James A. Kearns: 2024 candidate for McHenry County Board District 9

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: McHenry County Board District 9

City: Huntley

Age: 62

Occupation: Business Owner Nutri Life Pet Food

Previous offices held: Grafton Township Supervisor

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I am a lifelong resident of Huntley where for the past 38 years my wife and I raised our children and run a small business. My children and grandchildren have chosen to make McHenry County their home because it is a safe and wonderful place to live and grow. Since 2016, voting records show I have voted to lower or keep a flat county property tax levy. Also, I intend to complete the projects I have worked on as they are very important to my constituents. Specific projects are, updating the Stormwater Ordinance, building the Valley Hi Memory Care Unit (opening 2025) and the completion of Randall Rd Improvements(begin 2025). I encourage our county government to use a common sense approach so residents and businesses can prosper. Finding solutions through collaborative effort is key.

I will always back law enforcement, our Veterans and the US Armed Forces as they are the backbone of our nation and the strength in our communities. I will decisively act on their behalf. NO New Taxes!

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?

McHenry County has a lower property tax levy today than when I entered office in 2016. We now have ZERO Debt. We are one of only three counties in this state to have secured a AAA Bond Rating(Moody's). As Chairman of the Transportation Committee, for six years, we have improved and maintained the county roads and bridges while updating worn out equipment. I personally negotiated the transfer and funding of 26.9 miles of updated Non-dedicated roads to the Township Road Districts, saving the tax payers millions of dollars. I have chaired the Storm Water Commission for six years and we are presently in the process of updating the County Storm Water Ordinance. I have also served on the Public Health Committee, Senior Service Grant Committee, Planning and Environment Committee, and the Valley Hi Committee. I have continually worked with board members and personnel to advance the building of the memory care unit at Valley Hi Senior Care, to open Jan. 2025.

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.

My voting record proves I always promote sustainable property tax levy cuts / tax levy freezes, while increasing /maintaining public services and safety for our residents. We should not recklessly spend tax dollars. We must act responsibly with a common sense approach to a balanced budget. A constant threat to the county budget is the unfunded mandates the State Legislature continually passes, thus putting unforeseen expenses on the county. For example, IL state law mandates the Sheriff's department to wear body cameras. Our county tax payers must pay for the cameras and also pay for additional staff and equipment to maintain and store the data collected. Meeting the continuous unfunded mandates from Springfield threatens the balance of our operating budgets. Rising costs due to inflation, and increased wages will strain future budgets. McHenry County is debt free, and bills get paid without borrowing money. Fiscal responsibility will be necessary to deter any tax levy increase.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

In my experience, 95% or greater of all issues before the county board are appropriately addressed in a bipartisan manner. Most partisanship conflicts are on a few issues that are brought forth by members for political activism, which are state or federal in nature, and should not be before the board.

What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?

Opioid abuse is a serious problem in this county, negatively impacting our citizens and making less safe our schools and communities. Many families face the dyer consequences, or even tragic death. McHenry County Board has contributed to the Mental Health board and the Sheriff's department in an effort to increase police protection, mental heath services, counseling, and drug addiction programs. As of 2017, the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office began prosecuting drug dealers for drug induced homicide, deterring dealers from entering our county and fewer opioid related deaths are now reported than in previous years. As a County Board member, I will continue to support /fund these organizations to fight the opioid epidemic. Additionally, we must expect the federal government to actively decrease the flow of fentanyl (all drugs) coming across our borders. They have failed miserably.

What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?

Affordable housing should be built within the municipalities because McHenry County lacks the infrastructure in rural areas to provide the required water and sewer. Families living within the municipalities will also benefit by close proximity to resources/ services provided for their stability and needs. Recently, the County Board approved ARPA grant funds be allocated to assist developers to partially fund Affordable Housing projects. The County Board could possibly act as the facilitator between municipalities, developers, and investment groups to secure the grants needed for affordable housing projects, thus unburdening the county tax payers of any fiscal responsibility.