McHenry County Blog

One of the pieces of literature that I didn’t get around to writing about is Grafton Township Supervisor candidate Pam Fender.

It’s interesting from two points of view.

First, it is a combination of a positive pitch for Fender on one side and hit piece about opponents Linda Moore and Marty Waitzman on the other.

Combining positive and negative pitches in the same piece of literature is not a tactic most consultants would advise.

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I did point out to Fender that she had violated copyright laws by using photos of Moore and Waitzman from McHenry County Blog. Her volunteers subsequently crossed out the photos.

The second aspect of the piece is an innovation.

It has sticky tape which can be affixed to a glass door.

And, the glue is very difficult to remove.

Knocking on doors is done to make friends…even when the voters are not home.

The sticky tape, when stuck to storm doors, has made enemies for Fender, according to comments left under at least one previous story.

The door-to-door literature is the only promotional material I have seen.

Fender seems to have no signs and no direct mail. Perhaps she has campaigned in the Crystal Lake precincts of Grafton Township, but I have seen no evidence of such an effort.

In a low turnout election such as tomorrow’s will be, however, any candidate can win if they have identified their supporters and get them to the polls.

Here is what apparently is the last of Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore’s mailings. She is running against Pam Fender, who apparently has no direct mail, and Marty Waitzman who has sent one post card that I have seen and published.

The text of Moore’s letter on the post card follows:

“Cutting waste isn’t just a slogan.

“Four years ago, before I assumed office twelve workers on staff.

“Grafton had a part-time Township Supervisor who balanced another full-time job.

“Then I became Township Supervisor and brought change.

“After the first seven weeks as Supervisor, I made no cuts to township services, but paid eight less employees.

“Since then, the township bus services have even improved at these reduced staffing levels.

“Cutting waste and pursuing lower taxes hasn’t made me popular with the trustees of the board, but it’s what I believe in.

“Please help me continue to work hard for lower taxes in Grafton Township.”

Don’t know what order this mailing from Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore arrived, but it seems to have hit.

It could be called a comparison piece. Naturally, the person paying for it comes off better than ones who did not. Pam Fender and Marty Waitzman aspire to replace Moore.

There two now candidates using postmen (women) for their precinct workers in Grafton Township:

• Linda Moore
• Marty Waitzman

The third candidate for the Republican nomination for Township Supervisor is Pam Fender.

I shall be posted mailings that candidates or other supply me between now and Tuesday’s election so you can get a sense of this part of the campaign.

Here’s is the first Waitzman piece I have seen:

The details of Grafton Township Supervisor candidate Marty Waitzman’s $30 fund raising event can be found below.

It will be held on Monday, February 18th from 5:30-7:30 at Lou Manati’s in Lakewood.

Waitzman is running against Supervisor Linda Moore, as is Pam Fender.

It was called a candidates’ forum by the Civics Committee of Sun City, but three of the Grafton Township Supervisor candidates turned it into a game of pile-on Linda Moore.

Moore, of course, is the incumbent.

Republican primary opponents Marty Waitzman and Pam Fender, as well as Independent Jim Kearns took turns taking shots at Moore.

The result was that Moore was on the defensive most of the evening.

Indeed, her closing statement was characterized as being “defensive” by a woman sitting behind me.

She pointed out that before her election she and a list of citizens she enumerated had sued the Town Board to stop the construction of a new township hall.

Her side won the case, but the Trustees appealed the decision “and lost.”

“The Trustees wasted a half million dollars” on legal fees, she said.

Then there was a referendum in which 85% of the people voted against building a new township hall.

When they tried “to remove me from office,” the Trustees ran up legal bills of $470,000.

“There is no way to stop the legal fees [until they are out of office].”

Then she talked about having paid all the bill that were “legitimate proper bills,” she said, pointing to state statutes that governed what type of bills could be paid with township dollars.

“This election will bring us full circle,” she claimed.

She said she was the “only member of the Board to vote against taking more money out of your pockets.”

“There’s no way to stop what’s going on until these people are off the [Township] Board,” Moore had said earlier.

Grafton Township Trustee Jerry McMahon’s wife Donna pointed out during the question period that tax dollars homeowners would have saved if her husband and the other three trustees had voted to tax as much as state law allows was minimum.

She criticized Moore’s characterization of the Trustees’ action as being a “tax to the max” approach. McMahon also criticized Moore for the campaign pitch, “You can lower taxes.” [All four trustees did vote to take as much money from taxpayers as state law allows, as McHenry County Blog has reported several times. The argument in favor of such action has been that the government would lose the money forever if the maximum was not requested.]

Marty Waitzman had several characterizations of Moore’s term:

• “For all intents and purposes, Grafton Township has ground to a halt.”
• “Oh, my God. There is no civility. No cooperation. Nothing but arguments.”
• “You don’t have to spend as much time as is now spent. Garbage in, garbage out.”
• “I think you should be prosecuted.”
• “The Township Supervisor is not the supreme being on this board.”

Pam Fender was loaded for bear, too:

Pam Fender

• “It is obvious Mrs. Moore is in over her head.”
• “A Supervisor is supposed to be nice.”
• “I won’t cash checks that don’t belong to the Township.”
• “[You] need to work on your people skills.”
• “We don’t need more lawsuits, more lawyers.”

Jim Kearns got in his licks, too:

• “You should treat others as you would want to be treated.  There’s not a lot of that going on in Grafton Township.”
• “Right now, this Township doesn’t know where it’s at.”
• “I’m going to stop the legal fees.”


Jim Kearns

• “When we dig our heels in, we’re not going to get very far.  We are fools, folks.”
• “We’ve got to learn how to talk with each other.”

There was a question about the efficiency of the bus service.

Waitzman got first shot.  He said, “It’s not about numbers.  It’s about making certain people get the transportation they need.”

“I don’t think the bus should be efficient,” Fender said.  She talked about making it available from 7 AM to 9 PM.

“We need to treat them with respect,” Kearns added.  He added that there was no reason the Road Commissioner’s employees couldn’t change the oil in the bus, rather than paying $150 to “the Ford Dealer up the street.”

Moore reported that she had reduced the cost by one-third, from $75,000 to $50,000, while ridership had increased “steadily throughout the four years.”

“We can’t have inefficient programs in government,” she asserted.  She said that she asked seniors who had trips that were individual in nature to call Faith in Action and Senior Services.

“We do the best we can with what we have,” pointing to using the van, instead of the bus if wheelchair seniors needed transportation.

All four said they had no plans to build a new township hall.

With regard to campaign financing, all the candidates seem to be pretty much paying for their own campaigns.

Tonight is voters’ chance to see the three candidates for Grafton Township Supervisor perform under pressure.

Pam Fender, Linda Moore and Marty Waitzman will face off at the main building in Sun City.

The meeting will run from 6:30-8.

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When I got to the meting, I figured out that Independent Jim Kearns had been invited as well. My apologies for not having known that ahead of time.

And here it is:

“Hi, this is Marty Waitzman calling with information on the upcoming election.

“While you probably haven’t recovered from the last election yet, on February 26th you will choose the Republican candidates you want representing you in Grafton Township.

“My name is Marty Watizman, and I’m running because it’s time we were proud of our local government again.

“Unlike my opponents, I am new to political office and will bring a fresh perspective.

“I want to end the childish bickering that is costing taxpayers money, and instead use common sense to move our community forward.

“If I can count on your support, would you be willing to display a yard sign? If so, please press 5 and we will deliver one to your home.

“You can learn more about me by going to MartyWaitzman.com. Again, to have a yard sign delivered to your home, please press 5.

“Paid for by Citizens for Waitzman.”

Waitzman is running against incumbent Supervisor Linda Moore and Huntley Village Trustee Pam Fender.

Friday night,  candidates courted Young Republicans at the McHenry County Republican Party Headquarters, located in the “V” of the Crystal Lake Plaza.

Larry Emery of Crystal Lake, a candidate for Algonquin Township Trustee was first up. He told of retiring recently from Sears after 33 years, starting new company HSMS Consulting, his having volunteered during the fall campaign, volunteering at the Bethesda Thrift Shop and, more lately, to help move State Rep. Mike Tryon’s office equipment and supplies to a new location.

Grafton Township Road Commissioner candidate Tom Poznanski explained that he had worked for the District for eight years and how he tried to convince his boss, Jack Freund to run for re-election.  When that attempt was unsuccessful, Poznanski decided to run himself.  So it was from pounding in stakes for signs in past elections to knocking on doors this year.

Marty Waitzman, who is running for Grafton Township Supervisor, spoke next.  He had the audience howling as he told of confronting motorcyclists when he worked as a policeman in Lake County.

Pointing out that the men he had stopped were bigger than he, Waitzman explained that he affected an effeminate voice.

He figured that he was in a win-win situation as a result.

If the motorcyclist beat him up, all they could claim was they had beaten up a gay cop.

If he bested them, they would have been lost to a gay cop.

The quandary he put them in resulted in a successful traffic stop.

Next was Rob Parrish, who is running for Nunda Township Highway Commissioner.

“Together with his family, we made the tough decision to retire the company due to the negative economic indicators regarding the poor housing market, liquid asphalt prices reaching an all time high, ever-increasing crude oil prices, and skyrocketing salt prices.

“After 30-plus years, Parrish Paving Inc. closed it’s doors as a successful, profitable, and well established family business in McHenry County.”

Parrish said he decided to take an offer to work for Geske and Sons Inc., a larger local paving company, once a former competitor. Prior to accepting to join Geske, Rob’s main concern was finding jobs for all the valued employees that had worked for Parrish Paving for over 10 years. Rob asked the Geske family to give his men a fair shot to join the team at  the company as well. After quality interviews, all Rob’s men were hired.

After joining Geske, Parrish streamlined the bidding process by implementing computerized job costing, increased crew organization and implementation on job sites which increased average daily production and ended Saturday overtime work hours.

Parrish said he decided to run for Nunda Township Highway Commissioner because he believes the the citizens of Nunda deserve a candidate with the proven leadership and extensive trade knowledge to run the Road District like an efficient paving business by providing Quality service at a fiscally responsible price.

YR member Eric Sivertsen was the next candidate to talk.  He said he was running for both the McHenry Grade School Board and the McHenry County College Board, both of which needed more conservatives on their panels.

Also running for MCC’s Board was Tom Wilbeck.  He talked about the need for a business approach to the proposed Health Club.

YR’s also discussed plans for the upcoming year, including a billboard, participation in parades, a candidates’ night and a Valentine Day’s gathering.

Before I show you the press release from Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore, let me reiterate to candidates and public officials that one of the goals of McHenry County Blog is to allow those folks to speak for themselves.

So, if you are running for office or in office and bold enough to share your thoughts where people might be able to find them, send something to me at calskinner2@gmail.com.

On to the list of accomplishments that Linda Moore lists for her almost completed term:

“THIS IS NOT A PART TIME JOB”

By Linda Moore, Grafton Twp. Supervisor

Outline of Duties Fulfilled and Accomplishments in McHenry County’s 2nd Most Populated Township

FINANCIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Stopped a $5.5 million dollar (including interest) township hall with the help of a citizen initiative

2. Successfully defeated the Nov. 2009 referendum that was placed on the ballot asking the voters if they wanted to spend over $3.0 million dollars on a new town hall. 85% of the voters said no.

3. Paid $400,000 to road district with board approval saving rent and interest expense

4. Paid back prior boards’ $3.5 million dollar construction loan, saving over $400 per day interest.

5. Three audits filed with the state comptroller’s office, one remains unpaid per trustees actions

6. Used mediation to reduce litigation expenses

7. Cut previous Supervisor’s staff by 8 employees

8. Established free bi-monthly lunch for seniors using private sponsors

9. Improved accuracy of payroll tax payments and payroll direct deposits by implementing new software program

10. Improved efficiency of senior and disabled bus program by scheduling routine trips

11. Installed time clock in supervisor’s office to accurately track time worked by staff

12. Protected township financials from fraud by discontinuing the use of a server

13. Eliminated Township Administrator Position

14. Engaged a cost effective attorney to defend the township in litigation

15. Ended the use of township funds to pay for services before they are received

16. Ended township providing internet service to the township clerk’s home

17. Terminated expensive law firm as township attorney

18. Saved late fees on Assessor’s phone bill with board approval to set up automatic deduct

19. Ended the use of township funds for spouses to attend township events

20. Improved budget process, highlighting past expenditures compared to the budgeted amount, with a spread sheet to determine if the budget is balanced.

21. Worked with Village of Huntley to continue receiving $10,000 grant to expand bus program

22. Cut cost of using employees to work election night

23. Implemented budget transfer resolutions ensuring accurate changes

24. Procured a satellite township office, rent free for 9 months per suggestion of township trustee 99% attendance record for township board meetings.

25. Separated restricted Public Assistance Funds from other funds

26. Moved excess and reserve funds into money markets to earn interest

27. Cut road district unemployment rate by establishing separate FEIN from regular township payroll which tends to be much higher

28. Cut cost of purchasing handicap placards by implementing a fax submission program in its place

STOPPED or IDENTIFIED ILLEGAL ACTIONS

29. Identified illegal sale of township property on Vine Street

30. Identified Illegal purchase of township property on Haligus Road

31. Successfully defended the office of township supervisor in court

Pam Fender was named Township Administrator by the Township Board.

On page 33, Transcript of 37 page ruling by Judge Caldwell December 10, 2010, Caldwell states that the job description created by Attorney Krafthefer for the township administrator, “completely, totally, and absolutely abrogates, usurps, confiscates and nullifies the position of township supervisor and transfers those duties and privileges to an appointed employee. In effect, it does two things;

1) marginalizes the position of supervisor and creates a position superior to that of the supervisor, and

2) effectively nullifies the election of Moore as supervisor. As such, this is an illegal exercise of legislative power and it is null and void ab initio.”

32. Developed precedence for meeting agendas to contain sufficient detail so the public knows the action to be considered as required by law.

33. Restored township computers and office after they were disassembled and/or destroyed.

“The trustees changed the passwords on the township’s computers, effectively locking Moore out of the township’s records.”

“Shortly after the start of Fender as Township Administrator, all computer passwords were overridden by a computer professional and replaced. The computers were moved and the server was removed from the township offices. Moore later discovered that all of the data on the township computers had been removed, including general assistance records (which are confidential).” (Page 2, 9)

Mark Peloquin, Leading IT Solutions Testimony, Page 14: “In March 2010 Peloquin was called back to the town hall to move the computers to new locations. He also had to back out and recover all of the computer passwords. After doing this Peloquin acquired access to the computers.”

“On March 3, 2010, Fender and Zirk were at the town hall to effectuate the move. The information technology consultant was also briefly present.” (Page 15) “The information technology consultant returned on March 4, 2010, and worked on the computers for several hours.” (Pg. 16)

STAYED CURRENT WITH ON THE JOB TRAINING

34. Trained as a Certified Illinois Assessment Officer

35. Attended Township training regularly

36. Elected officer for McHenry County Supervisors’ Association

OFFERED RESIDENTS EDUCATION AND INFORMATION

37. Organized Property Assessment Educational Classes

38. Provide on-site driver’s license training and renewal for seniors

39. Offer free hearing, vision, blood pressure and blood sugar testing for seniors

40. Started website with financial, general assistance, videotaped board meetings

41. Established Senior Enrichment Program with two speakers per month

42. Respond to over 114 FOIA requests

43. Improved senior safe driving program by hosting AARP classes regularly

44. Initiated Service Referral Program guiding seniors to agencies

45. Initiated People in Need Referral Program for residents with financial problems.

46. Initiated Volunteer Referral Service for helping others in the area including delivering meals to area shut-ins, companion visits, help with yard work etc

CONTINUED ESTABLISHED SERVICES

47. Sponsor a community Food Pantry in the township office

48. Operate Salvation Army Area Office and collect toys, hats and gloves

49. Work with the Lions Club to collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids.

50. Help school children with free backpacks, filled with school supplies as a member of the Salvation Army’s Back-to-School Program

51. Offer Water Testing in cooperation with the McHenry County Health Department

52. Hearing Aid Batteries offered at cost to general public

53. Registered Seniors/Disabled for Free or Reduced CTA, Metra, and Pace Programs

54. Offer free Notary Public

55. Voters Registration, including address and name changes

INITIATED NEW SERVICES

56. Recycled Paper, Cell Phones, Toys, Hats, Gloves

57. Collect Ronald McDonald Pop Tabs for children who are ill

58. Senior Bingo Bi-Monthly on Tuesdays for free bingo (it was only once a month, not in summer)

59. Offer Disabled Parking applications

60. Annual Coat Drive, coats are now available at the Township

61. Initiated electronic recycling bi-annual events and document shredding

BROUGHT IN OTHERS TO EXPAND SERVICES

62. Worked with Huntley Lion’s Club to provide Christmas dinners to indigent

63. Worked with Sun City Woodchucks to provide toys to indigent

64. Engaged McHenry County Board members and candidates to sign-in Electors attending the Annual Township Meeting

65. Participated in Huntley’s Memorial Day Parade to increase awareness of transportation program

66. Obtained sponsorships from home health agencies, assisted living facilities, local politicians, and others for senior programs and public education classes.

STATUTORY DUTIES FULFILLED

1. Provide Public and Emergency Assistance
2. Chief Executive Officer of the township
3. Pay all payroll taxes
4. Sign all township checks
5. Sole bonded township official
6. Chair all board meetings
7. Pay bills when approved if proper township expense.
8. Administer the day to day functions of the township.
9. Appoint township attorney.
10. Prepare required resolutions, levies, and Treasurer’s report.
11. Maintain township financial records.
12. Coordinate the use of township consultants and vendors, such as accountants, auditors, IT personnel.
13. Prepared board meeting agendas, and packets making them available to trustees, attendees and on the website.
14. Organize the annual township meetings.
15. Advise the board and general public on the status of affairs at meetings.
16. Act as Human Resource Director.
17. Supervisor and coordinate the work of employees
18. Develop and administer a sound payroll and personnel system, protect private financial information of employees.
19. Oversee and administer all township insurance programs, including workman’s compensation, health, medical, dental, life, and liability insurance. Work with township insurance to reduce potential liabilities.
20. Administer and monitor the budget once adopted, coding of expenses to budgeted line items, make the financial records available to board members while protecting them from fraud or identity theft.
21. Serve as the agent for township purchasing.
22. Establish and maintain township websites, establish a township email address and email accounts for staff and elected officials. Work on the computer, internet, or printer to accomplish township business or programs. Sort and deliver incoming faxes, mail and email to township officials.
23. Make office assignments for staff and officials. Evaluate and make recommendations about the use and improvement of the township offices and space, and regarding the use, purchase and sale of township property.
24. Greet people who come to or call the township office, providing them with appropriate information, assistance or directing them to the appropriate department or official.
25. Establish appropriate office hours for the township building to be open.
26. Compile grant information; submit grants for township systems, projects, programs and events.
27. Investigate, evaluate, recommend, promote and coordinate township services and programs including transportation.
28. 28. Attend various informational and training meetings and conventions and represent the township at such meetings.
29. Act on behalf of the township in township municipal, state or federal policy issues affecting the township.
30. Maintain public relations between the township and its citizens between the town and other units of local government, township organization and governmental agencies and between the various officials and departments.

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Moore is being challenged for Supervisor by Pam Fender and Marty Waitzman.