Kane Co. Board Dist. 25 hopefuls differ on opinions, strategies

The campaign platforms and strategies of the two Republicans in the Kane County Board District 25 primary are as different as the men themselves.

Incumbent Robert Kudlicki, a seven-year board member, former Hampshire mayor and owner of franchise delivery business Marberry Cleaners, has listed making Kane County "greener" and improving transportation for the far western portion of the county as campaign priorities. As part of his role on the county board, Kudlicki also serves as a Kane County Forest Preserve commissioner.

Challenger Thomas, "T.R." Smith, of Maple Park, who owns Golden Acres Farm, said he wants to focus balancing the county's budget and prioritizing spending during difficult economic times. To do so, Smith has advocated eliminating any future spending projects of the county, other than additional police coverage.

Along with his years on the board, Kudlicki has extensive history of service in the community - including two terms as mayor of Hampshire many years ago, a member of the Hampshire VFW post and a treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 22 in Hampshire. However, he has not sought a single endorsement.

Smith, on the other hand, is endorsed by Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti, County Clerk John Cunningham, Treasurer David Rickert, Recorder Sandy Wegman and Auditor William Keck.

His political experience is as chairman of the Western Kane County Township GOP and as a member of the Burlington Park District board.

Both men are military veterans, and members of Hampshire American Legion Post 680.

District 25, in western Kane County, covers Hampshire, Rutland, Burlington, Plato and Virgil townships.

The primary is Feb. 2.