Kane candidates share views on county campus consolidation

Come Tuesday Nov. 4, near-west Elgin area voters have a choice between a three-term Republican or an upstart Democrat to represent them on the Kane County Board.

GOP nominee and 12-year board veteran Donald Wolfe, a 59-year-old real estate appraiser, hopes to win another 4-year term.

Wolfe says he has focused on transportation, land use and economic development.

"Believe it or not, I enjoy the work and think I am pretty good at it," he said.

Hoping to unseat him is Jeanette Mihalec, a 46-year-old Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce executive. Mihalec says her ability to communicate and cooperate with others will aid in her service.

"I am a logical and decisive decision maker. My fresh eyes and keen observation can better pick up on disparities and disconnects," she said.

Both candidates boast strong Elgin roots and community involvement, but differ on some key issues.

One of them is whether the county should move more of its operations near the Judicial Center in St. Charles and the new jail that opened this year.

Wolfe favors this move, saying it's part of a long-range plan to improve services and make them more efficient.

"It is part of a master plan voted on my the county board as a concept. The concept so far has not been shown to be flawed," he said. "The current county site should be sold and redeveloped."

Mihalec acknowledges the move could make operations more efficient. But she still has unanswered questions.

"Would having all of the offices on one campus truly enhance the operation of the county and its ability to serve its constituents?" she asked. "And the big question, would the county ever be able to afford this?"

The district generally covers parts of Elgin west of the Fox River, north of Route 20, east of McLean Boulevard and south of Airport/Davis roads near Interstate 90.