Julie Forbes: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 11

Bio

Office sought: Kane County Board District 11

Party: Democrat

City: Geneva

Age: 68

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

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

I’m running because I feel we need stronger voices on the board that will represent all our community members. I worked in the retail food industry for 41 years and the last 17 years in senior leadership roles. My experience in leading national sales organizations, writing and executing strategic plans, managing large financial budgets and working across the aisle are all skill sets I feel are necessary to be an effective board member. I have attended many board and committee meetings and I’m well versed on how the board works and functions. We need strong Democratic voices on the board to protect our democratic values, be the voice for all community members and that we hear and address all community issues and concerns.

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?

I am not the incumbent. My experience, leadership skills and motivation to be the voice of D11 and Kane County will be an asset to the board. I feel the board needs fresh new perspectives, bring in diversity of thought and someone with a strong budget management background. I have strong financial and strategic planning experience that will be of great value to the board. I have very strong leadership skills and have worked with a variety of groups and individuals in all capacities, reached across the aisle working collaboratively with people on achieving common goals and leading groups to successful outcomes. I have talked to a lot of voters and their simple asks are; board transparency, a better communication process to community members on key issues and feeling a part of the decision making process. I am committed to improving the communication process in D11 but also to all Kane County.

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

I feel the Board needs to develop a comprehensive county wide strategic plan. Each departments strategic plan should tie to the Kane County strategic plan with specific goals and objectives, resources needed to achieve the plans and be held accountable to the plan.

I would support departments presenting their plans with the focus on department needs and not asks, what is the return of investment on the programs and what are the contingency plans on potential overspends.

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

Overall, our services have been great, but they are under attack with the ongoing threat of funds being cut. Services other than mandated funding for public safety such as the health department, our Senior and Vets program, farmers and food assistance programs are all at risk of experiencing cuts if we are not proactive and address department needs.

What we have to do now is make sure we address any potential budget shortfalls and hold those departments accountable for their budgets and shortfalls. If a certain department is over budget, they cannot rely on funding from the general fund, they have to make the necessary adjustments within their budget.

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. Throughout my career I have been known as a strong, fair, collaborative leader who works hard, listens to all sides on the issues and always follows through. I have managed small and very large groups and I know how to work with other members to achieve mutually agreed upon goals for Kane County and community members. I will reach across the aisle and work with anyone willing to work with me on getting things done in an orderly, timely fashion. I will focus on common goals, desirable outcomes, prioritize our dialogue versus debating the issues and again listen to all Board members and understand their positioning before I express my point of view.

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

I think the salary is just right. I would look at the health benefits and compare them to average health care costs that our community members pay to ensure we are all getting the same plan/value/cost.

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

Economic stability and affordable housing. Voters are very concerned on what is happening at the federal level and the impact it has locally with rising costs, protecting all our communities members, protecting our environment, cuts in healthcare and addressing mental health issues.

We need to ensure the Kane County Affordable Housing Funds are adequately funded with potential to expand our rental and low-moderate income households. This is a critical funding program along with the Housing Rehabilitation Program for Kane County, both programs should be increased in funding and support.

As a county board, we need to identify funding gaps on those programs that support, protect and fund programs that community members rely on. Ensure we have adequate funding for local food programs, improve efforts to improve food access and adequate funding for our Health Department.

The voters of D11 and Kane County want to see board members working together to maintain and continue to be the voice of all our community members. They want to see collaboration, transparency, protection of our democracy and trust back to the Board. I am committed in doing my part to make that happen when I get elected.