Q&A with Teeter

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?

Why - To be a positive voice for Carpentersville seeking to get our fair share of funding and support here in the far north part of the county. What - To be an advocate for Carpentersville and to work with the other county reps in the area becoming a stronger voice for us in the northern part of the county. An example of a missed opportunity is the non-funding of the Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township. The county through its Elgin board members brought $200,000 to the Elgin Boys and Girls Club. These funds were paid through the riverboat funds. The Boys and Girls Club of Dundee Township received zero dollars and had to come to the village board for funds. This sparked me to run for the citizens and bring our fair share back to Carpentersville.

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.

Partisan politics have been the scourge in all politics. People don't really care if you are a Democrat, Republican or an Independent. They just want you to get things done. I have conducted myself in a very nonpartisan way on the village board and would take that trait to the county. If we bring that idea of cooperation to a county level maybe Carpentersville will get its fair share in return.

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?

The long-term goal of having a campus-style government center is a good goal. The moving of the jail to the Judicial Center property will reduce long-term transportation costs and help the county manage its prison population much better. The taxpayer saves in the long run. Citizens should not have to search all over for their government services. Currently, you have county government scattered all over - the circuit clerk in St. Charles, other county offices in Geneva and others scattered throughout the county. Bringing them under one roof is a good idea. This is similar to the concept of our new public works center here in Carpentersville. As for what to do with the property, I would think that selling it off and putting it back on the tax rolls will benefit all taxpayers. This is a long-term goal that cannot be done all at once.

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?

Drinking water and protecting our aquifers is one of the main concerns. Controlling stormwater runoff will help with natural filtration in retention areas improving water quality as aquifers are recharged. Water that ends up in the Fox River also is more naturally filtered which also contributes to water quality as well as protecting our natural resources. These particular items are handled through the county stormwater ordinance facilitated by the local communities. Each community that has new or redevelopment must pass the requirements and financial responsibility to the developer.

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 board has taken the lead in developing a Regional Water Authority. This is the key to protecting our supplies in the future. The current system is flawed as he who can drill and pump just takes the water with very little oversight on responsible use. A regional water authority much like stormwater management is a must if we are to avert crisis in the future.

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?

There is no doubt that we need a north-end bridge. The county is researching the possibilities of a toll bridge as a way to help fund some of the construction. The traffic that clogs Carpentersville roads is trying to get north and west to McHenry County. My residents need relief. I have lived in Carpentersville for 30 years, and I see our bridges being clogged up with traffic heading north and west. Carpentersville recently rebuilt its Main Street bridge and support helping get people over the river. The rush hour bridge crossing times have tripled in the years I have lived in Carpentersville. I also would fight for our fair share of the recent 1/4-cent tax that is estimated to bring in between $14 and $20 million for transportation and public safety. The people of Carpentersville spend a lot of money in Kane County contributing to this money. We should have our traffic needs addressed.

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.

I think it is important for the county to have better communication with the residents. I know Kane County has a great Web site, but they must do a better job broadcasting to the residents what programs and resources are available. They are starting to do better by going out to the communities and educating them about the "Housing Assistance Programs and Tax Exemptions." Public access channels is one way to put information out and control cost.

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.