Todd Wallace: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 13
Bio
Party: Republican
City: St. Charles
Age: 46
Occupation: Attorney
Previous offices held: Appointed to Kane County Board District 13 in July 2021; Trustee, St. Charles Township; Chairman, St. Charles Plan Commission
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. I have been involved in community service for many years and I feel that all members of the community should be willing to step up and serve if called upon. I was previously appointed to the St. Charles Plan Commission and served as chairman for 15 years. I also served as a St. Charles Township Trustee for 10 years. Last July, I was selected by the County Board to fill a vacancy as member for District 13 and I am now running for election to that position.
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. As a fiscal conservative and social libertarian, I feel that if we, as citizens, do not control our government, our government will control us. There are very few things that government can do better than we can do for ourselves. It is essential that our elected leaders cut spending to the greatest extent possible, remove limitations from private sector involvement, and cut the taxes that are strangling all of us!
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. There needs to be a change in mindset at the county. I hear terms like "revenue enhancements" which is really code for "tax hikes." I am absolutely, unequivocally against increasing taxes. There are a number of services that the county provides that are essential, but for those that are not, we need to search for better and more cost-effective ways for them to be provided. Too many politicians see tax revenue as money to be spent. I see it as money borrowed from taxpayers that should be paid back to us through essential services that we support.
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.
A. The county is subject to transparency-related laws such as the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act. Beyond this, I think that appropriate policies need to be in place which guarantees that county officers and employees are operating appropriately and in the event that they are not, the county is not the place for them.
Q. What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?
A. The county has made strides forward in automation. I would support an audit of automation that looks at ways in which efficiencies could be realized that would necessitate less staff and therefore cost the taxpayers less money.