McHenry County Blog

McHenry County Board member Donna Kurtz, seeking re-election for the first time after running first in her initial attempt in 2010, held a fund raiser Wednesday at Park Place, the old American Legion Home in Crystal Lake.
Some people got into the baseball theme.

Early in the event, which started at 5:30, State Rep. and McHenry County Republican Party Chairman stopped by and dropped off a check, Kurtz said while introducing elected officials and candidates in attendance.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren and his allies seemed to gather in one main floor room, while Lou Bianchi and his friends were in the other.

Nygren’s choice to succeed himself in 2014, Andy Zinke, was nowhere to be seen, but both opponents Bill Prim and Jim Harrison were meeting and greeting folks.

There was some cross-pollination with Zane and Rose Seipler and Eileen Marhoefer sitting in a corner booth within site of the Nygren table.

Dr. Anne Majewski chatted with McHenry County Sheriff’s candidate Bill Prim before the speeches began.

In introducing the event’s keynote speaker, McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi, Kurtz told of Bianchi’s going “with his gut as to what was right to change the way things are done.

“When he did that, down upon him came a brick wall,” she continued, referring to the two indictments by Special Prosecutors that were so weak that Bianchi’s attorney did not even have to put on any evidence before the Judge found him not guilty.

“But he stuck to his dreams,” Kurtz concluded as Bianchi climbed the stairs to a roomful of applause.

Bianchi pointed out that “Donna is our client” as a member of the McHenry County Board, as are all elected officials.

“Our lawyers enjoy working with her,” he continued.

“She does a fine job representing her constituents [and is] one of the hardest working members on the board.”

Bianchi said Kurtz tries to understand all the issues before voting on resolution.

And she “speaks her mind.”

Kurtz was also praised for asking questions that need to be asked.

She was characterized as “an independent thinker.”

Kurtz then took the microphone.

She praised Cardelli for his “courage” in voting against the Algonquin Township officials pay raise.

She praise Jane and Bill Franz for giving of themselves to Crystal Lake for over 40 years.

She praised Pat Owens and The Advantage Group, often known by its acronym TAG.  They have done substance abuse for twenty-five year Kurtz pointed out.

“Over 1,000 people treated each year…25,000 lives changed for the better,” the County Board member explained.

Speaking of her public service, Kurtz said that you “have to have in our heart goodness and honesty.

“Everything I do has to be about you.

“It can’t be about me.

“Pursue our dreams and they will come true,” she concluded to rousing applause.

The McHenry County Courthouse anyway.

None of the four countywide offices in McHenry County have a Democratic candidate.  While it is possible for candidates to pop up after the primary on March 20, 2012, it seems unlikely.

So, the following people will in all likelihood hold the title before their names after the December 2012 swearing in date:

• McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi
• McHenry County Recorder of Deeds Phyllis Walters
• McHenry County Circuit Clerk Katherine Keefe
• McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew
• McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer and
• newcomer McHenry County Coroner Anne Majewski

And, if all the Democrats who have filed for the McHenry County Board were able to win next fall, the GOP would still hold a 14-10 margin.

Here’s what McHenry County Board members will have before them about salaries that they or their successors will earn starting after next fall’s elections:

A resolution calls for “compensation beginning December 2012 and fringe benefit options are hereby approved for the Chairman and Members of the McHenry County Board:

1. Chairman of the Board: The Chairman of the Board will receive an annual salary of $82,200 for FY2013 and FY2014.
2.  Vice-Chairman of the Board: The Vice-Chairman will receive $5,000 per year more than Board Members.
3.  Members of the Board: The Members of the Board will receive an annual salary of $21,500 for FY2013 and FY2014.
4.  Fringe Benefits: The Chairman and Members of the Board may choose to participate in any or all of the benefit programs made available, now or in the future, to all County employees including, but not limited to health, dental and vision plans subject to the same rates, benefit levels, rules and regulations established for all County employees.

And about future raises, here is what is proposed:

“the Chairman and Members of the County Board shall receive an annual increase for FY2015 through FY2021 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Chicago-Gary-Kenosha labor market, or the same pay rate increase provided to non-union employees, or 5%, whichever is less.”

And, a slap at those county board members who do not live in the Woodstock area:

They “shall not accept mileage reimbursement attending County Board Meetings or County Board Committee meetings.”

That, of course, means that those who live closest to the courthouse will have higher compensation than those living in McHenry, Crystal Lake, Cary, Fox River Grove, Algonquin, Huntley, and other outlying areas.

And here are the salaries proposed for the countywide elected officials up this year (except for the State’s Attorney and Regional Superintendent of Schools, which are set by state stature):

McHenry County Auditor
For the year 2013…………………….$104,750
For the year 2014…………………….$104,750
For the year 2015……………………salary increased by CPI
For the year 2016……………………salary increased by CPI

McHenry County Coroner
For the year 2013…………………….$104,750
For the year 2014…………………….$104,750
For the year 2015……………….……salary increased by CPI
For the year 2016………………….…salary increased by CPI

McHenry County Clerk of the Circuit Courts
For the year 2013…………………….$104,750
For the year 2014…………………….$104,750
For the year 2015………………….…salary increased by CPI
For the year 2016…………………….salary increased by CPI

McHenry County Recorder of Deeds
For the year 2013…………………….$104,750
For the year 2014…………………….$104,750
For the year 2015…………………….salary increased by CPI
For the year 2016…………………….salary increased by CPI

= = = = =

Port Edward has pleasant memories for me all the way back to visiting the Algonquin Jaycees back in the late 1960′s.

Then it was only a small corner bar at Harrison and Route 62.

Algonquin Founders Days luncheons, fund raisers, Mother’s Day Breakfasts.

Always good food.

A gift shop to keep your wife and children out of by buying another glass of wine.

Urinals below portholes.

A host without peer–Ed Wolowiec.

Monday night the McHenry County Republican Central Committee held a fundraiser that about 100 people attended.

I was astounded that some candidates were not there. Maybe they don’t know that majority parties have to maintain an infrastructure that minority parties can ignore. Things like rent, phones, utilities, salary.

Not that candidates weren’t present.

Plenty, like Recorder of Deed Phyllis Walters brought petitions.

Barb Wheeler was doing the same and worked two streets in my precinct for signatures this afternoon with Blake Hobson.

Congressman Randy Hultgren’s employee Nick Provenzano was circulating, as was Congressman Joe Walsh’s wife Helena and new staffer Andrew Nelms, who is from Genoa.

I mentioned that State Rep. candidate Barb Wheeler was courting votes.  So were two candidates from the 52nd District Mark Beaubien used to represent.

Appointed State Rep. Kent Gaffney was there with his wife Elizabeth.

So was former 8th Congressional District candidate David McSweeney, now running against Gaffney.

There are three candidates running for the empty 33rd District State Senate seat.  The only one to show up was Kane County Board member Karen McConnaughay.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren was making the rounds.

He was introducing his chosen successor, Undersheriff Andy Zinke, although Zinke was doing that well enough by himself before Nygren arrived.

So was McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi.  I did not see the Sheriff and the State’s Attorney conversing.

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer was busy gathering petition signatures.

Candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dr. Anne Majewski was courting support at Port Edward, too.

There were a good number of McHenry County Board members and a  couple of township officials.

The County Board members were spread throughout the room. No open meetings violations for these folks.

Some, like District 1′s Anna May Miller and her husband, Algonquin Township Road Commissioner, I didn’t get photos of. Anyone who feels aggrieved can not their attendance in the comment section.

A press release from Dr. Anne Majewski:

Dr. Anne Majewski Candidate for McHenry County Coroner

Dr. Anne L Majewski has announced her intent to run for McHenry County Coroner.

A lifelong resident of McHenry County, Dr. Majewski is a licensed physician in the State of Illinois since 1984.

She practiced as an obstetrician-gynecologist at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.

Her medical expertise, compassion and communications skills enabled her to attract an extensive patient base and, within a year, became a full partner in a very busy medical practice.

Currently, she is a private medical consultant.

She also provides medical advocacy services on a pro bono basis.

Dr. Anne Majewski

“I believe that a Coroner’s Office consisting of a physician and a well-trained investigative staff, who perform their duties with a caring and humanitarian approach, would best serve our county.

“I will work closely with

• law enforcement agencies,
• the State’s Attorneys Office,
• consulting medical examiners and experts,
• private physicians, and
• funeral directors

throughout the county to ensure that the highest quality of service is rendered.

“My medical training, analytical skills, practice experience, and continuing medical education will enable me to be an excellent Coroner.”

“As a physician, I have had to share very sad news with patients and their families.

“I would approach my duties as Coroner with the same care and compassion to which my former patients, fellow medical and hospital staff and community could attest.

“As an elected official, it is my duty to effectively manage taxpayer dollars. I will review the half million dollar budget, as well as all operating procedures and investigatory costs, to determine where we can save money while at the same time maintain the highest quality medical and statutory standards.”

“It is also my duty to help bring awareness to the community.

“In view of the number of suicides in our county over the recent past, I want to work with

• mental health agencies,
• schools and
• community groups

to help identify trends and risk factors, and to assist in education and prevention.

“I also plan to work closely with nursing homes and hospice organizations to ensure prompt and thorough reporting.”

State Rep. Mike Tryon had his Huntley Fish Boil fund raiser Thursday night.

It was well-attended and the weather was wonderful.

More about who attended later, which included a Congressman and two congressional wives, but now the information of another countywide candidate raising her head.

Dr. Anne Majewski of Algonquin was passing out cards saying she was “Republican Candidate for Coroner, McHenry County.”

Coroner Marlene Lantz has announced her retirement.

She has an interesting email address: doc4coroner@gmail.com.

Can an announcement press release be far behind?

Starting as a deputy  under Coroner Al Querhammer, Marlene Lantz has served since then.

In reply to an email from McHenry County Blog asking about her intentions, Lantz wrote,

“No, I am not running again and will retire at the end of my term.”

Here is an article I wrote about her appearance at Crystal Lake Kiwanis.

Here’s part of what she said.

Asked what her most interesting case had been, she point to the 1982 Charles Albanese arsenic murders.

“When we arrested him, they let me put the handcuffs on him,” Lantz said. She also said she witness his execution in 1995.

Asked the biggest health hazard, the coroner answered, “Hepatitis and AIDS.”

She stressed the personal touch in her dealings with relatives of those deaths handled by her office. Lantz kept in touch with one woman after her husband died and “got invited to the wedding” when she remarried “years later.”

Lantz also explained the necessity of keeping in good mental health “in order to help others.”

She said she had gone to counseling after, I believe, the Fox River Grove bus-train accident.

Lantz was also negatively affected after she saw a man in her official line of work who looked like her stepfather ten years after he had died. It didn’t help matters that the wife resembled her mother.

Her sense of humor shown through when she remarked,

”A lot of people think I’m tall, bald headed and pale.”

Thought you might be interested in this Friday press release from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department about Metra Executive Director Phil Pagano’s death.  I just found it.

Sheriff’s Office Investigates Pedestrian – Train Fatality in Unincorporated Crystal Lake

May 7, 2010

Sheriff Keith Nygren announced today that on May 7, 2010 at approximately 8:00 A.M. a Deputy Sheriff came upon a pedestrian – train fatality at the grade crossing located on Hillside Rd. approximately ¼ mile west of Terra Cotta Road in unincorporated McHenry County.

Subsequent investigation has revealed the following information.

The deceased has been identified as Philip A. Pagano, of unincorporated Crystal Lake.

Information has been obtained that indicates that at slightly before 8 A.M., Philip entered the Metra right of way, approximately 30 feet north of Hillside Road, and into the path of a southbound Metra Train, killing himself instantly.

The engineer of the train did observe a male subject on the tracks, and entered emergency braking mode, but was unable to stop before striking Philip.

Twenty-four passengers, two Metra employees, and one Union Pacific employee were on the train. None of them were injured.

Alternate transportation was arranged for the passengers, and no other trains were delayed as a result of this incident.

There was one vehicle at the crossing; however, they did not observe the actual impact occur. The driver of that vehicle was not injured and left the scene after speaking with the Deputy Sheriff.

The following agencies participated in the investigation: McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, McHenry County Coroner’s Office, McHenry County Conservation Police, Crystal Lake Park District Police, Metra Police, and the Crystal Lake Fire Department.

Deceased: Pagano, Philip A. M/W 02/25/1950

One of the issues that Dave Bachmann, unsuccessful 2008 Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner, proposed in his October 31, 2007, candidacy announcement was initiation of a prescription drug collection from those who died at home under hospice care.

I’m pretty sure that incumbent Republican Marlene Lantz included it in her platform, but haven’t heard anything about it since the election.

Now I read in a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration press release that the idea has taken hold in New Jersey. The first two paragraphs of the release follow:

Thousands of New Jersey Residents Prescribe to Operation Medicine Cabinet
Over 9,000 Pounds of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicine Collected During First in the Nation Day of Disposal

NOV 18 — (Newark) – Gerard P. McAleer, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division and Angelo M. Valente, the Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), announced today that over 9,000 pounds of medicine, with a street value of over $35 million, was collected during Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey, the first in the nation statewide day of disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.

This statewide effort is being spearheaded by the DEA New Jersey Division, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and the PDFNJ, with partnership and support by many other local and statewide prevention and enforcement organizations.

Photo displays meds turned in under the OMC program on 11-14-2009. L to R: Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey- announcing the Operation Medicine Cabinet, Angelo Valente, Executive Director, Partnership for Drug Free New Jersey, and Mary Pat Angelini, Assemblywomen, 11 District, New Jersey Assembly

Over 440 local police departments and sheriff departments, in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties, hosted collection sites, where New Jersey residents came out in force to support Operation Medicine Cabinet and rid their homes of unused, unwanted, and expired medicines on November 14th, clearing their homes of over 9,000 pounds of prescription and over-the- counter medicine.

Perhaps this good example will be followed in Illinois. Lots of publicity potential for anyone who pulls it off.

After reading the following emails below from the 2008 McHenry County Democratic Party’s candidate for coroner, Dave Bachmann, I’m beginning to wonder.

You may remember that Cynor poured $35,000 into his campaign fund in mid-October.

If I had been Cynor’s opponent, I’d have figured out that he could mount a countywide mailing, plus have some money left over for radio and cable TV.

With the indictment of former Lou Bianchi secretary Amy Dalby by special prosecutor and former primary opponent Dan Regna jumping into the fray with both feet, Bachmann sent me the emails from Tom Cynor, along with a statement.

Although Bachmann no longer lives in the area, he thought the copied emails that Cynor sent to him in the final days of the 2008 Campaign season might be of interest.

Bachmann’s statement:

“It was clear in the waning months of the campaign that many in both parties had been trying to link my campaign as a “Puppet” of Mr. Bianchi’s campaign.

“I had stated in the past, and will state one final time:

I do not now, nor have I ever known Mr. Bianchi with the single exception of a chance meeting in June of 2008 at the Pro Life Pig Roast.

“Mr. Bianchi was very polite and was gracious enough to shake my hand and we visited for perhaps a sum total of 5 minutes. This was the first, and last time Mr. Bianchi and I have ever spoken. I had gone on record in one of my writings to McHenry County Blog stating that I had a deep respect for Mr. Bianchi with regards to the way he had handled himself during the brutal primary campaign against Dan Regna. Other than this, I have never had any personal contact with Mr. Bianchi whatsoever.

“Mr. Cynor and I rarely if ever spoke beyond our initial meeting and a lunch in September of 2007. I did not believe he was a qualified candidate for States Attorney. I did NOT support the Democratic Party’s decisions to load up the ballot AFTER my successful primary season had ended. I believe I may have attended a total of 3 McHenry County Democratic events from the time the primary season ended, up to election day. Mr. Cynor and I had very little contact, if any, from Sept 2007 thru election day.

“I therefore found the attached emails from Mr Cynor, that he had sent to my Campaign at the very last minute of the campaign season, to be suspect.

“From reading the emails, it appears Mr. Cynor, while perhaps under some misguided belief that my campaign and the campaign of Mr. Bianchi’s were somehow linked, in fact sent me these deeply troubling emails with one intent. I believe his intent was to have me pass these along to the Bianchi Campaign in a child like attempt to emotionally extort Mr. Bianchi’s campaign.

“I found Mr. Cynor’s behavior to be reprehensible at the least. Indeed, I did pass this along to Mr. Bianchi via a forwarded email. After reading the content, I was concerned there may be some legal issues of a criminal nature that needed investigating. I wanted no part in what I believed was a misguided use of my campaign by Mr. Cynor and his campaign team.

“After reading Mr. Cynor’s emails to me, then reading the email his campaign manager Laura Asbury had immediately followed up with, I believe the motive and intent was clear. Ms. Asbury was either unaware of her candidate’s previous emails to my campaign, or she is a liar. I won’t speculate, I believe the contents of the emails speak for themselves.

“I am proud I acted in accordance with the law. I was suspect of the content and the intent of Cynor’s emails to my campaign.

“Sincerely,

“David J. Bachmann”

The emails follow:

— On Wed, 3/11/09, david bachmann wrote:

From: david bachmann
Subject:
To: mtnmortician@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 3:37 PM

Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:32 PM
From: “Thomas J. Cynor”
Add sender to Contacts
To: “‘david bachmann’” mtnmortician@yahoo.com

Dave:

Speaking of Bianchi and Lantz, I just got a number of very interesting e-mails from supporters. I have information about a young lady by the name of Amy Dalby who worked in the SA’s office for some time. Turns out there are some very serious allegations about someone working on the Bianchi campaign while being on county time. The information I have been given claims that this person worked on the campaign at least 10 hours a week on average with the approval and knowledge of the office manager and Lou himself. If true this is obviously criminal activity.

I have about $35,000.00 budgeted for a final county mailer. I can hit about 75,000 homes and about 100,000 voters with info. Info should hit the mail boxes right before the election on Saturday and Monday with press release to accompany. Just an FYI. You may want to keep an arm’s length distance from Bianchi.

Friday, October 24, 2008 11:31 PM
From: “Thomas J. Cynor”
View contact details
To: “‘david bachmann’”

Information was independently verified. Mailers already printed and in process of mailing. Thanks for the concern, however. Don’t overly concern yourself with the coverage in the NWH – relatively limited penetration among MC voters. Turnout should be around 125,000 – 130,000 voters. Should be interesting to see what happens. Good luck.

Thursday, October 30, 2008 6:22 PM
From: “Thomas J. Cynor”
View contact details
To: “‘david bachmann’”

Dave:

Good work on the signs, I see them everywhere. Saw Lou B last night at Lou Czarny’s retirement dinner. He didn’t look too good – very concerned, as well he should be. Next week should be very interesting. Got calls from the papers today, looking for information on “smear” campaign. Certainly didn’t give them anything to use.

Saturday, November 1, 2008 3:53 PM
From: “Thomas J. Cynor”
View contact details
To: “‘david bachmann’”

Did you see the mailer yet? Some in Algonquin, Cary and Fox River Grove have received it in the mail today and already getting positive feed back. I suspect the bulk will be received on Monday – timing couldn’t be better. Things looking good. I just laughed at the money Lou is spending. No amount of money can save him now

Citizens for Cynor] Bianchi fabricates “last minute smear campaign”
Monday, November 3, 2008 10:09 PM
From: “Laura Asbury”
To: undisclosed-recipients

—–Inline Attachment Follows—–

To Whom It May Concern:

I have just returned from a long day campaigning. I checked my phone messages and noticed a number of telephone calls from supporters asking about this “last minute smear campaign” referenced in Lou Bianchi’s press release, Cal Skinner’s blog and multiple robo calls. I honestly don’t have the faintest idea what the Bianchi Campaign is referring to, as there is no “last minute smear campaign”. But I do know this: to play the victim card is an all too common political ploy employed only by the most desperate of candidates. Clearly Mr. Bianchi is desperate, paranoid or confused, or perhaps a bit of all of the above.

Shame on Lou Bianchi for this lowest of political tricks the day before an election. The people of McHenry County deserve better from its public servants. This is certainly an indication of all that is wrong with the State’s Attorney’s office today. Win at any cost, regardless of ethics or integrity.
–
Laura Asbury

Citizens for Cynor
P.O. Box 1816
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

(815) 861-1198

Bachmann also tells me he is writing a book.

He provided a copy of his first draft of his book, “UN-WANTED,” which is based on his four-year federal investigative work. He states he is meeting in Boston next week with a major publisher. You can see his suggested cover above.

All images may be enlarged by clicking on them.