Connie Cain: 2026 candidate for Kane County Treasurer

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Treasurer

City: Gilberts

Age: 64

Occupation: Certified Public Accountant

Previous offices held: Dundee Township Precinct Committeeperson/Treasurer

Q&A

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I'm running for Kane County Treasurer because our county is growing fast and facing budget pressures as federal relief funds dwindle. We need collaborative leadership to protect taxpayer dollars, preserve services, invest wisely, and make government work better for residents.

My main motivation is making life easier for the people who live and work in Kane County. As a CPA with over 20 years in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial operations, fraud investigations, and dispute resolution, I know how to manage public funds responsibly and transparently.

I served as director of financial operations in the treasurer’s office from May 2023 to late 2024, giving me firsthand knowledge of handling our $1.5 billion in annual property taxes. As a U.S. Army Reserves veteran, I bring discipline, duty, and integrity to the role.

My top priority is ensuring every policy and practice simplifies things for residents: easier tax payments, clearer financial reports and stronger safeguards. My proven expertise, insider perspective, and focus on efficiency can deliver better results for our 500,000 residents. Together, we can build trust and stronger fiscal responsibility in Kane County.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Please share any notable initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the job, and what would be your priority?

I'm running for Kane County Treasurer for the first time as a challenger. What I would bring is proven financial expertise, an insider's perspective, and “resident focused” leadership.

As a CPA with 20-plus years in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial operations, fraud investigations, and dispute resolution, I have the skills to manage public funds responsibly. I served as director of financial operations in the treasurer’s office from May 2023 to late 2024, giving me direct experience with our $1.5 billion in annual property tax collections.

In my current role as staff accountant, I handle financial reporting, budgeting, and support the organization's financial operations, including activities related to endowment funds and investments. As a U.S. Army Reserves veteran, I bring discipline, duty, and integrity to every decision.

My top priority is making life easier for Kane County residents by streamlining tax payments and inquiries with user-friendly online tools, faster responses, patient diplomatic assistance, and clearer financial reports so taxpayers can see how their tax dollars are being used.

What special qualifications does a county treasurer need that may not apply to other county offices? What professional qualifications or experiences do you possess that will help ensure your success as treasurer?

The Illinois county treasurer serves a focused fiduciary role centered on safeguarding public funds, managing investments, and ensuring compliance with state law. The position requires financial expertise, strong internal controls, and integrity. My background aligns with these responsibilities.

I bring more than 20 years of CPA experience in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial operations, fraud investigations, and dispute resolution, which supports accurate fund handling, error detection, transparent reporting, and objective oversight. My work as financial director in the Kane County Treasurer’s office gave me direct knowledge of tax collection, cash management, reconciliations, investments, and daily operations. In my current role as a staff accountant, I manage financial reporting, budgeting, and operational support, reinforcing prudent stewardship.

My service in the United States Army Reserves strengthened my discipline, sense of duty, and commitment to ethical fiduciary responsibility. These qualifications ensure I can safeguard taxpayer dollars, maintain compliance, maximize safe returns, and provide efficient service to Kane County residents.

Name one concrete program you’ll create or personnel move you’ll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome obstacles to initiating it.

As Treasurer, I will implement a “Resident Service and Payment Support Program” to streamline tax inquiries, reduce wait times, and improve accuracy in payment processing.

The program will feature a dedicated support lead to oversee call handling, email responses, and walk-in assistance, plus simple online tools to help residents understand bills, deadlines, and payment options. Funding will come from reallocating existing operational dollars, improving workflow efficiency, and cross-training staff. No new full-time positions or taxpayer increases are required.

My experience as director of financial operations in the treasurer’s office showed that clearer processes and better communication reduce errors and staff workload, allowing us to deliver better service without added costs.

To overcome obstacles, I will collaborate closely with staff, use data to demonstrate benefits, and roll out changes in phases with full support during transition. This initiative will strengthen customer service, reduce resident confusion, and increase overall office efficiency, making life easier for Kane County taxpayers.