McHenry board hopefuls talk budget, gambling

Incumbent Republican Tina R. Hill of Woodstock, Republican John P. Jung Jr. of Woodstock, Democrat James P. Kennedy of Lake in the Hills and Green Party candidate Frank Wedig of Woodstock are vying to fill two seats in District 5 of the McHenry County Board in the Nov. 2 election. Kennedy did not respond to the questionnaire. Here are their thoughts on issues selected from a Daily Herald questionnaire sent to each candidate.

Q. As revenues, both from local sources and the state, are likely to keep falling in the year ahead, how should the county adjust its spending priorities related to the office you are seeking? Please be as specific as possible.

Tina R. Hill. Continue to operate with a surplus while using resources already available to us responsibly. Audit the government top to bottom to eliminate government inefficiencies.

John P. Jung Jr. In my previous tenure as a county board member, I worked hard to solve the problems we faced by advocating an open budget process, strategic planning, and financial modeling. These policies have resulted in the county’s AA+ bond rating and a five-month cash reserve. When elected, I would continue to foster these policies and work to ensure that the county continues to operate with a balanced budget and maintain strict financial and human resource policy controls. I would encourage the county to adopt an audit policy to make sure that county-owned vehicles are being used for government work and not for personal use or commuting purposes, including a provision for reimbursement to the county for all uses that are not specifically for government work. The county should implement strict benefit cost analysis for all new projects, grants, and initiatives.

Frank Wedig. I would start with a 10-percent budget cut across the board. That amount is commonly considered waste, inefficiency or corruption in Illinois. After viewing the results of the cuts, I would consider any operating efficiencies that could be generated by combining departments.

Q. Kane County, which like McHenry initially banned video gaming machines from bars and other approved establishments, now will allow the machines. Should McHenry County follow suit, or should it remain opposed? How is your position best for county voters?

Hill. I believe we should allow them. It is best for citizens of the county for economic development reasons, my first issue of importance. It was to be used to fund the state’s Capital Bill for road infrastructure which is in critical need here in the county. It would have also generated approximately $400,000 a year to McHenry County.

Jung. Because of the mismanagement and negligence of our state’s elective officials and legislators, the state is looking for local governments and their citizens to bail them out through the use of gaming machines as a source of revenue. After attending a debate on this issue, I think the McHenry County Board made the correct decision in opposing gaming machines.

Wedig. I oppose the expansion of gambling in the county. Gambling has many negative social costs that will affect all aspects of the community. We cannot gamble our way to prosperity. The negative long-term costs outweigh any short-term gains.