Brian K. Jones: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 11
Bio
Party: Republican
City: Geneva
Age: 44
Occupation: Attorney, Harrison & Held, LLP
Previous offices held: Recently, I served as a Commissioner of the Geneva Police and Fire Board, an appointed position, for 4.5 years.
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A. The Board needs strong leaders to make reasonable decisions on behalf of the taxpayers. I think our past two District 11 Board Members, Mike Donahue and John Martin, have been great stewards and I believe their efforts on the Settler's Hill development were monumental for our area. One issue that motivates me is to facilitate the sale and redevelopment of the old Sheriff's Office and Jail on Fabyan Parkway. This 40-acre parcel should be made productive and placed on the tax rolls.
Q. 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?
A. Throughout my legal career and as a community volunteer serving on various boards and committees, I have had involvement with local governments and community groups. Born and raised in Geneva (and now raising my own family here), I have a deep affinity for the local community and culture of our District. I bring a keen balance of advancement and progress while maintaining the local feel of our area. With over 15 years of legal experience and running my own practice, I have the talent and relevant experience needed to represent the people of the District and to help resolve the issues that face the Kane County Board. My priority will be to control government spending and taxes while maintaining our quality of life in Kane County.
Q. Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.
A. It's critical to strike a balance between reasonable levels of taxation versus the services the constituents of District 11 have the right to expect. One challenge that I anticipate is, eventually, the COVID relief funds will be fully allocated and it will be important for the County to generate sufficient revenue to maintain a balanced budget.
Q. How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If it's adequate, explain why. If you think improvements are needed, delineate them.
I believe the County's transparency and access to public records is adequate. I suggest maintaining the existing procedures to access public records and meetings.
A. What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?
I am in favor of improved customer service (and automation to the extent it furthers that goal). I would be supportive of a fiscally-conscious plan to improve citizens' customer service experience in county offices.