Interview with Kankakee County Auditor

We recently spoke with current Kankakee County Auditor.

Questions for elected official Jake Lee.

1. What do you hope to accomplish with another term as county Auditor?

If I am re-elected, my number one priority is to get the elected office restored to where it legally belongs to increase efficiencies, accountability and transparency in government operations. The duties, powers, and functions that were removed from the elected office and placed under the County Board must be returned, along with a proper budget to carry out those duties, powers, and functions. The Auditor’s Office belongs to the people, and I intend to make sure it is returned to the people as intended when the office was created in Kankakee County in 1964.    

2. Who inspired you to become a county Auditor (or become a politician)?

I've been a student of history most of my life, and I've always had some inspiration from our political figures. I never knew how to get involved or that it was realistic for me to actually obtain an elected office. When the opportunity presented itself for me to serve my community as the elected auditor, I decided to take it.  I believe I have been a faithful steward since my election in 2016.

3. How are you able to bring transparency to Kankakee County? 

There are three primary channels of transparency for the community: 1) the Auditor's website: www.k3countyauditor.com; 2) my community engagement forums and education workshops (i.e. townhalls); 3) Social Media. Over the past three years we have enhanced our outreach in all three of these critical areas. Also, we maintain an open line of communication with all of our media outlets and respond to any and all media inquiries to the activities of the government. 

4. Is there anything you believe has been a struggle since you've been elected?

Primary getting the Board, specifically it's Chairman to actually fix a 16-year problem where the duties, powers, and functions of the elected office were inappropriately removed and placed in an appointed office. Also, a reasonable budget to carry out the duties, powers, and functions of the elected office have been a struggle. 

5. Why should people re-elect you over you opponent?

I believe I am the right person for the job. I am an educated, well-researched and hard-working elected official. I have brought credibility and professionalism to the office that has not existed for almost two decades. I stand up for the taxpayers and I refuse to endorse or support anything that I have sufficient and appropriate reasons to believe is wasteful use of taxpayer funds.With only one employee, I instituted the first taxpayer fraud reporting hotline; the first fraud prevention education program; the first auditor internship program, investing over 400 hours of training to future accountants; lectured at DePaul University and Olivet Nazarene University educating students of government accounting, auditing, and financial reporting; identified over $100k of wasteful spending; processed and audited over 25,000 claims for payment; and provided over 50 recommendations for process improvement or compliance to name a few accomplishments. Finally, I engage the community regularly. I volunteer, motivate and support the youth of our community in ways my opponent never could. 

We appreciate Mr Lee for his quick response. We also reached out to Brandon Meredith we received no response.