Population Growth
Kane County has experienced population growth throughout its history. From 1890 to 1940 population doubled from 65,000 to 130,000. In the next 30-year period ending 1970, the population doubled again to 260,000 , along with industries, medical centers, and educational institutions. According to census bureau figures, as of 2002 Kane County's population is estimated to be over 443,000 and is steadily growing.
Development for Developer's Sake
This exploding growth comes with rampant nearly uncontrolled development, and threatens not only our quality of life but our natural resources. More and more Kane County farmland is being rezoned to fit the demand of housing construction. The Kane County Board is now struggling with the problem of maintaining the traditional beauty and open spaces of Kane County despite the pressures for rapid development of the agricultural areas. County Development Plans need to be designed and approved for the good of all the residents of the county, and not just a developer's wallet. The decisions made today will influence the future growth of Kane County. Elgin's exploding population needs to be appropriately represented for the future.
Environment
From rampant development destroying watersheds and uncontrolled runoff to EPA superfund sites, Kane County has many environmental issues which are not being recognized and not being addressed. Kane County is lucky that we host only one EPA Superfund site, but there are many old industrial sites to be concerned about, and many toxins being released into our air and water supply.
An alarming issue currently facing the county and only to get worse is water - access to clean drinking. The Fox River supplies water for the majority of the citizens in Elgin, but also for other communities along the river. With the population growth and residential development expansion, who will decide who gets the water?
Fiscal Accountability
Such growth also increases proportionally taxation, and also the demands for county services. From 2005 to 2007 , the Kane County Budget increased from $162 million to $302 million. In that same time period, county revenue increased from only $165 million to $280 million. While carrying a deficit isn't necessarily the demon its portrayed (most of us carry a mortgage and some long term debt), it must be managed responsibly and within budget. In reality the county does not have a home that it can refinance to pay off its credit cards!
While logic dictates the budget needs to increase to serve the residents of the county, this should be done with the utmost fiscal responsibility. It is not an "open checkbook" - concepts like ROI (return on investment), accountability, common sense and community involvement need to be embraced and practiced.
Economic Development
Unfortunately Kane County has a history of selecting contractors outside the county. As its OUR tax dollars, the Kane County Board should support our own corporations, businesses, contractors and vendors. Increase business creates jobs and will help build our county economy by locating offices in our county and contribute to its economic health.
Transportation
Kane County's transportation mission statement proclaims "To provide and maintain a safe and efficient transportation system while maintaining the County's visions and values." A better designed transportation system would enable citizens to travel economically and efficiently to jobs, ease congestion and decrease air pollution.