
County board, District 20, Democrat: Castro
Democratic incumbent Cristina Castro is running against
Penny Wegman and Jose SiFuentes, all from Elgin. Only Castro and Wegman
responded to requests for information and interviews. Castro, a relative
newcomer to the board, has a good grasp of the board dynamics and the
knowledge of the issues to continue contributing. Her ideas, such as
merging county offices and departments to further reduce expenses, merit
discussion. Wegman lacks solid ideas about how to improve upon the job
already being done.
Castro is endorsed.
I support returning Castro to Kane County Board
Elgin is not just the place where I live. It is a community where I spend a lot of time volunteering, going to church and supporting a multitude of organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others.
This has given me a broad perspective regarding the needs of our community and its people. It also means I am very well-acquainted with our local stakeholders and elected officials.
I am fortunate to be well-represented at the state level, but it is also my pleasure to say that my family and neighbors are well-represented locally. With Cristina Castro as my Kane County Board member, I know that I can count on someone to honestly represent my interests. Because we are both very active in Elgin, our friendship has grown. It is important to me that I see elected officials throughout the year and not only when they want my vote.
Castro works well with others and possesses a modesty that keeps her grounded. She does not take anything or anybody for granted. She will take the extra step to help others. In my tight-knit community, you will see many Castro signs. That is not an accident. It is a result of her hard work and continued commitment.
Castro has earned my family’s support, and it is my hope that you will take the time to learn more about her. We need effective, community-minded officials. I ask you to join me in returning Castro to the county board.
Rich L. Jacobs
Precinct Committeeman, Elgin 4
Elgin
Letter written by Precinct 5 committeeman, Frank Imhoff
Endorsing Castro for Kane board District 20
When times are tough, we need strong representation. Cristina Castro is my commissioner on the Kane County Board. She also serves Kane County on the board’s administration, finance and budget, judicial and public safety, and legislative committees. This means she has earned my support and respect as well as that of her peers.
Cristina’s teamwork and strong work ethic have earned a lot respect. Cristina has been endorsed by state Sen. Michael Noland, state Rep. Keith Farnham, Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez, and Elgin City Council members John Steffen and Anna Moeller. A friend to working families, Cristina also enjoys the strong support of the Elgin building trades.
Cristina has done a great job and, without hesitation, I enthusiastically endorse her. Please vote for Cristina for the Kane County Board.
Frank Imhoff
Elgin
Castro gets involved to make a difference
I have known Kane County Board Commissioner Cristina Castro in a variety of capacities. In each role, she has excelled and earned my trust.
We served on the Centre of Elgin’s Advisory Board together. We serve together on the board of the Elgin’s Black History Family Festival, and she has been a supportive and contributive member. (As the festival’s founder, I do not make that statement lightly.) During my tenure as a trustee on the Elgin Community College Board, (a nonpartisan role), I have had the opportunity observe and work with Castro as a higher-education professional. In all of the above positions, Castro proved to be a dedicated and results-oriented individual.
Castro does not seek responsibilities to advance her career or build a resumé. She gets involved because she sees a need and wants to make a difference. In government, we need more people with this approach. We need more elected officials who seek to represent all of Elgin’s vast constituencies. Castro offers just that.
I encourage you to re-elect Commissioner Castro. She has an in-depth understanding of our community’s challenges and key relationships, and will use her great energy and commitment to make a difference.
Phyllis Folarin
Elgin
Re-elect Cristina Castro to Kane board
I am writing about my strong support of Cristina Castro for the Kane County Board.
As former employee of the Kane County Health Department, I have made it a point to know about the people who make decisions in our county. Commissioner Castro has proven to be a standout commissioner. She learns about issues, tries to do what is right, and is often a voice for the “little guy or gal.”
While other people worry about what is popular or what might make them look good, Castro tries to do what is right. It is refreshing to know we have someone who really cares.
I am proud to support Cristina Castro and urge your vote for re-election.
Irma Figueroa
Elgin
Be there for Castro in Kane County Board election
Like many people, I am not a political. In fact, like many Americans, few “politicians” impress me. I know the difference between a public servant and a politico.
Kane County Board member Cristina Castro is the real thing, and I am proud to be represented by her. Her commitment to fighting crime and well-earned endorsement our Kane County sheriff impresses me.
I also like fighters who are not afraid to do what is right. With our economy in the dumps, Cristina has proven to be a real community volunteer. She also fought to keep our social services intact when others did not think about the ramifications of hurting people facing tough times.
Yes, you will not likely ever read another letter from me. I strongly urge re-electing Cristina Castro. She will continue to fight for Elgin. Let’s be there for her.
Edgar Ruiz
ElginThe Kane County Board District 20 hopefuls are guaranteed a new board chairman in the next term. As Karen McConnaughay campaigns for a state senate seat, Cristina Castro and Penny Wegman look to the future of the board with a new leader.
Castro, the incumbent Democrat in Elgin’s east side District 20, already has a list of priorities when it comes to working with the new chairman — merging offices to save money in the county budget, for one.
“Constituents are screaming that government is too big,” Castro said. “Other counties are looking at ways to address that by consolidating offices.”
Like Cook County is exploring, Castro said Kane should consider merging the recorder of deeds and clerk’s offices to make the record-keeping duties more centralized and efficient.
Castro also wants to discuss merging the Kane and DuPage regional superintendents positions to combine resources.
Wegman, Castro’s most active challenger in the Democratic primary, said it is more important to see who the new chairman is and find out the direction that person thinks the board should go.
“It’s premature to even express any desires until we know what we have to work with and where that person sees us going,” Wegman said.
Wegman’s key campaign issues are to cut spending, create more fiscal transparency and have responsible county growth. But the Elgin woman said she wants to find out the new chairman’s perspective before putting her own two cents in.
“I want to hear, listen and observe before I make any decisions,” Wegman said.
Castro said she does not want to take a “wait-and-see” approach, arguing instead the chairman candidates are already formulating their own agendas.
“Sometimes by meeting with and them and talking with them, you can also find common ground on things and come up with new ideas to take the county forward,” Castro said.
Jose Sifuentes is also running in the District 20 Democratic primary. He has not responded to requests for comment.
February 23, 2012:Vote Castro for Kane board
Where I come
from, what you do is more important than what you say you will do.
That being said, Kane County Board member Cristina Castro has demonstrated a strong voting record and commitment to:
Job creation: Putting us back to work.
Social service: Protecting those in need.
Public safety: Protecting our communities.
It should not come as a surprise Kane County Sheriff Pat Perez has endorsed her. Both have worked closely together, and Elgin is fortunate for their strong alliance. Cristina also is a member of the county board’s legislative committee. In this post, she has shown a judicial resolve to fight for the wise use of our tax dollars.
So why would we replace an elected official who’s done a great job for our community? There is no reason! Please vote Castro for county board. She is an effective, hard worker who will get the job done! Early voting starts Feb. 27.
Mark Guethle
Chairman, Kane County Democrats
There is likely no better person to comment on the character of Kane County Board member Cristina Castro than I. After all, I have known her most of my life.
Some people fear childhood friends. They know everything about you. Before Cristina dedicated her life to public service, and even now, I have known her like few others. I know her deep commitment to whatever she does. I know her love of Elgin and her strong desire to help people. I know her tenacity and incredible work ethic.
I have watched her grow from a little girl into a self-made woman who strives to help people “all” people. Whether it was watching her seek office while earning her MBA and working full-time at Elgin Community College or watching her complete devotion to her elderly mother, I know the people of Elgin are lucky to be served by such an accomplished and compassionate woman. I am proud to stand with Cristina Castro as I have since the first grade at Century Oaks Elementary School.
Marlen Perez
Elgin
Kane County Board member Castro deserves vote
As a professionally trained public administrator and former Democratic state central committeewoman, I remain impressed with Kane County Board member Cristina Castro. I rarely get involved with local Democratic primaries; however, Cristina deserves our full support.
Cristina is the type of official who should continue to serve. I say that as someone who has carefully followed her public service activities and contributions. Whether it is fighting for jobs or amassing data to make key decisions, Cristina has an uncommon passion and commitment to research and collaboration.
All too often, county board races are eclipsed by national and state races. Yet these people make decisions that impact our daily quality of life.
Cristina has worked hard for her positive reputation. In fact, she has worked hard for everything she has accomplished.
To elect a professional with a community activist’s work ethic, Cristina Castro will not disappoint.
Beth Penesis
South Elgin