Barbara Wojnicki: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 15
Bio
Party: Republican
City: Campton Hills
Age: Not given
Occupation: Kane County Board member for District 15
Previous offices held: Kane County Board member; Campton Township Trustee
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? *
A. As an elected Kane County Board representative and former Campton Township trustee, I have served my community for several years. Working for preservation and responsible government, I am proud to be a community activist, County Liaison and Open Space Conservationist. By virtue of being an elected County Board representative, I am also a Kane County Forest Preserve Commission and former president pro tem of the Kane County Forest Preserve.
I served as chairman of the Energy & Environment Committee for 12 years and have served as vice chairman of the Development Committee for 8 years. I have also served as chairman of Kane County Farmland Protection Committee and as of today, we have 4,900 acres of permanently protected farmland.
Q. Most recently, I have been involved, with municipal leaders, Kane County staff, and contractors and have been updated daily regarding the recent gas spill in Lily Lake.
A. 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?
As past chairman of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee 9 years ago, I was the lead in relocating our Diagnostic Center (the Psychology Department for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit) to the Circuit Clerk's Office on Randall Road. Once the Sheriff's Department was relocated to the Judicial Center, the former and old Diagnostic Center location was isolated on Fabyan Parkway, with no security or sidewalks for employees and families. Now our employees and families are safe when visiting with staff at our Diagnostic Center.
Another major contribution during my tenure was the addition of Creeks, Oak Savannas and walking trails to existing Kane County Forest Preserves. Also, the addition of new Kane County Forest Preserve in District 15.
Under my tenure, taxes have not been raised in 10 years.
Q. Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.
A. Kane County government is fiscally conservative. The Kane County Board members and chairpersons have worked diligently to keep the levy flat and to raise taxes.
Q. How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If it's adequate, explain why. If you think improvements are needed, delineate them.
A. Kane County has array of "Star Employees!" Kane County Government is very transparent and accommodate the public for easy access to records. The Kane County Recorder's office and the Supervisor of Assessments have automated and updated all information and records.
Q. What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?
A. With outstanding leadership, our departments at Kane County are consistently updating records, information and improving automation.