Pamela Althoff: 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: McHenryWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry County board District 4 Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Current state senator district 32Education: Masters Degree from Northeastern Illinois University BSEd Illinois State UniversityCivic involvement: JourneyCare Board of Directors/current United Way Board of Directors/current FORMER: McHenry Chamber of Commerce Board Pioneer Human Services Foundation McHenry Community College FoundationElected offices held: McHenry City Clerk McHenry Mayor State Senator 32 District Fox Waterway Agency BoardQuestions 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?I would continue to set the example for all local units of government in McHenry County by efficient reductions in expenditures where able as well as maintaining a reduced or flat annual levy. We should also continue to collaborate with our state elected officials to find an equitable solution to property tax reductions particularly with regard to education funding which comprises the bulk of our property tax bills.How do you think the Valley Hi Nursing Home should be operated, and what should be done about it's multimillion-dollar surplus?I believe Valley Hi should remain under County ownership unless the taxpayers determine differently. I also believe an experienced vetted third party administrator/operator should be hired to run the daily operations as directed by county board policy. I understand the Valley Hi surplus is equivalent to four years of normal operating expenses for the facility which is way beyond the standard accounting recommendation for surplus funds. The appropriate surplus should be returned to the taxpayer.What is your position on government consolidation? Are there areas of government in McHenry County that strike you as prime candidates for such consideration?I'm supportive of government consolidation having introduced several consolidation bills myself over the last four years in the General Assembly. I think all applicable units should be evaluated for consolidation efficiencies sanitary districts, drainage districts, etc. I do support conducting a financial analysis to determine the value of any consolidation proposal and where specifically the cost savings would be realized. I believe the taxpayer is entitled to full information and transparency when promised "savings".How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? Please explain.I believe the County has tried very conscientiously to be transparent and provide information to the public. I think the addition of a Committee of the Whole meeting where all issues that are subsequently to come before the Board for formal consideration and a vote is an excellent opportunity for the community to ask questions and voice opinions on these very issues. I'd give them an A-. The minus is because there is always room for improvement and periodic reevaluation.Should small amounts of recreational marijuana be legalized and taxed? Please elaborate on your position.I believe the taxpayers should weigh in on this very important issue via referendum. If marijuana is to be legalized and taxed (if legalized it definitely should be taxed!) we should ensure law enforcement engagement in the development of the legislation to avoid pitfalls in enforcement, penalties and transport.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Economic development and all that is associated with it. Business retention, business attraction,transportation improvements and enhancements, skilled labor training, entrepreneurial encouragement and support. In addition the protection of the Fox River and the Chain o Lakes will be a personal priority.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.General Motors CEO Mary BarraWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be kind Be polite Be courteousIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have spent more time with family realizing how fragile and short life can be.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It provided me with examples of political successes and failures along with political heroes whose wisdom and courage I try to emulate.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be kind, be polite, be courteous ..listen and always speak your mind.