Cary Mayoral Candidates Sound Off On Priorities: Election 2025

CARY, IL — Two candidates are vying for the mayoral seat in Cary this spring election.

Mayor Mark Kownick is being challenged by Cary Dairy owner, Randy Scott. Voters in McHenry County will head to the polls on April 1 to make their picks in this year's local election, which features village board, township board, school board and mayoral races.

The single most pressing issue facing village officials in Cary is creating a revenue source for roads and infrastructure while also keeping taxes low and less of a burden on taxpayers, Kownick said in response to a Patch candidate questionnaire.

He said the village has identified $65 million worth of projects through its Capital Improvement Plan, which it plans to tackle over the next five years.

"Most are needs and some are like to have. Through our budget process, we will determine what are the most important channel funding in that direction," he said in his candidate questionnaire. "We continue to look for grants to offset our expenses."

Kownick, who has been the Cary mayor for 12 years, touts his experience as the key difference between him and his opponent.

"I have gained knowledge of the role through hard work, dedication and education. I believe I am a very effective leader for the village of Cary. I have access to other very seasoned elected officials, along with professional staff to collaborate on all the pressing issues facing municipalities," he added. "In addition, I have solid, respected relationships with state representatives, senators and federally elected officials. Working together for the betterment of the village of Cary and our region."

Randy Scott, who runs the Voices of Cary podcast and is the owner of Cary Dairy, is running a "self-funded campaign" and is not accepting donations as a way to "maintain my objectivity if elected."

Scott, a newcomer to politics, talked about his reasons for running for mayor and what his goals will be, if elected, during a Wednesday podcast. He said reducing bureaucracy, prioritizing what the residents of Cary want and need and repairing school district relationships would be priorities for him.

The former firefighter said Cary needs "homes not high rises" and added that small town values need to be re-established.

"Once you put the fire out, all the other problems go away in an emergency. And I think a lot of the things, once they get realigned with the voter and the resident and more things are brought to referendum, then a lot of the problems go away," he said.

His full podcasts can be viewed/listened to here.

Patch sent candidates questionnaires to both Kownick and Scott and heard back from Kownick. His full candidate questionnaire can be found here.