Beth Goncher: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County board District 4Age: 41Family: Son, Austin, 14 years old.Occupation: District Director for a State RepresentativeEducation: BA in English, Minor: Sociology from Rosary College (now Dominican University)Civic involvement: Member, multiple Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors, The Compassion FoundationElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I want to continue to keep Kane County in good financial shape.Key Issue 2 Work to ensure there is a continued effort to bring transparency and accountability to Kane County Government.Key Issue 3 Identify ways in which Kane County can remain competitive in attracting and retaining businesses. One such way is to review our fee schedule charged to new and existing employers.Questions Answers Did the county board get it right when they decided to leave an ethics ordinance that is more stringent but more open to a legal challenge in place? Would you support the creation of more detailed economic interest statements?I believe the Board members have shown Kane residents that regardless of whether or not there is the potential for a legal challenge, they at least are willing to lead by example and hold themselves to higher standards.Would you support the buildout of the shell space in the Kane County jail if it could be shown that the space could/would be used to increase profits from housing federal inmates?The Kane County jail currently houses federal inmates. As far as developing the shell space, I believe this is a good concept provided funding can be secured. I would also want to make sure that any "profits" would go back into the Sheriff's office.Do you believe the county court system needs a computer system upgrade that might cost as much as $12.6 million? If so, do you support using RTA sales tax money to fund it, or do you have a different plan? If not, what is your alternative plan?Yes. It is estimated the current system is at least ten years old. This is considered obsolete. It is my understanding that if the current system fails, they will not be able to get it going again. As far as using RTA sales tax money to pay for the upgrade, I think we need to look at the other demands on the fund and be prepared to find other alternatives.Do you support the call by the state's attorney and public defender for raises for their staffs? Where should that money come from?These are tough economic times. While raises are always helpful, so is having a full-time job with benefits. That said, the Kane County State's Attorney's staffs and the public defender's office continue to lose experienced staff to other counties because we are not competitive. I think it is vital we find a way to keep talented, committed people.What aspects of the Fabyan/Settlers Hill campus redevelopment vision created by the task force do you support? What should happen to the old county jail property?I think the current economic environment will require patience regarding the development of this property. However, I believe that any project must be something that includes working with the City of Geneva. I also would want to ensure that the County would realize a substantial return on the property as well.