Last weekend I went to the Crystal Lake Expo to scope out the political/ governmental booths.

The only candidates I found were Republican township trustee candidates from Algonquin and Nunda Townships and Kay Stanish, who is running for Crystal Lake City Council.

(For those of you who don’t know much about townships, they perform three basic functions:

• assessing property,
• road maintenance in unincorporated areas and
• hand out local welfare, called General Assistance.

Crystal Lake is in four townships. The two major ones are Algonquin and Nunda. The horizontal dividing line is Crystal Lake Avenue.)
I captured some of what Stanish said at the McHenry County League of Voters candidates forum.

You can find more by clicking on the images of what she was handing out at the Expo or going to her web site.

She has an interesting endorsement from Richard Kolbusz, the Commander of the American Legion Post 482:

“I have known Kay Stanish for a number of years now and have never met a more honest, caring, loyal and enthusiastic person. Her positive attitude is contagious and her concerns for the Crystal Lake community, both for the private community and the business sector are admirable. She will bring a much needed fresh way of thinking and excitement to the city council.”

In her platform, which is contained in the image below (remember, click to enlarge the image so you can read it), she says,

“I would like to evaluate the need for the recent tax increase and return a more financially conservative point of view to the City Council,”

among other things.
Below is the information enlarged:

Why should you elect me

I feel that I am the best person for The City Council based on the fact that I will provide a unique vision. I have a vision that is cemented in the belief that Crystal Lake has not reached its potential and that a new wave of energy, determination and cognitive ability are required to get us there. This is my mission to be a part of the engine that maintains Crystal Lake and works in conjunction with its prized residents to realize our true potential. I truly believe in representative democracy and I am excited to have the opportunity to represent Crystal Lake!

What others are saying

I have had the opportunity to know Kay Stanish since 1999. She is a rare person in the sense of someone from a time in our past in which a person truly worked to embody the optimal balance of family, friends and work. Her very presence in your life provides a sense of direction, stability and calm. Mrs. Stanish definitely knows what she wants in life and what she desires to accomplish. It is indeed a blessing to be inclusive in her circle as she provisions a breath of fresh air and direct dialogue in all interactions. Any relationship with her is a partnership that evolves into a continuous growth cycle for all involved. – Tyrone Humes, Colleague

I have known Kay Stanish for a number of years now and have never met a more honest, caring, loyal and enthusiastic person. Her positive attitude is contagious and her concerns for the Crystal Lake community, both for the private community and the business sector are admirable. She will bring a much needed fresh way of thinking and excitement to the city council. — Richard Kolbusz, long time resident of Crystal Lake and Commander of the American Legion Post 482

Biography

• Married with two sons

• Graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana with Distinction. B.A. in Political Science and Latin American Studies and two minors in Economics and Spanish

• Career in International Business Development, particularly Latin America and Asia aids in understanding cultural diversity

• Bilingual in English and Spanish, an asset in working with the Spanish-speaking community

• Currently Marketing Manager with Intermatic, Inc., Spring Grove, IL

• On a personal level, enjoys sports (Volleyball, Tae Kwon Do and Bowling), volunteers as bowling coach at Crystal Bowl, and likes to read and garden.

Platform

Below are some of the issues I hope to focus on if I should be elected

• I would like to evaluate the need for the recent tax increase and return a more financially conservative view point to the City Council.

• I support the concept of developing the Vulcan Lakes. I think it is overdue and find it valuable that we can finally turn a liability into an asset.

Businesses

• I would study the reasons local businesses depart and investigate strategies to keep businesses in Crystal Lake. It’s essential to form a solid strategy that creates an atmosphere of value and opportunities for local businesses.

• I would promote “green” initiatives ensuring Crystal Lake remains a great place to live and work.