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Dominic Petrucci: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Board District 4

Bio

Party: Democratic

Office sought: McHenry County Board District 4

City: Crystal Lake

Age: 36

Occupation: Special education instructor, McHenry Community High School District 156

Previous offices held: This is my first time running for local office.

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: County board members should rely on the health insurance benefits offered to them through their full-time jobs.

The McHenry County taxpayer should not have to pay for a county board members health coverage. McHenry County should strive to continue to draw outside businesses to our area as a hot spot to have financial success while being part of a great community.

We need to strengthen the local economy by creating jobs. McHenry County needs to be a place where you can make a comfortable living. We should work with local businesses and McHenry County College to provide on the job training, and affordable certification courses that provide strong foundational steps into a successful career.

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: I believe that we are lacking in providing the necessary resources to help the homeless and those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction in our county.

We must also help our veterans who are struggling in our county. We must work together with the McHenry County Mental Health Board to provide the proper inpatient, outpatient resources that help those in need in our county. Helping those in need will only make our community stronger.

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: Yes, there needs to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board. I would be bring strong leadership skills, communication skills, along with a strong work ethic to make things happen for the greater good of McHenry County. If we cannot work together, then we are failing the hardworking taxpayers of McHenry County.

Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?

A: As a high school special education teacher I know first hand how the COVID pandemic affected mental health services. The county should ensure that distribution of funds are reaching the students who most need the support.

The county board must also ensure that funds are being used to offer the appropriate resources for mental health services.

Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?

A: Property taxes in my district are the biggest issue. I feel we need to put strong pressure on Springfield to make serious changes. We are doing what we can as taxpayers but this is unacceptable. Property taxes must be lowered. We should restructure state aid to schools. However this is not a simple fix.

We have three main types of property tax limits: rate, levy, and assessment. This is an issue that must be addressed and be a main agenda for the county board.

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