McHenry County Blog

Barb Wheeler’s legislative questionnaire.

First term State Rep. Barbara Wheeler has sent out a legislative questionnaire.

It arrived in the mail Friday.

The front of Barb Wheeler’s questionnaire mailing.

If you want to save postage, the Crystal lake legislator advises that it can be found on her web site, too.

Click here.

The questions lack specificity, except for two:

• Do you support a $30 boating fee to help pay for public safety patrol on the Chain O’ Lakes and Fox River?
• Do you support a sales tax increase on satellite television to be allocated towards education?

Since our boat is on Crystal Lake, I guess I am indifferent to a fee that sounds like a user fee for Fox River boaters. I presume the money would go to the McHenry and Lake County Sheriff’s Departments. That’s probably better than using general tax money.

As the toe satellite TV tax, this is a Comcast initiative to make satellite TV cost more. Comcast has to pay fees to municipalities for stringing wire. Satellite TV providers do not. Imposing a sales tax is Comcast’s attempt to make its competitor’s price higher.

No specific questions about the hot button issues of the day, e.g., gay marriage, pension reform, medical marijuana.

There is a “what issue do you care about most question.”

Results from a previous survey show a bare majority favor a moratorium on fracking and oppose an assault rifle ban, 61% support concealed carry and 67% support the extension of Route 53 and oppose shifting teacher pension costs to the property tax.

Listed are

• Taxes
• Educatino
• Pensions
• Social issues
• Government transparency
• Government corruption

Strangely, there is no differentiation between state taxes and local property taxes.

Wheeler asks what approach should be taken to job creation.  She wants respondents to choose between

• Reducing employer taxes
• Reducing business regulation
• Enacting tough workers compensation reform
• Implementing industry-specific tax credits

She has a space for “other.”

Wheeler wants to know the best was to communicate with her constituency, offering a chance to provide one’s email and phone number.

And, she asks if people have any other ideas or comments to share.

A press release from State Rep. Barb Wheeler:

Rep. Wheeler asks for public input

Barb Wheeler

Fox Lake, IL… With the 98th General Assembly scheduled to come back to Springfield in just one week, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) is asking her constituents to let her know their opinions on issues expected to come up in the next year. Wheeler has written a survey using a free electronic service and is asking her constituents to follow the link and let her know how they feel.

“My office has been open for about two weeks now and I already have received people reaching out to me on issues that are important to them,” said Wheeler.

“My email inbox is full with people concerned about hydraulic fracturing and Medicaid funding. I am asking my constituents to let me know how they feel on these and many other issues.”

Residents of the 64th Legislative District can go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LJLZNLY to fill out the survey. Rep. Wheeler’s survey focuses on major issues expected to come up in the 98th General Assembly and issues that directly affect the people of Lake and McHenry Counties. The 64th Legislative District is composed of Eastern McHenry and Western Lake Counties, including municipalities such as Crystal Lake, McHenry, Spring Grove, Fox Lake, Antioch, and Lake Villa.

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The questions in Wheeler’s poll follow:

Do you support allowing law abiding citizens the right to conceal and carry fire arms should they go through proper training?   Yes

No

Undecided

 

Do you support a ban on all assault weapons in the State of Illinois?   Yes

No

Undecided

 

Do you support a state moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for the extraction of natural gas?   Yes

No

Undecided

 

Do you support the extension of Route 53 into Northern Lake County?   Yes

No

Undecided

 

The Supreme Court ruled that under the Federal Affordable Care Act, states have the choice of expanding their Medicaid coverage at the expense of the Federal Government. Do you support the State of Illinois expanding its Medicaid coverage to be paid for with federal dollars?   Yes

No

Undecided

 

Do you support a public employee pension reform plan that would shift costs from State government to local government?   Yes

No

Undecided

 

Do you support a public employee pension reform plan that would require current employees to choose their benefits, either a 3% yearly Cost of Living Increase or healthcare coverage rather than the current plan giving them both?   Yes

No

Undecided

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Some of the above questions have more to them than the question suggests.

Expanding Medicaid, for example, could leave state taxpayers holding the bag when the Federal financing is substantially reduced.

The shifting of pension burden to local government has been suggested for teachers, not state employees.

The cost of living increase versus health care is aimed at state employees and university employees, as I understand it.

There is room for comments, however.

Michael Stanard

Michael Standard is another candidate running for the McHenry County Board in District 6. Below are his answers to the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water 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? 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

The Greenwood Township Hall is now the Greenwood Village Hall. It was remodeled with the help of volunteers while Michael Stanard was Village President.

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

Michael Stanard greeted voters at the Marengo Expo.

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

Michael Stanard is greeted by a supporter at Marengo's Settlers Days Parade.

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)

Michael Stanard not only designed the banners in Greenwood, but he was its managing partner of Galt Airport from 1999-2006.

I will champion the common sense causes of soil conservation, protection of ground water, preservation of farm lands as well as related environmental issues, including hydraulic fracking if that technology threatens McHenry County, I will cooperate with and / or engage every local, state and or federal agency that is in a position to influence the questionable proposals or actions of private enterprise or governmental bodies.

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 resist efforts that threaten these important matters and champion the cause for their protection through my understanding of the issue, language skills and ultimately the power of my vote.

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 MCEDC, as well intended as its board members and staff may be, has produced few, if any, specific measurable results. Therefore, the expenditure of $635,985, as well as the substantial amount of time invested, seems not to be a sensible use of taxpayers dollars or a worthwhile endeavor.

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.

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)

Ronald Regan said, “Government is not the solution to our problems, government is the problem.” Of course, the County Board should listen to, respect and serve the citizens. Isn’t that the point of representative government?

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)

"Life in the Slow Lane" is the theme of this banner with a Holstein cow.This "Life in the Slow Lane" banner features an ear of corn.

Background:My community involvement includes being

• elected president of the Village of Greenwood, serving as
• president of the Friends of the Opera House and as
• a member of Chester Gould / Dick Tracy Museum board. In addition, I’ve served as
• a member of the advisory board for Northern Illinois University’s College of Visual & Performing Arts. Served as
• an adjunct professor, School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Currently
• adjunct faculty member, Elgin Community College.

Accomplishments while serving as president of the Village of Greenwood include

• the cost-effective restoration of the Village Hall with the support of volunteer trustees.
• With the considerable support of trustee John Ferris, won $250,000 in grants allowing the badly needed repair of Wondermere Road.
• Created ” Life in the Slow Lane” village banners.
• Designed and launched the Village web site: www.villageofgreenwood.org.
• Maintained and plowed village roads with an annual budget of under $40,000.
• With the support of Joeleen Stanard, who served the Village as volunteer Treasurer, established a context of alignment and cooperation where animosity and friction had existed for years.

Self-made entrepreneur. Established marketing, advertising & design firm One Zero Charlie, in July of 1978. (In business 34 years.) The firm’s ward-winning work continues to be published in professional journals worldwide. One Zero Charlie serves local, regional, national and multinational accounts. I am an instrument rated, multi-engine pilot. We have traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America and Japan.

Goals: My goal is

• to align with like-minded County Board members on several fronts including the reduction of real estate taxes.
• I intend to create a demand for a reformed Sheriff’s Department,
• an end to the Health Department’s over-zealous nit-picking and
• to insist that the McHenry County Department of Transportation respect the wishes the citizens in matters such as those raised the by Alden and Fleming Road Alliances.

In brief, my goal is to remind those in government that their role is to serve the public, not the other way around.

Scott Summer

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

Scott Summer accompanied Green Party candidate Rich Whitney on his bike trip from train station to the windmill in Woodstock in 2010. Summer was the Green Party candidate for State Treasurer.

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

Scott Summers and Donna Kurtz took on his fellow McHenry County College Board members over the Minor League Baseball Stadium.

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.

David LeGue

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

David LeGue and his wife staff his Marengo Expo booth.

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.

David LeGue

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:

David LeGue's background includes membership on the McHenry County Conservation District Board.

Shawn Green

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

Shawn Green at the first Crystal Lake Tea Party demonstration on Route 14.

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.

Shawn Green took his toddler to Mike Tryon's Fish Boil, but he and his bride escaped for the Lincoln Day Dinner. It was it wife's birthday.

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

Pat Kennedy

Pat Kennedy, President of the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water announced her group’s 2012 questionnaire for County Board candidates this week.  ALAW’s 2010 questionnaire led to the current expanding income and asset disclosure form that elected and appointed county officials must file.

Dear County Board Candidates:

We respectfully submit the attached questions for your consideration.  Our purpose in doing so is to gain information for our membership and supporters about your position on issues that are central to our mission.

We know this is a very busy time for you and have tried to keep the survey in simple yes/no format as much as possible. We will appreciate receiving your responses by February 10, 2012. The compiled results of all respondents will be posted on our web site https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/home, and emailed to you, the local media and our supporter’s.

Please respond by email if you can.

You can download the Word version to your computer, type your answers directly on the form and attach it to an email to return to us at alaw.mail@gmail.com or kishvalleywater@yahoo.com.

If you cannot email, you can mail to ALAW, P.O. Box 1021, Woodstock, IL 60098. The last pickup for the survey at that box will be February 11, 2012.

Please keep your answers brief. In fairness to all, we will print only the number of words allotted to each question.

The document is attached in both Word and .pdf formats. If you have any questions, feel free to email or telephone at the number listed below.

Thank you for your time. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Patricia Kennedy, President, 815-943-7223

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?

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

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?

B. Water Resources

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

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?

3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater?

4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water?

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?

2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities?

3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for established service between select cities and townships?

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

5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents?

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?

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.)

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?

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries?

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.?

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

The folks telling reporters what to look for when tax districts pass their tax levies for next year know what the target is.

As readers of McHenry County Blog should know by now, any school or other tax district that increases its levy (the amount of money it would like us to pay in this coming year’s tax bill) above what was collected last year is pretty much automatically going to force you and me to pay more money in our next real estate tax bill than we paid this year.

The reason is that while real estate inflation was increasing more that the Cost of Living over the life of the Property Tax Cap (the insiders call it PTELL), the tax cap forced tax rates set by state statute below their maximums.

The tax cap allows tax districts to collect what they got the previous year, plus whatever the CPI has increased.

It’s last year’s “extension” (pretty much what was collected last year), plus the CPI. That’s the maximum that can be extracted from our checkbooks.

The increase in the CPI means the limit for next year is what was collected last year, plus 1.5%.

So asking for at least 1.5% more than last year allows tax districts to get the maximum amount possible until they bump up against the statutory tax rate maximums.

There is, however, unfortunately a parenthesis.

Tax districts are allowed to capture all of the assessment from new construction.

Most would consider that OK.

So, most tax districts decide to “balloon” levy (up 1.5% this year, plus some more) to make darn certain they get every dime from us current property owners, plus the new construction to which they are allowed to get under the Tax Cap.

What their districts do for mankind, the logic goes, is more important that your deciding how to spend that “little bit” of money.

The “however” almost always results in increasing the tax bills for current property owners.

In the NWH’s story on the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District, reporter Katie Anderson goes right to the heart of the matter:

“Representatives of the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District voted recently on a 2011 tax levy that is 0.07 percent higher than last year’s extension.

“Under the tax cap law, the district could have levied up to 1.5 percent – the rate of inflation over last year.”

Bravo!

Not to mention kudos to Mike Kunz and his fellow FPD Trustees for not taxing to the max.

Besides focusing on what really matters in taxes this time of year, the NW Herald has placed the subject first on its questionnaire to McHenry County Board candidates.

The McHenry County Board minus Chairman Ken Koehler.

Here’s the question:

“The County Board recently voted to increase its tax levy, thereby raising property taxes for county residents.

“Do/did you support that decision? Explain.”

If you would like to refresh your memory as to the Board members who voted to tax you as much as the law allows, you might want to read this article:

Who Voted to Raise Your County Taxes?

In an email, State Senator Dan Duffy is seeking constituents input by way of questionnaire below:

Dan Duffy

Despite a 67% Income Tax increase passed by the legislature in January, Illinois continues to overspend and accumulate deficits.

The Income Tax increase bill also included a huge Corporate Tax increase.

When I voted against the enormous tax increase bill, I stated that it was the “nuclear bomb of job bills.”

Illinois now has the third highest corporate tax structure in the United States.

More taxes are not the solution.

If the state does not control spending Illinois will have a deficit of more than $22 Billion when – and if – the temporary portion of the tax hike expires in five years.

That is nearly four times what the deficit was at the end of Fiscal Year 2010 – BEFORE the tax increase.

If we continue on this path, in 2016 the state will be faced with even higher tax increases and even deeper spending cuts. It’s a cycle that simply cannot be sustained.

We need to begin bipartisan discussions to tackle our spending problem.

I recently joined with other like-minded legislators to lay out some options and encourage all parties to come to the table to work on real solutions.

To help guide me in these discussions, I am asking you to “reply” back to me and answer the following 11 questions.

Please provide your home address and contact information so that I can keep you informed as we move through the coming months.

Thanks for all your help!

Dan Duffy
State Senator

Questions:

1.  Even with the 67% tax increase – the largest tax increase in Illinois history – we are faced with a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall. How would you address the deficit?

A.  Make deep cuts in state spending so the tax increase can be repealed
B.  Cut state spending enough to make sure the tax increase expires in four years as promised
C.  Leave the tax increase in place, but don’t grow government
D.  Continue to spend at current levels and raise taxes higher when necessary

2.  What do you think the state legislature’s top priority should be? (Please choose up to three.)

A.  Jobs
B.  Health Care
C.  Ethics
D.  Roads / Infrastructure
E.  Seniors
F.  Education
G.  Budget / Taxes
H.  Pension Reform

3.  Illinois has the most units of government in the nation – nearly 8500 – according to the state Comptroller’s estimate. Government consolidation would save Illinois millions of dollars annually. How do you feel about this issue?

A.  All current units of local government are needed and I would not want to consolidate any
of them.
B.  We should consolidate and eliminate as many units of local government as possible.
C.  Undecided

4.  I recently worked with other legislators and drafted a specific plan which would cut wasteful spending, balance the budget and phase out the 67% tax increase. (www.IllinoisRealityCheck.com) Do you agree with this approach?

A.  Yes
B.  No
C.  Undecided

5.  Many Illinoisans have seen a decrease in their property value and an increase in their property taxes. How do you feel about your property taxes?

A.  My property taxes are too high
B.  My property taxes are too low
C.  My property taxes are appropriate for my community

6.  Illinois has hundreds of state boards and commissions. Some boards pay members six-figure salaries and offer full pensions, even though the job may only require one board meeting per month. Many members of these boards are relatives of current state legislators. Please check all of the following boxes you support.

A.  Any qualified candidate should be considered for a state board or commission even if they
are related to a State official.
B.  State boards and commissions should be non-salaried positions.
C.  A person should be ineligible for appointment to a state board or commission if the person
is a spouse, child, or spouse of a child of a State official.

7.  Illinois is now the only state which does not allow “concealed carry” for gun owners. Illinois   legislators are considering a law which would allow “concealed carry” for registered gun owners. Do you support such a law?

A.  Yes
B.  No
C.  Undecided

8.  Do you support “term limits” for Illinois state legislators?

A.  Yes
B.  No
C.  Undecided

9.  What is your occupation?

10.  Do you have any input / feedback you would like to share with Senator Duffy?

11.  What is your home address?

Dan
State Senator

John O'Neill

Yesterday, we took a look at State Rep. Jack Franks’ answers to Project Vote Smart’s questionnaire…from 1998 before he first won office.

Franks refused to answer this year’s questionnaire and was awarded a zero percentage of political courage for not doing so.

His opponent received a “100% political courage during this test” designation for answering the questionnaire.

O’Neill’s answers follow:

Abortion and Reproductive Issues
(Back to top)

	Pro-life	a) Do you consider yourself pro-choice or pro-life?
	No	b) Should abortion be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy?
		c) Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape?
	Yes	d) Should abortion be legal when the life of the woman is endangered?
	Yes	e) Do you support requiring parental notification before an abortion is performed on a minor?
	Yes	f) Do you support requiring parental consent before an abortion is performed on a minor?
	No	g) Do you support sexual education programs that include information on abstinence, contraceptives, and HIV/STD prevention methods?
	Yes	h) Do you support abstinence-only sexual education programs?
		i) Other or expanded principles
b) I oppose abortion c) The baby Is innocent

Budget, Spending, and Tax Issues
(Back to top)

1) State Spending
Indicate what state funding levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.
	Slightly Decrease	a) Education (higher)
	Slightly Decrease	b) Education (K-12)
	Slightly Decrease	c) Environment
	Slightly Decrease	d) Health care
	Maintain Status	e) Law enforcement
	Maintain Status	f) Transportation and highway infrastructure
	Greatly Decrease	g) Welfare
	Eliminate	h) Other or expanded categories
Any Program which caters to those who have entered this country illegally
2) State Taxes
Indicate what state tax levels (#1-6) you support for the following general categories. Select one level per category; you may use a number more than once.
	Maintain Status	a) Alcohol taxes
	Maintain Status	b) Cigarette taxes
	Slightly Decrease	c) Corporate taxes
	Maintain Status	d) Gasoline taxes
	Greatly Decrease	e) Property taxes
	Slightly Decrease	f) Sales taxes
	Slightly Decrease	g) Income taxes (low-income families)
	Slightly Decrease	h) Income taxes (middle-income families)
	Slightly Decrease	i) Income taxes (high-income families)
		j) Other or expanded categories
3) Budget Stabilization
Indicate which proposals you support (if any) for balancing Illinois’ budget.
	Yes	a) Tapping into Illinois’ “rainy day” fund
	No	b) Issuing the early release of certain non-violent offenders
	Yes	c) Increasing tuition rates at public universities
	Yes	d) Instituting mandatory furloughs and layoffs for state employees
	Yes	e) Reducing benefits for Medicaid recipients
	Yes	f) Privatizing certain government services
		g) Other or expanded principles
e) Primarily illegal immigrants Perform a line-by-line audit to find and eliminate wasteful government spending.

Campaign Finance and Government Reform Issues
(Back to top)

	No	a) Do you support eliminating the position of lieutenant governor?
	Yes	b) Do you support limits on the number of terms for Illinois governors?
	Yes	c) Do you support limits on the number of terms for Illinois state legislators?
	Yes	d) Do you support limits on the number of terms for the four top legislative leadership positions?
e) Do you support limits on the following types of contributions to candidates for state government?
	No	1) Individual
	No	2) Political Action Committee
	No	3) Corporate
	No	4) Political Party
	No	5) Legislative Leader
	No	f) Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
	Yes	g) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
		h) Other or expanded principles
Limits on Campaign Contributions are similar to limits on free speech. We should steer clear of both.

Crime and Public Safety Issues
(Back to top)

	Yes	a) Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
	Yes	b) Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
	No	c) Should the possession of small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized?
	No	d) Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
	Yes	e) Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?
	No	f) Do you support requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets?
	Yes	g) Do you support the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police?
		h) Other or expanded principles
d) Some exceptions

Economic Issues
(Back to top)

	Yes	a) Do you support reducing government regulations on the private sector?
	No	b) Should video gambling be legal in Illinois?
	No	c) Do you support increased state funding for job-training programs that re-train displaced workers?
	No	d) Do you support expanding access to unemployment benefits?
	Yes	e) Do you support providing financial incentives to the private sector for the purpose of job creation?
	Yes	f) Do you support increased spending on infrastructure projects for the purpose of job creation?
	Yes	g) Do you support providing direct financial assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure?
		h) Other or expanded principles

Education Issues
(Back to top)

	No	a) Do you support national education standards?
	Yes	b) Do you support requiring public schools to administer high school exit exams?
	Yes	c) Do you support using a merit pay system for teachers?
	Yes	d) Do you support state funding for charter schools?
	Yes	e) Do you support the state government providing college students with financial aid?
	No	f) Should illegal immigrants who graduate from Illinois high schools be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities?
		g) Other or expanded principles

Environment and Energy Issues
(Back to top)

	Yes	a) Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?
	Yes	b) Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
	No	c) Do you support providing financial incentives to farms that produce biofuel crops?
	No	d) Do you support state funding for improvements to Illinois’ energy infrastructure?
	Yes	e) Do you support state funding for open space preservation?
	No	f) Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
		g) Other or expanded principles
As long as there are children who go to sleep hungry, we should not provide financial incentives for bio-fuel crops.

Gun Issues
(Back to top)

	No	a) Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
	Yes	b) Do you support requiring background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?
	Yes	c) Do you support allowing individuals to carry concealed guns?
	No	d) Do you support requiring a license for gun possession?
		e) Other or expanded principles
Criminals regulary carry concealed, loaded weapons. I simply wish to “level the playing field.”

Health Issues
(Back to top)

	No	a) Do you support a universally-accessible, publicly-administered health insurance option?
	Yes	b) Do you support expanding access to health care through commercial health insurance reform?
	Yes	c) Do you support interstate health insurance compacts?
	No	d) Should individuals be required to purchase health care insurance?
	Yes	e) Do you support monetary limits on damages that can be collected in malpractice lawsuits?
	No	f) Do you support legalizing physician-assisted suicide in Illinois?
	No	g) Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
		h) Other or expanded principles

Social Issues
(Back to top)

	Yes	a) Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?
	No	b) Should Illinois allow same-sex couples to form civil unions?
	Yes	c) Do you support state funding for stem cell research?
	No	d) Do you support state funding for embryonic stem cell research?
	No	e) Do you support the state’s use of affirmative action?
	No	f) Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Illinois’ anti-discrimination laws?
	No	g) Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Illinois’ anti-discrimination laws?
		h) Other or expanded principles

Legislative Priorities
(Back to top)

		Please explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding.
*We are in the midst of what many have called, “The worst recession since the Great Depression.” and the Chicago political machine which has gotten us into this mess has got to go. *Over the last decade, many of the employers which have left the state have relocated to more “Employer Friendly” states within the Midwest. *We need to reduce taxes on employers and employees, eliminate the restrictive regulations preventing people from opening their own businesses, and look a the Illinois budget line-by-line in order to get rid of the wasteful government spending in our state.