october surprise response
In politics, an “October Surprise” is an event or revelation shortly before an election that can influence voters’ perceptions of a candidate or campaign.
This is a recap of my concerns regarding McHenry County’s financial crisis and my response to the recent attention surrounding my property tax payment history.
OCTOBER SURPRISE 2026: SHAW MEDIA ARTICLE
October 7, 2026: Shaw Media contacted me seeking a response to a news release by the McHenry County Republican Party concerning my property-tax payment history. Despite the short notice I was given, I was keen to respond and did so promptly.
October 8, 2026: The story appeared in print, and the controversy began. As a candidate for McHenry County Treasurer, I believe voters deserve facts, context, and transparency. I encourage voters to examine the evidence and judge the issues on their merits, not simply on the timing or political framing of a controversy.
Deflection: The McHenry County Republican Party is shifting attention toward controversy while serious questions about the county’s finances remain unanswered. I have raised these concerns for months, including questions about the sale of high yielding public assets at a significant loss. McHenry County residents deserve transparency about the $7.3 million deficit, and a clear explanation of how their public investments are managed.
OCTOBER SURPRISE 2025: McHENRY COUNTY BOARD MEETING OF THE WHOLE
During the October 16, 2025, meeting, incumbent County Treasurer Donna Kurtz addressed the board about the county’s budget and levy decisions.
Source: McHenry County Board meeting on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D05kEkQXWlk
16:37 minutes into the meeting incumbent Treasurer Donna Kurtz spoke:
“Good morning, county board members. I'm here as your county treasurer. I want to give you some perspective on the budget and levy increase decisions that you are facing.
Notably in May (2025), about the middle of May, I had staff come into my office extraordinarily concerned. And it turns out we did not have enough money in our general fund bank account to cover payroll. Not just one payroll cycle, but two payroll cycles. Can you imagine that? We just ran out of money.
So I sold investments. I sold good producing yielding investments that contribute to millions of dollars that we have made over the last few years. Those kind of investments won't be replaced.
But secondly, I anticipate that gap in which we couldn't make two payroll cycles. I expect that gap to widen significantly in the years ahead and that will create a county government that literally doesn't have money to pay its bills.
So, the options are simple. First, make massive spending cuts, which, having reviewed your budgets, you know that you have done that work and you have made some notable 18-people headcounts.
However, that is not the massive spending cuts that are going to cut it. So, you're now left with a levy increase. And without making that decision, you are embarking on years going forward when you are going to have difficulty literally paying your bills. This is the first red flag which I shared with the Finance Committee in September (2025).
You've got to make this decision. And by the way, I don't think it's a tough decision. I think it's a realistic decision of where we're at as a county.
People expect responsible, stable government. And literally, what are we talking about? A $50 increase average across parcels. That is not looking at things in a responsible way. If in fact you believe in the services and the caliber of what people expect of our county government.
Let me know if you have any questions. Happy to give you more detail. Thank you.”
QUESTIONS TAXPAYERS DESERVE TO HAVE ANSWERED
I have been pointing this situation out for months.
- What investments were sold to cover the payroll shortfall?
- When were they sold?
- What was the loss?
- How did the sale prices compare with the investments’ market values and potential future returns?
- What cash-flow forecasts and contingency plans were in place?
- Who approved the transactions, and what financial safeguards governed those decisions?
- What steps have been taken to prevent similar shortfalls in the future?
Taxpayer money is a public trust. Its management demands transparency and accountability.
TAX SALES CONTROVERSY
My property-tax payment decisions have attracted criticism, and I understand why taxpayers have questions. Property taxes fund essential public services, and residents who pay their taxes on time have legitimate expectations of fairness and responsible financial conduct from those seeking public office. I respect these concerns and they deserve answers.
LATE PAYMENTS & TAX SALES: EVENTS THAT TRIGGER PENALTIES; NOT LOOPHOLES
Late property-tax payments are not loopholes; they carry serious financial consequences. Unpaid property taxes can incur penalties and interest, potentially accumulating at a rate of 1.5% per month, equivalent to 18% annually. In addition, delinquency can ultimately put a property owner's home at risk of being lost through the tax-sale process.
I have always been a disciplined, frugal investor who lives within my means. Rather than relying on traditional bank financing, I invested my own money and leveraged my properties to pursue real estate opportunities. Over the years, I put millions of dollars into the local economy, created jobs for contractors and laborers, and supported local retail and wholesale businesses.
My investment decisions were guided by my retirement goals, family priorities, and assessment of financial risk. I managed my finances with the intention of protecting my family's future while pursuing lawful investment opportunities. My property taxes are current. I never had the intention of evading my tax obligations or disregarding the rules governing property ownership and taxation.
I could not have been more transparent. I had property in 4 counties. I worked with brokers, realtors, builders, buyers & sellers, renters, attorneys, CPA etc.... The cycle requires transparency.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND PUBLIC TRUST
I take conflict-of-interest seriously and I am committed to complying with applicable laws and disclosure requirements. If elected, I ensure that my private financial interests will not improperly interfere with my public responsibilities. Public trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and sound judgment. Those principles will guide my service as McHenry County Treasurer.
“WHAT IF EVERYONE DID THE SAME THING?”
If widespread payment delays create cash-flow problems for McHenry County then the rules, safeguards, and financial policies governing those payments should be carefully reviewed. A responsible approach requires examining the facts, understanding the financial impact, and identifying practical solutions.
MY VISION FOR McHENRY COUNTY TREASURER
If elected McHenry County Treasurer, I will bring 30+ years of private-sector experience to the office, with a focus on strengthening financial oversight, improving operational efficiency, and maximizing returns on public funds.
I will recommend a review of county accounts, expenditures, investment practices, and financial controls. Also, develop a risk and mitigation plan to avoid another financial crisis.
A CHOICE BETWEEN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
As voters consider their next county treasurer, I believe they should ask an important question: What does McHenry County need in its next treasurer?
- A treasurer facing unanswered questions about financial oversight?
- A treasurer in favor of a $40,000 salary increase she considered a “zero sum game”, while being aware of the County’s inability to cover two months of staff salaries?
- A treasurer who sold public assets, in crisis mode, at a significant loss?
OR
- A candidate with a proven record of building wealth, managing risk, and making solid financial decisions?
- A respected corporate professional with a global perspective and experience navigating complex challenges to deliver measurable results?
- A candidate skilled at risk and mitigation planning?
- One who led a global project to help resolve the worldwide supply chain with select corporations in crisis resulting from the 2011 tsunami in Japan?
I AM NOT PERFECT, BUT I STAND BY MY INTEGRITY
No one is perfect, and I do not claim to be. I am an ordinary, law-abiding citizen who believes in following the rules, taking responsibility for my decisions, and acting according to my values. My family and integrity mean more to me than winning an election. I will not compromise my principles for political gain.
I understand that trust must be earned. I welcome scrutiny and remain committed to putting the interests of McHenry County taxpayers first. Truth, transparency, and accountability should guide every public servant. That is the standard I will strive to uphold.
OCTOBER REALITY
McHenry County currently has the largest budget deficit in its history.
Learn more about my professional background and experience: www.aminkarim.com
Experience. Honest. Qualified. You Can Trust in Amin!
