Ricky Gleason, candidate for Kendall County Judge, has unveiled a practical planning framework organized into three time horizons to guide the county's growth while emphasizing property rights protection and transparency. The approach prioritizes structured collaboration over reactive measures or top-down mandates, with Gleason stating planning should guide how resources and taxpayer dollars are prioritized.
The framework organizes planning into three actionable phases. The 0-3 year horizon focuses on operational fixes addressing immediate safety, mobility, and emergency response needs based on verified conditions while avoiding unnecessary regulation. The 3-10 year horizon centers on capital alignment, sequencing infrastructure investments especially where mobility and water intersect to prevent costly taxpayer mistakes. The 10-25 year horizon involves scenario planning where citizens help shape long-range water sustainability and growth patterns through input-driven, flexible guidance.
Gleason emphasized that good planning is not about controlling land or restricting property owners but about structuring a process that protects property rights while ensuring growth, infrastructure, and public safety are handled responsibly. Central to this approach is using planning to guide rather than dictate outcomes, with early engagement of landowners during subdivision or project proposals to collaborate on solutions and avoid reactive measures like eminent domain.
The candidate stressed that Kendall County must lead its own planning efforts before engaging regional or state partners, warning that without a local plan, others will plan for the county. This local-first approach reflects resident desire for leadership that does the work locally before partnering regionally to support that vision.
With rapid growth straining roads, water resources, and emergency services, Gleason's framework aims to replace short-term fixes with a coordinated, long-term strategy. The approach seeks to protect property rights and reduce regulatory overreach while involving citizens, first responders, and experts in decision-making. It also aims to align infrastructure spending with realistic growth projections and safeguard water sustainability and rural character.
More information about Gleason's campaign and platform is available at https://www.rickygleason.com/. The framework represents a significant policy proposal in the Kendall County Judge race, addressing how the county manages growth pressures while maintaining community character and property owner rights.
