Q&A with Donner

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?

McHenry County is on the cusp between urbanization and rural/farm preservation. My background in zoning and land use gives me a deeper perspective of how all the different aspects of those areas can mesh. The successful completion of the 2030 plan and fine tuning of the Conservation Design Ordinance, with their groundwater components will be the main priority for the next term. With so many things converging at one time, given the opportunity, I am excited to continue the good work that has been started.

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.

I have attended a tri-state conference on sustainability for our country as well as a regional seminar on local issues for the greater metropolitan area. There are so many things that can and are being done to be environmentally responsible on a personal level. These same ideas can be transferred to governmental and educational facilities that in the long run will save money for the taxpayers. I have proposed and am taking the lead in preparing a Dark Sky initiative that addresses the overlighting that occurs in many of our common areas.

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.

There are already three townships that have critical recharge issues. The county is aware that unless strides are made across the county, this crisis will only deepen. It is imperative that we understand that the townships to the west offer our best hope of curtailing this trend, and that we need to, in as many ways as possible protect the recharge areas. We have received funding to help with a project that will allow us to better define the areas that need protection. One of the concepts behind the Conservation Design Ordinance was to help limit developer intrusion into those areas. We are making strides to improve the situation, but it is going to take time to make significant inroads. That is why we are pursuing this now as a priority for the county.

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?

We continue to work with our legislators in Springfield to loosen up the money that has been designated for our major improvement areas including the Routes 62/31 intersection and the interchange at Route 47. Unfortunately, the monies are being held hostage by the governor and only a few projects are being included in the budget for infrastructure improvements. The county has taken the initiative that frees up $50 million in bonds to fund our local projects while we wait for other funding from other sources. Included in the many projects that have already taken place this year are widening of Algonquin Road from Lakewood to Route 47, begin engineering studies for the Crystal Lake Avenue/Pingree Road intersection improvements and the retiming of the signal system along Rakow/Randall Road area.

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.

We have an affordable housing crisis looming for many of our citizens and we have just completed a fairly detailed study concerning that issue. I am the liaison to the McHenry County Housing Authority and I see first hand the need we have for housing our citizens. The good work that they do to help people who have been faced with disasters, like the apartment fire in Woodstock last year, is huge. Additionally, there are programs out there for first time home buyers and others to educate them in responsible home ownership. The participants in Imagine McHenry County are also attempting to address that issue in their meetings.

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.

None.