Q&A with Mihalec
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?
Because I have seen and heard of the need of improved communication and cooperation between Elgin and Kane County, I decided to run because I can bring to this office extensive knowledge of the area and established relationships with elected officials, city and county staffs, community leaders, and other Elgin area residents and business owners. The skills and relationships that I possess will be incredibly useful during this critical time for Kane County and for Elgin, as a concerted effort must be made to have firmly established links between all relevant parties.
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.
Through my work with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, as a volunteer with many community organizations, via my years in the financial industry, and as a trustee for Elgin Community College, I have developed not only experience in bringing people and resources together, but also broad problem-solving abilities. Also, I not only seek information, I question the information I receive, employing a comprehensive, methodical, and customized analysis of issues. I could enhance the decision-making of the board. I am able to identify, evaluate and develop creative approaches to problem-solving. I am a logical and decisive decision maker. My fresh eyes and keen observation can better pick up on disparities and disconnects. These skills, my dedication, my work ethic, my extensive network of contacts, and my ability to reach out to relevant parties would help the board in actions regarding the challenges being faced now and in the future.
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?
On the surface, moving all county offices to one home surrounding the judicial center sounds as if it would make the operation of the county more efficient. However, many factors have to be considered before this would make sense. For example, is there enough room? How would area traffic be affected? Would having all of the offices on one campus truly enhance the operation of the county and its ability to serve its constituents? And the big question, would the county ever be able to afford this? While it might make sense to move some county functions currently being handled at the Batavia Avenue property to the judicial center campus so that space may be increased for the remaining functions, again - can we afford to do this? Will the money spent result in higher efficiencies and an enhanced ability to serve the people of Kane County? Finally, unlike what has recently occurred, all relevant parties - municipalities, neighbors, and others - need to be invited and included in discussions, and in a timely way.
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 easier question would be, what won't be greatly challenged by Kane County's expected level of growth? The expected increase in population will greatly challenge our water supply and its quality, our air quality, our transportation system, our courts, our corrections facilities, our ability to preserve open space, and the managing of mandated services, such as those provided by the health department. Of course, being able to address these issues requires adequate finances. As we are more than challenged today by all of this, changes must be made so that the greater challenges ahead can be met. No problem is unsolvable; it is simply waiting for the solution to be discovered. But most importantly: the best creative thinking will have to be employed; the county will need to evaluate what its function truly is; the necessary level and timeliness of communication will have to be in place before adequate (and, hopefully, satisfactory) solutions can be discovered; the Kane County Board and other elected officials will need to scrutinize closer and more frequently the county's finances; the board will also have to develop, strengthen, and show respect for the necessary relationships - locally, statewide, and nationally. Not only will this allow for expanded capacity for idea generation, it will encourage education so that resources (both natural and man-made) can be conserved and used appropriately. Via these avenues, the potential for idea generation, the full harnessing of technology, the employment of conservation, and the commitment to fiduciary responsibility will improve our ability to not only generate revenue, they will also allow us to use revenue more effectively and efficiently. Less time, energy, and money will be wasted on battles with municipalities, internally, with residents, and with others.
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.
Long-term water supply and maintenance and protection is critical for the future of Kane County. However, this cannot be accomplished without a significant number of partnerships, a significant increase in two-way discussions, and a significant level of education. Updates need to be made on aquifer information so that the county can better lead discussions with municipalities, landowners, residents, and businesses regarding use of groundwater. These discussions need to take place so that agreements can be put in place regarding water usage. These discussions can also be the catalysts for education regarding: conservation; the use of plantings near existing creeks, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands to slow the flow of surface water so that the rate of recharge/absorption can increase and flooding and erosion will decrease; the use of permeable materials for parking lots and other areas currently paved water so that the rate of recharge/absorption can increase and flooding and erosion will decrease; threats to water quality; and the realization and acceptance that there are limits to the amounts and types of residential and commercial development that can occur in particular areas of Kane County.
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?
While there have been efforts toward employing new ways to expand our transportation infrastructure, discussions with relevant parties (such as municipalities, service providers), specific populations, and businesses have been incomplete, perceived as one-sided, and exclusionary. One reason that has been given for dissatisfaction on the part of relevant parties is a lack of agreement. However, that is not likely when the parties believe that there concerns are being considered and respected, even if there is not agreement. Additionally, this is an area where the county and the municipalities need to examine where their roles should begin and end. For example, there are cases (especially those involving the establishment of new north/south corridors) where municipal "ownership" of roads makes more sense than county "ownership." This makes sense because: expanding corridors to six lanes (plus turn lanes) creates potential for gridlock, limits positive development opportunities, and inhibits the use of bicycles; county road standards require less efficient land use in urban/commercial areas; and municipalities can use impact fees from new development to pay for improvements to their roads. Relationships with service providers need to be expanded so that their offered services can be fully utilized. Staff participation on workforce and transportation boards and in those types of organizations need to be not only understood, but better communicated to the board and other elected officials. Finally, the approach to transportation needs to be looked at more comprehensively and more collaboratively, as opportunities are being missed and net revenue-producing development is being delayed or hampered.
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.
Acceptance of the ethnic, economic, educational, and resource differences throughout the county and increasing private efforts toward enhancing the quality of life. Education and involvement will help encourage more of the same.
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.