Theresa Meshes: 2024 candidate for McHenry County Board District 1

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: McHenry County Board District 1

City: Fox River Grove

Age: 43

Occupation: Substitute Teacher

Previous offices held: McHenry County Board Member (2020-2024)

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 running for re-election because I believe that the work of the county board is vital for the continued growth and success of the county and it requires an individual to commit their time to understanding the work of the county, the partnerships it shares, the expertise of our staff, and the options for our county. I am currently the chair of the Valley Hi Operating Committee, the co-chair of Administrative Services Committee, and serve on the Finance Committee, but I have actively engaged in all seven committees during my service on the board. I also serve on several other committees within the county with the goal of finding collaboration and best practices for meeting the challenges we face. I am particularly interested in assuring that our residents have access to the services and utilities necessary for their health and success. My current priorities are access to mental health and addiction services, internet connectivity, transit solutions, and available workforce housing.

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?

I appreciate the continued opportunity to represent District 1. As an initial member and current chair of VHOC, Valley Hi will provide memory care services starting in 2025. I serve on several granting commissions that assure that millions of dollars in grants are responsibly used to best serve the current and future needs of our county residents through development of services related to infrastructure, education, housing, food security, health, employment, and transportation. I support the health department in assuring the health and wellbeing of our residents, visitors, and animals. I am dedicated to thoroughly analyzing the zoning board petitions to approve responsible development. Through engagement with the community and staff, I advocate for policy improving the satisfaction of our stakeholders without adding tax burden. I actively engage in discussions regarding state policies’ effects on the county. I am a vocal proponent of civil discourse.

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.

I commit to budgeting and planning so that our fiscal strength continues while retaining a flatter levy. Property taxes fund less than a third of our budget, but our residents’ tax burden is too high. The county staff responsibly seeks grants and services from the federal government, state, RTA, and other agencies to continue meet our residents’ and businesses’ needs. The chief financial threats are cyberthreats and the yearly increases in salaries and essential computer program subscriptions. We must retain our staff and pay for necessary technology. The need for cybersecurity increases as attacks are more regular and complex. Ultimately the greatest protection to the county is dedicated and expert staff that train to prevent loss for the county, work with vendors to obtain desirable contracts, and assure that our revenue streams are stable. In my recent term, I advocated for budgeting the necessary funds for our IT department and worked on policy to achieve employment stability.

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

During my first term on the county board starting in 2020, I found that the board worked together in a bipartisan manner to best serve the needs of the county and to plan for the continued success of McHenry County. During my second term on the county board, partisanship has become more prevalent on social issues as a few members on the board have publicly spoken against celebratory proclamations that acknowledge acceptance and advancements for certain communities within our county and on policy matters where the state of Illinois has authority. I engage respectfully with all my colleagues while I work to meet our mandate to represent the entirety of the county and to work for the good governance of McHenry County.

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

The county received $3.41 from the National Opioid Settlement and designated the McHenry County Mental Health Board (MHB) as the entity to manage the funds. MHB is best suited for determining how the money should be granted for substance abuse prevention and treatment. McHenry County does not currently have the full spectrum of recovery services available locally to the detriment of those in recovery and their families. I am interested in pursuing the options the county has in expanding treatment. I support measures by Illinois to decriminalize addiction as research demonstrates that time in jail has an adverse effect on recovery. I participate in the McHenry County Substance Awareness Coalition where community partners meet monthly to discuss prevention, treatment, education, and outreach. I advocate that the county continues its collaboration with community partners to combat the opioid crisis by creating policies and programs based on expert research.

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

It is clear that our increasing senior population has difficulty aging in place within McHenry County due to rising property taxes and a lack of availability of smaller residences. In addition, housing prices and availability make it difficult for young adults to reside in McHenry County. I applaud the members of the Workforce Housing Workgroup who presented their work from Year 1 on July 11th at the Committee of the Whole meeting. There is more research required to best address how policy and funding can bring affordability to McHenry County. I do advocate that the county board analyze our zoning policies and collaborate with the municipalities through McHenry County Council of Governments to create policy that supports the development of affordable housing. I asked the board to discuss whether McHenry County should create a granting opportunity similar to the Senior Services Grant Commission for Workforce Housing. I anticipate this discussion starting in 2025.