Todd Zies: 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: North AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 10 Age: 52Family: Nancy Zies - WifeBailey Zies - DaughterKennedy Zies - DaughterOccupation: Captain/ParamedicEducation: Batavia High SchoolUniversity of Illinois - The Illinois Fire Service Institute - Instructor 1 ,2- Tactics and Strategy 1,2 Management 1,2,3,4, Fire/Arson investigation 1,2,3 Firefighter 1,2,3. Southern Fox Valley Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Program 22 years.Civic involvement: Kane County Police Chiefs Chairman, Officer of the Year.Kane County Safety Collation member.Firefighters Cancer Survivors Foundation Vice President.Camp Counselor for children burn survivorsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Do you support or oppose construction of the Longmeadow Parkway, including the use of a toll for the crossing over the Fox River?The Longmeadow Parkway has been in the works for years and much research was done to ensure the best solutions. The bridge will reduce congestion and be a safe route for pedestrians and bicyclists as well. The Longmeadow project will create jobs and support local businesses with better traffic flow and accessibility. It will create new or renewed interest in Northern Kane County, attracting potential new development along the path. The toll will help pay down the debt of the bridge. I think people are willing to pay tolls for a quicker route. If not, alternative routes are available.Do you agree with the Kane County State's Attorney, Kane County Public Defender and Kane County Sheriff that they require more staff? If so, where will the money come from to support that additional staff?I believe all these divisions are understaffed, which could become a liability for Kane County because of safety issues and the inability to defend or process cases in a timely fashion. The issue is how we fund new staffing without a tax increase to generate more revenue and make sure each department is utilizing their employees in the most effective way, and increase user's fees for court services.Do you support a completely frozen Kane County property tax levy, or would you support a non-referendum increase of the county's property tax levy to factor in new construction?I support the county's property tax levy to factor in new construction. I think i is best to take advantage of the new valuation of properties and it does not necessarily mean taxes will go up.What is your philosophy regarding the use of forest preserve district property? Are projects like the proposed cross country course for the former Settler's Hill Landfill appropriate?I think Kane County's forest preserves are one of our greatest assets. We need to do everything we can to maintain our open spaces so they are able to be enjoyed by everyone.The cross country course planned for Settlers Hill will be a real benefit to Kane County. There are so many people interested in running and it seems all our local high schools have outstanding cross country programs. The course should be will utilized and the increased traffic to the area will be great for local businesses and also bring potential for more revenue.Do you believe Kane County's elected officials, including the board, are fairly compensated? Or is it time to explore raises for all the elected offices?I do feel that the County Board members are compensated fairly. There has been in-depth discussion regarding pay raises for elected officials. It may be time to conduct a study to see how like counties compensate their employees. I do believe if you want to attract and retain great employees, they need to be fairly compensated.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Water conservation and developing long term water plan. We need to figure out where our water will come from and be stored in the future. Also make sure we are addressing mental health issues which in turn will help alleviate some of the overcrowding in our jails.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dale Berman Mayor of North Aurora, hard worker, humble and a mentor to me for years.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spend more time with my parents before they passed.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Science, working as a fire investigator determining cause and origin of a fire.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always look for the best in people,