Lance Bell: 2024 candidate for Kane County chairman

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Kane County Board Chairman

City: South Elgin

Age: 55

Occupation: Business owner

Previous offices held: None

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

I'm running for Kane County Board Chairman because our community needs leadership that truly prioritizes residents' concerns.

As a longtime resident, I've seen how high taxes, illegal immigration, and neighborhood safety issues affect our lives. These aren't just campaign points — they're real challenges.

My campaign is focused on addressing these issues directly. I believe in transparent, effective government that works for the people, not against them. High taxes are hindering our community's growth and burdening families and businesses.

It's time for leadership that will prioritize fiscal responsibility, address illegal immigration, and create safer neighborhoods.

I’m motivated by the chance to bring a fresh, results-driven approach to the Kane County Board, ensuring our government serves the people with integrity and efficiency.

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 the challenger, my focus is on bringing efficiency and transparency to the Kane County Board. My leadership style prioritizes clear, timely goals and effective meetings, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes.

I believe in addressing budgets and initiatives well before deadlines to avoid last-minute decisions.

One of my primary objectives is to lead without a costly county administrator, potentially saving taxpayers $500,000 to $1 million annually. My commitment includes holding the line on taxes, addressing illegal immigration, and ensuring public safety by closely monitoring crime rates.

I also plan to make the board more accessible by moving meetings to afternoons and evenings for greater public participation. My experience in leadership, teaching, and problem-solving will help ensure Kane County’s government is responsive and focused on residents' needs.

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.

The current administration presents a misleading choice between raising taxes or cutting essential services. I reject this notion.

Through increased government efficiency, we can preserve and even enhance services without burdening taxpayers. My focus is on reducing waste, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring transparency in spending.

By adopting a strategic approach to budgeting, we can avoid unnecessary tax hikes while maintaining a high level of service. Kane County deserves leadership that seeks innovative solutions rather than defaulting to higher taxes. I am committed to a government that serves its residents effectively, without compromising on quality or financial responsibility.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

Bipartisanship and cooperation are essential for effective governance on the county board. I believe that fostering a spirit of collaboration across party lines can lead to better decision-making and more balanced policies.

To encourage this, I would promote open dialogue among board members and actively seek input from all sides before making decisions.

Additionally, I would support informal meetings of 6 or fewer board members, which can help build relationships and trust without triggering the Open Meetings Act, ensuring that discussions remain productive and focused on the best interests of Kane County residents.

What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?

The county should take a comprehensive approach to combat the opioid crisis, focusing on prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and collaboration.

Prevention includes educational programs to raise awareness about opioid dangers. Expanding access to treatment options like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and counseling is essential to support those struggling with addiction.

Law enforcement must be equipped to handle opioid-related incidents and target illegal distribution. Collaboration among health care providers, law enforcement, educators, and social services through task forces or coalitions will help coordinate efforts and share resources.

Data collection and analysis should be prioritized to understand the crisis's local impact and measure the effectiveness of interventions. By taking these steps, the county can reduce opioid misuse, support affected individuals, and save lives.

What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?

The county should play a proactive role in increasing affordable housing by collaborating with municipalities, developers, and nonprofits.

This includes identifying underused land for housing development, offering incentives like tax breaks or expedited permits for projects that include affordable units, and supporting zoning changes to allow diverse housing options, including multifamily and mixed-use developments.

The county can also seek state and federal grants to fund these initiatives and work with local communities to align projects with residents' needs.

Establishing public-private partnerships will help leverage resources and expertise to create more affordable housing options.

Through these efforts, the county can ensure that residents across all income levels have access to safe and affordable housing, which is essential for the region's overall health and stability.