Chris Lauzen

On the Record

Why are you running for the position of Kane County Board chairman?

To tackle three challenges: Challenge #1: With property values going down while property taxes continue to go up, we are being taxed out of our homes. Opportunity #1: Freeze property tax levies for the County, Forest Preserve, and (indirectly through appointments) Fox Valley Park District. We can discuss all we want “how” the Board will spend the money, we just can’t have more. Challenge #2: There is way too “cozy” of a correlation between too much money given to county decision-makers and too many political favors, .i.e. “cronyism.” Opportunity #2: Strengthen the county ethics ordinance, unilaterally reduce the amount that it costs to run a county board chairman’s race, and elect grassroots reformers rather than Establishment insiders who protect their status quo. Challenge #3: Restore “trust” at every level of government. Opportunity #3: Provide honest, competent administration through innovation and austerity.

What would your top three priorities be as chairman?

Same as Question 1.

How would you work to build consensus with individual county board members?

By treating them respectfully, which includes listening, providing accurate information, encouraging personal growth, and recognizing progress.

How would you differentiate yourself from your opponent?

I respect my opponent as a fellow human being, a member of a family, and a public servant. Besides the differences between our priorities, especially my focus on freezing the county property tax levy, I oppose spending an extra quarter of a million dollars on a county administrator. I firmly oppose this plan of paying to place another level of bureaucracy between the county board and accountability to the taxpayers. Gosh, I’m running to do that job, not to be a “figurehead” politician merely running meetings and abdicating my responsibility to an unelected, expensive employee. The old expression, “If you want something done properly . . . ‘ends’ . . . do it yourself,” not “. . . pay for some more bureaucracy.” I suggest that, if this question were to be put on the ballot for an advisory referendum, the voters would recommend, “Save the money, hire more deeply qualified and experienced chairmen.”

Property values have decreased. Property taxes are on the rise. What do you plan to do about it?

Same as Question 1. Set a clear and attainable goal, i.e. “freeze the property tax levy during times of decreasing property values” . . . not the assessments, not the rates, but the entire amount of taxes paid by taxpayers to fund government. Retool budgeting process in order to limit size of county government and relieve burden on taxpayers. Reverse order in which we budget: Rather than calculating how much we want to spend, then raising levy to pay for it, recognize how much taxpayers are already sacrificing at the current level, “cap” total government spending at that level, then live within our means without asking taxpayers to bail us out with more . . . like families and businesses do.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Because I am most closely aligned to the needs of Kane County citizens/taxpayers, enthusiastically desire to serve, and bring the rigorous academic and professional training and experience to do the job. For two decades, I have built a reputation for personally answering every phone call, email, or traditional letter from more than 200,000 constituents. I listen and respond. When we apply for financial resources from state and federal governments, it’s valuable for you to have someone who knows the state and federal decision-makers and the correct processes. I understand budgets at an annual $50,000 family level all the way through the $50,000,000,000 state level. My reform priorities of “freeze the property tax levy, treat all people with respect, and honest competent administration through innovation” will save you money and restore confidence.