Name: Cherryl Fritz Strathmann

Position for which you are a candidate: Kane County Board District 20

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I am seeking re-election to Kane County Board for District 20 because there is much work yet to be done. Kane County will have to make some very tough decisions in the near future to continue with the quality services the people of Kane County have come to expect. As the Incumbent, I have worked hard to educate myself on the complex and far -reaching jurisdictions that affect the everyday life of our citizens. The people can be very proud of the work done by this governing body. If we want to keep this quality, we have to make sure to retain the staff, stay competitive in our salaries and benefits, stop the cycle of hiring and training only to lose them to other higher paying opportunities. This is not sound fiscal practice for the long term.

I would like to continue serving the people in my district and those in this County. I bring to the Board a life time of experiences in many areas and have a working knowledge of those issues that affect our everyday lives. I am proud of Kane County and the work it does, and feel lucky to live in this area. I am asking for your vote to send me back to continue this work.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I have been an active and engaged citizen in Elgin all of my life. My first involvement was with the Equal Rights Amendment in 1973, and Roe v. Wade legislation. Since that time, I have marched, rallied, and protested on issues that were important to me and my family. I have done phone banking and held phone banking meetings in my home, I have knocked on doors in four states, held fundraisers, and made floats for the 4th of July parade. I sat on the Citizen’s Advisory Board for U-46 School District, and the Advisory board for the Elgin Police Department. I was a Docent for the Kane County Forest Preserve. When asked by State Senator Cristina Castro to run for County Board, I decided it was the next logical step for me to take.

I was raised and educated in Elgin, as were my kids. I was a small business owner from 1991 until I had to close in 2020, due to the pandemic. I have volunteered as a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension since 2012. I believe this history has prepared me to serve the people of my district in the business of the County.

During this first term on Kane County Board I have served as Co-chair of the Legislative Committee, and helped bring back millions of our tax dollars for our infrastructure needs, creating thousands of jobs in our area. I sat on the Energy/ Environment committee which worked to get solar panels on the Judicial center property, a projected savings of $5 million, and I served on the Public health committee which helped to keep Kane County safe and set up Vax centers.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

There are several issues that will need the focus of the Board to assure that this is where people want to live and work. We must secure safe water for all the areas of the county. This will require infrastructure and monitoring systems to protect our families. We are also needing to take a hard look at our revenue. Kane county has not had an increase in revenue since about 2011. There comes a time where it is irresponsible to cut services, and delay upkeep on the buildings and properties of the County in order brag about “holding the line” in costs. Kane County has over a million square feet of buildings that serve our constituents. These buildings, like our own homes, need to be maintained to assure that we can keep these buildings in safe working conditions.

The board will need to continue to work with the Legislators in Springfield, so that we let them know what our needs are, how they can work with us to meet those needs, and to be vocal when they pass unfunded mandates that affect our policies and our budgets. We also want to make sure to continue with the fine quality of the services from our Judicial system and the Kane County Sheriff’s department.

Safety and Preserving the Quality of Life for all in this County will always be a priority.

 

 

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