Upsetting the District 2 Republican apple-cart is McHenry County College Board member Donna Kurtz’ announcement that she is seeking one of two party nominations for the county board.
She is contesting the re-nomination of McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and member Lynn Orphal.
So far, no Democrats have surfaced to provide a fall contest.
An opponent to having slot machines in bars and restaurants, the Kurtz candidacy could provide impetus for at least one District 2 county board member, Orphal, to vote to ban the machines in order to neutralize the issue or to at least support allowing citizens to offer input in a February advisory referendum.
The county board’s License and Liquor Committee is holding a public hearing next Wednesday, October 7th, starting at 6 PM to take input from the public. Kurtz told McHenry County Blog she intends to attend.
The last time Kurtz provided public testimony at a governmental body was when the Crystal Lake City Council was considering whether or not to allow a baseball stadium at McHenry County College. She and trustee Scott Summers testified against the plan.
For that action, their MCC Board colleagues censured them. Read the linked article and you will see that Kurtz and Summers achieved near folk hero status.
Among other issues that are almost sure to come up are the Metra purchase of 17 acres of land half-owned by County Board Chairman Koehler.
Although Metra board members argued that a Ridgefield train stop was needed near McHenry County College, the board selected the least convenient location possible. While no one has suggested Koehler did anything wrong in agreeing to sell the land to Metra, it certainly could become an issue, considering Kurtz is on the MCC board and not happy with the location. And, especially since no one from Metra consulted with community college personnel prior to the inconvenient-to-students site’s selection.
Issues on Kurtz’ handout include
- Make honesty & integrity the #1 priority in gov’t.
- Fight corruption, self-interest, and “roads to nowhere,” i.e., Alden Road.
- Work for real road and transportation solutions.
- Demand fiscal responsibility.
- Champion a McHenry County that remains beautify, productive, and economically vibrant.
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The head shot is of Lynn Orhpal.
Handing Donna Kurtz an American Flag and a flowers is former Crystal Lake Park Board member Leona Nelson. This was done after her and Scott Summers’ censure by fellow McHenry County College Board members.