Larry Smith knows McHenry County, wants to continue work on County Board
He's running in the March 17 GOP primary for District 8 seat
Larry W. Smith knows McHenry County, and that’s why he wants to continue to serve on the County Board.
Smith, 70, has been a self-employed real estate broker for more than 30 years. He has represented District 8 on the McHenry County Board since 2014. He is chairman of the Planning, Environmental and Development Committee, and he also is a member of the Finance Committee as well as the Community Development and Block Grant Commission.
Smith will face Martin Mohr in the GOP primary, which is set for March 17. The winner will face Democrat Christy Stevens in the general election this fall.
Smith, who lives in Harvard, attended the University of Wisconsin, Northern Illinois University and McHenry County College. He also is a member of the McHenry County Enterprise Zone, the McHenry County Farm Bureau and Moose International. He also is a supporter of BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Education Center. He and his wife Karen have one adult daughter.
According to a campaign questionnaire, Smith said his top priorities for the county are reducing taxes, creating jobs and protecting farmland and open spaces. He says the county should explore all avenues and opportunities to bring in jobs.
“Quality jobs have the potential to drive our economy, bring tax dollars to McHenry County and ease the tax burden on the homeowners in McHenry County,” he said.
Because his district is predominantly rural, Smith says protecting open spaces, farmland and water recharge areas is essential.
“Our decisions on the County Board should be guided by the objectives of the Unified Development Ordinance,” Smith said, referring to the ordinance that states “to preserve and maintain the unique and irreplaceable natural resources of McHenry County and environmental benefits of open space, clean air, ground water recharge and wildlife preservation.”
“Following these guidelines will ensure our quality of life, while protecting the rural heritage of McHenry County,” Smith said.
He said the county transportation department has a comprehensive five-year plan that includes repairing rural bridges in District 8. He said that has to be a priority because many of the bridges are decades old and in need of repair or replacement.
Regarding the budget, Smith says he voted for a plan he thought was the least burdensome for the taxpayers.
“Cutting spending results in reducing county services, and this needs to be done in a very thorough, careful and objective manner,” Smith said. “Cutting waste and redundant programs is an efficient way of reducing spending.”