2025 Election Questionnaire: Stephen Doherty, McHenry City Council, Ward 3

Name:

Stephen Doherty

What office are you seeking?

City of McHenry Alderman Ward 3

What is your political party?

What is your current age?

Occupation and employer:

Retired Accountant

What offices, if any, have you previously held?

McHenry County Board

City:

McHenry

Campaign Website:

NA

Education:

BS Accounting

MBA Finance

Community Involvement:

St Patrick Church Volunteer

Marital status/Immediate family:

Married - spouse Megan

Two Married sons & spouses / two grandsons

Questions:

Should housing be included in development proposals for the city-owned land on Green Street? For the Wastewater treatment plant property? What is, for you, the right combination of commercial, parking and residential for the two downtown areas, including residential density?

The Green Street site provides the opportunity for mixed use development. I would envision supporting a proposal that provides retail, residential housing and a small boutique hotel. Parking also will need to be addressed in the development since there are current and future concerns.

· The development of the Wastewater treatment property needs to be cohesive with the surrounding neighborhood. The full advantage of the Fox River marketing potential needs to be highlighted as well as the proximity to the country club. Traffic also is a concern since the only road connecting Green St is Waukegan Rd, which already has its challenges with the high school and assisted living facility as prime users.

Should the city work with District 15 to sell/redevelop Landmark School, and if so, what kind of development?

Landmark is a historical structure that needs to be preserved for future generations. School District 15 has yet to unveil their plans for the building at the end of the academic year. I would welcome a collaboration and discussion with D15 of ideas to what are the best uses for this historical building in the future.

The parks department says the pool complex is nearing its end of life. What should the future of water recreation/pools be for the city of McHenry?

· I would like to see the plan revisited for an expansion of the Rec Center to include an aquatic feature. Our parks system is already an asset and key feature of our city. Funding this expansion would be a major hurdle in realization of the project. Further research into funding sources / partnership / sponsorship options should be explored.

Many of the new housing developments planned or recently built throughout the McHenry County area have been multi-family rather than single-family, and many are rentals rather than owner-occupied. What are your views on this trend? Do you support this type of development? Why or why not?

· This is a trend across the country and not limited to our area. Investors are finding it more attractive to provide rentals than other ownership options. First time home buyers are being challenged as well with funding down payments and affordable interest rates.

· I welcome investment in our community and would review any proposals.

A recent study commissioned by the McHenry County Board found a need for more workforce housing in the county. Do you support any form of subsidized housing to address that need? Is there enough affordable housing in the community and, if not, how would you attempt to address that?

· Yes – I am for additional workforce housing. This is an economic question again since developers are in the for-profit business. The City of McHenry recently participated in the funding of the new Taylor Place development on the west side town. Several agencies came together to provide funding to make the project a reality. The city should continue to work with the various McHenry County Agencies to explore future opportunities.

Should local law enforcement cooperate with ICE to identify and deport immigrants who do not have legal status to be in the United States?

· The McHenry County Sheriff’s office is the contact agency to coordinate the activities of ICE. Our local Police Department should follow all legal procedures to ensure the safety of our residents.

What are your top three priorities for our city, and how do you plan to address them?

· Downtown Parking – On January 21 the City Council approved a Downtown Parking Study by Kimley-Horn. Once completed, parking needs need to be prioritized and a plan created to address the needs in a financially responsible way.

· Responsible Downtown Development – This past summer several residents voiced concerns as to the plans for redevelopment of the Green St area as well as former Waste Water treatment site. The council needs to come up with viable plan that meets the needs and concerns of the community that can be given to developers for consideration.

· New Business and Economic Growth – Continue to support the staff in their outreach to possible investors in our community.

How do you intend to balance economic development with environmental sustainability in the community?

McHenry must continue to expand while at the same time preserving and protecting our natural resources. To date, McHenry has done an excellent job of developing key properties like the Riverwalk and Miller Point to take full advantage of their natural surroundings

What are your plans for enhancing public transportation and infrastructure in the city?

Public transportation in our city is handled primarily by the McHenry County Transportation Department. They act as liaison with the various agencies to provide Pace, Metra, and township services to our residents. The City of McHenry Vision for 2050 identified a desire by many to see improvements in infrastructure to make our town connected and cohesive

What role should the city council play in supporting local businesses and economic growth?

· McHenry already has in place the Economic Development staff committed to foster growth in the business community. McHenry is also a partner in the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation that markets the county on a national level. The city council should continue to provide support when needed.

What are your top public safety concerns for our community and how would you propose addressing them?

· The biggest challenge I perceive in the community is the Mental Health Crisis. McHenry Police Department has been proactive with the creation of the Social Services Coordinator. This officer provides resources to get appropriate services either locally or through various County/State agencies.

How will you ensure that city policies promote inclusion for all residents?

As an elected official, I will strive to engage with residents of the community and treat them with respect and dignity they deserve. All opportunities in the community should be inclusive and available to all.

Do you support requiring government officials to publicly disclose potential conflicts of interest, and how would you enforce this?

All government officials are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest and follow the guidelines of the City of McHenry Ethics policy.

How will you make sure you are accessible to your constituents?

· My constituents will have access to my cell phone and email address to contact me for any comments or concerns.