Q&A with Collins
1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?
I was appointed to my position as a county board member and following that appointment I have seen areas that I can offer toward the benefit of the people of my district and would like to continue doing so. My first year has been very informative and that in itself gives me something to offer to the community.
2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
As a freshman county board member, it is my responsibility to learn as much about the issues as possible and accept council from senior board members on both sides of the aisle.
3. Do you support moving all county offices to one home surrounding the judicial center? If so, what should be done with the current county government property and buildings on Batavia Avenue? If not, then what's the best use for the remaining acreage at the judicial center?
Given the current economic climate and the drop in property values, a major move of county services right now would not be prudent. This is an issue that we will continue to revisit and review on a regular basis.
4. Kane County continues to experience a population explosion. What are the areas and services you believe will be most challenged by this growth? Where will the money come from to extend and increase services to these new residents?
Recently growth in the county has been slowed. Nevertheless, the county strives to provide all the needed services to insure the economic and social health of our communities. Public safety is also of paramount concern as well as continued maintenance of infrastructure including transportation issues and economic development.
5. The county has taken a leadership role in studying the issue of long-term water supply maintenance and protection. What should the county's emphasis be in this area over the next few years? Explain.
As the question indicates, the county has taken an active role to ascertain needs and availability of long-term water supplies. This information needs to be taken into consideration for the overall planning for growth in areas with limited water supply. The counties role is to work with local municipalities to insure reasonable growth in all areas with particular emphasis on areas with limited water supply.
6. Transportation issues continue to be a major concern to residents. How would you judge the county's response to their demands so far? What would you consider to be of highest county priority in this area and how would you fund its delivery?
The county recognizes that transportation issues will always be an important part of overall economic health of the county. The recent enactment of the impact fee ordinance is a small part of the funding solution. Our main priority over the next few years is to insure that the county gets an appropriate and fair share of the state and federal transportation funding. The next priority, of course, would be the Stearns Road Bridge.
7. Not including those issues already identified above, is there another issue you believe will affect the county or your district over the next four years? If so, define it and explain how you would like to see it addressed.
Early intervention education is always an important issue. I have been personally involved in the writing and publishing of children's books and worked in schools both as an employee and as a volunteer in various after-school programs. Our most important asset is our children and we need more programs that will help re-enfranchise our youth back into society. I will also do more to help senior citizens and people on fixed or low incomes to take advantage of or at least be aware of the various assistance programs offered by the county.
8. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with Kane County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.
No answer.