Jim Schlader: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: McHenryWebsite: http://www.JimIn2012.comOffice sought: McHenry County board District 3Age: 62Family: Married, five children, 7 grandchildrenOccupation: Project Manager for Beckman Coulter implementing and overseeing large projects for the hospital laboratory, incorporating state of the art blood chemistry and hematology analytical instrumentation, automation and inter-lab information computer systems.Education: Graduate of Chicago's St. Patrick College Prep, attending Wright College, serving in the United States Navy for six years, holding the rank of Petty Officer Second Class in Aviation Electronics with status of Aircrew in Avionics.Civic involvement: McHenry County Defenders, People in Need, McHenry County Business Committee, Colby Homeowners Association co-founder and President, Founder Colby Neighborhood Watch, Legion of Moose, American Legion, Township Officials of Illinois, past board of Directors for McHenry Area Youth Commission.Elected offices held: Nunda Township Trustee, Nunda Precinct 16 Committeeman.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Budget planning, spending controls, preventing unnecessary levy increases and improved finance transparency.Key Issue 2 Support of expanding business opportunity and growth by minimizing red tape and unnecessary regulations leading to increased job opportunities.Key Issue 3 Improve transportation infrastructure. Support Pace improvements/coverage and Metra Star Line Project while preserving our beautiful 'country' heritage for future generations.Questions Answers McHenry County has managed the recession without a budgetary crisis like those in other counties. How do you ensure the county continues on that path and that reserves aren't depleted? Are there specific budget areas that need more attention?By maintaining our AAA rating which will minimize costs. Encourage spending controls, maximizing efficiencies and by giving departments the expectations and ability to consolidate areas that duplicate efforts.Does the McHenry County Board have a good transportation improvement plan? Please be specific and suggest whether you think anything is missing or should be scrapped.I support McHenry County's Transportation Plan, the Algonquin By Pass, widening route 31 and Miller Road. I would encourage improving Metra's Light Rail and Pace Programs. I would support the interurban Star Line.Does the county need to address its ethics policies' Why or why not? If so, how?I would encourage the county's officials to review and update this policy annually. I support the County's Ethic Ordinance and encourage adherence to the letter and intention of the law.Assess McHenry County's efforts thus far in terms of groundwater preservation and protection. What needs to be done now and in the future?I approve of the County's Ground Water Plan. I would continue to encourage our Architectural and Construction Industry and Homeowners to be educated in the latest improvements in landscaping construction to improve recharge and runoff controls. I also support our county's efforts in implementing and improving anti-icing methods.Assess how the county health department approached the whooping cough outbreak. What should have been done differently?It appears that the outbreak was not controlled properly. Better communications, encouraging proper controls and immunizations should have been in place.