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NAME: John A. “Jack” Cunningham
POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:
Kane County Clerk
1. Why are you seeking this position?
With my background, experience, and detailed plan to provide more services at less cost to taxpayers, I am uniquely qualified to serve as Clerk. As Clerk, my office maintained vital records, processed passports, extended taxes, conducted elections, and secured County records, while providing excellent service and staying under budget. With the County’s budget challenges, we need an experienced Clerk, not someone who needs on‐the‐job training. I cut my budget and want to continue the office’s efficient management. I want to grow initiatives like the Clerk’s Accessibility Program (brought services to residents in their communities and also on nights and weekends) and Voter Outreach Program (increased early voting to over 50%)
2. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
Through ethical, transparent, and fiscally responsible management, I’ve saved millions for taxpayers.
Recently, I cut my budget by nearly $200,000 to reduce the burden on homeowners, passed legislation to save nearly $100k by reducing excess election workers, and began a passport photo service to generate more revenue for the County. I eliminated 3 management positions, including the position my opponent held, and cross trained employees to have a leaner, less expensive, and more efficient staff.
When Illinois mandated same‐day registration on Election Day, we needed $1.9 mil of equipment to meet the unfunded mandate, and I secured equipment at no cost through experience and relationships with other clerks. I’ve secured millions in grants
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
It is continuing to run the office under budget, while offering more services to residents. In order to do this, I am advancing new legislation that would allow us to save more money and promote consolidation, and will continue to seek new non‐property tax revenue sources. These things will allow us to remain under budget and return money back to the taxpayers each year. Years of advanced planning and discussions with those involved have prepared us to face the challenges of possibly absorbing the Aurora Election Commission (if the referendum passes) without significant cost to taxpayers. Our coordination with the federal government, state agencies, and IT professionals helped us meet the challenge of protecting our records and equipment.
Will you attend the 2/27 Dundee candidate forum? No, I am not able to attend
Will you attend the 3/7 Elgin candidate forum? No, I am not able to attend
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