Terri Greeno: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Board District 5
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: McHenry County Board District 5
City: Crystal Lake
Occupation: Business Owner
Previous offices held: Precinct Committeeman, Township Republican Central Committee Treasurer
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: McHenry County is currently debt free with a lower tax rate than a decade ago while maintaining and improving services. As with individuals, the County is impacted by inflation, supply chain shortages, and labor shortages while the State of Illinois continues to create unfunded mandates. Pursuing a remedy to stand against unfunded mandates is critical as the County faces the loss of $90M+ over the next 10 years from State mandates restricting Federal contracts with the County and consequences including the SAFE-T act. My opponent supports the SAFE-T Act and seems to have an attraction to government over reach increasing taxes for McHenry County residents and businesses. I will work towards efficiencies in systems and technology to close the gap as the County pursues relief from unfunded mandates while maintaining freedom from debt for County taxpayers.
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: County oversight of State and Federal services meets or exceeds expectations. It's important to keep in mind the role of government for the benefit of the governed. The best service to be provided is fiscal responsibility keeping all services or amenities within budget.
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: The County Board does have some partisan voices but they are in the minority. Examining each issue, impact and unintended consequences allows the best decision and governance to occur. I respect the experience and subject matter expertise of my peers and will listen and probe, and collaborate for the best outcome for the residents and 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: The County provides resources to departments, e.g. the Health Department, providing services and programs to address mental health issues. In addition to the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID shut down, there is a serious drug issue costing more in health and safety than at any time in history. McHenry County's leadership in raising awareness and addressing the crisis is critical.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: District 5 is residential, rural and recreational. Easing the way for water management (land and water bodies), transportation and infrastructure (roads that can handle increasingly heavy equipment in weight and access), while maintaining a fully funded, debt free budget is important. Filling the gap of the ICE contract with its $65M+ in funding over the next 10 years is the most important issue. My opponent worked to get the contract canceled by the State legislature and is proud of her actions that injure the County's strong financial position. She suggests the County issuing Bonds to replace the revenue with taxpayer debt. I represent lower taxes. She represents higher taxes. The voters of District 5 should address it by electing me to replace my opponent.