Issues & Priorities
County government touches our lives in ways we don't always see, from the roads we drive on and the water we depend on to public safety, development and how our tax dollars are spent.
I don't believe every issue has a simple yes-or-no answer, and I won't pretend to have all the answers. My approach is to listen, ask questions, understand the facts and consider how decisions will affect the people who live here.
These are my current positions on some of the issues facing McHenry County. As I continue listening and learning, I'll keep adding to this page.
Responsible Growth
that protects our communities and natural resources
Data Centers & AI
AI isn't going away, and I don't want McHenry County to be left behind. But embracing new technology doesn't mean giving it a blank check. Data centers need careful planning around water, energy, noise, infrastructure and nearby homes, and residents should be involved early enough to actually influence decisions.
Solar Farms & Battery Storage
I support renewable energy, but not every location is right for every project. Solar development should consider farmland, water, drainage, nearby homes and what happens to the land when a facility closes. With battery storage, safety and emergency response are especially important. The county should use the authority it has to protect residents while working within state law.
Housing & the BUILD Act
We need more housing options, and I'm willing to look at whether local rules are making housing unnecessarily difficult or expensive to build. But I don't think the answer is automatically taking those decisions away from local communities. We should remove unnecessary barriers while still giving residents a meaningful voice in how and where their communities grow.
Accountable Government
that respects taxpayers and individual rights
County Budget
I would look for efficiencies, consolidation and attrition before cutting essential services. Positions funded with temporary COVID relief dollars shouldn't automatically become permanent, but they shouldn't automatically disappear either. I want to know whether the need still exists, what value the position provides, and whether continuing it is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Home Rule
I understand the desire for more local control, especially when Springfield limits the county's ability to respond to local concerns. But home rule would also give county government significantly more power. I don't think we've had enough public discussion about what that would mean for McHenry County, what powers we actually need, and what safeguards should be in place.
Transportation & Public Safety Funding
Transportation and public safety are both essential. Before moving transportation dollars to public safety, I want to understand the need, what other funding options exist, and what transportation investments we would be giving up. I would be cautious about making transportation funds a regular way to fill gaps elsewhere in the county budget.
County Board Pay & Benefits
I'm not advocating for a County Board raise, but public service shouldn't only be practical for people who can afford to work for very little. I support allowing Board members to buy into the county health insurance plan at their own expense. Before deciding whether taxpayers should contribute toward benefits, I want to know what that benefit actually costs the county.
Healthy, Safe & Connected Communities
where people feel supported and heard
Mental & Behavioral Health
County government plays an important role in our mental and behavioral health system. I want to make sure residents can get help when they need it and that county resources are being used effectively to support prevention, treatment and crisis response. Mental health is also connected to public safety, homelessness, substance use and the overall health of our communities.