McHenry County Board District 6
I am running for McHenry County Board to continue to serve the constituents of District 6. There is a very clear need on the part of voters to have elected officials who will work on their behalf to return integrity and credibility to all levels of government and take seriously the concept of “public service”. Careers in business administration and sales have taught me the value of listening to people to hear and understand their perspectives on issues and recognize their concerns relative to their personal and financial well-being. I continue to be self-funding in my campaigns and do not seek or accept campaign contributions. I feel it allows me to represent the people of District 6 without any perception of special consideration expected or given to contributors.
The issue of the ballot referendum is a prime example of political gamesmanship using both the citizenry and media as pawns. Voters with whom I’ve discussed this issue overwhelmingly prefer to have board members choose their chairman from amongst the membership; their rationale being that board members are in the best position to choose who will do the best job in that position, giving the full board the ability to perform as a very cohesive unit, taking both talents and personalities into account. Too often governmental units are accused (and rightfully so in many instances) of trying to fix what is not broken. Our County government is working very well when judged on the basis of smooth operation and financial strength. This is not to say that we don’t have a great many areas where operations can be improved, but the method of selection of the chairman is not necessarily the solution in those instances.
I am opposed to the County government hiring lobbyists to influence members of other arms of government, or anyone else for that matter. As a community, we vote to elect Representatives to bring our concerns to the State and Federal governmental levels; those Representatives are both eager and capable of promoting and protecting our local interests.
I have consistently refused to support increasing the tax levy and will continue to do so. I will vote to support only a freeze or reduction in the levy. High unemployment/under-employment rates combined with incredibly high gasoline prices and the increase in grocery prices make it unthinkable to burden the taxpayers with higher taxes of any kind.
I would say that overall, the County Board is very business friendly, as are County ordinances. The issue with the local couple to whom you refer is that we need a more solid understanding of what will be construed as an “agricultural pursuit” and what is an “entertainment” venue. Approaching the Board for special liquor licensing for a winery -- anticipating that no portion of their final product must be grown here -- and that this “agricultural pursuit” is also intended to host weddings, banquets, parties, and who knows what else, plus a bottling facility on a Township road to handle 50,000 gallons of their fermented product (that’s 250,000 bottles) hardly conjures serious thoughts of farming and agriculture. Promotion of this type of entertainment venue as agricultural in nature appears disingenuous to me, and does not reflect the true nature of our hard working farming families. Bottling plants of this type, in my opinion, should be placed in industrial parks located within municipalities equipped with sewer and water facilities to accommodate water for sanitation of bottles and equipment and disposal of gray water after the bottling process, labeling and cleanup have been completed.
While the job market and slumping economy are of great concern to all of us, we’re also faced with continuing drought conditions which heavily impact our farming community.
Additionally, many people throughout the county are very much concerned about the increase in their property taxes while the actual value of that same property continues to go down. While many of our taxpayers see their income declining, it’s very frustrating for them to see the government demand for their dollars continue to rise. Continued and on-going dialogue is helpful, but encouraging them to get involved in the tax appeal process for their own benefit also helps them gain a better understanding of the how and why of the ever-increasing demand for their money. I continue to urge voters to make contact with candidates to determine how those candidates will vote on tax issues, and use that information when they go to the election polls.
I am running to represent the residents and business of District 6, who deserve balanced representation that addresses the issues and ideals of rural McHenry County. The diverse demographics of District 6 needs representation by someone who, can separate ‘needs’ from the ‘wants’ in spending, who has a working knowledge of region-wide issues such as flooding, stormwater, agribusiness and community issues; who advocates for commonsense regulations, and who works well with other Board members to address issues and concerns of businesses and residents in the District. I bring to the Board 28 years of local agribusiness experience, a technical background, and organizational development experience. My technical background and ability to work with technical information, especially on the emerging environmental issues affecting the county, is unique among current board members. This is particularly valuable since District 6 has so many sensitive areas and a very vulnerable watershed. I currently am the only board member who has a connection to the agricultural community.
The referendum is for an Executive form of Government, which is a great deal broader than electing a Board Chairman. A vote for Executive Governance is a vote for a well-financed politician to run the county. Such an election will pave the way for special interest influences. A Countywide election would allow the most populated areas to elect the Executive, who will oversee the unincorporated areas. District 6 includes 75% of the unincorporated areas. An elected Executive is not a member of the Board. The Board will elect a chairman to work with the County Executive. Looking long term, and recognizing the resources D6 has, an elected Executive will not likely be sympathetic to the unique resources and valuable rural character of the County.
The County, as part of its membership in McHenry County Council of Governments and its partners, has a lobbyist in Springfield to track legislation, and to present a consensus position when elected officials are not available to communicate directly with legislators. It is important that local units of government be vigilant of Springfield activities, as recently indicated by discussions in the State Legislature to transfer state pension responsibilities to local property taxes.
I will work to hold the line on expenses and to improve organizational efficiencies to provide the necessary level of services without increasing county taxes. Over the last several years, I have worked to improve efficiencies and advocated for such projects as an integrated permitting system which will greatly improves inter-department communication and tracking, and reduces the amount of paper tracking, thereby, improving service delivery and public communication while reducing operational costs.
There are a number of County Board members who refuse to recognize alternatives to large grain farms or subdivision in the unincorporated areas. This is a confusing position since other businesses, appropriately sited on ag lands, create jobs and bring in tax revenues to supplement property taxes. These businesses also pay enhanced property taxes. I will continue to advocate for businesses that enhance farm experiences, and compliment the rural community. Additionally, I will continue to advocate for updating the stormwater ordinance and address conflicts and requirements within the public health code.
Property Taxes are the biggest issue for voters. Citizens and elected officials must look for solutions that make it affordable for seniors to stay in their homes. Inherent in this issue is the lack of correct information about county taxes and the Illinois tax system. County government can’t fix the system, but they can lobby for the changes taxpayers are asking for. I will do my best to see that citizens are better educated on how the Illinois tax system works, and why the philosophy of local control leads to high property taxes. I will encourage citizens to make concrete suggestions to state legislators to design a more sustainable tax system for Illinois.
As a candidate for the McHenry County Board, my main concern is an adequate water supply for the residents of McHenry County.
The county has experienced unprecedented growth in population in the last ten years.
. Since the existing aquifer has a limited capacity lasting a decade or two,it is incumbent upon the new board to educate and inform the public in conserving water by more limited water usage.
The board needs to develop new water sources and form water commissions and water co-operatives which would help distribution of water in the county.
Presently I am represent Huntley on the McHenry County Council of Governments and its two sub-committees, transportation,newly formed Northwest Water Alliance=Water Policy Task Force.
As a former Huntley Trustee 2007-2011, I successfully guided the board, the five year construction plan, and raised the need to address possible water shortage in the future.I suggested that there be a program to collect and dispose of unused pharmaceuticals.
I feel that the present system is adequate , but may be changed to an executive form at a later date, after further investigation.
Presently I don’t have an answer to the question. Before I can respond I need to study and research the issue.
In general I would oppose the county spending money against the property tax payer ibecause it will help the elderly and retired.
But, there is a question as to how the lost revenue can be recouped. If the legislature wants to make it a county responsibility through additional taxation by the county and reduced state funding.
In general this will depend on how the economy preforms next year and inflationary pressures forecast and the data published by the Federal Government.
I think the board should promote new business and be open to innovative ideas. Not being familiar with the county ordinances I think a winery could be burdensome to the county water supply.
Some of the biggest challenge to voters are social issues : to provide training for unskilled labor through local colleges, to provide senior transport, keep food pantries open for those in need .
If I am not willing to step forward, taking the time and energy necessary to hold an elected position, I have no right to complain. Further, I am not obligated to anyone one person or group of people. I believe that is an enormous piece of information for the voting public to know.
I have demonstrated that I am not afraid to step up to the plate, being that “thorn-in-the-side” when it is necessary… and/or, when it may not be the politically correct thing to do. Aside from that, my background in business and accounting are assets that serve me well in the position.
Misguided information propels some to think that electing the county board chairman at large will solve some imaginary problem. Ultimately this sets up unnecessary power struggles and is extremely costly to the taxpayers.
I strongly disagree with the proposed referendum calling for an “executive” form of county government. It is politically motivated and an example of how dangerous out of control, “power-hungry-public-figures” can be.
Currently we have 24 members; from all parts of the county. The chairman has only those powers allowed by the 24 members. If a chairman exceeds those directives, according to our board rules, he/she can be replaced at the end of any “2” year term. That cannot happen if a chairman is elected at large. He/she is there for four years and most likely for many subsequent 4 year terms as the statutes do not require term limits under this scenario.
I firmly believe in term limits for the chair and vice-chair of the county. Under our current form of county government all we need, according to our State’s Attorney, is legislation that allows us to impose such limits via our board rules. I will work to accomplish that goal.
No. As I recall, this issue slipped in before most of us realized what was happening. It is issues such as this that prompted a call to re-instate the “Legislative & Public Affairs Committee,” the development of the county’s E-library and engaging the lobbyist.
These actions were initiated to provide better access to information and resources in assisting county board members and ultimately to have more open access for the public in understanding legislation and issue we must deal with.
Specifically to the lobbyist question, frankly I believe the $14,000 we pay this person to watch what is happening in Springfield is a good investment. With the thousands of bills floating around the state houses, it is impossible for us to keep up on what is happening and what affects the business of running the county.
Yes. Not only do I support that freeze, I support a reduction in the levy. As taxpayers we cannot afford the government we currently have. We need to reduce county government. The only way to do that is to reduce the funds available that allow members to feel no need to be cautious with those dollars.
The questions mix apples and oranges. In the case you cite, Ordinances are not the problem. The problem exists when public officials micro-manage, break and/or “re-write” their own rules on the fly simply to accommodate special interests.
Is McHenry County business friendly? Yes. Thus, speaking to “the county as it relates to business,” many of us recognize that agriculture is a huge business that serves a dual purpose. These businesses provide the food we eat and the area best suited to ensure a clean water resource for every resident in the county. The county is responsible for what occurs within that demographic area.
Generally, manufacturing, industry and retail consumer businesses are under municipal/village zoning where the infrastructure can accommodate their needs.
The winery you reference is a manufacturing business trying to “shoe-horn” itself into an ag area under the guise that it is agriculture. To suggest that a business will “truck-in” 95% of their product from elsewhere does not make you an agricultural business.
The county board is currently working on an update to the Zoning Ordinance (UDO). This update should clarify and strengthen the guidelines to better address such issues.
Overly burdensome taxes remain the greatest challenge facing voters in all districts.
Personally, I will continue working to reduce the size of county government. We now have a pretty clear picture of mandated county services and those we provide for one reason or another. In this coming year, county board members must make difficult decisions by eliminating those services that are unnecessary and/or can more efficiently & effectively be provided by the business community.
I am running because I would like to play a part in moving the county forward. I am qualified for the position because of my leadership experience including my present role as President of the McHenry County Farm Bureau board, President of the Woodstock Farmers Market board, and Secretary of the Greenwood Cemetery Association. I am also a former two-term Trustee for the Village of Greenwood, and the former leader of the largest 4-H club in the county. I also have decades of managerial and business experience as a small business owner. I have controlled spending and prepared and analyzed budgets for successful operations. Since the economic well-being of the county is a priority, this background is important. I also have a keen interest in the future of the county as a member of a family that has roots here dating back to the 1840\'s.
I think that almost any time voters can be in charge of a decision, it\\\'s beneficial. However, the executive form of government as described gives too much power to the county executive and could set our county up for similar problems as experienced by Cook County. Voters will decide this issue in November.
No, I do not support county government using taxpayer money to lobby against legislation that would protect taxpayers. In fact, I find the practice unethical.
Yes, I would support a freeze to the county tax levy. Given the present economy, taxpayers can\\\'t afford the added burden. The emphasis should instead be placed on responsibly controlling spending.
County ordinances are currently not friendly to business, and actually impede the expansion of existing businesses and hinder the development of new business. County staff needs to be directed to work with business owners to encourage and facilitate growth, instead of blocking progress. The UDO, if drawn up and implemented properly, could help move the county in the right direction. We need to remove illogical restrictions and regulations that make it hard to start or grow a business.
The voters that I\'ve spoken with have told me that taxes are an important concern. I would support a freeze to the county\'s tax levy next year.
We all know that McHenry County is a magnificent place in which to live, work, and play. (That’s why we’re here!) But it will take an enormous effort to set – and keep – our McHenry County on a course of sustainable prosperity. I believe that I can make many positive contributions. My training in law and business, my prior service as an elected official (trustee at McHenry County College), and my past work in public and nonprofit management make me particularly well suited to serve.
I oppose the referendum. The part-time governing boards of many our area’s municipalities and schools wisely hire skilled professionals to run their day-to-day operations; so, too, does McHenry County. For three reasons, the present system of appointing an administrator (rather than electing an executive, as the pending referendum would provide) is the better method. First, high caliber individuals can be recruited from national talent pools. Second, they serve “at will” (rather than for a four year term) and can be changed readily if circumstances warrant. Third, delivery of vital public services is insulated from direct political pressures when handled by an appointed administrator. I advocate instead for a wholesale cut in the size of the McHenry County Board (from 24 individuals to 12), coupled with the countywide election of a board chair. I would retain the board’s present system of hiring a professional county administrator.
Spend McHenry County tax dollars to advance programs that are not in the public interest? Absolutely not! Yet this seems to be precisely what is happening with issues such as (1) lobbying to perpetuate property tax spikes and (2) erosion of FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) provisions. McHenry County has memberships in a number of organizations which, on their faces, purport to advance the collective interests of the citizens of Illinois’ larger counties. It is highly troubling to me that some do not. The county board must act swiftly to place some of these groups on “probation” – that is, partially withhold annual membership dues and, instead, pay in four or six month increments until they change their lobbying practices to comport with true public interests. If they don’t comply, then we should drop our memberships – and advocate directly for ourselves.
I ardently support a continued freeze. Our county – and our nation – remain mired in the worst economic conditions in eighty years. McHenry County residents continue to suffer. For many of our family members and friends and neighbors, prospects remain bleak. Accordingly, it is imperative that the county board continue to hold the line on taxes. But it’s not just taxes that need to be controlled – it’s also spending. I believe that county government can, and must, do more with less. I will do everything in my power to advance a McHenry County government that is smarter and leaner – and smaller, and more efficient, and less expensive.
The county must become an staunch advocate – rather than an unwitting adversary – for business startups. We have ample resources for fostering small businesses, yet there is little coordination. The county will do well to establish (via retasking current staff) a one-stop support center or help desk function that will cut red tape and provide referrals and assistance on matters such as permits, licenses, tax filings, and zoning changes. This aid should be coupled with the excellent programs at McHenry County College’s Shah Center for Corporate Training and the Illinois Small Business Development Center (www.shahcenter.mchenry.edu). Additionally, I am promoting a program I call “microcapitalism” for short – a countywide project to develop home and community-based businesses. I also view business creation on a macro basis. Specifically, I would like to see the county (in association with the City of Harvard) acquire the long-vacant Motorola plant and market it aggressively across the nation and throughout the world. In short – the County Board must become both a collaborator and a catalyst. On micro and macro levels, it is imperative that we in McHenry County now take our economic destiny into our own hands, and not leave it to chance.
Very roughly speaking, District 6 covers the western half of McHenry County. It is our collective good fortune that large portions remain rural. By extension, it is also in the best interests of all of McHenry County that our rural resource – yes, resource – be protected. We must work diligently to foster a unified urban/rural dynamic that will champion healthy economic development while at the same time promoting and preserving our cherished agricultural character and heritage. It is imperative that the McHenry County Board lead the way with transportation and land use planning that is, by turns, bold, shrewd, wise, and visionary. Let us do everything in our collective power to avoid the sorry experiences of nearby counties like DuPage and Lake. They show us conclusively that haphazard sprawl is a monumental mistake.
I’m running for office because McHenry County needs a voice of a regular citizen on the board who is willing to cross party lines to get jobs back in the county and place a willingness to work together for the greater good of McHenry County citizens over playing partisan politics. My work ethic, honor and integrity are my foremost qualifications. I also know what it takes to make a living in District 6 having grown up in this agriculturally rich county and worked on farms for a better part of my life.
As to why the Board would not allow for citizens to popularly elect the chairman that is for them to answer. Some argue that competing referendums on the ballot would be “confusing;” others argued that the “Board knows best.” In my estimation, it’s probably easy to only have to worry about 24 voters instead of a whole county full of them. Concerning the County Executive Referendum, many have argued against this proposal with a ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ mentality of McHenry County government. Those same voices point to our bond rating as sufficient enough evidence to justify maintaining the current system. The fact is that McHenry County deserves a check to a board that has raised taxes on honest, hardworking citizens despite possessing a $47 million dollar surplus. McHenry County citizens deserve a check to a board that voted themselves pay increases and generous benefits on our dime for a less than part time job. That only comes from a County Executive.
Absolutely not. Illinoisans are overtaxed. Collectively, Illinois has over 7,000 units of government – more than any other state in the United States – and since the economic collapse Illinois has lost over 100,000 citizens and close to 200,000 jobs. At a time when Illinoisans are struggling and cutting back to make a living, government has to do the same thing too, especially on the County level. Why not give real tax relief to McHenry County residents, wait for the economy to recover, and spend money on lobbying businesses to come back to the county instead of lobbying for more money from taxpayers? In District 6, the county could have invested into widening Rt-47 or many other local infrastructure projects instead of lobbying.
I will support a tax freeze until home values recover. The county has to learn to do more with less and that starts with cutting back on board members as well. For example, Lake County cut their board down to 22 members and rely on single representative districts for representing their constituents. Why is it that McHenry County needs four District members when our population is half that of Lake?
First, I would look at what makes other counties in Illinois so successful at attracting business. Exploring every option available to the county ought to be priority. The Board could implement TIF Districts or Enterprise Zones as means to attract business, reinvest in infrastructure, and generate jobs for many McHenry County Citizens
Voters in my district would like to see County Government provide real tax relief. More importantly though, voters need a government that will represent their interests and seek their opinions. Recently, Marengo and Union residents nearly saw the implementation of road improvements that included roundabouts. These fine citizens were neither consulted for their opinions about the plans. Only until a meeting was called were the plans scrapped and replaced with more desirable changes that residents approved of. Our county government should take notice to this desire of transparency by voters. I will fight to make our government accountable to the opinions and interest of the voters and as transparent by advocating for the elimination of back room deals that only seek to keep the citizens of McHenry County in the dark.
My interest in running for county board stems from a lifelong interest in politics and was sparked by a recent political flyer distributed during the primaries, showing the voting record of the representatives of District 6. The voting record on several important issues of one of our representatives was completely different than two other representatives. It did not seem reasonable to me that representatives from the same political party, representing the same constituency, would have completely different voting records on these issues. I began attending county board meetings and found I was dissatisfied with our representation. I decided it was time for me to get involved.
I have been a self-employed business owner in McHenry County for over 30 years. I recently sold my business and now have the time and energy to devote to the job of county board representative. I am an experienced decision maker who will work hard to understand the issues so I can vote in the best interest of my constituents.
My goal as a County Board member will be to use my experience and what some have referred to as “my common sense approach” to represent the people of District 6 to the best of my ability.
I am still researching the advantages and disadvantages of an executive form of government. After attending county board meetings for the past several months, I feel our current system of government works quite well. I am concerned that the executive form of county government could potentially lead to partisan politics and government gridlock like we often see at the state and federal levels. However, I believe the people have the right to vote regarding this issue. I do not agree with board’s reasoning to not put a referendum on the ballot for the voters to approve or disapprove the issue of electing the chairman by popular vote. I am disappointed that the majority of our current board members did not believe the voters would understand the difference between a referendum that would make the Chairman of the Board elected by the people, as opposed to a referendum that would create a county executive position with significantly different powers than those of the county board chairman. There has been continued support for a popular election of the chairman and I believe the board should have approved the proposal to put a referendum with this option on the ballot.
I do not support county government using taxpayer money to lobby against state legislation, for any reason. The county board members should be their constituents’ lobbyists at the state level and work with state legislators for the benefit of their constituents. I do not agree with the use of taxpayer money to lobby against state legislation that would have protected property taxpayers from tax increases in years when property values decline. Our state legislators are elected to represent us regarding these matters, and for our county government to use taxpayer funds to lobby against this issue is counterproductive and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Considering the dismal housing market and struggling economy, for the county board to spend money to undermine our protection from increases in taxes is inappropriate, and not in the best interests of the taxpayers of McHenry County.
I would support a freeze of the county’s tax levy next year. If elected, I will be fiscally responsible and vote against unnecessary increases in spending. With no increase in spending, there should be no need to increase the tax levy next year. We can keep the county on a path of fiscal responsibility and insure that reserves are not depleted by demanding accountability from all departments. The financial report presented at the county board meeting on August 21ST indicated that the department heads were accomplishing just that. This is commendable and I hope this will continue. I will encourage a renewed interest in controlling costs, while still providing necessary services.
I believe the county board strives to be business friendly while protecting the interests of the people of McHenry County. If elected, I will work to make the ordinances and the standards for conditional use permits relating to businesses as specific as possible. The specifics would relate to all attributes of the proposed business which contribute to or diminish from the local community affected by the proposed business. A reasonable time frame should be established for committee recommendations and further approvals if appropriate and required. The county needs to strive to be consistent in regard to these matters, which will make it more business friendly. Applicant entrepreneurs need to be able to assess the timeline, cost, and probability of successfully meeting the county’s standards in order to make informed decisions about starting or relocating their business in McHenry County.
As a mostly rural district, one of our biggest challenges is controlling growth. The voters need good sound representation on the county board to make sure their concerns and opinions are taken into consideration when decisions are made regarding these matters. Protection of open lands and groundwater recharge areas need to be at the forefront of all zoning and development decisions. If elected, I will work to protect our open lands and groundwater recharge areas. I will strive for better communication between the county and other levels of government. For example, the recent grinding and repaving of State Highway 47 North of Woodstock resulted in tons of grinding material containing potential contaminants being deposited on Freeman Road North of Hebron, a township road, in an area identified as having a “High Potential for Aquifer Contamination”. I question the appropriateness of this, and what the ramifications to the aquifer may be. I will be attending the National Groundwater Association’s expo in December, giving me the opportunity to attend educational seminars and network with some of the leading authorities on groundwater preservation to learn more about preserving our open land and water recharge areas.
