McHenry County Blog

It last more than two hours and it certainly was the boys against the girls.

There were seven out of eight candidates by the time the night ended. Only first-on-the-ballot Roger Henderson, husband of the co-president of the Huntley union of teachers was absent by the end of the meeting.

Kevin Gentry had American Airline problems flying back from Disney World and brought laughs to the room as he attributed his casual dress to the late arriving flight.

He not only apologized for his attire, but “to the American Airlines customer service representative I talked to.”

I’d say only about fifty Sun City residents showed up.

Maybe fewer, considering some of the candidates brought spouses.

But, the entire night was broadcast on the Sun City television channel, so undoubtedly more people saw it.

It’s impossible to convey the depth of the answers, so let me deal with the referendum question from the floor.

How long before the next referendum?

Appointed incumbent Tony Quagliano, running unopposed for a 2-year term, got first shot at the question.

He pointed out that there were two types of referendum—those to increase tax rates and ones to authorize bond issuance.

“I honestly believe we may never have to go again for another operating tax referendum,” the CPA and school finance expert revealed.

I wonder if anyone else but me was surprised.

“We’re managing…money better.

“If we needed more I would go for a Working Cash referendum,” the CPA said. “It wouldn’t diminish your state aid.

He pointed out if the school board had asked for a Working Cash referendum, rather than the 55-cent tax rate, which really was several times higher than that amount, “It would have had no negative affect on General State Aid.”

With regard to a building referendum, Quagliano thought 3-4 years was reasonable.

Going in reverse alphabetic order, current Board President Mike Skala was next up. He was the first of six of the seven running for three 4-year seats to reply.

“I agree with everything he said,” Skala said, pretty much epitomizing the attempt by all the candidates present to be identified with Quagliano on all sorts of subjects.

Skala revealed that the district was now analyzing all of its space in the hope of optimizing its use.

Aileen Seedorf, one of the two female challengers who are critical of current board practices, praised the fiscal acumen of both Quagliano and not-up-for-re-election board member Larry Snow. (Snow was in the audience, but taking regular barbs from the male challengers throughout the night.)

“I, too do not see it in the near future.

Frankly, I don’t see it farther off either.

I’m not looking to build any new buildings,” she said, preferring to expand existing ones.

Linda Moore, who got off the sharpest criticism of male opponents who have wives working for the Huntley School District, said she didn’t see a referendum for “at least 2-3 years.”

She pointed to the $12 million surplus suggesting that some of it could be used.

“If population growth slows, our plans can be expanded further,” Moore said.

David Larkin also agreed with Quagliano, but suggested that the population report should be updated.

“I would not support another referendum unless there is no other alternative,” he said.

“Ultimately, it comes down to planning, planning, planning,” Gentry said.

He said he favored pushing “the referendum as far out as possible.”

“You know, growth happens,” added the final candidate, Jim Carlin. “Whenever growth happens it’s very important to have a better way of managing capacity.”

Carlin pointed out that the $10 million amounts to “a 2 months ‘ operating cash flow.”

Shelly Appleton moderated the candidates' night.

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The top photo is of the candidates before the arrival of Kevin Gentry. From left to right at Jim Carlin, David Larkin, Linda Moore, Aileen Seedorf, Mike Skala and Tony Quagliano. Below left is Tony Quagliano talking to Linda Moore before the meeting. The first head shot is of Tony Quagliano. Next comes Mike Skala, on the left. Immediately below Skala's photograph, on the right hand side of the article, is that of Aileen Seedorf. Below Seedorf is David Larkin. Below left is Jim Carlin. Finally, Sun City meeting moderator Shelly Appleton is show.

Labels: Aileen Seedorf, David Larkin, Huntley School District 158, Jim Carlin, Kevin Gentry, Linda Moore, Mike Skala, Tony Quagliano