Name: Corinne M. Pierog
Position for which you are a candidate:
Kane County Board Chairman
Why are you seeking this position?
I have been a resident of Kane County for the past twenty years. To many of us, the County government seemed to be on autopilot. But, during the last eight years, I have noticed not only a decrease in services, but also an increasing sense of frustration within due to divisive management, and financial duress due to an austere budget. As a candidate, I stand as an independent voice, whose support comes from the community, not solely from an organization nor from the endorsement of the current Chair. The COVID-19 virus has only further stressed the County, its budget and its inability to distribute and manage the CARES funding. My management and fiscal experience lead me to this opportunity to be Kane County’s next Board Chairman.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
My knowledge of and 20-year relationship with Kane County provides me with a context from which to govern. As the principle of Sustainable Leadership Solutions that supports non-profit organizations including board development, and financial leadership, I bring real work experience to board management. My education includes an MBA, Roosevelt Univ., PhD studies City Univ. of NY, MA, San Francisco State, and BA Univ. of CA. My civic efforts include sitting on community and local boards, the St. Charles Board of Education, the St. Charles Housing Commission, and Vice-Chair of Age Guide, the IL. Business Enterprise Commission and founding chair, and current, of the Kane County Democratic Women. My previous run for IL State Senate, has also given me a knowledge of government, and that of managing an effective campaign. My core ability to focus on the County’s social policies, ones that concern every family, not just the management of numbers, places me in a unique position to serve the County.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
Efficient and Responsive Leadership: The management and distribution of the CARES funding is a prime example of the lack of ability, direction and concern the Chair and his handpicked task force, which included my opponent, brought together prior to the entire Board demanding a new committee that has been able to better manage these important funds.
Budget, No Time for Politics: The budget cannot be based on austerity, but rather facilitation. Communities need to be brought together to discuss shared opportunities. The budget requires a tactical approach balancing fiscal needs while offsetting the tax burden. I see people and their needs when I review a budget, not just numbers.
Trust and Respect: We cannot afford to be resting in the past, nor mired in the present. It is time that collaboratively all citizens, our businesses, industries and schools, staff, and elected officials, work together to focus on the future. Everyone must understand the role of the County and their own responsibilities.
Preserve Our Natural and Built Resources: Our rich assets function as an economic driver through tourism, agriculture, and business development. Best practices of sustainability, renewable energy, water conservation, public and alternative transportation must be topics that we address. Protection of farmland and open spaces must be considered.
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