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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Dupage County Board District 6 (2 yr term)

The [County Board] holds all the powers of the County not assigned to elected officials or other boards. Overall, it is responsible for the management of County funds and business and also fiscal and regulatory powers. Policies and programs of the County Board are implemented through the levying of taxes and the appropriation of funds.The County Board meets at 10:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in County Board chambers on the third floor of the DuPage Center Administration Building, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. Special meetings may be called by the DuPage County Board Chairman or one-third of the members. Minutes of all Board proceedings are available for public inspection at the office of the County Clerk, DuPage Center Administration Building, Wheaton. Source: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/cobrd/DuPage County Board District Map:https://dupage.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=ae2ceab26d8a4baa83853a9e73d9319aSalary: $52,102Source: https://www.dupagecounty.gov/elected_official_compensation/

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  • Candidate picture

    Melissa Martinez
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Lauren "Laurie" Nowak
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Kathleen Zander
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Why are you running and what are your qualifications?

What do you see as the most pressing issue(s) facing the County and/or the District and what specific actions will you take to address them?

Housing affordability is a growing concern across DuPage County.  What specific actions, if any, should the County Board take to help families?

Some residents are concerned about access to public transportation.  What specific actions, if any, should the County Board take to address this issue?

If elected, how will you stay accessible and accountable to the people of this district?

County government has a direct impact on people’s daily lives, including access to health services, housing stability, transportation, and fiscal accountability. DuPage County needs leaders who bring practical experience, ask thoughtful questions, and focus on outcomes. My qualifications include experience in the private sector and as a small business owner, where I have managed budgets, planned for long-term sustainability, and made data-driven decisions. I currently serve on the County Board and am the only Latina member. During a time of uncertainty in our government, this perspective has been especially valuable. Our residents deserve representation, and I am committed to ensuring their voices are heard in county decision-making.
The most pressing issues facing DuPage County include access to mental health services, housing stability, reliable transportation, and maintaining public trust through responsible and transparent use of taxpayer dollars. Many residents face barriers to care and support, while rising costs strain families and seniors. Public safety also means ensuring residents feel safe accessing services and engaging with local government during times of uncertainty related to ICE enforcement. I will advocate for fully funding mental health and public health services, support county programs that help residents remain housed, invest in safe and accessible transportation, and prioritize transparency, data-driven decision-making, and community input.
Housing affordability is a growing challenge for families, seniors, and working people across DuPage County. The County Board can help by supporting programs that prevent displacement, expanding access to affordable and supportive housing, and leveraging county, state, and federal resources effectively—while ensuring property taxes do not increase. I support continued investment in housing stabilization efforts, partnerships with municipalities and nonprofit providers, and outreach to ensure seniors are aware of and can take advantage of existing county programs. These actions help residents remain housed, protect taxpayers, and promote long-term community stability.
Access to reliable public transportation is a real issue and essential for residents to reach jobs, healthcare, and essential services. The County Board should use data to identify communities most affected by limited transit access and prioritize those areas. In the short term, this includes evaluating existing services, expanding demand-response options, and strengthening partnerships with transit providers. Over the long term, the County should plan for equitable, sustainable transportation investments that reflect population and employment trends. I support a data-driven approach that focuses resources where need is greatest and ensures transportation options are accessible, efficient, and fiscally responsible.
I will stay accessible and accountable by being visible, responsive, and transparent. I will regularly attend community meetings and local events, make myself available to residents, and respond promptly to questions and concerns. I am committed to clear communication about county decisions, including explaining my votes and how they impact the district. My decisions will be guided by data, public input, and a strong sense of humanity, recognizing the real people behind every policy. Accountability means listening, following through, and earning trust through consistent action.
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Campaign Phone 630-721-5284
Campaign Email pamswayne@gmail.com
Campaign X/Twitter Handle @https://x.com/KathyZanderIL
I believe local government must step up and deliver for our community, especially at a time when state and federal leaders are too often locked in conflict instead of solving problems. DuPage County continues to feel the impact of the state’s ongoing budget challenges, and we need board members who are willing to make responsible, forward‑looking decisions based on what’s best for our residents—not outside pressures. I want DuPage County to remain one of the best places to live, work, and grow. That means protecting our quality of life, strengthening our services, and ensuring that every tax dollar is used wisely. Fiscal responsibility remains essential. We need to dig into our budget with purpose, cut waste, and make sure every tax dollars
Economic stability matters for every family in our community. People are working hard, but rising costs make it tougher to keep up. County leadership has a responsibility to create an environment where families can thrive—not struggle to stay afloat. That means supporting local businesses, encouraging job growth, and making county services easier and more affordable to access. This crisis is bigger than county or state lines. Our government should be learning from fentanyl families. We’ve put our political differences aside because this crisis is larger than party lines. When families can unite around saving lives, elected officials should be able to do the same. We are fighting for the red, white, and blue families who deserve protection,
My commitment is simple: Protect taxpayers. Prioritize essential services. Invest in what strengthens our community. When we cut waste and focus on what truly matters, we can help families breathe a little easier and build a stronger, more stable future for DuPage County. Keep the County transparent. Keep the spending responsible. Keep leaders accountable to the people—not to politics. Make the county government part of the solution—not part of the problem.
Expand and Improve First‑Mile/Last‑Mile Connections Most transit trips fail not because of the bus or train—but because people can’t safely or easily get to the bus or train. The Board can: Fund sidewalk and crosswalk improvements near Pace bus stops and Metra stations Build protected bike lanes and multi‑use paths that connect neighborhoods to transit Partner with municipalities to fill sidewalk gaps around major employment centers This is one of the highest‑impact, lowest‑cost interventions.
I believe elected officials should be visible, reachable, and responsive. If I’m elected, I plan to stay accessible and accountable through concrete commitments: Maintain an open‑door communication policy through email, phone, and scheduled meetings Being Present in the Community Transparent Decision‑Making Accountability Through Measurable Goals Having been in the shoes of someone trying to reach an elected official, I know how frustrating it can be when no one calls you back or listens to your concerns. I refuse to be that kind of representative. If I’m elected, I will be accessible, responsive, and present. When people take the time to reach out, they deserve someone who takes the time to respond.