Thursday, January 17, 2008
Dry run of Ersel Schuster's Daily Herald Questionnairde
6th district McHenry County Board candidate Ersel Schuster has decided to share her answers to candidate questionnaires. Today’s were sent to the Daily Herald. Sorry about the spacing problems.
Name: Ersel C. Schuster (including middle initial)
Date of birth August / 04 / 1939 (month/day/year) Gender (please circle) M F
Address (Please include town and zip code) 15214 Kishwaukee Valley Road
Woodstock, IL 60098 County of residence McHenry
Phone #’s(not for publication) Home: 815-338-2207 Wk.: 815-337-2650 Cell:
e-mail address ersel@sbcglobal.net Campaign Web address
Office you are seeking (be specific): McHenry County Board Incumbent? Yes No X
How long have you lived in this district? 35 years
Occupation(s) Self employed - Printing / graphics business (for how many years) 20+ yrs.
Employer and work address Home business
Education: high school Graduate College Bachelors Degree Major Masters in Counseling
Spouse’s name: Edward Children (names and ages) None
Prior experience as candidate: (Please list prior offices – be specific – for which you have run, successfully or not)
1. Seneca Township Supervisor (won) Election date: March 2005
Outcome (circle one): Won Lost If won, dates served in that office
2. McHenry County Board (lost- 2006) Election date:
Outcome (circle one): Won Lost If won, dates served in that office
3. McHenry County board (won) Election date: 1996-2000
Outcome (circle one): Won Lost If won, dates served in that office
Political experience other than as candidate: (include appointments to municipal, library, park or school boards or committees; campaign work for candidates; other political activities)
1. Precinct Committeeman – Seneca Township Date: 1993-2004
2. Illinois Excellence In Public Service Series Date: 1995-2005
3. Date:
Civic, church and community activities of recent years:
1. Valley Hi Nursing Home Foundation Date: 5 - 6 years
2. Date:
3. Date:
Military services and honors: None
Answer next questions only if it applies to office you are seeking:
Incumbents: How many meetings did you miss last year: N/A How many years have you held this post? 0
Non-incumbents: How many meetings of this board have you attended in the past year? 8 or 9
Do you currently hold any elected office other than the one you’re running for in this election? Yes
If so, what office? Supervisor – Seneca Township If nominated in March and elected in November, will you resign from or remain in your other elected position? (Please circle one) Resign - Remain – I will fulfill my commitment
Please answer the following questions in 150 or fewer words per question on this form, or, given the tight space on this page, a separate page if you’d like. Some answers might be published in the Daily Herald. All answers are subject to editing for length and clarity.
1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?
“I have served 2 terms in this position, ’86/’90 & ‘96/’00.” I am running because
District 6 needs strong representation on this board; I have the time to do the job; and, I have the experience to be an effective advocate for our constituents.”
2. For incumbents and non-incumbents:
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you’ve led.
If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contribution you would make.
“During my ‘96/’00 term in office, I was recognized as having played a key role in bringing about fiscal and management responsibility in McHenry County government. I took the lead in eliminating what was poised to become another full blown, heavily staffed, county department. We hired the right person as finance manager and the results speak for themselves. Another example: I proposed a method by which a year-long standoff between a number of county board members and the Auditor’s office was resolved, thus ending a messy situation and avoiding a lawsuit.”
3. The county board this year sold about $50 million in bonds to fund road improvements with plans to repay the loan with future motor-fuel tax revenue, a reversal of a longstanding policy to wait until the money was in place before initiating a construction project. Do/did you agree with that policy shift and what are some of the specific projects upon which you believe the money should be spent?
“I do not agree with the policy shift. I would repay the borrowed funds and stick to the original policy of paying for these road projects as the funds are available. Since our greatest need for major road projects is created by municipal governments via annexations, it is essential that we work to make future development more responsible for the cash impact it will have on local residents.”
4. 2006 is the last of the county’s three-year, roughly $300,000, contract with a federal lobbyist hired to represent McHenry County’s interests in Washington, DC. Do you believe this is a wise use of taxpayer money and should the county renew the contract, retain another lobbyist or drop the idea entirely next year?
“I do not support the lobbyist concept. Drop the idea.”
5. The board is exploring the creation of a multi-million dollar county campus near its courthouse and administration building in Woodstock. Do you support the concept of a county campus and if so, what new facilities should be built on it?
“I support the concept of setting-aside land for the future needs of county government and support the centralized campus theory. Future building projects would include a long overdue need for the Coroner’s offices, Sheriff Department fleet maintenance facility and the health department.”
6. County board Chairman Ken Koehler recently said the county will help fund a study for a Fox River crossing along Longmeadow Parkway in Kane County, but that’s where the county’s financial contribution to the project would end. Given the likelihood the bridge would serve thousands of McHenry County residents and ease traffic in downtown Algonquin, do you believe the county should contribute more to the project or do you believe, like Koehler, the county needs to spend its road dollars in the county? Explain your answer.
“I agree with Chairman Koehler, McHenry County has plenty of road/transportation projects needing our tax dollars.”
7. Transportation continues to be a major concern throughout McHenry County, primarily in the southeastern and northeastern corners. If elected, what, specifically, would you do to expedite improved transportation funding for the county? What would you do that’s different from what’s previously been done? Be specific.
“It is my experience that elected officials “study” issues when they want to avoid controversy. Needed road projects in southeastern McHenry County, specifically a bridge over the Fox River comes to mind. This project was first “studied” in 1965 with a consulting firm being paid $25,000 for their services. Since then, millions have been spent dancing around the hard decision to cut the road path and get the project done. It is long past the time when that project is accomplished. The proposed western bypass is simply a costly diversion to again avoid making the final decision to move on with the bridge.
We need decision makers who can act rather than procrastinate. That alone will move projects forward and at a lesser cost to the public.”
8. Experts predict portions of McHenry County will not have adequate water supplies by 2030. If elected, how will you ensure the region has enough water? Be specific.
“Ignoring the documented facts, thinking that water will always be there, is irresponsible. To ensure adequate water supplies for our region, McHenry County Officials can take a huge step by pledging to protect our remaining agricultural base. It is this base where local food supplies can be met and where our aquifiers/groundwater is most effectively replenished. Second, the water authority concept, as a separate entity, devoid of county, state, federal and municipal power struggles, is a tested tool that works. It is the only way we will ensure sustainable water supplies for future generations.”
9. What, if anything, should the McHenry County Board do to ease growing concerns about the immigration issues which have turned volatile in so many communities. If elected, what, specifically, would you do about the increasing number of illegal immigrants in McHenry County?
“As a county board member, my role would be to make sure the Sheriff’s Department has funds necessary to properly train personnel in enforcing existing laws relating to this issue.”
10. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with McHenry County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.
“None.”
Name: Ersel C. Schuster (including middle initial)
Date of birth August / 04 / 1939 (month/day/year) Gender (please circle) M F
Address (Please include town and zip code) 15214 Kishwaukee Valley Road
Woodstock, IL 60098 County of residence McHenry
Phone #’s(not for publication) Home: 815-338-2207 Wk.: 815-337-2650 Cell:
e-mail address ersel@sbcglobal.net Campaign Web address
Office you are seeking (be specific): McHenry County Board Incumbent? Yes No X
How long have you lived in this district? 35 years
Occupation(s) Self employed - Printing / graphics business (for how many years) 20+ yrs.
Employer and work address Home business
Education: high school Graduate College Bachelors Degree Major Masters in Counseling
Spouse’s name: Edward Children (names and ages) None
Prior experience as candidate: (Please list prior offices – be specific – for which you have run, successfully or not)
1. Seneca Township Supervisor (won) Election date: March 2005
Outcome (circle one): Won Lost If won, dates served in that office
2. McHenry County Board (lost- 2006) Election date:
Outcome (circle one): Won Lost If won, dates served in that office
3. McHenry County board (won) Election date: 1996-2000
Outcome (circle one): Won Lost If won, dates served in that office
Political experience other than as candidate: (include appointments to municipal, library, park or school boards or committees; campaign work for candidates; other political activities)
1. Precinct Committeeman – Seneca Township Date: 1993-2004
2. Illinois Excellence In Public Service Series Date: 1995-2005
3. Date:
Civic, church and community activities of recent years:
1. Valley Hi Nursing Home Foundation Date: 5 - 6 years
2. Date:
3. Date:
Military services and honors: None
Answer next questions only if it applies to office you are seeking:
Incumbents: How many meetings did you miss last year: N/A How many years have you held this post? 0
Non-incumbents: How many meetings of this board have you attended in the past year? 8 or 9
Do you currently hold any elected office other than the one you’re running for in this election? Yes
If so, what office? Supervisor – Seneca Township If nominated in March and elected in November, will you resign from or remain in your other elected position? (Please circle one) Resign - Remain – I will fulfill my commitment
Please answer the following questions in 150 or fewer words per question on this form, or, given the tight space on this page, a separate page if you’d like. Some answers might be published in the Daily Herald. All answers are subject to editing for length and clarity.
1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?
“I have served 2 terms in this position, ’86/’90 & ‘96/’00.” I am running because
District 6 needs strong representation on this board; I have the time to do the job; and, I have the experience to be an effective advocate for our constituents.”
2. For incumbents and non-incumbents:
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you’ve led.
If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contribution you would make.
“During my ‘96/’00 term in office, I was recognized as having played a key role in bringing about fiscal and management responsibility in McHenry County government. I took the lead in eliminating what was poised to become another full blown, heavily staffed, county department. We hired the right person as finance manager and the results speak for themselves. Another example: I proposed a method by which a year-long standoff between a number of county board members and the Auditor’s office was resolved, thus ending a messy situation and avoiding a lawsuit.”
3. The county board this year sold about $50 million in bonds to fund road improvements with plans to repay the loan with future motor-fuel tax revenue, a reversal of a longstanding policy to wait until the money was in place before initiating a construction project. Do/did you agree with that policy shift and what are some of the specific projects upon which you believe the money should be spent?
“I do not agree with the policy shift. I would repay the borrowed funds and stick to the original policy of paying for these road projects as the funds are available. Since our greatest need for major road projects is created by municipal governments via annexations, it is essential that we work to make future development more responsible for the cash impact it will have on local residents.”
4. 2006 is the last of the county’s three-year, roughly $300,000, contract with a federal lobbyist hired to represent McHenry County’s interests in Washington, DC. Do you believe this is a wise use of taxpayer money and should the county renew the contract, retain another lobbyist or drop the idea entirely next year?
“I do not support the lobbyist concept. Drop the idea.”
5. The board is exploring the creation of a multi-million dollar county campus near its courthouse and administration building in Woodstock. Do you support the concept of a county campus and if so, what new facilities should be built on it?
“I support the concept of setting-aside land for the future needs of county government and support the centralized campus theory. Future building projects would include a long overdue need for the Coroner’s offices, Sheriff Department fleet maintenance facility and the health department.”
6. County board Chairman Ken Koehler recently said the county will help fund a study for a Fox River crossing along Longmeadow Parkway in Kane County, but that’s where the county’s financial contribution to the project would end. Given the likelihood the bridge would serve thousands of McHenry County residents and ease traffic in downtown Algonquin, do you believe the county should contribute more to the project or do you believe, like Koehler, the county needs to spend its road dollars in the county? Explain your answer.
“I agree with Chairman Koehler, McHenry County has plenty of road/transportation projects needing our tax dollars.”
7. Transportation continues to be a major concern throughout McHenry County, primarily in the southeastern and northeastern corners. If elected, what, specifically, would you do to expedite improved transportation funding for the county? What would you do that’s different from what’s previously been done? Be specific.
“It is my experience that elected officials “study” issues when they want to avoid controversy. Needed road projects in southeastern McHenry County, specifically a bridge over the Fox River comes to mind. This project was first “studied” in 1965 with a consulting firm being paid $25,000 for their services. Since then, millions have been spent dancing around the hard decision to cut the road path and get the project done. It is long past the time when that project is accomplished. The proposed western bypass is simply a costly diversion to again avoid making the final decision to move on with the bridge.
We need decision makers who can act rather than procrastinate. That alone will move projects forward and at a lesser cost to the public.”
8. Experts predict portions of McHenry County will not have adequate water supplies by 2030. If elected, how will you ensure the region has enough water? Be specific.
“Ignoring the documented facts, thinking that water will always be there, is irresponsible. To ensure adequate water supplies for our region, McHenry County Officials can take a huge step by pledging to protect our remaining agricultural base. It is this base where local food supplies can be met and where our aquifiers/groundwater is most effectively replenished. Second, the water authority concept, as a separate entity, devoid of county, state, federal and municipal power struggles, is a tested tool that works. It is the only way we will ensure sustainable water supplies for future generations.”
9. What, if anything, should the McHenry County Board do to ease growing concerns about the immigration issues which have turned volatile in so many communities. If elected, what, specifically, would you do about the increasing number of illegal immigrants in McHenry County?
“As a county board member, my role would be to make sure the Sheriff’s Department has funds necessary to properly train personnel in enforcing existing laws relating to this issue.”
10. Please list the names of all relatives employed by or involved in contracts with McHenry County, their relationship to you and their position or area of business.
“None.”
# posted by Cal Skinner : 5:00 PM
