Jonathan Gripe: 2024 candidate for Kane County Board District 14

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Kane County Board District 14

City: St Charles

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired Financial Advisor

Previous offices held: No public offices held

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

Some people say county board has no effect on issues like immigration, sex trafficking, invasion of privacy, and government overreach. I disagree. Citizens of Kane County asked me to run for this office. We are fed up with board members who disregard taxpayers. I would pursue term limits. Many members never want to give up the rich benefits and compensation. I want to stop wasteful pet project spending like solar fields. New buildings are being planned when the current ones are fine or can be repurposed. Why is there a $50MM+ request for a new health department building, when the current one is barely used? 90% of the citizens are against the cannabis infusion plant, yet board members voted for it. Why did the board accept money for new voting machines? Without honest elections, citizens here can't trust our government. We need leaders in Kane County who will serve citizens not special interests. That’s me. I’m a servant. We need wisdom, discernment and discretion in our county board.

What experiences and background would you bring to the office and how do these affect the way you would serve on the county board?

I have 45+ years in financial services having managed accounts over $500 MM in annual revenues. As a financial advisor, I worked with personal and business clients on estate and tax planning, debt reduction, detailed financial plans, succession planning, defined benefit/contribution plans, future income planning and extensive work with employee benefits and retirement plans. I have worked with unions, privately held and publicly traded companies.

I live to serve others. I don't understand why County Board reps aren't more involved in their communities. How better to understand needs and relate to voters. For many decades I have served organizations several as President. Anderson Humane, St. Charles Kiwanis, Fox Valley Hands of Hope, Lazarus House, Wayside Cross, Kane Co. States Atty Deferred Prosecution Panel, Election Judge, Scout Master, Distinguished Eagle Scout, Kids Hope Mentor, Christ Community Church volunteer, election judge, Literacy Volunteers, St. Charles Park Foundation.

What do you consider the three most-serious issues facing the county and how would you address them?

Immigration and how to handle it, protecting the privacy and rights of Kane Co. citizens from government intrusion and overreach and bringing accountability and spending control to the board.

How do you rate the health of the county's financial system? Do you support any changes in the county's fiscal policies?

Though the county has a large amount of money, recent financial meetings and presentations I have attended indicate that many board members are clueless about what is going on and when they do understand issues, they tend to seek only to spend all they can to grow the size of government and inflate future liabilities.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I have the character, dedication and selfless service mindset missing from most board members. I dont tolerate abuse of the electorate.