John Kopp: 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: AuroraWebsite: www.kopp4kane.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 4 Age: 33Family: I married my wife and best friend, Dominica Kopp, in 2011. Dominica and I grew up together in Aurora and attended school together beginning in kindergarten. We have a daughter, Sloane, who is two and a half, and a newborn son, Vincent. My parents are Bonnie (Oros) and Randy Kopp. I have one sister, Katie Steil. I am fifth generation Aurora resident.Occupation: Criminal Defense Attorney, The Law Office of John Randal Kopp, P.C.Education: Holy Angels School, Aurora (1997)Marmion Academy, Aurora (2001)Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2004) B.A. Broadcast and Electronic Communications cum laude, Minor in Political ScienceMarquette University Les Aspin Center for Government, Washington, D.C.(2004) Graduate and Intern at the United States House of RepresentativesJohn Marshall Law School, Chicago (2008), J.D.Civic involvement: Mock Trial Team Coach, West Aurora High School, Aurora (2015-Present)Mock Trial Team Coach, Marmion Academy, Aurora (Inaugural Year Presently)Lector and Eucharistic Minister, St. Peter's Church, Aurora (2013-Present)Marmion Academy Alumni Association Board, Aurora (2013-2016)Elected offices held: No elected offices held.Hired to the Office of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office as an Assistant State's Attorney (2009-2014)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?I have attended Kane County Board meetings for several months, and this remains a controversial issue. The reality is that the Longmeadow Parkway has been in planning stages for 25 years. I support the use of a toll to satisfy the bridge debt and to capture dollars from drivers from outside of Kane County. Kane County has secured several million dollars from the state and federal governments to build it, and it will not increase our Kane County taxes. In addition to its functional value, building the parkway will create local jobs, putting our tax dollars back into the community.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?Safety of Kane County residents is priority. We also cannot ignore the Constitutional Right of an accused to have an attorney represent him or her. As a former prosecutor and current defense attorney, I understand that the criminal justice system needs proper staffing to function at its best. The Sheriff needs trained officers to handle safety and corrections. The State's Attorney's Office and Public Defender's Office need Assistants and support staff to handle large caseloads. To achieve that end, there has to be a compromise of lean budget proposals in conjunction with thoughtful, innovative, and appropriate budgeting by Board Members.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 a frozen Kane County property tax levy because I support measures that keep money in the pockets of hard-working residents. While the current Board has done well over the last 5 years to freeze the levy, they are positioned to increase the levy in an upcoming vote. If I am elected to the Board, I am committed to searching for alternative sources of revenue. I am confident that with some creative and intelligent thinking, the Board will reach budget solutions that will afford the same exceptional and essential services to Kane County without digging deeper into taxpayer pockets.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?Forest Preserve District property should be respected as a precious natural resource while the residents of Kane County enjoy its beauty and benefits. Settler's Hill cross country course is a great example of a relatively low-cost improvement, it will be low-impact on the integrity of the land, and it will offer daily amenities for cross country walkers and runners. It will also draw cross country runners for competition at multiple levels, bringing alternative sources of revenue into Kane County when competitors use hotels, restaurants, gas stations and shops. It also promotes health and encourages people to get out into nature.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 believe that elected officials serve at the pleasure of their constituents who elect them and pay their salaries. I also believe that compensation should match the value added to the County offices and departments by their service. For those in top positions, they take on a leadership role at a fraction of their counterparts in private sector positions. They forgo that in order to serve the public. Others, like Board Members, typically have full-time jobs in addition to their public service. Kane County does well striking a balance between fair compensation for service while maintaining a fiscally responsible outlook.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Bringing businesses into Aurora's west side and into Kane County generally is critical to thrive. We have to listen to the needs of consumers and implement innovative ways to provide those businesses and services.The County and City governments need to develop business incentives that will attract diverse businesses into our area, from boutique shops in downtown areas to corporations that can offer substantial employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers. A growing business sector means more jobs and a growing economy for the benefit of the entire community.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by the Dalai Lama because of his commitment to the promotion of basic human values and the fostering of inter-religious harmony.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My parents taught me to always be kind and appreciative, and reminded me that polite manners go a very long way in achieving your goals.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would re-live my wedding day so I could enjoy being the luckiest guy in the room. I wouldn't change a thing about that day.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject in school was math. It assured me that I should become a lawyer.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Love unconditionally and you cannot go wrong.