Local Politics

Ryan Deniz: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 13

Posted October 20, 2026 8:15 am

Bio

Office sought: Kane County Board District 13

Party: Republican

City: Geneva

Age: 44

Previous offices held: 0

Q&A

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

I was raised in Geneva, and Kane County is where my wife and I chose to raise our family, build our businesses, and become involved in our community. I’m running because I believe county government needs a stronger business mindset, greater fiscal responsibility, and better balance when making decisions that affect taxpayers.

I want Kane County to take a more aggressive approach toward economic development. That includes attracting and retaining businesses and examining productive uses for underutilized county assets, including redevelopment opportunities associated with the former corrections complex property. Growing economic activity and the tax base can help relieve pressure on existing homeowners rather than continually turning to higher taxes.

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 would bring the perspective of a small-business owner, healthcare provider, husband, father, and lifelong member of this community. Running businesses has taught me that budgets matter, priorities matter, and sometimes difficult decisions have to be made to live within your means.

My priority would be fiscal responsibility without sacrificing essential county services. I would focus on holding the line on taxes, examining spending carefully, increasing accountability and transparency, and pursuing responsible economic development that can broaden the tax base.

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

My first approach would be to grow the tax base rather than raise tax rates. Kane County should aggressively pursue responsible economic development, make it easier for businesses to invest and expand here, and examine whether underutilized county-owned assets can be put to productive use.

One specific opportunity, is the property where the former Kane County Corrections Complex was located. Rather than allowing valuable property to remain underutilized, I would explore responsible redevelopment, sale, or public-private opportunities that could generate economic activity and revenue.

I would support regularly reviewing departments and programs for duplication, unnecessary spending, vacancies that may not need to be filled, and opportunities to share services or use technology more efficiently.

I also want to take a more proactive approach to departmental oversight & long-term planning. Departments regularly report to County Board committees, but I want those discussions to go beyond simply reviewing the current month's numbers. We should be asking department leaders to identify trends, anticipate future challenges, and bring potential financial concerns to the Board early.

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

Rather than identifying a new government program that taxpayers should immediately fund, I believe Kane County's first responsibility should be ensuring that its existing essential services are being delivered effectively and efficiently. Public safety, transportation, public health, infrastructure, and the judicial system all require adequate resources, and the FY2027 budget demonstrates how significant those existing responsibilities already are.

Before creating a new county service or amenity, I would want to establish that there is a genuine need, determine whether another government entity or private organization already provides it, and identify a sustainable funding source without automatically turning to a new tax.

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. I believe the County Board benefits from greater balance and cooperation. The current board includes members from both parties, and regardless of party affiliation, every board member ultimately represents Kane County residents and taxpayers.

I would bring a willingness to work with anyone. At the same time, cooperation does not mean abandoning your principles. Balance creates better debate, greater accountability, and forces us to consider different perspectives before making decisions. My approach would be to focus less on party labels and more on whether a proposal is fiscally responsible, benefits residents, and moves Kane County in the right direction.

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

As someone who would be new to elected office, I don't think it would be responsible for me to walk in on day one and declare that County Board members are paid too much or too little without first understanding the workload, responsibilities, committee commitments, and time required to do the job properly.

For context, Kane County established the annual salary for board members at $27,060 effective December 1, 2025. I would want to evaluate compensation objectively and transparently rather than make it a political issue. My reason for seeking this office isn't the compensation; it's an opportunity to serve the community where I grew up and where my family lives today.

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

For District 13, I believe one of the biggest concerns is the increasing financial pressure on homeowners and families. My approach is straightforward: before asking taxpayers for more, county government needs to continue to examine its spending, improve efficiency, prioritize essential services, and look for opportunities to grow the tax base through economic development.

The objective is simple: make county government more efficient and grow our economy before asking families who are already paying more for almost everything to pay even more.