Kurt Kojzarek: 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: GilbertsWebsite: www.kojzarek.orgOffice sought: Kane County board District 19 Age: 35Family: Married to Elissa Kojzarek (formerly Stowell) since 2010. We have a 2 year old son Robbie. Father is Kurt F. Kojzarek. Mother Janet Kojzarek passed away in 2002. One brother (Kevin Kojzarek - 29) and one sister (Kara Kojzarek - 28).Occupation: Vice President of Marketing for Property Specialists, Inc. (Residential Property Management)Education: Bachelors of Arts, University of Illinois, 2001 Associates of Arts, Elgin Community College, 1999 Diploma, Larkin High School, 1997Civic involvement: Past Kane County representative for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning CAC; Past Elgin VFW Post 1307; Auxiliary Member 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Henry Schryer Council 654; Past Elgin City Commissioner for the Elgin Centre; Township Officials of Illinois; Trustee for Epworth UMC; Parishioner at St. Thomas More and Epworth UMCElected offices held: Elgin Township Trustee (2005 - 2008); Elgin Township Clerk (2008 - 2012); Republican Precinct Committeeman (2003 - Present)Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?Two years ago I ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility, high ethical standards and job creation. During my term we have maintained a flat tax levy and been rated the most transparent county in the State of Illinois. While serving on the Development and Jobs Committees I have been a vocal advocate of small businesses. I believe I bring a common sense business approach to the Board, rooted in the private sector. Our county is moving in the right direction, and I would like to maintain that forward progress.Regarding the budget, how long can/should the county board and forest district maintain overall flat property tax levies? Will the budget outlook permit the county to continue to hire the best possible staff members and offer the services taxpayers want and need?The first thing I hear from my constituents is that their taxes are over-bearing. I agree, however, the reality is that the costs of doing business are on the rise. We still have a duty to our residents to maintain our levy at the current rate. I can't promise to make it easier, but I can promise to do no further harm to their checkbook. As employees retire we continue to find new qualified people to fill their shoes, and re-evaluate how staff is being utilized overall. We provided raises where warranted to retain many of our highly skilled employees.Both the Kane County Coroner and Kane County Diagnostics agency have indicated they need new or improved spaces. What would be your approach to determine if and when those agencies need a different space? How would you pay for the construction or renovations?Throughout the "Great Recession" our County not only survived, but increased our bond rating due to fiscal management. We conducted an engineer study of useful life for each facility determining maintenance and replacement schedules. Based on these findings we established the Capital Improvements Budget, separate from the operations budget. The Diagnostic center isn't only physically vulnerable, but poses safety concerns for the clients and staff. The Coroner's office is outdated but functional. We've allocated funds through CIB for a new freezer in 2013, but the Coroner has yet to utilize them. Both offices are scheduled for replacement.Which, if any, of the proposed redevelopment plans for the Settler's Hill campus do you support? Why or why not?The Settlers Hill campus has been an ongoing issue for some time. I continue to support the enterprise funds generated from the golf course being used to improve the course, build a driving range and replace the clubhouse facilities (these are not tax dollars). I am concerned with some of the revenue projections concerning the proposed cross country track, and will await the feasibility study's findings. I continue to oppose the concept of an open air concert venue as I believe it will compete against Fifth Third Stadium and privately owned concert venues.What will be your criteria for rating the success of the county's animal control agency and its new leader?The two metrics for measuring the success of Brett Youngsteadt's tenure with Animal Control will be the financial stability of the department and the success of his programs for pet adoptions and vaccinations. In hiring a new Director, my primary concern was the candidate's management background, and ability to keep the department in the black. Animal Control is designed to be self-sustainable. I continue to believe that Brett is a perfect fit for this position and am excited to have him on staff.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?While government does not create jobs, it can and should create an environment that encourages professionals to make our county their homeâ#128;brvbar; or at the very least not become an obstacle. With the retirement of my colleague Mike Donahue, I will become the last member of the Board with a background in housing and regional planning from the perspective of the private sector. I would like to see Kane County re-evaluate its often punitive fee structure to encourage businesses to relocate to our county, creating the jobs our residents need.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis. I believe he is an unbelievably generous and giving person who has returned the papacy to a position of service.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The overall importance of family, and to cherish the time you have with them. I lost my mom too soon, and miss her dearly.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I believe every person makes mistakes and poor judgement calls throughout their life, but going back and changing them would change who you have become.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. I love to research the history that evolved the issues we face today. It helps to better understand our current dilemmas.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never be afraid to be your own person and stick up for what you believe is right.