Name: Martha Hanna
Office Sought: Kane County Board District 11
Political Party: Democrat
Campaign contact information:
Age and birthdate: 58, 11/8/53
Family: Married to Bruce Hanna, Fermilab physicist, I have two grown children, Dianna, 30, and Curt, 26.
Occupation: Work part time at Harner's in North Aurora, retired
Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?
I am a tutor at the Kane County Juvenile Center (Challenge Program); Previously, CASA, Election Judge, Special Education Asst. Dist. W Aurora 129, live in unincorporate Batavia, worked with county on rezoning of my property.
What would your priorities be if elected to this office?
I think the county needs to centralize many of their functions to reduce waste and improve efficiency. I would freeze or lower property taxes, something the residents of Kane County are very concerned with.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I don't know that much about my opponent, except that he lives in Geneva. What sets me apart is that I will not be sitting on the board with baggage from the McConnaughay leadership. Both myself and my opponent will be serving under a new chairman.
What can the county do to promote job growth and draw new business to Kane County?
We need to encourage local farming and "green" initiatives and make it attractive to the whole country. We need to be more vigilant and market Kane County as a open space, small town living area to encourage new business. Kane County is a beautiful and unique area, with our river towns and our farms.
What more would you do to practice fiscal responsibility?
My mantra is do not spend if you don't have the money. Back to basics and needs. Start with zero budgets and realistic budgets. We need to compare and differerate to cut waste. I would like to see a renewed focus on improving what we have. I want to do things for the residents of Kane County NOT to the residents.
Would you propose any projects related to sustainability in the county?
We could lower building fees for businesses that encourage green sustainablility.
What ideas do you have for improving the county's infrastructure and transportation?
There are intersections in District 11 west of Randall Road that are dangerous. Wenmoth and Fabyan is one example. We must always encourage public transportation, and it is nice to see that Pace is improving curbside areas for their customers.
In what ways can the county operate more efficiently and improve technologically?
We can centralize services and rely more on the computer to avoid hiring more staff.
