McHenry County Blog

Looking through recent filings with the State Board of Elections, I ran across the McHenry County-based Pro-Life Victory Fund.

All of the expenditures big enough to identify for the PAC were for the pig roast at Resurrection Center.

Those contributing over $150 follow:

• $175 – James/Antoinette Block, McHenry
• $175 – John Jung, Jr., Woodstock
• $200 – James P. Finnegan, Barrington
• $225 – Kenneth/Joyce Story, McHenry
• $250 – James/Bonnie Quirke, Libertyville
• $300 – James Keefe, Woodstock
• $350 – Philip Weyna, Crystal Lake
• $500 – Wickham Interiors, Crystal Lake
• $1,000 – Claire Narusis, Woodstock

An additional $2,730 were given in amounts of $150 or less.

Officers reported for the political action committee are Spring Grove’s Sue Serdar, Chairman, and Crystal Lake Philip Weyna, Treasurer.

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Irene Napier can be seen whispering in the ear of DuPage County State’s Joe Birkett. Out of focus in the foreground is the Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann

Traffic congestion will only get worse in McHenry County regardless of what local and state governments do.

There is no way that lane growth can keep up with population growth in a county where developers are primary sources of political cash for local officials—partisan and non-partisan, city and county.

Even so, the McHenry County Board seems to be moving toward the logical use of the quarter of one percent sales tax imposed by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Rod Blagojevich in the RTA bailout deal.

The Daily Herald’s Chuck Keeshan reports the county board’s Transportation Committee recommends it all be spend on improving county roads.

The article quotes Transportation Committee Chairman Dan Shea to that effect.

I called Finance Committee Chairman Marc Munaretto seeking his committee’s take.

“Finance and Transportation are of one mind that the RTA sales tax money should be devoted to mitigating traffic congestion in McHenry County,” the Algonquin county board member told me.”

Instead of just passing what the Regional Transportation and Chicago Transit Authority folks said they needed, the RTA tax hike was doubled for the collar counties.

And, thanks to DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett and DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom and three GOP state senators from their county, the bill passed after an amendment was added to allow diversion of the county sales tax money to pay for law enforcement expenses.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna delivered a verbal slap at Schillerstrom for his promotion of passage of the RTA sales tax at the Decatur state convention.

But, McHenry County’s board members are promoting using the money for the purpose originally intended to mute the opposition of suburban county Republicans—roads.

Good for them!

It will be interesting to see if McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi and/or McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nystom seek a piece of the pie.

The pie, by the way, costs McHenry County taxpayers about $9 million per year.

Traffic congestion will only get worse in McHenry County regardless of what local and state governments do.

There is no way that lane growth can keep up with population growth in a county where developers are primary sources of political cash for local officials—partisan and non-partisan, city and county.

Even so, the McHenry County Board seems to be moving toward the logical use of the quarter of one percent sales tax imposed by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Rod Blagojevich in the RTA bailout deal.

The Daily Herald’s Chuck Keeshan reports the county board’s Transportation Committee recommends it all be spend on improving county roads.

The article quotes Transportation Committee Chairman Dan Shea to that effect.

I called Finance Committee Chairman Marc Munaretto seeking his committee’s take.

“Finance and Transportation are of one mind that the RTA sales tax money should be devoted to mitigating traffic congestion in McHenry County,” the Algonquin county board member told me.”

Instead of just passing what the Regional Transportation and Chicago Transit Authority folks said they needed, the RTA tax hike was doubled for the collar counties.

And, thanks to DuPage County State’s Attorney Joseph Birkett and DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom and three GOP state senators from their county, the bill passed after an amendment was added to allow diversion of the county sales tax money to pay for law enforcement expenses.

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna delivered a verbal slap at Schillerstrom for his promotion of passage of the RTA sales tax at the Decatur state convention.

But, McHenry County’s board members are promoting using the money for the purpose originally intended to mute the opposition of suburban county Republicans—roads.

Good for them!

It will be interesting to see if McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi and/or McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nystom seek a piece of the pie.

The pie, by the way, costs McHenry County taxpayers about $9 million per year.

The most interesting political development at the Resurrection Center Pro-Life Victory PAC Pig Roast was the appearance of Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann was even allowed to give a speech like the other statewide (actual and potential), legislative and countywide candidates.

The others were all Republicans.

Bachmann’s was the last speech and a lot of people had left, but my impression was that it was well received.

Bachmann repeated the personal story that was first published here on McHenry County Blog.

For those of you who have not followed the details of Bachmann’s campaign, here are articles (most of which contain content from his keyboard):

October 20, 2007 Dave Bachmann Running for County Coroner as a Democrat

October 21, 2007 Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party Candidate for Coroner, Gives Personal Background, Goals for Office

October 31, 2007 Dave Backmann Files to Oppose Coroner Marlene Lantzz

February 07, 2008 Republican Marlene Lantz Got Less Primary Votes Than Democrat Dave Bachmann

February 08, 2008 Something Marlene Lantz Does Not Understand

February 20, 2008 Part 1 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 21, 2008 Part 2 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 22, 2008 Part 3 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 24, 2008 Part 4 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 24, 2008 Part 5 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

April 12, 2008 So What Does a Coroner Do?

April 13, 2008 Dem Coroner Candidate Dave Bachmann Questions Incumbent Marlene Lantz Lack of Role in “Angel of Death” Nursing Home Deaths and More Prosaic Questions

April 14, 2008 Democrat Dave Bachmann Questions Marlene Lantz’ Role in Woodstock Residence Nursing Home Death Probe

April 20, 2008 Marlene Lantz Called in “Angel of Death” Case

May 01, 2008 McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz Employees Want a Union

May 11, 2008 Part 1 – Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 12, 2008 Part 2 – Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 13, 2008 Part 3 – Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 30, 2008 Dave Bachmann Issues Statement in Coroner’s Race Against Marlene Lantz

June 12, 2008 Dave Bachmann Re-Emphasizes Early Plank in Coroner’s Run

28-year GOP incumbent coroner Marlene Lantz did not attend the pro-life event.

As I have stated periodically, McHenry County Blog will publish any candidate’s press release or statement.

That’s what the Crystal Lake Herald, Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry Plain Dealer, Marengo Republican, Harvard Herald, River Valley Clarion, Richardson’s Publications, etc., did in the past.

My goal is to allow candidates to speak directly to voters…the way they used to be able to in newspapers.
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In the photograph on top, Dave Bachmann can be seen conversing with McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi, McHenry County pro-life godmother Irene Napier and Lake County’s 59th district GOP candidate for state representative, Dan Sugrue.

The head shot is of Dave Bachmann speaking.

The next group shot is similar to the one on top, except from a different angle. From front left to right around the circle are Bonnie Quirke, Dan Sugrue, Lou Bianchi, Dave Bachmann, Fred Wickham, Lynn Wickham and, with her back to the camera, Irene Napier.

Dave Bachmann met Paul Weyna, a high school classmate from Crystal Lake Community High School, who was taking pictures, too. Paul’s father, Phil, was there, too.

As the Republican speakers gave their pitches, Bachmann sat listening, as can be seen in the next photo.

Dr. Steve Sauerberg, the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate against Dick Durbin spoke, as did Joe Birkett, the man in the next photograph. He is thinking about running for statewide office for a third time.

State Rep. McHenry County Republican County Chairman Mike Tryon spoke, as did McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi and 8th congressional district candidate Steve Greenberg. You can see Greenberg pointing proudly to his family, who appear at the bottom of this explanation of the pictures.

Next is Dan Duffy, who is running for an open state senate seat being vacated by State Senator Bill Peterson.

Finally, Dan Sugrue can be seen with his daughter Vivian at his side. I missed getting a photo of a great leg hug.

All photographs can be enlarged by clicking on them.

The most interesting political development at the Resurrection Center Pro-Life Victory PAC Pig Roast was the appearance of Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann was even allowed to give a speech like the other statewide (actual and potential), legislative and countywide candidates.

The others were all Republicans.

Bachmann’s was the last speech and a lot of people had left, but my impression was that it was well received.

Bachmann repeated the personal story that was first published here on McHenry County Blog.

For those of you who have not followed the details of Bachmann’s campaign, here are articles (most of which contain content from his keyboard):

October 20, 2007 Dave Bachmann Running for County Coroner as a Democrat

October 21, 2007 Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party Candidate for Coroner, Gives Personal Background, Goals for Office

October 31, 2007 Dave Backmann Files to Oppose Coroner Marlene Lantzz

February 07, 2008 Republican Marlene Lantz Got Less Primary Votes Than Democrat Dave Bachmann

February 08, 2008 Something Marlene Lantz Does Not Understand

February 20, 2008 Part 1 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 21, 2008 Part 2 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 22, 2008 Part 3 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 24, 2008 Part 4 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 24, 2008 Part 5 – Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

April 12, 2008 So What Does a Coroner Do?

April 13, 2008 Dem Coroner Candidate Dave Bachmann Questions Incumbent Marlene Lantz Lack of Role in “Angel of Death” Nursing Home Deaths and More Prosaic Questions

April 14, 2008 Democrat Dave Bachmann Questions Marlene Lantz’ Role in Woodstock Residence Nursing Home Death Probe

April 20, 2008 Marlene Lantz Called in “Angel of Death” Case

May 01, 2008 McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz Employees Want a Union

May 11, 2008 Part 1 – Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 12, 2008 Part 2 – Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 13, 2008 Part 3 – Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 30, 2008 Dave Bachmann Issues Statement in Coroner’s Race Against Marlene Lantz

June 12, 2008 Dave Bachmann Re-Emphasizes Early Plank in Coroner’s Run

28-year GOP incumbent coroner Marlene Lantz did not attend the pro-life event.

As I have stated periodically, McHenry County Blog will publish any candidate’s press release or statement.

That’s what the Crystal Lake Herald, Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry Plain Dealer, Marengo Republican, Harvard Herald, River Valley Clarion, Richardson’s Publications, etc., did in the past.

My goal is to allow candidates to speak directly to voters…the way they used to be able to in newspapers.
= = = = =
In the photograph on top, Dave Bachmann can be seen conversing with McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi, McHenry County pro-life godmother Irene Napier and Lake County’s 59th district GOP candidate for state representative, Dan Sugrue.

The head shot is of Dave Bachmann speaking.

The next group shot is similar to the one on top, except from a different angle. From front left to right around the circle are Bonnie Quirke, Dan Sugrue, Lou Bianchi, Dave Bachmann, Fred Wickham, Lynn Wickham and, with her back to the camera, Irene Napier.

Dave Bachmann met Paul Weyna, a high school classmate from Crystal Lake Community High School, who was taking pictures, too. Paul’s father, Phil, was there, too.

As the Republican speakers gave their pitches, Bachmann sat listening, as can be seen in the next photo.

Dr. Steve Sauerberg, the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate against Dick Durbin spoke, as did Joe Birkett, the man in the next photograph. He is thinking about running for statewide office for a third time.

State Rep. McHenry County Republican County Chairman Mike Tryon spoke, as did McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi and 8th congressional district candidate Steve Greenberg. You can see Greenberg pointing proudly to his family, who appear at the bottom of this explanation of the pictures.

Next is Dan Duffy, who is running for an open state senate seat being vacated by State Senator Bill Peterson.

Finally, Dan Sugrue can be seen with his daughter Vivian at his side. I missed getting a photo of a great leg hug.

All photographs can be enlarged by clicking on them.

This is the final installment of pictures of Republican notables I took a week ago in Decatur at the Illinois Republican Convention.

Somehow I missed House Minority Leader Tom Cross on the way down the line. When I went back, I took this shot and asked him what he thought of my idea to use the RTA sales tax for roads and county-imposed Motor Fuel Tax to match Federal highway funds. He told me that Tryon had told him it was my idea and that he thought it was a good one.

Also on hand was political consultant Dan Curry. He writes the blog “Reverse Spin.”

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett was in line waiting to be introduced when I asked for this smiley face.

14th district Republican congressional candidate Jim Oberweis was spotted talking to McLean County Republican Chairman John Parrot.

Chicago’s only Republican State Representative, Mike McAuliffe, was kind enough to pose for this shot. He says I can’t write anything bad about him if I use it.

I also found State Rep. Chapin Rose, who represents the Charleston-Mattoon area, out in the hall.

So, who else did I take a picture of?

Oh, yes.

My Illinois Review Editor Fran Eaton. Here’s her picture. I took it as we were about to walk into the stultifying heat of Decatur on Saturday afternoon.

And who did I miss taking a picture of?

I saw and shook hands with State Senator Chris Lauzen shortly after registering. I wasn’t into photo mode yet.

Then I saw Dan Duffy, who is running for state senate to replace retiring Bill Peterson. Duffy did a good job distributing buttons and since getting home, I have seen two of his bumper stickers in the Knox Park parking lot.

As we were leaving the dinner place after getting an autographed book from fellow Illinois Review contributor Eric Wallace, I ran into former State Rep. Bob Churchill.

Among others who didn’t get a flash in their face was John Curry, 32nd Ward Committeeman. In the 1970′s, Curry compiled how much spending each legislator supported with his or her vote for the Illinois Conservative Union. I was on the low end, as you might imagine.

Jack Roeser, who founded the Family Taxpayers Network, and I talked after the impressive speech of State Rep. Aaron Shock, candidate for congress to replace Ray LaHood. Earlier I saw FTN’s chief honcho John Biver.

State Rep. Ron Wait and I talked briefly. You can see him with his name on the back of his tee shirt above behind McHenry County’s convention delegates.

I am sure there were other notables I saw and didn’t mention. My apologies.

One final addition. What I assume from the General Assembly license plate 105 and bumper sticker is State Rep. Randy Ramey’s car passed us on Interstate 39 about the time we were hearing about the tornadoes crossing Route 55. I don’t know whether that qualifies him for this article or not.

All pictures may be enlarged by clicking on them.

This is the final installment of pictures of Republican notables I took a week ago in Decatur at the Illinois Republican Convention.

Somehow I missed House Minority Leader Tom Cross on the way down the line. When I went back, I took this shot and asked him what he thought of my idea to use the RTA sales tax for roads and county-imposed Motor Fuel Tax to match Federal highway funds. He told me that Tryon had told him it was my idea and that he thought it was a good one.

Also on hand was political consultant Dan Curry. He writes the blog “Reverse Spin.”

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett was in line waiting to be introduced when I asked for this smiley face.

14th district Republican congressional candidate Jim Oberweis was spotted talking to McLean County Republican Chairman John Parrot.

Chicago’s only Republican State Representative, Mike McAuliffe, was kind enough to pose for this shot. He says I can’t write anything bad about him if I use it.

I also found State Rep. Chapin Rose, who represents the Charleston-Mattoon area, out in the hall.

So, who else did I take a picture of?

Oh, yes.

My Illinois Review Editor Fran Eaton. Here’s her picture. I took it as we were about to walk into the stultifying heat of Decatur on Saturday afternoon.

And who did I miss taking a picture of?

I saw and shook hands with State Senator Chris Lauzen shortly after registering. I wasn’t into photo mode yet.

Then I saw Dan Duffy, who is running for state senate to replace retiring Bill Peterson. Duffy did a good job distributing buttons and since getting home, I have seen two of his bumper stickers in the Knox Park parking lot.

As we were leaving the dinner place after getting an autographed book from fellow Illinois Review contributor Eric Wallace, I ran into former State Rep. Bob Churchill.

Among others who didn’t get a flash in their face was John Curry, 32nd Ward Committeeman. In the 1970′s, Curry compiled how much spending each legislator supported with his or her vote for the Illinois Conservative Union. I was on the low end, as you might imagine.

Jack Roeser, who founded the Family Taxpayers Network, and I talked after the impressive speech of State Rep. Aaron Shock, candidate for congress to replace Ray LaHood. Earlier I saw FTN’s chief honcho John Biver.

State Rep. Ron Wait and I talked briefly. You can see him with his name on the back of his tee shirt above behind McHenry County’s convention delegates.

I am sure there were other notables I saw and didn’t mention. My apologies.

One final addition. What I assume from the General Assembly license plate 105 and bumper sticker is State Rep. Randy Ramey’s car passed us on Interstate 39 about the time we were hearing about the tornadoes crossing Route 55. I don’t know whether that qualifies him for this article or not.

All pictures may be enlarged by clicking on them.

The week before last, the Kane County Board decided how to spend the RTA sales tax dollars that no collar county board member has to take any heat for.

82% will go to transportation, 15% to public safety and 3% will be set aside in a contingency fund, according to an article by Steve Lord that I found in Elgin’s Daily Courier-News.

On April Fool’s Day, the RTA sales tax increased 300% in the collar counties–from one-quarter of one percent on everything sold to three-quarters of one percent–thanks ultimately to three Republican DuPage County state senators. (Thanks to State Senator Carol Pankau for not caving to the pressure!)

All of the collar county’s share would have been earmarked to road improvements, except for State Senators Dan Cronin’s, Kirk Dillard’s and John Miller’s having caved to pressure from DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom’s influence.

Both men have statewide ambitions and I, for one, will not forget how much they are costing me every year. “Tax fighter” is not a descriptive word either can use accurately. “Tax Hiker” fits perfectly.

They were supporting a local sales tax increase to pay for law enforcement and it was so, so much easier to convince those three state senators to vote to divert what would have been road money than to gain actual voter approval.

The real winner was the Chicago Transit Authority, as the Sun-Times headline amply reveals.

I estimated that McHenry County’s annual cut was about $9 million.

The Illinois Revenue Department told me that money would start flowing to county treasuries this summer.

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The pictures of the McHenry County Board were taken the night that the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax was defeated, I believe.

If I were on the McHenry County Board, I would allocate all of the new money to roads, by the way.

The week before last, the Kane County Board decided how to spend the RTA sales tax dollars that no collar county board member has to take any heat for.

82% will go to transportation, 15% to public safety and 3% will be set aside in a contingency fund, according to an article by Steve Lord that I found in Elgin’s Daily Courier-News.

On April Fool’s Day, the RTA sales tax increased 300% in the collar counties–from one-quarter of one percent on everything sold to three-quarters of one percent–thanks ultimately to three Republican DuPage County state senators. (Thanks to State Senator Carol Pankau for not caving to the pressure!)

All of the collar county’s share would have been earmarked to road improvements, except for State Senators Dan Cronin’s, Kirk Dillard’s and John Miller’s having caved to pressure from DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett and County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom’s influence.

Both men have statewide ambitions and I, for one, will not forget how much they are costing me every year. “Tax fighter” is not a descriptive word either can use accurately. “Tax Hiker” fits perfectly.

They were supporting a local sales tax increase to pay for law enforcement and it was so, so much easier to convince those three state senators to vote to divert what would have been road money than to gain actual voter approval.

The real winner was the Chicago Transit Authority, as the Sun-Times headline amply reveals.

I estimated that McHenry County’s annual cut was about $9 million.

The Illinois Revenue Department told me that money would start flowing to county treasuries this summer.

= = = = =
The pictures of the McHenry County Board were taken the night that the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax was defeated, I believe.

If I were on the McHenry County Board, I would allocate all of the new money to roads, by the way.

Not your birthday hat.

Your thinking cap.

I told you you can’t get rid of Mayor Aaron Shepley’s 75% Crystal Lake Sales Tax Hike by covering it up.

You say you don’t know where it is?

Well, we who shop in Crystal Lake need help.

The RTA is going to triple its quarter of one percent sales tax tomorrow.

The total rate is 6.5% today. 7% tomorrow.

Not much we can do about that since the Democrats imposed it on our still Republican county.

Oh, they had help from those misguided DuPage County Republicans like State’s Attorney Joe Birkett, County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom and those three GOP state senators who sold out the other collar counties to please Birkett and Schillerstrom.

And, that’s before Mayor Aaron Shepley’s 75% city sales tax hike takes effect on July 1st.

What to do.

That’s the question.

Are you sure you can’t find your thinking cap?