Q&A with Bergan Schmidt
1. 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?
All around us we hear from Democrats and Republicans alike that this is a change election. In McHenry County, change is long overdue. What I said in the 2006 election is what I still say today - "A county board that has been the monopoly of one party for 150 years has not been representing me. The strength of the U.S. system of government is the operation of its system of checks and balances. Those checks become inoperable when there is one party rule." In McHenry County, this has resulted in misguided priorities, waste and failure to plan. Especially now, when the county is about to formulate and adopt a 2030 Plan for transportation and land use, a variety of opinion and willingness to critically evaluate what is presented to the county board is needed. When I bring such attributes to the county board on this and other matters, I will also be bringing the views of the eastern portion of the 3rd District. There is change we need now in McHenry County and electing myself and other Democrats will be the first step to be taken in eliminating one-party monopoly and bringing checks and balances to our county government.
2. 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.
As a county board member, I would bring new insights and experience to board deliberations. When the 2030 Plan is up for consideration, I will have the knowledge acquired from attending many meetings of the regional planning commission. This will be needed to evaluate how its final form came to be. My participation in the groundwater task force subcommittees is excellent preparation for any future concerns relating to the county's water supply. When questions of the transparency and public involvement on these matters come up, I will not have to rely on second-hand reports, I will have my own personal experience to guide me. My community involvements also provide unique background for matters before the board. Knowledge and appreciation of county history comes from the McHenry County Historical Society. All I know about water flows from my involvement in the two efforts to pass the Nunda Open Space Referendum. As a member of the Imagine McHenry County board, I have already gained invaluable insights into matters that concern our county's residents.
3. The county has taken a leadership role in studying the issue of long-term water supply maintenance and protection. What should the county's emphasis be in this area over the next few years? Explain.
Yes, the county has taken a leadership role in studying the issue of long-term water supply maintenance and protection. Again and yet again, they have studied the issue. But they have not gotten around to doing much of anything about it. This is a pattern used in many other issues also, but it is a pattern that needs to be changed. The county is very willing to use its bully pulpit and to educate and educate and educate the public about water concerns. However, when it comes to actually requiring anyone to do something - that is viewed as not possible. Dealing with future water supply will need both a carrot and a stick - this county is only showing a willingness to provide the carrot. They need to use the results of their studies to also construct a stick. The aquifers that supply the county extend beyond the box of our county borders and this is a matter that will have to have a regional answer. That answer may need the establishment of a water authority. What such an authority should include and what changes in state law are necessary to establish an effective one are questions that remain to be answered.
4. Transportation issues continue to be a major concern to residents. How would you judge the county's response to their demands so far? What would you consider to be of highest county priority in this area and how would you fund its delivery?
The county's response to transportation issues has been reactive. It needs to be proactive. Development was allowed that brought congestion to the county and then they have attempted to address the problem. And until recently, their use of a "pay-as-you-go" approach has limited what could be done. Road construction is now such an expensive proposition that it does require financial resources from federal, state, and local governments. All now have less and less money available because of the current bad economy. This makes cooperation among these entities even more important so that the limited funds that are available will be acquired and used. While there are many transportation improvements county residents need, the revenue decline suggests that the county will probably be limited to the projects already planned for the immediate future. Repair and reconstruction of bridges should continue as a priority. The Rakow Road expansion is another priority that should proceed ahead with all possible speed.
5. Not including those issues already identified above, is there another issue you believe will affect the county or your district over the next four years? If so, define it and explain how you would like to see it addressed.
One overriding issue for the county for the next 4 years and beyond is the adoption of a well-drawn 2030 Comprehensive Plan. How well-drawn the plan will be remains to be seen. The RPC is proceeding so slowly that it is questionable that they will accomplish their work within the expected time frame. And as is true of so many other studies and plans drawn up in this county, the bully pulpit and use of public education is highly favored; actually recommending that something has to be done usually hits the cutting room floor. And this is happening even before a plan is being presented to the county board. Any plan adopted by the county board then has to be implemented. As the recent history of the Conservation Design Ordinance shows, what is in an ordinance and what happens in its implementation can be two entirely different things. Any 2030 Comprehensive Plan should not be adopted and then put on the shelf by the county board, it should be remain uppermost in their minds when deciding matters before it. Moreover, there should be stronger oversight of the departments charged with its implementation, especially the department of planning and development.
6. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with McHenry County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.
No answer.