Kane County debate centers on jail, taxes

Taxes and the jail were the main issues when the two Republican Kane County Board chairman candidates faced off in an election forum Thursday night.

Incumbent Chairman Karen McConnaughay touted her leadership record, pointing out that the $58 million jail project started during her administration is on time, on budget and funded without a tax increase. County officials will take steps -- like promoting electronic home monitoring for qualified defendants -- to manage the jail population, she said.

She also pointed out that county government eats up just a small portion of property tax bills, taking in just five cents of each resident's tax dollar.

Challenger Jim MacRunnels, meanwhile, positioned himself as a fiscal conservative and financial expert, charging that the jail will be too small for the county's needs and accusing the current board of spending recklessly. The election, he said, is "going to come down to your pocketbook."

"The taxation is continuing to escalate," said MacRunnels, an Elburn financial management adviser. "Until we address that and our spending, the county will have a rough road ahead."

McConnaughay, of St. Charles, said it was "disingenuous" for MacRunnels to blame higher taxes on the county board when the taxing formula is determined by the state.

"As I look to the future, I can say with confidence that we've been responsible and respectful of taxpayers' pocketbooks," McConnaughay said. "I lived up to my promises."

Thursday's forum, held at Batavia city hall and sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Batavia and Geneva/St. Charles, marked the candidates' second appearance together on the campaign trail this week. The pair battled Wednesday night at an event sponsored by the Campton Township GOP.

McConnaughay, who was first elected to the county board in 1992, is seeking a second 4-year term as chairman. This is MacRunnels' first run for political office.