Lauzen is calling for a freeze of the tax levy and to stop pay to play in county government. Up to this point Mr. Burns has not been critical of any hiring, raises or policies of the current county administration. He appears to be comfortable with the status quo.

In addition, a strategy that fellow taxpayers should consider is by eliminiating a chairman that calls for reforms a 'county administrator'could oversee decisions on our behalf

. Does anyone else find it interesting that this is the first time that some are calling for the elimination of a chairman position?

What large county does not have an elected leader overseeing the board. There is a great deal of influence and status quo at stake in the upcoming county board chairman election.

Who would do the hiring of any administator, another blue ribbon committee appointed by the county chairman or department heads that have received recent raises? (Some over 40%)?

While we were making our sacrifices at home to pay skyrocketing taxes and witnessed hiring and political contributions turned into additional county contracts no one called for changes.

Why here and why now? That could be our question as voters.

Mr. Burns has led a comparable unit of government as Mayor of Geneva. He understands the importance of building consensus on issues that are important to the community he serves. He is a servant-first leader.

Mr. Lauzen has failed to demonstrate any rudimentary understanding of building consensus. As a legislator, he played the role of outsider for 20 years. He blames others for his failure to accomplish many of his key legislative initiatives. This power-based leadership might have served him well in a dysfunctional state legislature, but will not serve the residents of Kane County well if he is elected Board Chairman.

Mr. Lauzen brings an outstanding record of fiscal responsibility to the race for Chairman of the Kane County Board. Whenever I called his office with a request for information or to just leave a comment, Mr. Lauzen would always personally return my call, sometimes within just hours, this despite the fact that Mr. Lauzen knew we differed politically on some issues. If the state legislature had more leaders such as Mr. Lauzen, I can assure everyone that the state would not be facing a fiscal calamity. Mr. Lauzen would provide access to all residents of Kane County and not just to the politically connected; he is an outstanding public servant and I urge all voters who are concerned about fiscal responsibility to vote for Mr. Lauzen.

Does Geneva not have a full time city administrator? I look forward to seeing Mr. Burns' resume and the many jobs he has held. He appeared to want to be a congressman but dropped out of his race due to a lack of support and some other unrelated issues.

In the Kane County government process you bet Lauzen is an outsider. An outsider that wants to make sure that every dollar we spend doesn't go to special interests that pay politicians to stay there. Yeah, why do we want to elect someone that wants to look to see how our money is being spent and wants to quit relying on us to provide more and more.

Ahh, Karen...the real you emerges. Not the "just a Mom," but the political insider that has hung out in Springfield for two decades. So your new role is Lauzen's hatchet mom...nice. Well, you and he go waaay back...back to when he ran on term limits...but conveniently forgot that promise when it suited him. And despite your little snipes at Kevin Burns, you know that Chrissie has no record of accomplishment whatsoever. None. Twenty years of feeding at the public trough, but Senator Doolittle has not one piece of significant legislation to his name. Not one, and you know it. In fact, I challenge you to list the pieces of legislation Chrissie sponsored - not "co-sponsored<" his favorite dodge of riding on others efforts - that became law. We'll start the timer now. Go check Senator Doolittle's record.

Mike, (It would be nice if you used your real name)
The real me is right here. I have been around long enough to know when my taxes are too high, pay to play in my county is alive and well and taxpayers are being taken advantage of. Calling any elected official a demeaning name such as 'Chrissie' only demonstrates a lack of maturity on your part. You are entitled to any opinion but a home town unofficial survey doesn't necessarily lead to definitive results. I don't know what 'snipes' were taken at Kevin. The unrelated issues I was referring to was the announcement made to leave the race dut to Dennis Hastert's support for on of his opponent's at the time.

Lauzen's record of accomplishment speaks for itself. This is not a high school popularity contest. This is about the future of the county and the taxpayers affected by future decisions. To demean any candidate by calling them playground names does your cause and your candidate a disservice.

I look forward to a better debate in the future.

Senator Doolittle's record? That was the question Karen. Then again, you can't defend what doesn't exist.

This is what I have to say. I DIDN'T THINK that that hamburger was a sandwich, but I'll be darned to heck if those French people didn't convince me otherwise.

I want to be in a high speed chase with Kevin Burns and a fish. Believe that. Thank you.

Really Mike, are you asking me to provide a free campaign ad for a candidate? Forgive me ahead of time.

At your request Sen. Lauzen is the ranking member on the Revenue Committee voting often to deny needless spending and is Co. Chairman, Legislative Audit Commission.
He sponsored and passed the largest employment tax DECREASE in over 19 years, Guardian of Small Business Award twice, passed law making prisoners pay for jail time, lead co SPONSOR on original property tax assessment freeze for homowners over 65 years old on limited income. CPA/ Duke University Honors, Harvard MBA
As others have already stated, the qualifications of both candidates and their histories involving public service matter. Senator Lauzen's campaign can give more details I'm sure. When 800 plus people or more annually attend an event for you and give local small donations to support you I think you are entitled to be publicly addressed with due respect. Kevin Burns deserves the same. Again, you do Mayor Burns a disservice with the juvenile lingo, pseudonym or not.
Admittedly, these days not much of what Sen. Lauzen would propose would pass. And that is why he will make an immediate impact if taxpayers elect him. He won't have to deal with the roadblocks so many current local legislators face.
I have written about Springfield (see bio) and know firsthand the frustrations facing those trying to pass worthy legislation. Angela Kane from Geneva did a great job of describing the reality there.

There is no comparison of these two men. Lauzen will bring sense to the jobs, Burns would look after himself.

Senator Lauzen is a solid conservative. He has my vote. If he would have been the only vote in the Senate for the last 20 years people would be flooding Illinois looking for jobs and to latch onto wealth instead of running away. We have to stand behind those who fight for the rights of all, not just the select group government smiles on

Oooooo I met a guy who smiled one time. As tall as a tree.

I would argue that both candidates are fiscally conservative. Since neither will vote in the position they seek, it comes down to being able to motivate and collaborate with the other board members. Mr. Burns is the only candidate that has experience with working from the top to advance initiatives.

Let me be clear, I appreciate the role Mr. Lauzen has played in Springfield, but this race is about putting a conservative in charge that can rally the rest of the board to advance sensible initiatives. This is not, and should not, be about the current Chairman. This is about the future. Both men bring the same philosophical approach, to the table. The main difference is the ability to get the other elected board members to follow. Mr. Lauzen, in my opinion, does not have that ability. Mr. Burns has the experience and the record that shows he can bring people to his side and get things done.

I'm really enjoying all of this banter. It's funny that the only thing anyone can say is that Lauzen returns phone call. That doesn't make him a good politician or leader. The fact of the matter is yes he does return calls but 9 times out of 10 he only calls people back to tell them they need to call their state representative. Lauzen is vindictive and manipulative. These are not strong characteristics in a true leader. Lauzen has a reputation in Springfield of being ineffective, I believe most of his peers refer to him as Senator No, another trait that will not serve him well at the county. The four county board members that are now "out" endorsing Lauzen do so for fear of retribution. They know Lauzen. I've met Mr. Burns he is qualified to lead the county. Lauzen is not. Sure he's co-sponsored bills but how many bills has he had the lead on that have gone anywhere? He's a fraud and anyone that believes that Lauzen cares about people are only fooling themselves. I pity the residents of Kane county if this man wins. You Ms. Phillips can drink the cool aide if you choose, but I believe you've had your own personal problems with Lauzen and would only support this guy if there was some sort of quid pro quo - perhaps?

I think the issue we're missing is that the status quo is for the status quo, and that is neither status nor quo, yes? Not at all! Attica man! ATTICA!
If we don't change with more of the same it's gonna just be pork tacos and fraudulent honors from here on out man. Mark it. All the way to the bank.
Burns Lauzen is a good man, Kevin Chris, not so much. Sellout. His old records were cool but now it's all in CD's! What kind of nonsense is that! None, that's who.

I am going to decide based on the man who wears the most blue shirts. I think blue is an important color. (Stripes are acceptable). No man shall be my county with red. Poor character. I'm onto you.

maybe if your buddy is elected the quid pro quo could be a WRITTEN contact to lobby for the forest preserve after all these years and not just a wink and a nod.

If you wink and nod deep enough into the forest preserve, the forest preserve winks and nods back into you.

The county chair has no authority over the forest preserve. If either candidate says differently, then they are being less than truthful.

Mr. Lauzen would make an excellent Kane county board chairmen! Everyone should vote for him

Chris Lauzen is a sincere and caring person. He says the truth that others do not want to hear. Chris does what he can for his constituents first and he is never cloudy on his views and beliefs. Chris Lauzen has my vote.

Hey mike garrity- really- you're using a hooded name?

Step forward or go away

Stephen Hartley

I am not going to be able to seperate fact from hype regarding lauzen, but I see enough detractors to know somethings up. Senator no isnt going to cut it in Kane county, we have some issues to resolve.

Kevin is a proven municipal leader and gets my vote.

I have been an elected official in the city of Geneva for over 10 years. During that time, I have had numerous opportunities to meet and discuss issues with both Kevin and Chris. I am a believer in local issues being handled locally, ie, let the people of Geneva decide and vote upon what is best for the people of Geneva. As much as Chris claims to be in favor of less government, he is not necessarily in favor of less government intrusion into people's lives. He supports the State of Illinois deciding what is best for the people of Geneva, even against their wishes, and I find I cannot support that sort of candidacy. Kevin has always been much more sensitive to the democratic practice of letting voters decide their own fate, and I support that way of thinking. I believe Kevin will be sensitive to the wants and needs of the voters in Kane County, and I believe he will not be swayed by downstate party politics. He has my vote.

I was a little dumbfounded to see the number of voters in this Patch poll, but a little snooping brought this little tidbit to light. Chris’s campaign sent out this link not long ago.

Can you help us out? There is an online “non-scientific” poll being conducted for the next few hours. Here’s what you need to do: cut and paste www.geneva.patch.com, scroll down to the news section on the left and you’ll see the “Patch Poll: If GOP Primary were today who would you vote for in the Kane County Chairman race?” VOTE for CHRIS LAUZEN.

Lauzen manipulates the poll. So much for his honesty and integrity platform

Chuck,

The Chronicle news had a unscientific polls whereby one candidate had 100,000 votes in a local congressional race. There are facebook blasts out for BOTH candidates. This is nothing new and this is about as unscientific as it gets.

Online polling is unscientific. The only accurate poll is the one on election day.

What is 'dishonest' about having your supporters come out to support you? Don't you want them to do the same at an event, fundraiser etc?

This is a little bit of a memory of Florida where both the party that was victorious and the party that was not made accusations. If you think that 9000 votes came in at any time (and all legitimately) it is doubtful. There are blasts going out in both camps.

You may feel differently if the poll swings back the other direction. Then the same can be said for either camp.

Chris Lauzen is a breath of fresh air! Honest, ethical and principled. Kane County is sorely in need of his service.

I do have to admit I have met Mayor Burns on many City related occasions. He is not only an excellent City Leader, but also a very personal, friendly, and kind man. I have introduced him to my children, and to my Scout Groups. I took my son to the 911 Memorial Service that Mayor Burns did at the City Hall. I was pretty disappointed in the turnout, but Mayor Burns gave a very impressive Speech and also asked others to share any memories they had. Being someone that was in the Military, this was very emotional for me. Aside from the typical "Political BS", things like these are what make a great leader.
As much as I would hate to see him leave his Mayor seat, Kevin Burns has, and always will have my Vote for ANY office he wishes to run for.

Thanks for everything you do Kevin.
Ray

Mr. Carroll,

Somehow I suspect that if the results had been, in your view, 'manipulated' and your choice for chairman been the winner, this post would have never appeared.

To accuse either candidate in either camp of manipulation of the results is demeaning to both.

I guess the best that I can say is that you are entitled to your opinion.

Again, declaring victory after having manipulated the results is not representative of honesty and integrity. Lauzen is not the type of leader we need in Kane County.

Chuck,

I respect your right to have an opinion on your choice for Kane County's leadership.

It appears that quite a few people participated in the 'manipulation'(your words) in choosing a candidate/option of their choice.

This sounds like a retread of the Bush/Gore presidential debate we witnessed in November of 2000. Some were happier than others.

I hope you would not be accusing either candidate of dishonesty or lack of integrity.

Again, despite your opinion in favoring a particular candidate, a charge like this is serious, inappropriate and reckless without a legal burden of proof.

Again, declaring victory after having manipulated the results is not representative of honesty and integrity. Lauzen is not the type of leader we need in Kane County.

People have died for the freedom for your right to express your opinion. Thousands of others joined you. But please respect the integrity of both candidates in your commentary.

I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would run against Lauzen for anything! The guy gets redistricted out of his original area and still gets 70+%. It's like throwing $$$ down the drain to run against such a good and decent man.

Keep drinking the Kool-Aid, there Cleo. And tell me what, besides drawing a steady check from the state, Senator Doolittle actually accomplished in his 20 years in Springfield.

Amazing dialouge. Apathetic (lazy) people always attack. Lauzen has been in the Illinois Senate for 19 plus years, fighting against Madigan's Machine (Madiganville) and you have been where for the past 19 plus years doing what for your township, county and state? Cleo Leonard has it right. Whenever Lauzen runs for office in his area he crushes his opponents. Some people like flushing $$$ down the drain which is why tax increases in Geneva and School Board 304 keep goin up and up. Attacking one of the shining lights in our County and state tells what kind of
Kool-Aid you drink. McKenzie, Phillips, Leonard and others contributing to this continuing article dont drink Kool-aid; a childs drink.

LAUZEN GETS MY VOTE