Martha Hanna

On the Record

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

I am running for KC board because I have always been interested in serving my community. Local government is the most important government there is. I want to be on the ground floor when making decisions for the county.

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

I would like to tackle the 12.6 million dollar upgrade for the computor system for the circuit court. I will work to find the county an efficent upgrade for less than 12.6 million. We also need to budget maintanence and updates for the system to take us into the future for many years, let’s do it right this time and stop wasting taxpayers money. The Settler/Hill current plan is overblown. We should concentrate on improving the golf course first, since it is a money maker for the county. Better planning before we spend taxpayers money. We purchased and remodeled the former Montgomery Wards building for the courts instead of planning for expansion on the property that houses the courts and jail on Rt.38.

How would you differentiate yourself from your opponent?

I don’t know much about my opponent except that he lives in Geneva and has been on the board for 2 years. I reside in an unincorporated section of Kane Co in Batavia. I get township and county services. I rezoned my property about 10 years ago so I am very familiar with development, my county board member, and zoning requirements. I have been an election judge for many years and I am a tutor for the JJC and was a CASA. I am versed in juvenile and family law issues. I would say I am more of a hands on candidate then my opponent.

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

When I rezoned my property I became familiar with what function the county and board members play in local government. I was a full time working single mom raising 2 children, so I know how important budgets can be and how to not waste money. My goal was to remain in my house and pay the mortage which I accomplished.

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

The current Settler/Hill plan will bring more noise and traffic to an area in district 11. The plan contains new restaurants and hotels. I know competition is good for business, but I question how are you going to get people to wonder into Geneva or Batavia to spend money, when everything will be available right there on the new recreational center. I am also against new trails for bikers in Fabyan Woods east, and have been involved with a group whos goal is to have that forest remain pristine and undeveloped, protected and preserved.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I have hands on experience with several different departments within Kane County. I will give 100% of my time and effort and I will be under the direction of a new chairman. I will not have any baggage from the McConnaughay leadership, like my opponent.