Leslie N. Juby: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 11

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Board District 11

City: Geneva

Age: 64

Occupation: Commissioner, Kane County District 11

Previous offices held: Geneva Unit 304 board of Education 2007-2011; 2013-2021; Kane County Board District 11 2022-present

Q&A

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

I am running for re-election because Kane County benefits from consistency and practical leadership rooted in experience. Successful governance is built on strong relationships, thoughtful compromise, and a clear focus on results.

Through my service on the county board and 16 years in municipal governance, the residents of District 11 have seen that experience translate into responsible decisions and meaningful outcomes.

Real progress takes time, skill, and the ability to move an idea from start to finish. I have applied my expertise in policy and budgeting to improve county operations and leveraged personal and professional relationships to help create unique areas of economic growth. I want to continue to facilitate the positive change that has begun.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

During my tenure as a county board member, I have prioritized delivering high-quality, essential services while responsibly managing taxpayer resources. Some key initiatives include:

• Prioritizing balanced budgets

• Expanding public health initiatives, including pre-natal home visits to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, increasing access to life-saving Narcan to help address the opioid epidemic, and distributing gun safety locks to reduce accidental shootings, suicides, and unauthorized access to firearms

• Stewarding the acquisition of 44 acres of pastureland to expand the Meisner-Corron Forest Preserve to protect open spaces for future generations

• Launching Riding in Kane, a new initiative elevating awareness of the economic contributions of equine agriculture

• Partnering with the Regional Office of Education to expand Career and Technical Education opportunities and partnerships to create a bridge to employment and economic growth in Kane County.

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

While Kane County does a good job of delivering a wide range of services using a small portion of total tax revenue, there are areas where more must be done.

We need stronger behavioral health services, wrap around support for our families, expanded affordable housing options, and more robust second-chance programs within the justice system.

We must also strengthen economic opportunity, recognizing that public safety and economic stability are closely connected. Meeting these needs requires a realistic funding approach, better alignment of services, stronger intergovernmental partnerships, and funding structures that reflect the true cost of providing services.

With the county's budget being squeezed by federal funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

Kane County must continue evaluating its service delivery to identify programs that can be restructured, streamlined, or reorganized without compromising outcomes. We must also review outdated and stagnant fee structures that no longer reflect the true cost of services.

During the last budget cycle, we reduced expenditures by roughly 9% (about $14 million) and cut reserve use from nearly $21 million to about $6.3 million -- without layoffs or cuts to essential services.

As a non-home rule county, revenue options are limited. With the county already increasing the levy, capturing new construction, reinstating the grocery tax, and increasing the gas tax, one remaining tool is referendum.

If additional revenue is truly needed, voters deserve the final say based on a clearly articulated need with a detailed accounting of how the new funds will be used.

On the legislative side, I will continue working with our lobbyist team to protect Kane County’s local control and secure federal funding that was previously allocated but now at risk due to partisan politics.

What is the single most important issue facing your district, and how should the county address it?

Many challenges face my district --- the lack of affordable housing to the removal of the Fox River dam.

Repeatedly I hear concern about the assault on democracy. Voters are alarmed by the weaponization of the judicial and executive branches, the rise of hate speech, the erosion of due process and minority rights, and the weakening of the guardrails that keep our fragile democracy intact.

Protecting these fundamental principles is, in my view, the single most urgent issue facing our district.

The county clerk has implemented several measures to ensure election integrity.The county board adopted resolutions protecting the rights of immigrants and limiting use of county property for immigration staging, reinforced our commitment to our LGBTQ community through our annual PRIDE resolution and celebrate the achievements of African Americans each February.

We support the “Help Stop Hate” program which provides confidential assistance to victims and witnesses of hate acts. These small actions collectively show that our county embraces diversity, chooses inclusion over exclusions, and commits to creating a safe and secure place for our residents to live. We are stronger together.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I am the best person to serve in this role because I have consistently delivered positive results for Kane County residents over the past three years.

I have diligently learned the county’s policies and procedures, thoroughly study each issue before the board, and come fully prepared to every committee meeting. I bring a strong work ethic and results-driven approach, applying my experience and training in governance, fiscal management, short- and long-term strategic planning, public safety, legislation, policy, and community engagement.

I also leverage personal and professional relationships developed over 20 years of public service to achieve positive outcomes for my community.

This job is challenging and requires perseverance and careful judgment. Real leadership is about doing what is right, even when it is hard and unpopular. I will continue to stand up for the residents of District 11.