Candidates for Kane County Board District 3

Republican Dennis Burgin from Aurora takes on Democratic candidate Juan Reyna for a seat on the Kane County Board for District 3. Juan Reyna did not submit a questionnaire.

Q. What is your Number 1 campaign issue? Burgin. are my top concern. It is the Peoples money, it is our money. We must manage the county budget in a frugal and efficient manner and ensure the taxpayers of Kane County receive the best return on their investment. Q. What is your Number 2 campaign issue? Burgin. Creating policies that insure job retention and growth throughout the county, which foster economic development and improve quality of life. Q. What is your Number 3 campaign issue? Burgin. Service must be of the highest standards for county residents in a fiscally responsible manner. We must find ways to consistently improve service and reduce costs. Q. What is your view of the use of red light cameras? Should Kane County continue to issue permits for them? If so, what should be the qualifying criteria? Burgin. Many studies indicate red light cameras may cause more harm/expense than public safety benefit. If we are truly interested in public safety and believe we have chronic problems at certain intersections, We should address those intersections. This can be done from a design, and direct enforcement method. Q. How should video gambling revenue be utilized in Kane County? Burgin. Revenue generated was intended for capital projects. Given the state's failure to properly fund education and the importance of education, we should direct revenue toward projects that directly benefit education infrastructure.Q. What is the appropriate level of service the Kane County Health Department should provide? Was downsizing the department the right move? Burgin. During these economic hard times and fiscal challenges, we must reduce expenses in all areas, so downsizing is needed. Going forward, we must review how efficiently we are serving the county, what services are necessary, the costs and how best to pay for these in a sustainable manner. Q. The county board sets budgets for departments run by other elected officials whom the board has no control over. How should the county board enforce the budgets it sets for these officials? Burgin. The county board's budgeting process should provide fiscally responsible guidelines and parameters for departments. Each department head should be given reasonable flexibility to accomplish their responsibilities. Q. Name a specific area of the county budget in which you can support a reduction. Also, what new revenue generator(s) would you support? Burgin. The County should maintain an ongoing forensic audit process to review all areas and identify where tax dollars are being spent efficiently. One area of reduction we should review includes the cost vs. benefits of major facilities like a golf course and ice rink. Revenue is generated when we insure policies and a tax structure that encourages economic activity and job growth.