From the campaign of Chris Lauzen:
Lauzen Calls for In-depth Public Debate for Kane County Treasurer
One-minute response limits are not sufficient for candidates seeking responsibility for investing $350 million in County funds and collecting $1.7 billion in property taxes from 200,000 taxpayers, Lauzen says
Wegman skips monthly Finance Committee meeting tied to her paid government position, but shows up for political forum and ignores Lauzen’s debate challenge
Aurora, IL – Kane County Treasurer Chris Lauzen is inviting his opponent, Penny Wegman, to participate in public debates ahead of the November 3 election.
With only two candidates seeking responsibility for Kane County’s finances, Lauzen believes voters should have in-depth opportunities to hear from both of them, ask questions and compare their qualifications, experience, records and plans for the office.
Lauzen is proposing three geographically-dispersed structured debates with equal time for each candidate to make detailed opening statements, answer questions, respond to one another and make closing statements.
To ensure a fair process, Lauzen proposes that both campaigns select one moderator, with those two moderators agreeing upon a third neutral moderator. The campaigns would work together to establish the dates, locations, length and rules of the debates.
“The Treasurer’s Office is responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds,” Lauzen said. “I believe voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly and in adequate detail from both candidates about their qualifications, experience, records and plans for the office. These debates give voters who are interested the chance to listen to answers, compare records and make up their own minds.”
Lauzen said the debates should address the responsibilities that come with serving as County Treasurer, including financial and accounting qualifications, experience managing public money, investment performance, property tax collection and distribution, banking practices, transparency and each candidate’s record of protecting taxpayers.
Lauzen is a Certified Public Accountant who built and operated an accounting and tax practice serving more than 200 clients.
As Kane County Treasurer, he oversees approximately $320 million in County investments.
During his tenure as Treasurer, Lauzen points to $80 million in cumulative interest income earned on County funds, $1.8 million saved by replacing the County’s operating bank, and a 99.97% property tax collection rate.
Lauzen said his record of protecting taxpayers extends beyond the Treasurer’s Office.
During his eight years as Kane County Board Chairman, the County property tax levy was frozen for eight consecutive years and County debt was reduced by 70 percent.
“This is an important office, and voters should have the opportunity to compare us directly and in sufficient detail,” Lauzen said.
“I am prepared to answer questions about my qualifications, my record and what I intend to do during the next four years.
“I hope Ms. Wegman will join me and do the same.”
Lauzen said his campaign is prepared to begin working with Wegman’s campaign immediately to agree upon moderators, dates, locations and debate rules.
“Public service requires accountability,” Lauzen said.
“Both candidates are asking Kane County voters for their trust. We should be willing to stand before them in a comprehensive format, answer their questions in more than one minute responses and explain why we are qualified to do the job.”
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About Chris Lauzen
Chris Lauzen currently serves as Kane County Treasurer and is a candidate for re-election. He previously served for 20 years in the Illinois State Senate and eight years as Kane County Board Chairman (2012–2020). Over the course of his career, he has focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strengthening public finances, including increasing county investment income and freezing the county property tax levy for eight consecutive years. Lauzen is a Certified Public Accountant and holds degrees from Duke University and Harvard Business School.
