Add to forest preserves
You don’t have to set foot in the Kane County forest preserves to experience their benefits. All residents enjoy cleaner water and cleaner air because of these important, protected open spaces. They filter groundwater and provide flood control. Neighboring property values frequently increase near preserves. Trail systems link our communities.
If you do choose to visit — and I hope you do — these are wonderful natural areas in which to enjoy and recreate. They offer a place for quiet reflection or a family picnic, bike rides or bird-watching, horseback riding or dog walking, camping or hiking. You can enjoy a nature program or historic tour, and preserves provide protected wildlife habitat across more than 20,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies. They’re a part of what make Kane County a desirable place to live, work and play, and I’m proud to serve as its president.
The district has a referendum question on Tuesday’s ballot for land acquisition and preserve improvements. The cost for the owner of a $250,000 home would be approximately $22 annually for 20 years. However, due to strong financial management, refinancing of debt and paying off of bonds, taxes will actually be decreasing from the forest preserve district. Would you like lower property taxes from the district, along with increased open space? As always, we have put this measure on the ballot to let the voters make the final decision.
Our successes are evident. A recent poll about the district found an 87 percent approval rating. People value their forest preserves.
I know we have our critics, like any organization, but I have to wonder what their motivations are, when forest preserves truly benefit all of us, both now and for generations to come.
Michael Kenyon, president, Forest Preserve District of Kane County
Owens supported for U46 board
I endorse Melissa Owens for the U46 Board of Education. I have had the privilege of volunteering with her for the last seven years on the U46 Citizens Advisory Council and for five years as a co-chair of the CAC special education services committee.
So what did I learn about Owens during that time?
First, she is resourceful. Our small committee of four to six parents produced the Special Needs Resource Fair, an event that in its prime hosted over 300 parents and exhibitors. We had little help and no budget. But her resourcefulness and dedication made it come together because she knew our parents needed this.
Second, she is forward-thinking. I appreciate her ability to look beyond today and anticipate obstacles. Foreseeing those challenges ahead of time and planning around them allowed us to successfully produce this event for five years.
Third, she handles change exceptionally well. The issues we faced at the beginning of our tenure are very different than what we face today. Owens helped our committee and the CAC adapt. She constantly challenges us to rethink what we have done in the past and how we can improve it for tomorrow.
Finally, she can work with anybody. Her willingness to listen, see others’ points of view and take that into consideration when making a decision makes her wise beyond her years.
With the issues our district faces today, she is exactly what is needed, and I hope you will support her.
Sarah Thompson, Elgin
Governing a problem
You elect rich businessmen with no political experience as governor of Illinois and president of the United States and are surprised when they can’t govern.
So what other bright ideas have you got?
David Berkey, Elgin
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