Editor’s note: This is one in a series of stories looking at contested races in the Aurora area in the June 28 primary election.
The race in the Republican primary for the Kane County Board seat in District 11 is between Brian Jones and Jonathan Bretz.
The primary election is June 28.
Jones, 44, of Geneva, spoke about the three biggest issues confronting people in the 11th District and said that “inflation, rising taxes and the quality of life” are among some of the most important.
“Inflation is something that’s affecting people throughout the country,” Jones said. “Rising taxes and inflation somewhat go together. I think we also have to continue to be pro-business – supporting the growth of local businesses.”
Jones said he believes residents are concerned about the possibility of increased local sales and gas taxes and would not support them.
He adds that while property taxes should be frozen, “the county portion is only about 4%” which doesn’t impact the overall bill much, he said.
Residents, Jones said, want the county to maintain its current level of services.
Regarding specific projects, Jones noted he is looking at the 40-acre parcel that was site of the old DuPage County Sheriff’s office and jail and that it needs “to be put on the tax rolls and become productive.”
“I also want to continue and monitor local business as well as bring in new businesses to increase our tax base,” Jones said.
Bretz, 42, also of Geneva, said he is running for Kane County Board for the first time and that voters are concerned about “kitchen table conversations – the things affecting their pocketbook, their paycheck, making sure the local budgets are balanced and that taxes aren’t disproportionate.”
“People also want to know that their county is safe and that the education that their children are getting is a good one,” Bretz added. “The educational system needs to prepare them for life.”
Community safety, he said, needs to include “adequate police protection and making sure there isn’t crime in neighborhoods.”
Regarding goals or objectives if elected, Bretz said “transparency is important and getting information out there.”
“One of the things I’m personally wondering is who is making decisions and why are they making the ones they’re making,” he said. “Just more transparency with the board – being open about the logical path people took to make decisions.”
Bretz said a balanced budget is important and that last year’s budget was “only balanced due to COVID funds we received from the government.”
Bretz adds that “listening to the people – you’re representing them and you need to make sure you’re open and there is a line of communication and bringing the matters that the people want addressed to the board and making sure those items are addressed” would be another focal point if he is elected.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
