Mike Onorato, D-Coal City

Each year, the county board battles to create a balanced budget. What actions can the board take to minimize the tax burden on residents while not sacrificing services?

As a business owner for more than 35 years, I have learned that it is imperative that in order to be successful financially we must live within our means. In government, the balance is always between keeping expenses minimized and providing necessary services for the residents of the county. We all like roads and streets that are maintained, we all need proper police representation for the safety of our citizens, many residents need and expect vital health and transportation services in order to live a happy and healthy life. Secure and fair elections are vital to our democracy. The costs of these services must be considered at their sources, and the costs of these services must be balanced with the overall tax burden. We have to continue to find proper and fair methods to pay for these services besides general real estate taxes. Although the real estate tax rates in Grundy County are generally lower than in most surrounding counties, it is easy to overburden taxpayers. There are many taxing districts that operate entirely on the money collected from real estate taxes, and we all have to work together to ensure that we minimize waste and maximize efficiency.

Grundy County has become a favorite target for solar farm companies setting up shop on local farm land. What impact do you think these green energy facilities will have and do you see it as a net gain or loss for the county?

I am personally in favor of a balanced and diverse approach to our energy policy in the County and State. Solar energy, although in its early stages, has already proven itself to be a clean, quiet, efficient source of power. We as a country must look beyond the finite supply of fossil fuel and encourage new and alternate sources of renewable energy. I believe it’s too soon to determine solar energy’s full impact on our County, due to the State not yet awarding the permits for the solar farms. I expect that when all is said and done, Grundy County and the communities and school districts impacted by their locations will see a positive financial impact and that the operators of these solar farms will be good corporate citizens.

Expansion from the Chicago metro area is creeping towards Grundy County. Do you think this could be good or bad for the county? What actions should the county take to either encourage the growth or help stave it off?

I have paid close and special attention to the development of our area for more than 35 years as a real estate broker in Grundy County. I have seen the up’s and down’s of the development activity over the years, and I believe that should the economy in Illinois continue to improve we will see increased interest in our County for the location of industry, retail, and more jobs. I believe that we need to maintain and protect a healthy quality of life for our residents, while at the same time focus on attracting higher-paying and safe jobs to all areas of the county. We have an excellent organization in place with the Grundy County Economic Development Commission, and we must continue to work even closer with them and our local communities to ensure that Grundy County is an excellent destination for employers bringing jobs to our area.

What projects within the county would you like to see addressed during your term, should you be elected?

I would like to see a continued focus on maintaining adequate and up-to-date facilities for our county offices and buildings. Keeping our properties properly maintained with an eye for future needs is critical. I am happy to see time and energy being spent on looking at the safety of our hundreds of County employees, and I would like to see that increased. Security and safety in this day and age is an issue in terms of physical and cyber-threats, and we must focus on providing safety for our employees and all residents.