Martha Hanna: 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: BataviaWebsite: facebook MarthaHannaforKaneCountyBoard11Office sought: Kane County board District 11 Age: 61Family: Husband Bruce, 2 Adult ChildrenOccupation: RetiredEducation: 2yr CollegeCivic involvement: Election Judge CASA Tutor for Challenge Program JJCElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions 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 running for county board because I have time to devote to the position. I live in unicorporated Kane county and get my services from the township. My property taxes pay for county government and I would like to serve my constituents and keep our taxes low. I became interested in county government in 1993 when I rezoned my propertyRegarding 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?The county desparately needs new revenue. A year ago I contacted the county suggesting that we lease some of our property for a medical marijuana cultivation center for a way to generate new revenue. I was told that the county doesn't like to benefit off "vices". The county DOES recieve revenue on video gaming, alcohol, off track betting and the riverboat. Eventually the property levy will have to be raised, unless we can find other ways to raise revenue AND reduce spending. Consolidating townships, sharing office space with DuPage county, we need to be creativeBoth 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?The county has plans for a new coroner office in the 5 year capital plans. The County needs to find space for the Diagnostic center. They don't need a whole new building, they need a safe environment to work in.Which, if any, of the proposed redevelopment plans for the Settler's Hill campus do you support? Why or why not?I do not support the current plans for the NCAA cross country track.I do not see it as a money making revenue concept. I see it as a strain and drain on the county. My biggest question is where are we going to get 300,000 yds of clean fill and WHO will be responsible for maintaining the track. I would like to see Settler Hill more accessible to the residents of the county, with endurance bike and walking trails and a rental facility for cross country sking similar to Arrowhead in Wheaton. Milkweed Farms NativesWhat will be your criteria for rating the success of the county's animal control agency and its new leader?There is no budget for animal control, all the funds come from liscenses...I expect the new leader to collect all the unpaid bills from residents with animals, and I expect the office to be run as it now is, with no taxpayer moniesWhat other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The repairs for the jail and courthouse are unacceptable. Both facilities are fairly new. Why would a contractor put in the wrong size pipes? The county must do a better job on keeping updated and involved with contractors on ALL our building projectsPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Sheriff Pat PerezWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You want it, you have to work for itIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Being with my kids again while they were youngWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Creative writing. Writing a novel is on my bucket listIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be Consistent