Brian Sager wants to continue work on McHenry County Board
He seeks re-election in March 17 GOP primary
Brian Sager says he wants to continue the work he’s done on the McHenry County Board.
Sager, a Republican, is seeking re-election in the March 17 primary. His primary opponent is Jeffrey E. Schwartz. Patrick D. Shea is the lone Democrat on the ballot.
Sager, 73, is a retired McHenry County College professor and administrator. He also is a former mayor and city councilman for Woodstock, and he is McHenry County’s representative to the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority.
He has a bachelor’s degree in animal and plant science from the University of Illinois as well as a master’s degree in agricultural economics and instructional strategies and a doctorate in international development. He is involved in the First United Methodist Church of Woodstock and is a volunteer auctioneer for numerous charity events. He is single and has a godson.
According to an election questionnaire, Sager said his top priorities is to work to continue “a strong stable financial position and outlook for the county by providing sound oversight of expenses, maintaining quality services, and ensuring reasonable, justifiable property tax levies.”
He also wants to continue to maintain county roads, upgrade bridge infrastructure and assist with township bridge improvements. He said he wants to work to complete the Route 31 corridor and continue work on the Metra Rail Yard Project just outside of Woodstock.
As for the county budget, Sager said the board must find appropriate cuts in expenses, combined with a reasonable, acceptable levy increase.
“In the recent budgeting process, we identified $6.9 million in cuts,” Sager said. “In the future, we should continue to closely monitor personnel costs, the highest cost among service providers, and further eliminate or reduce overtime costs and full-time positions when and where feasible and use freezing of positions where appropriate.”