Eight of the nine candidates for the McHenry County Board showed up to face a small fraction of the public at the MCC auditorium Monday night.
There were
- Scott Alford
- Chris Jenner
- Carol Larson
- Erik Sivertsen
- Mike Smith
- Molly Walsh
- Arne Waltmire
- Tom Wilbeck
Missing was long-time incumbent Barbara Walters.
There was really only one question I wanted answered and that was whether the candidates would borrow tens of millions of dollars without asking permission in a referendum.
There was good news. All but incumbent Larson seems to say they would not. And, of course, there was no answer from Walters.
Here’s what was said in answer to a question asking whether they would favor such a referendum:
- Alford – “The taxpayers need to make the decision.”
- Jenner – “I would require the permission of taxpayers to raise taxes.
- Larson – “I would not be for a referendum now. Referendums are expensive and they don’t usually pass.”
- Sivertsen – I think it’s important [to hold a referendum] before the college issues bonds.”
- Smith – “I would.”
- Walsh – “Yes, any expansion plan should be community supported.”
- Waltmire – “If there’s a need to build, the Board should take [it} out to the community.”
- Wilbeck – “Absolutely. 61% comes from the taxpayers. The use of alternative revenue bonds is not really a good funding source.”
Wilbeck is the only one with a complete and informative answer. He has the background to know what is needed and how to do the job.
He has my vote.
Please understand that I did not gt all of everything everyone said in answer to the referendum question.