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Kane County board District 13 Lewis: Candidate Profile

Kane County board District 13 (Jrepublican)

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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: St. CharlesWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County board District 13 Age: 66Family: My parents moved our family to St. Charles from Galion, Ohio when I was two years old. The Lewis family has lived in St. Charles ever since. I grew up with my three sisters and two brothers at 1218 South 3rd Street in St. Charles and delivered newspapers to several of the neighborhoods I represent. 46 years ago, I married my St. Charles High School sweetheart Maureen Hunniford Lewis. We have 4 adult children and eight grandchildren.Occupation: Adjunct Professor at the Illinois Institute of TechnologyEducation: Graduated (1962) St. Patrick Grade School, St. Charles, IL, Graduated (1966) George E. Thompson High School St. Charles, IL, Graduated (1973) Bachelor Industrial Management Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WICivic involvement: Volunteer Salvation Army, Member River Corridor Foundation, Parishioner St. Patrick Parish, Charter Member St. Charles Knights of Columbus, Member St. Charles Heritage Center, and former Coach of Youth Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball and Boy Scouts.Elected offices held: Elected to the Kane County Board in 2006. Committee Chairman Public Service and Human Services Committees. Committee member: Executive, Administration, Development, Judicial, Legislative, Labor, Jobs, Agricultural, Building and Capital Development, Court Case Technology and Settlerâ#128;™s Hill Development. County Board Members are also Forest Preserve Commissioners. Member of Kane County Forest Preserve: Executive, Land Acquisition, Finance, and Utilization.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?I am honored to represent citizens of the 13th District on the Kane County Board. My attention to issues and my steadfast participation in Committee and on the Board has assured all County Citizens of a knowledgeable, strong voice on their behalf. The Judicial Case Management Technology Project and the Settlerâ#128;™s Hill Development Project are important activities that I have worked on for several years, they are both beginning and I would like to complete in the next few years. My Engineering and Management background is beneficial to understanding and deciding issues presented to the County Board and Forest Preserve.Regarding the budget, how long can/should the county board and forest district maintain overall flat property tax levies? Will the budget outlook permit the county to continue to hire the best possible staff members and offer the services taxpayers want and need?Freezing the tax levy is a good idea so long as spending is managed. In the last three years the Counties General Fund spending has increased 10% per year. Fortunately, the Counties Sales Tax and Income Tax revenues have also increased to match the increased spending, I don't expect this to continue in 2015/2016. I do not support borrowing money, like the State of Illinois does, to fund increased spending. Kane County jobs pay well and are in high demand. When County leadership does a good job, the Counties reputation improves and we attract the best possible staff.Both the Kane County Coroner and Kane County Diagnostics agency have indicated they need new or improved spaces. What would be your approach to determine if and when those agencies need a different space? How would you pay for the construction or renovations?Both operations need new facilities and the County Board should move quickly. The County has the ability and can respond to capital needs as illustrated by the $2 million Sheriff Shooting Gallery which went from concept to use in 18 months. The Coroner and Diagnostic facilities are in the five year plan and should be decided upon immediately in order to have new facilities in use within 38 months. I would fund them with revenues from the Federal Prisoner Program, Public Safety User Fees and Budget Balances in the Capital Fund.Which, if any, of the proposed redevelopment plans for the Settler's Hill campus do you support? Why or why not?Transitioning Settlerâ#128;™s Hill to a recreational amenity for the community is a priority. When the landfill was sited, it included an end use plan describing Public use. Waste Management, Kane County and the Forest Preserve had a vision 30 years ago. The current Plan represents that vision and deserves our support. The former County Jail Site is the â#128;œSouthern Gatewayâ#128;ť and should not be sold. Decisions of passive or recreational open space are frequent and challenging. My position is both uses are appropriate and my job as a Commissioner is to accommodate the different Public interests so both are satisfied.What will be your criteria for rating the success of the county's animal control agency and its new leader?I will look for evidence that Animal Control is measuring its performance, financially, responsiveness, licensing, administration and welfare of dogs and cats in Kane County. My expectation is management will continuously improve the performance of Kane County Animal Control.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Committee Chairman should participate in the selection of Department Directors, setting Director salaries and establishing goals of those Departments where their Committee has oversight. Board Member involvement assures transparency and confirms a shared responsibility with the County Chairman. I support the Longmeadow Daily there are horrendous traffic delays in the Countyâ#128;™s North area trying to get across the Fox River. When the County Board and the Northern Communities approved west side residential developments, they committed themselves to enabling those residents to get to/from their east side jobs. Longmeadow Parkway is of high impact and deserves everyone's support.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Although not current, I'm inspired by the Lewis Clark Expeditions leadership, camaraderie and discipline. Their commitment to overcoming adversity and achieving success are current.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The value of my Mother's words, "Philip go find something to do!"If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would complete a tour of military duty.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I enjoyed being a gear head in High School. The experience was a foundation for my Engineering Training.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Love your family.