Craig Lee: Candidate Profile

Back to Kane County Auditor

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: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Auditor Age: 64Family: WidowedChristopher 36, son Michael Brandon 30, sonOccupation: RetiredEducation: BS in Banking and Finance from Mississippi State 1974President and Deans List ScholarCivic involvement: Involved in St. Charles Riverfest for over 20 years in various positions. I was in charge of the Main Stage (largest site)overseeing food vendors, entertainment, ticket sales, beer sales, perform audits, make deposits, assist in site set up and clean up.Tri City Exchange ClubStc. St. Pat's Day Parade MarshalStc.Electric Light Parade Marshal Stc. Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: VP of Town Homes of Fisher Farms Association.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?I'm running for Kane County Auditor because I know I can do the job, a Better job. I'm qualified and available to work full time for the Tax Payers of Kane County. My wife and I, 12 -15 yrs., ago helped candidates run for office to protect the tax payers of Kane County. The goal was to reduce the taxes that continued to rise. I today, after my wife's passing, I'm still intending to accomplish that goal and protect the Tax Payers!What special qualifications does a county auditor need that may not apply to other county offices? What professional qualifications or experiences do you possess that will help ensure your success as auditor?I posses a degree in Finance and decades of business experience in the private and corporate sector. I've worked for Morgan Stanley. I've performed audits on a regular bases in business and when Flags popped up. I have all the available time to dedicate to the position.To what extent must an auditor remain independent of other county offices and officials, and how will you ensure the appropriate level of independence in this office?The Auditor's Office should be Independent and Non Political. And will be in my Administration. I'm here to do the Right thing for the tax payers of Kane County. Most of the County Leaders know me and my reputation and ability to working together.Describe your position regarding the allocation of resources in the auditor's office. Are personnel allocated as they should be? Are there capital expense or other budgetary items that the office must address, and, if so, how do you propose to address them?The current Auditor's budget is up 30.55% since he took office and he hire 2 people when all others departments were adhering to a hiring freeze. All other department were holding the line and was asked to give back 10%.I've worked with budgets most of my career and will continue to so in the Auditor's office.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?First time candidate. I've been appointed Geneva 21 Precinct CommitteemanWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?To do my job as Auditor ! Look for revenue streams .....2% Cash Back/Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Trish Lee who battled cancer and never complained and still thought of others. She made me a better person!What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard, be credible and possess lots of integrity.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not grind hamburger meat !What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math / Finance It gave me a great understanding about the world of Business, Profit and Expenses. Return on Investment was monumentalIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Do you want to be Right or Happy ?We need to get along and work things out.