Jennifer Downard-Laesch: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: AuroraWebsite: noOffice sought: Kane County board District 3 Age: 44Family: Candidate did not respondOccupation: I am a paraprofessional; tutoring and mentoring children in an after school setting. I also work in the hospitality industry.Education: Waubonsee Community College Civic involvement: East Aurora School Board; Mutual Ground volunteer/donor; Operation Purple Camp for Military FamiliesElected offices held: 14th CD Democratic State Central Committeewoman; and County Board District 3; precinct committee person for Ward 3 precinct 3 (formerly precinct 8).Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?I have an interest in our environment and keeping it green. Recycling is key and not over saturating our landfills. This will increase a healthy environment for all. As for health, I like to be involved with activities that make #8216;fit for kids' an everyday lifestyle; a lifestyle that comes naturally. I would like to create opportunity through projects to produce more jobs for Kane County through capital funds which are accumulated only to be use for construction projects. We also need to keep our taxes down by controlling our levies and the spending that goes along with it.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race? I believe I have more experience for the County Board; involvement in the community with issues and concerns from the people of the district. I have been long time active in the Democratic Party.How much of a role should county board members have in the hiring of employees and county department directors and the determination of their salary and duties?I don't feel as if county board members should be involved in the hiring of employees and personnel; but perhaps should have input with the hiring of County Directors and the salary ranges; that they are credible, having the background and experience in the position applying for. This to include any new positions created in the county.What is your stance on the pending Longmeadow Parkway project? If you support the project, what must be done to move it toward construction? Is a referendum asking county voters if they support the parkway project appropriate?I believe the Longmeadow project has already gone to referendum and passed, narrowly. I do support the project, as county board members in Northern Kane County have shared their concerns with me a few months ago, as we voted to support phase two of engineering for the project. Seeing the congestion of traffic and having the support of the local mayors and village officials, informed me that this is a much needed project and will assist in jobs for the county.Do you support maintaining a frozen county property tax levy? How long can/should the levy remain frozen? Should the forest preserve district also commit to a frozen property tax levy?I do support the property tax levy remaining frozen because property values have not increased, as the housing market has taken a hit. I would not be in favor of an increase until the county has had two consecutive years of positive growth. The Forest Preserve should live within a budget, just as the people have had to live within their means and make reductions when/where necessary. Do you support the full implementation of all the projects envisioned in the Fabyan Parkway/Settlers Hill redevelopment? What is the proper balance between providing passive open space forest preservation and active recreational opportunities?I am not in favor of another outdoor music venue and convention center/hotel. I do feel that adding natural activities to open space is a good balance when using tax dollars.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?No.