Candidate Gleason Proposes Property Rights-Focused Planning Framework for Kendall County

Ricky Gleason, candidate for Kendall County Judge, presented a practical planning framework organized into three actionable phases to guide the county's growth while emphasizing property rights protection and transparency. The approach prioritizes structured collaboration over reactive mandates, with Gleason stating planning should guide resource prioritization and taxpayer dollar allocation toward decisions that respect property rights and protect quality of life.

The model organizes planning into three phases: immediate operational fixes addressing safety and emergency response needs within 0-3 years; capital alignment sequencing infrastructure investments where mobility and water intersect over 3-10 years; and scenario planning engaging citizens in shaping long-range water sustainability and growth patterns over 10-25 years. Gleason emphasized that good planning involves structuring processes that protect property rights while ensuring responsible handling of growth, infrastructure, and public safety, rather than controlling land or restricting activities.

Central to the 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. Gleason stressed the county should not be in the business of taking land or dictating outcomes, with the best planning opportunities occurring early through cooperation with property owners. The candidate also emphasized that Kendall County must lead its own planning efforts before engaging regional or state partners, noting that without a local plan, external entities will plan for the community.

With rapid growth straining roads, water resources, and emergency services, the framework aims to replace short-term fixes with a coordinated long-term strategy that protects property rights, reduces regulatory overreach, involves citizens and experts in decision-making, aligns infrastructure spending with growth projections, and safeguards water sustainability and rural character. Additional information about the candidate's platform is available at https://www.rickygleason.com/.