Mixing Democrat Jack Franks among the Republicans at McHenry’s Fiesta Days Parade

Regular readers will know that I go to parades to read political tea leaves. Perhaps the biggest insight was that Democrat Jack Franks was in the middle of the Republican floats. Whether deliberate or not, it surely sent a mixed … Continue reading

Friday Evening Fox Lake “Meet and Greet” for Pam Althoff, Barb Wheeler, Mike Nerhiem & Bob Bedar

Ingleside attorney David A. Zipp is hosting a wine and cheese Meet and Greet Friday, March 2nd from 5-8 atthe historical Roxana Bed & Breakfast. He writes, “With the new districts making much of McHenry County and Lake County merge, … Continue reading

Democrat Jeff Thirtyacre Seeks Write-in Route to Run against Republican Barb Wheeler for State Representative

Spring Grove Democrat Jeff Thirtyacre has filed papers with the McHenry County Clerk’s Office to run as a write-in candidate for this party’s nomination for State Representative in the 64th District. To win the write-in contest, he must get as … Continue reading

All But One Expected McHenry County State Rep. Candidates’ Petitions Filed

There are no surprises in McHenry County State Rep. races, except that 52nd District Republican candidate Danielle Rowe did not file on the first day. There is no indication that she is not going to file and, assuming there is … Continue reading

McHenry County Board Votes on Salary Hikes

There was “a Scribner’s error” in the county offices’ pay hike resolution some argued.  It passed October 18th. In that first vote, County Board members voted 19-4 to raise County Board salaries to $21,500 per year.  That’s about where all … Continue reading

State Legislators/Candidates Report Status of Campaign Funds

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) raised $21,690 and spent $23,932. He ended September with $2,300 less than he started with. State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) took in $52,400 and spent $41,600. He started July with $478,000 (remember all those … Continue reading

Pat Brady Speaks to Full House in Crystal Lake

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady traveled up the Fox River Valley to talk to McHenry County Republicans Wednesday night. The event was held at the Prairie Isle Golf Club in Prairie Grove. A good number of countywide elected officials … Continue reading

McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi Running for Re-Electon

Having been vindicated by not one, but two verdicts of acquittal in Circuit Court, McHenry County State’s Attorney has decided to seek voter approval of his stewardship of the office he first won in 2004. Speaking at his annual fund … Continue reading

McHenry Township Republicans Raise Money

Saturday afternoon, McHenry Township Republicans gathered at the McHenry Moose for a pig roast and to hear candidates make their pitches. McHenry County Blog prevailed upon attendee Becky Kress to share her photos. McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler, who … Continue reading

Barb Wheeler State Rep. Fund Raiser Successful

An impressive crowd turned out for McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler’s fund raiser for her State Rep. campaign. From those attending, I concluded that she will be the favorite of most of the McHenry County part of the 64th … Continue reading

Jack Franks’ Nesting and Other Thoughts about His Future

Largely unnoticed in Illinois Democrats’ remapping of McHenry County’s legislative districts is what state representatives go with which state senator. As the situation exist now, State Reps. Mike Tryon and and Jack Franks have Pam Althoff as their state senator. … Continue reading

Frosty Debate prior to McHenry County Board Chairman Vote

Previously McHenry County Blog reported on the results and the roll call for the post of McHenry County Board Chairman.  Challenger Marc Munaretto was pitted against incumbent Ken Koehler. The temperature outside was about 10 degrees. Some of the relationships … Continue reading

Protection of County’s Groundwater Front and Center Saturday

A while back I sat down with a reader for a talk at Conscious Cup Coffee. We discussed county politics and problems. I concluded that the availability of drinking water was the biggest problem facing the county. Tuesday in an … Continue reading

Barb Wheeler Has Well-Attended Nunda Fund Raiser

Around the pool off Oak Ridge Road, McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler had a well-attended fundraiser Saturday afternoon. Labeled a “Teeni Weeni Bikini Martini Pool Party, it lasted into the evening. There were musicians from Florida playing beach music … Continue reading