Democratic contenders for Kane County Board District 17

The race for the Democratic nomination for Kane County's 17th District seat in Elgin pits a longtime legislator against an upstart.

Deborah Allan, 60, is completing her second 4-year term. A Sycamore native, Allan manages her husband Arthur's law office, a job she has done for 30 years. She also is a member of the Gifford Park Association, Admirers of Beautiful Old Dwellings of Elgin, the Near West Neighbors Association, Neighbors of South East Elgin and the South West Neighbors Association.

She says she would push for more transparency at the county board level, create a mechanism so that county board members clearly understand the budget and continue being an independent voice.

Benjamin Bernal, 30, was born and reared in Elgin, graduated from Elgin High School and from Judson University, with a degree in business management.

In Elgin, Bernal was an auxiliary development committee member for the Boys and Girls Club, a previous board member for the Centro de Informacion, state Sen. Michael Noland's community campaign outreach and a member of the city's Image Advisory Commission.

Bernal is part owner of an Elgin insurance company, a job he has held for two years.

If elected, Bernal hopes to stimulate economic growth in the area, initiate better communication between residents and the county board and prioritize public safety.

The 17th district covers Elgin's east side.