Race for Kane County Board District 3: Candidates Address Key Issues

The upcoming election for the Kane County Board District 3 seat features incumbent Democrat Anita Lewis facing independent challenger Guy Bodie. No Republican candidate appears on the ballot. Lewis, 68, from Aurora, is aiming for her third term. She highlights voter concerns about inflation, affordable housing shortages, and immigration enforcement by ICE.

Lewis notes that inflation, particularly in gas prices, is straining household budgets. Consequently, many residents are increasingly reliant on food pantries. Housing affordability remains a challenge, with dual-income families struggling to secure good apartments or purchase homes.

“Getting a place for a residence – even an apartment – is difficult, absolutely,” she states.

On the topic of ICE, Lewis acknowledges concerns from the community in Aurora about potential deportations affecting them or their neighbors, especially children left without guardians. If reelected, her priorities include economic development, addressing ICE-related fears, and fostering better communication with constituents.

“To keep taxes down and assist citizens, we need economic development,” says Lewis. As the jobs chairman for Kane County’s new economic development group, she aims to retain businesses and work with community colleges to attract suitable businesses.

Lewis seeks to implement improved communication channels, possibly through newsletters or forums, to better address resident concerns.

Guy Bodie, 59, is contesting his first county board election. He cites taxes and data centers as major voter concerns.

“People want low taxes but more revenue, not through additional taxes. They believe auditing commercial properties is essential,” Bodie explains.

Regarding data centers, Bodie reports calls for a moratorium due to perceived secrecy from local leaders and insufficient transparency. Voters want more information on these developments. If successful, Bodie aims to support energy-efficient, affordable housing for new homebuyers and maintain sustainable development.

Bodie emphasizes the importance of energy consciousness and farmland preservation. He highlights Habitat for Humanity’s energy-efficient housing projects as a model for future developments suited for new homebuyers and seniors facing fixed incomes impacted by increasing taxes.

Other key initiatives for Bodie include hiring a full-time grant writer for the Kane County Health Department and conducting audits to verify commercial property valuations.