Hopefuls aiming for more influence

JOLIET -- The title Will County Executive sounds more important than it is. The executive is not in charge of the county, but he is the chief executive of county government.

That leaves out the biggest population centers of Will County. A county executive has no authority over municipalities like Joliet, Plainfield and Bolingbrook.

But the county executive can have significant influence beyond the borders of county government, say both of the candidates for the position in the Nov. 4 election.

"The office plays a major role in being out there and being a cheerleader for the quality of life in our area," said incumbent Will County Executive Larry Walsh, a Democrat.

Republican opponent Dan Kennison, a Joliet businessman, said he envisions the county executive office being "the central point for regional development and planning. It should be the quarterback position."

Kennison said global information systems and computer models can be used to show the impact of developments on roads, schools and government services.

The executive's major role, however, is managing county government and overseeing departments that maintain roads, plan development in rural areas, and provide an assortment of other services.

The executive also must work with the county board, the legislative body of the county, to develop budgets and fund county services.

Kennison pointed to his experience as a business executive who developed his company, Premier Medical Industries, into a global business with corporate clients and annual sales of $30 million, before selling it in 2001. This is his first run for public office.

Walsh also is a businessman -- a farmer who grew up and still lives in Jackson Township. He was township supervisor and a county board member before becoming state senator in 1999. He is completing his first term as county executive.

While both candidates believe the job has a role beyond managing county government, the position does have its limits.

Developers typically annex land into cities and village to get water and sewer services for the homes and businesses they build. Municipalities make decisions on those annexations based on their own interests.

Even so, Walsh said, "The county definitely needs to be involved and play role. And, I have been because of what happens immediately outside of those areas that become part of a municipality."

Both candidates point to the example of four-lane roads narrowing to two lanes only because no one made sure the road would be improved past a city limit.

Kennison noted that Illinois 59 is being widened in some spots after commercial development already has occurred.

"Think of the cost-savings if we could just do it right the first time," he said.