Ryan Deniz: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 13

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: Kane County Board District 13

City: Geneva

Age: 43

Occupation: Chiropractic physician

Previous offices held: No government positions held. I have served in my local church in multiple capacities.

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

My top three priorities for running for office are the following: The Kane County board has utilized ARPA funds and cash reserves to balance its budget over the last several years.

The ARPA funds are now exhausted and by using additional reserves, the board is facing a financial crisis. The current income to Kane County cannot keep up with the spending. We need to prevent further tax increases for our residents and continue with cuts and reallocations.

Public safety is Kane County’s biggest expense. The state legislature continues to implement unfunded mandates, meaning that the county must pay for mandates that Springfield requires but does not provide funding.

We need to work with the Illinois legislative branches to help allocate additional funds for Kane County. In addition, Kane County should continue to work with federal legislators to allocate additional funds.

New revenue sources that will create additional income for the county are critical. I am in favor of launching the Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) to streamline and coordinate deals for business growth opportunities within the community.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

As a long time citizen of Geneva and a business owner, I would provide a strong voice on financial stewardship. I would work with each department to find opportunities to cut costs and improve efficiencies. In addition, my previous experience as an auditor would be beneficial to the board.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

I am in favor of launching the new committee called the Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC). This committee can help streamline and coordinate deals for business growth opportunities within the community.

With the county's budget being squeezed by federal funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

I support finding ways to increase economic development to maintain our budget and not raise property taxes. Before we continue to raise property tax levies, we need to examine our spending.

Though the board cannot tell the elected officials how to spend the money, the Board can and has to ask for cuts. This needs to continue to a level that can be supported by projected revenues.

I support a hiring freeze and early retirement offers. Due to the budgetary shortages, each new hire or rehire should be evaluated to determine if their position is necessary.

I am open to discussion on diversion of RTA for public safety.

Additionally, rezoning land not on the tax rolls to enable businesses to utilize the land and create additional real estate tax revenue would be something I would like to investigate.

What is the single most important issue facing your district, and how should the county address it?

Our budgetary shortfalls are our biggest challenge facing our district. See previous questions for how to address this issue.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I grew up in Geneva and came back to start a business and raise my family; seeing Kane County flourish is very important to me.

Additionally, my experience as a local business owner has given me many years of experience leading strategy, operations, finance, IT, marketing and human resources, so that I can hit the ground running if elected to this important position.