It all comes down to money in Dist. 20
Just how much information is enough, especially when it comes to spending taxpayer money?
That is one question where the two Democratic candidates for the Kane County Board District 20 seat differ.
Jesus de la Isla, 28, of Elgin, has held the Elgin-based seat since late 2006 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy.
Challenger Christina Castro, 29, also of Elgin, hopes to earn the nomination Tuesday.
If elected, Castro said, she will push for the inclusion of all financial information about companies bidding on county projects, not just the top three finalists, so it can be evaluated by board members for any potential conflicts.
"That way if there is a question, we can look at it," said Castro, who also is president of the Elgin Hispanic Network and one of Fiesta Salsa's organizers.
De la Isla, who also has served on Elgin's Northeast Neighborhood Association board and is precinct committeeman, said he is pleased with the current process and has faith in the county staff's recommendations.
"There hasn't been anything controversial that's come up. It's very plain and simple," he said.
The two also disagree on the county's use of outside consultants, which grew from $47,699 in the 2005 fiscal year to $343,454 in 2006.
About $316,000 was set aside for 2007.
Castro says the costs have risen "astronomically" and questions why the county's staff can't handle some of those duties.
"We should look at it very carefully," she said.
But de la Isla believes the use is within reason, and contends the money goes toward expert firms that employ proven practices instead of forcing the county staff to essentially reinvent the wheel.
"We need experts," he said. "We need to do it right the first time."
The winner of Tuesday's contest will square off against Republican Larry Wegman and Green Party candidate Julie Schmitt for a 4-year term.
District 20 covers parts of Elgin's east side, bordered by the Fox River, I-90, the county line two blocks east of Liberty Street and Highland Avenue and Laurel streets.