Q&A with Tredup

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 motivation in running for re-election is the desire to accomplish well-planned growth without the burden of additional taxes. Some of these accomplishments like the new county jail and the animal shelter (state-mandated) are two good examples of thoughtful planning. Projects built on county-owned land without imposing any additional burden on taxpayers. A special priority of mine is open spaces, which is the only written guarantee we have to insure that future generations have the same benefits of county-owned land.

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 following: Acquiring 40 tranquil acres from the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Elgin that will be operated as a recreational area by the city of Elgin; worked closely with Elgin to acquire 223 acres for the far Northwest Regional Park; aided Elgin Community Crisis Center in securing $450,000 for a building expansion to serve abused and neglected women and children; $100,000 for the Boys and Girls Club new building; funding for Almora Terrace group home for Little City Foundation; worked with area state senators to secure the vacant building at the Elgin Mental Health Center for Larkin Home; Ecker Center for Mental Health-Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley; the Judicial Committee that worked to achieve the new Jail and the Health Committee, largely responsible for the new Animal Control Building.

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?

Yes, I support the consolidation of all county offices to the area surrounding the Judicial Center, which was the original purpose for purchasing this parcel. Putting everything on one campus is a judicious use of county money. I believe the current government complex in Geneva is an extremely desirable location because of its close proximity to the train and the beautiful grounds. The county will be working closely with the city of Geneva for the future use of this 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?

Roads and bridges. These become a public safety issue and we need to maximize the federal and state contributions in order to minimize the financial impact on our residents. The county needs to work diligently to insure that we receive our fair share of contributions. We have implemented impact fees to make sure any new developments help pay for these improvements.

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.

Water preservation is such an important issue. With so many private wells in rural Kane County, we have to be ever vigilant about a safe and plentiful aquifer. We need regular reasonable inspections to make sure that environmental regulations are always upheld. The county is fortunate to have an experienced and expert staff working on this.

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?

Building new bridges to move traffic east and west. The county has done a remarkable job to date with the new Stearns Road Bridge set to open in 2009. New bridges always present hard choices, how to fund them, and the Bolz Road corridor is a much needed bridge. I believe that the people that use the roads and bridges most, would be willing to pay for them.

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.

An issue affecting my district will be the interchange on Route 20, Randall Road and Foothill Road. The county will work with the city of Elgin and IDOT to minimize the impact on surrounding neighborhoods, reduce traffic, and maintain the safety of our residents. Multiple cars parked in residential areas is a primary concern for some of our neighborhoods. The county and the city of Elgin needs stronger nuisance laws.

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.

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