Barbara Hernandez: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 8 Age: 23Family: Barbara lives with her parents and her brother Antonio Hernandez, 18, and student of Waubonsee Community College.Occupation: Assistant Chief of Staff to State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia and Residential Counselor to IMSAEducation: Graduated from East Aurora High school in 2010, Waubonsee Community College in 2012 and from Aurora University in 2014. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Spanish.Civic involvement: Assisted in the Junior Kane County in 2014.Volunteered in Fiestas Patrias 2014.Elected offices held: Precinct committeeman for Ward 3 Precinct 5 since 2012.Appointed to the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Board and the Aurora Township Youth Commission (2014-present).Questions Answers Do you believe Kane County Board/Forest Preserve District members should have continued access to per diem payments, health insurance and pension benefits?I believe that if a board member is continuously working for their constituents and dedicated to them it shouldn't be a problem if they receive reasonable benefits.For decisions that specifically or mainly impact one county board district, should the rest of the board defer to the wishes of the county board member who represents the impacted district?No, I believe the board should work as a team to discuss any ideas or opinions someone has when it comes to making a decision that can affect a specific district. After all, the board members are not only representing their district, but all of Kane County.Do you support the redevelopment of the former Settler's Hill landfill? What is your vision for the future use of that site?Yes, I believe the plan for the Settler's Hill landfill is logical since it would be used by the public and athletes from different parts of the state and might be able to generate tourism for both the city and the county. My vision for the future use of the site is to be able to have a place where the community could come together and utilize the space efficiently.Do you support the push to keep the tax levies frozen for both the county board and forest preserve district? How long is it realistic for that freeze to remain in place?I do believe the tax levies should continue to be frozen. Unfortunately, there are people who are currently struggling with paying their bills and some wonder how they will feed their families. By freezing the property tax levy this will allow families to continue paying either the same or lower amount of property taxes in the next five years, giving them the opportunity to move their family forward.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?Since 2012 I ran for precinct committeeman, unopoosed. In 2013 I ran for Aurora Township Trustee, lost the election. Appointed to the Aurora Hispanic Heritage Board and the Aurora Township Youth Commission (2014-present).What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?A few issues that are important to me is to be transparent with constituents in regards to information they should know about their district and the county. Also, making sure constituents have access and know where to get any important information they need. This could be done by having each board member more involved, by informing their constituents either bi-weekly or monthly on any upcoming votes, events, and updates in the county.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?To be true to yourself and never forget from where you came from. Always give back to the community and expect nothing in return.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History helped me understand the past, present and future of certain life experiences. Everyone has a story to tell and a history to create.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?To not take "no" for a answer, make sure you never forget where you came from and how you got to be who you are.