McHenry County Board Candidate Survey Responses

District 1

• TOM WILBECK

  •  *No response provided.

District 2

• JOHN REINERT

  • *No response provided.
    
    

• JEFFREY T. THORSEN
  

• • McHenry County resident since July 3, 1958
  • Crystal Lake City Council 1999-2015. McHenry County Board 2015-present. Precinct Committeeman.
  • “Most recently, the board voted to provide ARPA money to an affordable housing development in McHenry. The project cost overall is $22 million, all but a few hundred thousand of it is taxpayer funded. It only provides 54 units. The board provided $800,000 to the project. This project is costing the taxpayers $415,000 per unit (apartment). While I understand the need for affordable housing in McHenry County, the project should be affordable to the taxpayer as well.”
  • Agrees with the reinstatement of the Valley Hi Standing Committee and the subsequent approval to move forward with the long-promised dementia wing. In August of 2017, most of the Board refused to attend a special meeting to discuss the future of Valley Hi. The Board Chair at the time, did not approve of the discussion and pressured many on the board to not attend. Under the leadership of our new Chair, Mike Buehler, we have accomplished much in a short time.
  • Believes challenges facing the County Board include “[f]inancial challenges due to changes in Illinois Statute, among them the recent loss of the ICE contract. That, coupled with severe inflationary pressure will require creative financial solutions to the budgetary process.”
  • Would like to see the County make “IDOT improvements to Rt 31 between Crystal Lake and McHenry. Expansion (IDOT) of Rt 47 Form Huntley to Charles Road. Infrastructure improvements to the I-90-Rt23 ramp in Marengo. These are in play and will require intergovernmental cooperation. Relaxation of liquor and development ordinances already accomplished should see an increase in Agra-tourism applications and other creative opportunities outside municipalities.”
  • “The County is in a very solid financial position, and there is a wealth of human resource within the ranks. A storm may be coming but McHenry County is on firm ground to withstand the challenges. I am confident that the future is bright.”
  • GOALS: “Continue to monitor and respond to proposed changes in the statue that impact the residents of McHenry County. Completion of Phase 1 and beginning of Phase 2 of the Valley Hi memory care improvements. Continue keeping the county portion of real estate taxes flat while balancing budgetary needs without incurring debt. Facilitate State and Municipal projects (Rt 47, Rt 31, Rt 23/90 etc...)”

District 3

• ROBERT “BOB” NOWAK 

  • *No response provided.
    
    

• ERIC HENDRICKS 

  • McHenry County resident for 24 years.

• • Has never run for office before. Appointed a Republican precinct committeeman in the past.
  • “The Board passed a county noise ordinance which the sheriff said was not needed. I think, as a general rule, that less ordinances/laws are better than more. The fact that it had a sentiment (whether accurate or not) among some gun owners as targeting them (my understanding is the ordinance itself was inspired by an individual who was in a dispute with his neighbor over shooting in his backyard) made it worse for me, as I am very much pro-gun/2A. Between the Sheriff stating it wasn’t needed and that they could already issue tickets under state law for the issue seemed as if the noise ordinance was done to appease & I think laws which accomplish little-to-nothing (I don’t believe anyone has been cited under the ordinance since it passed) leads me to believe it probably simply wasn’t necessary/needed.”
  • “I agree that government consolidation should be allowed throughout the state and not just McHenry County. I also know the state legislature often drafts vague laws. I agreed with the McHenry County Board when it wrote a letter asking for township consolidation to be allowed to all counties (not just McHenry) and to provide more guidance/a more clear statute regarding the consolidation statute. McHenry County doesn’t need to be a “test case” and incur the legal and other expenses associated so we can find out what is/isn’t allowed.”
  • Challenges facing the County Board include “[k]eeping taxes flat while inflation (due to the questionable stewardship of both state and federal Democrats) erodes the County’s spending power. Also, the so-called SAFE-T Act is going to result in increased County expenses, in my opinion, both for the Sheriff’s Department, potentially the State’s Attorney, and local police departments. Further, I would not be shocked if smaller towns eventually close down their police departments, putting a greater strain on the Sheriff (since they will presumably need to step up their presence locally to make up for any localities which eliminate their police departments).”
  • Improvements the County Board can make include a hard push to bring as business-friendly as is reasonable in the County. I think Chairman Buehler waiving liquor license fee applications during COVID is a great example of “stepping up” for the community.
  • “I’d love for McHenry County to lead the way in setting an example for Illinois in terms of responsible budgets & governance. We need to stand strong as a red county (the last of the collar counties), which can & will be a challenge as conservatives flood out of the state due to Democrat policies of high taxation, regulation, and its overall liberal agenda. The County’s 10 year outlook really depends on our success of keeping the values of McHenry County secure against a liberal onslaught by state officials.”
  • GOALS: “At worst, I’d like to keep the tax burden on the county flat over the next 2 years, and attempt to find ways to create savings. Although symbolic, I would also be supportive of a “2nd Amendment sanctuary” vote by the Board & commitment from the Sheriff & State’s Attorney to tread lightly in that area of their enforcement.”
    
    

• ROBERT "BOB" REINING

  • McHenry County resident since 1999.
  • First run for office and has not held elected office before.
  • Thinks pursuing getting the ICE contract back is very important.
  • “I think inflation is going to be a big challenge on the budget. Crime and drugs are going to be a problem. Retaining our businesses especially local ones.”
  • Would like to see the County take a bigger stand for our students, businesses and elderly.
  • “I would like to see the county continue to be a strong conservative community with strong conservative values.”
  • GOALS: “I would like to lower the tax burden on our residents and businesses.”

District 4

• PAUL BARTHEL 

  • McHenry County resident for 6 years.

• • Held private board positions, however, has never run for public office while viewing that as an opportunity rather than a handicap.
  • Believes opportunities that are being missed by the County Board. Questions the use and acceptance of CARES ACT or American Rescue Plan funds. While difficult to refuse free money, however, as we have seen with the administration in Springfield is falsely being taunted to the people of Illinois as having "balanced the budget," while more correctly has been used as a form of redistribution, buying votes, and pork. Having little to do with "COVID Relief." Also questions the authority of the board or one individual solely responsible for the selection and vetting process of the School Board Superintendent.
  • Admires the various committee processes and getting in front of problems. For instance, the five-year planning commission process for infrastructure. This long-term plan provides for estimated budgeting and planning impact. I could not have agreed more with the handling of the ICE deportation stance and agree with the appeal. Also, the ousting of Franks, but question why he was tolerated for so long.
  • Challenges facing the County Board include “CARES ACT monies will eventually be depleted leaving the board once again responsible for fiscal responsibility. I am also concerned with the influx of partisan rule that was not always the case in McHenry County. Taxes and the exodus of constituents. Business stagnation. Gross misappropriations and spending of our public schools. School boards and their curriculum, although McHenry County may not have a role in correcting. I see many opportunities that present themselves from the challenges that we face. Do not mistake, I understand the limitation of a ‘county board’ and what it can do with many of the common issues we face, however, there are opportunities that present themselves from omission. Also, while the Five Year Planning Board plan should be lauded, perhaps it could be overtly aggressive. I understand that it is only a ‘budget.’"
  • Would like to see the County Board “doing more than committee work and showing up for board meetings. As a business owner myself, I understand while the businesses of McHenry County do not necessarily fall under the rule of the Board, there is no reason why we could not work with the townships, mayors, council members, and businesses of McHenry County whereby we could foster and provide stewardship for growth. A "summit" if you will. This approach will not only create additional tax streams but will also encourage retention of our constituency ensuring they prosper in a welcoming community with honorable schools, job creation, affordability, and creation of a destination commonality.”
  • “McHenry County has much history that needs to be exploited making it a destination place. I would also encourage a competitive tax reform plan so that McHenry County does not lose its populace. Next, I would focus on the occupancy maximization of our industrial parks and expansion. MCC College could also form co-ops within McHenry County, and existing businesses, to encourage staying power retention of graduating students and a steady tax base. Also, school transparency, a McHenry County marketing and social media platform, and incentivizing businesses to do commerce within McHenry County.”
  • GOALS: “Working on various committees while contributing to the perspective. Having a pulse on the community, AFTER, the election and not forgetting how elected. Working with the various businesses within the County. Placing a face on the board allowing for familiarity with their representation. If possible, growing the Animal Welfare efforts within McHenry County. Working with Springfield and any Federal grant funding opportunities to help with McHenry County's prosperity. The formation of "growth committees" within the Board that may not have been explored. Many ideas.

• JOSEPH “JOE” GOTTEMOLLER

  • McHenry County resident for 38 years.

• • McHenry County Board, Prior to that a trustee for the McHenry county Conservation District.
  • Disagreed with the County Board redistricting the precincts on short notice at the request of Springfield.
  • Agrees with the Board “[h]olding down property taxes by not taking even the cost of living increase since I got on the board, Paying off the remaining bonds so we no longer have any debt service, consolidating the Clerks office and the recorder of deeds.
  • Believes challenges facing the Board include adapting to an 18 member board. Adjusting to the increase in inflation which is harming our local economy.
  • Wants to see the Board “continue acting fiscally responsible. I do not want to purchase extra long term financed projects that leave longer bill payments for the taxpayers of the future.”
  • “I think McHenry county has the opportunity to be economically stable while most of Chicago land may not be so lucky. McHenry County has maintained its population base even grown slightly in the past ten years. We are number two second only to Lake County for an educated population. We have access to air transportation in three international airports within easy driving distance. We now have our first interchange at I90and 23. That should be able to grow with the addition of sewer and water to the intersection from Marengo. Add to this the fact McHenry County still has open space and room to grow. McHenry County has a brighter future than anywhere in Illinois.”
  • GOALS: “Maintain triple A bond rating, no increase in property taxes, continue to be the best run county in the State of Illinois.
    
    

• MIKE “SHORTY” SHORTEN

  • McHenry County resident for 19 years. 

  • Ran for Governor (2006) 11 day write in campaign. (Judy Barr Topinka was the GOP candidate) Crystal Lake City Council (2007) Nunda Township Trustee (2013, 2017) McHenry County Board (2020) Served as Township Trustee in Nunda from 2012 (appointed in 2012 and elected 2013) to 2017.

• • “Most of my concerns of late with the Board have been related to the behavior of the previous board chairman and specifically his treatment of board members. Additionally I believe that the initiative by the Board's democrats to cancel the County's ICE contract was ill-conceived, dishonestly communicated While the ICE initiative was defeated at the board level, activists took the issue to the state and succeeded. While I understand some of the activists concerns, their solution as they proposed it did nothing but move detainees farther away from their families, dramatically impacted revenues to the County and ultimately impacted county employees and businesses locally. I do applaud the actions by Republican county board members in taking action on the excess surplus in the Valley-Hi fund and abating property taxes.”

  • “I believe that the Republican lead Board, in partnership with elected Republican leaders within the county offices have done a stellar job of controlling and reducing costs, holding the line on taxes while improving the quality and speed of service to the people of McHenry County. In my opinion, especially given the horrendous fiscal record of the State of Illinois and many other Counties and Municipalities across the region, McHenry County Government lead by Conservative Republicans has provided a model of frugality and efficiency.”

  • Challenges facing the County Board include “1. Fiscal- As a result of the extreme response at the Federal and more specifically the state government to the pandemic we are going to be dealing with the repercussions for years to come. I do not believe our economy has hit bottom yet and hence the Board and elected Office holders will need to continue to adjust to drive down the cost of services so that we can avoid debt or tax increases. In addition the actions by local democrats to cancel the Sheriff's ICE contract has lead to a enormous revenue loss that will need to be dealt with. 2. Crime- The dramatic shift in the lack of will to enforce the laws and prosecute violent criminals in Chicago and other counties in the region is a concern that I believe that the County Board will need to address. We have seen an increase in criminals coming to McHenry County to commit violent crime against individuals and businesses. As a board, we will need to make sure that the Sheriff's office is adequately staffed and trained as we move forward to fend off a wave of crime as it surges towards our boarders. In addition to fighting off crime entering from outside the county, we need to make sure that access to mental health and substance abuse services are readily available in the county. 3. Infrastructure- As a result of the pandemic, there has been a dramatic shift in how employers and employees view work. With many in white collar sectors continuing to work from home and the concerning impacts of the supply chain breakdown globally, as a Board we will need to understand the issues and trends as they continue to develop. While large investments in roads to improve traffic flow may have been needed 5 years ago, the necessity and scale of those upgrades may have diminished as fewer people have a need to commute regularly. Additionally as businesses re-evaluate their production and distribution needs, the Board will need to improve strategies to attract manufacturing and distribution to the County to improve the breadth of job openings and ensure that our roads and bridges are adequate to support the needs of businesses in those sectors.”

  • Appreciates the “recent efforts driven by the county to partner with the municipalities to drive cost reduction by leveraging combined purchasing power. I am supportive of those efforts and would support helping realization of the benefits of a shared service model. Additionally, I think that we need to focus on continuing to bring a diversity of job opportunities to the county and should connect with businesses that pass over McHenry County as a place to locate or expand to understand what can be done to improve our appeal.”

  • “As we continue to navigate the impacts to the economy, mental health and negative societal implications, I believe that McHenry County is positioned to continue to be a place for people to want to visit, live and work. The world is changing quickly and as a result our elected officials will need to be resolute to hold the line on spending and taxes. We will need to continue to support the values that have made our county strong but understand that in order for McHenry County to continue to thrive we will have to be flexible to meet the needs of business and our residents. If we can meet the challenges of navigating the impacts of the post-pandemic economy, keep crime in the county low and improve the diversity of business and employment opportunities I am steadfast in my belief that McHenry County can continue on as an attractive place for families to move and raise their children.”

  • GOALS: “1. Continue the tradition of fiscal responsibility and flat taxes in County government. 2. Identify and improve the number and diversity of business and employment opportunities in the county. 3. Support law enforcement as they work to combat the impacts of rising crime outside the county flowing into it. 4. Identify ways to improve the speed to access for Mental Health and Substance Abuse within the county.”

• SUZANNE K. DELANEY 

  • McHenry County resident for 5 years.

• • First run for office and has not held elected office before.
  • Agrees with the Board not giving themselves raises, using Covid money's not used for County improvements and road improvements.
  • “In the next three years some of the biggest challenges for the Board may be bipartisan agreements to benefit McHenry County, changes in what new laws get passed that will effect all counties and the upset of the constituents, and maintaining a reduction in taxes in an inflationary atmosphere.”
  • Would like to see improved “Bipartisan agreements nurtured across the aisle. Since new to run as a candidate I am still working with constituents to identify.”
  • “In the next 10 years I see nothing but growth for McHenry County as families are moving here from the city environment.”
  • GOALS: “To become a transparent voice for my constituents and work with all Board Members.”

District 5

• STEPHEN DOHERTY 

  •  *No response provided.
    
    

• TERRI GREENO 
  • McHenry County resident for 3 years.

• • Dundee Township Precinct 25 Committeeman Ran for D300 School Board and Kane County Board.
  • “McHenry County Board has worked diligently to bring the work of the people up to date with efficiencies and improvement of technology. While change is always a challenge, it must continue.”
  • “McHenry County Board has maintained fiscal conservancy by keeping the County debt free and within budget with which I agree.”
  • Challenges facing the County Board include “[r]esponsibly utilizing available funds to provide County wide infrastructure, particularly in the area of broadband, is of utmost importance.
  • Would like to see the County improve “broadband Infrastructure. Continued focus on roads and bridges within budget. Continued recovery from the recent malaise.”
  • “In spite of the 'State' of IL, I would like McHenry County to be a Statewide example of efficient, minimal government empowering the free market.”
  • GOALS: “If at the end of my service there was less regulation on markets, more cost cutting County wide, we'd met the challenges of unfunded mandates from the State of IL then the term would be a success.”
    
    

• JUSTIN FRANZKE

  • *No response provided.

District 6

• CARL KAMIENSKI

  • McHenry County resident for 37 years.

• • Ran for alderman.
  • Disagreed with the County Board on the tabling of the flag issue and kicking the can down the road. Also strongly disagreed with the leadership under Jack Franks, yet the Board has benefitted from a dramatic shift in leadership under Chairman Buehler.
  • In terms of agreements, “two things come to mind, one was back in June 2017 adopting a resolution for emergency money for the ETSB system, If I remember, doing this would save money down the road by having a more modern system in place. Second one would be just this last meeting, by the board passing resolution authorizing intergovernmental agreements for police social workers services between 17 local governments in the county.”
  • “The rising costs of inflation is going to bring significant challenges to the County. The Board must be prepared to weather the storm. The costs of our services will be increasing and we must take decisive actions to mitigate those costs. Along with the lost revenue from the ICE contract, the dwindling of COVID relief funds, the County is going to have some tough decisions to make.”
  • “In the next ten years I hope to see McHenry stand as the shining example of how a County Government can function efficiently and effectively while remaining fiscally responsible. I hope that the county continues to attract families and businesses to stay and invest to foster the potential for longterm growth.”
  • GOALS: “Would like to see McHenry County seek out examples of successful businesses in the area to improve our processes to provide the best service possible for our taxpayers. An efficient government is a good government, and given the challenges that we are facing, we need to continually seek to improve our product.”

• PAMELA ALTHOFF

  • *No response provided.
    
    

• ERIK JOHN SIVERTSEN

  • *No response provided.

District 7

• JEFFREY E SCHWARTZ

  • *No response provided.
    
    

• BRIAN SAGER

  • McHenry County resident since April 1, 1981.

• • Woodstock City Councilman 1989-1993 and 1995-2005 Mayor, City of Woodstock 2005-2021 Candidate for Illinois State Representative 2020

  • Disagrees with the approval of large electronic billboards in the County at locations immediately adjacent to municipal jurisdictions in contradiction to objections by municipal plan commissions and city councils/village trustees.

  • “In particular, the County Board has taken a fiscally responsible approach to budgeting and spending. I am a fiscal conservative, believing we must work to manage the resources of the people in a manner which provides requisite services while simultaneously managing costs and focusing on well-considered and established priorities.”

  • Challenges facing the County Board include “[c]ontrolling property taxes, providing essential services in a fiscally responsible manner, economic development, maintaining and improving an aging infrastructure, and engaging an increasingly diverse population.”

  • The County needs to improve “economic growth and development providing greater opportunities in employment, shopping and balancing of the tax structure; and improved infrastructure through enhanced roads, such as the expansion of Route 47 north and south, improved bridges, and moving the METRA Railyard from downtown Crystal Lake to northwest of Woodstock to expand the METRA schedule for Woodstock and create new service jobs.”

  • The ten year outlook in McHenry is “Exceptional! McHenry County is extremely well-positioned for economic growth due to its... 1) central geographic location to Chicago, Rockford and Milwaukee, its highway and rail systems, and access to international airports; 2) its solid agricultural, industrial and retail bases; 3) its desirability for living, working and raising a family due to excellent school systems, medical and long-term senior care facilities, social services, and strong underlying values of environmental conservation and natural resource protection, historic preservation, and social and cultural emphasis on quality arts, recreational and sports opportunities; and 4) its strong commitment to collaborative effort in and among units of local government. We are a county that works together to make good things happen.”

  • GOALS: “Maintain a fiscally responsible county government while controlling property taxes; economic growth and development throughout the county; increased emphasis on infrastructure through roadway expansion, bridge improvements and the relocation of the METRA railyard; and increased engagement of all county residential and business sectors.”

District 8

• LARRY W. SMITH

  • McHenry County resident for 67 years.

• • McHenry County Board District 6, currently
    
    

• TRACIE VON BERGEN

•  *No response provided.

District 9

• JAMES A. KEARNS

  • Resided most of his 60 years in McHenry County.

• • Elected as Grafton Township Supervisor 2012-2016. Elected as McHenry County Board 2016 to Present.
  • “The board let Jack Franks run roughshod over the rules while terrorizing the staff. They voted to deplete the Valley High surplus before studying the long term effects of the rebate. We as a board should have reconsidered reducing member size from 24 to 18 members. Also disagreed with levying for new growth for the 2022 budget.”
  • “I agree with the flat levies over the years I was on the board. I am proud that some of us held fire to the board's feet to create the future Memory Care unit in Valley High. I am proud that the board has gained control of the policies after Mike Buehler unseated Jack Franks.”
  • Believes challenges facing the Board include that “the economy will not allow for increased Levies while the pressure to provide competitive wages to retain qualified staff. The hard decision of cost cutting measures in order to maintain a flat levy. The current financial budgeting direction is unsustainable long term without cost cutting measures. Non funded mandates by the State and Federal Government . The Health department will be a challenge.”
  • Improvements the County Board can take include “the reactivation of a few key drainage districts to help farm drainage. I think we do a great job with the County road district but would like to solve the staff shortages within the department. I would like to see a more transparent budgeting process. I think the County health department needs to be restructured after COVID has changed it forever. The County needs to continue supporting business within the county while resisting the unfunded State mandates.”
  • In ten years, “I am pretty sure we will be one of the top counties left in the state to reside and conduct business in. We have a great place for people to raise a family.”
  • GOALS: “ I hope to continue to improve the Storm water ordinance to better accommodate the farm community. I want to see the Memory Care unit in Valley High completed and successful. I'd like to see a more fiscally conservative leaning board willing to make the hard decisions to maintain a flat levy. Inflation will blow up the current and future budgets if the board doesn't resist wasteful spending.”

• MICHAEL SKALA

  • Lifelong McHenry County resident.
  • School District 158 Board for 15 years. McHenry County Board for 10 years.
  • “Even when I was on the losing side to a debate and vote, I would not reverse any decision. That is the wonderful thing about democracy, and it is why McHenry County has a Board comprised of diverse individuals that look at issues and situations through different viewpoints. I support the majority of the Board whether I was on the winning side or not.”
  • “The Board must continue to maintain the excellent services the County provides in the most efficient and economical way. The County is a role model in the distribution of the ARPA money the County received from the Federal Government. Last, the County must do everything we can to maintain the strong AAA bond rating and fiscal responsibility the County has enjoyed by having balanced budgets, by not borrowing for projects, and by optimizing efficiencies to maintain excellent services.”
  • “The rate of inflation will have adverse impacts on the County budget and the citizens and businesses of the County. The shortages of qualified personnel at all departments will continue to cause disruptions in service. Last, helping recover from the pandemic and making McHenry County grow and prosper.”
  • “The County is a wonderful place to work, relax and raise a family. The environment is excellent and we need to maintain the high standards we expect from each other. As our population becomes more diverse, I would like to see more jobs and businesses so residents can stay in the County to work instead of leaving to find a job.”
  • In the next ten years, “the population will continue to grow slowly and our citizens will become more diverse. The need for more services will continue to grow and the efficiency of operations will continue.”
  • GOALS: “First, we must maintain the excellent services the County provides in the most efficient and economical way. Second, we need to continue to be a role model in the distribution of the ARPA money the County received from the Federal Government, so the businesses and citizens see the long-term benefits of the grants that are being allocated. Last, we must do everything we can to maintain the strong AAA bond rating and fiscal responsibility the County has enjoyed by having balanced budgets, by not borrowing for projects, and by optimizing efficiencies to maintain excellent services.