Kane County Board candidates oppose Longmeadow, Settler's Hill plans

Regardless of which candidate is elected Nov. 8, the new Kane County Board member representing District 24 will oppose the controversial Longmeadow Parkway project.

Democrat Jarett Sanchez is up against Republican Roben Hall in the district that includes Barrington Hills and Carpentersville. Both Carpentersville residents have long denounced the proposed 5.6-mile road and toll bridge, which would pass through Algonquin and both towns in their district.

In the primary election, Sanchez, 33, beat out incumbent Joe Haimann, who supports the roughly $135 million project. Sanchez called the parkway "oversized and underfunded," and questioned its environmental affect on the Fox River and the Brunner Forest Preserve.

Hall, 43, said the "highway-type" roadway would be too close to residential areas, which could potentially be noisy and unsafe for the families and kids who live there. She and Sanchez both argue the cost of the project could fall back on the taxpayers.

"I don't think it's fair to have taxpayers paying for a road they don't even want," Hall said.

The two candidates also agree on their stance opposing another county project: the redevelopment of the former Settler's Hill landfill in Geneva. The proposal would use a roughly $9 million fund to turn the hill into a cross-country course.

To get more residents to use the space, Hall said Settler's Hill should instead be turned into a public park with pavilions for people to rent out. "The cross-country (plan) is a very limited venue," she said.

Sanchez said he believes the hill should become a prairie or a wildlife restoration preserve.

"People need more space to go to that is preserved, natural and that isn't developed and built up," he said

So with these two opponents in agreement on their stance for two major county projects, what sets them apart?

"I have experience that can be usable in a political office," Hall said, pointing to her background in government, religion, social work and retail.

By actively seeking community feedback, Sanchez said he wants to be a board member that represents his constituents.

"I'm of a younger generation," he said. "I'm really trying to incorporate wat the people want into what I do."