Theresa Meshes: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Board District 1
Bio
Party: Democratic
Office sought: McHenry County Board District 1
City: Fox River Grove
Age: 41
Occupation: Fox River Grove Elementary District 3 teacher
Previous offices held: Current McHenry County Board District 1 member
Q&A
Q: Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.
A: The concern of a budget shortfall between county spending and revenues derives from the rising costs of supplies, labor, and contractual services. The chief threat is the necessity to raise the pay of county staff. Many positions remain unfilled with few applicants and staff continue to quit for better pay. The county budgets conservatively so that we wisely maintain generous fund balances for unforeseen issues. The fund balances between the last two financial calendar years increased. Before the county board approves the 2023 budget and tax levy, I expect to know the current status of the fund balances and I anticipate advocating to spend down the fund balance (if necessary) in 2023 while we evaluate 1.) the true costs in the coming years, 2.) the benefit of contractual services, 3.) how MCCG can collaborate better, and 4.) eliminating unfilled positions. Current staff must be fully compensated, but unneeded unfilled positions artificially inflate the budget suggesting tax raises.
Q: Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?
A: Through our excellent partnerships with the service organizations within the county, I believe that the county has all the necessary services and amenities. However, we need better outreach to those who would benefit from these services. Our county communication staff is working to provide the necessary outreach and marketing. I am committed to supporting their endeavors. I believe that we will not see raising costs from improved communication efforts.
Q: Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
A: During my tenure on the county board since December 2020, I have found bipartisanship and cooperation among my colleagues. The board members that are committed to serving the needs of the county to the best of their ability are also committed to working together to solve the current and future problems of our county. I am pleased to say that I have a good working relationship with the majority of my colleagues and I do not hesitate to contact any individual when I feel that gaining their insight will assist me to serve McHenry County well.
Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: Mental health services are absolutely necessary for this county to prosper. They curtail criminality, help with employment and housing stability, build and sustain healthy families and communities, and are integral to personal health. The Mental Health Board funds and assists with partnerships between the various agencies that address the many challenges individuals face personally, with their families, and in the community. The county board must continue to have a liaison to MHB, we must continue to fund them as necessary, and we must communicate the work of MHB and its members organizations. I have served on the Substance Abuse Coalition and attended forums and seminars facilitated through MHB. It is important that our leaders are aware of the services, how to access them, and what challenges we are facing within the county and what hurdles we anticipate in the future.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: District 1 is concerned about accessible, efficient, and reliable transit, housing availability, and community services for our families. However, the issue deemed most important is property taxes. In order to lower property taxes, we need more collaboration between municipalities and taxing bodies to lower the cost of common services. My property bill has 16 different lines of taxing bodies. We must fund each of these, but the county can lead in lowering the overall tax bill. I advocate that we continue the past board's policy of keeping the county's tax levy as flat as possible. McHenry County's current levy is lower than it was a decade ago, but the property tax bill continued to rise. MCCG must continue to strive for partnership so that we can lower the property tax bill. The county must petition the state legislature to rewrite the tax law so that each taxing body does not feel the need to raise the tax levy each year in a mentality of "take it now or lose it forever."