McHenry County Blog

With Township Supervisor Linda Moore in Texas for her daughter’s college graduation and Rob LaPorta also absent, the meeting was relatively short and peaceful.

No one raised his voice or went off on a rant. Trustee Gerry McMahon even sat facing the audience.

Unlike the outgoing McHenry County College Board, the old Township Board, chaired Thursday by Barbara Murphy, spent much of the meeting deferring to their successors, referring several times to newly-elected Independent Supervisor Jim Kearns, who was sitting in the back row.

The Road District’s budget, for example, was not passed, even though that was the wish of outgoing Road Commissioner Jack Freund.

“The new Board comes in on the 20th,” Trustee Betty Zirk, the only member of the Board to seek and win re-election.

When it came time for to consider the bills, Zirk had a list of those to exclude. They included

• $2,644.68 charged to a BMO Harris credit card (postage, telephone, equipment maintenance, travel expenses, etc.)
• $864.20 for J.A. Jetchmark, Ltd.
• $475 for McHenry County Council of Governments dues
• $295.60 for printing to Total Point of Video, Inc.
• $24,162.50 billed for legal fees by Moore attorney John Nelson
• $39,007.89 billed for legal services from March, 2012, through March, 2013, by Moore attorney Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNilf

The Trustees’ law firm, Ancel Glink, however, was paid $5,747.48.

“In order to meet the payroll next week, I don’t think we can pay any bills,” Zirk said.

Zirk also mentioned that Township Road Commissioner was owed $7,161.20 to cover health insurance for his wife.

“He could get it cheaper by getting it through his wife’s than through the Township,” she explained.

The motion approving the bills noted that they would be paid when money was available.

As outgoing Township Assessor Bill Ottley was leaving after the bills were approved, he was thanked for his service for the last four years. The sparse audience applauded.

Ottley reminded them that he would be around through December, when his term expires.

“And you, too, Jack,” one of the Trustees added.

Zirk then talked about how audit expenses should be allocated. She suggested Public Assistance pay 5% and the Road District 35%.

Freund objected to the number she suggested, saying, “I’ll pay 25% like I’ve always been paying.”

Trustee Gerry McMahon suggest a compromised of 28%. Freund did not agree.

After some discussion, Zirk suggested asking the auditor how much time he spent on the Road District budget and the matter was deferred.

As the meeting was drawing to a close, Murphy said,

“There’s a part of me that is worry for the way things ended up. I regret that.”

A letter from the forensic auditor was read in which he detailed Moore’s refusal to sign the engagement letter and a payment until ordered by Judge

He also said he was unable to obtain original copies of the warrant lists.

Township Clerk Harriot Ford pointed out the documents were on the web site.

“I look forward to things moving on a real positive way,” she said shortly before the meeting adjourned.

Also in the audience was newly-elected Township Assessor Al Zielinski.

A press release from Grafton Township Assessor Al Zielinski:

Alan Zielinski, humbly and gratefully accepts the voters’ directive to be their new Grafton Township Assessor

VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD, IL (April 18, 2013) – Alan Zielinski, Grafton Township’s Assessor-Elect, was humbled by the voters’ choice in the recent election and is extremely grateful.

“My sole purpose in running for office was leveraging my education, experience and empathy to serve the people of Grafton Township. The voters have given me that opportunity to serve,” said Zielinski.

Although he doesn’t take office until January 1, 2014, Zielinski is not planning to stand idly by.

• “Representative Tryon invited my help bringing a Property Taxpayer Bill of Rights to the floor of the Illinois legislature so I’ve contacted other appraisers and assessors to gain their ideas.
• By the end of May, I’ll have contacted the Grafton Food Pantry to see how best we can utilize the contributions starting next year.
• Later this year, I’ll be seeking the incumbent’s and staff’s guidance as to how we can have a completely seamless transition.” said Zielinski.

Zielinski continued: “It’s not just about valuation; it’s also about helping Grafton Township heal and move forward.

“I’ve already set aside party labels and contacted the newly-elected Supervisor and Board offering whatever assistance I can to help them navigate the troubled financial waters ahead.

“We share a common goal: putting the past behind us and doing our best to serve all of our residents and taxpayers.”

Assessor-elect Zielinski plans to keep his web site active so residents can keep abreast of the developments that occur between now and the end of the year: www.Al-for-Assessor.com

Zielinski concluded by thanking those who helped. “I was blessed with a tireless campaign manager and an extremely insightful and helpful campaign committee. In addition, I was fortunate to gain the backing and friendship of those taxpayers who stood-up and said ‘How can I help?’ Those new friendships were an astonishing and fortuitous benefit of my campaign that I’ll always cherish.”

I wish I had managed to make it to the McHenry County College Board meeting earlier.

From what Woodstock Advocate blogger Gus Philpott said in the public comment section of the meeting, the room was packed with college employees when he arrived.

No room for ordinary taxpayers to sit.

Philpott gave thanks to President Vicky Smith for convincing them to leave.  I guess they went to an “overflow” area in the huge front hall nearby.   That’s where I saw a screen set up on the way out.

Cynthia Kisser began the meeting by asking for the controversial item–the extension of Smith’s contract–be postponed until the Thursday after next.

“I completely agree,” Ron Parrish replied.

That was also met with agreement from fellow Board members.

That’s the last day Carol Larson, Barbara Walters and Dennis Adams will be in office.  Larson and Walters lost the election; Adams retired.

It was not clear whether that postponement was until the last meeting of the outgoing Board or the first meeting of the reconstituted Board after Molly Walsh, Chris Jenner and Tom Wilbeck are sworn in.

Then, it was on to public comment.

“Thank you very much for coming,” Board President Mary Miller said before the first person, Grafton Township Assessor-elect Al Zielinski spoke.

Zielinski urged Board members to act in a more business-like manner.

Philpott urged the Board to include that they were going to vote on a contract extension on the next agenda, if that were their intent.

Jane Collins, a fixture at MCC Board meetings, pointed out that if the “old Board” were to make the decision next week, “nothing has changed.”

She said that would be the same as saying, “We’re not going to respect the results of the election.”

“We don’t trust you to make informed decisions,” she continued.

Collins, it should be noted, was part of the group that put up signs supporting Molly Walsh, Chris Jenner and Tom Wilbeck.

Woodstock’s Molly Oakford said she “was here for the students.”

She urged the Board to show the “highest level of standards of excellence.”

Referring to what was on the agenda, she asserted, “The process is wrong.  The process does not [meet] standards of excellence…

“This meeting should never have been held.  It’s shameful.  It’s railroading.

“I want to see our Board conduct itself in a standard of excellence.”

Former MCC Trustee George Lowe then weighed in.

“I think it behooves you to give them [the new trustees] a chance to vote on the contract.

“If not, it’s a gotcha!”

Philosophy and Ethics Instructor James Gould also expressed disapproval.  He thanked Larson for her 24 years of being a “faithful advocate for the employees” and urged Board members to think about the good reputation and image of the college.

He called the effort to act on extending Smith’s contract “anti-democratic and, in effect, subvert[ing] the will of the public.

“I ask that decision be made by the new Board.”

The only person speaking in favor of the old Board extending Smith’s contract was Biology Instructor Marla Garrison.

She told of the “erosion of confidence” during “the four years of rapid turnover administration.”

“I don’t believe lame ducks.  This Board is an active Board and was elected by the community regardless of what happens next.

“For the past two years, I’ve felt energized…the status quo was no more.”

New Board member Chris Jenner spoke next.

He pointed that he had talked to no Board members about Smith and that the Board had seven weeks to act on her contract.

“There seems to be ample time,” he said, asking the current Board to allow its successor to make the decision.

I spoke next, pointing out I was the only one in the room who had been at the meeting called to form the college.  (Cal Skinner, Sr., called the meeting and served on the first board.)

I asked the members who would not be on the next Board to think of the harm they would do to the college’s reputation and their own if they acted on the contract extension before leaving office.

I also requested that the reports be made available to the public prior to the meeting.

Steve Wilson, just out of cataract surgery read a statement to the Board:

“This is a test, a test of integrity.

“A week ago 70% of the people who went to the polls voted AGAINST the incumbents.

“If Liddell, Kisser and Miller vote for this contract, it shows they have no respect for the voters and no respect for their new colleagues.

“And if Vicky Smith accepts a contract voted by this lame duck board, over the objection of the new trustees, it will prove she also has no respect for the new board, no integrity, and that she is simply looking for a big golden parachute on her way out the door, grabbing for a half million dollars of taxpayers’ money.”

The fractured Republican Party in Grafton Township manged to elect its Chairman Tom Poznanski Road Commissioner and Al Zielinski Assessor, but failed to get enough votes to put three-way GOP primary winner Pam Fender in office.

Independent Jim Kearns got 67 more votes than Fender. There are absentee and early votes outstanding, so this margin could narrow, but will be unlikely to be overcome.

For Township Assessor, Independent Terra Jensen gave Republican nominee Al Zielinski a run for his money, but, with the same caveat about additional votes that will show up, the Lakewood resident beat the Restore Grafton Township candidate by 224.

Independent Tim Hoeft was trailing by 213 votes prior to the addition of early and absentee ballots.

And finally, for Grafton Township Trustee, newly-elected Supervisor Kearns obtained a working majority.

Winning were

• former Crystal Lake Mayor Bob Wagner
• incumbent Trustee Betty Zirk (the only incumbent to run for re-election)
• Dan Ziller, Jr., in his second attempt (the last one being a write-in); a member of the Restore Grafton Township slate
• Joe Holtorf, member of the Restore Grafton Township slate

Here’s the part of the Republican candidate for Grafton Township Assessor’s last mailing that you have not seen before:

Zielinski is opposed by Independent Terra Jensen.

A press release from Grafton Township Republican candidate for Assessor:

Alan Zielinski, Republican nominee for Grafton Township Assessor, clears the air.

VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD, IL (March 21, 2013) – Alan Zielinski, Republican nominee for Grafton Township Assessor, wants to make sure his message “Grafton deserves better!” is not muffled by distractions, unfounded rumors and even outright lies.

“Press releases are usually written in the third person but this comes directly from me. The voters chose me as their Republican nominee for the general election and deserve to hear a clear message.

Taxpayers’ focus should be on critical issues like my Taxpayer Bill of Rights and not inconsequential distractions. Some peripheral attacks have been posted and it’s time to discredit them and put them to rest forever. Grafton Township is facing a life and death financial situation!” said Zielinski.

Political sign damage

“My campaign had several of our large signs damaged during the primary. Because of the frigid cold and wind, the plastic tie-wraps broke and we had to replace them with nylon rope and electrical wire.

“While it certainly could have been vandalism, my mind didn’t even go there because it’s not something I would ever do nor condone. No one in our community should stoop to such low standards.

“It’s unfortunate my opponent chose to implicate me without any basis whatsoever. The Huntley Deputy Police Chief stated for the record the wind was likely at fault. This community has had its fill of name-calling and in-fighting and needs to focus on the serious issues in front of us.

“Those serious issues and my concern for the residents of Grafton Township are why I chose to enter this race by offering my education, experience and qualifications in my bid for the assessor position.”

Reaching across the aisle

“My opponent conveyed a phone conversation we had several weeks ago about possibly joining forces. It occurred but its context and basis were solely the speedy healing of the community.

“Grafton Township is in dire financial straits. The ability to diligently work ourselves out of that financial pit will require astute financial planning and management. For that to occur, the new Trustees will require accurate and timely assessments so a prudent and realistic cash flow plan can be initiated.

“Given my 11 years of appraisal experience, 30 years of valuation experience and 40 years of general business experience which include company leadership roles, I have complete confidence in my abilities to hit the ground running. That includes timely, accurate and complete compliance with all statutory requirements of the Illinois Property Tax Code. However, I’ll need a team to achieve that.

“None of the assessor’s current staff have approached me since I won the primary. I value initiative in my teammates and, in the absence of that, decided to act proactively based on feedback I’ve received from several independent sources.

“I’ve stated several times I’m a businessman, not a politician. The suggestion to my opponent was one any good businessman would have made. Rather than battling for several months, let’s join forces and get a head start doing our part to help right Grafton’s financial situation. My opponent’s call notes even cite one of my opening phrases conveying the goal of my call: ‘Allies instead of enemies.’

“Her call notes confirm that overture was summarily declined without even a moment’s consideration. Worse, that genuinely appropriate business venture has been sadly spun into some sort of political ‘deal.’ Nothing could be farther from the truth as confirmed by my opponent’s published call notes.

“Talent acquisition/management and succession planning are mandatory in any successful organization. That’s true whether the organization is for-profit, non-profit or public service. The fact my opponent doesn’t realize that clearly indicates her inexperience as a senior manager.

“Maintaining the status quo requires only a Certified Illinois Assessment Officer designation. Achieving zero appeals by earning the trust of Grafton’s taxpayers mandates an appraiser certification.

“My opponent’s public Linkedin resume (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/terra-jensen/50/720/833) conveys she lacks the in-depth valuation and management experience required to be a trusted steward of Grafton’s $1.6 billion of assessed property value. Her resume states no managerial, P&L or balance sheet responsibility of any significance.

“My offer was a chance for her to safely develop and cultivate those skills without further jeopardizing the financial well-being of Grafton Township. The offer was also straightforward: let’s work together with the township’s best interests at heart. There was no hidden agenda. There was no selfish motivation on my part. There was no benefit to me. There was no ‘deal.’

“The only winners would have been my opponent who would’ve received her 2,500 hours over 2 years of appraisal experience under my tutelage and the taxpayers of Grafton Township who would have eventually received a seasoned certified appraiser and experienced senior management executive.”

Grafton deserves better

“The definition of ‘better’ includes several facets.

• People working together versus forming polarized camps and sniping at each other.
• Accurate and timely assessments that will allow proper financial planning.
• Leaders with real business and managerial experience at the township’s controls.
• A focus on matters of fact and consequence versus innuendo and unfounded aspersions.

“My commitment to this community remains absolute and I plan to use my decades of business skills and diverse valuation experience to help the new Trustees’ financial planning and management in every way possible.

“Complaining about lost signs, casting aspersions as to whom the ‘culprit’ might be (other than Mother Nature) and spinning an authentic, unselfish and sound business venture offer into something sinister smacks far too much of the past behavior that got Grafton Township into its current mess.

“Grafton Township has endured more than its fair share of abrasion, acrimony and internal attacks. It needs to move forward with its residents cohesively working together. Remaining at odds is an unpalatable, financially-ruinous alternative.”

= = = = =
Zielinski is facing off against Independent Terra Jensen.

Grafton Township Assessor candidate Al Zielinski, running against incumbent Bill Ottley, has sent another campaign mailing. You wee it below.

And, if you are an Algonquin, Grafton or Nunda Township candidate and want others to see your mailings, email them to me. The email address is on the left hand side of the screen.

Alan Zielinski for Grafton Township Assessor

Sincerely,

Please make your voice heard on 2/26 by voting for me.

Alan Zielinski

This arrived in my email from Dorr Township Assessor Veronica Myers:

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally commend Bill Ottley, Grafton Township Assessor.

“I have been in the assessment profession since 1993. I began working with the McHenry County
Supervisor of Assessments Office Board of Review section. I was then hired at Dorr Township as Chief
Deputy Assessor and am now the current Dorr Township Assessor.

“Through the years, I have gotten to know Bill Ottley and am familiar with his work. I know how much
this man is dedicated to serving the residents of Grafton Township with accurate and uniform property
assessments. Each year, assessors can see the statistics showing the performance of our fellow
assessors. I personally always looked to Grafton Township’s statistics first as a comparison to my own,
because I know that Bill Ottley and his team are an example of exemplary, high quality work.

“In regard to the assessment system, Illinois statute requires assessed values to be based on three prior
years of sales statistics. For 2013, this means the assessments are to be based on the average market
years of 2010, 2011 and 2012.

“Because of this standard, the assessments will lag behind what the market is doing currently. However,
the three prior year standard changes during the time frame when assessments can be appealed.
During the appeal time frame, assessed values are established using more current sales instead of the
three prior years of sales. Because the market has been in decline, this means that most assessment
appeals will be successful simply due to the change in standard. If during the appeal time frame the
same standards were used, there would be far fewer assessments being reduced. This difference in
assessment standards is a problem with the system, not with Mr. Ottley.

“Bill Ottley has my utmost respect and Grafton Township would be well served by his reelection.”

In his opening statement, Grafton Township Supervisor aspirant Marty Waitzman told the Sun City audience that Grafton Township Assessor Bill Ottley fell on black ice while knocking on doors and broke a leg.

Sounded like a pretty bad break.

Ottley, the incumbent Grafton Township Assessor, is being challenged by Al Zielinski.

Candidates who have filed in the Republican Party primary election for Grafton Township Supervisor are the three who have previously been mentioned:

• Linda Moore
• Martin Waitzman
• Pam Fender

Moore is the incumbent.  Huntley Village Trustee Fender was appointed by the Township Board as Township Administrator basically to replace Moore, but was ousted by Judge Michael Caldwell.  Waitzman is the newcomer to the political arena.

For Trustee only three people have filed for the three spots:

• Betty Zirk
• Carol Williams
• Robert Wagner

Zirk has been one of the biggest proponents for a new township hall.  Wagner is a former Mayor of Crystal Lake.

Fender has previously indicated that she would be running with Zirk, Jenna Jones, Jim Kelly and Marci Gordon.  Only Zirk’s candidacy materialized.

Since there are four slots, people could run write-in campaigns for the vacant one.  I believe a minimum of 30 votes would be necessary to win a place on the April ballot (the number of petition signatures needed to get on the ballot), but, if more than one person runs, the one with the most votes over 30 would be the winner.

For Assessor Alan Zielinski is challenging incumbent William Ottley.

Highway Department employee Tom Poznaski is facing off against contractor Rich Dvorak.

No one filed for Clerk, so someone could become a write-in candidate for the $7,200 a year (to begin with) job.  Same minimum vote requirements as for Trustee.

Salaries for the people to take office next spring are found here.