Julie Schmitt statement
As we approach the election, I would like voters to be aware they do have an alternative choice at the polls. I am Julie Schmitt, the Green Party Candidate for Kane County Board District 20, and would like to share what I hear from my neighbors are priorities for our district.
As may you know, I have been an outspoken advocate in the Historic District, especially in regards to the Channing Square development project. I informed and rallied the neighborhood, the majority of which signed the park petition. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful, and the development project is clearly a failure – the market is gone, the property is an eyesore, and a bad example for the Historic District.
The Kane County Board should better represent the citizens of Elgin, not just big business and big developers. If I am honored to be Elgin District 20’s representative on the Board, I will represent the citizens in our district in a proactive and enthusiastic manner. While we do need to preserve farmland – America is the greatest producer of food in the world – I believe the Forest Preserve should invest in supporting open space within the city, not just farmland. This would improve home values, neighborhood values, and most importantly our quality of life.
Kane County faces severe budget challenges. Programs and current revenue sources need to be aligned and reevaluated. Before any project is initiated, the return on investment needs to be established and common sense priorities applied – why build a jail that gets completed “under budget†but is overcrowded on opening? As a business professional with over 20 years in management and balancing budgets, I would bring my experience and talent in creative budget solutions.
Green Party core values include environmental responsibility, and I am a long-standing conservationist. I believe Kane County should be a leader in applying alternative energy in practical applications. Why not replace (within schedule) all county vehicles with those powered by natural gas? This program has been successful in other areas. Kane County has a great natural resource in wind – how quickly could wind turbines pay for themselves? We also have a great resource that is under threat – the Fox River. The major source of our drinking water here in Elgin is the river, and it needs to be protected.
Current technology promises great potential for communicating, but the County is not taking advantage. The County should be a leader in communication services with our citizens and the other levels of government. Kane County should be challenged to deliver better communications between the local, county and state resources, saving time and money. I will bring my experience in Internet Technology and Marketing with me to the Board to help solve these issues.
Most of all, I will be a passionate and courageous advocate for our district. I choose Elgin eight years ago because I loved its architecture, its neighborhoods and its potential. As a member of an independent political party, I have no ties binding me to any archaic political ideology. I will standup and get the answers others parties don’t, and not support issues just to satisfy hidden party agendas. So I ask for your vote on November 4th to help me make a difference.
For those who would like to know me better, or ask questions, you can visit my website at www.julieschmitt.com. I also have coffee Saturday mornings, 9am in the coffee house at 176 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
Julie Schmitt
Green Party Candidate
Kane County Board District 20
137 N. Channing St.
Elgin, IL 60120
Possibly related posts:
Loading ...
