North Cook News

Dan Gott, the Republican candidate for Illinois state Senate from the 55th District, recently pledged to refrain from unflattering campaign tactics as he addressed his topmost priorities regarding school officials, budget health and term-limit solutions.

A father of two and grandfather of two, the retired engineering and technology professional maintained strong civic ties throughout his career, prompting him to make the leap from retirement to seeking public office.

In addition to the key issues facing candidates — having elected school officials, creating fiscal accountability and reaching an equitable compromise on term limits — Gott is staunchly focused on family values, honesty and integrity. 

“To get a budget passed in the state of Illinois, both Republicans and Democrats must put aside their ideological and political differences that have long existed before Gov. [Bruce] Rauner took office,” he said. “The finger pointing and political mudslinging must stop; each party needs to set aside their political ambitions and … put their faith and trust in one another to make sound decisions that benefit all Illinoisans (rather than furthering) political party ambitions or individual gain.” 

First, Gott said, discuss the existing “borrow, tax and spend” policy. He recommended that legislators implement structural policy changes, including entitlement programs; reform the public pension system; freeze property taxes; and ensure the sustainability of workers’ compensation in Illinois to keep and create jobs.

Gott also favors the election of Chicago school board representatives in place of appointments, saying that appointed school officials have disproportionate power to levy taxes without representation, which “stifles parent voices.”

“It’s time to end conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement,” he said.