Key Priorities for District 21
Cliff Surges stands for practical, accountable county government that works for residents. Explore our key issue areas below:
Holding the Line on County Spending
As your Kane County Board representative, Cliff Surges believes in living within our means. Every dollar collected from taxpayers must be accounted for and spent wisely.
- ✓ Zero-Waste Budgeting: Eliminating redundant county programs and auditing departmental expenses.
- ✓ Property Tax Relief: Opposing unnecessary tax levy hikes that burden fixed-income seniors and working families.
- ✓ Grant Optimization: Maximizing federal and state grant dollars to fund local infrastructure without local tax increases.
Preserving Neighborhood Character
Residential neighborhoods and heavy semi-trailer parking facilities simply do not mix. When proposed developments threaten the safety, tranquility, and property values of our communities, Cliff takes a stand.
- ✓ Community Town Halls: Over 150 residents attended Cliff's Gilberts town hall to voice opposition to industrial encroachments.
- ✓ Direct Accountability: Delivering resident feedback directly to the Kane County Development Department.
- ✓ Smart Growth: Promoting balanced development that complements existing subdivisions rather than encroaching on them.
Backing Law Enforcement & Emergency Teams
Safe neighborhoods are the foundation of a thriving community. Cliff Surges works closely with the Kane County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and fire protection districts.
- ✓ Safe-T Act Scrutiny: Providing informed leadership on the real-world operational impacts of state criminal justice mandates.
- ✓ First Responder Resources: Ensuring our 911 dispatch, sheriff patrol, and emergency teams have modern equipment and training.
- ✓ Victim Advocacy: Supporting county judicial and victim services to protect vulnerable residents.
Supporting Small Business & Infrastructure
District 21 boasts vibrant downtowns in the Dundees, expanding commercial centers in Gilberts, and key corridors in northern Elgin.
- ✓ Tourism & Family Entertainment: Supporting landmark destinations like Santa's Village in East Dundee.
- ✓ Roads & Bridges: Prioritizing county highway resurfacing, safety improvements, and traffic decongestion.
- ✓ Cutting Red Tape: Streamlining county permitting so local small businesses can open and expand without needless delays.