An endorsement letter from Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley arrived in Crystal Lake mailboxes on Saturday.
McConnaughay is running against Cliff Surges.
You can see the letter below:
Aaron Shepley offers his support for Karen McConnaughay. He calls her "a principled leader and friend." He lists her accomplishments as Kane County Board Chairman. He notes she has sometimes ruffled some feathers. Click to enlarge.
A press release from Cliff Surges, who is running against Karen McConnaughay:
“Property Tax Freeze is what is important,” says Surges, “not the payment decisions of Kane County citizens.”
“What a politician does with public money is much more important than what a private citizen does with personal funds, 33rd District Republican Senate candidate Cliff Surges said today.”
“Karen McConnaughay’s poll numbers must be plummeting because she is launching a vicious personal attack against me and my family,” Surges continued.
Cliff Surges
The issue of paying property taxes in one installment instead of two has already been
asked and answered in this campaign. The Surges family does not owe any late taxes or fees and is completely up to date.
“What is really on the minds of the people I speak to in the district is, “Why do our property taxes continue to rise while our home values continue to fall?” Freezing or lowering property taxes is what is important,” says Surges.”
Surges announces today his support for two bills in the State Senate, SB 2073 and SB2862, both of which would freeze property tax bills if property values remain flat or decline.
The two bills would freeze property tax levies for local taxing districts if the total equalized assessed valuation for the unit or district was lower than the preceding year. Taxing districts would be required to hold a referendum to raise their levies.
“Instead of trying to manufacture a controversy around private decisions by taxpayers, Mrs. McConnaughay might want to consider ways to lower or freeze taxes for the people of this district and get out of control government spending stopped,” says Surges.
Yesterday State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay issued a press release which I characterized as “pounding” her opponent Cliff Surges on not having paid property taxes on time.
I asked for a reply and here is what Surges sent:
A clam moment in the campaign occurred when Cliff Surges sat next to Karen McConnaughay at the Huntley Area Tea Party meeting on gun control.
“This is old news, as I have stated before, my property taxes have always been paid in full along with any fees.
“This was all disclosed in a press release that I had put out earlier in the campaign as I believe the single largest issue facing Illinois is the lack of public trust and truth in our existing public officials.
“The bigger issue is why are property taxes continuing to go up while our property values are going down?
“I just got hit with another 10% increase with no explanation while the value of my property dropped again.
“My opponent continues to run telephone poll after poll.
“She is not getting the results she expected and is resorting to mudslinging old issues.”
A press release from State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay about her opponent Cliff Surges questions about her contributions from labor unions:
Support from building trades reflects commitment to improved transportation and efforts to spur economic growth in the Fox Valley
Statement of State Senate Candidate Karen McConnaughay (R-33) March 7, 2012
Karen McConnaughay
I am one of the few candidates for office who can say that they took on the public employee unions and won. That is certainly not an achievement my opponent can claim.
When I sought to end Kane County’s duplicative role in administering state health programs and eliminate over 60 union jobs, AFSCME fought tooth and nail. I worked to secure county board support and eliminate those jobs, reducing the size of county government.
I have not sought nor received any contributions from public employee unions, like AFSCME or the IEA.
I believe that these unions are a major factor in the erosion of public finances at the state, federal and local level.
I have always taken a hard line with public employee unions.
But as a county chief executive, I also understand that we are legally bound to deal with the unions representing public employees. I always seek to deal fairly with every party of every negotiation but I put the taxpayers’ interests first.
The union support I have received has been from the Building trade unions who form the backbone of our construction industries.
As an enthusiastic advocate for enhanced transportation improvements and better infrastructure in the rapidly growing Fox Valley, we share a common goal–To build the right projects at the right place at the right time, so we can enhance our quality of life, create jobs and improve transportation. This support for improved transportation is why the building trades support my campaigns.
As usual, my opponent betrays his fundamental lack of knowledge of the challenges we face in government.
Instead, he tries to conjure up some sort of controversy where none exists.
He knows that a discussion of the issues, rather than political mudslinging, will show how inexperienced and unprepared he is to provide the new leadership we need in Springfield.
The bottom line is that a relatively small percentage of the donations I have received have come from the building trade unions because I share their desire to undertake the projects we so desperately need to improve transportation in the rapidly growing suburbs.
They want jobs and I want to see them have jobs. When the building trades are busy, it means our economy is booming, and that is something we all want to see.
A press release from State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay about her opponent Cliff Surges:
Cliff Surges meets property tax payment deadline for first time since 2006
Karen McConnaughay
St. Charles, Illinois—State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay (R Cand-33) today congratulated her opponent, Cliff Surges, for paying his property taxes on-time. This basic act of responsibility, for most people a routine occurrence, is a significant milestone for Mr. Surges, who has been delinquent in paying property taxes on his Kane County home and Chicago office on 25 separate occasions since 2002. (Emphasis in the original in all cases.)
Over the last decade, Surges’ home went to tax sale for delinquency in 2008 and the taxes on his office have been overdue for as long as 18 months. In total, Surges has paid over $6,600 in fines for delinquent taxes.
Surges attempted to explain his chronic delinquency on his home real estate taxes in a January 22, 2012 press release, saying that he was addressing the issue because “transparency, accountability and restoring the public trust are the most important things.” Ironically, Surges neglected to disclose that he was also, at that very moment, delinquent on $4,500 in property taxes and penalties owed on his Chicago office – a property for which he has not made an on-time tax payment since 2006.
Surges blames his habitual late tax payments on “cash flow” issues. In 2011, Surges was delinquent on the June 1 and September 1 tax payments owed on his home. By September 30, Surges’ “cash flow” had apparently improved to a point where he was able to loan his campaign $15,000. But just one month after writing his campaign a giant check, Surges missed the November 1 tax payment on his Chicago office, a payment he did not bother to make until after he admitted to tax delinquencies on his home.
“This attitude—of paying bills only when it’s convenient and mismanaging funds is exactly what caused the fiscal crisis in Springfield,” said McConnaughay. “I’ve run a business, and you have to pay your bills on time, taxes included. And now that he is seeking public office, he’s found a way to live up to his obligation.”
“It is important to note that this my opponent raised this issue himself when he issued a press release trying to explain this troubling pattern,” said McConnaughay. “But, frankly, his explanation raised more questions than it answered and indicates a troubling disregard for the rules.”
Delinquent Property Tax Payments-Cliff Surges
Property Taxes—Personal Residence Parcel # 02-24-478-XXX-Gilberts, Illinois
16 Delinquent payments since 2002 Tax Year
Source: Kane County Treasurer’s Office
Tax Year Payment Due Payment Made Fines Paid
2002 6/3/2003 9/3/2003
2003 6/14/2004 10/13/2004
9/14/2004 10/13/2004 37.42
2004 6/1/2005 10/3/2005
9/1/2005 10/3/2005
2005 6/1/2006 9/1/2006
9/1/2006 9/1/2006
2006 6/1/2007 9/10/2007
9/1/2007 9/10/2007
2007 6/2/2008 Tax Sale
9/2/2008 Tax Sale
2008 6/1/2009 10/21/2009
9/1/2009 10/21/2009
2009 6/1/2010 9/13/2010
9/1/2010 9/13/2010
2010 6/1/2011 9/12/2011
9/1/2011 9/12/2011
Property Taxes—Business Office Parcel # 14-30-200-047-XXXX-Chicago, Illinois
9 Delinquent payments since 2006 Tax Year
Source: Cook County Treasurer’s Office
Cook County Clerk’s Office
Tax Year Payment Due Payment Made Fines Paid
2006 12/3/2007 3/1/2008 $297.54
2007 3/4/2008 7/1/2009
11/3/2008 7/1/2009
2008 3/3/2009 7/14/2010
2009 3/2/2010 7/13/2011
12/13/2010 7/13/2011
2010 4/1/2011 8/9/2011
11/1/2011 1/25/2012
A press release from State Senate candidate Cliff Surges criticizing his questioning his opponent Karen McConnaughay’s contributions from unions.
Gilberts, IL – On last Monday evening at a candidate forum at Del Webb’s Sun City in Huntley, Karen McConnaughay called herself a “union fighter” that has “stood up to unions” as Chairman of the Kane County Board. However, once again, a search of her campaign financial disclosure forms shows she has taken $64,367.00 (see attachment) from unions as campaign contributions since 2003. The source for this information is the Illinois State Board of Elections website.
In her own literature, and in the “United to Restore Freedom” candidate questionnaire, which can be found on the Illinois Review Blog, McConnaughay states she is opposed to PLA’s (Project Labor Agreements), opposes the Prevailing Wage Act, and supports right-to-work in Illinois.
Someone who is truly supporting these positions cannot justify taking such a large sum of money from labor unions.
“This contradiction of words and actions, especially concerning campaign contributions, is a repeating pattern in her history and indicative of how Ms. McConnaughay has eroded the public’s trust.” Cliff Surges stated.
“How can we trust a career politician who tells the voters what they want to hear by taking positions on public issues like these, while taking massive amounts of campaign cash from the very organizations that oppose those positions?
“Who will Ms. McConnaughay really represent if elected in Springfield, the voters or the Unions which have funded her campaigns?”
The contributions found by the Surges’ campaign follow:
These are from the Laborer's District Council gave $6,860.
The Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers donated $700, the Labroer's Union Locals $2,250 and the Steel Metal Workers gave $250.
The Operating Engineers Local 150 made the above $44.808 in contributions.
The Plumbers and Pipefitters gave $6,000. All union donations totaled $64,368.
State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay has sent the following press release. She is running against Cliff Surges.
Karen McConnaughay
Tribune says “she can’t get to Springfield fast enough”
St. Charles, IL—State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay (R-33) completed a clean sweep of newspaper endorsements when she received the enthusiastic support of the Chicago Tribune. Along with the Kane County Chronicle, the Northwest Herald and the Daily Herald, McConnaughay has been endorsed by every daily paper serving her district that is making selections in the March 20 primary.
“The endorsements all cite the same thing…leadership,” said McConnaughay, who currently serves as Chairman of the Kane County Board.
“No matter how many fabricated distractions are conjured up in this race, these editors see through the smokescreen and judge candidates on their merits. I am proud that I have earned their endorsements.”
In her races for County Board Chairman and now for the Senate, McConnaughay has received every available daily newspaper endorsement, and is consistently praised for her leadership and accomplishments and the 2012 primary campaign is no exception.
33rd State Senate District
The newspaper endorsements add to McConnaughay’s broad-based support from civic leaders, elected officials and the business community.
She is supported by the Illinois and Chicagoland Chambers of Commerce, the Illinois State Rifle Association, Congressman Peter Roskam, Congressman Randy Hultgren, and many others.
“In an era where a small cadre dwell on destructive uninformed political mudslinging, it is reassuring to know that sensible people see past the empty attacks and focus on the issues,” said McConnaughay. “The voters of the Fox Valley area are smart enough to judge based on the facts and the candidates’ records.”
The 33rd Senate District includes northeastern Kane and southeastern McHenry Counties.
A press release from State Senate candidate Cliff Surges, who is running against Karen McConnaughay:
Cliff Surges
Cliff Surges, Senate candidate in the 33rd district, is honored to accept the endorsement of former Senator Steve Rauschenberger.
Rauschenberger served as a member of the Illinois Senate from 1993 to 2007 representing areas of Kane County. While Senator he was a member of a group of conservative Senators known for challenging the leadership and dubbed the “Fab Five”. He served as Chief Budget Negotiator and served on both the Environment and Energy Committee and the Appropriations Committee, as well as on various Commissions and Boards.
Steve Rauschenberger is widely known for being a champion of reform and ethics in Kane County and the State of Illinois.
“In these tough times we need fresh leadership in Springfield and Cliff Surges is that leader!” Rauschenberger stated.
“Cliff is a proven conservative leader, who will fight for the families and businesses of Illinois.”
A press release from Cliff Surges responding to a press release from State Senate opponent Karen McConnaughay responding to a press release citing what was a “cozy relationship” between and supporter of McConnaughay and “McConnaughay Properties.” The supporter’s side of the story is here.
Gilberts, IL – Cliff Surges, Republican candidate for the Illinois Senate in the 33rd district, recently pointed out a “cozy” relationship between Geneva Twp. Road Commissioner Mark Wissing and McConnaughay Properties.
The paid spokesman for the McConnaughay campaign reacted by making the false claim that the Surges campaign called Ms. McConnaughay’s mother-in-law a “criminal”.
Cliff Surges
“At no time did I or my campaign, allege any criminal activity, nor was Ms. McConnaughay’s mother-in-law even mentioned.” Cliff Surges says.
“We simply pointed out yet another questionable political insider deal that has benefited from the ‘Karen McConnaughay Friends and Family’ plan.”
“What I hear loud and clear from the voters of this district as I walk door-to-door, is that they are sick and tired of the ‘politics as usual’ insider deals that benefit only the politically connected. Transparency is a word my opponent likes to use, but she does not seem to understand that with transparency, comes accountability. This is why the main focus of my campaign is the positive message of Restoring the Public Trust!”
“Ms. McConnaughay has been in office for 19 years, and in that time she has made some friends, and she has certainly made some enemies. Her detractors are her burden to bear, not mine. Perhaps if Ms. McConnaughay would have been as responsive to her constituents’ concerns as she is to our campaign, she would not be in the position of explaining over and over again why friends connected to her appear to benefit from her official actions.”
“We welcome the support of many people in this campaign and some who support me feel strongly about McConnaughay’s 19 years in office. They have every right to examine and question her conduct and policies while she was in office. Just as my opponent is happy to accept the endorsements of some, she must also accept the criticisms that come with her public record as well.”
“But there is one thing I would like to make clear.
“My campaign is about restoring the public trust, getting the State of Illinois to live within its means and improving education for our children. If voters want to change the direction of the State of Illinois, they need to change the people who represent them. Rewarding career politicians with a promotion is not a solution.”
Cliff Surges will be available for Press calls on Monday, February 27, from 11am to 12:30 am at (224) 699-5200.
The snow being plowed off Lake Avenue packed a real punch.
As the snow storm was starting I got a call that a mailing had arrived from State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay.
Since my southern precinct line is the bottom boundary of the legislative district in which State Senator Pam Althoff and State Rep. candidate Barb Wheeler are running unopposed, my mailbox is empty.
No contest exists in my party of Crystal Lake, except the District 2 County Board race and the Presidential primary election (beauty contest and the real thing, the election for delegates).
No political mail.
(And, if any came Friday, my motorized postman didn’t get out to stuff it into my mailbox, which had been thrust into the snow by the heavy wet snow being thrown from Lake Avenue in Lakewood.
(Just finished lugging concrete blocks through the snow from the far end of our back yard in order to make it stand up again.)
In any event, I urged my source to bring it over before the storm began and it is because of that kindness that you see the post card below:
On the address side of Karen McConnaghay's post card is an endorsement from Congressman Peter Roskam. Roskam represents no part of the district currently, but will be be elected, pending an upset greater than Joe Walsh's beating Melissa Bean, this fall.
The back of McConnaughay's mailing stresses the theme "Dedicated to Sering Others." Click to enlarge.
Running against McConnaughay for the State Senate seat is Cliff Surges.
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