Ricky Gleason, a candidate for Kendall County Judge, is promoting a community-driven leadership model that positions county government as a partner to residents rather than an adversary. This approach comes as Kendall County confronts significant growth pressures, environmental hazards, and strained infrastructure without a unified strategic vision.
Gleason points to Comfort Vision 2050 as evidence that collaborative, ground-up planning produces effective results. This community-crafted roadmap, developed by Comfort residents across generations and professions, emphasizes decentralized decision-making, transparency, and coordination—principles Gleason believes should guide county governance. "At its best, county government should be a partner to its citizens—not an adversary," Gleason stated. "The County Judge sets the tone. That tone should bring people together, not push them apart."
The candidate's platform centers on proactive listening to residents, first responders, businesses, school districts, and municipalities. He views leadership as creating conditions where local ideas can flourish, particularly in critical areas including road and bridge planning, emergency management, fire and EMS services, and economic development. Gleason argues that coordinated, long-term infrastructure strategy is essential as the county grows, while unified response to flash floods and wildfire risks requires stronger emergency management protocols.
Strengthening volunteer capacity and interagency trust within fire and EMS services represents another priority, alongside fostering economic growth that preserves community character. "Leadership starts with service," Gleason added. "It means listening first, communicating clearly, and remembering that authority exists to help people succeed - not to control them."
While Comfort Vision 2050 remains a municipal rather than county plan, Gleason considers it a "proof of concept" for engaged, resident-led planning. The process demonstrated that when citizens are invited into meaningful conversation, they willingly define shared priorities and practical solutions. This model suggests that county government working alongside its people could solve problems more efficiently, make better decisions, and preserve what makes Kendall County distinctive.
The implications of this leadership approach extend beyond Kendall County, offering a potential template for other rapidly growing regions facing similar governance challenges. By treating residents as partners rather than constituents to be managed, government entities may build greater trust, enhance transparency, and develop more sustainable solutions to complex problems. "A unified county is a stronger county," Gleason stated, emphasizing that collaborative governance could help address the county's most pressing issues while maintaining its unique community character.
