Our endorsements for Kane County Board

This endorsement is a consensus opinion of the Daily Herald Editorial Board.

While current Kane County Board members grapple with annual decisions over what services and projects are needed and how to pay for them, a host of newcomers and incumbents are set to face off in the June 28 primary for their respective party's nominations to the November general election ballot.

Those elected will face the usual challenges, but also decisions about whether to create a new retail tax or other revenue stream to fill budget deficits that now are being plugged with savings and federal COVID relief money; how to find the right mix of development for undeveloped areas; how to better retain employees; and what future transportation projects deserve their attention and support.

The Daily Herald sent the candidates questionnaires and representatives of the newspaper's editorial board met with several for interviews via Zoom. Based on their responses and those discussions, these are out endorsements:

District 3 - Lewis

Democratic voters in District 3 (a slice of Aurora's south side, directly east of the river) will choose between two strong candidates in incumbent Anita Lewis and challenger Daniel Perez.

The Daily Herald endorses Lewis, who is highly credible in saying that her previous term built the foundation to work even more effectively in the next. Her ability to see and parse the interrelated nature of key issues - for instance, budget management and economic development, mental health services and crime reduction - will continue to serve the county well.

At 19, Perez touts his age as an asset for representing young residents and bringing fresh perspective. He's not wrong, and he's not to be dismissed because of his youth. He is a serious candidate. Lewis brings greater depth to this job right now, but Perez will have a seat at the governing table someday and, when it occurs, he will be a valuable addition.

But for now, Lewis is the better candidate and she is endorsed

District 11 - Jones, Juby

On the Republican side, we endorse Geneva attorney Brian Jones over fellow Geneva resident Jonathan Bretz. Jones' legal background, business experience and prior local government service give him a leg up, and we support his push for the long-stalled sale and redevelopment of the former county jail site.

Democratic voters in the 11th District have a difficult choice between two qualified, thoughtful candidates, either of whom we believe could serve ably. Geneva resident Walter Lindwall, 25, would inject some much-needed youth and fresh ideas into the panel, but his lack of government experience is glaring relative to opponent Leslie Juby.

Having served 12 years on the Geneva School District 304 board of education, as well as a host of other government panels, Juby would bring not just ideas about strategic planning to the board, but also the knowledge of how to see it through.

We endorse Jones and Luby.

District 12 - Shepro

Incumbent Republican Ken Shepro of Wayne, who now serves as the board's vice chairman, is facing a challenge within the GOP from newcomer Bill Roth of St. Charles. Roth has fair critiques about prior county boards' fiscal discipline and we see from promise in his idea to hold town hall gatherings. But in terms of knowledge of the county's challenges, needs and inner-workings, Shepro is the stronger candidate. He has a firm grasp on the issues facing the county board, and is a proven leader who was chosen unanimously by his peers to serve as vice chairman.

We endorse Shepro.

District 13 - Wallace

Incumbent Republican Todd Wallace of St. Charles, who was appointed to the board last year, faces a pair of GOP challengers in the June 28 primary: Stephen Brown and Anthony Catella, both fellow St. Charles residents. Brown, an attorney, cites fiscal responsibility as the primary motive for his decision to seek office. Catella did not respond to a Daily Herald questionnaire or attend an interview session with our editorial board. Wallace, a former member of St. Charles' plan commission, gets our nod here, based on his government experience on the county and municipal level, as well as his support for improving county infrastructure and mental health services.

We endorse Wallace.

District 15 - Wojnicki

Seeking her sixth term representing District 15 on the county board, Campton Hills Republican Barbara Wojnicki is facing a challenge in the GOP primary from Plato Township committeeman David Young. Young declined to be interviewed or fill our a candidate questionnaire, but directed us to his website. There he describes himself as an "America First Conservative" running because the county and country are moving the wrong way. Wojnicki is the stronger candidate here, based on her intimate knowledge of county government, proven record as a board member.

We endorse Wojnicki.

District 17 - Allan

Democratic voters have a difficult choice in District 17. Former Elgin Township Supervisor Franklin Ramirez is challenging longtime incumbent Deborah Allan.

The two share more points of agreement than disagreement: from the importance of using federal Covid-relief money only for projects or personnel that can be sustained with alternative funding to limiting any new county revenue options to only those that would not affect residents' costs for essentials.

Ramirez says he would be more visible to and interact more with constituents;

Allan acknowledges that several factors have lowered her public profile.

It's difficult, though, to build a strong case against Allan - who is endorsed - because of her ongoing commitment to and immersion in the Board's work and problem solving.

For voters preferring a new voice, Ramirez is a great choice: his academic and career background in organizational leadership, paired with his local government experience and grasp of issues would make him an effective board member from day one. But on the whole we find Allan to be the better candidate, and she is endorsed.

District 22 - Tepe

We endorsed Vern Tepe of Elgin two years ago when he faced fellow Elginite Randy Hopp in the Democratic primary for the 22nd District seat, and we find no reason to change our choice for this month's rematch. Tepe, who went on to win election to a two-year term in 2020, offers well-thought positions and reasonable solutions to the challenges facing the county. We especially appreciate that he views his role as not only keeping taxes low, but making the best possible use of the taxes the county collects.

We endorse Tepe.