McHenry County Blog

Regular readers will know that I go to parades to read political tea leaves.

Perhaps the biggest insight was that Democrat Jack Franks was in the middle of the Republican floats.

Whether deliberate or not, it surely sent a mixed message to those along the parade route.

Especially since the McHenry County Republican Party refused to field an opponent to the reliable vote for House Speaker Mike Madigan’s continued one-man rule of Illinois.

I wasn’t the only one to make note of the parade order.

Fox River Grove Republican Precinct Committeeman Andrew Gasser wrote an article touching on that, plus the co-option of Republican activists by Franks.

There were lots of candidates at the reception besides Provenzano.

I saw Joe Gottemoller, Mary McClelland, Sue Draffkorn, all of whom seek to represent part of the McHenry area on the County Board.

Former GOP State Rep. primary candidate in the 52nd District Danielle Rowe was also present.

 

And, miracles of miracles, there were two Romney for President signs.

The parade was off.

Municipal officials came first.

The McHenry Aldermen kept coming in numerical order.

The next Alderman rode in a red pick-up truck.

A convertible carrying the only Alderwoman was next.

Congressman Randy Hultgren, who won all of McHenry County, but Algonquin Township, in Michael Madigan’s redistricted map, led off the Republican contingent with Provenzano.

And, then my camera froze, so I missed the other Republicans.

But it started working again as State Rep. Jack Franks worked the crowd on the other side of the street.

If there were any indication that Franks was running on the Democratic Party ticket and would vote to re-elect House Speaker Mike Madigan once he wins his uncontested race, I didn’t see.

More Republicans were behind Franks.

A Sheriff’s Department vehicle came next.

Just one.

Not like the last Fiesta Days Parade I attended in 2010 when Sheriff Keith Nygren was being challenge by Democrat Mike Mahon. Take a look at the motorcycles, snowmobile, convertible, crime prevention trailer, perhaps being pulled by the vehicle above, but without Undersheriff Andrew Zinke’s name on its side.

But who was driving the vehicle?

Next was Mary Mahady, apparently running for McHenry Township Assessor.

Next spring township elections will be held throughout McHenry County, so this was the last time to increase one’s name identification in a Fiesta Days Parade.  Johnsburg has one in October, where there will probably be more township candidates.

Seemingly out of place at the parade was former McHenry County Board candidate Rachel Smith from the western side of Wonder Lake. She was watching the parade before a cancer fund raiser for her aunt, whose last name is Jones.

Wonder Lakes Rachel Smith is promoting her District 6 McHenry County Board campaign with a newspaper she has designed.

You can see it below, better, if you click to enlarge the images.

The following is also being passed out:

Here’s how Wonder Lake’s Rachel Smith answered the McHenry County Board Questionnaire of the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water:

ALAW County Board Candidates Survey: 2012 Primary Election

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 that those extra costs are passed on to the existing taxpayers? Agree

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 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, remodels, rents, sells homes throughout the county and in municipalities? No

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? Yes

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 Commitment

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 ml.? No

E. Short Answer. Only the number of words indicated will be published in the response report. (please add a page if you need more room, but remember that we can only print the number of words indicated and reserve the right to edit your response for that reason. Thank you.)

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. (50 words)

I believe intergovernmental cooperation between municipalities is necessary to make goals of the municipal plans work and the 2030 County plan work. As a County Board member I would attend municipal meetings to ensure an open dialogue and assurance of an approachable board member.

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? (50 words)

A continual joint effort between municipalities throughout the entire county is necessary as well as education to the public. By holding the line at growth, implementing water conservation tips to households and municipalities we can better protect groundwater.

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? (50 words)

Having recently inquired with the MCEDC, I have gained a wealth of knowledge of services provided by them. The county doesn’t solely fund the MCEDC. The cost indicated is a fraction of comparison to the benefits provided and the in kind information that is available to municipalities, businesses and citizens.

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? (50 words)

No, there are many other roads in the county with needed attention that residents would be more than happy to have improved.

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? (50 words)

The citizens whom are being adversely affected by zoning decisions, special use permits and road projects concerns should feel that they have a say what goes on in their community. Town Hall meetings and a County Board open door policy will help facilitate an existing relationship.

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 am not a career politician. I am not a politician at all. I am member of the community who shares the same concerns as local taxpayers. I know what is like to sacrifice what I want so my kids can have what they need. I know what it is like to be on a budget. Through my creativity, fresh perspective and full time availability, I want to bring common sense and reality to county government. You can find more information on my Facebook page or at www.smithcountyboard6.com.

Saturday night’s crowd of candidates also gave opening statements.

And, as on Friday, some targeted like a laser beam on the tax hike issue. (See also Part 1 and Part 2.)

But before beginning, let me remind you of those incumbents who voted to increase the tax levy so much that the tax take from property owners will be as high as allowed by state law.

Those running for re-election are in boldface type.

• Robert Bless
• Scott Breeden
• Sue Draftcorn (a switch)
• Mary Donner
• Jim Heisler
• Tina Hill (a switch)
• John Jung
• Donna Kurtz
• Mary McCann
• Pete Merkel
• Anna May Miller (a switch)
• Marc Munaretto
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Ken Koehler

Michael Stanard, running for a spot on the GOP primary ballot drew the first slot to speak and said, “I would [have]voted against an increase in the tax levy.”

District 6 incumbent Diane Evertsen of Hartland Township said, “I voted against an increase in the tax levy. This is exactly the wrong time.”

Coral Township’s Shawn Green, also running in District 6, gave the same message: “I did not support the Board’s decision to increase the tax levy.” While he suggested the levy will have to be increased from time to time, “now is not the time to do it. With no new construction, the slightest increase will lead to an increase in taxes.”

Rachel Smith of Wonder Lake, another District 6 challenger, pointed out she knew the estimates of the average homes tax increase was $8, but

“$8 can help feed my family for a week if I go to Aldi’s.

“The government needs to live within its means.”

Marengo Alderman Corey Brackmann, also running for a District 6 Republican slot, said he didn’t think raising the levy at this time was a good idea.

He pointed out that he had “voted against the proposed increase in the City of Marengo.”

District 5 aspirant Michael Rein of Woodstock added this thought [remember all of this is in the opening statements]:

I also think the tax levy should not have [been] raises. ”

He urged voters to look at how his opponents had voted the last two years, not just this year.

“People who voted against the tax levy also voted to increase their [own] salaries,” he added.

[See

McHenry County Board Votes on Salary Hikes

Voting "No" were

• Virginia Peschke
• Kathy Bergan Schmidt
• Ersel Schuster
• Paula Yensen]

“I was opposed to the increase in the tax levy,”  said David LaGue, the only farmer on the ballot in District 6.

“Workable alternatives [exist].”

He added that it wasn’t a good idea when when the economy was doing poorly.

Huntley School District 158 Board President Mike Skala agreed with everyone up to that point.

“I would not have supported the tax increase,” he said. “I led the effort to keep our levy flat.:

[Afterwards, I asked what that meant. Skala explained that his Board was abating taxes that were levied in order to keep the tax bill flat.

When I asked if that meant the school district could take a 4.5% increase for 2013, he admitted that was the case. (The 4.5% would consist of the 1% CPI increase allowed this year by the Property Tax Cap, plus the 3% allowed next year.)]

Michael Stanard, challenger in District 6, explained,

“I’m in favor actually of reducing the levy.

“The only way for the government to get smaller is to take the money away.

District 6 incumbent Ersel Schuster voted against hiking the tax levy as well. She said that there “should be an outside audit” to identify items that could be cut.

McHenry County Board incumbent Ersel Schuster voted against the tax hike.

She said there “should be an outside audit” to identify unneeded expenditures.

Missing from their forum were

• District 5 incumbent Tina Hill
• District 5 incumbent John Jung, Jr.
• District 5 incumbent Virginia Peschke
• District 6 aspirant Michele R. Aavang
• District 6 incumbent Mary McCann
• District 6 non-incumbent J. Vincent Ranzino

Those who voted for the levy hiking taxes on this year’s bills are in boldface type. The others who did so are mentioned in the articles.

The Young Republicans provided a public service Saturday night by sponsoring a candidates night for McHenry County Board candidates in District 5 and 6.

The Friday night counterpart for District 2, 3 and 4 candidates, on the other hand, had three incumbents who defended their maximization of the tax take from taxpayers.

Only $8 a household was the best defense.

Four incumbents skipping the Saturday night’s affair (tax hikers in boldface type):

• Tina Hill – District 5
• John Jung – District 5
• Virginia Peschke- District 5
• Mary McCann – District 6

There only incumbents from Districts 2, 3 and 4 who missed the Friday night meeting were County Board Chairman Ken Koehler from Crystal Lake and Wonder Lake’s Draffkorn.  Both voted for the tax hike.

I wondered if the absence of those who voted “Yes” for big levy was because the tax hike question asked of District 2, 3, and 4 candidates the night before.

To their credit two of those from District 2 who voted to maximize the tax take, Jim Heisler and Donna Kurtz attended and gave their defenses.  Koehler also voted for the one and one-half percent tax hike, the most allowed by the Property Tax Cap.

In District 3, Mary Donner, who also supported maximizing county taxes, was in attendance defending her vote.

Of the incumbents absent in District 5, Jung supported the tax hike and Hill did not.  Peschke did not cast a vote.

In District 6, incumbent Mary McCann was the only incumbent missing.  She supported the tax hike.

So, when the same question was asked of candidates in District 5 and 6 as was asked of those from District 2, 3 and 4, there was no one on the stage to defend the maximum extraction of taxes possible from us taxpayers.

Do I sense an issue that might have some traction?

= = = = =
The roll calls that might interest you on the tax hike:

Who Voted to Raise Your County Taxes?

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.

= = = = =

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

Yesterday, I started my wrap-up of the Marengo Settlers Days Parade. I started out to highlight the political aspects of the event, but all the high school bands and floats sucked me into deeper coverage.

Still another high school band came around the corner, this one from Evanston.

It was a really big band.

Union’s St. John’s Lutheran Church put pre-schoolers on a decorated hay wagon to advertise its full-time pre-school. The banner indicates it is called “Little Blessings Center.”

I have to admin never having seen a concrete truck in a parade before, but I guess if townships and municipalities can draw crowds to see trucks, why not give kids a close-up look at one.

The 4 Stings Attached Children’s Violin Performing Group was next.

And, as usual at a parade, children waited for candy.

McDonald’s wasn’t the only company trotting out its symbol. Hubert, the Lion, was perched atop a float waving to people.

A clown was the next to enter my viewfinder.

And, then, what I came to take photos of, another candidate.

District 6 Republican candidate Rachel Smith had a pickup truck with her name on the front. Good idea.

Suddenly, there she was. Handing out cards along my side of the street.

I didn’t figure out what the next kid-laden hay wagon was sponsored by, but it clearly had a kite theme. “Ready, Set, Soar,” said the sign on the back.

Still another high school band followed the kites.

It was the Wheeling High School Marching Wildcat Marching Band.

After the band came the Shriners’ Tabala Motor Patrol.

Next came a band that didn’t march. It was from Marengo’s Zion Lutheran School.

Round the corner came an old Cadillac with worse shock absorbers than my 1995 model. Of course, it’s 41 years older than mine.

When I saw its side, there was a good-sized sign proclaiming, “Corey Brackmann, McHenry County Board.”

This was a new County Board candidate for me, so I crossed the street to get some close-up photos as he greeting people who, it turns out, are from the town where he lives.

Women on roller skates were next.

Who knew that Rockford had a roller derby team? (Or at least that’s what I used to watch on a black and white TV in the 1950′s.)

No doubt that Crystal Lake is in a different media market from Marengo.

More tomorrow.

It’s too bad that it takes so long to post photos.  I still haven’t finished the Marengo Settlers Day Parade from a couple of weeks ago.

When we stopped looking at what entries offered on that beautiful day in Marengo, the first of the county officials and candidates had passed.   The last entry we saw was the Harvard Milk Day Court.

Before the county board members/candidates after Mary McCann came by, there was a fascinating demonstration that took me a bit of time to figure out.

When I finally did, with the help of the sign on the side of a truck that said, “GloBowl Fun Center,” it turned out to be a y0uth pretending to be a bowling ball throwing himself against a larger person dressed up as a bowling pin and knocking him down.

I found the physical humor fun to watch.  (You can guess I liked the Three Stooges, right?)

Obviously, I enjoy the simple pleasures.

The Red Hat Sassy Lassies were next.  They were riding on hay bales tossing beads to parade spectators.

And, then, there were two more McHenry County Board candidates–Diane Evertsen and Ersel Schuster.

Both were riding in the back of a pickup truck.  I didn’t notice it at the time, but a web site called District 6 Online was being advertised.  It seems to be dedicated to an interface between the two County Board members and their constituents.

Next came Crystal Lake High School Prairie Ridge High School band.

I saw a man taking a video of the performance. Afterward I asked him why there were so many bands in Marengo. I learned that there was band contest at Marengo High School. That’s what drew the bands, which certainly made the parade quite enjoyable.

The Future Farmers of America float was next.

The next tractor-pulled hay wagon was sponsored by the Marengo Society for Historical Preservation’s float promoted its web site–MarengoHistory.org

Ronald McDonald came atop a big clown’s shoe after the Historical Society.

Next was the Marengo School of Dance.

Just as martial arts academies, its students strutted their stuff.

There was a hay wagon next promoting the Otis Sports Center.  I admit to being ignorant about it.

More tomorrow.

Twelve McHenry County high school students are scheduled to attend 16th district Congressman Don Manzullo’s Youth Conference next week.

They are

• Harry D. Jacobs H.S.: Amanda Burau, Grant Dixon, Albert Plawinski and Heidy Valles.
• Huntley H.S.: Justine Alfaro, Jessica Briguglio, Abigail Derka and Elise Sulana.
• Marian Central Catholic H.S.: Jessica Kolner, Matt Munguia, Rachel Smith and Sarah Wegescheide.

The budgetary role playing sessions sounds particularly fun.

The congressman’s press release follows:

Manzullo to Gather Northern Illinois Students
Monday for 10th Annual Youth Conference

[ROCKFORD] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) will bring together 117 students from 30 high schools across northern Illinois next week for his 10th Annual A21st Century Leaders@ conference in Rockford.

The day-long youth leadership summit will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at Rock Valley College main campus, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford. The opening session will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Student Center, the workshops will run from 10 a.m. to noon in the tech center, and lunch and the keynote speech will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Center. All sessions of the conference are open to the media.

Following opening ceremonies, students will break into groups for five workshop sessions. Students choose two of the five workshops they would like to attend. The workshops will be led by local and national community and government leaders, and will leave plenty of time for interaction with the students. The five workshops are:

1) “America’s Global Responsibility” — an interactive exercise to prioritize global responsibilities of the United States government, led by Glyn Davies, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State.

2) “You’re Hired: Hot Careers in the 21st Century” — a presentation of future careers for students that will have the greatest demand and highest rewards, led by Samuel Castree, Jr., Vice President and General Counsel for Staff Management, Inc. of Rockford.

3) “America’s Future Energy Needs” — a debate about how best to plan for America’s energy needs in the future, led by David Sykuta, Executive Director of the Illinois Petroleum Council, and Dylan Sullivan, Associate Energy Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council Midwest Office.

4) “The Cost of Freedom: Rights versus Security” — a discussion of the daily challenge to protect Americans from terrorism while preserving their civil rights, led by John McKenzie, Attorney in Charge at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Rockford, and Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union.

5) “U.S. Representative for a Day” — an interactive exercise to challenge students on federal spending priorities, led by Sara Imhof, Midwest Regional Director and Policy Analyst for the Concord Coalition.

Following lunch, students will reconvene for an hour-long keynote discussion on the economy led by Dr. John Lewis, Associate Vice President for Administration and University Outreach at Northern Illinois University.

“Each year, I look forward to visiting with the tremendous young people of northern Illinois at our 21st Century Leaders conference. I am amazed at their thirst for knowledge and eagerness to interact with their peers from other communities on issues they will face in coming years as young leaders,” Manzullo said.

“We have signed up 117 ‘21st Century Leaders from 30 high schools across northern Illinois for this year’s 10th annual conference. We have an outstanding lineup of speakers and we are confident the students will learn some vital leadership strategies that will better prepare them for their future roles in society.”