McHenry County Blog

The following press release from congressional candidate Joe Walsh is presented for your information:

Lake Zurich, IL, January 12, 2010. Joe Walsh Candidate for Congress in the IL  8th District is announcing support and endorsements.

Walsh continues to receive endorsements and support in his race for Congress.  The following is an initial list of endorsements, further endorsements will be forthcoming:

The following organizations have endorsed Joe Walsh:

• Illinois Federation For Right to Life
• Tea Party Palatine
• Lake County Tea Party
• Illinois Conservatives on Facebook
• National Taxpayers United of Illinois
• Republican Assembly of Illinois

The following individuals and elected officials have endorsed Joe Walsh:

• Bryan Javor, Chairman McHenry CountyYoung Republicans
• Don Castella, Chairman, Vernon Township Republicans
• Nick Provenzano, Candidate for McHenry County board, District 3
• Tom Roeser, Conservative Catholic Activist
• Louis Rofrano, Mc Henry County Right to Carry Association
• John E. Vincent, Former Wauconda Township Committeeman
• John O’Neill, Candidate for State Representative, 63rd District
• Glenn Garamoni, Precinct Committeeman, Fremont Township 121
• Bill Parrot, Chairman, Patriots United
• Peter S. Karlovics, Precinct Committeeman, Warren Township 308
• Joyce Story, Precinct Committeeman McHenry 14

Walsh has garnered lots of support from numerous committeemen throughout the district as well.

“Once again I am honored to have received the support of these organizations and these individuals.  Their support is providing crucial momentum to my campaign and has raised the energy level going into the final weeks of this election,” said Walsh.
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I would observe that not all of these endorsements are exclusive. The Illinois Federation Right to Life, I know, endorsed more than one candidate.  Maria Rodriguez was also endorsed.

Republicans of all ages, including many members of the McHenry County Young Republicans, hunters, sportsman, and local residents packed the Prairie Grove Village Hall last night.

The Second Amendment advocates were inspired by a Saturday article in the Northwest Herald in which Jeanne Smith, the Village Administrator of Prairie Grove and my 1998 Democratic Party state representative opponent, stated there would be an informal discussion about allowing hunting in the community.

During the standing room only meeting, Brent Smith, Vice-Chairman of the Nunda Township Republican Central Committee, seen standing to the left, said,

“We were not aware the village ever stopped entertaining the idea of hunting within the community.”

Brent Smith’s statement was reinforced at the meeting when the Village President Stan Duda stated,

“It wasn’t intended at the time to prevent hunting.”

Shortly after the meeting was called to order, the board agreed to change the order of business to accommodate the issue they felt the people in attendance were there to discuss.

At one moment the Village Attorney David McArdle stated that

before 2005 “hunting was legal in the village as long as a firearm was not used to inflict harm to a person or property, used to assault or threaten harm, or used in a reckless manner.

“However, that year the ordinances were typed into a new code book, and the addition of an extra period changed the law, making it illegal to discharge a firearm in Prairie Grove under any circumstances.”

“They’re areas that aren’t reasonable, but nobody’s trying to stop hunting in legitimate areas,” said Village President Stan Duda.

“That’s ironic,” said a heated Bryan Javor, Chairman of the McHenry County Young Republicans, seen in the orange hat.

“Then, why was it changed in the first place? In 2005?

“If the intent was as you claim, to never prevent hunting, then why did Jeanne Smith say this was a meeting to discuss whether the board would entertain the idea of hunting in the community, as if it wasn’t already (allowed).”

Nick Provenzano, McHenry County Board candidate in District 3, stated the deletion of the first sentence of the ordinance would provide adequate protection for the village and not infringe upon hunting.

The board quickly approved a measure to repeal the ordinance and stated that the ordinance would be sent to committee to be re-written.

The attendees applauded the board for there decision.

Many attendees volunteered their time if the committee wanted residents input.

The Ordinance being debated can be found here. It states

“No person shall discharge any firearms in the Village. In addition to those firearms defined by the Illinois Compiled Statutes, for purposes of this section, firearms shall include pump air rifles, potato guns, CO2 pellet guns, paint ball guns and any other device capable of discharging a projectile if used with intent to inflict harm to person or property or to assault or threaten harm to a person or property or when used in a reckless manner.”

The only opponent seemed to be former Lake in the Hills Police Chief and now Director of Police Jim Wales. He expressed concern about people who use and fire guns respecting the residents of the community.
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From left to right in the top photo are Trustee David K. Robak, Village President Stanley C. Duda, Village Administrator Jeannine Smith, Trustee Todd Greenwald, Trustee Lisa Behm, Attorney David McArdle and Trustee W. Randal Baudin II.

Bill Behm is holding the Prairie Grove map. Jim Wales is seen standing in the bottom photo with Brent Smith standing listening.

The patriotic decor of Crystal Lake’s 1776 restaurant was an ideal setting for Wednesday night’s meeting of the McHenry County Young Republicans.

It was so much more appropriate that the little room in the Pizza Hut basement outside the men’s and women’s restrooms where I remember the YR’s once met back in the 1970′s.

The main speaker was U.S. Senate candidate Ed Varga, a resident of Richmond and a ten-year member of the McHenry County Board of Health.

Varga was upbeat, having just been invited yesterday to give a five minute talk in Springfield to the Illinois Republican County Chairman’s Association at 10 today.

He previewed the speech on the YR’s.

Varga described himself as a 42 year old engineer who was a single parent of an 11-year old son who had lost his health insurance last year. His father emigrated from Europe.

He described his greatest achievement in his pubic service as

“Our leaders in Washington, D.C., have forgotten how to listen,” he continued.

“People are speaking, but people in in Washington aren’t listening.”

Varga outlined his “core values:”

• Pro-life
• 2nd Amendment supporter
• In favor of state’s rights
• Opposed to national health insurance
• Favors a strong, well-equipped military
• Opposed to cap and trade
• Supports the military’s patrolling our borders
• Opposed to devaluation of the dollar caused by the Stimulus Package
• Opposed to global environmental standards

From his hand out, I see Varga is [Mistake originally published follows: "also opposed to." Correction has been inserted following this parenthesis.] in favor of same sex unions. (Click to enlarge the image.)

After Varga’s short speech, YR President Bryan Javor announced the group now has 726 members and the goal of activating 10% of that number.

One of the on-going projects is to notify Young Republicans who live in a precinct which now had no elected GOP precinct committeeman and encourage them to run for the office.

Javor then called on heads of committees for reports.

Area Young Republicans gathered for a picnic and meet the candidates session in Barrington Sunday.

Below you see the organizations’ leaders. Speaking here is McHenry County Young Republican President Bryan Javor.

Collin Corbett, the President of the Lake County Young Republicans (Green Shirt) can be seen to the left, Amy Sejnost Kovacevic, President of the DuPage YRs (White Shirt) walking toward Crobett, Bryan Javor with the microphone and to the right, Drew Veeneman, President of the Kane County YRs. If someone will identify the man in the white shirt and baseball cap, I’ll add his name.

The McHenry County Young Republicans elected officers this week.

Bryan Javor will be leading the 700-person organization for the second year. Other officers are

• Erica Poremba, re-elected Vice-Chairwoman
• Garret Hill, re-elected Secretary
• Austin, re-elected Treasurer
• Salvatore Cucinella, re-appointed Membership Chairman
• Brian Hain, re-appointed Fundraising Chairman
• Robert Lee, re-appointed Social Chairman
• Angela James, re-appointed Education Chairwoman
• Brendan Murphy, newly appointed Technology chairman.

Accomplishments listed by the leadership follow:

• Membership exceeds 700 members.
• Unprecedented local use of technology, the knowledge of which is being shared locally
• Participated in 2008 Independence, Fiesta and Founder’s Day parades and so far this year in Independence and Fiesta Day parades. Will be walking in Founders Day Parade on Saturday, too. (Those feeling like Young Republican are invited to join the group at Eastwood School in Algonquin at 10:30.)
• Operating budget surplus.
• Assisted the following campaigns in general elections (8 of 9 Elected):

Dan Duffy; Elected
Phil Lonigro: Elected
Michael Carbone: Elected
Joni Smith: Elected
Dennis Jagla: Elected
Tom Palmer: Elected
Jim Schlader: Elected
Lee Jennings: Elected
Robert Lee: Not Elected

• Assisted in Republican election victories by working unappointed, unelected and unworked precincts.
• Obtained Federation of Illinois Young Republicans probationary charter and official charter.
• 1 of only 14 county Young Republican groups in Illinois 102 counties.
• Members who have moved away have been instrumental in the creation of other Young Republican groups in their new counties of residence such such as Derek and Maria Graham in Cumberland County TN.
• Young Republicans have assisted the Republican Party in setting up new computers and networks within the headquarters facilities in addition to performing requested maintenance.
• Held a very successful Candidate Rally for township elections

Goals for the coming year are

• Increasing funds 200%.
• Increasing quantity of active, voting members by 5%
• Working side by side more effectively with candidates to aid in their election.

For more information, try this email: chairman@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com

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In the photo on top, you see, on the left, Bryan Javor, who was re-elected president of the group. Next is Brendan Murphy, who will serve as the new Technology Chair. Seen to his left is Jake Justen, one of the original members. Brian Hain will head up fundraising. Photo is posted by permission of photographer Brendan Murphy.

Other photos are from The McHenrian, the Young Republican’s start-up blog.

The McHenry County Young Republicans haven’t forgotten that college students get involved in politics.

The county organization is trying to connect with those who have returned home for the summer.

The following press release has been received:

Woodstock, IL – With the school year officially over, the McHenry County Young Republicans would like to welcome back returning college students.

MCYR will host a meeting/social at O’Leary’s Pub in Woodstock to welcome back the college students and help them network with other Young Republicans.

They will be hosting “Business Card Bingo” to help the networking process so everyone is encouraged to bring a business card.

All participants will be able to take advantage of O’Leary’s specials: $3 wells and $1 off meatloaf dinner.

• What: MCYR Meeting/Social
• When: Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.
• Where: O’Leary’s Pub, 113 S Benton St., Woodstock, IL 60098

• Who: McHenry County Young Republicans

For more information, call Bryan Javor at (847) 354-1234.

Under 40?

The McHenry County Young Republicans are planning an overnight canoe trip the weekend of May 15-16 at Saux City, Wisconsin. The cost is $50, which includes Saturday dinner and Sunday pancakes.

Find an island for camping the notice below says.

Gregory Austin is the contact person.

For more general information about the Young Republicans, contact President Bryan Javor.

A bit late to report on the YR’s VFW rally last Saturday night, but there’s no competition from the local daily papers, so here’s what I have.

First we have Young Republican President Bryan Javor talking to Crystal Lake city council candidate Kay Stanish.

Next you see two Nunda Township candidates posing some YR’s in attendance.

From left to right, they are Nunda Township Trustee candidate Joni Smith, YR Kristin Culley, RY Vice Chair Erica Poremba, YR Membership Chair
Salvatore Cucinella and Nunda Township Trustee and candidate for re-election Jim Schlader.

Finally, here is a photo of State Representative and McHenry County Republican Part Chairman Mike Tryon talking with District 300 school board candidate Rob Lee.

Over 50 attended the rally.

Just in case you don’t want to attend the McHenry County College Board meeting tonight at 6 and watch the discussion about touch-feely topics, there’s also a Young Republican meeting from 7-7:45 at GOP Headquarters across from Barnes and Noble.

More details follow:

This email is more of a reminder of our quickly upcomming events.  Our next MCYR meeting will take place on Tuesday November 18th at 7:00PM-7:45PM.  We need everyone in attendance because we are having photos taken of the entire membership!  THESE PHOTOS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL ILLINOIS MEDIA OUTLETS!  Dress NICE! If you require transportation please email us at info@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com

LAST CHANCE!  We are holding a contest for the best logo/design for our new logo.  The logo has no constraints in color, size, font, style or images.  Have fun and get creative!  The award is a $25 gas card and formal announcement to the entire Republican base of your great work.  Email your entry to: logo@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com

Thank you all for your time and we look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.

Bryan Javor, Chairman
Erica Poremba, Vice-Chairwoman
Greg Austin, Treasurer
Garret Hill, Secretary

If the YR’s already had a logo, I’d be happy to include it.

Just in case you don’t want to attend the McHenry County College Board meeting tonight at 6 and watch the discussion about touch-feely topics, there’s also a Young Republican meeting from 7-7:45 at GOP Headquarters across from Barnes and Noble.

More details follow:

This email is more of a reminder of our quickly upcomming events.  Our next MCYR meeting will take place on Tuesday November 18th at 7:00PM-7:45PM.  We need everyone in attendance because we are having photos taken of the entire membership!  THESE PHOTOS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL ILLINOIS MEDIA OUTLETS!  Dress NICE! If you require transportation please email us at info@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com

LAST CHANCE!  We are holding a contest for the best logo/design for our new logo.  The logo has no constraints in color, size, font, style or images.  Have fun and get creative!  The award is a $25 gas card and formal announcement to the entire Republican base of your great work.  Email your entry to: logo@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com

Thank you all for your time and we look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday.

Bryan Javor, Chairman
Erica Poremba, Vice-Chairwoman
Greg Austin, Treasurer
Garret Hill, Secretary

If the YR’s already had a logo, I’d be happy to include it.