District 13 candidates debate Kane County finances

The Republican nominee for the Kane County Board District 13 seat said he supported recent across-the-board budget cuts to control county expenses.

But his Democratic challenger called the move a "cop-out," saying it negatively affects crucial services offered by the county.

St. Charles resident Steve Weber, 40, defeated incumbent Philip Lewis in the GOP primary in March. He now will face 41-year-old Lark Cowart, also of St. Charles, in Tuesday's election.

Weber, who calls himself "very conservative," says his biggest focus is on the county's finances and making sure officials aren't overspending. The county's decision to implement a 3.6 percent budget cut across departments was necessary, he said, and made more sense than dipping into the county's reserves, as was suggested by several Democratic board members.

"I fear what will happen if this seat or other seats fall into Democrat control," said Weber, a vice president of sales.

As a former county employee, however, Cowart said she has witnessed firsthand how budget cuts affect employees and services that ensure residents' safety and well-being. The county should instead focus on more effectively managing its money, she said, noting she supports exploring ways to streamline operations and personnel costs without compromising the quality of service.

"For me, budget lines are not just numbers," said Cowart, who worked for Kane County as an assistant state's attorney for 14 years. "They are the faces of our friends and neighbors who rely on the services provided by the county."

Maintaining the county's property tax freeze is another priority for Weber, who says tax relief is the biggest need for in his district. He believes that can be accomplished by eliminating waste and consolidating government functions.

Cowart suggested closing budget gaps using a surplus, while also seeking alternate sources of revenue, such as grants, to help cover expenses. Though raising property taxes would be a last resort, she said, incremental cost-of-living increases would be preferable over a severe tax hike down the road.

Despite their difference in opinions regarding how finances should be handled, both candidates agreed the county needs to have a greater emphasis on addressing issues such as substance abuse and mental health.