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Name: Joseph R. Haimann
Position for which you are a candidate:
Kane County Board District 24
Why are you seeking this position?
I have had the honor and privilege of serving the residents of District 24 on the Kane County Board for the past three years. As a board, we have achieved some major accomplishments for our residents. I have voted to freeze property taxes every year since being elected, which has effectively saved $16.4 million for county taxpayers. I have supported paying off our bond debt and unfunded liabilities which save taxpayers millions more. I have voted to invest more money into capital construction and transportation projects which have helped create jobs and improve our county’s infrastructure. While doing this, we have continued to provide essential services to our residents and take care of our employees. I have a great working relationship with my board colleagues, and they have supported me and what I have done for the residents of my district. I would like to continue the work we have started to help my community.
What experience and background do you have which qualify you for this position?
My lifetime of service and experience as an elected county board member make me uniquely qualified to continue to serve on the county board. I was proud to serve my country in the United States Army. I have served the community for most of my life. I have been actively involved with the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name, and St. Monica’s Catholic Church. I started an annual fundraiser for the FISH Food Pantry and have raised thousands of dollars to support this important organization in our community. I have been a volunteer for the Carpentersville Paint-a-thon for many years. I have served as Chairman of the Carpentersville Planning and Zoning Commission, as a trustee of the Carpentersville Firefighters Pension Fund, and as a volunteer for the Forest Preserve. I currently serve as a Democratic precinct committeeman for my precinct. On the county board and forest preserve, I serve on eight committees, including my work as vice chairman of the public service and transportation committees. I made a pledge to the residents to support a property tax freeze, and I kept my word. I believe that my experience serving and producing results for the residents of this district for the last three years matters. My votes for freezing property taxes, investing in our infrastructure, protecting funding for essential services like transportation, public safety, and the justice system, and bringing more money back to the district demonstrate my qualifications to continue serving on the county board.
What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge the Board faces in the next four years is a financial one. As I mentioned previously, in my three years on the Board, I have voted to freeze the property tax levy. I believe we should continue to freeze property taxes for as long as we can continue to provide essential services to our residents. We also face uncertainty in our revenue as a result of the budget impasse in Springfield. Due to the budget impasse, the state has delayed or suspended payments of the county’s money. The need to balance these financial concerns is the greatest challenge facing the county, and it underscores the need for an experienced leader on the county board to represent our district. We must continue to work with our legislators to fight for our money. We also must continue to look for new sources of non-property tax revenue and eliminate unnecessary and costly regulations. I have done this as a member of the county’s legislative committee and will continue to do so.
Release for Publication: Yes
I will attend the forum: Yes
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