Jeffrey Thiorsen: 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: jeffreytthorsen.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry County Board District 2 Age: 58Family: Son: Adam 13Occupation: BankingEducation: MBA NIU FinanceCivic involvement: Horizons for the BlindSalvation Army of McHenry CountyMcHenry County Police CharitiesCrystal Lake Lions ClubElected offices held: Crystal Lake City Council 1999-2015Questions Answers There were significant voting problems in the March primary. Are you confident sufficient steps have been taken to avoid a repeat in November? What role, if any, should the county board have in such matters?I worry that these problems could have a negative effect on the morale of everyone involved in the process. The County Board can/must ensure the County Clerk has the resources necessary to execute the duties of the office. The Clerk is duly elected and subject to the will of the people who will conduct the performance review.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 was appointed to fill the vacant District 2 seat of the McHenry County Board in November of 2015. Prior to that, I represented the Citizens of Crystal Lake on the City Council for nearly 17 years. I have much experience in local issues and a proven track record of representing the taxpayers first. I have an extensive understanding of how local government works from a financial perspective. I have put that knowledge to good use thus far and will continue to do so.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.All budgets must be balanced and expectations of revenues provided through the state go into the process. The sustainability of Illinois' ability to meet its obligations fall more and more into question. A contributing concern is found in the exodus of taxpaying residents and job providing businesses resulting in fewer and fewer taxpayers and an overall shift from a private industry based economy to a public sector based economy. This is unsustainable. McHenry County needs to continue to pursue proactive measures, locally and regionally, to enhance the business environment and reverse the pervasive trend.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.McHenry County is improving on transparency and public access but there will always be areas which are problematic. That duly elected county wide public office holders financial activities can sometimes be opaque from the perspective of the county's financial administration is a good indication. We have laws and technology evolving to bring us more and improved transparency in government and this is clearly the trend. It is up to the elected and administrative officials, the news media and the people to ensure the trend continues.Please list any elected office you've ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?Crystal Lake City Council 1999, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 - all races elected.2014 McHenry County Treasurer - lost2015 - Appointed to McHenry County Board to fill unexpired term in D2.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am concerned with Randall Road's proposed improvements. We are committing perhaps in excess of $100 million to this project from Rakow to County Line. Few would argue the intersection of Randall and Algonquin needs improvement but that is only a fraction of the this project's scope. I will continue to argue us back from the ledge on this.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Ronald Regan - though not currentWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Love your brotherIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?There are no do oversWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?HistoryIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Obey your mother