John Jung: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: WoodstockWebsite: www.JohnJungCountyBoard.comOffice sought: McHenry County board District 5 Age: 66Family: Wife - Josie Daughters - Anna Lisa Grandsons - John, Alex, MathewOccupation: Onion Broker Re-packagerEducation: BS - Political Science Economics from St. Mary University, San Antonio, TexasCivic involvement: - Served on the Advisory Council of Northwest Opportunity Center and Board of Directors - Member of the McHenry County Farm Bureau - Member of the McHenry County Defenders - Member of Woodstock, Crystal Lake and Huntley Chambers of Commerce - Past member of the Marian Central Father's Club - Past President of the Woodstock Lion's Club - Co-founder of Communities Against Gangs (CAG) - Volunteer for McHenry County Police Charities - Supporter of Woodstock VFW - Supporter of New Horizons Veteran Services - Board of Directors The Land - Introduced Youth Peer Jury System to the County BoardElected offices held: - McHenry County Board, Vice-Chairman (2004 â#128;#147; 2008, 2010-2012) - Liaison to McHenry County 2030 Regional Planning Commission - Past Member of McHenry County's Human Relations Committee - Past member of the Liquor and License Committee - Past member of the McHenry County Storm Water Committee - Past member of the Management Services Committee - Served on the Chairman's Advisory Forum - Current Chairman of Legislative Committee - Member of the Law and Justice Committee - Current Committeeman for Precinct Dorr 11 - Chairman Dorr Township Republican PartyQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?I'm running for office because I believe that I can continue to be the voice of my constituents, an instrument of positive change, and to ensure that the County Board stays on its path of fiscal strength and responsibility. There are two issues that I think are of particular importance. The first is the protection of our groundwater and the second is initiatives that create and foster sustainable economic growth. McHenry County must continue to communicate and foster a spirit of cooperation between itself, business, and municipalities within its borders.Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.The county has a good balance between revenues and spending as evidenced by our AAA bond rating. I will continue to monitor spending by: 1. Eliminating positions that are vacant for 90 days unless the position requires specific expertise. 2. Ensuring that the County continues to operate with a balanced budget and maintain strict financial and human resource policy controls. The chief threat to the County's financial stability is the State's dysfunctional financial policies and its disregard for addressing its fiscal shortfalls.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?In my previous tenure as a County Board member, I worked hard to solve the problems we faced by advocating a transparent budget process, strategic planning, and financial modeling. These policies resulted in the County's AAA bond rating and a six month cash reserve. As Chairman of the Human Resource Committee, with the help of staff, I initiated vacant position policies, employee rosters, and health insurance changes that resulted substantial. I will 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.How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are important.The county government has and is taken measures to increase transparency. The county is codifying its ordinances so they may be obtained electronically. The county has live internet audio of its meetings. It has an e-newletter available that county residents may access. The county is diligently improving its web presence. The County has been awarded an A+ review from the Sunshine review organization for two consecutive years.Name one concrete program you'll create or personnel move you'll make to improve efficiency in the office or make it more successful. Explain how it will be funded and how you will overcome any obstacles to initiating it.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 or commuting purpose. It should include a provision for reimbursement to the county for any and all non-government use of any vehicles or equipment. I would also encourage the County to continue to improve its services through the effective use of technology and to stay abreast of technological advances. The County must continue to monitor and assess its personnel policies, and continually analyze its costs and revenues to maintain a balanced budget.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?My top priority is protecting the County's strong fiscal position so that we are able to maintain services while continuing to minimize the County's tax burden to its citizens. Creating sustainable economic growth by encouraging job creation through a friendly and welcoming business environment. The County's groundwater study shows there will eventually be a deficit in the quantity and quality of the County's groundwater. This shortage of water will reduce not only economic growth but it will also reduce our drinking water supply. The County is currently working on a groundwater ordinance to protect our water supply.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis who inspires not only through words but through his actions.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do the right thing regardless of the consequences.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not change my life by eliminating a negative, I would wipe away too many positives.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History and political science. History teaches valuable lessons and political science provided an understanding of the process of which I am a part.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I'd give them the same advice that I was given: Do the right thing and be your best self.