2008 General Election: 6th District Kane County Board

Penny Falcon, 51, a Republican faces Ron Ford, 49, a Democrat for this open seat, which is located in Aurora near West and West sides to I-88. The seat is currently held by Paul L. Greviskes, a Democrat.

Penny Falcon
Why are you running for this office?
I believe I have the temperament, dedication, and enthusiasm needed for the position. By attending county board meetings for the last two years, I have a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a Kane County Board member, as well as the concerns the county board has faced in the past and will face in the future. I also have been meeting with the residents of County Board District 6 for more than a year to gain a better insight into the issues that concern them most.

Why are you the most qualified for this position?
As a business intelligence analyst at Nicor Services, I keep watch on decisions made by the state and federal governments, as well as determine the challenges and opportunities those decisions present. This skill is crucial in the county, where relationships must be forged between all levels of government to be sure that projects are completed. Because I speak Spanish, I can effectively communicate with native-Spanish speakers in the County. Also, my years as a journalist taught me that you should never accept things at face value; differing viewpoints on an issue need to be considered.

What major needs of the county would you like to see addressed?
As our county grows, we need to continue to provide law enforcement that can respond quickly to all areas of the county and communicate with other local agencies from its patrol cars. The ability to travel to and from work is another area my constituents are vocal about. I support a comprehensive approach to address major and rural roads, dangerous intersections and the expansion/enhancement of public transportation.

What do you think budget priorities should be? How sound do you believe the county's finances are?
While I believe the county's finances are sound, the current volatility in the financial market can mean less $$ from fees coming to the county via sales tax, motor fuel tax and permit fees. Because of the uncertainty that state and federal funding will arrive as promised, it is essential that the board and the departments take a hard-line approach to trimming costs, controlling hiring and identifying efficiencies within the county. I support the recent hiring freeze enacted by the board, as well as the proposed 1.5% budget trim from each department.

Now that the federal government has given its blessing to the Prairie Parkway, do you believe this road will become a reality? What role do you see the county taking assuming this project progresses? Will the parkway be beneficial to Kane County?
The federal and state governments will determine the progress of Prairie Parkway. Assuming that the project progresses, Kane County can soften its impact and control growth in the area by taking the lead on determining the number and placement of exit ramps. The chief benefit of the Prairie Parkway will be diminished truck traffic on routes 47 and 30, and Orchard Road, and the resultant lessening of wear and tear on other Kane County roads.

How should the county fund future transportation needs? Are toll roads/bridges the answer? Can/should we expect more from the state or federal governments?
We can only expect more from the state or federal government if we have elected effective political representation that can - and will - facilitate the allocation of transportation $$. I am encouraged that the county has created a Legislative Committee to improve relationships with our state and federal representatives and become proactive against legislation which can be detrimental to the county.

Do you support the plan for the future county campus?
Yes. Housing the county departments at a central campus provides efficiencies in time, $$ savings, department synergies, and improved service to our residents.

Ron Ford
Why are you running for this office? I believe I can help make a difference. Concern about the future of our neighborhoods and the development for jobs. Also opportunities for our youth.

Why are you the most qualified for this position?My love for the people. Willing to fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves, that have a just cause. My education and experience with government and development.

What major needs of the county would you like to see addressed?Strong economic growth. Strong infrastructure and public safety and strong public health development.

What do you think budget priorities should be? How sound do you believe the county's finances are?Having a balanced budget
Prioritizing projects
Health and safety first

Now that the federal government has given its blessing to the Prairie Parkway, do you believe this road will become a reality? What role do you see the county taking assuming this project progresses? Will the parkway be beneficial to Kane County?The Prairie Parkway seems to play a more major part as a trucker route through the Kane County, not servicing the highly populated parts of the County like Randall Road. Of course, Route 47 was in the same situation years ago, therefore, this may be more of a benefit for the far future.

How should the county fund future transportation needs? Are toll roads/bridges the answer? Can/should we expect more from the state or federal governments?Transportation funding comes from three sources, local gas tax and impact fees (not enough funds). We should not need to add more toll roads; we need to fight more for our fair share from our State and Federal taxes.

Do you support the plan for the future county campus?Centralizing services is no doubt cheaper however another campus has to be built, employed and serviced. The need to expand can be achieved through the internet and satellite centers.