Candidate Full Name:
Cary Capparelli
Race:
US Congress
District:
5th Congressional District
Party:
Democrat
Email Address:
elect@carycaparelliforcongress.com
Web Site:
http://carycapparelliforcongress.com/
Campaign Office Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 31031, Chicago, Illinois 60631
Phone:
Candidate did not provide
Map of 5th Cong. Dist. Map of 5th Cong. Dist.
Campaign Name:
Cary Capparelli for Congress
Question 1
Please tell us about yourself, your background and why you believe you are
qualified to hold this office.
Answer 1
Please find attached my Curriculum Vitae to provide you with some informational background on me. My education, my global experiences as outlined, my integrity and work ethic qualify me best for this position. Congress can best serve the nation with members who are more diverse in global affairs instead of law.
Education
• Doctoral Candidate, Major: Geography, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, England U.K., 2006 - present, Thesis: North America and the Globalization of the World Formula One Championship
• Master of Arts, Major: Geography, The Graduate School, Northeastern Illinois University,
Chicago, Illinois, 1977, Thesis: The Industrial Geography of Iceland:
Geothermal Energy and Hydroelectric Power
• Master of Science in Journalism, Major: Advertising, Medill School of Journalism,
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 1975, Thesis: New Product
Advertising Campaign for Abbott Laboratory
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Major: Public Relations, School of Journalism, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, 1974, Minor: Geography
Professional Experience
• President and Chief Executive Officer, 1977-Present, Omni•Communique Inc., Park Ridge, Illinois Omni
• Communique Inc. is an international marketing/public relations company that has organized events and programs throughout North America (including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America), throughout all Europe, and other nations throughout the world
Highlights:
• Formulated study for professional ice hockey franchise at Allstate Arena
• Organized and participated in the first motor sport competitions between the United States and the former Soviet Union held in both nations
• Official representative of APN/Infoline-Moscow for technical sports of the Commonwealth of Independent States
• Organized first indoor United States Auto Club event in Canada
• Organized English speaking sales of the Mexican F1 Grand Prix
• Coordinated international competition for 'The Nation's Challenge' competition in Mexico City
• Special consultant to the Stanley-BRM F1 team in the United Kingdom
• Organized international boxing events in the United States with other countries
• Organized international bicycle racing events in the United States with other countries
• Organized NCAA Division I ice hockey games with the University of Notre Dame
• Initiated national and international tourism projects with the Chicago Tourism and Visitor's Bureau
• Promoted environmental programs with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
• President and Chief Executive Officer, 1999-2001, Active Worldwide Sports LLC and Total Motor Development LLC, Chicago, Illinois Executive management of the United States Formula Three Championship (USF3) in association with Volkswagen of Germany
• Director of Marketing, 1979-81, Longhorn Racing Inc., Midland, Texas Coordination of marketing, public relations and corporate liaison for international motor sports operation
• Director of Public Relations, 1978-79, Montgomery Ward Enterprises, Chicago, Illinois, Management of national celebrity marketing and sports marketing programs
• Director of Marketing, 1977-78, Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Michigan
Coordination of advertising, marketing, public relations and sales for Penske Speedway facility (a division of the Penske Corporation),
Professional Membership
• Member-Sports Car Club of America, Inc.
Licensed by SCCA Pro Racing and the Federation of International Automobile
as an international race car driver since 1977 (competed in over 250 races throughout
Asia, Europe and North America)
• Member-National Geographical Society
Awards
• Athletic Talent Scholarship (first ever award for ice hockey), Northeastern Illinois University, 1971-74
• Scoring Championship (first in goals, assists and total points), Northeastern Illinois University, 1971-72, 1972-73 and Central States Collegiate Hockey League (fifth in goals, assists and total points), 1972-73
• Named to the Central States Collegiate Hockey League All Star Team, 1971-72, 1972-73
Public Service
• Member-Illinois International Port District (governor appointed), 2000-Present, Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Chairman of the Marketing Committee, Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee, Member of the Executive Committee
• Past Member-Illinois Banking and Real Estate Board (governor appointed), 1997-1999
Geographical Related
• Extensive travel of North America; including Canada, Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and the United States
• Extensive travel of all Europe (over 200 trips to Western Europe alone); including studies in Geography in Iceland and in Renaissance Art in Italy
• Multiple trips to Asia; including China, Japan, Taiwan and Tibet
• Multiple trips to South America; including Argentina, Brazil, Caribbean, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay
• Multiple trips to Australia and the South Pacific; including New Zealand, Tahiti, and other islands
• Multiple trips to the Middle East; including Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates
• Multiple trips to North Africa; including Egypt and Morocco
References
• Dr. Musa Qutub PhD, Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 North Saint Louis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60625
• Dr. Harry Kiang, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Geography and Environmental Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 North Saint Louis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60625
• Mr. Robert Martwick Sr., Attorney-At-Law and Partner, Finkel, Martwick & Colson, P.C., 203 North La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601
• Mr. Kenneth Fletcther, Adjunct Professor, Chicago Kent College of Law, (Address: Cook County Public Defender, 2650 South California Street, 8th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60608)
• Mr. Burdette Martin, Past President, Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (Vice President-Federation Internationale du Sport Automobile, Paris France), 1500 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Question 2
Please tell us your general views about the role of government and some of the
most important things you would like to accomplish in office?
Answer 2
As a traditional Democrat, I strongly believe in less government. This starts with less taxation. Domestically, the weak economy is the most immediate and important problem for Americans. Keeping America safe and strong will always remain the most integral of all issues.
Question 3
The current economic crisis is squeezing the middle class. What should Congress
do about it? What specifically would you do if elected to Congress?
Answer 3
Any stimulus package must focus on less taxation for the majority of Americans. Much of this can be offset by eliminating government waste spending; which is enormous. The present workforce must be maintained and new jobs created. Congress needs to accommodate small business and large corporations alike to generate a better business atmosphere. As a member of Congress, I will scrutinize all needless spending to bring about a more responsible budget.
Question 4
What are some of the main things you would do to help create jobs in Illinois?
Answer 4
Realistically, by the time I arrive in Congress in April, most of the proceeds (and benefits) of the stimulus package will have been allocated. What we have, however, is the opportunity of a generation to reshape the district to reflect what we will be in the future. It is not a matter of just creating new jobs, but laying the groundwork so that the private sector can thrive, as their companies and industries change. I believe that a Congressman must be far more than just a representative of 640,000 people in Washington. He must also be a leader to his district and help galvanize the progress and prosperity of all citizens in the district.
Question 5
What do you think can be done to bring short-term stability to gas and energy
prices? Also, what do you think is the best strategy - to both affordably and
responsibly - provide for the nation's future energy needs?
Answer 5
As has been shown in the past twelve months, the decrease in demand for oil by consumers and producers has shown that market-based strategies can work. However, I would oppose utilizing our Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a means to moderate gas and energy price increases. Our Strategic Petroleum Reserve is intended for security measures not to moderate the market. For the nation's future energy needs, the United States must immediately increase its research and development of alternative energies. It is the responsibility of both the government and the private sector to find new ways to decrease dependence upon foreign oil. The government can encourage such efforts by the utilization of both tax credits and incentives to discover those new ways. Meantime, the oil must come from somewhere and it is best to buy from other sources rather than use up our own.
Question 6
Is there anything that can be done to make health care more accessible and
affordable in Illinois? If so, what would you do?
Answer 6
A two-tier plan would satisfy most citizens. Such a system would offer a Preferred Plan and a Standardized Plan. The Preferred Plan would allow those who seek the freedom of medical care choice to enjoy that right, by being allowed to pay extra. A Standardized Plan may not allow the exact freedoms of medical care choice but assures every citizen access to quality medical care. With ever-new medical technology and expertise, we have developed a regimen of costly care matched by an inscrutable quagmire of health care billing. There are a myriad of examples, both domestically and globally, where exceptional healthcare is delivered far more cost effectively. Just as with developing a strategy to decrease dependence upon foreign oil, the government can encourage better delivery of healthcare through tax credits and incentives.
Question 7
Please state your general views about the war in Iraq.
Answer 7
Our involvement in Iraq, at this date, is approaching its wind-down stage. Despite miscalculations and disappointments, we must not ignore the many successes achieved. More pertinently, I do agree with President Obama that U.S. troop strength should be increased in Afghanistan to achieve an immediate goal of bringing security and stability to most, if not all, regions of the country. As in Iraq, the longer-range goal is for Afghan security forces to take over its own defense.
Question 8
What are your thoughts on how to deal with illegal immigration? Also, what do you think should be done about illegal immigrants who are already here in the U.S.?
Answer 8
Congress should severely limit and/or completely discontinue immigration, until the nation is recovered from its current financial crisis. Such action by a responsible Congress would include border-enforcement legislation. The only exception would be a guest worker program, with strict rules and regulations to (1) allow workers into the U.S. to replenish the essential work forces, and (2) afford control back to U.S. Immigration. For those already in this country, Congress should act to legalize those immigrants, if they meet existing criteria to immigrate (aside from entering illegally).
Question 9
What ideas do you have for improving our education system and for making our
colleges and universities more affordable?
Answer 9
Like so many institutions in our society, the education system is mired in disorganization, with many different agendas being pursued, some successfully, others very unsuccessfully. Up until college, the most successful educational institutions are typically those which have the greatest parental involvement. To the extent possible, as a Congressman, that is what I would help facilitate. To make colleges and universities more affordable, I believe that the best approach is making available tax credits for parents, increasing employer deductibility for tuition reimbursement, and continuing (and expanding) subsidized student loans. In addition, I favor reduction of student loan balances for those graduates who engage in selective public service. Education should not be limited to college and universities, as other avenues of advanced education exist including trade schools and military service.
Question 10
What are your highest priorities for protecting the environment in Illinois?
Answer 10
Having served on the Board of Illinois International Port Board of Directors since 2000, I have first-hand exposure to the importance of our waterways. We must at least maintain and ultimately improve the cleanliness of Lake Michigan. It is a stimulus for both commerce and recreation. We must further clean-up the Mississippi River and all tributaries that lead to it. I am a firm believer that, to the extent possible, you put back what you take out of the environment. We are at a unique time in our history to change all aspects of how we interact with ourselves and with the environment. There are benefits which can accrue from the economic crisis, and all such opportunities should be pursued.Endorsement(s)
No endorsements provided by candidate.
