Q&A with Kissane

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 have enjoyed serving my district. I believe in being very active in the community and in making a difference. I want to continue to make my community a better place to live and work. Over the years, I have formed relationships with government officials, business professionals, educators and the local residents. I believe these relationships have prepared me to deal effectively with the problems and issues confronting Kane County.

The issues that motivate me the most are open space, taxes and transportation. I serve on the finance and budget committee and my main priority and focus will be to look for ways to save tax dollars and maintain control of the budget process. I also serve on the Kane County Bridge Task Force, and I am working hard to resolve the traffic issues in my area.

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.

I have taken the lead in the Raceway Woods and with the help of Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Haney to preserve the silo. Also with the purchase of the Brunner Property with the help of many others, I was the go between person with the Forest Preserve President John Hoscheit. This was the largest purchase in all of Kane County.

Successfully supported and passed an $80 million dollar bond referendum for open space in Kane County.

Supported the new county jail without raising tax dollars and finishing under budget. Brought $74,000 in grant money to Carpentersville.

Co-chair on the Legislative Committee went to Springfield and worked with senators and state representatives to bring dollars back to Kane County.

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?

I do support all the county offices moving to the Judicial Center. This is what the land was purchased for, and we need to plan for the future of Kane County. Although this is a long-range plan, I don't believe there is any better use for this property. I believe we should sell off all the other buildings and property.

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 most challenging service to the residents of Kane County will be the roads and traffic. With the municipalities growing at a fast rate that far exceeds the capacity of our infrastructure and schools, I believe we need to work together with municipalities on impact fees. The builders need to pay their fair share for roads and schools so that the burden is not put on the taxpayers.

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 has conducted a study because it is vital. Although we have no authority over municipalities, we need to work very close together. This is also why I support open space. Open space serves as a natural recharge area for our aquifers and will not be developed.

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?

I believe the county has addressed transportation issues with the 2030 plan and has also raised impact frees on new development. The Stearns Road project is another example, and moving forward on the Longmeadow Parkway project, which I consider this the county's highest priority. I support the toll bridge because I believe that raising taxes should be an absolute last resort in solving the problem. The taxpayers are already paying enough taxes.

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 Longmeadow Parkway bridge is the most important project that needs to be finished for my district. The biggest issue in the county is smart growth, working together with municipalities, impact fees and accountability for tax dollars by getting projects done without raising taxes.

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.

None.