Proven Leadership. Compassionate Service. Results for McHenry County.
In 2022, you entrusted me with the honor of representing District 2 on the McHenry County Board.
I ran on a promise to bring high-energy problem-solving and a mission-driven heart to our local government—
and I have spent my term working to fulfill that promise for every resident.
LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
I believe our county government should reflect our shared values and honor our diverse history. I am proud to have introduced and passed three key resolutions that were unanimously approved by the Board:
- Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Formalizing the county’s recognition of Dr. King’s legacy of service and justice.
- Celebrating Black History Month: Ensuring our county officially acknowledges the vital contributions of Black Americans to our local and national story.
- Observing Juneteenth: Establishing an official county recognition of this historic day of freedom.
EXPERTISE THAT MATTERS
My background is defined by a unique intersection of discipline and empathy:
- Healthcare Leadership: As a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, I led my facility through the COVID-19 pandemic, earning accolades from the IDPH for proactive, lifesaving innovations.
- Analytical Problem Solving: With degrees in Industrial Engineering, English, and Clinical Psychology, I approach the county budget and infrastructure with a focus on both efficiency and human impact.
- Deep Community Roots: A 50-year resident of McHenry County, I served as a Merit Commissioner from 2001-2022 and have volunteered for decades with organizations like United Way, Home of the Sparrow, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
A VOICE FOR EVERY RESIDENT
Once the oath of office is taken, a Board Member serves the entire county.
My door has remained open to all. Whether you live in District 2 or elsewhere in McHenry County, I am here to listen, provide clarity on complex issues, and connect you with the resources you need.
Vision for McHenry County 2026-2030
Responsible Land Use and Zoning
Our county’s landscape is its greatest asset. I am committed to a “case-by-case” approach to zoning, ensuring that major projects such as solar farms and surface mining are held to the highest standards. My priority is ensuring these projects are suitable for their specific locations by rigorously evaluating:
- Safety & Proximity: Protecting the quiet and safety of our residential areas and schools.
- Environmental Stewardship: Mitigating risks of groundwater contamination and managing noise and light pollution.
- Long-Term Accountability: Ensuring robust Reclamation and Decommissioning plans are in place so that our land is protected for future generations.
Fiscal Responsibility and Measured Growth
I believe in a government that lives within its means while investing wisely in the future.
- Fiscal Oversight: Maintaining a balanced budget that prioritizes essential services without overburdening taxpayers.
- Smart Growth: Encouraging development that enhances our tax base without sacrificing the character of our communities.
- Continuous Improvement: Constantly auditing and refining the services we offer the public to ensure they are efficient, accessible, and high-quality.
Proven Leadership and Community Unity
In my first term, I worked across the aisle to pass resolutions that reflect the heart of our community. I am proud to have led the Board in the official recognition of:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Black History Month
- Juneteenth
These weren’t just symbolic gestures; they were steps toward a more inclusive and unified McHenry County, as outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan.
A Fun Fact
As a former columnist and publisher, I’ve spent my life narrating stories. Now, as your Board Member, I’m focused on listening to yours, and making sure the next chapter for McHenry County is our best one yet.
Zoning & Land Use
A BALANCED APPROACH
Solar Farms
POWERING THE FUTURE REPSPONSIBLY
Renewable energy is vital, but placement is everything. I advocate for solar projects that respect their surroundings. When evaluating a proposal, my checklist includes:
- Setbacks & Screening: Are there sufficient buffers to protect the visual landscape and property values of neighboring homes and schools?
- Decommissioning Security: Is there a guaranteed financial plan to return the land to its original state once the project’s life cycle ends?
- Soil Health: How will the project impact our prime Illinois farmland in the long term?
Surface Mining
PROTECTING OUR WATER & PEACE
Mining is a necessary industry for infrastructure, but it carries significant local risks. I stand for rigorous oversight of all gravel and surface mining operations to address:
- Groundwater Protection: Our county relies on our aquifers. I require clear evidence that mining activity will not contaminate or deplete our water supply.
- Environmental Impact: We must mitigate noise and light pollution that disrupts residential life.
- Reclamation Excellence: Mining should be a temporary use of land. I support strict enforcement of reclamation plans that turn former sites into community assets, like parks or natural preserves.
MY STANDARD
I do not believe in “rubber-stamp” approvals. My commitment to you is to remain:
Analytical: Reviewing the data, the environmental impact reports, and the engineering specs.
Accessible: Listening to the concerns of the neighbors who will actually live next to these projects.
Accountable: Ensuring that once a project is approved, the developers stick to their promises.