William Collins: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 11

Bio

Office sought: Kane County Board District 11

Party: Republican

City: Geneva

Age: 63

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

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

I’m running for this office because I’ve spent more than 40 years living and working in Kane County, and I care deeply about how our county operates and serves its residents.

For 34 years, I’ve worked in municipal government, which has shown me firsthand how important it is for county operations to be efficient, practical, and responsive. My 20 years as a Director on the Kane County Farm Bureau and my work as Farm Manager at Mooseheart — overseeing farming, parks, grounds, budgeting, and expense containment — have shaped my commitment to responsible stewardship of resources. Today, as Foreman for the Sugar Grove Road District, I continue to work directly with the systems and people who keep our communities functioning.

As a business owner, it gives me insight into how county board decisions affect local businesses and the broader economy. The issue that motivates me most is ensuring that county government becomes bipartisan and focuses on providing the best services in the most cost-effective manner to all its residents. I believe strongly that local government should operate with discipline, collaboration, and a clear commitment to taxpayers — just as families do every day.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you’ve led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

I bring a lifetime of experience in Kane Cty and over 3 decades of direct municipal government work, giving me a deep, practical understanding of how county departments operate and how services reach residents. My background includes 20 years as Director on the Kane Cty Farm Bureau, Farm Mgr at Mooseheart overseeing farming operations, parks, grounds, budgeting, and expense containment, and my current role as Foreman for the Sugar Grove Road Dist. These roles have shaped a hands-on, operational perspective that is grounded in real world problem solving.

I also bring the perspective of a small business owner, which gives me firsthand insight into how county board decisions affect local businesses, economic vitality, and day to day community life. Across all of my work, I’ve seen the value of collaboration, efficiency, and bipartisan decision making — and I believe county government functions best when it focuses on delivering strong services in the most cost-effective manner. My priorities reflect the needs I’ve seen throughout the county: fiscal responsibility, cost effective public health and affordable housing, supporting public safety, and agricultural initiatives.

What initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

With more than 34 years of municipal government experience, I’ve seen firsthand how careful planning, practical operations, and disciplined budgeting can strengthen county services while reducing costs. The initiatives I would support focus on efficiency, responsible stewardship, and long-term value for residents.

To save money, I would support:

• Stronger fiscal responsibility practices, including tighter budgeting, expense containment, and regular reviews of departmental spending.

• Operational efficiencies across county departments, using my experience in road district management, farm operations, and municipal systems to identify areas where processes can be streamlined.

• Preventative maintenance strategies for infrastructure, parks, and grounds — an approach that reduces long term repair costs and extends the life of county assets.

• Collaborative, bipartisan decision making, which helps avoid costly delays and ensures resources are used in the most effective manner. Across all of these areas, my focus is on practical, cost-effective solutions that help the county operate efficiently while supporting the health, safety, and economic vitality of the community.

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

I would not initially focus on new services, but on operational efficiency within existing services to free up resources that would allow us to expand those services. I would focus on public health initiatives and affordable housing options. Both are essential for long term community stability, economic growth, and resident well-being.

Within our public health initiatives, I would look to improve access to health care and preventive services. These initiatives often qualify for state and federal grants, allowing the county to enhance services without placing additional strain on local budgets.

Affordable housing is another area where the county can improve. By partnering with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and state housing agencies, the county can help create more attainable housing options. These partnerships open the door to grant funding, development incentives, and cost sharing models that reduce the financial burden on the county while supporting responsible growth. At the same time, reducing the impact of taxes and fees can make housing more affordable for residents by lowering overall cost burdens.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

Yes — stronger bipartisanship and cooperation are essential for a board that serves the whole county effectively. With over 34 years of municipal government experience, I’ve seen how much smoother and more cost-effective operations become when people work together instead of working against each other.

I would help strengthen cooperation by focusing on practical, community first problem solving rather than political divisions. My background — from serving 20 years on the Kane County Farm Bureau, to managing farming and grounds at Mooseheart, to working as Foreman for the Sugar Grove Road District, to owning a small business — has taught me that good outcomes come from listening, respecting different perspectives, and keeping discussions centered on what benefits all residents.

I believe county government works best when it’s bipartisan, transparent, and focused on delivering the best services in the most cost-effective way. I would bring a steady, collaborative approach that encourages teamwork, reduces conflict, and keeps the board focused on practical solutions that strengthen Kane County.

What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?

At this time, I wouldn’t not be able to comment on compensation. I need to get experienced before determining if the compensation is appropriate. However, serving on the board should not be done for compensation.

What is the most important issue facing the county in your district and how should it be addressed?

One of the most important issues facing the county in District 11 according to the residents, is ensuring that growth happens in a responsible, affordable, and sustainable way. After 40 years in Kane County and decades of hands-on work in municipal operations, farming, and small business, I’ve seen how quickly rising costs, can limit our ability to provide affordable housing, needed health care services, provide effective public safety and maintain a county that we are all proud of.