Richard Leonard: Candidate profile:

Bio

Party: Democrat

City: Aurora

Office sought: Kane County Board, District 2

Age: 76

Family: Wife, three daughters, eight grandchildren

Occupation: Retired electrician

Education: East Aurora High School graduate; some college

Civic involvement:

Elected offices held: East Aurora School District 131 board of education, six years

Incumbent? No

Website:

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Questions and Answers

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

Many small issues, but mainly to give the district a representative who will work for them.

2. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

My business experience, common sense, and a desire to control spending.

3. Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them. In particular in the suburbs, President Preckwinkle has set a goal of eliminating unincorporated areas from county oversight. Do you agree with this approach? If so, how should the county go about it?

I do not agree with Preckwinkle's approach. Giving control of unincorporated areas to townships would be a disaster. Spending should never exceed revenues except in emergencies or special circumstances approved by the board. Threats I see looming are labor costs. Outsource services, work with counties on department sharing, for example a recycling department.

4. How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are important.

I find transparency adequate. that does not mean it cannot be improved, and if elected, I'm sure I'll find areas needing improvement.

5. What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?

I'm not aware of any customer service issues. Any problems should be taken up with the elected office in committee and with the board if necessary.