Joseph Gottemoller

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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: gottjoe.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry County Board Chairman Age: 58Family: Married to Chris Gottemoller for 30 years. Together, we raised three grown sons.Occupation: County board chairman since 2014; Attorney since 1982Education: Undergraduate degree University of Illinois BA 1979; Law school Juris Doctorate degree American University Washington DC 1982Civic involvement: Crystal Lake Jaycees: 1985 to mid-90s, Treasurer 1985-1986; Chair/Co-Chair of St Thomas Annual Festival: 1995-2000; Member Home Builders Association of McHenry County: 1990s; Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 127: 1998-2003St Thomas Retreat Team 1995- 2000; Member, Midwest Bank of McHenry County Board of Directors: 2000-2002Elected offices held: County Board Chairman 2014 to presentChairman; Planning and Development Board 2012 -2014; Drafted Unified Development Ordinance (Consolidating Zoning, Subdivision, Sign and other Ordinances into One Document); Member, McHenry County Board: December 2012 to present; Member, McHenry County Planning and ZoningAd Hoc Committee (As a committee we received the Environmental Defenders 2007 Theta Award for the adhoc committee work); Drafted the McHenry County Conservation Design ordinance: 2007-2009; Trustee, McHenry County Conservation District: 2002-2007, President: 2006-2007; Member, McHenry County Zoning ordinance review committee: Mid 1990s; Member, McHenry County Gravel Task Force: 1991-1992Questions 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?In 2014, my peers on the McHenry County Board elected me to serve as Chairman. As Chairman and as a board member, my priorities have always been protecting taxpayers and bringing more jobs to the area through business growth. During my leadership, the board lowered the county property tax levy for 2016 by $3 million and has continued to reduce the size of county government by reducing the number of employees. The board is now focusing on the need to improve our transportation opportunities in order to encourage business growth. I would like the opportunity to continue working on these initiatives so we can deliver smaller tax bills, smaller government, and increased job opportunities to the people who live, work and pay taxes in McHenry County.There are two issues that go hand in hand that are incredibly important; reducing taxes and reviving the local economy. To hold the line on taxes we have to both reduce the size of government and grow the size of the economy. During the past few years, the County has been able to decrease taxes by 10 million dollars by reducing the number of county employees by one hundred seventy. However, no matter how frugal we are, cutting alone will not solve the tax problem. Even if we reduced the County portion of the tax bill to zero, a typical property tax bill would only go down 7 percent. While our financial prudence is beneficial to taxpayers, we must also address the fact that 80% of the county's property tax base comes from single- family homeowners. We must increase our tax base by increasing business and commercial development to relieve the burden on homeowners. This is not an impossible task. McHenry County has many attractions for businesses that are looking to grow. We have a motivated and educated workforce. We have two international airports within 30 miles and a train system that includes mass transit. We have to continue to upgrade our roads so products can get to market. Some of the key projects that would benefit our motorists include expanding to four lanes both Route 31 south of Route 120 and Route 47 from Huntley through Woodstock. Through thoughtful improvements to these systems of road, rail and air travel, and by growing our workforce, we will be able to attract and develop the business base necessary to reduce our property tax burden.What is the role of the county board chairman and how does that match your skillset?Through the election this year, the role of Chairman of the McHenry County Board is changing. The new position is being chosen in this county-wide election. While the Chairperson will still serve as the primary spokesperson for the County, the position must respond to the citizens of McHenry County not simply the County Board. As Chairman today, my record proves that the work of the board can be accomplished while providing for the full participation of both the public and the board members in the process. My reputation is one of being fair to both sides of an issue, even when I might hold the different opinion of those who are speaking. I am also known for being prepared at our board meetings. I do my homework and I expect all board members to do the same.Detail three specific initiatives you would like to accomplish if you are elected.1) Work to grow new business opportunities for the citizens of McHenry County by encouraging expansion of existing businesses and inviting new business to settle here.2) Continue working with the McHenry County Council of Governments on construction improvements for both Routes 31 and 47.3) Work with Marengo and the tollway authority to bring the first interstate interchange within McHenry County. (Today McHenry County holds the unpleasant title of being the largest populated county in the United States that does not have direct access to an interstate transportation system).Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today. Then, describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.There is a tension between the County Board's role as a policy setter to maintain the lowest tax rate and as a trustee of the public trust to maintain vital services to the citizens of McHenry County. During the last few years, the County Board has done a good job holding the line against increased spending. We have balanced the budget by shrinking the size of the county government workforce by about 12%, which translates to 170 employee positions over the last three years. While this is a great accomplishment, the County must still be able to provide an acceptable level of services to its citizens. McHenry County will not always be able to balance budgets through reduced headcounts. The day is coming when we, as elected county officials, will have to find new ways to control spending while still maintaining vital services. We simply cannot stop snowplowing and maintaining roads, funding law enforcement through the sheriff's office, holding fair elections with the county clerk's office etc.. As a County Board, our challenge is to strike a balance that allows us to provide the best services at the least cost to the taxpayer. This is the only way we can be assured McHenry County will continue to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis for reorienting the Catholic Church in a very brief period.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You can achieve anything but you have to be willing to work for success.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?More business courses in college.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It helped me understand that the basic needs and aspirations of humanity have been the same for thousands of years.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never stop learning.