Campaign Info

• Position being sought: State House, 35th District
• Party: Republican
• Phone number: 708-341-2357
• Address: Citizens for Ricardo A. Fernandez, P.O. Box 150, Palos Park, IL 60464
• E-mail: rf@ricardoafernandez.com
• Website: www.ricardoafernandez.com

Personal Info

• Age: 45
• Family: Married his wife, Gina, in 1990 and they have lived together in the district for more than 21 years. They have lived in their current Orland Park home since 1995 and they have 19 nieces and nephews and three dogs.
• Education: Graduated from Moraine Valley Community College with an Associates of Science degree in 1987. Graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor's of Science degree in physical therapy in 1989. He completed his Master of Health Science degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 1992. While a full-time faculty member at Northwestern University, he completed his doctoral work research along with his doctoral level teaching responsibilities as part of the faculty.  He completed his PhD in physical therapy in 2007 from Nova Southeastern University
• Occupation: Physical therapist
• Previous elected or appointed offices: Appointed to serve and still serves on the Illinois Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board.

Candidate Questions

Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?

I was a full-time faculty member at Northwestern University and have also been an adjunct instructor at Governors State University, Morton College and Oakton Community College. I have volunteered at a pro bono clinic on the west side of Chicago to provide free physical therapy for the uninsured. I traveled to foreign countries such as Peru, Honduras, and Aruba to educate local physical therapists to assist them on how to better treat their patients using the latest research

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

1.    Committed to strengthen Illinois’ economy and help the taxpayers of Illinois by providing state income tax relief.
2.    Promote job growth and assist businesses in Illinois.  Attract new businesses to the state by lowering the corporate income tax rate for all businesses in Illinois, not just a select few.
3.    Cut waste in government, end wasteful spending, demand accountability in Springfield and balance the budget.
4.    Save the pensions for retirees.
5.    Support pro-life policies.
6.    Defend the Second Amendment. 
7.    Improve quality of health care.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Unlike my opponent, I actually live in the district I am seeking to represent. The district has been home to me for the past 21 years and I have developed deep community roots and know the issues that are important to my neighbors. 

Once elected, I will give up my practice as a physical therapist to dedicate my full attention to the serious matters affecting the state.  I plan to win because I have tremendous support from family, friends, neighbors, and supporters who believe in my campaign. My doctoral training in research has made me able to study complex issues and make decisions in stressful situations.

What should first be done by the state to keep businesses that have strongly voiced the possibility of leaving, such as CME and Sears?

We need to promote job growth and assist all businesses, large or small, in Illinois. We will attract new businesses to the state by lowering the corporate income tax rate for all businesses in Illinois, not just a select few.

What can be done to help College Illinois?

Get it out of the hands of Springfield and their poor management practices. College Illinois will require a $1.6 billion bailout to remain solvent during the next 25 years because of poor fiscal management.

What should the government do to create more jobs?

We will attract new businesses to the state by lowering the corporate income tax rate for all businesses in Illinois, not just a select few.

What are your philosophies on social issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion, and what should government’s role in those issues?

I am pro-life.

Do you support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or othergambling venues in Illinois? Should a casino be built in Chicago?

No.

What do you suggest for property tax relief?

I do not support raising property taxes when the value of the home decreases.

Should the state consider consolidating school districts? What would be the best way to accomplish this in your legislative district?

I support methods to reduce administrative redundancies and would consider such a plan.

Should the state legalize marijuana?

No.

Are there ways to reform the legislative scholarship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program?

This wasteful program should be eliminated.

Who are your political heroes and why?

President Abraham Lincoln. He was our first Republican president and was able to guide our country through a very difficult time. One of my proudest moments last year was reciting the Gettysburg Address from memory at Gettysburg. President Ronald Reagan. For his firm conviction to his beliefs and sunny optimism.