Philip Silagi: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 5

Bio

Office sought: Kane County Board District 5

Party: Democrat

City: Unincorporated Aurora Sugar Grove Township

Age: 73

Previous offices held: Sugar Grove Township Clerk and Sugar Grove Township Trustee

Q&A

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

I have been in pubic service most of my adult life, 23 years as an administrator for the City of Aurora, and 12 years as an elected official on the Sugar Grove Township Board. I believe I can bring this experience to the County Board to protect our water resources, create strict guardrails for AI Data centers, and work to create tax fairness where developers, corporations, and large retailers pay their fair share and remove some of the burden from residential property owners.

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?

Not an incumbent.

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

I believe residential property owners are being asked to pay for more than their share of funding necessary government functions. Through TIF's, property and sales tax abatements, developers, large retailers, and corporations aren't paying their fair share and are shifting the burden to residents. This issue needs to be addressed at all levels of government and I will do whatever I can to address it at the County level.

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

Actually I think the County does a good job of providing residents with amenities that improve the quality of life for County residents.

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

Definitely yes. We need to get beyond the national partisan politics and work to provide County residents with common sense solutions to problems that will improve their quality of life.

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 it's fair at he current level.

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

Currently I believe AI Data Denters pose a risk of diminishing the quality of life for County residents and would propose strict regulation. Data centers and other developments that don't properly manage our water resources, can severely impact the quality of life for County residents. I would encourage the County to take a more active role in protecting water resources.