Three to choose from for Kane's 20th District

One thing is for sure about who will win the Kane County Board's 20th District seat: it will be a woman.

Exactly who that is will be up to voters to decide Tuesday, but they have a wide choice of candidates who all want to improve the east Elgin district.

Cristina Castro handily won the spring primary to earn the Democratic nomination over incumbent Democrat Jesus de la Isla.

Republican Shirley Rauschenberger was a late addition to the Republican ticket after Larry Wegman dropped out of the race.

And Julie Schmitt is running as a Green Party candidate.

Castro, a 30-year-old marketing and communications assistant, lists transportation as her top issue, but she also wants to comb through the county budget to improve efficiency and make government more accountable.

During the primary campaign, she also said the county needs to spend less on consultants, a view shared by other two candidates.

"I bring a fresh face and fresh approach. I am not a politician," she said. "We just need change on the board. A lot of what is being brought to the board is being rubber stamped."

Rauschenberger, an 81-year-old retired advertising executive, says she will oppose county tax increases, be a more vocal advocate for the district for recreational opportunities and new businesses. She is the mother of one-time State Sen. Steve Rauschenberger.

"I do think my area has changed dramatically, but at least I know what we've tried before and didn't try before and the needs of people in the community," she said.

Schmitt, a 44-year-old Internet marketing manager, says she also would bring a new perspective to the board.

She would like to protect the Fox River as a drinking water source, investigate alternative energy for the county and improve the county's use of technology. She said she wants the county to work more closely with the federal government to address illegal immigration here.

"I'll go out and represent the people rather than a specific party," Schmitt said. "So many people won't stand up. I'm the kind of person who will stand up and say, 'Wait a second.'"

District 20 covers parts of Elgin's east side, bordered by the Fox River, I-90, the county line two blocks east of Liberty Street and Highland Avenue and Laurel streets.