Mavis Bates | Kane County Board 04
Mavis Bates has lived in Aurora for most of her life and was elected to the Kane County Board to represent District 4 in 2020. Mavis serves as chair of the Energy and Environmental Committee. Her accomplishments include helping to obtain the installation of an eight-acre solar panel field that will save the county over $5,000,000 over the course of its lifetime. Mavis worked to ensure that $4,000,000 in American Rescue Funds went to local non-profits and mental health agencies, which were struggling to make it through the COVID pandemic. Currently, Mavis is working with other board members to create a strategic plan for Kane County, making sure we set high quality priorities and a path forward for our community that includes good jobs, environmental stewardship, and fiscal responsibility.
Mavis has a bachelor’s dress in secondary education from the University of Illinois. She went on to earn master’s degrees in the following areas: computer science from IIT, acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin. Her past careers have included teaching high school, working at Bell Labs in Naperville for 20 years, and running her own business as an acupuncturist for 20 years. Mavis is grateful for the diversity in our county and knows that people from different backgrounds make our community stronger.
Theresa Barreiro | Circuit Clerk
Theresa Barreiro is the Kane County Circuit Clerk. The Circuit Clerk is the recordkeeper of the 16th Judicial Court and maintains all records for the county. There are 105 employees in 10 locations throughout the county. Theresa was elected to that position in 2021 and is an eight-year veteran of the Kane County Board, representing District 2.
Theresa was first elected to the Kane County Board in 2012 and has an extensive background in local government going back 30 years. She gained experience in the Kane County Clerk’s Office where she served as a state registrar for six years. In 1990 she was hired by the City of Aurora as a Deputy City Clerk and was promoted to various positions in Community Development and Building and Permits. During her tenure on the Kane County Board, Barreiro has served on many committees and has held leadership positions. Her interests also led her to serve on the Executive Committee of the Kane County Forest Preserve. Theresa still finds time to volunteer in her community. Barreiro is an active member of the Kane County Democratic Women and a member of Kiwanis. She also held a prior position as secretary for the Aurora Township Democratic Central Committee.
Cristina Castro | Illinois Senate 22
State Representative Christina Castro represents the 22nd District in Illinois, which includes all or part of 10 different communities within Cook and Kane Counties. Castro is a second-generation Mexican-American who is committed to public service and helping her community. Castro began her volunteer service in high school where she coordinated activities in the Elgin community. Following high school, Christina earned a B.S. and MBA in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University.
In 2008, Castro was elected to the Kane County Board where she served for eight years while also being on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Black History Family Festival, and the Centro de Informacion, which provides services for people in need. Castro has held positions in both the public and private sector. In 2015, Castro decided to run for the Illinois State Senate. In her role as a senator, she stands up for working families and reaches across the aisle on the issues that matter most to the people in her district. She is a member of the Latino Caucus and is Chairperson of the Executive Committee. She also serves on the Commerce, Energy and Public Utilities, Healthcare Access and Availability, Insurance, and Labor Committees. Castro and her husband live on the east side of Elgin.
Judge Rene Cruz
Judge Cruz was born in Panama. His father was a career soldier in the U.S. Army, which led to a diverse upbringing in four states and two countries. Judge Cruz graduated with honors from The Citadel in 1992. Three years later, he graduated from Northern Illinois University College of Law. In 1996, he became a partner in an Aurora firm that eventually became the Law Offices of Gil & Cruz. At his firm, he followed his passion to educate members of the Hispanic community, while prosecuting and defending their rights in all areas of the law.
After recognizing that there were no Hispanic judges in the 16th Judicial Circuit, Rene Cruz, Attorney at Law, campaigned to become a judge. On December 3, 2012, he became the first Hispanic judge in Kane County, IL. Judge Cruz has served in the Family Law Division and currently serves as the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Misdemeanor and Traffic Division and the Felony DUI Treatment Court. Judge Cruz has received numerous awards for his volunteerism in the community, including Champions Against Hunger (awarded by the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry to Cruz and his wife) and the KCBA Community Service Award (bar association award for a caring attitude and service in the community). Judge Cruz is the Chair of the program for the Illinois Judges Association and a “New Judge Cohort Leader/Mentor” to judges throughout IL.
Michelle Gumz | Kane County Board 08
Michelle Gumz was elected to the Kane County Board District 8 in 2020. Her goal as a board member is to listen to residents, meet people where they are, and move forward with thoughtful decisions on each vote she casts for her constituents. Michelle is chair of the Security Advisory Committee and co-chair of the Legislative Committee while sitting on the following committees: Judicial and Public Safety, Executive, Administration, Public Service, Legal Affairs and Claims, Labor Management, and American Rescue Plan.
Gumz grew up in Aurora and retired from the Aurora Police Department as a 911 dispatcher. Her volunteer work in Kane County shows her passion for helping others. Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser appointed Gumz to serve on the Kane County DUI Treatment Court Team as well as the Collaborative Diversion Team. Gumz is also a board member of the Kane County Specialty Court Foundation, which helps offenders who work hard to re-enter society as good citizens. And she finds time to serve the veterans of Aurora by serving as President of Roosevelt Aurora Legion Post 84 Auxiliary, which provides assistance to veterans.
Part of Michelle’s job is to research and advocate for money for Kane County in both Springfield and Washington, D.C. She is an executive board member with the Illinois State Association of Counties (ISACo) and a standing board member of the Illinois Association of County Board Members (ACBM). Gumz looks forward every day to representing her community in Kane County and throughout the state, and she knows there is even more to do for her constituents.
Maura Hirschauer | State Representative 49
Maura Hirschauer was elected in 2019 as the state representative for the Illinois 49th District and is currently running for re-election. Maura has been an activist, community organizer, and an elementary education special education teacher.
After leaving teaching to raise her family, Maura taught ESL to adults and volunteered to teach literacy to elementary students. As president of the Batavia Mothers’ Club, she has overseen fundraisers and community service projects and worked closely with nonprofit organizations throughout the Fox Valley area. Maura is one of the founding members of the Kane/Kendall County chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, holding the positions of Membership and Legislative Lead.
Her experience and education have prepared her for her committee assignments in the state legislature, which include the Appropriations-Elementary and Secondary Education Committees, Elementary and Secondary Education School Curriculum Policies Committee, Prescription Drug Affordability Committee, Child Care Access and Early Childhood Committee, Housing Committee, and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Maura is a neighborhood leader, fighting for working class families and for quality education and safety for children.
Linda Holmes | State Senate 42
Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes represents the 42nd District in the Illinois Senate. Linda advocates for working families and businesses and brings nearly two decades of experience to the state legislature as a small business owner. She understands the challenges small businesses face and has sponsored legislation to help them cut through red tape, grow, and retain employees.
As Chair of the Labor Committee, Linda advocates for more training opportunities and good-paying jobs for families. Since being diagnosed with MS, Linda knows the importance of insurance and fought for access for affordable healthcare. She voted to expand prescription drug coverage amd supported a law in Illinois that protects a woman’s right to choose.
Keeping our communities safe is crucial, and Senator Holmes supports initiatives to recruit qualified law-enforcement officers as well as provide a budget that funds public safety in communities across the collar counties.
Anita Lewis | Kane County Board 03
Anita Lewis has been a Kane County Board member since 2018 and is running for re-election. She represents District 3, which has been redrawn to include downtown Aurora and parts of the east and west sides of Aurora in addition to much of Montgomery. Anita serves on the following county board committees: Public Service, Public Health, Human Services, and Jobs.
Anita has lived in Aurora for 30 years and served as a school board member for District 131 from 2009 – 2013. In addition to being a board member, she volunteers at the Adult Corrections Center, where she facilitates a life skills group and serves as a volunteer chaplain.
Ted Penesis | Kane County Board 16
Ted Penesis is a driven and accomplished professional with a proven track record of working across multiple industries – including governmental institutions and recreational agencies – during his 30+ year career.
In addition, Ted also worked in several roles for individuals involved in the political arena, including organizing field operations, assisting with the development of campaign materials, canvassing neighborhoods, phone-banking, and serving on candidate transition teams. Among his accomplishments includes serving as Collar County Political Director for the victorious 2018 JB Pritzker for Illinois Governor campaign.
Locally, Ted has served as a consultant to strengthen community bonds, assisted in various charitable events, and is a proud board member of the South Elgin Boys & Girls Club. He would be truly honored to serve as a Kane County Board Member and believes this unique opportunity will allow him to give back for all he has received from the community.
Corinne Pierog | Kane County Chair
Corinne Pierog has served as the Kane County Board Chair since 2020, working for both the suburban and rural residents in our county. During this time, she launched Kane County’s first economic development organization; established pay equity for county employees; arranged a mass vaccination site during Covid, which served over 600,000 residents; advocated for and supported funding for public safety and mental health programs; and protected 7,000 acres of family owned and operated farms throughout the county.
Pierog also lobbied Springfield for grants, funding, and recognition in the following areas: obtained funding to remove the need for a toll on the Longmeadow Parkway Bridge, bringing home $35 million to Kane County taxpayers; received a $25 million grant for railroad crossing improvements along the Randall and Hopps Road intersection; and gained National River Trail Recognition for the Fox River,
Supporting her community through volunteerism, Pierog has been newly appointed to the Board of the Boy Scouts of America: Three Fires Council and serves as the 1st vice chair of the Democratic Party of Kane County. She is the founding Board Chair of the Kane County Democratic Women and has also served as the 1st vice-chair of Age Guide of Northeastern Illinois. Pierog is a resident of Batavia and has lived in Kane County for 25 years.
Carolyn Bird Salazar | North Aurora Board Trustee
Dr. Monica Silva | Coroner
Dr. Monica Silva, an Aurora resident, mother, chiropractor, and elected official, is dedicated to improving other people’s lives. The daughter of immigrants, she is helping to make Kane County a better place. Dr. Silva graduated cum laude from Aurora University where she studied Pre-Medicine and Criminal Justice. Upon graduating from college, she worked for the Kane County Health Department to help Kane County’s underserved community. Currently, Dr. Silva is the clinic director at Silva Chiropractic Clinic, and previously served as Head Clinician for a leading integrative care teaching institution.
Dr. Silva has dedicated her life to serving the community. In 2005, she was elected as an Aurora Township Trustee in 2005 and was the first Latina to be elected to the Township board. In 2010, she was elected to the Kane County Board and has served as Chair of the Public Health Committee and Vice Chair of Judicial Public Safety Committee which oversees the Coroner’s Office. Dr. Silva has served as a board member and volunteer for many community organizations. She was the recipient of the 2021 Women of Power Award from the Quad County Urban League. Dr. Silva is a mentor to local students and speaks to our community’s youth about making good decisions and the path to success in life. She is an active member of St. Therese Church. As a mother, she is dedicated to her first love, her two sons.
Cherryl Strathmann | Kane County Board 20
Cherryl Strathmann is the District 20 incumbent running for her third term on the Kane County Board. During her first two terms, Strathmann served on several committees, including Legislative, Environment and Energy, Jobs, and Executive. Currently, she is Chair of the Public Health Committee and has initiated a program where at each meeting a different service offered by the Kane County Health Department is highlighted. Strathmann wants the community to know that many residents are helped by collaborative agreements with different agencies. She believes that a healthy community is a productive community that benefits everyone.
A lifelong community activist, Strathmann first got involved in trying to pass the ERA, Equal Rights Amendment. She is a passionate supporter of the rights of all citizens and continues to advocate for women’s reproductive healthcare, including a woman having control of her own body and being able to make decisions about her own future. She will not stop fighting for women’s healthcare rights until the repeal of Roe v. Wade is corrected. Strathmann serves her community in many ways and advocates for inclusion and equity for all residents. She is Vice Chair of Kane County Democratic Women, a Master Gardener through the University of Illinois Extension, and a member of Sherman Hospital Community Health Board. She and her husband Carl live in Elgin and enjoy the diversity of their community.
William Tarver | Kane County Board 10
Bill Tarver represents District 10 on the Kane County Board and is the Vice-chair of the Energy & Environmental Committee. His other committee appointments include serving on the Human Services and Public Health Committees in addition to being a commissioner on the Kane County Forest Preserve. Tarver’s professional experience as a school social worker and a restorative practice facilitator have prepared him to build and repair relationships between people and communities. As a board member, he has been an effective communicator, responding to all constituent concerns and fostering teamwork and collaboration among board members. He is a strong advocate for public health and mental health services, sustainability initiatives, and careful monitoring of revenue and expenses.
Tarver continues to volunteer with local nonprofits such as the Norman B. Barr Camp, Boy Scout Troop 21, Venture Crew Youth, and Suicide Prevention Services of America. As the treasurer of a nonprofit organization for 10 years, Tarver understands the need to budget conservatively, closely monitor revenue, and invest wisely. He recognizes the importance of keeping our taxes in check while maintaining and improving the high level of services that make our communities strong. Tarver has been a resident of Batavia for 17 years and is running to ensure that Kane County remains the number one choice for residents to live, work, and play.
Karina Villa | State Senate 25
Born and raised in West Chicago, Senator Karina Villa is a lifelong resident of Illinois State Senate District 25. After earning her M.S. in social work, Karina worked in the public schools and served as the Vice President of the District 33 School Board. She initiated programs such as a dual-language program and full-day kindergarten. As a senator, Karina uses her professional background to collaborate through compassionate conversation and is committed to ensuring effective representation for all residents. Through her strong leadership skills, experience serving in the state senate and unwavering dedication to success, Karina knows how to bring people together to tackle the important issues and pass needed legislation.
Senator Villa takes satisfaction in having a strong voice in an effort to improve the lives of her constituents and all residents of Illinois. She continues to fight for funding and equity in mental health services, addiction treatment, healthcare in rural areas, and affordable pricing for life-saving medications. The residents in her district can continue to count on Senator Villa to represent their needs in Springfield. To learn more about the work Karina is doing, see her website, karinavilla.com or follow her on social media.
Lauren Underwood | US Rep 14
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood is the U.S. representative for Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, which is a suburban, exurban, and rural district in northern Illinois. In 2018, she became the first person of color and the first woman to represent her district.
Lauren is a hard worker and an effective leader for her district. She currently serves on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the House Committee on Appropriations. While only a sophomore member of Congress, Lauren has had nine pieces of legislation enacted into law by both Democrat and Republican administrations, making her one of the most effective legislators in the House of Representatives. As a registered nurse and public health expert, Lauren has made access to high-quality, affordable healthcare one of her signature issues. Her bill, the Healthcare Affordability Act was included in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Lauren also co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus to combat the health disparities and unacceptable high death rates among Black mothers. Along with colleagues, she introduced a package of 12 bills to save moms’ lives: the Black Maternal Health Omnibus Act of 2021. She is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Prior to serving in Congress, Lauren worked to implement the Affordable Care Act as a career civil servant. Later, President Obama appointed her to serve as a Senior Advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, where she helped communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to public health emergencies , bioterror threats, and disasters.
Penny Wegman | Kane County Auditor
Kane County Auditor, Penny Wegman, has lived in Kane County since 1980. Attending Elgin High School, graduating from Missouri State University with her undergraduate degree in Political Science and then continued to Keller Graduate School to complete her MBA, graduating with honors.
Her commitment to the community includes previously serving as Kane County Board Member, Kane County Forest Preserve Commissioner and Treasurer, Gail Borden Library Board Trustee, Kane County Regional School Board Trustee President, and as a volunteer at Ladder Up and Cinderella’s Closet.
As the Kane County Auditor for the past four years there have been significant accomplishments in the Auditor’s Office. Accomplishments include increased access to the Online County Checkbook, the development of an internship program, identifying and helping the County Board close policy gaps and creating a Purchase Card Audit process that increased transparency and revenue. In 2023 the office audited $175 Million in invoices and $62 Million in payroll records. Most recently the Kane County Auditor’s Office received the International Association of Governmental Officials Innovator Award.
As Kane County Auditor, Wegman intends to set a new benchmark for accountability and transparency and be the driving force for efficiency. How Kane County spends your tax dollars is important to us all, “Every Penny Counts.” To learn more about Penny, visit her website: PennyWegman.com
You can find a complete list of elected officials in Kane County at the Kane County Democrats website here.