Endorsements for Kane County Board

There are six contested races in the March 17 primary election for seats on the Kane County Board; four on the Democrats’ side and two for the Republicans.

In joint interviews, we asked the candidates about issues facing their own districts and the county as a whole, their top priorities if elected, their views on solar farms, and what the board should be spending time on and what was a lesser priority. Here are our recommendations:

District 2, Democrats

Ellen Nottke, Matthew Dingeldein and Martha Quetsch Davidson are seeking their party’s nomination to serve the remaining two years of the term for board member Dale Berman, who died in October. Kimberley Young, appointed to fill Berman’s vacancy, is not running in the primary. Nottke previously ran for the seat as a Republican, but says she switched parties because the GOP no longer aligns with her values. She wants to balance the budget without sacrificing essential services. Dingeldein says he has a strong interest in environmental and financial sustainability. Davidson completed a candidate questionnaire but declined to participate in an endorsement interview. Dingeldein and Nottke are both strong candidates but Nottke’s focus on the budget and keeping spending down makes her the best choice. Nottke is endorsed.

District 9, Republicans

Jennifer Abbatacola, recently appointed to fill the vacancy of Gary Daugherty, who quit in December, faces former Hampshire Village President Jeffrey Magnussen. Abbatacola describes herself as a political outsider who is listening and learning. She wants to keep communities safe and attract new businesses to Kane County. Magnussen says the budget, transportation and property taxes are his priorities. Abbatacola offers a fresh approach, suggesting Kane County businesses should get the first shot at county work whenever possible. Abbatacola is endorsed.

District 11, Democrats

Incumbent Leslie Juby is challenged by Julie Forbes. Juby, who has served on several committees during her three years in office, wants to pass a balanced budget without cutting services. She points to a new state law limiting what communities can do to restrict solar companies. Forbes, who says she supports solar energy but wants to take a closer look at its pros and cons, would like to see more diversity of voice on committees and to move board meetings, which take place at 9:45 a.m., to evenings for the convenience of board members who have 9-to-5 jobs. Forbes has good ideas and we like her as a candidate; however, Juby’s experience gives her the edge. Juby is endorsed.

District 13, Democrats

Incumbent Michael Linder faces challenger Nicolas “Nico” Jimenez. Linder, also a St. Charles Park District commissioner, wants to maintain a high level of service to the public while being fiscally responsible. He sits on the development committee and says he values alternative sources of energy but doesn’t like to see solar farms built on farmland. Jimenez prioritizes housing stability and affordability, and he wants to make sure every tax dollar delivers a measurable public benefit. He says he’s not a fan of regressive taxes. Both are strong candidates, but Linder’s knowledge and experience give him the edge; Linder is endorsed.

District 13, Republicans

Anthony Catella and Dr. Ryan Deniz both reject a tax increase of any kind. Catella proposes a 10% across the board property tax rate cut for the next three years and would also support lowering the property tax burden by $4,000 per year. Deniz says the county’s budgetary shortfalls are its biggest challenge. He supports a hiring freeze and early retirement offers for county employees. Both candidates are strong fiscal conservatives, but we like Deniz’s idea of creating an economic development committee. Deniz is endorsed.

District 17, Democrats

Deborah Allan of Elgin, who says it is satisfying to make a difference in her community and be a point of contact for her neighbors, has represented her district since 2002. She faces challenger Deborah Willis, who did not complete a candidate questionnaire or attend an endorsement interview, making it difficult for us to evaluate her candidacy. Allan is endorsed.