Professional vs. political management

We are all aware there are several key decisions on the ballot this November. One question that very few voters have seen before is the referendum question on the creation of a county executive in McHenry County.

The referendum question for the creation of a county executive can easily be misunderstood or misrepresented as a simple “vote for a countywide chairman.” This is a referendum on a form of government — professional management vs. political management.

The county executive form of government has been available to Illinois’ 102 counties for nearly 40 years, but to date only Will County has opted to choose this form of government. I do not want to see that become a reality in McHenry County.

It has been my honor to serve on the McHenry County Board for since 2002. I am very proud of the professionalism of our county operations in areas such as finance, personnel management, purchasing and strategic planning. I do not want to see the day-to-day management of these critical areas taken from trained professionals and handed to a single elected politician. We need to keep the politicians focused on the “big picture” policy direction, and out of daily operations of the county.

For those of you frustrated with the politics of the county board of late, please know that I share many of your concerns. However, we will not reduce political problems by creating a county executive position and further politicizing the management of county staff and operations.

I encourage you to vote NO on the referendum for a county executive.

Barbara M. Wheeler

Crystal Lake

County Board District 3