Donna Kurtz, McHenry County Treasurer: Candidate Questionnaire

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Three newcomers are vying to take the place of McHenry County Treasurer Glenda Miller, who is retiring.

With early voting underway in McHenry County, voters will be asked to pick between James S. Young, a Libertarian; Amin Karim, a Democrat; and Donna Kurtz, a Republican.

• McHenry County Voters Guide: 2022 General Election

Kurtz recently responded to a Patch.com election survey. We've included her answers below:

Name

Donna Kurtz

Campaign website

https://donnakurtz.com

What county do you live in?

McHenry

City or town of residence

Crystal Lake

Office sought

McHenry County Treasurer

Party affiliation

Republican

Education

BA from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; MBA from the University of Illinois, Springfield.

Occupation

In the private sector, I have over three decades as a Corporate Manager and as a licensed financial advisor. As a Corporate Manager and leader, I managed multi-million-dollar budgets with large teams and staff. In my most recent assignment, I worked in the private sector as a consultant in the banking industry. As a Financial Advisor, I held a Series 7 designation and other certifications in the financial services industry. As a licensed financial advisor, I managed millions of dollars in investments and took an approach that focused on risk management and capital preservation.

Family

My husband Paul and I reside in Crystal Lake and live 2 blocks from the house where I was raised. Paul and I are deeply involved in the care of our special needs stepdaughter, Tavi Minkus.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

63

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I was elected as a McHenry County College Trustee from 2005 to 2010 and as a McHenry County Board Member from 2010 to 2018. During this time, I learned much about government budgeting, tax levies, cutting costs; and the importance of speaking up to serve the public at large.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have always believed in the value of public service and that one person can make a difference. I decided to run for Treasurer because I knew I could make meaningful contributions to how our County collects and manages tax revenues that will benefit the citizens of McHenry County. Because of my extensive experience in managing financials and people, I believe deeply that I will bring the level of expertise and commitment that our community deserves.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My past experience as a Licensed Financial Advisor, Corporate Manager, IT Consultant, Small Business Owner, Auditor, and MBA makes me uniquely qualified to serve as County Treasurer. In addition, my 13 years of public service in elected office not only provide me with invaluable insight but the people of McHenry County know me and my record of service, integrity, and fiscal conservativism. In my role as Treasurer, I will have a unique ability to build on the successes of the current Treasurer and her talented team and to move forward with opportunities to streamline and improve the efficiency of the office. There is much to be accomplished through technology applications and working with others throughout McHenry County Government and other government units at local, state, and federal levels where needed.

If you are challenging an incumbent, how would you perform differently if elected?

Since the topic of the incumbent has been brought up I thought I would mention the following: I am honored to be endorsed by the current McHenry County Treasurer, Glenda L. Miller, who announced she will retire at the end of her term in November 2022. Glenda publicly stated she chose to endorse me because of the work she observed me perform as a County Board member. She knows that I have the knowledge, ability, and management skills, to serve as Treasurer on Day One. Glenda trusts that I am deeply committed to protecting the financial resources of McHenry County and ensuring that the Treasurer’s Office maintains its current standards of excellence

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Over the years I have worked hard to practice what I believe is the foundation for being a true fiscal conservative – and that is to always control spending and reduce costs where needed.

As Treasurer I will continue to use basic common-sense, best practices, and risk management to promote a fiscally conservative approach to managing our precious tax dollars.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As both an MCC Trustee and a McHenry County Board Member I demonstrated my commitment to representing the best interests of McHenry County as a strong fiscal conservative. Specifically, I successfully challenged numerous public spending initiatives that resulted in avoiding spending tens of millions in unnecessary capital expenditures; as well as the avoidance of the additional tens of millions of tax dollars to maintain and support these areas of excessive capital spending.

What was your first paying job, and what did you learn from it?

My first exposure to the government sector was as an intern, working as an Auditor for the Office of the Illinois Auditor General while attending classes for my MBA at the University of Illinois in Springfield. From this position, I learned the importance of accountability and transparency in conducting the business of government.

From the standpoint of my first job--I was a popcorn girl at what is now the Raue Theater in Crystal Lake. I made $1.75 an hour plus all the popcorn I could eat!!

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Your reputation is the most important thing you possess. Make sure you live and act with honor in every way.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe in Public Service and by becoming McHenry County Treasurer I can contribute to the people of McHenry County with my experience, expertise, and sincere desire to serve.