Q&A with Kaczmarski

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?

The new jail is too small; it won't meet the needs of the county, yet it is being touted as "under budget." Taxpayers still will pay millions yearly to house overflow inmates out of county because the new jail doesn't meet the need. I have concerns on the purchase of the former Montgomery Ward's property. "Forgot" to renew the lease? If the purchase is such a good idea, how could everyone forget? I call it incompetence. Why are we now in an eminent domain lawsuit? Why is the county venturing into real estate management? Three FOIA requests and I still don't have a copy of the lease. No money is budgeted for this purchase. Consulting fees have increased 322 percent the last three years. Too many companies doing business with Kane County contribute to my opponent's campaign. I believe our government can do better and Kane taxpayers deserve better.

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.

Many community leaders are left out of the planning process right now and meet with indifference when confronting my opponent. Without question members of the community, community leaders, and other elected officials need to feel they have a voice in decisions being made by our local government. My door will be open. Too many decisions are made by committee and pushed through the full board. Board members are often treated rudely and without regard. I will bring civility and respect to the board room. I am a proponent of "Smart Growth," supporting sustainable development that can address the transportation and water issues facing our future. More should be done to protect Kane farms; the Prairie Parkway should be scrapped. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have needlessly been spent on consultants in the last three years. The money can be spent addressing issues created by diminishing revenues due to the economy.

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?

Not necessarily. Security concerns could shut down the entire judicial center and county offices if they are located on the same campus. It's big; access and parking is much easier at offices on Batavia Avenue. Buildouts for the jail and juvenile center have already been included in a concept plan approved by the board Aug. 12, 2008 leaving little room for anything other than adequate parking. Visitors will need to wear walking shoes. Rather than overbuild the property which is surrounded on the north and south by homes, the remaining property should be set aside as a nature area planted with native prairie plants to offset some of the impact of the development. An open area and perhaps even a trail system would allow for water runoff created by all the concrete and create a pleasant buffer for our surrounding neighbors.

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?

Kane County, like the rest of the nation, no longer is experiencing a population explosion and unprecedented growth. The party's over. The last three years have seen foreclosures rise in Kane County at an alarming rate; drive anywhere and there are empty stores where business once thrived. Transportation and water issues top the list for future challenges. Last year, the county doubled the gas tax to provide an additional $4.6 million annually with the intent to build new roads and bridges and maintain the current infrastructure. The county is expected to receive $15 million a year from the recent RTA tax increase. More bike paths and improved public transportation are imperative, but mostly the county must embrace "Smart Growth," working with developers on sustainable growth while improving communities and preserving the environment. Maintaining services to our citizens with decreasing revenues due to our "self-correcting" economy will be a great challenge.

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.

"Smart Growth." It is essential that any development be done in a sustainable manner, and planning should be integrated to include development, roads, and open space conservation efforts inclusively. Development impact must be countered with protecting watersheds to improve water quality and stream ecosystems and to preserve stream corridors. Watershed planning, management and restoration are essential to ensure healthy water supplies for generations to come. Cooperation among community and county officials is the key.

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 begun studies to improve public transportation and incorporate more bike paths to encourage alternatives to driving. The additional $4.6 million a year from the gas tax hike as well as the $15 million a year from the recent RTA tax increase should be used wisely to address these initiatives. Increased access to public transportation and connecting transportation hubs such as the train stations need to be actively explored.

7. Not including those issues already identified above, is there another issue you believe will affect the county over the next four years? If so, define it and explain how you would like to see it addressed.

Transportation and water issues top the list for future challenges as well as promoting a healthy business climate. By focusing on strengthening our infrastructure, eliminating unnecessary consulting fees, freezing elected officials' salaries and making thoughtful decisions by working cooperatively with community leaders, I believe Kane County can continue to thrive and provide an enviable quality of life for its citizens.

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.

I have no relatives employed by or involved in contracts with Kane County.