Q&A with Keck

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?

During my 16 years as Kane County Auditor, I've earned a reputation of independence and integrity as a watchdog for responsible government. I'm running for re-election as Kane County Auditor so that I can continue to hold our county government accountable for taxpayer's dollars. As our county continues to grow, keeping government spending in check will pose a greater challenge than ever. To meet this challenge head on, citizens need a county auditor with the knowledge and experience to meet this challenge head on.

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.

In addition to working to ensure that the county consistently operates within its budget, I'm proud to say that under my leadership we've improved accountability in the distribution of riverboat funds and eliminated nearly half a million dollars in unnecessary county spending and fees.

3. Should the auditor's office take more control over how tax money is expended within various county departments? Or should each elected official have total control over the dollars within his or her budget? Specifically, define how you view the auditor's oversight responsibility.

No. Each elected official is governed by the internal operation statute for their office, meaning they have control over their own budget with approval from the county board. My role as county auditor is to carefully review prospective expenditures to ensure that they fulfill a valid public purpose and conform with the budget's bottom line.

4. What would you do to improve the effectiveness of the position?

As auditor, I'm always looking for opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the office so I can save the taxpayers more money. Specifically, I'm working to improve efficiency and government accountability by implementing new audit software, launching an employee hotline, and increasing the scope and frequency of audits.

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

Yes. As communication technology continues to improve, we will be moving closer and closer to a paperless auditor's office. This presents a tremendous opportunity, but the challenge will be to maintain the integrity of the audits through secure data retrieval.

6. 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.

My sister, Elaine Fox, has worked as an election judge, but not when I have been on the ballot.