16th District State Rep Candidate: Denyse Wang Stoneback

SKOKIE, IL — Denyse Wang Stoneback is one of three candidates on the ballot seeking the Democratic Party's nomination to become state representative for the 16th Illinois House District. Also on the ballot are first-term incumbent Rep. Yehiel "Mark" Kalish and Democratic Party of Illinois operative Kevin Olickal.

Stoneback's unabridged answers to Patch's candidate questionnaire are below:

Denyse Wang Stoneback, running for Illinois state representative:

Age: 50
Residence: Skokie
Office Sought: 16th District State Representative
Party: Democrat
Campaign website: https://www.denyseforstaterep.com/

Family:
I was born and raised in Skokie and have been a resident for over 30 years. My father was an engineer from China and my mother was an ESL teacher at Mather High School. My son is a junior at the University of Illinois. I live in Skokie with my husband Dave.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
My husband, Dave Stoneback, is the Public Works Agency Director for the City of Evanston.

Education:
B.A. in Criminology and Law Studies and Spanish from Marquette University;
M.A. in Translation (Spanish/English) from Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Occupation:
I worked in education publishing for over a decade. Now, the campaign is essentially my full-time job.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
We must address Illinois’ budget deficit and debt and create a more equitable tax system by passing the Fair Tax. This directly impacts our ability to meet our pension obligations, invest in education, and reduce property taxes. I will make sure voters understand why the Fair Tax is important, and how it will benefit our state. If it is not passed, I will immediately begin to consider an alternative path that addresses these challenges.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
We are at a pivotal time, a time in which we can further a progressive agenda in our district and in Illinois. I am the only candidate in this race with a proven record of leadership helping to set that agenda. From starting a gun safety nonprofit that successfully helped to pass landmark gun safety laws in Illinois, to leading the effort to pass an assault weapons ban in Skokie, and advocating for a higher minimum wage and paid sick leave in Skokie and Lincolnwood, I am the only candidate who has demonstrated that I have - and will continue - to fight for the residents of our community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the district?
The incumbent voted present on the Reproductive Health Act after he promised the people of the district he would vote for it. I believe that when you make a promise to your constituents, you must honor it. He also tabled his own gun safety bill after coming under pressure from pro-gun advocates.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Gun Violence Prevention
- Strengthen the Firearms Owner Identification Card (FOID) system
- Ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines
- Require background checks for every gun sale
- Keep guns out of schools and places of worship

Pro-Choice
- Protect women’s constitutional right to choose their own healthcare.
- I have been endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Personal PAC, and Men4Choice

Education
- Fully fund public schools including K-12 and higher education
- Create an elected school board in the City of Chicago
- Make higher education affordable for low- and middle-income families
- I have been endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union, the Cook County College Teachers Union, the Illinois Federation of Teachers, and North Suburban Teachers Union, IFT-AFT Local 1274

Environment
- Pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act
- Move Illinois toward 100% renewable energy by 2050
- Ban fracking on public lands
- I have been endorsed by the Sierra Club

Good Government
- Minimize the influence of large contributors through campaign finance reform
- Ban lawmakers from lobbying
- Create a two-year cooling off period before lawmakers can become lobbyists

Taxes
- Pass the Fair Tax, which would generate $3.4 billion in much-needed funding while providing tax relief to 97% of Illinois residents
- Modify the Tax Increment Financing law to make sure it is used to rebuild blighted communities and protect public schools
- Decrease property taxes

Healthcare
- Supports universal healthcare
- Supports working with hospitals to ensure they are in-network for ACA insurance plans
- I have been endorsed by Citizen Action

Criminal Justice
- Supports community policing strategies to ensure that police departments see collaboration with communities of color as the first step toward a more equitable system
- Supports evidence-based restorative justice approaches and alternatives to incarceration when possible, particularly for those who are homeless or need care for mental health or addiction issues.
- Supports ending the harmful practice of cash bail
- Supports improving conditions and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in correctional facilities

Our Most Vulnerable
- Increase funding for the Department of Children and Family Services and reorganize the Department to reduce caseloads
- Develop and expand mental health centers
- Improve care for senior citizens in Illinois
- Increase funding for services and aid for the developmentally disabled with the goal of eliminating wait times

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

After the Sandy Hook School shooting, I founded the Illinois gun violence prevention nonprofit People for a Safer Society. As its president for six years, I helped pass landmark state legislation, including the Combating Illegal Gun Trafficking Act and the Firearms Restraining Order Act, making our children and communities safer.

Why should voters trust you?
I am a community leader and activist who has worked on issues that our community cares about, including fighting for a higher minimum wage, paid sick leave, increased transparency, and more citizen participation in our government. I have deep roots here and I believe that my views and values reflect those of our District.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
I am passionate about continued progress on gun violence prevention, and this will be a key priority for me in office.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
No.