DONNA KURTZ: 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: CRYSTAL LAKEWebsite: www.donnnakurtz.comOffice sought: McHenry County board District 2 Age: 55Family: Husband Paul, Stepdaughter - Tavi JaneOccupation: Information Technology ConsultantEducation: BA - Major, History / Minor, Business MBA - Minor in Computer ScienceCivic involvement: Crystal Lake Chamber Member. McHenry County Health Department liaison. McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission. McHenry County Workforce Investment Board.Elected offices held: Former McHenry County College Trustee.Questions 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?Since 2009 when I decide to run for County Board it has been a privilege to work with many to help our county and our people. One area that I have focused on, and will continue to do so, is avoiding unnecessary capital development and expansion of government services. The recent Randall Road widening project is an example where spending $15Million to redesign a $135Million proposed project seems excessive and unnecessary. I am very reluctant to take on expensive transportation and road projects requiring bond financing that will burden future taxpayers, and are not justified to be needed.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.I have supported not taking a tax levy increase for the last two years. Taxpayers are heavily burdened and economic times have been tough. Going forward I believe we need to reduce program areas and cut back on capital spending, if levy increases are not taken. This is because inflation, rising health care costs, and public unions increase the cost of government. In addition, Illinois state finances impacts revenue streams for County government and many of our citizens. Thus, extreme conservative spending and revenue projections are critical in order to avoid an untenable financial situation in the years to come.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?Four years ago I recognized the disparity of spending done by the Mental Health Board (MHB) on its own administrative and overhead expenses, in contrast to the spending to help our Developmentally Disabled, Mentally Ill, and Substance Abuse individuals. Since 2012 as Chairman of Public Health and Human Services I led efforts to inform the public, challenge past MHB practices, and assist in selecting board members who could guide and lead to change this culture. While overhead spending had been as high as 38%, it is approximately 26% (as reported this August). Thus, millions are now being re-directed for treatment.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 press and community tell me that McHenry County government responsibly and efficiently addresses FOIAs and has received "Sunshine-type" awards for this. However, Board actions (that I fought) did not support transparency. Specifically I supported regular reporting of County Board Member travel expense reports. The majority of Board Members did not want this to be readily available to other board members or the public. Secondly, I supported releasing public audit information on spending funds from the County to other agencies or organizations. Ultimately taxpayers should know how their taxes are spent. I will continue to fight for this.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.Since 2004 the Sheriff's Jail Program generated millions of Federal funds from housing Immigration/Customs (ICE) and US Marshalls prisoners. However, until 2013 County Board Members could not obtain the costs for the Sheriff's Jail program. Now that this information is available it appears that costs were not covered by these Federal programs. Thus, McHenry County has actually been subsidizing housing Federal prisoners in the millions of dollars. In summary, these programs cost millions instead of generating positive cash-flow. Going forward we should not continue these jail programs unless revenues will truly cover costs. This will save the County millions annually.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am concerned the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) will regulate where not appropriate, and not regulate where needed. Specifically, new development must not create urban sprawl and should promote open space so rainfall can recharge groundwater levels in order to sustain critical water supplies in McHenry County. In contrast, the UDO as written today prevents RV owners from storing any RV-type vehicles on an owner's property. It makes no sense to ban people from keeping their property on their property. The UDO must strike the right balance if I am to support it.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Warren Buffet inspires me as a savvy business man who cares more about helping his country and his people than spending his millions.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I was blessed to have parents who set an example in listening for understanding, solving problems, and always being honest and sincere.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I have no regrets in life because challenges provided the best lessons. I do wish my dad had not died so young--I miss him.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Studying American history provided me with the template for governance, justice, and role models that inspire me daily.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." So select caring, intelligent, hard working people in your life.