Aurora chiropractor enters Kane County Board race

As Kane County Board member Gerald Jones, from Aurora, reluctantly voted this week to cut the county health department in half, he also got his first look at his newest opponent.

Monica Silva stood before the board, urging them not to transfer human service programs to the private sector and also translating for a Spanish-speaking constituent who shared that view.

Just like that, a solid line of distinction between Jones and Silva set the stage for a November showdown.

Silva is not a complete unknown in the political world. She's been an Aurora Township trustee since 2005. She's also been active in the Aurora Republican Women's group, but said this week she's shaking off any ties to the major political parties for her race against Jones. Silva will appear on the ballot as an Independent candidate. Silva said she was recruited by both Democrats and Republicans to run against Jones, but she's only entering the race now because "It just wasn't the right time" to enter the race during the spring primary election.

"I thought that going in as an Independent was the best way to represent my constituents," Silva said. "Government has failed us. People are losing their homes. It's a very difficult time. At this point I don't really feel like I can be tied to any one political party."

Silva said she came out publicly against the changes in the health department having seen the good work being done by case managers facing layoffs. Silva worked for the department for a couple different stretches after college en route to ultimately becoming a chiropractor. Silva said her time at the health department was just part of her desire to serve.

"I'm running out of a desire to be in public service," Silva said. "It's really the American dream that I'm living now. And I want people to know it's attainable by any of these kids who live in Aurora now. People need to be inspired to do more. I'm a lifelong Aurora resident. I'm a mom of two wonderful boys. And I really do struggle with my bills just like everyone else. I want better opportunities for everyone. And I want to help make decisions that are going to positively affect our children."