Brian Pollock: Candidate Profile

Back to Kane County Board District 4

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: Candidate did not respondOffice sought: Kane County Board District 4 Age: 38Family: Single, no children.Occupation: Attorney/small business owner with an Aurora law office concentrating in workers' compensation and personal injury lawEducation: Bachelor's of Arts, Northwestern University, 1999; Juris Doctor, DePaul University College of Law, 2002Civic involvement: Member, Workforce Development Board; legal counsel and youth mentor, League of United Latin American Citizens Council 5218; treasurer, LULAC Council of Aurora Foundation; member, Kane County Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association; constituent service work for Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia and other elected officials; current and past board member/volunteer for various community and civic organizations; worked on Democratic Party campaigns in Aurora for nearly 25 years; treasurer, Latin American Democratic Organization; past treasurer, Aurora Democratic PartyElected offices held: Kane County BoardQuestions Answers Do you believe Kane County Board/Forest Preserve District members should have continued access to per diem payments, health insurance and pension benefits?I strongly support the property tax levy freeze at the county board and forest preserve and continuing to eliminate unnecessary spending helps to preserve the freeze. With the end of per diem payments and related abuses, board members who have a poor attendance record are accountable to their constituents. In order to preserve a levy freeze, I would support ending per diem payments for forest preserve committee meetings. Although the positions of county board member and forest preserve commissioner are considered part time position, the time commitment of board members is often more than part time. As a county board member and forest preserve commissioner, I serve on more than 15 committees. I previously served as chairman of the jobs committee and currently as chairman of the legislative committee. In addition to attending board meetings and working with county staff, I meet with constituents at neighborhood group meetings, at other local government meetings, and at their homes by knocking on doors. Representing the district is a privilege, and the commitment to serving constituents involves more than just attending meetings. Additionally, board members bring expertise in areas such as law, medicine, insurance, public relations, transportation, labor, and agriculture. This expertise has helped save and/or bring additional money to the county, which in turn benefits the county's taxpayers. For example, my relationship with state and federal legislators and experience working with state government has provided benefits to the county and its taxpayers. I have been serving as our county's lobbyist at no additional cost to taxpayers, and have worked to bring back millions of dollars to the county and to pass legislation which benefits the county. Attracting residents who bring this type of experience to serve on the board is important, and the elimination of these benefits could impact potential candidates in the future.For decisions that specifically or mainly impact one county board district, should the rest of the board defer to the wishes of the county board member who represents the impacted district?A good thing about serving on the county board is that board members generally serve in a collegial and professional manner. Unlike some other legislative bodies, we discuss issues deliberately and show respect for each other, even when we have a difference of opinion. In part because of the environment, a great deal of deference is afforded to a board member whose district is specifically or primarily affected by an issue. Each board member represents about 22,000 constituents and has a specialized knowledge of that respective district through their interactions with constituents. For example, I have engaged with my constituents and sought their input on issues by knocking on countless doors as well as by attending meetings of neighborhood groups and other local governments. As a result, I have a unique understanding of what is happening in my district and how my constituents feel about the issues affecting them. My fellow board members will defer to me regarding issues primarily affecting my district, just as I would to them. However, while that deference strongly guides my decision, I do not believe that deference is absolute and my vote is based on what is in the best interests of my constituents. I was elected to serve the residents of my district, and my decisions must be based on their interests.Do you support the redevelopment of the former Settler's Hill landfill? What is your vision for the future use of that site?The landfill is situated in an area surrounded by other recreational facilities, and its use has been recreational for years. Major changes to the fundamental recreational use of the site might not fit the surrounding area. The planned improvement to the golf course is logical. Other fiscally responsible uses that engage residents, such as an observation point, hiking trails, or community gardens, would also fit the character of the area. At the same time, we must consider revenue generating options that are reasonably related to the nature of the area and are not cost prohibitive. With an uncertain state budget situation and our tax levy freeze, a dual use of our property which includes a revenue-generating proponent is critically important. Past proposals like an outdoor concert venue were not fiscally responsible and should be avoided. A combination of some passive uses like hiking trails or observatory in conjunction with a revenue-generating element such as a clubhouse should be considered. The proposed cross country course is a possibility, but further exploration and study is required. The initial feasibility study indicated a situation in which millions of dollars would be used to build a course that would lose money for years. A fiscally irresponsible plan is worse than having no plan. The upcoming environmental study and further discussion with proposed management for the course will shed light on whether this course will be physically and financially viable. We will see whether the course will generate revenue and provide enough recreational use to engage county residents.Do you support the push to keep the tax levies frozen for both the county board and forest preserve district? How long is it realistic for that freeze to remain in place?Yes, I definitely support freezing the levies for the county board and forest preserve. When I ran for the board 3 years ago, my top priority was freezing the tax levy as a part of a new era of fiscal responsibility. I felt that the county board needed to live with the frozen levy and eliminate wasteful and unnecessary spending. I said that I would not support an increase to the levies, and if elected, would not vote to increase the levies. More than 3 years later, I am proud to say that my promise to my constituents was kept. I have voted to freeze all property tax levies while serving as a board member. Last year during discussion regarding a proposed forest preserve levy increase, I was the only vote against increasing the levy at the finance committee meeting. Later, at the full commission meeting, I spoke against the increase and we ultimately voted to continue the levy freeze. The county relies on its share of revenues from Springfield, and without the certainty of a state budget, we face challenges in maintaining the freeze. However, we can meet those challenges and continue the freeze for additional years to provide some tax relief for residents. 3 years ago, I said that the county must eliminate wasteful spending to make a freeze possible. One suggestion was eliminating the county's lobbyists and having board members engage our legislators. We not only eliminated the lobbyists and saved taxpayer money but also increased our strength in Springfield. In the just the last year as legislative committee chair and pro bono lobbyist for the county, I worked with our legislators to get bills passed from which the county can potentially receive an additional $2.5-3 million annually in new money, as well as helping to get our share of state and federal money. By finding additional sources of revenue--whether legislatively, by generating revenue from county property, or by savings from engaging in effective management--we can continue the tax levy freeze. During the great recession, we saw an increase in foreclosures where residents lost their homes. Although it appears that the economy is recovering slowly, we should not burden residents now with increased taxes.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?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.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Candidate did not respond.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Candidate did not respond.