Endorsements: Silva, von Keudell, Lewis, Strom, Wojnicki, Allan, Iqbal, Radke for Kane primaries
Dist. 7, Democrat: Silva
In 2010, Monica Silva defeated the incumbent and senior Democrat on the Kane County Board. She represented a growing Hispanic population in the district, had a strong contingent of both Republicans and Democrats supporting her and seemed to be in tune with what the constituents wanted. It was time for a change and Silva hasn't looked back.
Silva, a chiropractic physician, is one of the least partisan members of the board. The Aurora resident has sided with the chairman on a number of issues and worked with Democrats quite a bit in the past year. She has done solid work in the leading the county's public health committee.
Her opponent, Brian Gravenhorst of Aurora, is retired. He supports the county property tax freeze, eliminating the Aurora Election Commission and reducing the county board to 18 members.
Silva has been a consistent independent voice, doesn't shy from conflict or pressure - "I will vote the way I want," she says - and has earned the respect of her peers.
Silva is endorsed.
Dist. 9, GOP: Von Keudell
Republican newcomers Connie von Keudell of Hampshire and Tom Koppie of Huntley both have experience with township government and say they are endorsed by various county officials. They both agree on adding a sunset clause to the Longmeadow Parkway toll, that doing away with the Aurora Election Commission is best and ending the GPS and electronic monitoring program was not a good decision. Both candidates seem capable, but we lean toward von Keudell, who favors a tax increase only as a last resort while Koppie would not support one for any reason, which seems a dangerously rigid position. Von Keudell is endorsed.
Dist. 13, GOP: Lewis
Republican incumbent Phil Lewis is being challenged by Steve Weber, a sales manager in the grocery/food business. Both live in St. Charles. Lewis, elected in 2006, has been a valuable and independent voice of reason. A professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Lewis is chairman of two board committees, favors reducing the size of the county board, and prefers not to raise taxes, while not having a closed mind to the possibility. Lewis is endorsed.
Dist. 15, Democrat: Strom
In the Democratic primary, newcomer Lucas Strom has a business background that should be an asset and the enthusiasm to tackle the larger budgetary issues facing the board. Plus, he offers some common-sense solutions to problems. His challenger, Gerald Palmere did not make himself available for an endorsement interview. In fact, the clerk's office did not have a phone number or email for him. Anyone running for public office needs to be accessible. Strom is endorsed.
Dist. 15, GOP: Wojnicki
Republican incumbent Barbara Wojnicki has a history of service in various county organizations as well has a solid track record as a contributing member of the board. Challenger Austin Lawler did not make himself available for an endorsement interview. Wojnicki is endorsed.
Dist. 17, Democrat: Allan
Democrat Janice Bennett is looking to unseat longtime incumbent Deborah Allan. Both are Elgin residents. They hold many similar views, including support for eliminating the Aurora Election Commission. Allan, with her experience and firm grasp on budgetary issues, is endorsed.
Dist. 19, Democrat: Iqbal
Mohammad Iqbal, Tom Gibbons and John Shales are running for the Democratic nomination. Iqbal has an extensive background in engineering, business and law. He has solid ideas for positive change. Gibbons seems energetic but lacked concrete ideas. Shales was not available for an endorsement interview. Iqbal is endorsed.
Dist. 23, GOP: Radke
Benefits adviser Jim Patrician of Algonquin and construction manager Jonathan Radke of Carpentersville are vying for the Republican seat held by Maggie Auger, who is not seeking reelection. Both are capable, well-informed and oppose any tax increase. Radke particularly emphasizes his vision for limited government. Radke is endorsed.