Nicolas Jimenez: 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: ElburnWebsite: www.facebook.com/NicoJimenez2016Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 18 Age: 24Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Quality Assurance SpecialistEducation: B.S. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 2015Marmion Academy, May 2010Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Precinct Committeeman, Campton Township 01Questions 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 Bridge has shown both positive and negative arguments from local citizens in Kane County for several years. While I understand the County's desire to build this bridge, I will heed the plight of local residents and their fierce opposition to the construction. It is estimated that the bridge will cost $143million to complete, charging an additional toll to account for a portion of that cost, potentially leaving us in a deficit. I do not believe the county is prepared to take on a project of this magnitude and will not be in support of this construction.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?With the limited information available, I cannot say with certainty whether or not these offices are in need of additional staff. I would, however, support an increase in staff as long as each office provides a detailed business rationale for the proposed increases. The Kane County State's Attorney, Kane County Public Defender, and Kane County Sheriff are all very important to our community and if there is a need for staff increases then a proper review is necessary.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?The issue of property taxes in Kane County has been undoubtedly sensitive over the last several years. Many argue the freeze continues to benefit the county and its citizens while others suggest budgets are suffering due to rising prices and stagnant revenues. Presently, the Finance and Budget Committee is working with a $5.4million deficit for FY2017 and searching for ways to balance the budget while maintaining the frozen tax levy. While I support lower taxes, this may be the last year Kane County will be able to maintain the frozen property tax levy without seeing negative effects in the community.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 preserves were created with the intent of protecting and preserving local wildlife in its natural state and giving the public the opportunity to learn and experience nature. I support bringing our community together through sport, but after reading through the Settler's Hill Cross-Country Course Market and Feasibility Study, I, unfortunately, do not believe the construction of a cross-county course is currently appropriate for the former Settler's Hill Landfill. According to the study, the county will be in a deficit even 10 years after the completion of the course despite huge reductions in costs from non-profits and volunteer work.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 the elected county officials provide very important services to the people of our communities and that they should be compensated for the great work they do. In my opinion, the elected officials are currently being paid a commensurate salary and it is not the appropriate time to be exploring raises for these positions.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am running for this office because I believe local government is about bringing people together and involving everyone in the decision making process. When citizens come together and discuss the issues facing our communities they have a vested interest in the outcomes of the decisions they make. Communities that work together create policies that enable growth and prosperity for their citizens. My goal is to listen not only to the people of my district but to all of the people in Kane County and do my best to represent the will of the people.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Sen. Bernie Sanders has been a monumental inspiration for me with his ability to bring people together and stand up for what he believes in.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Developing mental toughness allows you the ability to get through any and all adversity.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I have no major regrets in my life that I would like to do-over. I think it's important to learn from mistakes and keep improving.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Science has always been my favorite subject in school because it forces you to think differently and explore all options before arriving at the conclusion.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never allow anyone to tell you what you can and cannot achieve. Always keep fighting for what you believe in and never stop dreaming.