Michael Kenyon

On the Record

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

I want to continue to provide good leadership for my community, and represent my area with a common sense approach to government.

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

a) The most important thing we can do as a board is to return jobs and prosperity to Kane County. The way to address this is to retain the County’s award winning county staff and programs. There are many factors when considering quality of life, affordable housing, good schools, convenient shopping and consumer services along with recreational opportunities and a first rate highway system. Together these attract residents and provide the human resources for industries to grow. b) It is imperative that we find the funding to update the computer system for the court and court services. The system is antiquated. We need a new system in order to operate more smoothly and cost effectively. c) It is important to continue and enhance the current policies that have allowed us to keep our high credit rating, which is better than the State of Illinois and most municipalities. For 6 years in a row, our Finance Department has received National Awards. With the county’s CFO recently leaving to take a job in another state, it is mandatory that we replace her with someone just as qualified.

How would you differentiate yourself from your opponent?

I am a life long resident of South Elgin and have always been very actively involved in the community. I’ve been involved socially, through business and through recreation. I am involved with both the high school and junior high school. My work experience includes sitting on boards of financial institutions and the health care industry. I have developed a solid working relationship with county and city officials and staff. I’m pro law enforcement and public safety, and am a member of first Kane County Sheriff’s Police Academy. I am always ready to learn and listen and I am very accessible to the residents of my district. As a respected member of the community, residents are comfortable bringing their concerns to me.

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

My experience as a founding member of both Elgin Business Association and the South Elgin Jaycees, has given me the opportunity to network with local business leaders. As a County Board member, no one can take sole credit for any accomplishments. It involves teamwork. I believe that my experience and expertise has helped me to be seen by my fellow board members as a consensus builder. In an increasingly divisive environment, my experience in building consensus and working with all members to achieve good things for our county are necessary tools.

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

Our greatest challenge will be to continue to improve our infrastructure. The Stearns Road Bridge was instrumental to help alleviate some of the congestion in South Elgin. We were able to receive a grant to by several blighted homes in the community, and have worked to rebuild two of them. One of the greatest challenges facing this district will be the aging housing stock. We must encourage business to come to the area and we must continue to network with those that will help us achieve those goals.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

By being a lifelong member of this community, I can relate to the people that live here. I am best suited by temperament, accessibility and experience. My lifelong association with the community, its organizations and its people are critical to address the needs of South Elgin during this difficult economic time. I’ve spent my life serving and helping others. This involvement results in good relationships. Most regard me as a friend and leader who cares. My experience with government at all levels, makes me the most qualified to continue to represent the residents of County Board District 16.