McHenry County Blog

The movie “America: Freedom to Fascism” will be shown at the Cary Library this Saturday afternoon. The library is east on Three Oaks Road, which crosses Route 14 near the Cary Jewel at the Thorton Gas Station.

The movie was produced by Libertarian Aaron Russo. Doors will open at 12:30 and the show will start at 1.

In addition, a few clips from “The Money Masters,” a film about central banking, read, the Federal Reserve, will be shown.

As the flyer below says, “No sign in required.”

Former Carpentersville Village President and McHenry County Chairman for Ross Perot Orv Brettman will speak at the event. Perot, incidentally, got the 2nd highest percentage vote for Perot in the entire U.S. In McHenry County, Brettman says.

For more information, contact Chris Jenner at 847-421-7655 or cjennero1@yahoo.com.

The Cary District 26 School Board drama started with the authorization of a $17 million Working Cash Fund referendum.

I am no fan of Working Cash Funds.

They are mechanisms whereby school districts borrow money for current operations and, after having drained the fund, can borrow the money again with asking for additional permission.
They are basically credit cards that never get paid off.

Voting for the measure were

• Board President Craig Loew
• Stephen Bush
• Julie Jette
• Dave Ruelle

Those opposed were

• Chris Jenner
• Randy Lawrence
• Julie Lehman

Four of the school board members were up for re-election Tuesday, three who voted for putting the referendum on the ballot and Chris Jenner, who opposed it.

The electorate seem to give women bonus votes around here.

You may remember that my research shows that a woman gets about a five percentage point advantage in elections. I speculate that it may be there have been many, many fewer crooked women politicians around here than men.

In any event referendum supporter Julie Jette won re-election, getting more votes than anyone else for the four-year term. Jette was appointed in 2008.

Second was referendum opponent Chris Jenner.

Newcomer Christopher Spoerl captured the third of four seats.

He’s currently president of the D-26 Education Foundation. His wife is PTO president and was on the FACT committee in 2003-4. That was the committee that worked with PMA Financial to try to soften up the community for a big tax hike referendum.

Incumbent and referendum proponent Dave Ruelle got the final four-year term.

Coming in out of the money, so to speak, even though school board members are not paid, was Board President Craig Loew, one of the referendum’s supporters.

Jenner, Ruelle and Loew, running for re-election, were first elected in 2005. They, along with Lawrence ran a coordinated campaign that year.

The results on the McHenry County Clerk’s web site last night were

• Julie Jette – 1,512
• Chris Jenner – 1,494
• Christopher Spoerl – 1,477
• Dave Ruelle – 1,407
• Craig Loew – 1,288

Spoerl was first on the ballot, giving him something of ballot placement advantage.

Vicki Lynn Pesch was unopposed for the two-year term. She got 1,871 votes. She was part of the committee urging a “Yes” vote on the Working Cash Fund referendum.

1,754 voted against the bond issue, while 922 supported it.

66% – “No;” 34% “Yes.”

A school board president has not lost a re-election bid since Huntley Mike Skala’s narrow defeat two years ago.
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The photo is of Chris Jenner fighting the Village of Cary’s TIF tax hike across from the Cary train station.

You have to hand it to the Cary Grade School Board.

It’s majority is holding a tax hike referendum in the middle of the biggest recession since the early 1980’s. Here are the details posted by the elementary school district.

And, here is minority school board member Chris Jenner’s position against the referendum:

Chris Jenner’s Personal Position
on the April 7
Bond Referendum Question

I voted against putting the referendum on the ballot. Excellent schools have sound facilities and current technology – I support that.

With our district already $26 million in debt, and considering the current economic climate, I don’t support asking taxpayers to further increase the D-26 debt load with no clearly defined spending plan.

We must find more efficient and creative financing means than simply enriching the same old folks that cash in every time school bonds are issued.

Significant sums of money are involved in the issuance of school bonds, and the process goes with little scrutiny in most cases. Should the voters approve the referendum, I will work to ensure the bonds are sold as cost-efficiently and as transparently as possible.

I’d like to see the district seek approval for major capital projects individually, and explore whether vendors might work directly with us on financing. The district should also investigate the possibility of obtaining waivers from costly government regulations such as the Prevailing Wage Act.

More and more local candidates have decided that the internet is a good place to campaign.

Running for re-election in Cary is taxpayer advocate Chris Jenner. Here’s where you find his web site.

Here’s some of what the school board member who probably was the first in Illinois to proposal anti-pay-to-play legislation for a local tax district:

I am seeking re-election to the Cary D-26 school board. I’m very proud of what the D-26 board has accomplished over the past four years.

I’ve gained a good understanding of how the system works and what the main problems are. I’d like to continue working on the improvements that need to be made to maintain D-26’s superior delivery of educational services and bring us to a stable financial model.

I started following education closely in the late 1990s after reading several articles questioning America’s intellectual superiority. Education is a fourth need for survival, right behind food, clothing, and shelter. My involvement in education is driven by wanting our children to become a literate and educated electorate, and to be highly functional and successful in a global economic society.

When reviewing school performance, one can’t help but compare educational results with the level of spending. The primary purpose of schools is to educate children — not to be free health care centers, jobs programs, or government fund raising operations.

Excellent education requires outstanding staff and programs, and engaged parents. It also demands that every dollar is spent as efficiently as possible, and has education of the students as the top priority.

For your children, your budget, and our community, I’m humbly asking to earn your vote on April 7.

I back up the importance I hold of educating children by my words, votes, and initiatives. Details follow, statements and votes can be verified in online meeting minutes. Call or email me to set up a neighborhood meeting if you would like to share your concerns about Cary’s K-8 schools, and to get to know me and my philosophies — and/or to help the campaign.

Phone 847-421-7655
Email cjenner01@yahoo.com

What Chris Jenner would Strive to Accomplish in his Second Term

• Continue to support a zero-based budget process to balance the district’s budget
• Expand, formalize, and closely monitor the bidding process to improve spending efficiency
• Continue to support and monitor implementation of Learning Expectations to keep D-26 academically strong
• Develop a plan to significantly reduce the district’s long-term debt
• Initiate a plan that will make D-26 a leader in renewable energy in schools
• Continue to identify and publicize government mandates and programs that force spending with little to no benefit to D-26 students
• Resolve funding issues with money saved from reduction of waste, fraud, and corruption, rather than higher taxes

Chris Jenner’s Support of Children’s Academic Experience and Achievement

Chris Jenner led

• D-26-specific Learning Expectations that exceed Illinois State Standards
• Establishment of the Board of Education Curriculum Committee and goals

Chris Jenner supported

• Superintendent’s recommendation for class size guidelines
• Recommended reduction in 3rd/4th grade class size guidelines
• Plan for Brian Coleman to prepare for and become District 26 Superintendent, and his subsequent professional development
• Adoption of Glencoe science curriculum recommended by teachers and administration
• Approval of Educational Support Personnel handbook and associated compensation and merit pay provisions

As a public school system “outsider” I’ve taken the step of visiting every D-26 facility (including the Transportation Center) at least once annually while school is in session to stay in touch with what goes on in our schools.

I also support the Cary 26 Education Foundation by participating in Foundation events, setting up the Motorola Foundation to match donations to the Cary 26 Ed Foundation, and leading Board of Education sponsorship (with our own personal funds!) of a hole in the Foundation golf outings.

Chris Jenner on Fiscal Responsibility and Good Government

Chris Jenner led and authored

• Voluntary Transparency (Policy 2:250)
• No Pay for Play (Policy 4:60)
• Accountability in Vendor Selection (Policy 4:60)
• Resolution asking legislators to oppose the proposed tax swap (April 21, 2008, sec. 9.2)
• Resolution calling for legislation to exempt schools from the Prevailing Wage Act (August 18, 2008, sec 9.2)

Chris Jenner supported

• Directing adoption of a zero-based budgeting process
• Sale of the Administration Center Building
• Policy limiting board member expense reimbursement (Policy 2:125)

Chris Jenner opposed and voted against

• Display or adoption of any budget in which planned spending exceeded revenues
• Complying with government mandates that spend money with no academic benefit or are unfunded
• Any motion that would lead to a net tax increase on Cary residents

You have to hand it to the Cary Grade School Board.

It’s majority is holding a tax hike referendum in the middle of the biggest recession since the early 1980’s. Here are the details posted by the elementary school district.

And, here is minority school board member Chris Jenner’s position against the referendum:

Chris Jenner’s Personal Position on the April 7 Bond Referendum Question

I voted against putting the referendum on the ballot. Excellent schools have sound facilities and current technology – I support that.

With our district already $26 million in debt, and considering the current economic climate, I don’t support asking taxpayers to further increase the D-26 debt load with no clearly defined spending plan.

We must find more efficient and creative financing means than simply enriching the same old folks that cash in every time school bonds are issued.

Significant sums of money are involved in the issuance of school bonds, and the process goes with little scrutiny in most cases. Should the voters approve the referendum, I will work to ensure the bonds are sold as cost-efficiently and as transparently as possible.

I’d like to see the district seek approval for major capital projects individually, and explore whether vendors might work directly with us on financing. The district should also investigate the possibility of obtaining waivers from costly government regulations such as the Prevailing Wage Act.

Six people are running for the Cary School Board, five for the three 4-year vacancies and one of the 2-year.

Guaranteed to win a seat is 2-year candidate Vicki Pesch, who is not now a board member.

For the 4-year terms the candidates will be in the following order:

• Chris Spoerl (challenger)
• Chris Jenner (incumbent, elected 2005)
• Craig Loew (incumbent, elected 2005)
• Dave Ruelle (incumbent, elected 2005)
• Julie Jette (incumbent, appointed 2008)

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The only school board member for which I have a photo is Chris Jenner. I took this one while he was fighting the Route 14 Tax Increment Financing district at village hall. TIF districts are a way for cities and villages to take money from increased real estate assessments that otherwise would go to lessen tax bills for all other taxpayers.l

Six people are running for the Cary School Board, five for the three 4-year vacancies and one of the 2-year.

Guaranteed to win a seat is 2-year candidate Vicki Pesch, who is not now a board member.

For the 4-year terms the candidates will be in the following order:

• Chris Spoerl (challenger)
• Chris Jenner (incumbent, elected 2005)
• Craig Loew (incumbent, elected 2005)
• Dave Ruelle (incumbent, elected 2005)
• Julie Jette (incumbent, appointed 2008)

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The only school board member for which I have a photo is Chris Jenner. I took this one while he was fighting the Route 14 Tax Increment Financing district at village hall. TIF districts are a way for cities and villages to take money from increased real estate assessments that otherwise would go to lessen tax bills for all other taxpayers.l

It’s too early for the Olympics, but it’s never too early to try to pry more money out of taxpayers’ pockets.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Cary District 26 Grade School Board voted 4-3 to seek referendum approval to issue $17 million in bonds.

My understanding is that $10 million is for capital projects and $7 million for Working Cash, but, having left two messages with District 26, I have no verification.

I am no fan of Working Cash Funds.

They are mechanisms whereby school districts borrow money for current operations and, after having drained the fund, borrow the money again.

Voting for the measure were

• Board President Craig Loew
• Stephen Bush
• Julie Jette
• Dave Ruelle

Those opposed were

• Chris Jenner
• Randy Lawrence
• Julie Lehman

Meanwhile District 26 had four 4-year seats and one 2-year seat open on the school board.

Filing at 8 A.M. Were Jenner, Loew and newcomer and board critic Chris Spoerl. Who appears in what order on the ballot will be determined by lottery.

I’m told that six have filed for the 4-year openings, but District 26 school officials did not return my call.

It’s too early for the Olympics, but it’s never too early to try to pry more money out of taxpayers’ pockets.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Cary District 26 Grade School Board voted 4-3 to seek referendum approval to issue $17 million in bonds.

My understanding is that $10 million is for capital projects and $7 million for Working Cash, but, having left two messages with District 26, I have no verification.

I am no fan of Working Cash Funds.

They are mechanisms whereby school districts borrow money for current operations and, after having drained the fund, borrow the money again.

Voting for the measure were

• Board President Craig Loew
• Stephen Bush
• Julie Jette
• Dave Ruelle

Those opposed were

• Chris Jenner
• Randy Lawrence
• Julie Lehman

Meanwhile District 26 had four 4-year seats and one 2-year seat open on the school board.

Filing at 8 A.M. Were Jenner, Loew and newcomer and board critic Chris Spoerl. Who appears in what order on the ballot will be determined by lottery.

I’m told that six have filed for the 4-year openings, but District 26 school officials did not return my call.

The following press release has been received about two county leaders, one a member of the Cary Grade School District 26 board of education and the other the Chair of the Illinois Libertarian Party:

Chicago Edition of Nationwide End the Fed Rally Led by two County Residents

McHenry County residents Chris Jenner and Dave Brady are part of the organizing committee planning the Chicago End the Fed Rally to be held on November 22. Rallies will be held in 39 cities nationwide calling for abolishment of the Federal Reserve Banking System.

Many believe that the Federal Reserve is the primary cause of the current economic meltdown. The Fed is a private banking cartel, as much a part of the government as is Federal Express.

The Fed (responsible for our money) has never been audited. The Fed is currently refusing to honor a Freedom of Information Act request by Bloomberg News to disclose who received the $2 trillion on bailout money.

Information about the End the Fed Rally can be found here under Organizing Groups.

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Chris Jenner is seen defending District 26 taxpayers from the Village of Cary’s TIF (Tax Increment Financing district) tax grab from his constituents.