NW Herald Editorial Fails to Note Obstacles to Abolishing Township Government

Grafton Township Administrator Pam Fender holds up real estate listing for a Huntley commercial building that she proposed the Township Board consider purchasing.

It’s time to agree with Grafton Township Administrator Pam Fender.

At least as far as this goes:

“Today’s (9-21-10) Editorial is another example of the Northwest Herald not doing it’s homework.”

McHenry County Blog wrote earlier of the requirements to abolish township government.

After Wonder Lake’s Bob Anderson’s countywide referendum failed and after his referendum to abolish McHenry Township failed, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law making it impossible to abolish a single township.

That new law requires the abolition of all townships in a county.

Getting rid of a single township at the ballot box is no longer possible.


Comments

NW Herald Editorial Fails to Note Obstacles to Abolishing Township Government — 6 Comments

  1. Other than infighting; what does a township do that benefits the taxpayers? I really don’t see much value, but maybe I am missing something?

  2. A township is another political tool/machine. It creates jobs for people who get nice salaries and benefits and who easily can become political soldiers on the street and “friends” to help get the vote out for one side or the other.

    Townships which are not located in mostly rural areas continure to operate as if they are truly needed. Their duties can be assumed by other local govt. entities, however, that would make too much sense. “We’ve always done it this way.” is part of the mantra from long term elected official (ex.) Trustees.

    Townships create their own reasons to exist. They just don’t want to go away.

  3. For Dee (Aileen) – Interesting comment. Does that mean you want your friend and former running mate, Linda Moore to be out of a job?

  4. Perhaps I can help Jim,Dee and Alan:

    Township Government in Illinois

    Township government is one of the oldest forms of government in Illinois. Townships perform three mandatory functions: administering a general assistance program to qualifying residents, maintaining township road district highways and bridges, and assessing real property.

    Townships have been given various powers which they may exercise depending upon the needs of their constituents.

    Each township has the corporate capacity to exercise the powers expressly granted to it, or those necessary implied from these express grants, and no others.

    This limitation is called “Dillon’s Rule” and affects all Illinois government except home rule municipalities and counties.

    Like other non-home rule units, townships have no inherent powers, but only those granted to them by the constitution or authorized by statute.

    Prior to engaging in any act, therefore, a township must make sure that it possesses the authority to engage in such an act.

    Townships are conferred their powers through the Illinois Township Code(60 ILCS 1/1 et. Seq.), the 1970 Illinois Constitution and through various other statutory and common laws. Special statutory sections govern the powers and the functions of township officers.

    Townships exercise their various powers through either the corporate authorities of the township (the electors), or the township board.

  5. Well, Jim, IF our township was functioning the way that it SHOULD be, then it would benefit the community immensely!!! Unfortunately, we have a supervisor who’s intentions are to ruin our township.

    @Aileen …. REALLY??????

    @c.kay … Great point!!!!

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