Here are my answers to the recent Beacon News Candidate Questionnaire:

1)      Why are you running for County Board?

A)     I have always had an interest in public service.  I believe that everyone has a civic duty to actively participate in government.  Whether by the simple act of voting or running for public office we must all do our part.  The main reason that I am running for office is simple … I love Kendall County; it’s my home.

2)      What is your position regarding the Prairie Parkway?

A)     I oppose the construction of the Prairie Parkway.  I am not convinced that this project is the best option for alleviating the county’s traffic congestion.  I would prefer to see the funds diverted to improve existing roads and to add several river crossings within the county.  However, if a highway becomes a viable option in the future I would be more than willing to reconsider this option.

3)      What is your opinion regarding Kendall County’s Waste Management Ordinance?

A)     I firmly believe that the Kendall County Solid-Waste Plan needs to be reviewed.  I do not believe that Kendall County is currently in a position where we require a landfill.  There are many other alternatives that must be reviewed and considered before such drastic measures are taken.  We must face the fact that everyone produces garbage and waste every single day.  The proper disposal of this waste needs to be managed in a responsible manner.  Newer and greener alternatives are being developed everyday and an antiquated garbage dump must be a last resort.  Finally I oppose allowing a landfill in an incorporated area.  The impact of a landfill on the county would be felt by all county residents not just those of any particular municipality.  Therefore I believe that the decision to approve a landfill, anywhere in this county, must rest with the County Board since they are accountable to the entire county.

4)      Would I allow all meetings regarding the landfill to be opened to the public?

A)     Any discussions about any landfill or any other business will be held in public.  I believe that the board must comply with Illinois’ Open Meetings Act.  I am a firm believer in open government.

5)      Who would I support for County Board President?

A)     Before I can support anyone for County Board President two things need to happen.  First I would need to know the composition of the new county board.  Secondly, I would like to know which members are interested in the position.  Once these things are established I will vote for the candidate that I believe will be able to work best with the new board and all county departments.

6)      Would I support hiring two new sheriff’s deputies from the county’s general funds?

A)     Public safety is one of my highest priorities.  If the need for two additional deputies is demonstrated to the board we must take whatever measure is needed to meet that need.  Public safety is important to all of us.  Our growing population has put a heavy burden on the Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Circuit Clerk and Court Services offices.  We must listen to the demands of these offices and come up with cost-effective ways of meeting their needs.

7)      What is my opinion on the new courthouse expansion?

A)     As a practicing attorney in Kendall County I can safely say that the current courthouse needs to be renovated.  Unfortunately, our current courthouse was obsolete the day it opened its doors.  We need to look to the future in planning the next courthouse.  As with any other project the cost per square foot today will be much less than the same project 10 years from now.  There is a direct correlation between an efficiently functioning courthouse and public safety.

8)      What is your opinion on the county’s transportation issues?

A)     Transportation is rapidly becoming the county’s biggest issue.  However, many of the main arteries throughout our county are under the control of the State of Illinois through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).  We need a county board that will be able to work with not only IDOT but with our elected representatives in Springfield.  We must lobby and push for the maximum funding we can obtain for these vital arteries.  I also support working with our federal representatives to divert the $207 million earmarked for the Prairie Parkway project into our state and county roads.  It should not take a person 2 hours to get home to their family after a long day of work.