McHenry County Blog

Just in case you are interested in the new faces who will serve on the McHenry County Board starting in December, here they are.  All six of McHenry County’s Districts will have newcomers.  (In the case of District 1, Yvonne Barnes is not exactly a newcomer, having served one term previously.)

District 1

District 2

District 3

District 4

District 5

District 6

Here’s something to ponder:

Who will these newcomers vote for McHenry County Board Chairman?

One of the District 6 Republican County Board candidates is President of the McHenry County Farm Bureau.

She recently popped up in a photo with State Rep. Jack Franks.

She was presenting Franks with a Friend of Agriculture Award.

There are two slates of women who have teamed up and the campaign has not been particularly pretty.

Incumbents Ersel Schuster and Diane Evertsen have been matched against incumbent Mary McCann and challenger Michele Aavang.

I liken it to a wrestling match in one link.  If you’d like to read the story, it’s here.

In any event, the four ladies are leading all the guys, plus one other female candidate, as you can see below:

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Now that all precincts are reporting, but with early and absentee votes still to be added in, the finishing order is
Diane Evertsen
Mary McCann
Ersel Schuster
Michele Aavang

Here’s the first attack piece I have seen in this year’s McHenry County Board races.

It is signed by District 6 McHenry County Board incumbent Mary McCann and Michele Aavang.

Included in the piece is the following paragraph (the emphasized one above):

“Incumbents Schuster and Evertson have voted against any conditional use or issue that supports farming or expanding specialized agribusiness in the County. Their election guarantees their ‘no’ votes will continue.”

Evertsen replies:

Diane Evertsen

“I would say that there is no doubt in my mind that I have voted ‘no’ on the majority of conditional use permits which come before the Board because they do not, in most instances, support farming.

“Should reference to ‘expanding agribusiness in the County’ refer to the seemingly unrestricted growth of ‘landscapers’ allowed to bring yard waste and debris from other counties to be dumped here in McHenry County, again I’d have to plead guilty to voting against this expansion of ‘agribusiness.’

Please know that, indeed, I will continue to vote ‘no’ on businesses which want to circumvent the necessity of purchasing commercial property on which to operate their businesses while choosing to use agricultural properties with lower taxes and supervision to subvert the intent of our zoning ordinances.”

Schuster has this to say:

“It is unfortunate that campaigns at this level of government have sunk to this depth.

“I have always, and will always, be a firm supporter of our food producing, agricultural community.

“I will stand strong against those who, for personal financial gain, work to inject non-agricultural uses into the farming community.”

[The following I earlier attributed to Schuster. I now see it came from another source.]

“The flyer contains a statement that I will refer to as totally untrue.

“However, due to the transmission of the flyer I will ask a question:

‘Why did Mary McCann actively lobby the McHenry County Board for a Conditional Use permit at 14510 IL Hwy 176, Woodstock, Il for James and Sue Hong?

‘Could there possibly be a connection to the political contributions from James and Sue Hong?’

If you want verification of the donations, here are the links:

• July, 1, 2011, through Sept. 30, 2011
• October 1, through December 30, 2011

I looked at the State Board of Elections links and share what they show about campaign contributions from the Hongs below:

Additionally, Evertsen offers the following evidence of the incorrectness of the statement excerpted from the McCann-Aavang flyer:

Insofar as Diane always voting NO on Conditional uses and zoning changes you need not look far to find this is false. Just go to the minutes of the County Board last October 18 and you can read:

ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) CONSENT AGENDA

Chairman Koehler asked if anyone wished to remove a petition, there were none.
Ms. Hill made a motion seconded by Ms. Donner to approve the following Petitions:

• Exb #11-32; Nunda Twp; Andrew/Jennifer Myers; reclass A1-A1CV
• Exb #11-35; Algonquin Twp; Richard Norwood/Monika Zajac; reclass R1-R1V
• Exb #11-37; Algonquin Twp; Tom/Joan Claypool; reclass R1-R1v
• Exb #11-39; Coral Twp; Grismer Trust; reclass A1-A2
• Exb #11-42; Chemung Twp; Kenneth/Mimi Book; reclass A1-A2C

Chairman Koehler asked for a roll call vote. The following members responded aye: Wheeler, Yensen, Bless, Breeden, Donner, Draffkorn, Evertsen, Hammerand, Heisler, Hill, Jung, Kurtz, McCann, Merkel, Miller, Munaretto, Nowak, Peschke, Provenzano, Salgado, Schmidt, Schuster and Koehler. Absent: Donley. The vote being twenty-three (23) ayes noting one (1) absent, the Chairman declared the motion to approve the ZBA Consent Agenda has passed.

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water has issued its recommendations for the McHenry County Board.  McHenry County Blog is in the process of publishing all of the candidate questionnaires that were turned in.  Not all candidates chose to do so.  The ALAW press release follows:

ALAW County Board Candidate Recommendations

The Alliance for Land Agriculture and Water (ALAW) is pleased to announce its recommended candidates for McHenry County Board in the upcoming primary election March 20, 2012.

Republican Party Candidates

• District 2: Donna Kurtz, Jim Heisler, Carolyn Schofield
• District 3: Jim Schlader, Michael Walkup
• District 4: John Hammerand
• District 5: John Jung Jr.
• District 6: Ersel Schuster, Diane Evertsen, Michelle Aavang, David LaGue

Democratic Party Candidates

• District 2: Jim Roden
• District 6: Scott Summers

Green Party Candidate

• District 5: Frank Wedig

Each of these candidates has expressed an understanding of the impact of land use decisions and transparency on the preservation of land, agricultural and water resources. A total of 25 candidates returned the survey, available at the Alliance web site. https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/2012-county-board-elections

Also available on the site are summary sheets for each recommended candidate that include the candidate’s photograph and position on selected environmental questions.

https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/2012-county-board-elections/recommended-candidates-for-mchenry-county-board-march-2012

The Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water was formed in 2006 as a response to citizen concerns with the proposed 2020 McHenry County Land Use Plan.

Since then, ALAW has continued to advocate for preservation of open space, agricultural lands and water resources through many programs including

• the campaign for the Kishwaukee Valley Water Authority,
• the Addendum to the Economic Interest Statement for county officials,
• participation in the county’s 2030 Land Use Planning process, and
• a Candidates Survey to identify and recommend environmentally aware candidates at each county election.

More information about ALAW is available on our web site: https://sites.google.com/site/landagricultureandwater/home.

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The Democratic and Green Party candidates have no primary opposition.

The following is the Alliance of Land, Agriculture and Water questionnaire filled out by District 6 McHenry County Board candidate Michele Aavang:

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election
Please, indicate yes/no or agree/disagree in the box to the right of the question.

A. Land Use

1. Do you agree that new development should be located where infrastructure exists, to minimize the extension of new roads, utilities and services, and protect farmland and water recharge areas?  Yes
2. If elected, will you support permanent protection of agricultural land and the agricultural industry in the County? Yes
3. Do you agree or disagree that new rural development costs more for the extension of infrastructure (roads, water, sewer and services) than it brings to the County in taxes and y~ that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers?  Yes

B. Water Resources

1. Would you oppose any land use change that would exceed a locally recharged aquifer’s capacity? Yes
2. If elected will you enforce use of the SARA – Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas map developed by the County Water Resources Department, as a determining factor in every YIC.5 land use change decision?  Yes
3. Do you support redistributing groundwater from water-rich areas to areas that have over drawn their groundwater? No
4. In your opinion, will McHenry County be able to get Lake Michigan water? No

C. The Role of County Government

1. Should the county provide support services to municipal governments, for example issuing and enforcing municipal building permits, administering and enforcing the Storm Water ordinance?  Yes
2. Do you support a county housing program where the county purchases, constructs, tJp remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities?  Yes
3. Do you support a county bus program, where the county takes over responsibility for  established service between select cities and townships?  No
4. Should the county health department report to the county board as opposed to an independent board of directors?  No
5. Do you think county government should increase expenditures and the scope of its activities, which will increase taxes to its residents? No

D. Transparency and Committment

1. County board records indicate that the average number of meetings necessary for attendance by a County Board Member is 8. This includes two full board meetings a month and two meetings a month for each committee (generally three) the member is assigned. Are you able and willing to make the commitment to represent your constituents to this extent? Yes

2. During the last primary election 32 candidates for county offices voluntarily filled out the ALAW initiated Statement of Economic Interests BEFORE the election. This form is now required once you are elected, but we need to know before we elect you. Will you follow suit and file yours with us now? (Form attached with mailing instructions.)  Yes

3. Do you agree that all scheduled county meeting agendas and minutes, including committee and sub-committees, should be posted on the County web site?  Yes

4. Would you have voted to raise the county board members salaries?  No

5. Would you have voted to increase the real estate tax levy by 1.5% thus increasing the amount of real estate tax collected by the county by $1.1 mI.?  No
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1. If you are elected to serve the residents of McHenry County, what external state and local agencies do you think are important for the county to liaison with and how would you make sure that information is flowing both ways with that agency? If you are currently serving and are an appointed liaison, please tell us what agency you are assigned and how you accomplish effective two-way communication.

Communication between the county and all state and local agencies is important to optimize efficiency. Leaders should be expected to follow-up on communications and respond accordingly to ensure the flow of information.

2. By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection?

Thoughtful and informed decisions regarding development and infrastructure need to be made with long-term consequences in mind. The value of prime farmland needs to be acknowledged. A farmland preservation plan needs to be given a higher priority and a funding mechanism for such a program needs to be initiated.

3. Most municipalities in the county have their own economic development commissions or committees. Economic development has to occur where there is existing infrastructure. The county funds the private McHenry County Economic Development Corporation ($635,985. for the 2009-2012 term) to create development in the county outside of municipalities. Is this a good investment of taxpayer money?

No. Taxpayer money would be more wisely spent by improving existing infrastructure to benefit the businesses and workforce located within the county. There are viable industries (agriculture) already here; if we protect what we have there is no reason to spend money to attract new industries that require costly development.

4. Do you think Fleming Road, Alden Road and other county roads that do not serve highly developed commercial areas, need to be widened and “improved” at this time?

I see no reason to widen or “improve” either of these roads at this time. The county needs to prioritize projects, and given the cost involved, lengthy list of other roads requiring attention, and the outspoken opposition to the projects by impacted residents, neither should be considered at this time.

5. What weight should you as a county board member give the opinions of citizens affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects?

Citizens affected by county board decisions should be given every opportunity possible to provide input before such decision is reached. The opinions of impacted citizens should be sought-after, welcomed and considered in a serious and thoughtful manner.

6. What in your background qualifies you to serve the public as a county board representative and what do you intend to accomplish if elected to the County Board. You may also use this space to provide additional information regarding any of the “yes / no” answers given above. (100 words)

I have the leadership experience necessary to be effective, including my present role as Vice President – McHenry County Farm Bureau, President – Woodstock Farmers Market, and Secretary – Greenwood Cemetery Association. I am also a former Trustee for the Village of Greenwood, and a former 4-H club leader. I have decades of practical managerial and business experience. I have effectively controlled spending, as well as prepared and analyzed budgets for successful operations. I also have a keen interest in the future of the county as a business owner, and member of a family that has roots here dating back to the 1840′s.

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Aavang’s post card can be seen below:

Melissa Denker.

Remember that name.

For those of you who can’t remember reading about her candidacy for Dunham Township Republican Precinct Committeeman, take a trip through this recent McHenry County Blog article.

19 years old.

McHenry County College student.

Computer literate.

Tea Party.

The future of the Republican Party, if its members want a future.

Not yet elected (although sure to be, since there is no opponent on the GOP primary ballot), Denker already has a web site.

And, it’s not just a place holder.

It has valuable content.

She attended the Young Republicans Candidates’ Forum for District 5 and 6 McHenry County Board candidates.

She tells a bit of what the candidates said and offers her opinions.

Here’s a sample of her writing style:

Second, even though some candidates didn’t show up… * Cough* Incumbent Mary McCann * cough* Michele R. Aavang * Cough* Cook County Deputy Sheriff  J. Vincent Ranzino * Cough -Excuse me , I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting 6 out of the 10 candidates running.

Read why she was impressed with

• Michael Stanard
• Ersel Schuster
• Shawn Green
• Diane Evertsen/David LeGue

Primary voters get to vote for four candidates because there are four seats to be filled.

It’s 42 days until the primary election, but early voting starts February 27th.

Candidates not on her favorable list could change her mind, I sense, but what if she doesn’t wait until election day to vote.

There are four incumbents in McHenry County Board District 6, as there are in all districts.

Since everyone is up or election after reapportionment, there are four vacancies.

One incumbent, Randy Donley of Union, who got by far and away the most votes four years ago, announced his retirement pretty early.

So with probably the best known and most popular incumbent not to be on the ballot, all sorts of people decided to run.

As of the close of petition filing Monday at 5 PM, eleven people had filed, including Donley.

Six filed in a tie at 8 AM on the first day possible:

• Diane Evertsen
• Shawn Green
• David LaGue
• Mary McCann
• Ersel Schuster
• Rachel Smith

There are three places on a ballot that is as long as this one that add extra votes to one’s total.

First place is worth about an extra 10%, second place and last place get a 5% bonus. I actually read a study that showed that in a municipal election when I was attending grad school at the University of Michigan.

The first and second place ballot advantages will be decided by lottery.

Last place went to Corey Brackmann. He filed last.

Worst place is next to last, according to what I remember from the study. Michael Stanard got that slot.

The filing period ended at 5 PM.  I was there from 4-5 and there was no “fight” for last place.  After looking at all the candidates who filed, I find that strange.

The three others running, all of whom will be in the bottom middle of the ballot, are

• Michele Aavang
• J. Vincent Ranzino
• Randall Donley

So, who’s going to win?

The best guidance is contained in the canvass reports from the 2008 and 2010 GOP primary elections.

Donley was way in front in 2008 and McCann had a substantial lead in 2010.

There’s not really much reason to believe their popularity had diminished.

That means that Ersel Schuster and Diane Evertsen, the two who placed second in 2008 and 2010, respectively, will probably be the targets of incumbents.

Each person could cast two votes.

Next year, because there are four vacancies, everyone gets four votes.

10,564 votes were cast in the presidential year of 2008.

8,942 in the non-presidential year of 2010.

In both years various candidates urged supporters not to cast all of their votes so opponents wouldn’t win with a 2nd choice vote.

That resulted in and under votes of 2,230 in 2008 and of 2,280 votes not cast in 2010.

What will it take to win?

Give us your best guess in the comment section below.

With the exception of any Democrats, most of those wanting to serve on the McHenry County Board filed petitions in the County Clerk’s Office today.

An asterisk in front of a name means they filed at 8 AM when the office opened and will take part in a lottery to determine the order on the ballot.

Four will be elected from each district.

Benefits include power, prestige, about $20,000 a year in salary with no attendance requirements, plus health and pension benefits that can be worth up to about $20,000.

Filing ends at 4:30 next Monday.

Republicans in District 1 follow:

• *Yvonne M. Barnes, Cary
• *Anna May Miller, Cary
• Robert “Bob” Bless, Fox River Grove

In District 2, the following will be on the ballot, pending any challenges:

• *James L. Heisler, Crystal Lake
• *Carolyn Schofield, Crystal Lake
• Kenneth (Ken) D. Koehler, Crystal Lake

The lively District 3 contest features

• *Mary R. Alger, Crystal Lake
• *Mary L. Donner, Crystal Lake
• *Joseph (Joe) Gottemoller, Crystal Lake
• *Mary McClellan, Holiday Hills
• *Linda (Lyn) Orphal, Crystal Lake
• *Nick Provenzano, McHenry

District 4 aspirants follow:

• *John D. Hammerand, Wonder Lake
• *Sandra Fay Salgado, McHenry
• *Edward Varga, Richmond
• Robert “Bob” M Martens, Sr, Spring Grove

District 5 contestants in the GOP primary so far are

• John P. Jung, Jr., Woodstock
• Tina R. Hill, Woodstock

In District 6, the following have submitted petitions:

• *Diane F. Evertsen, Harvard
• *Shawn Green, Union
• *David LaGue, Marengo
• *Mary T. McCann, Woodstock
• *Ersel C. Schuster, Woodstock
• *Rachel Elizabeth Smith, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
• Michele R. Aavang, Woodstock

Republican incumbents not filing yet are

• Marc Munaretto of Algonquin,
• Robert Nowak of Cary, Donna Kurtz of Crystal Lake,
• Pete Merkel of McHenry,
• Barb Wheeler of Crystal Lake, who is running for State Representative,
• Sue Draffkorn of Wonder Lake and
• Virginia Peschke of Bull Valley.

Neither Democratic Party incumbents Kathy Bergan Schmidt or Paul Yensen submitted petitions.

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Candidates are invited to share their backgrounds, reasons for running, platforms, etc., on McHenry County Blog.  The email address is to the left.