McHenry Co. Board candidates square off on economy
Come November, two dozen personalities will occupy seats on the McHenry County Board.
Those personalities must find a way to work together, to hear and bounce ideas off one another.
A round-table discussion at the Daily Herald this week gave a glimpse into how candidates from board districts 1, 2 and 6 might mesh and clash over perhaps the most pressing issue the county, like the country, faces - the dwindling economy.
Marc Munaretto, an incumbent Republican from District 1, pointed to his track record during his decade on the board as reason for re-election. Focused on improving the management of the county's finances, Munaretto said he will help guide the county as it enters a time period challenged by an economic downturn.
Munaretto is one of three candidates seeking two available board seats in District 1, which includes eastern Algonquin and parts of Cary and Fox River Grove.
Republican challenger Bob Bless, unable to attend the session after receiving injuries during a recent car accident, agreed that challenging times lay ahead. "I believe the downturn will affect the county," he told the Daily Herald this week. "We need to explore solutions and strategically plan to increase economic development and growth throughout the county.
Democratic challenger James McTague said he'd bring a fresh perspective to the board.
In District 2, which includes western Algonquin and a sliver of eastern Grafton Township, incumbent James Heisler said if re-elected he would "love to facilitate a financial help desk for county residents."
"They need a place to go, it's scary out there,' he said.
Democratic challenger Anita Harmon said she would help county residents cope with the downturn by advocating cuts in county spending, including expenses for meals and a reduction in the number of overall board members.
Fellow Democratic challenger Jill Mawhinney said she believes the proposed $177 million county campus is a wasteful choice, "while people are losing their homes and their jobs."
Republican challenger J.S. "Scott" Breeden suggested holding the line on county taxes as a money saving measure.
In District 6, which covers the western portions of the county, including parts of Huntley, Democratic challenger Daryl Frank agreed to some extent with Mawhinney's proposal to dump the county campus plan, saying he "understands the need for more space - but that doesn't have to be the most expensive space that money can buy."
District 6 challenger Robert Ludwig, a Democrat, said tough times might necessitate a look at how the County Board is constructed, providing an impetus for shaving seat numbers and expenses.
District 6 incumbent Randall Donley and fellow Republican Ersel Shuster did not attend the session.
Two candidates will be elected from each of the county board's six districts.