Mavis Bates: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 4
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office sought: Kane County Board District 4
City: Aurora
Age: 74
Occupation: Licensed acupuncturist
Previous offices held: Kane County Board Member since 2020; and former Fox Valley Park District At-Large Commissioner
Q&A
Q: Do you support an increase in the countywide retail sales tax to help pay for expenses related to the SAFE-T legislation? If yes, which SAFE-T-related expenses, specifically, should be covered with the additional tax? If no, how do you suggest paying for the increased expenses related to the SAFE-T legislation?
A: I support giving the voters the opportunity to decide if they want a countywide retail sales tax. By putting this issue into a referendum on the April ballot we can give the voters a chance to make their wishes known. Let the voters speak. If the referendum passes, the revenues should be used to support the sheriff's office and the new expenses for the State's Attorney's office.
Q: What should be done to retain county staff? If you propose increases in salaries or benefits, how should those added costs be covered?
A: The previous Kane County administration did very little to help retain our employees. By treating our employees decently, making them feel valued, making sure that their working conditions are healthy and safe, and treating them with respect, we can start to make sure that our employees will want to continue working for Kane County. Increased salaries will be a decision for the entire board to make.
Q: Do you believe the county auditor should be an elected or appointed position? Why? Are there any other countywide offices that are currently elected positions that you believe should be appointed instead? If so, please explain.
A: Yes, I think the county auditor should be an elected position. That gives the voters a direct say in how the county should be run and who should do it. I think all of the current elected positions should remain so.
Q: The county has seen an increase in truck traffic. How do you propose to address the infrastructure needs that come with this increase in traffic? Do you support a moratorium on warehouse developments in unincorporated areas of the county? Please explain.
A: We have to remember that truck traffic is a sign that our economy is thriving. I do not support a moratorium on warehouse developments. I would support referring to our Kane County 2040 Plan for where we should be allowing more development. These trucks are bringing supplies to our stores, food to our grocery stores, and good jobs for our truckers.
Q: What direction do you think the county should move as it relates to its aging buildings? Build new or rehab existing buildings? Why and how would you propose the county pay for any new buildings or improvements?
A: We need a long term needs assessment study about the future needs of the county, along with a thorough cost/benefit analysis of what it would cost to rehab our old buildings or build new buildings. We also need an energy analysis of our existing buildings.
Q: How do you think the county should spend the remaining COVID-19 relief funds?
A: The remaining COVID money should go toward helping our local communities, local businesses, and, if possible, toward affordable workforce housing.
Q: The COVID pandemic also put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: Our Kane County Health Department has a plan to shore up our mental health programs.