Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? When it comes to the State Attorney's office, the top three issues are: Taking politics out of the office Keeping Kane County safe And working with law enforcement to seek methods that root out the sources of crime. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? In the current environment, the State’s Attorney’s office faces a myriad of challenges, but three top the list. First, ensure that the office attracts and retains quality prosecutors from all socio-economic areas, emphasizing “homegrown” individuals who understand the communities they were raised in. Second, ensure that prosecutors are highly trained and understand the ins and outs of the legal system. We have seen suspects who should not have been released on bail be set free because Assistant State’s Attorneys made basic errors. Finally, we must work with the changing environment of criminal Justice laws that are often out of Chicago and can negatively impact suburban communities, like the SAFE-T Act. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? I have 35 years of experience as an attorney, almost 16 as a high-ranking experienced prosecutor, prosecuting the most sensitive crimes: murder, child abuse, child neglect, and sexual assault; I’ve prosecuted death penalty murder cases and complex multi-victim child sexual abuse cases. I co-founded the Kane Child Advocacy, the Family Justice Division, and was instrumental in changes to the laws for the protection of children and domestic violence. I prosecuted in McHenry, Jo Daviess, and Ogle counties, as well as nine years in Kane. I’ve taught law for over 22 years at ECC, Judson University, and Columbia College Missouri and I am a senior criminal law lecturer at Aurora University. I am the former 10-year general counsel for the National Insurance Crime Bureau and am involved with complex national white-collar crime rings. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I am a community leader. I serve as chairman of the mental health board for Elgin Township, treasurer of an Illinois LGBTQ health care organization, a foster parent, an adoptive parent, an RICA and prison ministry minister at my church, and support numerous other community based organizations.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? Access to quality physical and mental healthcare services offering prevention services, early identification and treatment for emerging and chronic conditions through the department of health and through partnering with community providers. Education is an important component to counter health related misinformation and improve community language and literacy skills. Safer communities through services and enhancements which include access to affordable housing and recreation, ensuring clean air and water, improved transportation services, and programs to address gun violence, ending violence in our neighborhoods and communities, advance restorative mindset and practices at all levels of our legal system, and support for migrants and commonsense immigration policies and reform. Economic growth and stability through policies and programs to increase revenue, promote community investment, attract business and industry, workers’ rights, fair wages and compensation, workforce development, accessible and affordable quality child-care, and strategies to reduce poverty and the impact of poverty to afford food, housing, healthcare. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? Challenges to access quality physical and mental healthcare services include health literacy, misinformation, transportation, leveraging community partnerships with local agencies and providers, access to providers that accept Medicaid, the impact of systemic racism, and challenges associated with navigating the healthcare system and health insurance. Challenges to safer communities include constant barrage of misinformation, punitive legal system structure and mindset, lack of adequate funding for professional development for employees and hiring restorative minded practitioners, insufficient state and federal policy specific to guns and responsible gun ownership, housing and immigration. Challenges include the need to reform taxation at every level of government, combat the attack on workers’ rights, workforce development barriers specific to health, education and training, misinformation and stereotypes ascribed to under-resourced communities. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? I am not a career politician, but I decided to run for the County Board District 10 seat in 2022 because of the challenges our community was facing. Most certainly, my professional experience as a school social worker and restorative practice facilitator skills support me to be an effective Board Member. As a board member, I believe I have been an effective communicator responding to all constituent concerns, and fostering teamwork and collaboration amongst board members. I have been a strong advocate for public health and mental health services, sustainability initiatives, careful monitoring of revenue and expenses, and efforts to secure a responsible bidder ordinance. I have supported steps to ensure county employees have fair and equitable compensation and benefits. I continue to volunteer with local nonprofits serving as the President of Norman B. Barr Camp, the Committee Chair of Boy Scout Troop 21 and Crew 21, charted by Batavia VFW Post 1197, and Suicide Prevention Services of America where Kim, my spouse, my sons and I support fundraising events and work to fight the stigma associated with mental illness. My interests and passions include child advocacy, youth services, public health, veterans' assistance, training and workshop facilitation, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and social service agencies that help families during times of crisis. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I care about equitable, high quality, affordable education. I support partnering with local providers of early intervention services, K-12 school districts, and local higher education institutions to maximize achievement and potential of students of all ages. I, like many others, have experienced the impact of depression, anxiety, and suicide in my own family. Many of us love and care about people with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. The Kane County Board has an important role to play in directing funds and resources to support mental health needs, in addition to public health services needed throughout the county.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? Communication The Kane County Board Representative for D14 (or any representative) should be out in different precincts on a regular basis communicating about specific issues to his/her constituents. Our local leaders should be taking part in media events and meets and greets to establish communication not simply with other politicians and donors - but with their entire District (to the degree that there is participation). But in the 27 years I have lived in my District - I have never met a Representative or been approach or contacted by them. I want to communicate about the County with constituents. I believe this communication could help strengthen public knowledge of the facts of Board issues and decrease the ability of anti-government groups to pull in supporters with misinformation. Mental Health Awareness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 57.8 million adults in the United States, or 22.8% of the population, were estimated to have (some) form of mental illness (AMI) in 2021. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24. Our mental health is just as complex as our physical health. As a society - we still place stigma and negative judgment on mental health issues. I would like to see our county increase efforts to bring preventative mental health care to the public especially within schools and for both students and staff. Gun Safety We can use our 2nd amendment right while preserving our common sense toward gun safety. Here are some reasons why this issue is important. An estimated 54 percent of gun owners don’t lock all of their guns securely. 4.6 million children in the US live in a home with at least one unlocked and loaded firearm. An estimated 350 children under the age of 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else, according to the Every town data. One solution Gun safes, especially the new biometric safes, are an important way to protect guns from theft and children’s hands. I want to continue the County’s work to bring such gun safes and gun safety education throughout the county. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? The County is underfunded I am within a conservative District that wants no talk of how to effectively fund government. In fact - my race is against an opponent that wants to “slash” funds while ignoring facts and statistics in favor of his own misinformation Until we return to fact based and good faith candidates - our system is in danger. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? My years as a litigation paralegal and as an educator have honed my skills as a communicator and relationship-builder. From juggling communication with multiple attorneys on million dollar lawsuits to sitting with a parent and having a difficult conversation about a child’s grade - I have been in high stakes situations and been successful at making connections and bridging divides. As I said above, my first priority is to bring a clear line of communication to people in the District and to offset the lies and miscommunication on display at County Board meetings. This priority will no doubt bring me into the sphere of people who are trying to gaslight and interrupt our Democracy. I won’t stand for this and regardless of the powers involved in the lies - I will talk truth to power. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I believe in and am deeply connected to the grass roots movement in politics. It is how I entered the work that we do now. I also believe that more politicians need to come back to the neighborhood, the coffee shops, the grocery stores, and walk the streets of the people they swore to serve, not with body guards and self agendas - but to stay in touch with who we are as constituents. I hope in my small way to encourage and build our District 14 community as we have built our own relationships within our grass roots organizations. I believe we can be a better and stronger country for the lessons we are learning.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? For the past 14 years Kane County has been on a self-imposed fiscal diet. To hold costs down salaries have been intentionally depressed and capital improvements or even basic maintenance remained underfunded or nonexistent. This lack of forward-thinking and realistic financial stewardship has put a significant strain on personnel as well as the County’s capital assets. My three top priorities are: a) Take the necessary steps to develop a balanced budget that respects the tax payers limited resources, but also maintains an appropriate cash balance which can adequately fund the services expected and required by the County’s constituents. b) establish a competitive wage structure so that Kane County’s 1200 + employees are paid comparably to that of other counties such as Kendall, McHenry, and DuPage. c) Kane County is the only one of the collar counties which does not employ a County Administrator. Historically the County Board has attempted to take on that responsibility, but while this is done with good intent, it can and has led to policy decisions being made through the lens of politics rather than solid management. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? The three challenges I see as most critical are: a) an immediate challenge – accepting that unless the members of the County Board vote to increase revenue, we will all have to shoulder the consequences of cutting services to our constituents due to a reduction of personnel. Most likely the Board will not cut services, but rather continue to diminish the fund balance which will be depilated, if no other changes are made, by 2026. b) guiding the County’s land use so that the current 2040 plan remains as a guide for future development so that the County’s rich agriculture economy and the preservation of open land can be preserved and maintained. c) increase the necessary resources of Kane County’s Public Health Department so that it may continue to advocate for our Communities’ public and mental health needs. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? My Republican opponent is a person of questionable values. He is an election denier, a staunch supporter of presidential candidate Donald Trump, advocates for the reduction of funding for our public schools, aspires to bring his “God” into the decision-making process of county government, and eliminate any efforts to implement the recently passed Climate Action Plan. He also is a man of great prejudice preferring white nationalism to diversity. These values do not mirror that of the majority of residents of Kane County. For the past three years I have made every effort to maintain a collaborative approach to governing, working with both sides of the isle preferring to work on sound policy rather than politics. Under my 3 ½ year tenure Kane County opened up a mass vaccine site saving 400,000s of Illinois residents from the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic; received $30 million in state funds to fully pay for the Longmeadow Pkwy Bridge, reducing $50 million in taxes; advocated for the maintenance and repair of Kane County’s buildings, these repairs are estimated at over $45 million of deferred upkeep; purchased $8 million of new voting machines replacing machines that were literally held together by duct tape; advocated for the establishment of Kane County’s first Economic Development Council that will bring together civic leaders, businesses and the non-profit sector to create the pathway for a prudent and progressive approach to business development; maintained an open and welcoming relationship with Kane County’s 30 municipalities; and recently purchased a new building for Kane County’s Health Department in Elgin which will serve the residents of northern Kane County. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? While I am the second woman to have this post, I am honored to say that I am Kane County’s first Democrat to serve as the County Chair. It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. My opponent and the newly “revised” Republican party will do everything they can to remove me from this seat. This includes the already use of blatant misinformation regarding the legal asylum seekers residing in Kane County, the continued disruption of County Board meetings while at the same time accusing me of limiting “free speech,” and blatantly speaking about Kane County’s “rigged” elections. This will be an election that can either mire Kane County into a government guided by prejudice, or one that respects the integrity of choice, the richness of diversity, and a respect for truth. I am honored to be considered for the endorsement of We Can Lead Change Kane County, and appreciative of this opportunity.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? While I am running for Coroner, I have served on the Kane County Board for more than a decade. I am proud of the many accomplishments that our board has achieved during that time. I served as the Public Health Committee Chair when our Health Department became the first in Illinois to receive national accreditation, and then subsequently built a large community network of health professionals to conduct countywide Community Health Assessments. We rapidly developed a series of Mass Vaccination sites in response to the pandemic and helped to save the lives of many county residents. We passed a countywide Green Initiative and built a solar field on the judicial center campus to protect our environment. We have built many miles of new roads and infrastructure for a growing county, while also protecting and growing our open space. Our current priorities include: 1. Access to mental health services We must be aware of critical social services, such as domestic violence counseling and advocacy, job training programs, childcare, transportation, housing, etc., and who can best provide them. We need to support the recruitment of bicultural, bilingual mental health professionals. 2. Suicide prevention and reducing other types of preventable deaths Beyond simply acknowledging the high rates of suicides, we as a community must consider intervention to prevent unnecessary and preventable deaths. We can reduce fentanyl related death by increasing awareness, de-stigmatizing the distribution of Narcan, and training the community on how to use Narcan. We must identify the leading causes of preventable deaths and promote the use of health geography by collecting data regarding the victims and where the deaths are occurring so that we can synthesize the data to be a useful tool for educating the community in how to prevent these deaths. 3. Providing responsible and transparent leadership The current political climate is divisive and people are negatively affected by the rhetoric. As elected officials, we must be transparent and show our constituents what we are doing for the county so that they understand how their money and resources are spent. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard of conduct, interpret national data and how it pertains to Kane County, and continue to listen carefully to the people who elected us. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? 1. Finding space for buildings and staff to run the functions of county government We are currently trying to balance the necessity to fund larger projects with the urgency of finding short term solutions for the issues of space. Kane County governmental offices are spread across the county in many different buildings. The main government center is located in an aging former monastery and the old county courthouse is more than 150 years old. Our judicial system and the State’s Attorney’s Office, both of which have highly specialized individuals and require interoffice cooperation, need more space to meet the public safety needs of the county. We also require centralized storage facilities because some things like evidence, can not exist in a paperless world. 2. Maintaining quality county staff Kane County government employs an excellent staff. When neighboring counties offer higher salaries to lure away our employees, we are faced with the challenge of not being able to bid competitively for their talent. We need the financial resources to retain talented and experienced individuals who are trying to support a family on their salaries. I have supported equity studies. Additionally, we significantly raised the salaries of our public defenders. 3.Providing quality services to our residents while being fiscally responsible Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? Coroner is a medical position that needs a doctor with clinical experience and training to make medical determinations about manner or cause of death. As a doctor, I believe that I am the best qualified individual to serve as Coroner. Additionally, as I mentioned, I currently serve on the County Board, where I have served as Chair of the Public Health Committee and Vice Chair of the Judicial and Public Safety Committee, which oversees the Coroner’s Office. I have been involved in crafting and managing the County’s budget, which includes the Coroner’s Office. I have both the clinical and administrative skills necessary to be successful as a Coroner. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? • I am the daughter of immigrants. • Before becoming a doctor, I worked for the Kane County Health Department. • I was the first Latina elected to the Aurora Township Board of Trustees. • I am a successful entrepreneur and small business owner • I advocate extensively for animal welfare • Single mother of two sons In closing, I would like to thank you for your consideration of my candidacy for Kane County Coroner and I ask for your endorsement and support.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? 1. Legislative - The pre-trial fairness act, which eliminated the use of cash bail, has been implemented in Illinois. While it is where we want to go for criminal justice reform, there are still changes in the law that need to be proposed. I have been working with the legislators to propose amendments that will continue to promote the end of cash bail while holding dangerous offenders in jail. This needs to be a bi-partisan effort for the safety of our community. 2. Expansion of Deferred Prosecution Programs - The majority of the people who commit crimes in Kane County do so based on untreated mental health issues, substance use disorder, or a lack of resources. Jailing people has proven to have failed. Allowing people to take responsibility while providing them true access to resources and treatment has proven to work. We need to continue to expand our current deferred prosecution programs along with collaborative diversion and specialty courts. 3. Criminal Prosecution - For those individuals that truly make our community unsafe, we need to swiftly and fairly prosecute them. I have created Kane County's Child Exploitation Unit that goes after child pornographers. I am working on funding to create Kane County's first Human Trafficking Unit. We must protect the most vulnerable in our community. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? 1. The climate of polarization within our political system - As the State's Attorney, most of my job deals with non-partisan issues. Wanting to get people out of the system while jailing only the most dangerous is neither democratic nor republican. However, our current system tries to dissuade people from what is right because of a label next to their name. I have worked hard to do my job as an ethical State's Attorney and only do what is right in each case. I have gained bi-partisan support as a result. 2. Legislation - Unfortunately, the majority of the legislation that is being passed is being done out of Cook County which is not necessarily representative of the rest of the State. Working with our legislators and not against them is the best way to ensure that we are doing the best for Kane County. 3. Funding - Kane County has not been proactive in being a revenue generating county. As such, they have not prioritized their employees or programming. We need to work with the County Board to raise revenue to keep valuable employees and resources in Kane County. We also need to advocate for State and Federal funding. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? Even prior to being elected, I was a prosecutor in Kane County for 10 years and was then a legal aid attorney. I knew what the county needed for programming and effective prosecutions. Since being the State's Attorney, I have implemented sweeping new programs that differentiated those who need help from those who we need to be sent to prison. Each person is different and their circumstances are unique. I have re-organized the office so that we prosecute in teams so that we are the most effective and fair. I have created Illinois' first pre-arrest diversion program. I have expanded our deferred prosecution programs. I have created our 4th specialty court for DUI offenders. I created our child exploitation unit. Despite all of this, I am not done changing our legal system for the better. I know this system and how to improve it. I am the best candidate for this position based on my history and what I have already implemented. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? When I was first a prosecutor, I was taught that people committed crimes and needed to be punished. I learned very quickly that was not the case. When I was in NOLA as an Assistant District Attorney, I had a supervisor who taught me to look at the case in its entirety including listening to the 'why' defendants had been arrested. That is how I have operated since then. Being a prosecutor can never be a 'one size fits all' approach. We need to see what is just for the victim and the defendant. I am the only candidate who understands this approach and is willing to put my name out there to rehabilitate someone while also making sure victims are heard. My opponent spouts 'law and order' without substance. I have worked hard to make sure that justice has been seen in every case while admitting when I have made missteps along the way. We Can Lead Change wants to be on the forefront of doing what is right in our community. I have been that change in the prosecutor's office. With your endorsement, I can continue to be that positive change!

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? My priorities for the Fox Valley area revolve around fostering a strong, inclusive, and supportive community. Educational Equity: Advocate for equal educational opportunities for all students by increasing funding for public schools and promoting STEAM education for underrepresented communities. Accessible Healthcare: Guarantee affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents, including expanding mental health services and resources. Community Engagement: Encourage active participation in local governance, support grassroots movements for positive community dialogue and change, and foster collaboration among different community groups to build unity and understanding. At the state level, I am committed to creating a fairer and more sustainable Illinois. Economic Justice: Advocate for raising the minimum wage, implementing paid family leave, and providing affordable childcare options to address income inequality. Environmental Sustainability: Champion policies to address climate change, promote renewable energy, and ensure environmental justice for marginalized communities. Social Justice: Advocate for comprehensive criminal justice reform, humane immigration policies, and legislation that combats systemic racism. To make a national impact, I will focus locally by promoting social justice and economic opportunities through gender equality, accessible healthcare, and stimulating economic development. Women’s Rights and Gender Equality: Promote gender equality and defend women's reproductive rights to ensure equal opportunities and protection for all women. Healthcare Access: Support policies ensuring affordable healthcare and expansion of mental health services. Economic Development: Advocate for policies that stimulate economic growth and create good-paying jobs, particularly for those who need them the most. I am passionate about promoting equity in the justice system by protecting constitutional, civic, and human rights so that everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law. Criminal Justice Reform: Promote rehabilitation over punishment and support reentry programs to reduce recidivism. Protection of Civil Liberties: Support policies that protect individual rights and freedoms to ensure justice for all. Fair Access to Legal Representation: Advocate for increased funding for public defenders and provide legal assistance to low-income individuals to ensure fair trials. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? Our region faces numerous challenges, and my priorities focus on addressing and overcoming disparities and creating a more equitable and cohesive community. Educational Disparities: Continue to advocate for increased funding through the Evidence Based Funding formula to provide equal opportunities for all students. Healthcare Accessibility: Tackle barriers preventing access to affordable healthcare services for all residents. Affordable Housing: Support affordable housing initiatives within the district to stimulate the local economy, foster generational wealth, and cultivate a strong sense of community and security, specifically ensuring that veterans and single-parent households have access to affordable housing near public transportation. I will support and advance legislation on the state level that promotes social and economic justice, environmental sustainability, and equality, aiming to create a fairer and more just society. Economic Inequality: Advocate for progressive tax policies and support job training programs to reduce income disparity. Environmental Degradation: Promote renewable energy initiatives and reduce carbon emissions to protect our environment. Systemic Racism: Address issues that create racial disparities in education, healthcare, and the criminal justice system to ensure equality for all. I will address national challenges by advocating for affordable healthcare, supporting economic growth and recovery, and fostering bipartisan cooperation to reduce political polarization. Healthcare Reform: Support state-level initiatives for a system that ensures affordable, quality healthcare for every citizen while protecting comprehensive reproductive services, including abortion. Economic Recovery: Advocate for policies that stimulate growth and provide incentives for small businesses, driving overall economic recovery. Political Polarization: Foster bipartisan cooperation and promote unity within the state to bridge the political divide and protect democracy. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? I am the best qualified for this office because of my background and competencies, unwavering commitment to women's rights, and dedication to representing the diverse demographics of our state. Background and Experiences: As a retired attorney for the U.S. Department of Labor, I prosecuted workplace safety and health violations, including cases involving fatalities. I also represented Black Lung victims who were denied benefits by their coal mining employers, giving me firsthand insight into the critical need for worker protections and collective bargaining rights. As a former small business owner, I understand the challenges of navigating government bureaucracy to secure funding and support for entrepreneurs. My background in community organizing, both in Chicago and now in the Barrington area, has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to effectively represent our district in the state legislature. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, ensuring that all residents' voices are heard and represented. Commitment to Women’s Rights: Protecting women's rights and reproductive healthcare is my primary passion. It is essential that women have control over their own bodies and futures, as this is a fundamental human and civil right. With women comprising 51% of Illinois's population, our economy would suffer greatly if they were excluded from the workforce due to a lack of autonomy over their healthcare decisions. I have actively supported women's health initiatives, volunteered with local advocacy groups, and campaigned for policies that provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare services. If elected, I will continue to champion these causes, ensuring that every woman in our state has access to the healthcare she needs and the right to make decisions about her own body and future. Voice for Underrepresented Voters: Furthermore, the state legislature should reflect the diverse demographics of Illinois. As a Latina, I bring a perspective that is currently underrepresented in our government. If elected, I will be the first Latina legislator for this district, ensuring that the voices of our diverse community are heard and represented. My goal is to make sure that our government truly reflects the people it serves. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? In addition to the priorities articulated above, I am also focused on the following areas: Veterans’ Services: Ensuring access to quality healthcare, job training, and housing assistance for veterans. Affordable Housing: Increasing the availability of affordable housing and protecting tenants' rights to ensure safe and stable living conditions for all. Youth Engagement: Encouraging young people to participate in the political process and supporting youth leadership programs to foster the next generation of leaders.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? Protecting our civil rights and enhancing their enforcement in order to maintain our liberty and our democracy. Meaningful property tax relief for homeowners while maintaining sufficient funding for schools and continuing reduction of the State pension funding deficit. Full and continuing implementation of the Safe-T-Act, while promptly addressing any and all shortcomings in the program as they may become apparent. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? While Illinois upholds reproductive freedom, voting rights, minority and LBGTQ rights and religious freedom, recent history shows us that we must never become complacent. Republicans in red states are actively chipping away at all these rights and will attempt to do so here should they ever again gain access to any of the levers of power. To insure against this I will work to codify these rights in our constitution to the extent they’re not already protected. We all know that our residential property taxes are too high and we all want them lowered. The majority of our property taxes, however, go to funding our K-12 public schools and our community colleges, and no one wants to see the funding for those cut. This is a quandary that can only be addressed by the State Legislature. There is no easy answer here but continuing to avoid the problem does not fix it. I intend to go to Springfield to do more than pay lip service to addressing this massive challenge. A third top challenge is continued reform of our criminal justice system. People of color are still arrested and incarcerated at a much higher rate than their percentage of the population. Many recent reforms, including the elimination of cash bail under the Safe-T-Act and the expansion of diversion programs and specialty courts, are great strides forward in addressing this disparity. More still needs to be done to address root causes of this inequity throughout the system from start to finish. Additionally, more must be done towards making sure our prisons are safe and humane for those who do need to be incarcerated. Working on reduction of recidivism and offering job opportunities when released has not been enough of a priority in many counties or in our prison system. We also need to protect our population of people with mental health issues especially when those issues bring them into contact with police and the justice system and to find ways to provide services for them without incarceration. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? There are several factors that make me best qualified to fill this office. I have valuable life experiences that have taught me to look at issues from all different perspectives. I have at times had to struggle with poverty only to have circumstances change and become financially sound again, I worked at in a small business, a large corporation and considered an educator. Currently I work at a non-profit. I have worked as the brand new employee and as the manager trying to turn a profit, manage a staff of over thirty, and ensure we are providing a good quality product. I have managed a for profit school. Running a school that is expected to turn a profit teaches you to be very pragmatic and decisive but still open minded and committed to doing right by the students in our care. Our school was diverse so I had to be a role model for teaching inclusion and acceptance to the teachers, children and even the parents. Explaining the importance of things such as Gay Pride month led to some sensitive conversations with parents. I always had to be open minded and an empathetic active listener. As a town trustee, I have worked with my peers as someone always ready to listen, learn from them and act on what was best for our community. Having these experiences, and learning how to navigate them successfully are skills that are especially needed on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? Other things about me that are important to know is that I understand that working as a State Representative is a challenging hard job, but I am ready to do that. I am very driven to accomplish tasks that need to be done. Right now we are also experiencing such a divisive political climate. We need legislators that are willing to listen to all constituents, not just people from their party. No voter should be dismissed as being politically bias.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? The top three priorities for me at the county level are as follows: Mental Health Investment Mental health is healthcare, and ensuring that we invest in this at the county level in a meaningful and appropriate way is a priority for me. Ensuring the health department, as well as other areas of county government, is resourced in a way that allows them to carry out their vital work without worrying about budgetary restraints or other external distractions that draw their attention from the well-being of our residents is important. Short-term investment in this area will yield long-term returns in our daily lives. Especially coming out of the shared trauma of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to impact lives not only in Kane County but across the state and nation. Pedestrian Functionality and Safety My second priority on the County Board will be increased pedestrian functionality and safety. Kane County is one of the fastest-growing counties, now the fifth largest in the state, and our job is to ensure the infrastructure that accompanies this growth keeps pace. Investing in our shared spaces, like bike paths, sidewalks, and roadways, is another example of short-term investment with exponential returns. I want to make sure that seniors, children, and those who rely on non-automobile transit can get from one place to another without fear of tragedy while crossing a road or using the shoulder as a sidewalk on major roads. This means maintaining our existing pedestrian infrastructure but also expanding it in smart ways to boost local economies and access to our natural beauty, like the Fox River. I would like to work with local, state, and national officials to convert the disused rail line that runs through St. Charles into a bike and pedestrian pathway connecting existing bike paths. Of course, pedestrian safety involves more than sidewalks. We must also study existing intersections and roadways to ensure safe traffic light timing, reduce speed limits, and implement other life-saving policies on county-controlled roads to work towards a goal of zero pedestrian and motorist deaths. This approach is similar to the path outlined in our Climate Action Plan or Growth Strategy 2040. Investment in Forest Preserves Investment in our shared spaces through the Forest Preserves of Kane County is my third priority. I will work to ensure these natural, beautiful spaces are well-maintained while updating existing amenities to attract more residents. Proper investment in these spaces will lead to lower future upkeep costs while ensuring the money spent remaining the county by extending the Responsible Bidder's Ordinance to cover Forest Preserve bids. By studying what works and doesn't work in neighboring counties, we can implement plans to expand access to this great shared space. This will go a long way toward providing a viable "third place" option for our children, families, and seniors. I will work to bring new mobility scooters to our parks so those who cannot utilize the trails can still enjoy these spaces without being hindered by county shortfalls. Proper investment in native planting and horticulture will meet resident expectations while reducing future costs. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? Budget and Revenue Streams The biggest challenge this county faces is the budget restraint imposed by the previous Lauzen austerity programs of the late 2000s. Kane County has been operating under a county property tax freeze for about 14 years, which has severely strained our ability to maintain current service levels, keep up with evolving service demands, and has placed the burden of balancing budgets on our county employees. While I understand the political advantage of always saying “no” to new revenue, it is shortsighted, unrealistic, and harmful to the county's long-term financial health. The zeal with which the "no" crowd pursues fiscal responsibility, under the guise of it, is misplaced. True fiscal responsibility involves paying bills on time, maintaining service levels, and compensating employees fairly. I believe in the fiduciary responsibility placed on every elected official when managing taxpayer revenues. I will work across all levels of county government to find cost savings and new revenue sources to improve our financial health. Governing often requires difficult and unpopular decisions for the greater good. Working Above the Noise In recent years, the county board has become a battleground for extreme right-wing forces. These groups have exploited the rules of public discourse to create aggressive, confrontational, and abusive environments during board meetings. Maintaining one's values in such a hostile atmosphere is challenging but essential. While some board members welcome these groups and their tactics, the vast majority of residents and board members do not share these radical views. Protecting services, employees, and resident rights amidst this hostility is crucial. Loud and intimidating tactics cannot bully our government or elected officials into regressive policies that hinder progress. Working Beyond Labels The third challenge is overcoming divisions and labels, such as party affiliation, personal background, or group membership. Setting aside these tribal affiliations to focus on residents' values is essential. People across different labels often share common ground that can be leveraged for meaningful policy. This involves evaluating proposals based on merit rather than the proposer's party affiliation. Our shared values should guide our decisions. Overcoming preconceived ideas and prejudices will be challenging but essential for effective leadership. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? I am someone who can take complicated ideas and concepts and distill them into understandable pieces that are easily communicated. As a Political Science Professor, a large part of my job requires this skill set. Taking abstract ideas, wrestling with them, and then sharing insights is how I approach my daily life. In my role as an instructor, I prioritize connecting with my students, as I believe connection is essential for collaboration and knowledge sharing. I hope to build similar connections with the residents of Kane County. These connections will help us overcome differences and work together effectively. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I believe that good government policy enhances our lives, and the role of government is to help ease the burdens placed on us all. Government should offer a helping hand so people feel safe taking risks without fear of destitution or a lack of safety net. This belief in government's role sets me apart from other board candidates. I will never use any group of people as a political tool or exploit their existence to advance my career or political agenda. I will always work in the long-term interest of our residents and our county. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? Since my expertise is dealing with Death Investigation, I believe it is appropriate for me to answer these questions with that in mind. I can only officially address status and /or change in that realm. These apply either primarily or vicariously to both county and state priorities. 1. Identify decedents accurately using the most advanced science 2. Continue to perform excellent investigations that are accurate and based on the industry’s best standards (accreditation) 3. Perform those duties with the upmost professionalism and compassion possible The Legal system relies heavily on this office performing Medicolegal Death Investigation with the three priorities above, as a means to support the legal process. If not performed well, Death Investigation could lead to either innocent people going to prison or true criminals not being incarcerated, thus leading to more victims. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? 1. Making sure that the coroner’s offices in the state continue to stay elected by the people. This is not a territorial stance, rather a practical one. ME offices are more expensive to run and there are not enough Forensic Pathologists around the world to staff the need that would cause. There has been an interest in the state legislature to make all coroner’s offices as appointed Medical Examiners. The coroner is an administrator, not a doctor. The medical services needed in this job are contracted by a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist. The Pathologist works on behalf of the Coroner to determine the medical cause of death, which is based on the latest scientific discoveries. The investigation is then turned towards the manner of death. Since the Coroner’s Office is a Law Enforcement post (55 ILCS 5/3-3001), ideally the coroner should have law enforcement experience. Our job is not to determine guilt or innocence, rather our scope is to determine the cause and manner of a death. Because what we do supports both the police jurisdictions and the State’s Attorney, it is imperative that the findings of our duties are completely objective and accurate. 2. Educating the public to what the duties of the office actually are: People still think the coroner is a doctor. Most coroner are not doctors, but it is a common misconception that many people think they are. This job is an arm of Law Enforcement, not medical science. The medical portions of the job are performed by highly trained contracted doctors, who produce a medical report (in laymen’s terms). This report is one of many pieces of the puzzle to determine everything from a Natural Death to a Homicide. 3.Making sure the Office is properly funded to perform these functions with excellence. Even though this office is only about 1% of the county’s total budget, I have found it commonplace that it is underfunded in many counties throughout the state. I have been able to ask for, and appropriate obtain the funding needed, with accurate explanation of what is needed to accurately perform the service. We have done it historically using less resources per capita than many of our surrounding counties. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? 1. I am the only candidate with extensive Law Enforcement experience, both as a retired Deputy Sergeant and 12 years as the coroner. 2. I led the charge in the state for coroner’s office accreditation, being the first in the state to do so. 3. I am the only candidate that has performed or overseen thousands of death investigations, including a mass shooting in Aurora 4. I have extended my duties in the generation of many death prevention programs, collaboration with advocacy and bereavement groups, and participation in many state task forces. 5.I have buried over 400 once forgotten individuals (cremains) in a free mausoleum space at no cost to the taxpayer. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I am a past president of the Illinois Coroner’s and Medical Examiner’s Association. I currently serve as the Legislative Chair of this organization.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? I think that each of the levels of courts have unique priorities. At the county level we need to assure that there is adequate funding to assure a fair, balanced and independent criminal justice system. All of the justice partners must be fully staffed, and paid commensurate to their duties and at a competitive level with the surrounding communities I take the question as to the state legal system as addressing the role of the judiciary in state courts. At the present time in the U.S. legal system federal courts are eliminating or restricting access to justice, voting rights and the reach of our Constitution. The next 10 years will be the most important for state courts in decades. State courts will need to assure a fair implementation of the individual rights insured in our state constitution, independent of the U.S. Constitution. While at same time ensuring that the law is administered fairly and in a way that protects all members of the community.The priority must be maintaining the rights of all citizens and administering the law fairly. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? As to the top three challenges, I believe that at both the county and state level the first challenge will be the most efficient use of the funds budgeted. The court system, both in the criminal justice courts, as well as the law and family courts are regularly given new obligations. The criminal justice system is adding treatment courts and problem solving courts, while still having to address crimes of violence and public safety issues. The civil courts are more frequently utilizIng guardians, and sometimes CASA workers to ascertain the best interest of children. The law courts are dealing with the increasing complexity of insurance, medical and contract claims. The courts must analyze these complex issues while assuring the prompt administration of justice, both for the plaintiff and the defendant. Secondly, the state courts must balance the need for a full and complete resolution of disputes, while assuring the prompt resolution of claims that are increasingly complex and involving millions of dollars. In the simplest of cases the parties are entitled to their day in court. These matters need to be resolved just as efficiently as the highly complex contract, tort and malpractice cases that often take weeks to resolve. Finally, a realistic and significant challenge is to make sure that every litigant, whether a large corporation or a small business, a death case or a property accident case each feel as if they have received the attention they deserve in court. Often people feel that they are just a number, the courts must make sure that every corporation, business, and individual person feels like they have been heard and their case has been fairly adjudicated. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? As for my qualifications, I start with my answer the challenges above, I listen. I make a point to not just listen to what the parties and lawyers say, but to make sure they know I have heard them. I address the parties individually, explaining my reasoning and making sure they understand why I decided the case the way I did. When dealing with a pro se litigant I give them the same respect and patience I show attorneys. Often just letting them know that while I respect their position, the law dictates a different result is what they need to hear. In criminal or adjudicatory matters, I make sure to address the concerns of any victims, assure them that I have considered their circumstances and pain. I address the defendant with respect and explain my rulings and ultimately make the best decision possible, weighing the rights of the victim, the accused and society, while recognizing that regardless of the sentence, most defendants will return to society. Patience, humility and respect for all is very important to me. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? The Illinois Supreme Court has put their trust in my be appointing me to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Judicial College. I have been made chair of the Language Access Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court Access to Justice initiative. I am an immediate past co-chair of the New Judge Orientation Committee. I am past co-chair of the Bi-Annual Juvenile Justice Conference. I was obligated to give up these chairmanships with my appointment to the Board of Trustees. I am also on the Board of the Illinois Judges Association. I am the principle author of the Kane County Zoom Court Manual, adopted by several other circuits. I continue to serve as a member of the faculty for the College of Judicial Education. I hope to be elected to the Circuit Judge position so that I can utilize that role to further implement the improvements in our courts and better address the challenges of the 21st Century legal system.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? Maintaining our quality of life in Kane County is of paramount importance. This means protecting the environment and safeguarding our residents’ physical and mental well-being. It will require finding a balance between the needs of the county’s working people while promoting and encouraging our business retention and expansion. Below are my top three priorities and how I will address them: 1. Economic Growth: Implement innovative strategies to create and retain jobs, boosting our local economy. 2. Community Engagement: Enhance recreational programs and community initiatives to improve the quality of life for all residents. 3. Transparent Governance: Promote open, honest communication and make government more accessible and accountable. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? Like many government entities, Kane County’s primary challenge is paying for needed services while facing some daunting fiscal concerns in the coming years. I want to be a part of the decision-making process focused on these critical funding issues. 1. Economic worries: Our residents must be able to live, work, and play without worrying about having enough money to pay for groceries, filling up the tank, and paying other bills. Addressing this challenge means placing Kane County on the side of working families with prudent fiscal responsibility at the county government level. Part of helping taxpayers is to promote economic growth through innovative strategies to create and retain jobs. 2. Balancing growth and environmental protection: Our local economy must remain strong, but we must work to maintain the quality of life we enjoy here in Kane County. Our county government can play a lead role in protecting our environment by following sustainable practices. Page 2 of 2 3. Paying for needed services/facilities: Unfortunately, the cost of living today has consigned many families to “just scraping by.” Oftentimes, these families are one missed paycheck or medical emergency away from needing government help. Therefore, our county’s safety net must be in good condition for those in need. Additionally, aging infrastructure at the county level must be addressed now to ensure we hold the line on taxes. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, I have a proven track record of success across multiple industries, including governmental institutions, recreational agencies, and television production. I am uniquely positioned to tackle governmental challenges, due to my past and current relationships and long history of collaboration with all levels of government. This is best exemplified by my growing list of endorsements from local, county, state and national levels officials shown below (as of July 24, 2024): • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin • U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi • U.S. Representative Bill Foster • Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias • State Treasurer Michael Frerichs • State Senator Cristina Castro • State Senator Karina Villa • State Representative Anna Moeller • Kane County Chairwoman Corinne Pierog • Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain • Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser • Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain • Elgin City Council Members: Corey Dixon, Dustin Good, Anthony Ortiz, John Steffen • South Elgin Village Trustees: Jim Breunlin, Mike Kolodziej, Chris Merritt Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? Community service is my passion. As a South Elgin resident for over 20 years, my wife and I chose to live in Kane County because it felt like home. I have worked at different levels of government and with numerous stakeholder groups and leaders and know how to “get things done.” I have dedicated my career to public service. My passion for serving the community is also evident with extensive volunteer work, developing or volunteering for programs to benefit our youth, environmental clean-ups, serving on the state’s Coalition to End Hunger and as a current Boys and Girls Club board member. It would also be an honor to serve as a Kane County Board member. This unique opportunity will allow me to give back all I have received from our community. Thank you for the opportunity to seek your endorsement and the work you all do.

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? Stable funding for the state budget so it protects vital services and meets all legal obligations Insuring affordable healthcare and reproductive rights Passing effective climate change action to protect our water, land and air that benefits middle class jobs and creates attainable housing. Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? Identifying fiscally responsible solutions to fund critical programs. Illinois taxing structure has inherent problems that relies too heavily on property taxes. The “Fair Tax”, a graduated income tax, failed and there are no plans to revive it at this time, to my consternation. At the same time, the budget must address the legal obligations to education and pensions of state workers. This includes addressing the fact that the Tier II retirement pension may not meet on going Social Security obligation requirements. Enacting sensible, practical environmental actions to protect future generations and mitigate the effects of climate change Supporting the middle class with policies that encourage attainable housing and childcare as well as attracting well-paying jobs. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? I am a scientist who will bring logic and evidence to making practical, realistic decisions My work for corporations in R&D, experience as a working mother, as well as running my own international consulting business allows me to see there are multiple ways to approach and solve problems My long-term dedication to fighting climate change and the need to bring well-paying clean energy jobs to the state My experience as a community activist, actively engaged in advocating for common-sense gun-safety, reproductive rights, the environment, childcare and healthcare programs Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I am running because we need to build safe & healthy communities, protect reproductive rights, promote common-sense gun-safety, and support access to affordable mental and health care I am willing to ask questions and listen so people know they are represented and that they will have a voice in Springfield

Question 1 - What do you see as the top three priorities in the county? State? Legal system? - Taxes: Taxes are on everyone’s mind, but the revenue generated through taxes helps us all. The challenge by the county board has been to continue to attract experienced, qualified workers to provide the services we all count on: economic development, animal control, health department, treasurer’s office, clerk’s office, and more, while keeping taxes in check. It hasn’t been easy, and the board has been juggling austerity measures for years trying to keep up. - Environment: The people of Kane County have overwhelmingly said they support open space and our forest preserves by approving referenda to add a few dollars each month to their tax bill to protect our natural resources. Developers continue to propose large developments that impact not only the community, but our environment. Progress is good, but with diminishing open space and farm land in the county, we must press for smart growth and be comfortable with saying no to some projects. - New sources of revenue: Renewable energy is one area I believe can not only provide new jobs, but can provide us with revenue sources without raising taxes. Legal priorities: - Need to do more to protect children from predators, including abusive family members. - Need to do more to collect child support from deadbeat dads to help single moms raise their children. - Need to do more for education across the board, but especially for children needing special education services. We need to do more for those with behavior problems and not label everyone as “bipolar.” We need to end the isolation rooms too often used by unschooled and unfeeling educators and respond to children’s needs in a positive supportive way to help them develop and grow into good citizens. These tactics often end with the kids getting involved with law enforcement, when they can be steered from that path. https://features.propublica.org/illinois-seclusion-rooms/school-students-put-in-isolated-timeouts/ Question 2 - What do you see as the top three challenges? State? Legal system? - Women’s Rights: This, of course, includes the right to making decisions regarding health care. One-third of pregnancies end in miscarriages, yet the pro-abortion folk consider basic women’s reproductive health to all be an abortion. We have that right so far in Illinois, but it is constantly being challenged. - Immigration: We need to get better direction at the federal level, but locally we need to do what we can do provide safe passage for those seeking asylum and safe, clean places for them to stay while waiting to be processed. No easy answers here, and again, federal level needs to set boundaries and make the process quicker. Above all, we need to respect that these individuals are people seeking a better life here, and have only their families and what they can carry. Imagine being in such a state that this would be the best choice for your future. We need to be compassionate and help the process go smoothly. - Environment: We need to close down Prairie State Coal Plant, one of the biggest polluters in the state. They also haven’t kept their word to subscribers and have not provided cost-effective services. We need to invest more in solar, wind, and nuclear options to provide the energy we need. Question 3 - Why are you best qualified to fill this office? I ran for this office in 2020, with the support of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and served on her advisory committee for two years. I have a journalism degree and worked as a reporter for a number of years including as a radio news anchor in Chicago, and as editor and reporter for numerous area news outlets. I ask questions. I try to understand issues at hand to make an educated decision. I have lived in unincorporated Elburn for 20 years and want to preserve this last rural part of Kane County. I have followed local politics for quite a few years, and have gotten involved locally with opposing the Prairie Parkway, supporting the Friends of the Fox River initiative for dam removal, and currently strongly oppose the proposed Crown development along Route 47 in Sugar Grove which will impact my district to the south. Our current board member often doesn’t show up, and often votes “present.” I will show up for all the constituents in my district and will take a stand on the issues that are important for all. Question 4 - What else is important for us to know? I am still adding to my website, but it can be found at KaneBoard18.com. Check back often as I add more information.