I am introducing myself to you as a candidate for Kane County Board Chairperson. My commitment to working families led to this decision. In the summer of 2018, Kane County judiciary service professionals conducted a 43-day strike to maintain pay raises and quality healthcare. I stood beside these workers and witnessed a youth counselor torn between standing up for her family by striking the county or crossing the picket line and counseling her client. I watched her wipe away a tear, hug her daughter and stand up for her family and co-workers.
Instead of respecting the skills and professionalism of these county employees, the current Board Chair failed to seek an equitable resolution during contract negotiations. Many of these workers - who live paycheck to paycheck, felt they had no choice but to return to work or seek other full time employment elsewhere.
Kane County citizens deserve a county government that is administered fairly and efficiently. The board chair’s responsibility to is facilitate Kane County Board members’ ability to represent their districts and build relationships with state leaders to advocate for the economic interests of Kane County.
Here’s how I will lead. My experience working with developers and general contractors, along with federal and state legislators to get projects up and running safely and on budget, has prepared me for the Kane County Board chairperson’s responsibility to oversee economic development within the county. My passion for standing up for working families has helped me lead workers through and resolve many conflicts with contractors. Whether it be leading negotiations to keep workers’ jobs, fighting for a living wage or standing next to workers on a picket line in support of health care, I will stand up for working families in Kane County.
My goal is to make Kane County an economic engine that will support the services needed to live a safe and prosperous life in Kane County. I will respect all county employees by having empathy for their concerns and invest in their hard work with fair compensation and a voice at the table. I also will respect all county citizens by empowering their elected officials and county department heads to perform their responsibilities to efficiently govern on behalf of the great citizens of Kane county.
