Q&A with Gene Kryczka
Three candidates -- Peter Grant, Gene Kryczka and Steve Skinner -- are facing off in the Democratic primary Feb. 5 for District 1 Lake County Board. The winner will challenge Republican Linda Petersen in November to take outgoing incumbent Judy Martini's seat.
District 1 represents Antioch, portions of Fox Lake, Spring Grove, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst and Old Mill Creek.
The Daily Herald asked candidates to share their views on important issues concerning voters.
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?
KRYCZKA: I am running for county board to reform property taxes, create a sensible policy for growth, and bring accountability and real world experience to the county's fiscal procedures.
Q. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
KRYCZKA: I would be an asset to the county board because of my business and computer background. I would lead the fight for property tax reform and protecting our seniors and children.
Q. What is the most pressing issue currently facing the county board?
KRYCZRA: The most pressing issue facing the county board is water management. From using Lake Michigan as a source for water without overburdening our communities to watershed management. I feel the flood plains can best be protected if they are not developed. I would support flood plain acquisition by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
Q:Should a new Winchester House focus on a particular health-care specialty? If so, what specialty? If not, why?
KRYCZKA: The new Winchester House should remain a nursing home and specialize in senior care, in particular Alzheimer's disease. But we also need to attract enough private-pay residents to help absorb some of the cost.
Q:What should the forest preserve do with the Fort Sheridan golf course?
KRYCZKA: I support the board's current "master plan" to improve public access, restore natural resources and renovate the golf course.
Q. Should the forest preserve board accelerate the pace of opening facilities to the public? Please explain.
KRYCZKA: The forest preserve district should not accelerate the pace of opening facilities without considering the impact on the area and the extra costs involved.
Q. Should the forest preserve district build new headquarters? If so, why and where? If not, why not?
KRYCZKA: I am against building a new forest preserve headquarters because it would be cheaper to buy something already built or you can rent. Building something new and "customized to their needs" is too expensive and wasteful of the taxpayers' money.
Q. Should the forest preserve board use eminent domain to acquire the last missing link in the Des Plaines River Trail? Why or why not?
KRYCZKA: The last piece of land in the missing link in the Des Plaines River Trail is privately owned. I am very concerned about using eminent domain. I think the best way to obtain that land is to talk to the owner and try to purchase it or wait to they are ready to sell.
Q. Are there additional steps, beside those already under way, that the county board can or should take to provide traffic congestion relief?
KRYCZKA: Some additional steps that the county board can take to alleviate some traffic congestion: Coordinate with the state of Illinois to make sure any county road repair does not interfere or exacerbate a state roadwork project. Put the state and county roadwork schedule on the county Web site, newsletter and in the newspaper so people are aware where the work is done and how long it will take. Some of the roadwork can be done at night (Indiana does this) and non-holiday weekends.
Q. Is there any issue of unique or particular interest to your district?
KRYCZKA: My district is in the northwest corner of the county. Obtaining Lake Michigan water and overdevelopment are the major priorities.