Ellen Nottke: 2026 candidate for Kane County Board District 2 (2-year term)

Bio

Office sought: Kane County Board District 2 (2-year term)

Party: Democrat

City: Batavia

Age: 72

Previous offices held:

Q&A

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

I am running for this office because I have spent more than 30 years listening to, working, with and advocating for the people of Kane County. I know our communities, I understand our local government and I have first hand experience with the issues that matter to the people who live here. Our district is unique. Half is unincorporated and half is within municipalities. Rules and regulations that affect residents inside city or village limits are often different from those affecting the unincorporated areas of the district. Representing this district requires an understanding of both. For more than 30 years I have attended local government, county board and committee meetings. I have actively participated in discussions and followed the issues that affect this district. This isn't new to me. I have been engaged, informed and involved for years. I am running because I believe experience matters, local knowledge matters and every resident deserves effective representation. I am ready to put that experience to work for the future of our community.

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 will make a positive impact on the board by bringing more than thirty years of activism and advocacy in the district focusing on safe communities, smart land use planning, sensible traffic solutions, natural resource sustainability, public safety, and mental health support.

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

I support any lobbying in Springfield that would work to rescind or reduce unfunded mandates that increase a county's financial responsibility without a dedicated revenue stream.

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

Less than 5% of your property tax bill funds essential county services - including public safety, the judiciary, the county jail, the health department, circuit clerk, county clerk and transportation. We need to build strong partnerships with other government agencies to share resources, reduce costs and deliver services more efficiently.

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

Of course. We need to work together to provide the best possible outcome for the people of Kane County. There will always be different view points on any issue but it is important to work together so that all voices are represented. Bipartisanship and cooperation begins at the top though. We need leaders that don't have personal agendas. Teamwork is imperative for good governance.

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

Board members should be fairly compensated for their time and responsibilities while remembering that taxpayers pay the bill. I would support periodic reviews of compensation based on work load, with transparency and accountability guiding any changes. For some the compensation is adequate, for others it's not enough. It really depends on how much work you are willing to put into it to do your job right.

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

It is difficult to predict the next challenge. We must balance maintaining the services residents expect with preserving the flexibility to respond when the unexpected happens. One of our biggest challenges is anticipating the unintended consequences of todays decisions.