If You Meet a Candidate…

As candidates for governor, treasurer, U.S. senate, state legislature, etc… start to posture and preen for your vote, you should be prepared to vet them very thoroughly if you meet them or their supporters.  The lack of vetting by Illinois voters becomes apparent every time disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich is seen on a late night talk show.

This is going to be an interesting election because races are being aggressively challenged.  There are at least 10 candidates for Lt. Governor alone and that isn’t even a job with any real power.

But with considerable respect to all of the candidates who will be on the ballot in Illinois in 2010, the only three races with real power to impact the Chicago Tech Community are for Governor, Illinois Treasurer and, believe it or not, Cook County Board President.  Legislators, whether they are national or state, can provide a vote.  That’s it.  They can help shape an agenda.  They can lobby and twist their colleague’s arms.  But, at the end of the day, they have one vote. So, you need to look at the executive branch races to find a “difference maker” for the Chicago Tech Community. 

*  Although, because of the ability to direct investment, the Illinois Treasurer’s Office is also a race to follow.

So with that in mind, what should you ask the candidates if by chance you encounter them?  Here are some suggestions:

Although the federal economic stimulus package is doing a lot for technology research at the university level, what are your plans to help technology business owners commercialize products?

The credit markets are still tight.  What are your plans to help technology business owners get access to either venture capital and/or loans?

From a tech worker perspective, what are your plans to make Illinois/Chicago more attractive to out-of-state tech business owners and entice them to establish operations in Illinois/Chicago?

Do you have a plan to keep Illinois technology/science/engineering majors from moving out-of-state when they graduate and finally stop what is known as the Illinois brain drain?

Illinois/Chicago public sector job training programs are still designed for manufacturing jobs.  What plans do you have to assist individuals who want training in the technology industry, which tends to be more expensive, but results in higher-paying jobs?

Will you expand the utilization of technology in your branch of governments operations and make those opportunities available to small businesses to bid on?  If so,  how?

Finally, how do you plan to improve the business climate, which has become increasingly anti-business?

If there are any suggestions about other topics, please send them in.  There is a possibility that we may entertain position papers from or send out questionnaires to candidates as the elections get closer.

But, please do not base your vote on whether a candidate reminds you of your college fraternity buddy or an old boss you hate or runs a “fun” commercial. We need substance now.  Remember Blagojevich.  Remember Blagojevich.

This commentary was prepared by Levi Moore, President of PROXY 2.0.

For more information call 312-972-0900 or e-mail levimoore@aol.com.