Name: Douglas J Scheflow
Position for which you are a candidate:
Kane County Board District 22
Why are you seeking this position?
As a lifelong resident of Elgin and Kane County, I was privileged to be elected to the Kane County Board eight years ago in the middle of the great recession. Since that time my colleagues and I have made the hard choices to keep Kane County in sound fiscal condition, we have lowered the debt, balanced the budget, paid our pension obligations and held the County’s portion of the real estate taxes flat. COVID-19 has only made these challenges more difficult. I am running for office to represent the hard working and fixed income tax payers in order to keep Kane County under sound fiscal control. The alternative is a series of empty promises that will lead to new and higher taxes and poor financial performance.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
As a long time practicing attorney in Kane County, I have experience with most departments in the County, including the Court System, the Recorder of Deeds , Supervisor of Assessments, Zoning and Development and other Departments. As a member of the County Board I have learned much more about the workings of Kane County and its budget process. I have deep roots in Kane County, my children are fifth generation Elgin residents. My wife Lena and I have raised our four adult children here. I attended Larkin High School as did my four children. I want to see Elgin and Kane County continue to thrive into the future, and not fall into financial despair like the Chicago and Springfield.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
Due to the COVID-19 virus my highest priority will be working with other County leaders to usher the County through the negative impacts of the virus that are impacting the Health Department, the Sheriff and the Jail system, and the County budget. I will work to help process the federal CARES Act relief grants to the municipalities, non-profits organizations and businesses. Beyond the impact of the virus, I want to hold the line on tax increases and government spending to maintain sound fiscal policies into the future and keep our pension promises to employees. The sound financial polices and adequate reserves of Kane County that have been established will help the County weather the storms ahead.
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