Q&A with Hoscheit
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?
If re-elected, I will advocate for continued fiscal responsibility and promote a continuation of the lowering of our tax rate. At the same time, I will support projects and policies that improve the quality of life such as continued forest preserve land acquisition, strict development and zoning laws, and smart economic growth.
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.
During my term on the county board, I have strongly advocated for local transportation improvements like the Stearns Road Bridge Project and the improvement to the Randall Road and Route 64 intersection. As forest preserve president, I have spearheaded our land acquisition program increasing our holdings from 4,000 to over 18,000 acres. Also, I recently successfully completed negotiating a 20-year extension of the forest preserve's agreement with the Kane County Cougars. This will insure a non-real estate tax based revenue source for the district for decades to come.
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?
Yes, when it is economically feasible. Funds are not currently available and we must first retire outstanding bonds from prior construction projects. The build out will take 10 to 15 years. We should work with the city of Geneva Planning Department to establish the highest and best use for the Batavia Avenue site.
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?
The greatest burden is placed on our schools and our transportation infrastructure. New development must pay its fair share of school and road improvements. We need to advocate for more state and federal funding for our transportation infrastructure.
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.
The county must continue to promote Open Space Preservation through forest preserve land acquisition and farmland preservation. This will help protect the recharge areas. The county development staff needs to encourage local cities and villages to buy into the county's 2030 Land Use Plan.
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 has focused a significant percentage of its resources toward building and maintaining its transportation infrastructure. The board has adopted an Impact Fee Program to attempt to have new development pay its fair share of the costs. The board needs to continue to dedicate its budget to providing the matching funds necessary to continue projects which are primarily paid for with state and federal dollars.
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.
The downturn in the economy has had a serious negative impact on home values. Kane County has to be innovative in promoting job growth and making sure Kane County is a more attractive place to live than surrounding areas. If we do so, our property values will be maintained.
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.
N/A.