Q&A with Jung
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 leader, it's my responsibility to make this county the best it can be for everyone who lives here. I am running for re-election to the county board to further the advancements the county has made in ensuring that the residents of McHenry County can continue to enjoy a high quality of life. I have worked hard to represent our residents and would like the opportunity to continue to represent them. One issue that motivates me is the successful completion of the county's 2030 Plan, which is McHenry County's blueprint for the future. As the county's liaison to this plan, I am responsible for ensuring that it becomes a solid guideline for how and where growth will be directed as well as for its timely completion. Without the completion of a strong 2030 Plan, many of the county's current projects, such as groundwater protection, the Land First Initiative and farmland preservation will be made more difficult to complete and implement. Two of my main priorities in office will be to continue to build upon the improvements the county has made to our transportation infrastructure and the implementation of policies that guarantee the quality of our groundwater.
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 first chairman of the human resource committee, I often had to make difficult or unpopular decisions that resulted in the institution of policies strengthening the county's fiscal position and improving employee productivity. I led the creation and development of the first complete listing of county job positions. This directory - used by the county board in strategic planning - serves as a financial tool to link growth of the workforce to growth of the county and to control personnel costs (which comprise more than 60 percent of the county's operating budget). I led the restructuring of the HR department, which resulted in a decrease in the HR budget in financial years 2003 and 2004. We have implemented audit and personnel policies that have saved taxpayers thousands of dollars, including $450,000 in insurance costs in 2008. I introduced the Youth Peer Jury system to the county, an effective plan for dealing with juvenile offenders and that frees up court time for more serious crimes. With my support and leadership, the board has achieved an AA+ bond rating, established a five-month cash reserve and secured 1.8 million in federal funds to help with transportation, groundwater protection, public safety and job training.
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.
In 2007, the county hired a water resources manager and established a groundwater task force to lead appropriate groundwater studies and develop a groundwater preservation plan. The final plan produced by the task force will contain model ordinances that the county hopes will be adopted by the municipalities and townships. The county, with the help of a $590,000 federal grant will invest almost $900,000 to install a series of monitoring wells in every township. A 3-D geological mapping of western McHenry County (along with current 3-D mapping of eastern McHenry County by the state geological survey and a regional water supply planning group) will increase our knowledge about recharge and sustainable aquifer yields. The county should not only continue to dedicate funds to studying and implementing policies that protect our groundwater, but also continue to reach out to our residents and educate them on the importance of preserving our finite supply of groundwater.
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 has been very responsive to its residents' transportation demands, especially concerning traffic congestion and safety. We have widened Algonquin Road; extended Ackman Road; dedicated $30 million to expand Rakow Road; and installed flashing stop signs at Ackman and Lakewood roads. We have committed to upgrading selected bridges in McHenry County, established a transportation task force and dedicated $180,000 senior service grant to develop a coordinated response system for public transit. This year, county leadership changed its transportation policy from "pay as you go" to "pay as use" and passed a resolution to use its portion of the state's mass transit sales tax (approximately $9 million) to help fund necessary transportation. initiatives. The county borrowed $50 million to move ahead on road improvements and complete other projects ahead of schedule. High priority projects include the completion of Algonquin Road expansion; the widening/improvement of Rakow and Randall roads; construction of the western Algonquin bypass; and the construction of a four-way interchange at 1-90 and Route 47. As vice chairman, I will continue to personally meet with state and federal elected officials to lobby for transportation funds. The county will continue to work with local officials to help lobby for more federal/state dollars - this cooperation on a regional approach has proven successful in obtaining federal monies.
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.
If we are to continue to prosper, we must be able to attract and retain industry for McHenry County. Some studies indicate that over 50 percent of our residents leave the county to go to work. This places a high burden on our roads and affects our air quality and quality of life. It is imperative we attract high-quality, well-paying job opportunities to our county to reduce the stress on our roads, air and quality of life and to stimulate the county's economic development. To this end, we must also ensure that we have a skilled and well-prepared workforce to meet these potential opportunities. I believe the county would do well by partnering with MCC and the Shah Center to provide our residents with educational and training programs to supplement their professional skill sets. I also believe we need to work diligently to preserve our farmland and open space. We have taken a step in the right direction with our Land First Initiative, which will require developers to protect environmentally sensitive areas, resulting in the protection and conservation of our wetlands and native habitats.
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.
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