Michael Linder: 2022 candidate for Kane County Board District 13

This candidate profile has been republished to include the correct photo of Michael Linder.

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office sought: Kane County Board District 13

City: St. Charles

Age: 73

Occupation: I'm a retired teacher and teacher union activist

Previous offices held: I served a 6 year term on the St. Charles Park board, including time as treasurer and president, many years ago.

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: Yes. While nobody likes new taxes, this one will only be 50 cents on a $100 purchase. Moreover, the citizens will have the opportunity to vote whether or not they want the tax. The pre-trial changes brought on by the act will require more personnel, both as prosecutors and public defenders, as well as their support staffs.

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: Many of our positions are paid significantly less than like positions in surrounding counties, and to retain staff and decrease turnover, which can be expensive, we do need to adjust salaries upwards for many positions. We should look for new sources of revenue whenever possible, but a fair and reasonable tax increase might be needed. The county has not increase their levy is more than 10 years. What do you buy that hasn't increased in price over the last 10 years?

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: We would hope that the voters would elect a skilled financial professional to be Auditor, sometimes elections are not won on qualifications. I believe that the Auditor should be chose on professional merit, appointed by the chair with committee input, and final approval by the County Board.

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: The warehouse boom has truly hit Kane County, and presents traffic issues as well as wear on our roadways. But these warehouse also bring jobs to the county, and that is a good thing. We should look at truck routes that have specific hours, so that our rush hours for workers and school busses, compete minimally with truck traffic. The stability of the roadways used to access the new warehouses should be examined, and when things don't add up as a good addition to the county, we should be willing to say, "No thank you."

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: Sometimes rehabilitating an older building can be very expensive, especially and accessibility and technology advances are in the mix. Other buildings can be brought. up to standard more economically. Each project should be looked at critically. But whether we replace older obsolete buildings or build new ones, there will be costs. Maintaining, heating, cooling and lighting old buildings can be inefficient. A bond issue is the logical route, after we examine the potential of receiving infrastructure grants from the state.

Q: How do you think the county should spend the remaining COVID19 relief funds?

A: This may mean some will remain in the county to replace lost sales and motor fuel revenue. The unreimbursed costs of the vaccination programs should be covered. But across the county, mental health issues have spiraled, and the non-profits that help residents deal with those issues have had long waiting lists and we should address those issues as we can.

Q: The COVID pandemic also put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?

A: As in my previous answer, a large portion of the COVID19 relief funds should be devoted to mental health. But the county should look at the entire county and how mental health services are delivered and funded. The idea of adding a mental health board and funding should be on the table. I'm not sure anyone knows exactly what that would look like.