Amin Karim, McHenry County Treasurer: Candidate Questionnaire

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Three newcomers are vying to become the next McHenry County Treasurer and take the seat of longtime treasurer Glenda Miller, who is retiring.

With early voting underway in McHenry County, voters will be asked to pick between James S. Young, a Libertarian; Amin Karim, a Democrat; and Donna Kurtz, a Republican.

• McHenry County Voters Guide: 2022 General Election
  

Karim recently responded to a Patch.com election survey. We've included his answers below:

Name

Amin Karim

Campaign website

https://aminkarim.com

What county do you live in?

McHenry

City or town of residence

Crystal Lake

Office sought

McHenry County Treasurer

Party affiliation

Democratic

Education

Bachelor in Engineering, MBA in Finance

Occupation

Retired. Worked 30 years in corporate world.

Family

Four Children, and Three Grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

63 years

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I’m not a professional politician and this is my first time running for office.

Why are you seeking this office?

I decided to run for office because I see that our country is getting divided more than ever and we need to be united and work together to rebuild our nation. I want to contribute and not complain. I want to share my voice and ask others to do so as well. It is our civic duty to participate in the election process. Solidarity is our power.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponents believe that everything in the treasurer office is just fine and dandy and they believe in “status quo”. I believe in continuous improvement and the flexibility to adapt and change.

If you are challenging an incumbent, how would you perform differently if elected?

The current treasurer office is operating in a very old fashioned manner - everything is done manually and their website is obsolete! Under my supervision, I will create a state-of-the-art website where citizens will find valuable information at their fingertips and all public information will be 100% transparent!

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

The McHenry County Treasurer office has not witnessed much change in last two decades and I’m about to bring that change. I’m very much result oriented and I believe in process. I blame the system not the people. Solidarity is our power!

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have executed multimillion dollar projects both in domestic and international markets including local and federal governments and foreign companies. Performed award winning Black Belt project during 2011 tsunami in Japan which vastly disrupted the global supply chain.

What was your first paying job, and what did you learn from it?

My first job was a waiter in a restaurant where I learnt to work and respect everyone at all levels.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The way to succeed in life is to act on the advice you give to others.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’m not a professional politician and I don’t know how to make windy speeches. I’m an honest, hardworking ordinary citizen who plays by the book - no politics, no big talk, just honest public service. I’m your servant and given the opportunity I’ll earn your trust.
My name is Amin Karim, and I’m Trust Worthy and Honest.