McHenry County Blog

District 5 incumbent Republican County Board member John Jung sent out a mailing last week.

He sent me a proof copy, which is not folded, so you’ll have to use your imagination to figure out what’s the front, back and inside.

Here’s the inside of the mailing.

For those of you keeping track, the two non-incumbent running mates–Mike Skala and Mike Rein–have put out two mailings and incumbent GOP member Tina Hill has done no mailing.

For the second time, District 5 Republican non-incumbents have joined forces to put out a mailing.

You can see the first combo here and the one in the mail below.

The back of the mailing features Skala:

The two incumbents running for re-election are John Jung and Tina Hill.

The four Republicans home to defeat Democratic Party incumbent Paula Yensen.

Getting as much money out of taxpayers is pretty much the goal of every tax district official, from school board member to township trustee.

To do that, boards need to ask for more than the increase in the Cost of Living allowed by the Illinois Department of Revenue under the Tax Cap law.

Virtually every tax district will ask for the maximum increase allowed.

That’s 3% this coming year.

103% is multiplied by what is called the “tax extension,” the amount of taxes each district is allow to collect from local property owners, to determine how much the tax district can collect in 2013.

But there’s more.

If there has been new construction, as there has been on Crystal Lake’s Route 14 shopping corridor, local park districts, schools, McHenry County College, the Mental Health Board, townships, county government, etc., have to ask for more than 103% of last year’s tax take IN ORDER TO capture the new growth.

I have suggested that legislators could amend the PTELL (the technocrats’ acronym for the Real Estate Tax Cap) law by allowing each government under it to pass a resolution authorizing county officials to tax all of the new growth, rather than using the current practice of balloon levying.

So far, I haven’t noticed such legislation has been introduced.

Last week, the McHenry County Board approved a multi-year contract with the McHenry County Economic Development Commission that uses the same formula for increases contained in the Tax Cap formula used to maximize the Tax Take.

Might the roll call on that question be a good indication of which County Board members will vote in favor of maximizing the County’s Tax Take?

I think it will, so I present it below:

EDC related Resolution vote count is as follows:   19 yes    5 no

AYES:       Merkel, Miller, Munaretto, Nowak, Peschke, Provenzano, Salgado, Schmidt, Wheeler, Bless, Breeden, Donner, Draffkorn, Heisler, Hill, Jung, Kurtz, McCann and Koehler

NAYS:     Schuster, Yensen, Donley, Evertsen and Hammerand

My prediction is that most of those who will vote to maximize your County tax bill voted “Yes” on the EDC subsidy resolution.

I will further predict that the vote on the tax levy will not occur until after the election, so the above roll call, plus last year’s “Tax to the Max” roll call will be the best you are going to get before you have to cast your vote.

If you think the County Board is not moving in the direction of maximum taxation, please read this May 13, 2012 article.

Those voting against cutting the budget (read the story here) were

• Bob Bless (D1)
• Scott Breeden (D2)
• Mary Donner (D3)
• Jim Heisler (D2)
• John Jung (D5)
• Donna Kurtz (D2)
• Mary McCann (D6)
• Peter Merkel (D4)
• Marc Muneratto (D1)
• Kathy Schmidt (D3)
• Ken Koehler (D2)

On a second roll call the following voted for the “Tax to the Max” levy (again, see this article):

15 members voted in favor:

• Robert Bless
• Scott Breeden
• Sue Draftcorn (a switch)
• Mary Donner
• Jim Heisler
• Tina Hill (a switch)
• John Jung
• Donna Kurtz
• Mary McCann
• Pete Merkel
• Anna May Miller (a switch)
• Marc Munaretto
• Robert Novak (a switch)
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Ken Koehler

Maybe the League of Women question screeners at the last week in September County Board candidates’night will allow a question that will pin down the incumbents running for re-election on the question of whether they will vote to increase the County levy so much that our County taxes will increase as much as the law allows.

McHenry County Board members Tina Hill and John Jung have been elected Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Dorr Township Republican Central Committee.

The offices of Secretary and Treasurer are still open.

Fifty percent of the fourteen precincts in the Woodstock-dominated township are vacant, so if you are inclined to join the door-to-door crew this fall, you might want to give one of the leaders a call.

Below you can see the elected precinct committeemen and the number of GOP votes in each precinct:

• DORR 1 – Thomas D. Harding – 101 Votes
• DORR 2 – Vacant – 108 votes
• DORR 3 – Vacant – 70 votes
• DORR 4 – Vacant – 115 votes
• DORR 5 – Vacant – 104 votes
• DORR 6 – Vacant – 100 votes
• DORR 7 – Tina R. Hill – 250 votes
• DORR 8 – Katherine M. Keefe – 110 votes
• DORR 9 – Vacant – 291 votes
• DORR 10 – Andrew Zinke – 184 votes
• DORR 11 – John Jung, Jr. – 296 votes
• DORR 12 – Thomas Zanck – 267 votes
• DORR 13 – Vacant – 68 votes
• DORR 14 – Virginia D. Peschke – 144 votes

John Jung and Tina Hill, two of three Republican incumbents are positioned to be re-nominated in today’s primary election, but the third is in fifth place with 44% of the vote counted.

Newcomer Mike Skala holds first place.

Long-time member Virginia Peschke ran first the last primary election, even though she waited until less than two weeks before the election to put out signs.

I didn’t see any signs this year, but didn’t foray far into District 5 at the end of the campaign.

In any event newcomer, Michael Rein is leading her by 8 votes, so this is going to be a nail-biter.

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With all of the precinct of McHenry County Board District 5 reporting, but early and absentee votes not having been folded in, newcomer Michael Rein is edging out veteran Virginia Peschke by a mere 26 votes.

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water has issued its recommendations for the McHenry County Board.  McHenry County Blog is in the process of publishing all of the candidate questionnaires that were turned in.  Not all candidates chose to do so.  The ALAW press release follows:

ALAW County Board Candidate Recommendations

The Alliance for Land Agriculture and Water (ALAW) is pleased to announce its recommended candidates for McHenry County Board in the upcoming primary election March 20, 2012.

Republican Party Candidates

• District 2: Donna Kurtz, Jim Heisler, Carolyn Schofield
• District 3: Jim Schlader, Michael Walkup
• District 4: John Hammerand
• District 5: John Jung Jr.
• District 6: Ersel Schuster, Diane Evertsen, Michelle Aavang, David LaGue

Democratic Party Candidates

• District 2: Jim Roden
• District 6: Scott Summers

Green Party Candidate

• District 5: Frank Wedig

Each of these candidates has expressed an understanding of the impact of land use decisions and transparency on the preservation of land, agricultural and water resources. A total of 25 candidates returned the survey, available at the Alliance web site. https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/2012-county-board-elections

Also available on the site are summary sheets for each recommended candidate that include the candidate’s photograph and position on selected environmental questions.

https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/2012-county-board-elections/recommended-candidates-for-mchenry-county-board-march-2012

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water was formed in 2006 as a response to citizen concerns with the proposed 2020 McHenry County Land Use Plan.

Since then, ALAW has continued to advocate for preservation of open space, agricultural lands and water resources through many programs including

• the campaign for the Kishwaukee Valley Water Authority,
• the Addendum to the Economic Interest Statement for county officials,
• participation in the county’s 2030 Land Use Planning process, and
• a Candidates Survey to identify and recommend environmentally aware candidates at each county election.

More information about ALAW is available on our web site: https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/home.

= = = = =

The Democratic and Green Party candidates have no primary opposition.

District 5 McHenry County Board member John Jung answers the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water’s Questionnaire below.

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? Yes

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 – to municipal building permits Yes – on the Storm Water

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.? Yes

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)

Currently I am the liaison for the Illinois Extension Service. Two way communication is achieved by my diligent attendance at meetings and events, and networking with Board members, and members of the Extension Service. It is also important for the County to liaison with CMAP.

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)

It is imperative that we preserve our prime farmland for its economic benefits and for its use as water recharge areas. The county should not only continue to dedicate funds to studying and implementing policies that protect our groundwater, but reach out to our residents and educate them on the importance of preserving our finite supply of groundwater.

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 function of the MCEDC is to preserve and create economic opportunities throughout McHenry County including the County’s municipalities. Given the current economic environment, the MCEDC is a good investment of taxpayer money since it acts as a catalyst for job creation.

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, I do not unless improvement means re-paving or re-surfacing in the existing footprint.

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)

I think it is critical that the county board listens to the opinions of its citizens concerning issues that directly affect them. In fact, the Daily Herald has said that I’m a strong advocate for my constituents.

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 experience as a business owner provides me with a strong understanding of the importance of sound fiscal policies and responsibility. It has also taught me to make tough decisions. As Chairman of the County’s Human Resource Committee, it was my ability to make these types of decisions that resulted in the institution of policies and procedures that strengthened the county’s fiscal position and improved employee morale and productivity. My reputation for honesty and integrity is evidenced through my efforts on the County Board. I firmly believe in service and doing what is right even when it is not politically popular or expedient.

Maybe it’s not tea leaves.

Maybe it’s newspaper clippings to which I should allude.

In any event, the first two McHenry County Board endorsement editorials got me thinking.

McHenry County’s paper of record has suggested dumping

• Board Chairman Ken Koehler in District 2 and
• incumbent Nick Provenzano in District 3.

There is one commonality and that is their having taken part in the secret meeting about district lines that the Illinois Attorney General rules violated the Open Meetings Act.

The two were on opposing sides on the tax hike issue with Koehler leading the majority, while Provenzano vote against levying the maximum amount possible.

That brings me to my first thought.

Five members took part in that secret remap meeting.

One, Marc Munaretto, is not running for re-election.

The other two are on the ballot, however:

• Tina Hill
• John Jung

Both are in District 5.

There are five people running in District 5′s Republican primary election.

Listed in ballot order, they are:

• John Jung, Jr.
• Tina R. Hill
• Virginia D. Peschke
• Michael Rein
• Michael Skala

Will the Northwest Herald refuse to endorse both Jung and Hill?

No more reason to endorse four people for the four spots than there is to vote for four candidates, if only one, two or three turn you on.

Both Hill and Jung also voted to raise tax bills as much as the law allows, as you can see in the article linked to below.  Hill switched her vote to help  break a tie vote on a motion to keep taxes constant.

Will its editorial board say, “We can only recommend three”?

And that brings me to my second reading of the tea leaves.

By not endorsing strong incumbents in District 2 (Koehler) and District 3 (Provenzano) and, maybe only three Republicans in District 5, could the folks at the NWH be setting the stage for endorsing at least one Democrat in Districts 2, 3 and 5?

There are, of course, already Democrats in District 3 and 5,

• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Paul Yensen

Yensen was on the side of the taxpayers on the levy vote.   Schmidt wasn’t.

In District 2, there are two Democrats running.  The first is Jim Kennedy, who was defeated by John Jung in District 5 two years after Yensen defeated Jung.

The second is Ridgefield businessman (The Framery) and almost lifetime resident Jim Roden, who seems poised to run as the “anti-Koehler.”

I’m leaving out District 4, the one that has northern McHenry Township, plus Richmond and Burton Townships in the northeast corner of McHenry County.

A hard-charging Democrat has filed, Mary Margaret Maule.

There are GOP six candidates running there.  None were involved in the secret meeting.

The only one who voted for the tax hike who is running for re-election is Sue Draftcorn.

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See “Who Voted to Raise Your County Taxes?“

Driving to the Marengo Business Expo on Saturday my political eyes could hardly avoid the two large political signs on the stretch of Route 47 where it shares space with Route 176.

First was one for District 5 incumbent Tina Hill.

Next was one for District 5 incumbent John Jung.

That night, I attended the McHenry County Young Republicans candidates’ forum for District 52′s three aspirants for office.

And, there I saw something out-of-context.

Although it was to be a debate among Kent Gaffney, Danielle Rowe and David McSweeney, there was this face I recognized as I walked into the MCC auditorium, I couldn’t place him.

Then, he helped me out by handing me the palm card you see below:

It’s clean, crisp and with a four-letter last name easy to comprehend. I note that one both sides of the card, Rein gives his web site address: www.VOTE FOR REIN.com.

Good marketing.

Something that I guess I should not be surprised to see coming from a chiropractor.

There are five people running for four slots on the Republican ballot:

• Tina Hill
• John Jung
• Michael Rein]
• Michael Skala
• Virginia Peschke

The incumbents are Hill, Jung and Peschke.

The four winners to challenge Paula Yensen in her first bid for re-election. Yensen beat Jung in the general election four years ago.

Saturday night’s crowd of candidates also gave opening statements.

And, as on Friday, some targeted like a laser beam on the tax hike issue. (See also Part 1 and Part 2.)

But before beginning, let me remind you of those incumbents who voted to increase the tax levy so much that the tax take from property owners will be as high as allowed by state law.

Those running for re-election are in boldface type.

• Robert Bless
• Scott Breeden
• Sue Draftcorn (a switch)
• Mary Donner
• Jim Heisler
• Tina Hill (a switch)
• John Jung
• Donna Kurtz
• Mary McCann
• Pete Merkel
• Anna May Miller (a switch)
• Marc Munaretto
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Ken Koehler

Michael Stanard, running for a spot on the GOP primary ballot drew the first slot to speak and said, “I would [have]voted against an increase in the tax levy.”

District 6 incumbent Diane Evertsen of Hartland Township said, “I voted against an increase in the tax levy. This is exactly the wrong time.”

Coral Township’s Shawn Green, also running in District 6, gave the same message: “I did not support the Board’s decision to increase the tax levy.” While he suggested the levy will have to be increased from time to time, “now is not the time to do it. With no new construction, the slightest increase will lead to an increase in taxes.”

Rachel Smith of Wonder Lake, another District 6 challenger, pointed out she knew the estimates of the average homes tax increase was $8, but

“$8 can help feed my family for a week if I go to Aldi’s.

“The government needs to live within its means.”

Marengo Alderman Corey Brackmann, also running for a District 6 Republican slot, said he didn’t think raising the levy at this time was a good idea.

He pointed out that he had “voted against the proposed increase in the City of Marengo.”

District 5 aspirant Michael Rein of Woodstock added this thought [remember all of this is in the opening statements]:

I also think the tax levy should not have [been] raises. ”

He urged voters to look at how his opponents had voted the last two years, not just this year.

“People who voted against the tax levy also voted to increase their [own] salaries,” he added.

[See

McHenry County Board Votes on Salary Hikes

Voting "No" were

• Virginia Peschke
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Ersel Schuster
• Paula Yensen]

“I was opposed to the increase in the tax levy,”  said David LaGue, the only farmer on the ballot in District 6.

“Workable alternatives [exist].”

He added that it wasn’t a good idea when when the economy was doing poorly.

Huntley School District 158 Board President Mike Skala agreed with everyone up to that point.

“I would not have supported the tax increase,” he said. “I led the effort to keep our levy flat.:

[Afterwards, I asked what that meant. Skala explained that his Board was abating taxes that were levied in order to keep the tax bill flat.

When I asked if that meant the school district could take a 4.5% increase for 2013, he admitted that was the case. (The 4.5% would consist of the 1% CPI increase allowed this year by the Property Tax Cap, plus the 3% allowed next year.)]

Michael Stanard, challenger in District 6, explained,

“I’m in favor actually of reducing the levy.

“The only way for the government to get smaller is to take the money away.

District 6 incumbent Ersel Schuster voted against hiking the tax levy as well. She said that there “should be an outside audit” to identify items that could be cut.

McHenry County Board incumbent Ersel Schuster voted against the tax hike.

She said there “should be an outside audit” to identify unneeded expenditures.

Missing from their forum were

• District 5 incumbent Tina Hill
• District 5 incumbent John Jung, Jr.
• District 5 incumbent Virginia Peschke
• District 6 aspirant Michele R. Aavang
• District 6 incumbent Mary McCann
• District 6 non-incumbent J. Vincent Ranzino

Those who voted for the levy hiking taxes on this year’s bills are in boldface type. The others who did so are mentioned in the articles.