Michael Kenyon: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: South ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 16Age: 67Family: Married to wife Carol for 45 years. 3 adult children, 2 sons, 1 daughterOccupation: FarmerEducation: Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois Farm ManagementCivic involvement: Elgin Jaycees, South Elgin Jaycees, Eagles, Moose, VFW, American Legion, Kane County Farm Bureau, Elgin Food Pantry, South Elgin Business Association.Elected offices held: Elgin Twp. Precinct Committeeman County Board member District 16, 2004 - presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 During my service on the board, Kane County has repeatedly received national awards for tranparancy in financial reporting.Our bond rating has been raised to AA+.I am pledged to maintain and continue a record of fiscal prudence and accountability.Key Issue 2 Kane County is forunate to have a dedicated and highly qualified staff, many of whom can make more money in the private sector, but have instead dedicated themselves to public service.It is essential that with leadership changes at the top that every effort be made to support and retain these fine people.Key Issue 3 In the past few years, Kane County has vecome the lead voice in Springfield for collar counties.These relationships must be strengthened to ensure that our fair share of tax dollars is returned to Kane County and other local government entities.Questions Answers Do you support a more stringent ethics ordinance for Kane County governing the conduct of elected officials and county employees' Why or why not? If so, what should the ordinance contain?The current ordinance, passed in 2010, amended a much older version that was very limited in its application.However, the State's Attorney's office expressed significant concerns about the legality of the new ordinance.All ordinances now are enforced when violators are reported.The new ethics ordinance was to serve as a code of conduct. Some board members apparently felt that the State's Attorney role should be more proactive rather than just responding to complaints.The ethics ordinance should have been passed. The decision to send the ordinance back to committee after months of work by staff and committee members means we are effectively left with no ordinance. The State's Attorney's office has again strongly recommended that we adopt the ordinance as currently drafted. If additional changes are necessary they can be added.The county's portion of gambling proceeds has been decreasing every year for several years. What is your plan to prioritize use of that money? What might be done to wean the agencies and programs that receive this money off of it?The County has already begun addressing the decline in river boat revenue.Projects are prioritized according to greatest value for the people.River boat money is not used for capitol items, never for operating expenses.We actively work with recipients to develope alternate sources of revenue.The Child Advocacy Center no longer requires River boat funding, freeing up those dollars for other applicantsDo you believe the Kane County court system needs a computer system upgrade that might cost as much as $12.6 million? If so, do you support using RTA sales tax money to fund the cost, or do you have a different plan? If not, what is your alternative plan?I believe the current court system computers need to be replaced.They are outdated and do not work.Nobody yet knows the cost of replacement but it can be funded by cash plus, if necessary, bond sales, pledging tax money to repay.The committee concept with input from effected offices reaching a joint decision on s new system will handle this.Do you believe county board members and the chairman should receive health insurance and pension benefits' If you are running for one of those positions, do you plan on accepting those benefits' Why or why not?Several years ago a task force of business leaders looked at salaries and benefits, comparing Kane to like counties and businesses.Currently, the chairman is a full time job and the salary a bargain, when cojpared to that of hired managers, i.e., city managers.A close inspection of Kane County offices find a lean effective workforce. The ability to contribute to health care and a pension is an attractive benefit.It allows more citizens to step forward and become involved. The return is good and you get wht you pay for.I particpate in the health care and pension. County Board members pay to participate in group health care.How do you resolve the ongoing debate over the county board setting budgets for departments run by other elected officials whom the county board has no control over? How should the county board enforce the budgets it sets'The recent court fight with the Circuit Clerk, clearly establised that the county board has the obligation to set the budget for all county departments, including elected offices.This not an easy process and requires all parties to work together to balance the competing dema