Penny Wegman: 2026 candidate for Kane County Treasurer

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Treasurer

City: Elgin

Age: 49

Occupation: Kane County Auditor since 2020

Previous offices held: Kane County Regional School Board President, Gail Borden Library Trustee, Kane County Board District 20, Kane County Forest Preserve

Q&A

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?

I’m running for Kane County Treasurer because the Treasurer has to work closely with the county board to manage county finances effectively. As a former county board member and the current Kane County Auditor, I understand how important that working relationship is and how much better the county functions when its leaders communicate, cooperate, and stay focused on the job.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Please share any notable initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the job, and what would be your priority?

My top priorities would be increasing transparency, modernizing the treasurer’s office, and improving efficiency. People should be able to easily understand how county money is handled, and the office should use up-to-date systems that make the work more effective and secure. By improving processes and working well with the county board, the treasurer’s office can better serve residents while protecting taxpayer dollars.

What special qualifications does a county treasurer need that may not apply to other county offices? What professional qualifications or experiences do you possess that will help ensure your success as treasurer?

Statutorily, there are no special qualifications for county treasurer compared to other county offices. I bring with me an MBA, a CIAO designation and an Illinois Real Estate Broker License, as well as having 5-plus years as the elected county auditor and 4 years as a Kane County Board member. This combined education and experience will ensure my success as the next Kane County Treasurer.

Name one concrete program you’ll create or personnel move you’ll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome obstacles to initiating it.

I would use upcoming retirements as an opportunity to modernize how the treasurer’s office operates. Rather than replacing positions exactly as they become vacant, I would evaluate what the work requires today and how technology can reduce manual tasks and improve efficiency.

This approach can be done within the existing budget by reshaping roles as openings occur instead of adding staff. The biggest challenge is changing long-standing habits, but by focusing on practical improvements that increase accuracy and efficiency, the office can operate more effectively while continuing to safeguard public funds.