Supports Koehler

To the Editor:

As a person concerned about the environment and groundwater supply, I was relieved to learn that Ken Koehler has spearheaded creating a groundwater resource department for the county. I also have learned that Koehler has enlisted the state’s help in monitoring the quantity and quality of our water supply.

These actions have made McHenry County a leader statewide in the groundwater protection issue. It is these moves that will ensure we have responsible growth while keeping an eye on the quantity and quality of the water here in McHenry County. This is a prudent mix of growth with the necessary preservation of our natural resources. Please join me in promoting responsible government and vote to re-elect Koehler.

Aneida McDermott

Crystal Lake

Koehler supporter

To the Editor:

As a board member for the McHenry Economic Development Corp., I thank the County Board and specifically Ken Koehler for support of the EDC financially and in its mission.

The EDC, with county government as a partner, is charged with the attraction, expansion and retention of primary jobs in the county. During troubled economic times, economic development is crucial to ensure jobs for our families.

This year, the EDC embarked on efforts to redefine itself while simultaneously managing leadership changes. Without the visionary support of Koehler and others, the EDC might have failed. Koehler’s dedication to county residents showed as he went above and beyond to support job creation. Please join me in supporting Koehler in our mission to create jobs in McHenry County.

Blake Hobson

Lakewood

Return Koehler

To the Editor:

The highest priority for local elected officials must be to work together to provide necessary services and proper planning in the most responsive, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.  

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler has made collaboration among county, municipal and township governments the hallmark of his tenure.

The result has been a cohesive set of well-defined programs and goals with significant buy-in at all levels of local government. The beneficiaries are the taxpayers.

Ken Koehler is a proven leader and representative of the people of McHenry County.

District 2 is fortunate to have him as their elected County Board member. I urge voters to return him to the County Board in the 2010 elections for the benefit of all. 

Brian Sager

Woodstock

(Printed on December 12, 2009)

Best Candidate

To the Editor:

As former chairman of the McHenry County Board Transportation Committee, I can say first hand that Ken Koehler has McHenry County’s best interests at heart.

As county board chairman, Ken has been a strong advocate for improving the safety and capacity of vital roadways that serve McHenry County.

This included working with local, state and federal agencies to secure $300 million in road funding for the Algonquin bypass, the widening of Rakow Road and the completion of the interchange at 1nterstate 90 and Route 47. Ken also has pursued innovative solutions like securing an additional $50 million in road money by bonding against the state-mandated 1/4 percent sales tax. Please vote for Ken Koehler in February’s primary. He is the best choice for improved roads in McHenry County.

Dan Shea

Fox River Grove

Supports Koehler

To the Editor:

There are times when change is not only good, but necessary. However, change for the sake of change alone is not responsible. In County Board District 2, we are facing such a decision. When it comes to the re-election of board Chairman Ken Koehler, that decision is easy. One does not change what is working effectively.

I have had numerous dealings with Mr. Koehler over the years, and although we have not always agreed, I have found him to be one who will listen to what we believe is important. I also know when making decisions, he does what is best for the community as a whole.

I urge you all to re-elect Ken Koehler as our County Board Member.

Ed Plaza

Village President, Lake in the Hills

Effective leader

To the Editor:

I have served on the McHenry County Board with Ken Koehler since Ken was elected in 2000.

He is not only an effective representative for his constituents in District 2, he also is a tremendous leader of the entire board. McHenry County could not ask for a more qualified individual to lead us during these difficult economic times.

Under his leadership, the county balances its budgets and builds healthy fund reserves for emergencies while never losing sight of the importance of responsible growth, preserving open space, and spurring economic development. District 2 and all of McHenry County is lucky to have a public servant of Ken Koehler’s caliber, and I wholeheartedly support his success in the Feb. 2 primary.

Jim Heisler

Crystal Lake

Cares for Constituents

To the Editor:

As a resident of McHenry County and a Lakewood village trustee, I have found Ken Koehler to be responsive and caring for village and county residents’ needs.

Ken personally interceded in a public safety issue at a newly developed, busy intersection in our community. After visiting, he arranged for solar stop signs to be installed, potentially reducing the number of incidents in which drivers were unaware of the new stop signs. He is accessible, and available to speak to constituents at any time. He always returns calls. He is dedicated, visible, and approachable. His contributions to McHenry County are immeasurable.

Please join me in supporting Ken for County Board, District 2, on Feb. 2.

John Pfeuffer

Trustee
Village of Lakewood

Koehler supporter

To the Editor:

In February, voters have an opportunity to re-elect a County Board member who has been a true champion for transportation improvements in McHenry County: Ken Koehler.

As a District 2 board member and County Board chairman, Ken has lobbied legislators in Springfield and Washington, D.C., to bring valuable road dollars to McHenry County. He has successfully secured more than $300 million for transportation improvements such as the widening of Algonquin Road between Routes 31 and 47. Through Ken’s leadership, money now is available for the western Algonquin bypass and for other important improvements. He currently is lobbying for funds to improve the intersection of Randall and Algonquin. These efforts translate to safer and less-congested roads.

Please join me in voting for Ken Koehler on Feb. 2.

John C. Schmitt

Algonquin

Hard worker

To the Editor:

Ken Koehler works hard for the betterment of McHenry County. He travels to Springfield and Washington, D.C., regularly to lobby on behalf of McHenry County. Due to his efforts, more state and federal dollars are being sent back to McHenry County for local road projects, such as the construction of the Algonquin bypass, the widening of Rakow/Randall Road, improvements to Routes 14 and 47, and the long-awaited full interchange at Interstate 90 and Route 47.

I see firsthand that Ken is working diligently to improve the quality of life for my family and all the citizens of McHenry County. He believes in spending our tax dollars frugally, and his leadership and conservative spending makes our county financially healthy. Please vote for Koehler.

Michael Skala

Huntley

Demonstrated leaders

To the Editor:

Well, it’s that time of year again, when the political signs start popping up everywhere, which always reminds me that it is time to start thinking about whom to vote for in the upcoming primary election.

Having been on the County Board now for just over a year, the District 2 County Board race is of major interest to me. If continuing to lower the county’s tax rate, obtaining one of the best bond ratings of any county in the state of Illinois and continuing to bring more federal tax dollars back to McHenry County is of interest, please vote for Ken Koehler and Lyn Orphal, who have demonstrated the ability to put McHenry County residents first.

Scott Breeden

Lakewood