Q&A with Mawhinney
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?
I am running because I am tired of people not having a choice when they go to vote. I am tired of our one party rule where there are no checks and balances. I am not a politician. I represent no special interest groups. I just want to give back to my community. My main priorities are to be fiscally responsive and accountable and to keep our tax dollars within the county. I want to make county government transparent to its residents. They deserve to know where their tax dollar is going.
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 worked as a teacher and counselor with all kinds of people for over 30 years. I have the ability to listen and discuss issues confronting this county. I bring diversity of opinion and a willingness to act decisively on the issues of the county, not just have studies done without any actions taken.
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.
Water shortages will be here by year 2030. We know this. The time for action is now. We must work with our municipalities and on a regional basis to ensure adequate water for our residents. We need to protect watershed areas and not just to continue to build without regard to one of our most precious resources. We need to provide incentives to homeowners and businesses to install rain barrels for watering purposes. We have to find creative ways to confront this problem because it is a real concern.
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?
This issue, transportation, is one of the most prominent examples of what one party rule can do. They have failed to plan. We are 20 years late in road construction. The board seems more interested in working with developers and consultants than planning the infrastructure needed when new housing goes up. We are the sixth largest county, with over 300,000 residents, and no major highway. Two thirds of our residents commute to work outside our county. The state has failed our county with money for roads and bypasses as well. We must create more jobs locally so people will not need long commuting times. It is definitely a major concern to residents.
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.
The county wants to build a $177 million (in today's dollars, mind you) campus for county offices. They have already spent close to $100,000 to a consulting firm outside the county on it and now want a second study for $25,000 to another consulting firm outside the county. Who will pay for this? They propose this while people are losing their homes and jobs. They want this "campus" while the price of rock salt to keep our roads clear has tripled and potholes go unfixed. This is wasteful. They seem unwilling to look at cheaper alternatives. Again this is an example of no checks and balances on the county board when you have one party rule.
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.