CRYSTAL LAKE – In the Feb. 26 Algonquin Township supervisor primary election, Marc Munaretto, the current township clerk, will run against the incumbent of 10 years, Dianne Klemm.
Munaretto is the former chairman of the McHenry County Board’s Finance and Audit Committee. There, he created a financial model that allowed the committee to measure the future impact of financial decisions. As supervisor, Munaretto said he would apply his county model to Algonquin Township’s finances.
“I have a firm grasp of what the real dollar expenses are for the township,” Munaretto said. “I’d like to have an opportunity to apply the rigorous financial enterprise skills I have.”
He believes that the methods and plans under Klemm’s direction are “adrift,” and that the current financial audit “lacks thoroughness” and needs a “clear and transparent audit policy.” Munaretto also believes the investment policy, which has not been updated as frequently as he would like, needs enhancement.
Munaretto contends Klemm has raised taxes every year during her four-year term, including a 2.65 percent increase in November. Klemm denies taxes have been raised in the past two years, except for a slight increase for the General Assistance program last year.
She said she does not intend to raise taxes and has frozen the levy this year.
Financially, maintenance is among her concerns because the township building becomes older and needs work. Other than that and her hope to consolidate a loan, she is not concerned about the township’s financial condition. She is focused on supporting the community with continued programs such as bingo and lunch for seniors, “Singles Walking and Talking” and even line dancing.
Since she began 10 years ago, she said she has made large strides toward improving township programming.
“When I came here, the building was pretty empty. We had bingo; that was probably it,” Klemm said. “Now it’s full. That’s the way I would like to see it used.”
Munaretto hopes to improve upon the foundation Klemm has established.
Three programs he would like to implement include networking opportunities for the unemployed, which would allow them to use free computer resources; a program for Algonquin veterans, who he believes are not receiving the services and resources they need; and improved programs for seniors, such as enhanced health and wellness awareness. The programs will not cost the township or the Algonquin citizens any money.
“Those are the high points that are driving me to run for supervisor,” he said.
Munaretto also plans to lower taxes.
“We can’t continue to [raise taxes],” he said. “We have to do better with less. I hope to do that if I’m elected.”
Who is running?
Supervisor
Dianne Klemm (i)
Marc Munaretto
Clerk:
Linda Lance
Chuck Lutzow
Trustees:
Dan Shea of Fox River Grove (i)
Lowell Cutsforth of Fox River Grove (i)
Russ Cardell of Algonquin (i)
Neils Kruse of Cary
Melissa Sanchez of Lake in the Hills
Larry Emery of Crystal Lake
Bil Bligh of Crystal Lake
