McHenry County Blog

Last night when I did the story about McHenry County Board’s District 6, the numbers showed that the three incumbents were winning, plus Linda Kvidera Murphy.

Take a look:

Having not a clue what happened between then and when the following results were posted, I share them with you:

So the results are

1. John Hammerand- 3052
2. Sandra Salgado – 2762
3. Sue Draffkorn – 2728
4. Robert Martens – 2428
5. Linda Murphy – 2416
6. Ed Varga – 1774

I don’t know what John Hammerand did right, but he’s running first when neither his ballot position (in the middle) nor his gender would have led one to predict it.

Of course, he is an incumbent who works his constituents even when he is not running for election.

The other two incumbents running for re-election, Sue Draffkorn and Sandra Salgado are running close enough behind with 80% of the vote counted that their re-nomination seems assured.

Filling the slot left vacant by Pete Merkel is newcomer Linda Kvidera Murphy, Brent Smith’s sister-in-law. I’m curious to know how many doors she knocked on.

I saw no campaign from the former head of Family Services, Robert Martens.  Ed Varga had an internet presence, but if he mailed, he didn’t share any with McHenry County Blog.

 

Now we have the second countywide official endorsing a person running for the McHenry County Board.

Sheriff Keith Nygren endorsed Linda Kvidera Murphy in District 4.

But he didn’t spend any money. He just lent his name.

In District 3, however, McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi sent out a mailing endorsing Mary Alger.

[A close reader of the Alger mailing notes that the piece was paid for by the Alger campaign, rather than Bianchi. I misuderstood my source and obviously did not look at the mailer closely enough.]

You can see it below:

The answers that District 4 McHenry County Board member Linda Kvidera Murphy gave to the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water Questionnaire can be seen 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?  I agree

B. Water Resources

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

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? (?) possibly

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

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?  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? (?) possibly

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

. 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 adda 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)

I have served as a liaison throughout my professional career. I have strong communication skills as well as team building experience. I help where it is needed and take on the leadership role as needed.

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 work with your organization to gain a better knowledge of what I need to do to help as well as support the needs of our county.

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 believe it is, based on the information I’ve acquired as well as speaking with MCEDC members, we need to improve communication as well as educate citizen’s in utilizing the training programs offered by MCEDC in order to fill open positions.

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)

I think that is a decision/vote that needs to be determined by the residents of the area. I support making improvements to ensure road safety.

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)

First and foremost communicate with them in order to understand what are the needs and how will it impact the area.

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)

First and foremost, I listen to people. I believe communication is key in order to complete tasks effectively as well as efficiently. I’m not afraid to ask questions. I use my common sense, to simplify agenda’s to ensure it will be easily understood by all.

My experience in Contracting, Negotiating, Establishing Budgets, Managerial and Organizational skills can be utilized to serve the county effectively. I am a life long resident of McHenry County, and I will put my best efforts forward to maintain the integrity of District 4 and the entire county. As an elected County Board Member, I will maintain an open door policy as well as continue my strong connection within the communities.

I picked up some McHenry County Board candidates’ literature at the Friday Young Republican candidates’ night at McHenry County College, but took time to look at it.

The biggest was from Linda Kvidera-Murphy, a candidate for a District 4 seat.

It’s well-done graphically, even though too large to stick into a number ten (ten) business-sized envelope that many precinct committeemen use to deliver campaign literature.

On the front is an attractive photo and the dates for early voting (Feb. 27- March 15) and her web site address.

As I compare the web site with the “palm card,” the information seems to be pretty much the same.

(I do note that the literature contains the required fund raising disclaimer, even though it does not solicit funds, while I cannot find it on the web site. Seems that the disclosure ought be be added since there is active solicitation there.)

The web site does say Kvidera-Murphy’s campaign strategy is to knock on as many doors as possible, so the extra large card will be easier to see than a more typically smaller one.

But what caught my attention was the endorsement by Sheriff Keith Nygren, Treasurer Bill LeFew and outgoing Coroner Marlene Lantz.

LeFew and Nygren, of course, were in the forefront of trying to rid the courthouse of McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi.

It’s no big secret that Kvidera-Murphy is the sister-in-law of Nunda Township GOP Chairman Brent Smith.

My memory of her maiden name is the Kvidera who ran the butcher shop  in Cary.

He was one of the most outspoken Democrats in town.

Two generations away and there’s a Republican.

Think it’s the water or just association with neighbors who mainly Republican?

After an overly long set-up yesterday, today we move into what office seekers who attended the McHenry County Young Republicans’ Candidates’ Forum said about the County Board’s having decided to maximize the amount of money it will take out of our pockets this summer.

Before beginning, let me remind you of those incumbents who voted to increase the tax levy so 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

Candidates were allowed two minutes to introduce themselves. Some used the time to emphasize the tax hike issue.

Friday night it was Joe Gottemoeller, Nick Provenzano, Mary Alger, Sandy Salgado, John Hammerand and Ed Varga, (I was taking photos, so if I missed someone, let us know in the comment section.)

The tax issue surfaced in some of the opening comments.

“I voted ‘No’ on the tax increase,” District 3 incumbent Provenzano said in his opening.

“I’m here to put the brakes on…raising taxes,” said Tea Party candidate Mary Alger, running in District 3.

“I voted ‘No’ on the tax increase,” District 4 incumbent Sandra Salgado chimed in.

And that was all before the tax hike question was asked.

Crystal Lake City Councilwoman Carolyn Schoefield praised the process set in place to immediately begin an effort to see how the budget could be cut. She explained that her city “dipped into our reserves to lower the tax levy,” but noted, “the reserves are not limitless.”

“I voted against the budget increase,” John Hammerand said.

“If there’s money to be spent, we use it.”

District 4′s Ed Varga of Richmond:

Ed Varga

“I was upset about hearing about the tax levy, the last minute nature of it.

“Just go to each department and say, ‘You’ve got 5% less to spend.’”

Having served on the McHenry County Board of Health, he pointed to an outside audit that said the local health department did more with less than any other Chicago area health department.

Joe Gottemoeller, a challenger in District 3, expanded on his opening remark by answering, “No” and pointing out that property taxes had increase from 2% of a home’s value to 4% since 1994.

“Government has to tighten its budget.”

“I’m not looking for increasing the tax levy,” explained District 2 challenger Tom Wilbeck. “That’s what got me involved on the very last day.”

He told that people asked, “Are you going to raise my taxes?” as he went door-to-door soliciting petition signatures.

Incumbent Mary Donner of District 3 said, “I guess you get to hear frankly (from one in the) peanut gallery who voted, ‘Yes.’”

The Finance Committee member explained that the Committee started working on the budget in May. She pointed to mandates, e.g., courtrooms for two new judges.

“We are the smallest unit government [at least the smallest Illinois county] that has a Triple A bond rating.”

District 3 incumbent Nick Provenzano reiterated that he had voted against the $2.7 million increase. He pointed out that the Board had taken “an addition $1.2 million out of the tax reserves.

“That was a mistake.

“We need to relieve staff of some of the high level decisions. We have to stop spending where we don’t need to.”

District 3′s Tea Party Republican, Mary Alger, said, “I would not have voted for the increase in taxes. I’ve looked at the notices that are tacked on houses.”

“I did not vote for the tax levy,” District 4′s Sandra Salgado repeated. She told of excesses in the budgets of “political figures.”

Salgado was told by a colleague, “That’s a great question, but you’re not the one to ask it.” She said the question involved “over $600,000.”

She said she “put a stop to elected officials salaries” going up.

“The office pays what it pays,” she observed. [Most county officials get about $100,000 a year.]

District 3 challenger Mary McClellan, first on her ballot, had this response:

“A resounding, ‘No.’

“Hold any County Board member responsible for the votes they made.”

District 2 incumbent Donna Kurtz said,

“I voted for the tax levy because I believe in fiscal responsibility.

“We had labor contract’s and inflation of 1.5%. and that [was] what the tax levy [increase] was [for].

“Others wanted to use money earmarked for capital to pay for the [operating] expenses. That was [irresponsible].

Linda Kvidera Murphy of District 4 put in her two cents worth: “I also don’t support the increase in taxes. I think County Board members should be held accountable [for their votes].

“I did support the tax increase,” admitted District 2 incumbent Jim Heisler.

He explained he started out in opposition to the increase, but “wages got us corralled where we couldn’t back out of it.”

Crystal Lake Park District Commissioner Mike Walkup, a challenger in District 3, expresses his opposition to the hike.

“I agree with Cal [Skinner]. Set the number you have and [make] that number the [levy].

“The economy is not going to get better quickly,” he predicted.

[See

"How to Cut a Budget, Plus How to Provide Political Camouflage for Incumbent McHenry County Board Members"]

District 3 aspirant Jim Schlader was the last Friday participant to answer the tax question.

“People I talk to out on the streets are asking whether they’re going to but food or [pay taxes].

“I would not vote for that increase.”

Missing from the event were District 2 candidate Ken Koehler, the Chairman of the McHenry County Board.  Koehler voted for the tax hike.

Among the missing from District 3 was former Board member Linda (Lyn) Orphal.

Not taking part from District 4 were incumbent Sue Draffkorn, plus challenger Robert “Bob” M. Martens, Sr.  Draffkorn voted in favor of the tax  hike.

= = = = =
What District 5 and 6 candidates said Saturday night tomorrow.

As I mentioned in my short article Saturday, the records of incumbent County Board members and the positions of challengers on holding real estate taxes constant or even lowering them could become the issue of the March 20th Republican primary election.

Since I have already done an article on the Board’s vote on the tax levy for next year, let me point you to it first:

Who Voted to Raise Your County Taxes?

If you don’t want to see the 11-11 tie vote (two absent) on the motion that lost (because it was a tie) and just want to focus on those incumbents who voted to hike your taxes, here’s the list, included those who could be considered to have voted both ways.  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

The McHenry County Young Republicans, stepped up to fill the shoes of

• Patriots United,
• the McHenry County League of Women Voters and
• the Northwest Herald,

by sponsoring forums Friday night for District 2, 3 and 4 candidates and for District 5 and 6 hopefuls on Saturday night.

The level of interest evidenced by local citizens was low, much lower than the turnout will probably be next Saturday night when

• State Rep. Kent Gaffney,
• Dave McSweeney and
• Danielle Rowe

face off at McHenry County College.

The YR’s asked the same first question Friday and Saturday.

It was about positions on raising taxes for challengers and how incumbents voted on the 1.5% tax hike all will see this spring when the tax bills come out after the primary.

The 1.5% increase, by the way, is the maximum allowed by the Property Tax Cap law (called PTELL by the technocrats) passed in 1992.

Let me add here that folks disturbed about tax districts that hike taxes ought to be focusing on school districts.  That’s where the big money is.

But there is no monetary incentive for anyone to run for school board because members don’t get paid.

There is rarely any competition and even rarer for there to be a candidates’ night.  To have a candidates’ forum sponsored by any group that would question the maximization of tax collection by school districts is unheard of locally.

Let me set the stage of the County Board tax hike question by telling what the 1.5% tax hike will be used for.

According to District 4 County Board and longest serving Finance Committee member John Hammerand of Wonder Lake, the extra money will be used to purchase software to link them State’s Attorney’s Office to the rest of the court system.

= = = = =
What the candidates said tomorrow.

There are four seats open in each McHenry County Board district.

In the McHenry-Wonder Lake-Richmond-Spring Grove-Lakemoor district, there are six candidates.

They are incumbents

• John Hammerand
• Sandra Salgado
• Sue Draffkorn

The fourth incumbent, Pete Merkel, is retiring.

Newcomers are

• Bob Martens, Sr.
• Edward Varga
• Linda Kvidera Murphy