One incumbent and four other candidates in the Republican primary election are vying for two spots on the McHenry County Board in District 4, which covers McHenry Township.
Incumbent Patricia Dusthimer, 65, of Wonder Lake said the board needs to adopt a management strategy and financial plan to set goals to address county problems rather than waiting for problems to arise.
She would like to study the possibility of having the County Board chairman elected by voters rather than the board.
“That would eliminate the popularity contest that goes on,” she said.
Paula Ekstrom, 49, of McHenry said she believes growth can be controlled through strictly enforcing zoning ordinances. She supports the board’s policy of compelling developers to annex to a municipality.
Richard A. Hilton, 62, of Wonder Lake said he would like to help county government establish a watershed policy and storm water ordinance that could be enforced countywide. He favors the establishment of a special service area to assist Wonder Lake residents in dredging the lake.
Dick Hoover, 65, of McHenry has an extensive management and finance background and wants the County Board to live within its income. If additional funds are needed, Hoover said, the board should aggressively pursue state tax dollars.
Barb Wahl, 68, of McHenry said she is running for the office because she is disgusted with county government.
“I am very much against giving birth control to little girls without parental consent,” said Wahl, referring to the county’s use of funds from Title X, a federal program that subsidizes reproductive services and provides birth control to indigent women without notifying their parents.
Wahl’s plan to slow growth would provide property owners incentives for selling to recreational outlets, such as campgrounds, rather than residential developers.
On the Democratic ballot, Arlie “Lee” Page, 68, of McHenry is running unopposed in the 4th District. Page, who has a law enforcement background, sees labor relations as a critical issue for the county, especially as it pertains to jail guards.
