Michael Donahue

On the Record

What are you running for a position on the Kane County Board?

I am seeking re-election because I have the time and talent to give to the position. I have 27 years of experience working for and with local governments and I know how good government should work. I am committed to serve one more term. I will not seek re-election to a third term.

What would your top three priorities be as a board member?

1. Fiscal discipline. I will lead the call for a zero-growth budget in 2013 like I did in 2012. 2. Redevelopment of the Settler’s Hill landfill complex. It is time to turn this regional dump into a recreational amenity for all of Kane County to enjoy. 3. Hiring a county administrator. Kane County’s 1250 employees deserve professional, not political management. A good county administrator can save several times his or her own salary by running day-to-day operations more efficiently.

How would you differentiate yourself from your opponent?

I do not know my opponent so I really cannot say. I am seeking re-election based upon my qualifications and my performance as a county board member so far. If voters choose to send me back for one more term then I will be honored to serve.

Explain an accomplishment of yours and how it would – or does – relate to your being an effective board member.

Last year I was shocked to see that the Finance Committee had recommended approval of the 2012 budget with a 2.9% spending increase in the General Fund. I led the call to send the budget back to committee and I proposed nearly $2 million in additional cuts to bring the budget in line with my expectations for a zero-growth budget. The budget was ultimately approved with no spending or tax levy increases.

What is the greatest challenge facing your district, and what you have you done – to date – to help solve it?

The greatest challenge in my district is to make good on a promise made 35 years ago to turn a regional dump into a recreational amenity. Settler’s Hill has been closed since 2006 and until last year nothing had been done to make good on this promise. As the board representative for this district, and as a professional land planner, I am leading the effort to prepare a master redevelopment plan for the landfill and surrounding area. I chair a committee that was created for this purpose and we have been working for more than a year to receive citizen input and build consensus. My goal is to get the plan approved this fall, and if I am re-elected begin the process of implementation next year.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I have 27 years of professional experience working for and with local governments. I understand how good government should work and I believe I have been able to demonstrate that already in my first term. My philosophy is always to use common sense when making decisions, apply the KISS principal whenever possible, and to live by the credo that “less is more,” particularly when it comes to government and taxes. My goal for my first term was to be as transparent and accessible as possible and I hope I have accomplished that. I established a Facebook page where all of my positions on the issues are posted (search Kaneboardmember Mike Donahue). I encourage anyone who would like to learn more about me to view my Facebook page or contact me directly at donahue777@aol.com.