It’s "Thank Your McHenry County Republican Legislator Who Voted To Raise Your Taxes" Day

Certainly it will be hard for some readers to grasp, but three of the four Republican legislators representing McHenry County voted for the tax increases on beer, wine, liquor, candy, soft drinks, etc., not to mention putting slot machines in … Continue reading

Empty Chair Melissa Bean Mock Town Meeting Article Draws Comments

Don’t know why, but when Google’s Blogger hosting system went into its second version, folks started finding it difficult to post comments. My article on the second $25 Melissa Bean not-at-all a Town Hall meeting at the McHenry Country Club … Continue reading

The "Underground" Potential Candidates

Michael Sneed reports that Merchandise Mart honcho Chris Kennedy is “underground” concerning his candidacy for whatever. He is so underground that he refuses to talk to WBBM-TV political reporter Mike Flannery. Flannery expressed his distaste (or, maybe, it was jealousy) … Continue reading

The Political Part of the Nunda Township Republican Picnic

Yesterday McHenry County Blog concentrated on the fun kids had at Crystal Lake’s Nunda Township Republican Picnic. Today, we’ll look at political activities. Going toward the food and drink, one could not miss Brent Smith. He was collecting petition signatures … Continue reading

Wish I Could Read Something Like This from All the Republicans Representing McHenry County

First there was his sign. Now in the Galesburg Register-Mail: “We didn’t do a headcount, but there are nowhere near 60 votes (needed to pass it),” said Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock. Franks is against raising the income tax. I’ve asked … Continue reading

Methodist Bishop Takes Lead Against Video Slot Machines

That was in the early 1990’s when Bishop R. Sheldon Duecker was regularly on the news exhorting Illinoisians about the evils of gambling and urging the legislature not to expand it. So, so much more appropriate a cause to promote … Continue reading

Predictions of Tryon, Beaubien “Yes” Votes on Corner Tavern Gambling, “No” Vote from Franks Fulfilled

I wish I couldn’t say, I told you so. In yesterday’s article reporting that Republican State Senator Pam Althoff voted for video slot machines, etc., at every establishment with a liquor license, I pointed out that State Reps. Mike Tryon … Continue reading

Pam Althoff Votes for Video Slots, Poker at Neighborhood Bars, Internet Lottery, Higher Liquor Taxes & Vehicle Fees

The vote was 47-12. I can’t say I am surprised that State Senator Pam Althoff voted in favor. After all, talking about more casinos in Illinois, McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler said, “…he sees gambling expansion as a ‘logical … Continue reading

The Cardinal Weighs In On House Bill 2354

At last weekend’s services at Catholic Church services in the Chicago Archdiocese a letter from Cardinal Francis George was distributed in church bulletins. It speaks to House Bill 2354, the bill which stimulated McHenry County pro-life to run an ad … Continue reading

Anatomy of a Demonstration

Over 200 people showed up at Jack Franks’ Woodstock office on Route 47 last Saturday. I had seen some emails about it, so drove past on our way home from the easy-to-park-in and human-sized Milwaukee airport. I asked John O’Neill, … Continue reading

Only Two of Five Local Legislators Share Views on Pat Quinn 50% Income Tax Hike Plan

As I mentioned previously, I have emailed each of the five state legislators who represent McHenry County asking them their position on Governor Pat Quinn’s proposal to raise state income taxes 50%. So far, only two have shared their positions. … Continue reading

Beaubien Disturbed at Being Misunderstood after Talk with Chicago Crain’s Business Reporter

Friday, Greg Hinz, reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business wrote State Rep. Mark Beaubien “is pushing a plan to begin taxing pension and other retirement benefits—and this idea is getting substantial early support from financial experts.” In Hinz’ second paragraph, he … Continue reading