Environment
The people of Kane County have overwhelmingly said they support open space and our forest preserves by approving several referenda during the last decade to add a few dollars each month to their tax bill to protect our natural resources. Developers continue to propose large developments that impact not only the community, but our environment. Progress is good, but with diminishing open space and farm land in the county, we must press for smart growth and be comfortable with saying no to some projects such as the Crown development being discussed in Sugar Grove. We need to work to be better, not just bigger.
The Kane County Forest Preserve District has another referendum on the ballot this November, asking voters to once again support open space. You can find details at the website here and on Facebook. I fully support this referendum and ask that you do, too.
Taxes
Taxes are on everyone’s mind. We’re all impacted by taxes as revenues keep shrinking and austerity measures keep cutting services.
The challenge faced by the county board has been to continue to attract experienced, qualified workers to provide the services we all count on: economic development, animal control, health department, treasurer’s office, clerk’s office; and more, while keeping taxes in check. It hasn’t been easy, and the board has been juggling austerity measures for years trying to keep up.
We need to do better. I wish I had some concrete answers, but as your county board representative, I’ll do all I can to work to find solutions that will not increase taxes.
New revenue sources and renewable energy
We need to strengthen our communities by encouraging new businesses to fill up the many empty storefronts found along Randall Road and in our downtown areas. The economic challenges from the last several years, from economic downturns to COVID, have taken a toll.
I will continue to support solar energy for county buildings, such as the panels installed at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles Township. These panels will generate enough energy to save taxpayers about $200,000 a year.
Purchasing electric vehicles for county use is another way to be more efficient and responsible to the environment. Kane County has led the way for EV readiness and I will continue to support these efforts to cut costs and to make our environment healthier.