Mike "Shorty" Shorten: 2022 candidate for McHenry County Board District 4

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: McHenry County Board District 4

City: Crystal Lake

Age: 50

Occupation: Account manager

Previous offices held: Nunda Township Trustee

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: While under Republican leadership, the McHenry County property tax levy has remained flat for the past 10 years.

The preliminary budget that is being developed in McHenry County for the next fiscal year is challenged because of the impacts of inflation, and unfunded mandates from the Democrats in Springfield and Gov. Pritzker.

Additionally, as a result of efforts by the Democrats on the county board and in Springfield, the cancellation of the ICE detainee contract has impacted with an approximately $8 million revenue shortfall.

As the next county board member in District 4, I will work with our department heads to offset the impacts of the Democrats.

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: Given the current state of the economy, additional amenities should not be pursued. We do however need to ensure that the sheriff's office and the state's attorney's office are adequately prepared and funded to deal with the impacts of the Democrats so called "SAFE-T Act" and "Pretrial Fairness Act" which will cause a dramatic increase in crime in McHenry County.

As a result of Democrat efforts, on Jan. 1, 2023 Illinois non-detainable offenses will include aggravated battery, aggravated DUI, aggravated fleeing, arson, burglary, drug-induced homicide, intimidation, kidnapping, robbery, 2nd degree murder, and threatening a public official.

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: Absolutely. We should find areas that we can agree to improve for the citizens 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 has a 708 Mental Health Board that was passed by referendum in 1967. I believe that, as an oversight, the county board needs to ensure that the funds spent by the Mental Health Board are being spent responsibly and impactfully.

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

A: In my opinion the biggest challenge coming to McHenry County is the extreme stance that the Democrats have taken on law and order in the state.

With the full implementation the Democrats so-called "SAFE-T Act" and "Pretrial Fairness Act" after Jan. 1, 2023, there will be a dramatic increase in crime in McHenry County.

At a county level, we will need to ensure that the sheriff's office and county state's attorney are fully prepared to deal with the impacts.

As a county board, we will need to make every effort to hold the line on crime and ensure that McHenry County remains one of the best counties in Northern Illinois to raise a family.