Cherryl Fritz Strathmann: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 20

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: Kane County Board District 20

City: Elgin

Age: 74

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: Kane County Board District 20 member since 2020

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? 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 support putting this before the voters to decide by referendum if they want an increase in retail sales tax to support the SAFE-T act. This new law is an unfunded mandate. There will be additional costs to implement these new services. It is not clear yet just what the costs will be. This is ground breaking legislation will revamp our judicial system. But there will be new expenses to the sheriff's office and the state's attorney's office.

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: Kane County has been remiss is working to maintain our excellent staff. Comparable positions in other counties make a higher wage. What has been happening has been we have a cycle of hiring and training new people, only to have them leave for a higher salary in other counties. This is not cost effective. The services they offer suffer.

We need to support our staff by giving them a living wage to continue the quality the residents of Kane County have come to expect. This can only be accomplished with an increase in revenue.

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: Yes, the Auditor should be an elected official. This important position should remain independent of influence from other positions. Voters decide who they think is best for this office. I believe it should stay that way.

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? Please explain.

A: The increase of traffic as well as truck traffic is a sign that our economy is healthy. Kane County Transportation works hard to keep our roadways safe. The Kane County 2040 plan is a guideline to assure the future of the county finds a balance between growth, vision, and the quality of life for the folks who live and work here. I would not support a moratorium.

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: This is not an either/or question. Kane County has over a million square feet of buildings to maintain. Some may have outlived their effectiveness. But most have many more years of service to offer. There are costs both in rehabbing and new construction that need to be assessed. This review is under way through the administrative committee. Issuing bonds for a comprehensive building plan could be something to be considered.

Q: How do you think the county should spend the remaining COVID-19 relief funds?

A: The American Rescue Plan committee has worked in a responsible way to assure the money goes to address the effects of the pandemic. There are still allocations that have not been completed. Once this is completed, remaining monies should go to local communities, and agencies.

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 public health department has worked to improve our mental health services as we have seen a sharp rise in the numbers of residents who need services. The pandemic has shown many issues that have affected our residents, from drug abuse to domestic violence and violence against children. Under the direction of director Michael Isaacson, the department a plan to increase services.