Tom Hodge: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 14
Bio
Party: Democratic
Office sought: Kane County Board District 14
City: St. Charles
Age: 54
Occupation: Licensed real estate broker
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: Do you support an increase in the countywide retail sales tax to help pay for expenses related to the SAFE-T legislation? Yes/No? If yes, which SAFE T-related expenses, specifically, should be covered with the additional tax? If no, how do you suggest paying for the increased expenses related to the SAFE-T legislation?
A: I don't support an increase in the retail sales tax to fund the mandate. The state's attorney's office has requested a large increase in personnel, over 100 new employees, some estimates say up to $25 million by 2025, to review and analyze potential video and data that could be captured during an arrest and early investigation as well as the purchase of body cameras for all of the sheriff's police. This budget request and personnel request seems extraordinarily high for what will be required. The county also still holds American Rescue Plan funds totaling over $50 million that could possibly be used, though there are limits on the funds uses that need to be looked into.
Q: What should be done to retain county staff? If you propose increases in salaries or benefits, how should those added costs be covered?
A: This has been my response in the past and it's still the same today, the county needs to compete with private sector pay scales. County benefits are good, but many employees can get the same benefits with increased pay in the private sector. With today's current labor crisis, if the county wants to attract highly qualified personnel, they need to at least match the private sector.
There are multiple departments that all have different budgets. Some of the employees in those different budgets are at competitive pay scales and some are not. I've never met a department head that likes to see their budget decreased, but some may have to decrease, while others will increase. There are ways to bring in more dollars through retail sales tax without having to raise the tax. Retail spending can be increased by drawing non-Kane County residents to Kane County. Kane County has one of the best outdoor recreation environments outside of Chicago and it needs to be tapped.
Q: Do you believe the county auditor should be an elected or appointed position? Why? Are there any other countywide offices that are currently elected positions that you believe should be appointed instead? If so, please explain.
A: The Kane County Auditor should be an elected position. Let the voters decide who fills the position, not an individual or small group.
Q: The county has seen an increase in truck traffic. How do you propose to address the infrastructure needs that come with this increase in traffic? Do you support a moratorium on warehouse developments in unincorporated areas of the county? Yes/No? Please explain.
A: I do not oppose a moratorium on warehouse development in unincorporated areas. The county has two major highways running east and west, 90 in the northern section and 88 in the southern section, that transport product to and from the Chicagoland area. As long as they don't create traffic issues or decrease property values, they can be a huge asset to the tax base. The Rt. 47 corridor and west of Rt. 47 is where the future development will be in the next decades. Warehouse growth is only going to continue as online purchasing continues. These businesses all pay property taxes and some pay sales taxes. They also create jobs and grow the Kane County economy.
Q: What direction do you think the county should move as it relates to its aging buildings? Build new or rehab existing buildings? Why and how would you propose the county pay for any new buildings or improvements?
A: I would go in the direction that is the most efficient and economical. Every building is going to have different needs, and depending on the use of the building, decision should be made accordingly. Sometimes new construction can efficient in the long run and sometimes it's a waste. Location, design and historical architecture should be taken into account as well.
Q: How do you think the county should spend the remaining COVID-19 relief funds?
A: I spoke about this in the first question when it came to the Illinois SAFE-T Act. If the funds can be used to support bringing pay scales up to levels of the private sector, I'm all for it. The county should use as much as can be used to support mental health through the Kane County Health Department and the mental health type programs that are run through the state's attorney's office. Access to clean water is very important and should be made a priority as well. One of the great benefits to living in IL and in Kane County the abundance of fresh water, let's make sure it stays clean.
Q: The COVID pandemic also put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: The county needs to play a major role in the mental health of it's citizens. The lack of interaction with other people and the solitary existence, had a dramatic effect on a large part of our society. Suicides are up, drug overdoses are up and depression is up. All of those issues need mental health support and services to combat the crisis. Supporting those in need of mental health helps to curb violent crime and property theft. This is an Issue I feel very strongly about. Jails should not be the first place people receive help for mental illness.