Q&A with Rzeppa

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?

My primary reason for involvement is the long-term growth and future development of Kane County. Decisions being made today are going to have an impact on our children when they become homeowners and the next generation of taxpayers. We require a balanced mix of residential, open space, and economic development to keep Kane County an attractive location for future investment.

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'd apply the lessons of teamwork, initiative, and planning I have gained through 15 years of corporate experience in order to establish a more resourceful form of government. I have worked on due-diligence projects ranging from minor agreements to multimillion dollar acquisitions.

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 agree with the 2050 plan, which calls for county buildings to be located at one "campus." The current property can be sold as office space, a satellite location for a college or university, or possibly part of a medical campus. Its proximity to the local train station means it can serve a much larger area for commuters. Another option would be to convert it to open space, as the Veteran's Memorial located on the front lawn lends itself to a park setting. This option, however, would depend on a number of points - the county's financial position, other needs (parking for the Metra line), or nearby development.

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?

I would defer to the following two points (5 and 6) regarding what will have the heaviest impact on the growth of the county. While increases in a population will cause increased demands for services - police, public health, etc. - the overall ability to move people within the county, locate them close to transportation centers, shopping facilities, and/or their workplace, make a more livable and attractive community for outside investment and development.

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.

Maintaining a proper mix of development that includes wetlands or open space that helps to filter runoff or snowmelt and maintain it in the two-tiered aquifer systems. Recovering as much water as possible and filtering it naturally through a wetland gives you the capability of recharging the aquifers that many communities pull from for their water. It also protects the deep aquifers, where less palatable minerals, such as arsenic, are found. The aquifers Kane County pulls from are part of a much larger regional ecosystem, including the Fox River Watershed, so communication and uniformity in planning are necessary to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

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?

One engine for engaging economic development is to make sure the infrastructure needs - roads and transportation - are modern and capable of handling the mobility of a company's workforce. As someone who once commuted from the east, it was great to reverse-commute out here. From a personal issue, the Stearns Road bridge project will give many of us on the west side of the Fox River between Elgin and St. Charles a solid conduit to the east, easing some traffic congestion on Lake Street and North Avenue. The future of the CN and EJE merger may have an impact on larger, regional issues, including the STAR line and local Metra traffic flows. Also, continued development on the western parts of the county will cause more extensive use of the corridors crossing the county. Regarding funding, the current mix of fees, levies, and reimbursements may not be enough. Re-prioritization of projects and additional revenues may be required, along with continued pursuit of state and federal grants.

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.

One overarching issue is the current mortgage market and the impact on the appraised value of properties which the county draws a large part of it taxes from which it operates. Combined with slowing sales tax revenue, the county must be as effective and efficient as possible in delivering services to the taxpayers we serve.

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.

My cousin's wife, Lynn O'Shea, is involved with the PACE/Paratransit Program. She is involved with the Association for Individual Development.