John Martin: 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: GenevaWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/pages/John-Martin-for-Kane-County-Board/560991233954967?ref=bookmarks#!/pages/John-Martin-for-Kane-County-Board/560991233954967Office sought: Kane County board District 11 Age: 66Family: Spouse: Jane Children and Families: Johanna Patterson(Jason); children are Marin, Emilie and John. Jacob Martin (Katy);son's name is Parker.Occupation: AttorneyEducation: High School (Somonauk Comminity High School) B.A. (University of Illinois) J.D. (University of Minnesota)Civic involvement: Past member of the Geneva Jaycees, Geneva Academic Foundation (Chairman), Geneva Plan Commission, Geneva Zoning Commission (Chairman) and the Waubonsee Community College Foundation. Current member of the Geneva Lions Club (Past President), the Geneva Housing Task Force and the Geneva citizen representative to the Central Fox Valley Housing Planning Group.Elected offices held: NoneQuestions 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?I have a particular interest in working on the redevelopment of Settler's Hill and the adjoining property. For the last three decades I have been professionally involved in land use and ownership matters, much of that work being conducted within the Fox Valley and Cities of Geneva and Batavia. Through that professional activity and extensive community involvement I have acquired skills which will enable productive service as a member of the County Board in that redevelopment process as well as other issues.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?Both Boards are committed to maintaining flat levies and I support that goal. The $2,000,000 gap that needs to be closed this year will likely exist in all upcoming annual budgetary discussions, but I will support every reasonable effort to not raise the County's levies. If we find that retention or hiring of personnel or provision of services becomes difficult, the need for adjustments will have to be addressed, but within the context of an ultimate goal of not increasing the County's portion of citizens' real estate taxes.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?A determination of necessity for new or improved space must be based on an informed conclusion that the primary functions of that department cannot be adequately performed in its existing physical environment. The Board and relevant department heads should work together in that review process to minimize any increase in expenditures and stress on the County's levy. Where the funds come from for any potential capital expenditures is a question today and will have to be part of the Board's continuing budgeting process.Which, if any, of the proposed redevelopment plans for the Settler's Hill campus do you support? Why or why not?To the extent the Board has approved plans for the landfill and golf course redevelopment to date I'm supportive of the same, contingent upon necessary feasibility and engineering studies confirming the viability of moving ahead as designed. The redevelopment of the landfill is not only the County's long term goal, but should improve the viability of the other County owned properties in that area and boost the redevelopment of the balance of the Fabyan Parkway corridor. As it matures, the balance of the area's redevelopment must be conducted with consideration of environmental as well as economic issues.What will be your criteria for rating the success of the county's animal control agency and its new leader?The new hire was made with the backdrop of the County's posted description for that position. I'm confident the Health Department and the relevant Board Committee will periodically review the new director's performance against that description and advise the full Board regarding the same.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis--striving for change in the context of maintaining traditionWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Family comes first. Offer help to others. Give back.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Hindsight is a benefit, but I wouldn't want to change the outcome of my life.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?College rhetoric introduced me to writing.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard but enjoy the journey.