Orville Brettman: 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: HuntleyWebsite: OrvilleBrettman.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Orville BrettmanOffice sought: McHenry County board District 6 Age: 70Family: Married with four children and thirteen grandchildrenOccupation: RetiredEducation: Attended Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Past president of the Astronomical League. NRA- Life MemberElected offices held: Former Village President - Village of Carpentersville Illinois.Questions Answers The county board chairman often references high property taxes as the greatest issue facing McHenry County. What steps would you take to address this problem?President Ronald Reagan once famously said "No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!" He also said "The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much." Therefore, there is one clear and simple answer. Reduce spending.How do you think the Valley Hi Nursing Home should be operated, and what should be done about it's multimillion-dollar surplus?It is, and should continue to be well operated by its current staff. As to the surplus it should be used only for the upkeep and operation of the home, while taxes are abated and no further excess accumulation occurs.What is your position on government consolidation? Are there areas of government in McHenry County that strike you as prime candidates for such consideration?The concept of consolidation while based on sound economic theory could if improperly applied lead to a one size fits all approach to local government. This is something I would oppose, as I believe what may work best in the southeastern part of the County may not be best in its western end. As to areas where consolidation may be possible the issue of the Conservation District having a separate police force, strikes me as unnecessary redundancy. I would like to see some study given to the possibility of consolidating their function into the Sheriff's department.How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? Please explain.I think there have been significant strides in the last 5 - 7 years. The first audio and now video broadcast of Board meetings is a prime example.Should small amounts of recreational marijuana be legalized and taxed? Please elaborate on your position.Marijuana remains a schedule 1 drug according to Federal law. Schedule 1 drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are: heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone, and peyote. Until such time as federal law is changed, I see no role for the County Board other than to support our Sheriff in enforcing the law as it currently stands.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe that in far too many cases the role of our County Administrator relative to our Board is one of the tail wagging the dog. I oppose the blatant disregard for rules and procedures which the staff has been allowed to get away with, and I oppose their facilitating patronage hiring which is both unethical and contravenes Board policy and procedures.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.James Norman MattisWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always tell the truth.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Take more time for love.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Astronomy. It taught me to think precisely, and allowed me to publish repeatedly in refereed international scientific journals.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Save money, you never know what tomorrow brings.