Christopher Jacks: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 5 (4-year term)

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 5

Party: Republican

City: Naperville

Age: 57

Previous offices held: Naperville Park District Commissioner

Q&A

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

I am running for the DuPage County Board because I believe residents deserve county government that is fiscally responsible, transparent, responsive, and focused on delivering essential services efficiently. As a longtime DuPage County resident, IT Program Manager, and elected Naperville Park District Commissioner, I have seen the importance of setting priorities, managing taxpayer dollars carefully, and measuring results. I want to bring that approach to county government, with a particular focus on controlling spending and property taxes, maintaining strong public safety and infrastructure, and ensuring that county programs provide measurable value to taxpayers.

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 a challenger, I would bring nearly 30 years of professional program and project management experience along with firsthand experience serving in elected local government as a Naperville Park District Commissioner. My professional career has required me to manage complex projects, large budgets, competing priorities, and accountability for results—skills that translate directly to county government. My priority would be strong fiscal management: carefully reviewing spending, establishing measurable objectives for major programs, protecting core services, and making sure taxpayers can clearly see what they are receiving for their money.

What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

My first priority would be finding efficiencies before asking taxpayers for additional revenue. I would support a systematic review of county programs, contracts, facilities, technology, and administrative functions to identify duplication, outdated processes, and opportunities for shared services or competitive purchasing. My IT background also makes me particularly interested in using technology and process improvement to automate routine work and reduce administrative costs. When new revenue opportunities are considered, I would favor user fees or partnerships where there is a clear connection between the service and the person or organization benefiting from it rather than automatically turning to broad-based tax increases.

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

The short answer is No - the longer answer is: I believe the county should first make sure existing services are accessible, coordinated, and producing measurable results. Areas such as transportation, mental health, services for seniors and people with disabilities, and emergency preparedness require coordination among the county, municipalities, townships, nonprofits, and other agencies. Where a genuine service gap exists, I would first look for partnerships, consolidation of overlapping services, grants, and reallocation of existing resources before supporting additional taxes or permanent new spending.

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

Yes. County government works best when board members focus on solving problems rather than partisan politics. Roads, public safety, stormwater management, public health, and responsible budgeting are not Republican or Democratic issues; they are services residents expect government to provide effectively. I would work with members of either party when we agree on a good policy, ask questions respectfully when we disagree, and judge proposals based on their cost, effectiveness, and benefit to residents. My approach would be to look for areas of agreement while remaining willing to challenge proposals that I believe are not in taxpayers' best interests.

What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?

It is adequate as it is - I would not make increasing County Board salaries a priority, particularly when families are dealing with higher taxes and household expenses. Any future changes should be based on objective comparisons with similar counties, the responsibilities and workload of the position, and the county's financial condition. Most importantly, elected officials should never vote themselves an immediate pay increase; any adjustment should apply prospectively so voters know the compensation before electing someone to the position.

What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?

For residents of District 5, I believe one of the most important issues is maintaining the quality of life that makes our communities desirable while keeping the cost of government and the property-tax burden under control. Residents expect safe communities, well-maintained roads and infrastructure, responsible development, and effective county services, but they also expect elected officials to recognize that taxpayers have limits. I would address this by scrutinizing budgets and long-term spending commitments, measuring whether programs are achieving their intended results, coordinating services with municipalities and other taxing bodies, and prioritizing essential services before expanding government. The goal should be to preserve DuPage County's high quality of life while making it affordable for families and seniors to remain here.