McLean County government leaders look to shore up the public faith following the January resignation of former County Board chairman Matt Sorensen, who is under investigation for allegedly committing fraud in business deals.

McIntyre providing steady leadership after Sorensen’s resignation

As he reflects on the first month of 2016, John McIntyre is adamant: It was a very busy month for him that came and went in the blink of an eye.

McIntyre, a veteran member of the McLean County Board, was appointed to chair the governing body in mid-January a week after his predecessor, fellow Republican Matt Sorensen, stepped down from his post.

The new board chair discussed with The Chronicle his goals for the year ahead, what the support from his elected colleagues has meant to him and why he believes the public’s trust in the County Board has not been altered.

Sorensen is potentially facing federal charges on allegations he defrauded State Farm and other companies of more than $400,000 in consulting fees for services that were never rendered. None of the allegations facing Sorensen are directly linked to county-related business.

Because the change in leadership was abrupt, McIntyre said there was little time to prepare, though he is familiar with some of the leadership duties. Prior to Sorensen’s stepping down, McIntyre, who represents District 5 in Normal, held the title of vice chairman.

“There have been a few bumps, and a few wrinkles,” McIntyre said. “I’ve been putting in extra time to make sure everything goes smoothly. But overall, I think (the transition) has gone well.”

McLean County Board Chairman John McIntyre

In the year ahead, McIntyre said he hopes to continue focusing on some of the county services he believes are in need of attention. Expanding the scope of the county’s mental health services is one area he hopes to hone in on with laser focus this year.

“Mental health recidivism is a problem on a national scale, and I’d like us to do something about that here,” McIntyre said. “(Funding) cuts from the state have been a problem for a while. It’s been happening for over 25 years, and it’s really starting to catch up with us.”

McIntyre said he is proud he and his colleagues on the board have found ways of keeping taxes stable, and he plans to continue with that level of thinking throughout the year and into the budget planning phase of next year.

For the first time since 2011, the board raised its tax rate less than a penny for its portion of the tax bill this year.

While the allegations facing Sorensen have grabbed local headlines throughout January, McIntyre said he is not concerned the incident casts the McLean County Board in a negative light. He said he and his elected colleagues have pledged to have open, honest dialogue with the community about their goals toward transparency.

McIntyre’s appointment to the chair position was widespread, on both sides of the party isle, on the County Board.

“I very much appreciate their support,” said McIntyre, who initially was voted into office from 1980-1986 and returned in 2008. “It’s made this transition all the more easier.”

Support for McIntyre also has extended to the McLean County Republican Party. The chair of the local GOP chapter, Chuck Erickson, also serves on the County Board.

“Speaking as the chair of the McLean County Republican Party, I’m fully behind John because he’s up to the challenge,” Erickson said. “As a member of the County Board, I think he has the experience we need. I think he’ll do a great job at it.”

While the chairmanship position has been solidified, the County Board is in the midst of finding a replacement for Sorensen’s vacant position through the November election.

The board set a Thursday, Feb. 4, deadline for all Republican applicants within the district. Applications were reviewed Tuesday, Feb. 9, after the Chronicle’s press deadline.

–New chairman says public can trust the County Board–