JC Taylor, a lifelong Kendall County resident and local business leader, has officially announced his candidacy for Kendall County Commissioner, Precinct 2. He is urging voters to participate in the March 3 Republican Primary, an election expected to determine the future of county leadership. With early voting beginning February 17, Taylor emphasizes that the primary is the most critical opportunity for residents to influence local government decisions concerning infrastructure and public safety.
Taylor's platform is built around three core priorities: implementing a long-term strategic plan, addressing roads and water infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable fire protection and public safety. He stated that his first priority if elected would be to implement a five-year strategic plan for Kendall County, which currently operates without one. He argues that such a plan is essential for providing transparency, accountability, and a clear roadmap for the county's future, making it easier to plan infrastructure, coordinate with cities, and communicate long-term goals to residents.
As growth accelerates across Precinct 2, Taylor emphasizes the need to responsibly manage development while protecting water resources and the area's rural character. He cites recent county actions, such as increasing minimum well lot sizes, as examples of how leadership can shape development outcomes even without zoning authority. Road safety and traffic congestion, particularly along State Highway 46 and FM 3351, are major concerns he plans to address, stating that infrastructure planning must keep pace with both residential and commercial growth to manage traffic flow and emergency access.
A significant portion of his platform addresses fire protection, as large areas of Precinct 2 rely on volunteer departments. Taylor supports conducting a countywide fire protection study to evaluate long-term funding and coverage needs in light of future population growth, advocating for sustainable solutions rather than short-term fixes. Coming from a family that owns a local business, Taylor describes himself as pro-business and pro-community, believing responsible economic development is key to keeping young families and workers in the county by creating local opportunities.
The importance of this election lies in the historical precedent of the Republican Primary determining the outcome of Kendall County commissioner races, with few Democratic challengers expected. Taylor stresses that local elections are decided in the primary, making voter participation in March crucial for influencing the county's direction on planning, infrastructure, and safety. Voters seeking more information on Taylor's campaign and priorities can visit his official website at https://www.votejctaylor.com.
