Incumbent Wegman leads in race for Kane County auditor

With votes still being tallied, Democratic incumbent Penny Wegman was leading in the Kane County auditor race against Republican challenger Gretchen Butler.

Unofficial results showed Wegman with 108,099 votes and Butler with 96,901 votes as of 9:15 p.m.

Both candidates said during the campaign they want to make sure that information about the county’s spending is easily available to the public.

Wegman, who lives in Elgin, said she would continue to improve the transparency of the office, which posts audit reports and other documents on its website.

Butler, who lives in St. Charles, said she would seek to foster trust and ensure that residents are well-informed about the county’s finances.

Wegman was first elected county auditor in 2020.

During her first term, the office increased access to the Online County Checkbook, developed an internship program, identified and helped the county board close policy gaps and created a Purchase Card Audit process that increased transparency and revenue. In addition, the office received an International Association of Governmental Officials Innovator Award.

In seeking a second term, Wegman pointed to her experience as county auditor. Since being elected, she has undergone 300 hours of continuing education. State law requires 20 hours per year.

Four people work for the auditor — two full-time workers, a part-time worker and an intern.

Wegman said audits of countywide spending must be ordered by the county board and done by an outside auditor.

Butler manages accounts at the hardware business she and her husband own. She said she decided to run for the auditor position because she was intrigued by the job.

If elected, Butler said she would implement strategies to streamline operations and reduce expenses within the office.

Both candidates agreed on the importance of the auditor remaining independent of other county officials and offices in order to provide objective oversight.