Angela Clay Thomas: 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: www.angie4kanecounty.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 4 Age: 45Family: Married to Aurora native, Attorney Juan ThomasOccupation: Nonprofit development/communications consultant/part-time teacherEducation: MBA, The American UniversityB.S Communications, University of MiamiCivic involvement: Aurora Township Democratic Precinct CommitteemanCommunity Foundation of the Fox River Valley, West Aurora High School Interview TeamAurora Historical Society BoardCity of Aurora MLK Day Celebration Planning CommitteeCity of Aurora's African American Heritage Advisory Board (Mayoral appointee)West Aurora School District 129 East Aurora School District 131 Guest TeacherKensington Lakes Homeowner Association BoardElected offices held: N/AQuestions Answers Do you support or oppose construction of the Longmeadow Parkway, including the use of a toll for the crossing over the Fox River?There has been sufficient time to study community needs, assess impacts, and work through concerns related to the Longmeadow Parkway. I support construction - along with numerous municipalities directly impacted by the project - as studies show that Longmeadow Parkway will reduce traffic congestion and provide a more direct route across the Fox River (with limited impact on residents/homes, air, water, wetlands, and wildlife). I also believe a toll for the bridge crossing is reasonable, as it will 1) address the project funding gap. 2) establish a maintenance fund, and 3) end when the bridge debt is paid off.Do you agree with the Kane County State's Attorney, Kane County Public Defender and Kane County Sheriff that they require more staff? If so, where will the money come from to support that additional staff?I attended the Committee of the Whole Meeting in July when the State's Attorney, Public Defender and Sheriff presented their budgets for FY2017. I saw the data and heard the arguments - yes, I agree more staff is needed. Closing the budget gap that these and other county departments face cannot be addressed by simply increasing the tax levy. The board must first make some tough decisions about what needs are most pressing. Balancing the budget and ensuring departments are adequately staffed also calls for some combination of revenue growth streamlined or fewer programs/services, and minimal, incremental tax increases.Do you support a completely frozen Kane County property tax levy, or would you support a non-referendum increase of the county's property tax levy to factor in new construction?Like other county residents, the last thing I want is higher taxes. On one hand, the tax levy freeze has been a good thing. On the other hand, the lack of revenue resulting from the freeze has contributed to the multi-million-dollar deficit the county now faces. The County Board has many obligations (legal) that must be balanced against the preference to keep the county tax level. I welcome the opportunity to fully explore options that minimize the tax burden on residents and position county departments to more effectively provide programs and services.What is your philosophy regarding the use of forest preserve district property? Are projects like the proposed cross country course for the former Settler's Hill Landfill appropriate?I believe the County Board Forest Preserve District should be open to opportunities for growth that appeal to residents, attract visitors and generate revenue. Proposals that are consistent with the forest preserve's mission should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If there's an opportunity to bring more visitors to the area and increase revenue, development of Settler's Hill makes sense. Any project considered should incorporate the surrounding natural resources. I would look to those communities most directly impacted by development, to take the lead on ideas for future development of the former landfill.Do you believe Kane County's elected officials, including the board, are fairly compensated? Or is it time to explore raises for all the elected offices?Compensation of Kane County elected officials is an issue to be considered at another time. Kane County is currently facing a multi-million-dollar budget deficit and understaffing across many departments. The priority must be addressing the funding gap and ensuring county departments have the resources needed to effectively deliver services to residents.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I would like to bring more awareness to the Fit Kids 2020 Plan and increase support to move it forward. Across Kane County, one of five children is overweight. To reverse this trend and prevent obese children from growing up with serious health problems families, schools, local government and other community partners must work together. I welcome the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the program to help get every school district in the county on board with Fit for Kids, educate parents about healthy food choices and physical fitness, provide healthier school meals, and strengthen school wellness policiesPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.President Barack Obama. Despite personal attacks and lack of cooperation, he always demonstrates grace under pressure; he was able to make progress on healthcare reform.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty is always the best policy.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would major in Education in college to become a teacher.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. It led me to a love for writing. As I've developed my craft, writing has led to many professional opportunities.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Live by the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you'd have others do unto you.