Franks’ Patronage Push Loses in First County Board Committee

Patronage employee Oliver Serafini’s McHenry County identification card showing he works for the Department of Transportation as well as for the County Board Chairman.

The patronage employees that Jack Franks hired without County Board authorization around Christmas last year did not received a reprieve in the Internal Services Committee yesterday.

After Franks prevailed upon County Administrator Peter Austin to exceed the hiring authority granted him by County Board ordinance, a number of Board members tried to force the issue over a number of months.

They were thwarted by Franks and Austin.

The issue was finally brought to the McHenry County Board floor by petitions for Special Meetings initiated by Craig Wilcox, Jeff Thorsen and Chuck Wheeler.

The first Special Meeting could not be held because allies of Franks failed to attend.

Patronage employee Bridgett Geenen’s McHenry County identification card.

Franks finally put the subject of the patronage hires on the agenda the night of the second Special Meeting.

At that meeting, the issue was fully vetted.

Joe Gottemoller moved to reverse Wilcox’ resolution so that it would read that the two positions would be created, rather than be abolished.

The motion passed.

The issue was then referred to three County Board committees:

  • Human Resources
  • Internal Services
  • Finance

Wednesday the issue was before Internal Services.

There the resolution to authorize the two positions was defeated 4-1.

Michele Aavang was the only one supporting Franks’ position.

Those voting in opposition were

  • Yvonne Barnes
  • Jim Heisler
  • Michael Rein
  • Mike Walkup

Kay Bates and Donna Kurtz were absent.


Comments

Franks’ Patronage Push Loses in First County Board Committee — 4 Comments

  1. I would not use the term: ” allies of Franks” but I would use the term: “swamp dwellers” who do not represent the people who put them in office.

    The question is: Should the McHenry County Board Chairman have a staff?

    NO! NO! AND NO!

    The voters voted AGAINST that already!

    Is Aavang too busy selling beef and attending Farm Bureau meetings to represent the taxpayers of this County?

    If a Board member truly represents the taxpayers, NOT ONE will vote for any of these positions!!!

    Maybe Kevin too can get a job working for Illinois News Network?

  2. The RINO shows her true colors for all the voters to see.

    As if there was ever a doubt. LOL.

  3. So glad we will have Orv in office soon! He’s going to rob Aavang from her seat just like he robbed Democrats in the past!!!

  4. Not totally sure but this Mr. Schuster is strange…
    No relation thank goodness!

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