County Board Corner

Kelly McLaren, Vice Chairman

Kankakee County Administration
189 E. Court St. - Kankakee, IL 60901 
Ph. 815-937-2958
 

How do you see Kankakee County growing and developing within the next 10 years?
I see Kankakee County growing and developing educated. We’ve had the luxury of seeing our neighboring counties growth. We are learning what it takes to grow wisely. I believe we need to continue the Counties smart business
plan to move into the future. Using the tools we’ve created, but not limited to, our Comprehensive Plan, impact fee’s for controlled new housing developments,
and the Counties merge with Economic Development to create a public/private partnership to retain and create job opportunities for the future.

As the Vice Chairman, what goals to you have for the county?
Continue and improve relations with our local municipalities. Improve efforts for the combining of services throughout the County. Reduce the size of County
Government, Starting with the County Board. Continue the push for “Optional Quarterly Property Tax” payments to help ease the burden for our tax payers. This can be accomplished when the treasures office updates their software to keep the cost minimal for its implementation.

Obviously you have had a multitude of achievements in your life, is there one that stands out more than others?
Life provides you with many opportunities and obstacles. Choosing how
you deal with those can bring many achievements.  The biggest achievement
though would have to be my family. Meeting my wife Tammy and the opportunity to be a part of her life as well of our 4 children. Being able to be a part of them growing, maturing, and preparing for what life throws at them in the
future has been immeasurable

What importance and value do you see in being a member of the Regional Chamber?
Communications with business leaders is a vital to any government leadership.
Listening and understanding their wants and needs is essential for the betterment of our community.

What’s your favorite county landmark?                                No question. The KankakeeCounty Courthouse.

What is your favorite item on your work desk?                          The fact that most of the items that come to my desk range in subject immensely!
It’s given me the opportunity to be educated in a wide variety of areas. As I
cannot honestly place one item in particular as a favorite, I would have to say the fact that employees, department heads, fellow county board members and
constituents feel comfortable enough to discuss matters that are close to them.
I’ve always tried to maintain an open door policy.