John K. Collins: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Board District 2
Bio
Party: Democrat
City: Crystal Lake
Age: 60
Occupation: Owner, Omni Supply Corporation
Previous offices held: Current McHenry County Board member
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
A. I am running to serve the people of the county to the best of my ability. I believe it's important for citizens to be involved in their government. There are three issues that motivate me: 1. Completion of the north end of the Randall Road Project. 2. Providing health insurance to county part-time employees. 3. Ensuring the ongoing financial health of the county.
Q. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?
A. With being appointed this past March, my main focus has been learning about the process of county government, listening to my fellow board members and understanding the issues facing the county.
Q. Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.
A. Currently the county has no debt. While this can be a positive it will place more pressure on raising taxes as costs increase. This problem is/will be exasperated because of decisions made in previous years to cut taxes by $10 million. This has caused reserves to decrease and it will be necessary to begin restoring those in the near future.
Q. How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If it's adequate, explain why. If you think improvements are needed, delineate them.
A. Overall the county is doing a good job with transparency and public access. The increased use of social media and the Resume McHenry County newsletter has helped advertise county programs that are available. One area of improvement would be allowing public comment remotely for all open county meetings. This would improve public involvement in county government.
Q. What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?
A. I believe at this time the county is doing an adequate job in this area. I am not aware of any improvements at this time.