McHenry County Blog

This is the first Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water Questionnaire I have posted from a Democrat. Scott Summers is running in District 6.

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas? Yes

2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in the County? Yes

3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers? Agree

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? Yes

2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every land use change decision? Yes

3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? No

4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? No

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance? Yes

2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities? No

3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for established service between select cities and townships? No. I ardently support bus and paratransit services – but they should be run by Pace, not the county.

4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors? No. I’m inclined to insulate the health department from political pressures.

5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents?  No

D. Transparency and Commitment

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent?  Yes

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.)  Yes

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site?  Yes

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries?  No

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 ml.? Yes D-5: Budgets must be balanced. I probably would have voted yes (this one time, with great reluctance) in order to avoid dipping into reserves.

E. Short Answer. Only the number of words indicated will be published in the response report. (please add a page if you need more room, but remember that we can only print the number of words indicated and reserve the right to edit your response for that reason. Thank you.)

1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication. (50 words)

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP); Illinois Counties Association. As a staffer of CMAP’s predecessor, NIPC, during the 1970s, I think that regular attendance there is particularly important for effective two-way communication: an alternate should be designated by the county board for times when the regular liaison cannot attend.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection? (50 words)

Adhere to – and strengthen – all initiatives to (1) preserve our remaining agricultural lands and (2) protect our water supplies (e.g., stormwater ordinance; unified development ordinance; Water Resources Action Plan; Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas mapping.)

3. Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money? (50 words)

The county’s participation with the EDC will be up for review soon. If elected, I’ll examine the county’s involvement critically, with an eye toward furthering what I call an “eco-eco” vision for McHenry County – that is, the premise that ECOnomy and ECOlogy are really bound up as one.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time? (50 words)

No (repeated 49 times).

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects? (50 words)

Deference and reasoned consideration equal to that of all affected parties.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

My training in law and business, and my prior experience as an elected official (trustee at McHenry County College, 2005 – 2009), make me particularly well suited to be a fiscal watchdog, taxpayer advocate, and environmental champion on the county board.

These are the answers given by District 6 candidate David LeGue to the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and WaterMcHenry County Board Questionnaire:

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas? YES

2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in the County? YES

3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers? No answer

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? No answer.

2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every land use change decision? No answer.

3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? No answer.

4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? NO

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance? No answer

2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities? NO

3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for established service between select cities and townships? No answer

4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors? YES

5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents? No answer

D. Transparency and Commitment

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent? YES

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.) YES

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site? YES

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries? NO

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 ml.? NO

E. Short Answer. Only the number of words indicated will be published in the response report. (please add a page if you need more room, but remember that we can only print the number of words indicated and reserve the right to edit your response for that reason. Thank you.)

1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication. (50 words)

There are numerous external state and local agencies with which the County should liaison. Two of the most prominent are the Illinois Department of Transportation and METRA. The exchange of information between the County and these entities must be based on trust and mutually beneficial interest.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection? (50 words)

Protection may be achieved by adhering to the County’s 2030 Land Use Plan, restraining new residential development in the unincorporated portions of the County, encouraging redevelopment within municipal boundaries and seeking a funding source for the County’s established Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

3. Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money? (50 words)

The funding of a private economic development corporation should be contingent upon its synergy with the County’s Land Use and Strategic Plan. The accomplishments of the corporation must be evaluated and numerically measured to facilitate an estimate of the County’s return on investment.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time? (50 words)

No! County roads should be repaired and maintained in their original footprint. Widening and “improving” rural roads is expensive, disruptive and a poor use of citizens tax dollars.

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects? (50 words)

The opinions of affected citizens should always be seriously considered and evaluated based upon the logic of their positions. These positions must then be compared to the overall impact of the zoning change or project on the community as a whole.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

I am a farmer and have an understanding of the integral relationship between agriculture, groundwater recharge and land use within the county. Over the past 25 years I have volunteered as a director of the McHenry County Soil and Water Conservation District, served as a Marengo Township Planning Commissioner and was appointed a trustee and elected president of the McHenry County Conservation District. While volunteering in these positions I have demonstrated an ability to work with others with a focus on overall community benefit.

Some questions could not be answered with a yes/no answer.

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LeGue’s campaign literature is below:

Below are the answers that District 6 County Board candidate Shawn Green provided to the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water.

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas? YES

2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in the County? YES

3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers? YES

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? YES

2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every land use change decision? YES

3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? NO

4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? NO

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance? NO

2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities? NO

3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for established service between select cities and townships? NO

4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors? YES

5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents? NO

D. Transparency and Commitment

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent? YES

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.) YES

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site? YES

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries? NO

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 ml.? NO

E. Short Answer. Only the number of words indicated will be published in the response report. (please add a page if you need more room, but remember that we can only print the number of words indicated and reserve the right to edit your response for that reason. Thank you.)

1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication. (50 words)

It is vital for the County to continue its commitment to Emergency Management. I will utilize the knowledge gained from my 14 plus years with a very large police agency to ensure two-way information flow. I’ll also know what is necessary and what is a waste of resources.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection? (50 words)

I will insist on responsible growth and will listen to the experts- not the special interests.

3. Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money? (50 words)

In its current form, the EDC is not a good investment. There is no accountability for the huge amount of money the County provides, and there are no measures of success. More importantly, this involvement in private enterprise is beyond the scope of the County government’s proper role.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time? (50 words)

Only improvements necessary for public safety, or to prevent major reconstruction costs in the future (such as filling pot holes, repairing pavement buckling, etc.), should be taken on for these types of roadways.

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects? (50 words)

Board members are representatives of their districts and are entrusted to make decisions on behalf of their constituents. This means listening to the opinions of said constituents, not deciding on our own what we as board members think is best for them.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

I am a veteran police sergeant, Republican Precinct Committeeman, former Board of Education President, McHenry County homeowner, husband, and father. Like everyone reading this, I care deeply about preserving what is great about McHenry County and fixing what isn’t so great. This is a wonderful place to raise a family and do business; as your representative on the County Board I will utilize my leadership abilities, along with my commitment to governmental accountability and transparency, to make sure it stays that way. For more information, please visit: www.electshawngreen.org

What follows are the questions and answers to the Alliance of Land, Agriculture and Water’s McHenry County Board questionnaire. Evertsen has been on the County Board for two years. She previously served on the Harvard School Board. You can find the rest here.

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election

Please, indicate yes/no or agree/disagree in the box to the right of the question.

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas? Yes

2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in
the County? Yes

3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers? Yes

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? Yes

2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every land use change decision? Yes

3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? No

4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? No

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance? No

2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities? No

3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for established service between select cities and townships? No

4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors? Yes

5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents? No

D. Transparency and Commitment

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent? Yes

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.) Yes

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site? Yes

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries? No

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 ml.? No

E. Short Answer. Only the number of words indicated will be published in the response report. (please add a page if you need more room, but remember that we can only print the number of words indicated and reserve the right to edit your response for that reason. Thank you.)

1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication. (50 words)

Face-to-face meetings with State and Federal Reps and Senators, as well as farmland, conservation and water preservation organizations, all of whom have a wealth of information available and usable to us. I’d promote video recording these meetings & posting on the County site to give anyone access at any time.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection? (50 words)

Board Members must first comprehend these protections allow all of us to benefit through adequate fresh water supplies. An educational process is needed to address the fact that additional development of rooftops is no economic boon if water becomes unavailable to service not only new homes, but also pre-existing developments.

3. Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money? (50 words)

I don’t see it as a good investment of taxpayer dollars. Municipalities, of course, have a viable reason to employ economic development corporations; I don’t see this expense as necessary or advantageous to rural McHenry County residents.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time? (50 words)

Appreciation of our assets leads me to believe our rural roads enhance our lives in ways 4-lane freeways never will. I will continue to promote the advantages of properly built rural roads to maintain the character of the area.

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects? (50 words)

Input from the citizens should be of paramount importance on these issues. The impact of any of these types of decisions falls directly and most heavily on citizens in close proximity and is felt not only in an immediate financial way, but also in current and future quality of life.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

Understanding that public service is, in fact, service to the public, my priority continues to be addressing the credibility void which exists between Board and constituency. I accept no campaign contributions,
therefore am beholden to no one and can continue to vote against programs and policies which will result in higher taxes and/or increase in the size and scope of government. I will continue to listen closely and offer honest dialogue to members of my constituency, working with them to solve problems and encourage them to write, phone or email me at their convenience.

The following is the Alliance of Land, Agriculture and Water questionnaire filled out by District 6 McHenry County Board candidate Michele Aavang:

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election
Please, indicate yes/no or agree/disagree in the box to the right of the question.

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas?  Yes
2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in the County? Yes
3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and y~ that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers?  Yes

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? Yes
2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every YIC.5 land use change decision?  Yes
3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? No
4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? No

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance?  Yes
2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, tJp remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities?  Yes
3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for  established service between select cities and townships?  No
4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors?  No
5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents? No

D. Transparency and Committment

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent? Yes

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.)  Yes

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site?  Yes

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries?  No

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 mI.?  No
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1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication.

Communication between the county and all state and local agencies is important to optimize efficiency. Leaders should be expected to follow-up on communications and respond accordingly to ensure the flow of information.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection?

Thoughtful and informed decisions regarding development and infrastructure need to be made with long-term consequences in mind. The value of prime farmland needs to be acknowledged. A farmland preservation plan needs to be given a higher priority and a funding mechanism for such a program needs to be initiated.

3. Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money?

No. Taxpayer money would be more wisely spent by improving existing infrastructure to benefit the businesses and workforce located within the county. There are viable industries (agriculture) already here; if we protect what we have there is no reason to spend money to attract new industries that require costly development.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time?

I see no reason to widen or “improve” either of these roads at this time. The county needs to prioritize projects, and given the cost involved, lengthy list of other roads requiring attention, and the outspoken opposition to the projects by impacted residents, neither should be considered at this time.

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects?

Citizens affected by county board decisions should be given every opportunity possible to provide input before such decision is reached. The opinions of impacted citizens should be sought-after, welcomed and considered in a serious and thoughtful manner.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

I have the leadership experience necessary to be effective, including my present role as Vice President – McHenry County Farm Bureau, President – Woodstock Farmers Market, and Secretary – Greenwood Cemetery Association. I am also a former Trustee for the Village of Greenwood, and a former 4-H club leader. I have decades of practical managerial and business experience. I have effectively controlled spending, as well as prepared and analyzed budgets for successful operations. I also have a keen interest in the future of the county as a business owner, and member of a family that has roots here dating back to the 1840′s.

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Aavang’s post card can be seen below:

Whether the ordinance that the McHenry County Board passed two days ago will make any difference in the way the board does business remains to be seen.

But it is a step toward the transparency that citizens need to begin to understand whether conflicts of interest drive County Board decisions.

It passed with only two dissenting votes, Lakewood’s Scott Breeden and Huntley’s Dan Ryan.  Ryan blamed his Republican primary defeat on his unwillingness to fill out the ALAW questionnaire upon which the ordinance is based.

Here is the way Emily Berandt, the one who led the charge before Ersel Schuster’s Management Services Committee reacted:

The McHenry County Statement of Economic Interests Addendum Ordinance passed at the County Board meeting Tuesday night 22-2.Although much has been deleted or changed since we presented the original draft, much of what is really important remains.

This new addendum requires county officials to disclose all real estate holdings, business and professional relationships and larger indebtednesses to entities doing business with county or local governments.

When this ordinance was proposed, we said that this was McHenry County’s opportunity to be a leader in a nationwide movement toward greater transparency in government.

ALAW urged McHenry County to take a preemptive strike against accusations of self dealing and to restore the public trust in its elected officials.  We are pleased that the county has stepped up to the plate.

Thank you to all who were involved in this process.

Emily Berendt
Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water (ALAW )

An email from the Alliance of Land, Agriculture and Water about the McHenry County Board’s upcoming consideration of a more revealing conflict of interest ordinance follows:

Dear ALAW Members and Supporters,

We need your support more than ever Tuesday night!

The revised Disclosure Ordinance (Statement of Economic Interests) that ALAW presented to the County Board in December 2009, is reaching the County Board floor for a vote on Tuesday, November 16, 2010.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

The ordinance is the last thing on the agenda.

Please come to the meeting to show that you want this new level of transparency in McHenry County.

If you wish to speak in favor of passage that’s great!

If not just sign in as “for” the ordinance and be there as solid support.

Although much has been removed from the original ordinance and form, what is left is very important – full disclosure of real estate holdings and business/professional relationships.

Please help fill up the board room to let your county board representatives know you want this passed!

It’s about time!.

A copy of the revised ordinance is on the ALAW web site on this page.

An issue ALAW set forth during the primary election caught fire.

It was an income and a potential conflict of interest disclosure form which most county board candidates voluntarily filled out.

Since before the primary election county board members have been trying to figure out how to enact something like it.

So far they have not done so and the November election is just around the corner.

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water is now reminding people which people were willing to reveal potential conflicts of interest and who wasn’t.

You see the results below:

Challengers who filed out the forms and won the primary election include

• Donna Kurtz (R-District 2)
• Jeff Thirtyacre (D-District 4)
• Frank Wedig (District 5)
• Diane Evertson (District 6)

District 1′s Bob Nowak is the only victorious challenger who did not fill out ALAW’s disclosure form.

Two Democrats on the ballot were not put there through the primary election process. Their party’s caucused them in and they, under new rules designed to make it tougher to put candidates on the ballot who did not run in the primary, were forced to gather signatures later.

They have both filled out ALAW’s conflict of interest questionnaire. They are

• Mark Booras of District 2
• Dennis Palys of District 6

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Roll calls on the Federal Stimulus Bond allocations are here.

Roll calls on land use are here.

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water has made votes by McHenry County Board members up for election available to the public.

So, if the local newspapers didn’t ask the question you think is important, you might find some direction from actual votes the board members cast in Woodstock.

The weakness, obviously, is that challengers aren’t in the matrix.

Yesterday, land use votes were published on McHenry County Blog.

Today the votes on how the Federal Stimulus Bonds should be allocated.

Three projects are tracked,

• Lakewood’s SportsPlex
• the K-Nines Woodstock minor league baseball stadium and
• dredging Wonder Lake

Strangely, the county board members could not find any manufacturing firms who wanted to borrow money with Federal taxpayers subsidzing 25% of the interest.

Previously on the McHenry County Board, Nick Provenzano and John Jung were not serving when these votes were taken.

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water has done some good research on how county board members voted. I am not aware that anyone else has used this approach to evaluate candidates who are on the ballot this fall.

McHenry County Blog will try to publish one ALAW’s set of votes a day, starting with land use votes.