By Kane County Board Member Ron Ford
(First published on kanecountyconnects.com)
It’s Black History month and I’ve been asked to answer the question “What it’s like to be the only African American on the Kane County Board”.
First understand that I wasn’t elected to be the Black board member. I was elected to represent the voters of the 6th district on the west side of Aurora. It is a highly diverse community which I have had the honor of serving for years. I, like all board members, bring to the job life experience that shapes our view of the world.
I’m a husband, father, have a background in architecture and civil engineering and have worked for the architectural and/or Engineering departments for a national lab and the cities of Downers Grove and Aurora. I am also a small business owner, a product of a HBCU – Tuskegee Institute now University.
I am a Black man in America, which affords me the opportunity to bring a unique perspective to the county board.
So now we get down to the question of how my race affects my decisions, if at all, on the county board. Does it come into play when reviewing the budgets and/or contracts of various departments, or the multitude of issues that have nothing to do with political issues of the day?
We’re here to ensure the vital functions of county infrastructure and to ensure services are at optimal levels and that your tax dollars are spent wisely. You can see that this has little if anything to do with race.
No, I’m not claiming that my race is not an issue. In fact, I view it as a positive. As I pointed out each member brings a unique perspective to the board. As a black man from Aurora, I have faced
overt and covert discrimination that shapes one in ways the others can’t imagine. Because of my life experience I am sensitive to the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. On those occasions
when issues arise that may affect minority communities, I take the opportunity to speak out on the potential negative impact their vote might have.
It is important that I identify with all cultures in my diverse district. Because of that, it is important that I carry myself well to open doors for others like they were opened for me.
I view my time on the county board as a positive experience. I have learned much from my colleagues on the county board. I hope that my participation has somewhat broadened their outlook.
I am humbled and grateful to God for a blessed journey.
