Lucio Estrada: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 20
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: Kane County Board District 20
City: Elgin
Age: 28
Occupation: Supervisor
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? 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 do not support on an increase in a countywide retail sales tax, the people of Kane County already have a heavy tax burden and more taxes is not the answer. I would suggest coming up with a better budget and see where we can potentially save money on, and use those resources for it.
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: I would suggest looking into the current qualifications that the county is requiring to be employed, and see where we could lower it to bring in new people to relieve the pressure of county staff members who are overworked.
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: I believe every county position should be an elected position. The people of Kane County should decided who will best serve them, instead of the already elected officials giving their friends a government position.
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: I do not have any unincorporated areas in my county district, but I will talk with fellow board members that this affects their districts and what their constituents are saying. I do support responsible growth and development in the county.
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: Depends on the cost. If it would be cheaper to build new ones then I would suggest selling the old ones and use those resources to build new ones.
If it would be cheaper for improvements then I would suggest looking into our budget and see if we have the resources, and if we do not then I would suggest selling some of the county's land to help afford those building repairs.
Q: How do you think the county should spend the remaining COVID-19 relief funds?
A: I think that the county should try to spend the COVID-19 relief funds into programs that would better help the community and are much needed, such as the mental health services.
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 can use some of the COVID-19 relief funds to help support mental health services especially for the children who were affected by pandemic and lockdowns.