Pamela Althoff: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Board District 6
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: McHenry County Board District 6
City: McHenry
Age: 68
Occupation: Acting Executive Director of statewide trade association
Previous offices held: State Senator, McHenry County Board (current), City of McHenry Mayor, City of McHenry Clerk/Collector, Fox Waterway Director
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 continue to run for public office (1) because I truly enjoy helping people and making our McHenry County communities better and (2) as I witness the ever-growing gap in governmental continuity, historical perspective and familiarity with parliamentary procedure and governmental proceedings and structure; I wish to help educate, mentor and encourage newly engaged office holders.
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. As an incumbent I bring governmental experience and service credibility. Two important conversations I led which resulted in action items by the Board were
*the reconstitution of a Legislative Committee/Agenda to establish positive working relationships with our state elected representatives particularly as it relates to unfunded mandates and onerous legislative directives
*AND to develop and implement a reporting mechanism for all County appointed Boards to promote accountability and improve overall coordination and collaboration.
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. Expenses should never exceed income. McHenry County has an impeccable record of responsible fiscal management. The chief threats I see looming are the ever present threats from State government to impose mandates without providing the needed revenue or the ability to find/designate a revenue source beyond raising taxes. As previously stated developing a positive communicative relationship with our state legislators is key.
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: I'd rate McHenry County Above Average to Excellent when it comes to transparency and access to public records. As to improvements I am a huge believer that even the best systems, and procedures should always be evaluated as new technology, new guidelines, and new social mores require improvements and enhancements regularly.
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. Customer service is and will always remain a priority in my governmental handbook. As previously stated I believe governments must not put off service improvements because of cost. Evaluation of our software, procedure, application/permit forms, etc should be done regularly. The annual budget process should always include long term planning for improvements and upgrades so costs are not an impediment to excellence.