The opinions expressed on the Rants and Raves of Mac McIntyre are solely those of its author and are shared for the purpose of encouraging dialogue about life and issues in DeKalb County, Illinois.

Choosing a Career
(a satirical look at jobs in DeKalb County)

A recent survey, conducted by Manpower, a temporary employment firm, painted a bleak short term picture for the DeKalb-Sycamore area. Not a single employer surveyed indicated that they planned to hire any more workers in the first quarter of 2006. A total of 17 percent of local employers expect to let workers go.

With escalating land prices, soaring housing costs and rising property taxes such reports accentuate the importance of choosing the right career early. Recent longer term job related studies indicate a clear career decision in terms of salary, benefits and retirement security.

Salaries for top public administrators have risen so dramatically that DeKalb fifth ward alderman, Pat Conboy, called the city manager's position the "new royalty" of the community. Overall, the salary for a city manager in DeKalb has more than doubled since 1992. The base starting pay for a DeKalb city manager has risen from $55,922 in November 1992 to $122,120 in 2004. Current City Manager, Mark Biernacki received approximately $10,000 more than what his predecessor, Jim Connors, was making when he left. Connors got a $12,500 pay increase over his predecessor, Bill Nicklas, who is now the City Manager in Sycamore. Nicklas received a $14,500 salary increase, to $105,500, in a 2003 contract extension that runs through April of 2007.

If government administration is the career of choice then higher education is clearly a prerequisite. The university of choice? NIU. Northern Illinois University enjoys high accolades for its public administration educational programs. It is also well positioned to make recommendations when hiring opportunities arise in northern Illinois communities.

Many of the staff members at the NIU Regional Development Institute (RDI) hold appointed or elected positions in the local governmental units in DeKalb County and beyond. Ruth Anne Tobias, senior research associate at RDI also serves as chair of the DeKalb County Board. Dr. John Lewis, senior research associate at RDI, also serves as chair to the Sycamore Planning Commission. RDI Assistant Director, Carol Zar, is clerk of the DeKalb Sanitary District. Dawn Peters, senior research associate, is on the Rochelle Planning Commission. Theresa Wittenauer, senior research associate, is on the Amboy Planning Commission. Roger Dahlstrom, senior research associate, has worked with as many as 25 school districts in northern Illinois.

The mayors of DeKalb and Sycamore, Frank Van Buer and Ken Mundy, are both retired NIU employees. NIU professor emeritus, Herb Rubin, is chair of the DeKalb Economic Development Commission. The president of the DeKalb Park District is Dave Mason, who along with the park district's Secretary, Mary Gawrys, is employed at NIU.  As is DeKalb School Board President, Andy Small, along with board member Holly Wallace. It would be difficult to find a single unit of local government that is not blessed with a current or retired NIU employee.

While the job outlook may look bleak in the short term, especially those employed in the private sector, for those who choose a career in local government, the future is so bright, they'll have to wear shades.

Mac McIntyre

DeKalb County's Top Paid School Administrators (FY 2004-2005)

SOURCE: Illinois State Board of Education