Letter to the Editor: Democrat Steps Into Race For County Board

It’s promising to see that there are several new candidates, including myself, running for a seat on the Kendall County Board in the next election. My name is Amy Cesich, and I have considerable respect for those that work in public service, and the current Board is no exception.

However, I believe it is time for new ideas, new voices, and new perspectives for the Kendal County Board.  Volunteerism and public service are honorable and necessary for a community to thrive, and I asked to be elected to the Raintree Village HOA board shortly after moving to Yorkville in 2005. I was elected twice and proudly served on the board for three years. I currently serve on the Park & Recs board for the City of Yorkville and am a volunteer for P.A.D.S., which provides shelter for the growing number of homeless people in Kendall County.

As the Media Relations Director for the Kendall County Democrats, my belief in the importance of public service and how each of us can participate in the governing of our County has been reinforced.  

Working on the HOA board was formative for me. When the builder of our homes turned over the management of the HOA we were faced with uncertain financial conditions and many other challenges. We faced those challenges, and despite the lack of involvement of the original builder our community is stable and safe today. During my time as one of five Board members I worked closely with City of Yorkville staff. When my term ended I was asked to serve on the Yorkville Parks & Recreation Board, which continues to be one of the most rewarding roles I’ve had in local government.  

Our county has been challenged by recent events. Unfortunately, the County Board has not always stepped up to meet those challenges. Their latest redistricting decision missed the opportunity for the Board to reshape itself and reflect the Kendall County of today. Ongoing fiscal decisions relating to staffing and other operations, as well as the KenCom deal, indicate that there may be more concern with protecting the status quo than serving the people of Kendall County as a whole.  

Having grown up in Arizona, with an active outdoor life, I’m glad to be able to share the beauty of nature with my two children and my husband of 19 years. I have lived in the Midwest for more than 23 years, am an avid photographer, and am closer to my goal of visiting all 58 U.S. National Parks.

Here in Kendall County, we have unique resources that offer us a place to earn a living and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Managing those land resources and protecting them is a primary function of County level government. It is this connection between the people and the resources of Kendall County that will be my focal point as a County Board member. I look forward to serving all of you as the newest member of the Kendall County Board.  

Thank you,

Amy Cesich, Yorkville