Bill Roth: 2024 candidate for Kane County Board District 12

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: Kane County Board District 12

City: St. Charles

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: Kane County Board District 12 (2022-present)

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

Most people start volunteering when they retire. I have been volunteering for over 20 years. It was how I was raised. By being on the county board, I see myself raising the bar by being able to help more people. I represent all of the voters of my district but also all of Kane County.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

In less than two years I have gotten up the learning curve of becoming a board member. I have accomplish this by executing the following processes: 1. I have met with the majority of the board one on one to get to know them and where they stand; 2. I have met with the majority of the department heads all across the county to learn more about the business and learn personally about what issues they are facing in running their department.

I have found that the majority of the issues are filtered from the board, so unless you meet with the departments you will not hear the real issues; 3. I am only on four committees but I attend all of the 20 committees meeting every month in person. It is the best way to learn the business of the county.

Also because I attend the meetings as a board member I am allow to ask question in the meetings.

Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.

I believe that the current spending is out of control. I see this coming as a side effect of the pandemic. The amount of money (COVID and ARPA) pushed down to the county from the feds and state over the last four years has been extreme. I feel the county has become addicted to that money and has raised spending way above what our current revenue can support. With the Democrat's in a majority they are quick to respond that we need taxes. I have been pushing back that we need to rein in spending and also become more efficient in our processes. The county still has a lot of inefficiencies in their processes.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

There needs to be a lot more bipartisanship and cooperation on the board. Currently, our board is very dysfunctional. A lot of the board members come in with their own agendas instead of addressing the needs of their voters and also what is best for the county.

In order to fix this issue we need to look at all of our processes and work on implementing more efficient processes. Also, why we may disagree on issues we still need to respect each other and not turn to personal attacks.

What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?

The county is currently doing a lot to combat the opioid crisis at the state attorney, sheriff and the public health. I believe the county is currently addressing the issue.

What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?

The county is currently working with both the federal and the state levels to address affordable housing needs. At the county level we need to make sure we use these funds promptly and efficiency in cooperation with the municipals.