Emmanuel Thomas: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 23

Bio

Office sought: Kane County Board District 23

Party: Republican

City: Algonquin

Age: 56

Previous offices held: District 300 Board of Education

Q&A

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

I am running for Kane County Board because residents deserve responsible, accountable government that respects taxpayers while providing essential services. After 37 years of public service, including service as a U.S. Navy veteran and in federal and local government, I want to bring my leadership, budgeting, and accountability experience to the County Board.

Fiscal responsibility is a major reason I am running. Families are facing rising costs, and government must recognize that every tax dollar comes from hardworking residents. Before seeking additional revenue, the County should examine spending, identify efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary costs, and hold departments accountable.

Fiscal responsibility does not mean sacrificing essential services. Public safety, transportation, infrastructure, veterans, and vulnerable residents must remain priorities. I want to bring greater transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline to county government while ensuring District 23 residents have a strong voice.

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 37 years of public service experience, leadership, and a commitment to accountability. My background as a U.S. Navy veteran, federal government leader, former Postmaster, and former District 300 Board of Education member has taught me how to manage resources, work with diverse groups, and make difficult decisions while remaining focused on the people I serve.

My first priority would be fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayers. I would closely review county spending, question unnecessary expenditures, identify efficiencies, and ensure departments are accountable for how taxpayer dollars are used. I believe tax increases should be a last resort, not the first solution to budget challenges.

I would also prioritize public safety, responsible infrastructure investment, economic development, and services for veterans and vulnerable residents. Most importantly, I would bring an independent voice to the Board, listen to District 23 residents, and make decisions based on what best serves the community.

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

I would focus first on growing the tax base and finding efficiencies before asking residents to pay more. Kane County should aggressively pursue state and federal grants, maximize outside funding for transportation and infrastructure, and support economic development that attracts and retains businesses, creates jobs, and expands the commercial tax base.

On spending, I would support comprehensive reviews of county departments and contracts to identify duplication, unnecessary expenses, and opportunities for shared services. I would also encourage competitive purchasing, greater use of technology, energy-efficiency projects with demonstrated savings, and responsible management of staffing through attrition when appropriate.

Kane County’s FY2027 budget is approximately $403 million and is balanced without using General Fund reserves, following spending reductions from FY2026. I would build on that progress while protecting essential services such as public safety, transportation, veterans’ services, and the justice system.

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

One area where Kane County should continue strengthening services is access to mental health and substance-use treatment, particularly for veterans, seniors, young people, and families who may have difficulty finding or affording care. The County has made significant investments in behavioral health, but maintaining access as temporary federal funding expires will be an ongoing challenge.

I would focus on partnerships rather than creating a costly new county bureaucracy. Kane County should work with existing healthcare providers, nonprofits, schools, veterans’ organizations, and community agencies to expand access and avoid duplicating services. Funding should come primarily from state and federal grants, opioid settlement funds where legally appropriate, partnerships with existing providers, and efficiencies within the current budget. Any new county funding should be based on measurable results and demonstrated need. My goal would be to strengthen services while protecting taxpayers and maintaining fiscal 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?

Yes. While there are issues where Board members will have legitimate philosophical differences, county government works best when decisions are based on the needs of residents rather than party affiliation. Roads, public safety, responsible budgeting, and essential county services are not Democratic or Republican issues.

I would work to build relationships with every Board member, listen respectfully to different viewpoints, and look for common ground whenever possible. I would judge proposals on their merits, fiscal impact, and benefit to Kane County residents rather than simply who introduced them.

My approach would be to encourage open communication, transparency, and early collaboration on major issues, particularly the budget. We may not always agree, but we should be able to disagree professionally and still work together. Residents expect results, and my priority would be finding practical solutions that serve District 23 and Kane County as a whole.

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

I believe compensation for County Board members should be reasonable and reflect the responsibilities, time commitment, and public service required of the position. At the same time, elected officials must be mindful that their compensation is funded by taxpayers.

I would not make increasing Board member pay a priority. My focus would be on responsible budgeting, delivering essential services, and providing value to taxpayers. Any future changes in compensation should be discussed publicly, supported by comparisons with similar counties, and considered in the context of the County’s overall financial condition.

I also believe elected officials should demonstrate the same fiscal discipline we expect from county departments. If residents are being asked to make sacrifices or the County is facing budget challenges, Board members should lead by example.

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

The most important issue facing District 23 is the increasing financial burden on residents, particularly property taxes and the overall cost of living. I hear from residents who are concerned about being able to afford to remain in their homes and communities.

The solution cannot simply be raising taxes whenever government costs increase. Kane County should continue reviewing spending, eliminating unnecessary expenses, improving efficiency, and holding departments accountable for their budgets. We also need to expand our commercial tax base by attracting and retaining businesses that create jobs and generate additional revenue.

At the same time, we must protect the services residents depend on, including public safety, roads and infrastructure. My priority would be balancing those responsibilities: maintaining essential services while finding ways to reduce the pressure on taxpayers and ensuring every tax dollar is spent responsibly.