Morrison, Sumption Differ on Approach

Approach rather than policy differences is what distinguished Democratic Illinois State Senate candidates and Sunday at a League of Women Voters sponsored debate at the Highland Park Country Club.

The two candidates seeking the Democratic nomination in the March 20 primary to replace retiring agree on a number of issues but would differ on ways to implement those ideas.

Sumption, a business consultant from Lake Bluff with a background in the financial industry, brings that expertise to bear when approaching issues like pension reform, job creation, services for homeless veterans and dealing with the state’s growing Medicaid costs.

For the last 14 years, Morrison, from Deerfield, has been the supervisor. She stresses her management approach to the social service issues she sees daily in her job.

The winner of the primary will face in the Nov. 6 general election. Friedman is unopposed for the Republican nod.

Candidates Disagree on Future of Township Government

One issue where Morrison and Sumption disagree is the future of township government. One questioner complained Illinois has more governmental entities than any other state and wanted the candidates to explain the need for township government.

“Townships have outlived their usefulness,” Sumption said. “Townships are just another layer of government which is unnecessary.”

Morrison thinks townships, like all governmental entities should be “lean and mean” but should remain because they serve people who primarily need basic services like those provided by the .

Morrison warned if the services her office disburses were given out elsewhere it could make it more difficult for the recipients. They will also have to be funded by the entity charged with providing them.

“The services could disappear or (the beneficiaries) may have to go to Waukegan,” Morrison said. Sumption did not call for an elimination of services and acknowledged they would like be provided at the county level.

The first question asked the candidates to describe first bill they would introduce. Both talked about a focus on jobs but they have a different path to the goal. Morrison wants to bring job seekers and resources together while Sumption thinks about cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“The local economy lags behind its potential,” Sumption said. “I would create public private partnerships to generate more jobs and revenue for the state. I would give tax incentives for green technology.”

Morrison Sees Community Colleges as Part of Job Plan

Morrison would set up training by community colleges for those who need the skills to find jobs. She described anr in January. “Case by case hopefully we can do a lot,” she said.

When it comes to Illinois’s burgeoning pension liability, both Morrison and Sumption agree a solution is necessary. Sumption will seek revenue sources which do not call for an increase in taxes.

“What we are doing is sinful and immoral,” Sumption said. “When you make your commitments you keep your commitments.” He sees cooperation between the public and private sectors as part of the solution. “Public private partnerships will generate new dollars like royalty revenue.”

Morrison referred to existing legislation changing pension plans for new employees currently sitting in the General Assembly.

"Some elements are unacceptable,” Morrison said of the pending proposal. “The state of Illinois must come up with an iron clad system to empower employees. We need to make a commitment to not nickel and dime workers in the years to come. That promise must be written in blood."

Both candidates oppose school vouchers and carrying a concealed firearm as well as supporting a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion.