Q&A with Peschke

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 for re-election to continue the work begun on the committees to which I am assigned. The health and human services committee is involved with improving services, particularly for women and children and to prepare for disaster emergencies. The transportation committee is making every effort to coordinate transit services for those unable to access services by automobile. The planning and development committee is working on improving the zoning ordinance through a conservation design amendment and preserving agriculture, protecting groundwater and controlling stormwater. I am involved in all these important initiatives and would like to see them through to completion.

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 chairman of health and human services, i led the effort to pass a referendum for senior services to provide transportation and other services to maintain seniors in their homes. I have been a leading advocate for transit in the county and have served on the Public Transit Authority. I am currently serving on the Ag Preservation Committee working to maintain agriculture in the county while ensuring that farmers are properly compensated for their land. I am a member of the Workforce Investment Board as county representative and have advocated for funding in Washington to assist those whose employment has been reduced or eliminated in the current economy. As a member of the conservation design "Land First" committee, I am working to improve the zoning ordinance to protect sensitive lands. Intelligent planning is a platform I ran on when first elected to the board in 1990.

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.

With respect to groundwater, the emphasis must be put on protecting land that serves as recharge to provide the quantity of water we now need and will need for the future. The land use plan and zoning ordinance should be constructed so as to preserve the opportunity for recharge, the protection of recharge areas and the reduction of pollution in areas used for recharge. We are currently experiencing water shortages in the southwestern part of the county and the shortages in other townships will become critical in the next twenty years, making it essential to protect water-rich areas and those with a high potential for contamination now.

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 does not have the resources to continue building the roads required to keep traffic at acceptable levels. It is incumbent on development to provide transportation for those who will reside within the development by either building roads or providing transit opportunities. That being said, there are not the funds to maintain all the needed roads and bridges in the county as costs for building and re-paving rise. The county is an acknowledged leader in ice and snow control, not just in the U.S., but Europe as well. The techniques used by McDOT save money and use less chemicals to help protect the environment.

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.

Providing efficient and effective services to the people of the county will become an increasing challenge to the county while holding down costs. The county has succeeded in implementing a workable financial plan that calls for maintaining five months reserves and has raised the county's bond rating with Moody's to lower interest rates. Affordable housing is something that must be addressed now to enable people to live where they work. Currently over 50 percent of residents commute outside the county. We must attract jobs which suit the skills of our residents, while providing housing for those who wish to enter our workforce and live near employment. This will not only improve the quality of life by reducing commuting time, but will reduce traffic and pollution as well.

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.

I have no relatives who are employed by or have contracts with McHenry County.