Q&A with Harmon

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?

As a public servant, I will bring resident concerns to McHenry County Board. There are many growth issues facing our county and I share the same common concerns of all working families Is our local government being a good steward of our hard earned money and will we pay more in property taxes? Local government must cut their spending in order to keep property taxes from further increasing. County board members have to tighten budgets to reflect the reality of our economy.

There are significant areas where we can make improvements and demonstrate a fiscally responsible public office. If elected, I can tackle the tough issues facing our rapidly growing county. I am not afraid to ask the board tough questions. My priority will be to reduce government's wasteful spending:

• Eliminate county and state redundancy of public services. One example: We have two offices administering veteran claims benefits. Both offices are conveniently located in Woodstock. The Veteran's Affairs Office staffed by the state of Illinois and Veteran's Administration staffed by McHenry County. Both offices are trained in VAC processing. Training requirements for VAC is expensed twice to taxpayers - once at the county level, then at the state level. We can actually enhance veteran services by reducing duplication between the two offices. This will free up revenue and staff for other areas: education, employment and/or rehabilitation services.

• Eliminate outside contracts for projects that can be completed by county employees. The Valley-Hi deficit of $2 million signifies the needs for checks and balance in local government. The county board hired an outside contractor that is in the business of making money to manage a nonprofit health care for the elderly. I would have researched hiring a qualified local county resident with a vested interest in our county and implement a checks and balance system through our county auditor and county board members. Plus ensure monthly review of all accounting reports.

• Cutback department expenditures/budgets. Budgets should reflect the reality of our county economic situation. A $60,000 personal expense account for meals is excessive for any county staff member.

• Seek energy-efficient cost-saving measures for county buildings, equipment and vehicles.

• Advocate for reducing the board. This is a conservative county and it is about time that we return to the fundamental principles of what that means today. Our residents are tightening their family budgets and local government can do the same. A single- or two-member district would be sufficient. We are required to redraw voter maps after the 2010 census, now would be a good time to have an open dialogue.

• Prioritize county projects and create realistic financial plans for roadwork improvements. Solve today's problem by having a financial strategy in place.

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.

Issues that I foresee will be a problem for McHenry County within the next four years are:

a. McHenry County Board meetings are not accessible to the public. If elected, I will advocate for public meeting to be held in the evening in order to encourage public participation. We need to have an accessible form of government and evening meetings make sense.

b. In order for county residents to be made aware of what laws can be enforced and to reduce building costs, county ordinances must be codified. (This is a form of transparent government). We have waited far too long to have our ordinances codified. Energy efficient materials can be addressed in ordinances (especially for water conservation).

The rapid growth in our county will continue to put demands on county staff which is why this task should be a priority.

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.

The demands of water are expected to reach dangerous shortage levels in 2030. We need stronger action if we are to conserve water for the future and accommodate our county's growing demands. The county will have to enforce actions by placing restrictions on newly developed homes, specific to water conservation. I believe residents should also have active roles that may be enforced by the county. Collaboration with local regional authorities is needed.

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?

Our rapidly growing county is facing major transportation issues. We are the six largest county in the state with no major highway and with over two-thirds of our residents commute outside the county for work. We need to make a command decision and address the financial aspect of the Western bypass. The highest priority is to create strategic financial plan for major highway construction. McHenry County is also in need of a more consistent form of public transportation (one that is self-financed). Test sites can be selected, then monitored for commute time, pedestrian traffic, administration costs and revenue received. We could save energy and reduce congestion if we consider implementing: 1.) Shuttle bus service connecting Marengo and Union to commuter trains. 2.) Shuttle buses service from Cary to Harvard. Buses would only require service during peak hours. The county board was advised that the board is responsible for the control/distribution of sales tax revenue received for public transportation, this money should be used for public transportation.

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.

Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for another study to construct a $1.77 million campus (public safety) building. Taxpayers recently paid for the new Administration building on Ware Road. If space is needed because of a truly defined public safety issue then we should consider alternatives and research buildings already owned by the county. As of now, this whole concept of a public safety building is too much of a burden on taxpayers. New construction would not be sensible or wise given today's economic downturn.

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.