McHenry County Blog

A cost nothing gift to a silent auction is a "Page for a Day" certificate. If you click to enlrage this, you can see that State Rep. Jack Franks gave one to McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren for his golf outing.

I’ve heard of being a “Page for a Day.”

I used to have high school students come down who would sit on the House floor and run errands (and earn tips, which surprised most of them).

The practice continues.

I’d not heard of being a “Legislator for a Day” until today, however.

Read about it here.

McHenry County Blog reported on Republican McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren’s involvement with Democrat State Representative Jack Franks’ fund raiser.

Apparently the relationship is reciprocal.

Over the transom, so to speak, comes the silent auction sign-up sheet below:

The Jack Franks' "Page for a Day" bid sheet at a Keith Nygren fund raiser.

It is the donation of a “Page for a Day” with Franks in Springfield.

It’s not that it has to cost the legislator making the donation anything. He just provides the opportunity for the purchaser to run errands for state reps for a day.

But, given the inclusion of Nygren’s name on a list of supporters that Franks mailed far and wide, it does make one wonder.

Perhaps as interesting is the name of Nygren’s candidate for State’s Attorney against incumbent Republican Lou Bianchi, Dan Regna, as the only bidder when this photo was taken.

If I were Tribune columnist John Kass, I might be tempted to suggest there is a Bi-partisan Combine in McHenry County.

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I first ran into the term “over the transom” in connection with a currency exchange scandal uncovered by Chicago Daily News reporter Jack Mabley.  He said that legislators in Springfield left the the transoms of the window above the door in their hotel room open if they were amenable to accepting bribes.  This was before the days of air conditioning and an open hotel room and transom windows could provide cross-ventilation.

Here’s what Young Republicans in McHenry County are talking about today in their weekly newsletter:

Warm weather is on its way.  The MCYR is gearing up for the spring and summer events.  Below you will find a list of events and projects that we would love for you to be involved with.

On Thursday, please join us at the Cottage in Crystal Lake from 6-8pm for Happy Hour.  We can’t wait to see you.

Our Membership Co-Chairman Jake Justen is organizing the “Page for a Day” program!

We have been offered the opportunity to join Senator Pamela Althoff in Legislative Session in Springfield! You will be shown the ropes and the work that is done in Springfield.  Two people will be able to register per date, and the Senator and her staff promise a great visit! In addition, families can stay at the Capitol and attend the committee meetings to observe and can sit in the Gallery during Session.  The Page is the only one able to sit on the Senate Floor with the Senator. The only costs associated with this opportunity are the cost of travel, food and lodging.

The following is a dress code for all pages:

You will be issued an identification badge which must be worn at all times while functioning as a Senate Page.  This ID provides you access onto the Senate Floor.
Bring comfortable flat footwear.  Dress shoes, moderately heeled, no tennis shoes or sandals.

Ladies . . . dresses, skirts, or dress slacks are suggested.  Mini-skirts and skorts are restricted.

Gentlemen . . . dress shirt, necktie, and jacket are required (there are some jackets available on the Senate Floor).  Denim jeans are restricted.

Please respond to jakejusten@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com as soon as possible to reserve a place as space is limited. The following dates are available for visitors:

• March 3, 4
• March 16, 18
• March 24
• April 14
• April 21, 22
• April 28, 29

We congratulate Brian Hain on his new appointment to Treasurer.  We will miss Greg Austin – who is leaving us due to career obligations which take him to Virginia.  Having said this, we are looking for a new Fundraising Chairman.  Please contact Bryan Javor at bryanjavor@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com if you are interested in the position.

Current YR logo

We need your creative talent.  We are still looking for a new MCYR logo.  Please send your logos to webmaster@mchenryyoungrepublicans.com by April 12th.  We will vote on the logos at the April General Meeting.  The winner will win a $25.00 gift card to the restaurant of their choice in Crystal Lake.

In closing, Erica Poremba our Vice-Chairwoman thought of a great idea.  Each week we will be highlighting a member of the MCYR.  We are starting with the Chairman.  (Take a look oat McHenry County Blog over the weekend for the interview.)

Bryan Javor, Chairman

Erica Poremba, Vice-Chairwoman

Brian Hain, Treasurer

Garret Hill, Secretary