William Tarver: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 10
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office sought: Kane County Board District 10
City: Batavia
Age: 54
Occupation: Restorative Practice Facilitator/ Social Worker
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: Not at this time, I do believe in public safety and think the issue needs to be brought to the voters. Kane County has a complex budget, once elected I will ask for a thorough list of all our receipts and expenditures to see where we need to shore up costs, at the same time holding the line on taxes. People in my district feel taxes are already to high, however most all support public safety. I have met many people and have felt the pulse of the district, what we need are more sustainable businesses to locate in Kane County. I am business friendly and offer change to help make good things happen, to place us on stronger footings.
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: In a tight labor market, we need to be creative and decent managers. In my many years of experience, the golden rule applies here. People need to be treated with dignity and respect. Working conditions do not always come with added costs. If there is to be added costs, this will be a board decision.
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 County Auditor is currently elected and needs to stay elected. Appointing people smells of corruption and politics, I'm in favor of open and honest elections and trust the peoples judgment.
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: Truck traffic and supplies are needed to keep costs down. We all should be thankful our supply chains are working at its current pace. Our current board chair has done a great job bringing road funds to Kane County. I look forward to working with her if I am elected. I do not support a moratorium on warehouse developments and support business and the revenue it brings us.
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: Aging buildings are an issue, however there needs to be a needs assessment study conducted long with cost estimates. This is a more long term issue and requires careful study by industry professionals.
Q: How do you think the county should spend the remaining COVID-19 relief funds?
A: We have business in need of funds to remain open and employing people thus producing county tax revenue. I support getting the funds out to County local business in need.
Q: The COVID pandemic also put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: When elected I would work directly with and support the professionals at the Kane County Health Department who have been working hard to support the needs of the county. The increase of mental health needs and support for social service agencies have never been greater. As a school social worker I have seen first hand the stress families have endured from the pandemic; family members lost, loss of jobs and financial stability, increase of inflation, gas prices, etc. The increase of depression, anxiety and suicide attempts among our adolescents have never been more concerning. I support any funding that brings more staff, programs, awareness and education to those in need.