Campaign info

• Position sought: Will County Board District 12 representative
• Party: Republican
• Website:www.ChrisKosel.com
• E-mail address: Chris@ChrisKosel.com
• Address: 850 Grand Mesa Drive, New Lenox, IL 60451

Personal info

• Age: 41
  
• Family: Married to Michele Kosel who works as a realtor in the Lincoln Way area, three children William (19), Madison (9), and Lacey (5).
• Education: University of Illinois-Chicago; Joliet Junior College; Lincoln-Way High School District and New Lenox School District 122.
• Occupation: Senior Business Systems Analyst with the University of Chicago Medical Center
• Related experience: Lincoln-Way High School District Board of Education vice president, 2011. Elected to District 210 board in 2005. Served as Republican Precinct Committeeman in 2003, 2004 and 2008.
  

Candidate Questions

Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?

As long time resident and product of this community, I bring many different experiences to the office. I am referred to under many different names such as Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, these provide my solid ethical foundation upon which all of my other experiences are built. I have an extensive business background as both a previous small business owner, and as an employee of large healthcare operation.

I presently hold numerous technical certifications and manage multiple IT initiatives directly affecting patients on a day to day basis. Coupled with being the Vice-President of Lincoln-Way School Board, allows me to work with Administration, Constituents, Students, and Parents. To find the best solutions for the students and taxpayers, while maintaining high standards, and reducing the tax burden whenever possible.

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

To do more with less. This is what we are all doing in our own lives and our government needs to do the same.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My background of being raised in this community, dedication to giving back as a volunteer, and ability to bring solid business background, and Technology expertise to government. Allowing us to do More with Less.

What can the county do to promote job growth and draw new business to Will County?

Work with the businesses, Chambers of Commerce and other leaders within Will County to ensure that we break down the barriers for business growth and expansion, provide a skilled workforce, and create jobs!

Do you believe Cook County is encroaching on Will, and how would you make sure there isn't a negative influence from the city?

Yes, Cook County politics are encroaching on Will County. The new maps drawn by the Chicago political machine to maximize their power in Will County shows their intentions to maximize the reach of the Chicago machine we need to improve our ethics reforms, transparency and maintain our fiscal integrity, to ensure that we do not fall victim to Cook County politics.

Should it be Will County or a special commission in charge of a proposed airport? Why, and how would that work?

If the Airport is built, Will County needs to establish its authority with the high ethical and fiscal responsibility that is a hallmark of good government. Citizens have to be involved in this process at every level in a transparent course of action.

All candidates have lauded the current board for work balancing the budget; what more would you do to practice fiscal responsibility?

Continue to do “More with Less”, which is the slogan of my campaign. Provide more transparency, promote ethics reform, and work for the citizens as they are who I represent and who’s voice must be heard.

Besides Renewing Will County, would you propose any projects related to sustainability in the county?

Maintain all infrastructure of the county, these are investments belong to the tax payers, and as a good steward I will maintain those investments, while improving processes. Developing a long term plan for the county is essential to be even more fiscally responsible in the future.

What ideas do you have for improving the county's infrastructure and transportation?

Ensuring that will county maximizes its ability to leverage State and Federal funding for projects. This will be accomplished through coordination of our State and Federal Representatives. Look at ways to partner with businesses to benefit both the county and the overall business climate.

In what ways can the county operate more efficiently and improve technologically?

There are many ways that the county can improve efficiency with Technology. It is important that the Technology be implemented properly so it does not interfere with operations. Technology for technology sake does not work.

It must improve and\or automate how a task is accomplished, not change it. It is important to ensure that technology does not get in the way of getting the job done. The best method to accomplish this is quality planning, using proven fundamentals to assure a return on investment is realized.