This story was written a couple of weeks ago, but McHenry County Blog’s internet host was being disagreeable and would not let me post it.
We now have a new host and because other sources have pointed out that the missing gubernatorial candidates, Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard decided to attend a “Conservative Summit” in the South Suburbs where Dillard was the almost unanimous choice (three abstentions) I thought the story might still be of interest.
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Nunda Township continues to have the most active Republican Party township organization in McHenry County.
Its mid-August Saturday’s annual picnic drew two candidates for Governor–Bruce Rauner and Dan Rutherford.
Kirk Dillard ran into transportation problems and Brian Marchese spoke for him.
Rauner test marketed his term limits for state officials–“eight years and you’re out.” There was not the applause that one might have expected considering that 70-80% of the public answer polls saying they support the concept.
He said he had convinced a national term limits organization to get involved.Rutherford stress that to win Republicans had to get 20% of the vote in Chicago. He told the crowd that he received 22% when he ran successfully for State Treasurer.
House Minority Leader Tom Cross drove up Route 47 from Kendall County and worked the crowd. He was not going to speak until State Rep. Mike Tryon goaded him into it. (“You said if I spoke, you would.”)
One of two Republican candidates for McHenry County Sheriff, Bill Prim, arrived early.
He had to leave early to take his son to Hillsdale College.
His son Hank couldn’t wait to start his college experience, but his father had the usual parental trepidations.
Opponent Andy Zinke was a no show.Nunda Township Republican Chairman Mark Daniel said Zihke “had a conflict.”
McHenry County Deputy County Treasurer Glenda Miller told the audience that she knew the job.
Two District 3 McHenry County Board members up for election next year were present.
They were Joe Gottemoller and Mary McClellan.
Also in attendance were District 3’s Nick Provenzano and Mike Walkup.
Although Nunda Township is not in her District 2, Donna Kurtz, who is scheduled to be on the ballot with Jim Heisler next year, was at the picnic.
There were also current county officials, including
- McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi
- McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren
- McHenry County Coroner Anne Majewski
- McHenry County Circuit Judge Mike Chmiel
- McHenry County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill
- McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer
There were also three State Representatives
- Mike Tryon
- Barb Wheeler
- David McSweeney
Tryon relayed a story about House Speaker Mike Madigan and his wife’s having had dinner with three other couples.
One of the other wives criticized Madigan for something.
Madigan’s reply is reported to have been,
“You’re about issues. I’m about control.”
Wheeler remembered fondly her ten years on the County Board:
“You don’t know how lucky you are until you leave something.”
On a side note, I asked you what she thought the Illinois General Assembly had done right and she answered, “Fracking.”
I expressed my concern for the water that was needed for the process and she agreed that was an unknown, but pointed out that Illinois had the strictest law of any state.
She said projections were that 47,000 jobs would be created and she thought it would bring down unemployment statewide.
I told her I was optimistic about a significant employment increase in Southern Illinois, but saw little effect in northern Illinois.
Wheeler pointed out that sand necessary for the fracking process will most likely come from near I-80.
She also said that trucking companies are having a difficult time keeping drivers because semis hauling oil are stealing drivers from other types of cartage.
McSweeney’s breathed so much fire in his speech that I heard one person say that he should be the GOP’s candidate for Governor.
Two Nunda Township officials attended
- Supervisor Lee Jennings
- Road Commissioner Mike Lesperance
Grafton Township Road Commissioner and Grafton Township GOP Chairman Tom Poznanski was there, as was Algonquin Township Trustee Larry Emery.
Crystal Lake City Councilman Ralph Dawson and his wife were there, too.
The only educational board member at the picnic was newly-elected McHenry County College Board member Tom Wilbeck.
I probably have missed some folks who hold office. Please let readers know in the comment section.
Newly-elected Illinois Republican State Chairman Jack Dorgan made what was probably his first appearance in McHenry County and our State Central Committeeman Gene Dawson, who is Barrington Township Supervisor made his presence visible still again.
In his second role, McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Mike Tryon was another party official at Veterans Acres.
Featured were the Republican Precinct Committeemen from Nunda Township.
There was a banner that recognized those who contributed to the event.
Mary Alger had a table promoting this week’s seminar on Common Core educational standards being sponsored by Congressman Randy Hultgren.
Links to articles about the Common Core Summit are here.