What is your Number 1 campaign issue? 

In my opinion, the most important issue in the county right now is the economic vitality of McHenry County in these difficult economic times. The County must balance declining revenues while maintaining a strong commitment to infrastructure, economic development, and the protection of its environmental resources. It is imperative that we direct efforts to the retention of existing business while looking for opportunities to attract new business. We need to put people back to work and compete with the State of Wisconsin and other surrounding counties to make McHenry County the most desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

What is your Number 2 campaign issue?

McHenry County has an ongoing need to improve the safety and capacity of its roads. I have been working very hard on this issue since 1991, and it continues to be a priority for me today. As a member and leader of the County Board, I have successfully secured tens of millions in State and Federal dollars for road improvements. Recent key projects include the widening of Algonquin Road from Route 31 to Route 47 the widening of Rakow Road, and the widening of Route 47 through Huntley. Upcoming transportation improvements that will help ease traffic congestion and improve safety on our roads include the construction of the Algonquin Bypass and the upcoming addition of a full interchange at Route 47 and I-90. I am also working with our Congressmen and U.S. Senators to secure approximately $85 million in Federal funds for much-needed intersection and capacity improvements along Randall Road. Obtaining funding for these critical projects and others is the result of a solid working relationship that exists with key decision-makers in Springfield and Washington, D.C. If re-elected, I intend to continue fostering those relationships so that McHenry County remains a priority when funding for road projects becomes available.

What is your Number 3 campaign issue?

The protection and preservation of McHenry County’s groundwater supply is an extremely important issue. Based on studies that were initiated by the county board, we know that some areas of the county will have critical groundwater supply issues by 2030. Through my efforts we have secured over $500,000 in Federal funds to scientifically understand our precious resource of groundwater. Test wells are now in place that monitor the supply of water in all areas of the county, and a geological mapping of the sub-surfaces of the county is now complete. This baseline data helps the board make intelligent decisions so that a sustainable supply of good water is available for future generations. Under my leadership, a groundwater task force was also created to identify ways to conserve and protect groundwater in McHenry County. We are now also focusing in on stormwater issues, which are another important component of groundwater preservation and water quality in McHenry County.

McHenry County has managed the recession without a budgetary crisis like those in other counties. How do you ensure the county continues on that path and that reserves aren’t depleted? Are there specific budget areas that need more attention?

In a cooperative effort, cuts have been made where warranted, and today McHenry County has 50 fewer employees than in 2009. I am also actively working with legislators on government agency consolidation efforts. More than $1 million was saved when the County transitioned to self-funded insurance, and unless a position is needed for health/safety, we’re not filling vacant positions. We delay purchases and modify programs when possible, and when renegotiating contracts, we are fair to union/non-union employees while keeping an eye on the County’s limited dollars. We also rely on technology to reduce the need for new staff. As a result, McHenry County balances its budget every year and maintains a fund balance for emergencies. This financial footing is rare, and McHenry County serves as a model of good governance that other counties strive to emulate. McHenry County has earned the prestigious Aaa bond rating, which the highest rating available. It is a priority for the board to continue on this path of fiscal responsibility.

Does the McHenry County Board have a good transportation improvement plan? Please be specific and suggest whether you think anything is missing or should be scrapped.

The McHenry County Division of Transportation has a five-year Highway Improvement Plan which is updated annually. We are also in the process of developing a long range transportation plan that extends to 2040. The five-year plan includes a balance between new road development projects, capacity projects, bridge replacements, resurfacing projects, safety improvements and the McRide Public Transportation Project. The plan includes projections as to costs and is based on anticipated revenues. It is a plan/template and is considered a “living” document, which means it is constantly evolving as cost and revenue estimates become solid numbers. The plan also changes as emergencies or unforeseen transportation issues occur, but the document is always tied to available funding. Roads/bridges have different life expectancies based on age/materials used, and the weight of the vehicles that use them. With approximately 550 miles of roads in the county, maintenance is an ongoing effort. Regarding what is missing, there is a lot missing, because we have over $1 billion of projects that we could do if we had the funding. But since the plan is based on available revenues, many worthwhile projects are not included in the plan. I don’t believe there is anything in the plan that should be “scrapped.” Because our plan is based on very limited funding, it is very important that we continue to work with the State and Federal Governments to ensure that McHenry County gets its fair share of funds for transportation projects. I have established the relationships that have allowed for a proportionate share of these non-local dollars to aid with our transportation needs and continue to foster them on an ongoing basis.

Does the county need to address its ethics policies? Why or why not? If so, how?

The County, through its management services committee, made revisions to the county’s ethics ordinance last spring and it is now part of the ethics code by which we must all abide.  The revised ordinance includes very detailed disclosure requirements, which have, unfortunately, caused some appointed members of county committees to resign because they felt the new requirements were too invasive. I am adhering to the new guidelines and support the revisions.

Assess McHenry County’s efforts thus far in terms of groundwater preservation and protection. What needs to be done now and in the future?

As stated in one of my key issues, I believe McHenry County has done an outstanding job with its groundwater preservation and protection efforts. In fact, the county is a leader in Illinois and in the country with regard to the proactive steps that have been taken to ensure an adequate quantity and quality for generations to come.

Assess how the county health department approached the whooping cough outbreak. What should have been done differently?

I believe the County Health Department is doing an outstanding job addressing the whooping cough outbreak and at this time I don’t believe they should be doing anything differently. Through an investigation into every verified case, it has been determined that the initial outbreak was very heavy in the Cary and Woodstock areas, with a definite concentration among high school athletes and cheerleaders who compete against other kids from other schools. Of course this did not account for all of the cases, and others have been tied to airplane travel or contact with infected people in confined environments. The Health Department has been very aggressive with their approach to managing the outbreak and preventing widespread infection. Information has been distributed about the discovery that today’s adolescents and teens, who were vaccinated for whooping cough at a young age, need to be reevaluated and perhaps revaccinated. Information has also been included in newsletters, on the web site, through press releases and through direct phone contact. Vaccination clinics have also been held, including access to the vaccinations for children from low-income families. The department is in constant contact with hospitals, Immediate Care facilities, physicians and schools to track illness trends. At the school level, when parents call in students as “ill,” they are required to provide a list of symptoms so that illnesses trends can proactively be tracked. One thing we don’t have control over is the recommendation that affected children should stay home from school for a full five days. Not all parents adhere to this recommendation.

Q1          The County Board recently voted to increase its tax levy, thereby raising property taxes for county residents.  Do/did you support that decision?  Explain.

While the politically popular answer is being against the levy, I voted in favor of it and stand behind that vote. The majority of the board was in favor of taking the levy during budget discussions, and it was at the last minute that some changed their minds. Changing course the night before a vote and two weeks before the start of our fiscal year jeopardizes good fiscal planning.  For the estimated $4-$8 average home impact, we can:

• Have a balanced budget
• Address the unfunded mandate of adding two new judges
• Respond to the overall uncertainty of costs from the Bianchi investigation/trial

1. Special prosecutors
2. Bianchi attorneys
3. Future costs for the upcoming suit against special prosecutors

• Respond to losses in state funding
• Address frivolous lawsuits against other elected officials

Moving forward, a task force will address key budget items early in the process to ensure a smoother process.

Q2          What are your top ideas for reducing the cost of running county government?

In a cooperative effort, cuts have been made where warranted, and today McHenry County has 50 fewer employees than in 2009. I am also actively working with legislators on government agency consolidation efforts. More than $1 million was saved when the County transitioned to self-funded insurance, and unless a position is needed for health/safety, we’re not filling vacant positions. We delay purchases and modify programs when possible, and when renegotiating contracts, we are fair to union/non-union employees while keeping an eye on the County’s limited dollars. We also rely on technology to reduce the need for new staff. As a result, McHenry County balances its budget every year and maintains a fund balance for emergencies. This financial footing is rare, and McHenry County serves as a model of good governance that other counties strive to emulate. McHenry County has earned the prestigious Aaa bond rating, which the highest rating available.

Q3          Do you support a proposal to place meeting attendance information of County Board members on the county website?  Why or why not?

Meeting attendance information is already available in all meeting minutes, and all minutes are available on line. Board members attend many meetings, as board members, as official committee members, as members of other unofficial committees, and as liaisons. While I am not opposed to an attendance tracking system, the matrix should include all standing committee, special committee, ad-hoc committee, liaison assignments, etc. It also must not place an undue burden on existing employee’s time.  An incomplete matrix, like the one that is currently posted on the county web site, has the potential to produce an inaccurate portrayal of a board member’s dedication to his/her role. Another consideration is the quality of each board member’s participation. What constitutes going to a meeting? Simply showing up? Showing up unprepared? Showing up and then leaving early? All are important considerations that create a full picture of an individual’s job commitment.

Q4          A majority of the County Board rejected the idea of imposing term limits via referendum on the board chairperson and vice chairman.  What is your opinion on term limits for leadership positions?

I am not in favor of term limits. Leadership positions for the McHenry County Board, whether they are for chairman, vice chairman, committee chair or committee vice chairman, are voted upon every two years by the full county board. I believe an individual should be judged by the job they are doing and by whether or not they have been fair, have shown an ability to work with all kinds of personalities to create board consensus, and whether or not they have successfully executed the duties of the position.  Especially for the role of Chairman, there are many relationships at the local, state and national level that must be cultivated and nurtured over time, so that McHenry County receives due consideration when funding for capital projects becomes available. There is a process in place for removing a poor leader, and that process may be utilized every two years.

Q5          What can the County Board do to promote job growth in McHenry County?

Tax rates, prevailing wage, and workman’s and unemployment compensation are significant deterrents for businesses considering locating in Illinois vs. other states. We must provide incentives through tax credits and expansion programs to attract these businesses. In addition, we must continue working with the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation to RETAIN existing businesses and respond quickly and effectively to any business inquiries from companies exploring relocation to this area.  We must also continue working with international coalitions to bring foreign assembly jobs to McHenry County. I believe infrastructure improvements are the key. We are currently working to expand fiber optics to improve county-wide bandwidth as a selling point for business retention, expansion, and relocation. Additionally, when state/federal funding becomes available, we must have shovel-ready projects available that will add temporary construction jobs and eventual permanent business jobs. As we improve our infrastructure, we improve our chances of attracting new employers.

Q6          What recent decision by the County Board do you most disagree with?  Why?

As Chairman of the County Board, it is my sworn duty to execute the policies adopted by the county board, whether I agree with them or not. The committee process for decisions and recommendations has served the people of McHenry County well, providing for substantial citizen input during all levels of deliberations. There have been times during my tenure on the board when I have voted with the minority, but as chairman I have always executed board policy when directed to do so.  Aside from a few zoning issues over the last year, there have been no major board decisions with which I have strongly disagreed.

Q7          Illinois by far has the most units of government in the U.S., at enormous cost to taxpayers.  Would you support consolidating some of these governmental units?  Be specific in explaining your answer.

I absolutely support the consolidation of some units of government, and recognize that any consolidation would require action by the General Assembly.  I am actively working with legislators for the possible consolidation of some Regional Superintendent offices. McHenry County has been without a Regional Superintendent for many months and Lake County’s Regional Superintendent has been incredibly helpful. It appears the two offices could be combined. I also see potential for consolidation in county coroner offices and would like to see those offices combined on a regional basis with two or three counties relying on one medical examiner. McHenry County already looks for opportunities to share costs, such as when the county as a whole responded to last year’s widespread power outages and to last winter’s snow issues. Townships, municipalities and the county worked together and created savings through joint purchases, sharing of manpower and through an overall economy of scale.

Q8          Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I am fiscally conservative with a degree in Accounting from NIU. I successfully owned and operated a business for most of my life, and with 40+ years as a public servant, I understand the complexity of county issues. It is this experience that allows me to make necessary decisions to assess county policy and strategically reform budget demands in this declining economy. Under my administration, the county earned the prestigious Aaa bond rating, a rating that very few counties in Illinois and in the Nation enjoy. This bond rating allows us to borrow money at the lowest-possible interest rates, which benefits taxpayers. As Chairman, I have made many trips to Washington D.C. and Springfield and have worked successfully with state and federal legislators to obtain funds for major road and groundwater protection projects.  If reelected, I will continue to unselfishly serve to enhance the quality of life in McHenry County.