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Charles Wheeler: Candidate Profile

McHenry County board District 4 (Republican)

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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:BioQA Bio City: McHenryWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Citizens%20For%20Chuck%20WheelerOffice sought: McHenry County board District 4 Age: 61Family: Wife SusanOccupation: Employee Benefit AdvisorEducation: BS Econcmics, Political Science, The American University Washington, D.C.Civic involvement: Treasurer McHenry County Central Coommittee GOP, Illinois Rifle Assoc. McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce McHenry Township Republican Precict Organization,Elected offices held: County Board Dist. 4 Board Member, Chairman, Public Health Community Services, Member Finance Commmittee, Treasurer McHenry County GOP Central CommitteeQuestions Answers The county board chairman often references high property taxes as the greatest issue facing McHenry County. What steps would you take to address this problem?I will continue my fight against tax increases. I ran on lowering the actual amount of taxes that taxpayers paid in 2015 property taxes and I delivered on that promise. My discovery, in the Finance Committee, led to the move to cut the rate of taxes paid for Valley Hi Nursing Home. I found and questioned the excess of $40 M in the Valley Hi account. I was a leader in the fight to reduce road improvement expenditures for Randall Road. I also stood firm against the $4M salt dome purchase. In the future, I will continue searching for cost savings and for collaborative efforts with other governmental and private institutions that can share and reduce the taxpayers financial participation wherever feasible.How do you think the Valley Hi Nursing Home should be operated, and what should be done about it's multimillion-dollar surplus?As Chairman of Public Health and Human Services, I have our committee exploring that question. We need to find better, more cost-efficient ways to operate the facility. Although I'm personally opposed to the government infringing on private sector matters, Valley Hi was mandated by the voters of McHenry County to provide long-term care services for those who are less fortunate. While accepting that responsibility, and until told otherwise, I am committed to rendering this services to our community. While serving as a steward of the taxpayer, it is paramount that we examine ways to improve services and provide a mechanism for the less fortunate to receive care.What is your position on government consolidation? Are there areas of government in McHenry County that strike you as prime candidates for such consideration?Consolidation offers opportunities for the government to maintain services while reducing costs. Many of us, in our personal and business lives, are called upon to do more with less. Why should government operate under a different set of rules that are unprofitable and unacceptable in the private sector? As you know, the State of Illinois has more than 7,00 units of government. Consolidation has the potential to save on resources and, in the process, taxpayers' money. In this regard, we should consider the township question in segments. First off, I would examine all township government that exists within municipal boundaries. In my opinion, It is unnecessary and duplicative in nature to have two governing units capable of delivering services operating in the same physical area. I have heard that in some cases when this occurs the townships reimburse the municipality for taxes it receives from residents in those communities. This is just adding another layer of government and allowing less efficient delivery of services. It also means that the taxpayer is paying twice with only a chance they'll receive due reimbursement. The purpose of township government is to provide services where they are needed, and this was originally in rural areas. Now, as those lines have blurred over time, isn' it ' reasonable to consider adjustments in the relationships between townships and other governmental entities, particularly with a focus on fiscal efficiency?How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? Please explain.To the best of my knowledge, all FOIA requests are answered in a timely fashion by our Freedom of Information Officer. From a board perspective, we are continuously reviewing our ordinances to make sure that they are easily accessible to the public, and working to provide a means so that when the public reads our resolutions they can see where the dollars are coming from, and where they are going in each instance.Should small amounts of recreational marijuana be legalized and taxed? Please elaborate on your position.The taxing and legalization of pot is not a current issue of County Board. This is an issue which should be handled by our state legislature. This issue has far-reaching implications which need to be reviewed and studied by us all before a broad sweeping change is made to our laws. But as a citizen and taxpayer, I would be open to the state legislature exploring de-criminalizing the possession of small quantities of pot and making it a minor infraction punishable by a ticket or fine. Laws like these shouldn't be based on city or county boundaries.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Board members are supposed to serve as the watchdogs of administration and overall county activities. As your Dist. 4 representative, I keep this in the forefront of my mind in regard to all issues. I am never a rubber stamp of the administration, the board chairman or department heads. I question every issue as this is our role. All too often, I see board members taking the easy way out and simply going along with the status quo. I always come prepared to meetings regardless of circumstances and do so with an open mind, willing to listen, willing to learn and willing to work, with all points of view and perspectives.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?If moma's ain't happy nobodys happy, if grandma's not happy ...Run!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spending more time with my mom and dad. These is never enough time once their time has expired.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I studied political science and economics at American University these courses collectively help me in my decision making process in government and life in general.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others like the way you want to be treated.