state senator to fund the obligations since it is not in the federal government’s purview. 

Dold remained for 30 minutes after the formal meeting answering individual questions.