Carl Kamienski: 2024 candidate for McHenry County Board District 6

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: McHenry County Board District 6

City: Johnsburg

Age: 66

Occupation: Laser Engineer

Previous offices held: current county board district 6

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

To represent and be the voice of the communities in the district that have not had anyone on the board in over 40 + years. To keep our levy flat, and to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney have all the tools they need to keep McHenry County a safe place to live.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

Helped finalize the last bond debt payment so McHenry County is now debt free. This keeps our bond rating at AAA which is only 1 of 2 in Illinois.

Continue to keep McHenry County one of the safest counties in Illinois.

Established the Sheriff’s Regional Training Center for $1.00

Never voted to increase the tax levy on property taxes.

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.

Counties tax levy will be going down around 10%. This will help ease some of the property taxes that McHenry County citizens pay. I believe that the state has put such a burden on all counties that businesses are leaving or not starting up in Illinois that they were in the past. This puts a larger burden on local governments and taxes to cover expenses. Record inflation has also put a burden on local governments because of the increase of goods and services as well. I will however continue to find cost cutting measures so we operate within our means.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

I believe that each board member has a right to vote the way they choose on each issue. Issues are brought to the board meetings and discussed if need be. There have been issues that have received votes that were bipartisan and some that were not. Each board member represents their district and should vote what they think is best for their constituents. I will continue to vote what I believe is in the best interest of my constituents and McHenry County.

What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?

The opioid crisis stems mostly from lack of the federal government's action in securing our borders. This in turn creates more local problems because most opioids including fentanyl comes from outside our country. It is our jobs as county board members to support not only our law enforcement but our State’s Attorney to make sure they have the proper tools and resources to protect our citizens as best they can.

What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?

Affordable housing is best tackled by giving people quality skills, so they are able to get quality employment.

Quality employment gives for better job opportunities and a better quality of life.