McConnaughay has earned re-election
A heated presidential campaign could make us overlook an important local election.
But as a former county board member, I can confirm the importance of quality leadership and sound planning in county government as well.
Karen McConnaughay has provided that kind of leadership and problem-solving as county board chair.
She has an opponent who uses political slogans common to negative campaigns.
His criticism doesn't demonstrate a grasp of the process, the complexities or the responsibilities of county leadership, especially in a growing county like Kane.
As he understands more he will probably come to applaud her accomplishments. Karen has demonstrated an ability to build consensus, not only among county officials, but also other local government leaders. She has tackled tough issues and forged solutions.
Under her leadership, Kane County has continued to lead the way in matters of health, transportation, safety and natural resource planning.
She undertook strategic planning to prioritize issues, identify costs of services and find inefficiencies in a structure that has remained largely unchanged for too long.
Critical and costly solutions have been funded by more efficient government. The county's use of consultants for temporary projects could look excessive at first glance, but her conservative wisdom of hiring permanent staff only when necessary outweighs the criticism.
If the need for permanent professional staff is established, the county Board should act to fund that need. Don't get caught up in the wrong message of change.
Some elected officials need to be replaced, but Karen McConnaughay is one leader who has earned the right to continue serving.
She a wise and easy choice to continue as chairman of the Kane County Board.
Dan Walter
South Elgin