McHenry County Blog

The annual Pro-Life Pig Roast was held again at Irene Napier’s farm on Valley View Road.

Irene Napier surveys the crowd.

There was a goodly crowd of supporters of the Pro-Life position.

Part of the Pro-Life Pig Roast crowd in 2012

Old friends renewed acquaintances.

Republican State Rep. candidate David McSweeney chatted with Fred and Lynn Wickham.

Candidates from Lake courted voters.

Lake County Republican Recorder of Deeds candidate Bob Bednar.

Mundelein GOP State Senate candidate Don Castella.

Lake County Republican Bob Bedar advanced his candidacy for Recorder of Deeds.

30th District GOP State Senate candidate Don Castella was there, too.

I even sat at his table briefly talking to Barrington’s Jim Finnegan about how Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks of Marengo had stymied Chose Life license plates by putting authorization bills in subcommittees to die.

Mary McClellan, running as a Republican for the McHenry County Board.

There were at least three McHenry County Board members and candidates in attendance.

I saw Board members Nick Provenzano and John Hammerand.  Cheryl Hammerand, a Wonder Lake Fire Protection District Board member was there, too.

Mary McClelland, a GOP McHenry County Board candidate in District 3, spoke to the crowd.

State Senator Dan Duffy also spoke to the crowed.

He told of how Illinois Senate President John Cullerton changed his parking space when he would not use an offered Point of Personal Privilege to apologize to his fellow members for having insulted them when he spoke during Governor Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment trial.

Dan Duffy related how John Cullerton moved his parking space after he refused to apologize to colleagues for saying that Rod Blagojevich didn’t do what he did without legislators allowing him to get away with it.

Duffy had said that he didn’t understand how Blagojevich has been allowed to do all the things that had been presented in evidence at the trial by those who had served in the legislature at the same time.

Duffy told Cullerton that if he were granted the floor again, he had more to say in the same vein.

Shortly thereafter Cullerton announced the change in parking space.

Duffy said he thought he was back “in junior high.”

The highest ranking official to address the crowd was Congressman Randy Hultgren.

Illinois Democrats redistricted congressional districts so that all of McHenry County but Algonquin Township will be represented by Randy Hultgren…unless Democrat Dennis Anderson of Gurnee pulls off a bigger upset than Joe Walsh did when he beat Melissa Bean.

Before his talk, Congressman Randy Hultgren chatted with McHenry County Pro-Life “Godmother” Irene Napier.

Joe Edwards made a pitch for tax deductible funds to help finance an ultrasound machine for McHenry County.

Hultgren praised Walsh for not doing what the Democrats hoped would occur–a face-off between Hultgren and Walsh.

He urge the crowd to help Walsh beat Tammy Duckworth.

Peter Roskam will represent the rest of McHenry County, that is, Algonquin Township, unless there is a Democratic landslide of enormous proportions.

Joe Edwards talked of the progress being made to bring an ultrasound machine to McHenry County.

I think I heard that the Lutheran Life League had recently pledged $10,000.

Peter Breen of the Thomas More Law Society addressed the Pro-Life crowd.  Joe Alger, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, stands behind.

The Thomas More Law Society‘s Peter Breen told of his groups defense of Pro-Life video makers and other Pro-Life causes.

He also told of the role that his organization is taking in defending the Defense of Marriage Act, which liberal Cook County officials are refusing to defend.

Below are photos of the two other County Board members I noticed.

Nunda Township Clerk Bridgett Provenzano (left), County Board member Nick Provenzano (center) and family were at the Pig Roast.

There was lots of networking.

Former 8th District Congressional aspirant Rich Evans talks with County Board member John Hammerand and Marengo’s Eric Rukin.

Although Congressman Peter Roskam was absent, campaign worker David Rivera and his fiancee Kelly Baumgart were there to carry the flag…or at least wear the tee shirt.

David Rivera, from Congressman Peter Roskam’s campaign, attended accompanied by his fiancee Kelly Baumgart.

And, how could I pass up Woodstock’s Jim Klocek’s tee shirt of “Umbert?”

Woodstock’s Jim Klocek displays a Pro-Life message on his tee shirt.  It features “Umbert, the Unborn.”

After decisions by the Illinois State Board of Elections, 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh’s two Republican opponents have been removed from the March 20th primary ballot.

The State Board of Elections web site says Joe Walsh's two primary challengers have been removed from the March 20th primary ballot.

Rich Evans, a CPA, who served as a GOP Precinct Committeeman in Algonquin and ran unsuccessfully for the McHenry County Board, checked with Walsh before mounting a petition campaign to run in the 8th District. With Walsh’s announcing his candidacy against the other Congressman living in the new 14th District, Randy Hultgren, Evans was out circulating petitions.

The Daily Herald reports he didn’t reach the 600-signature threshold

Gerald Bromley filed the objection against both Evans and a man from Palatine named Robert Gregory Canfield.

Both Rich Evans and Robert Canfield, men who have filed to run in the 8th Congressional District Republican primary election along with incumbent Joe Walsh, have had their petitions challenged.

You can see most of the information available in the two postings on the Illinois State Board of Elections web site.

An objection was filed against Robert Candfield's petitions by Gerald Bromley.

Gerald Bromley of Schaumburg also filed an objection to Rich Evan's petitions for Congress.

Ironically, petition objector Gerald Bromley was knocked off the ballot for Schaumburg Township District Library trustee a year ago, according to TribLocal Schaumburg. Former Democratic Party State Rep. Paul Froehlich, who switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party, filed the objection.

Andrew Palomo

The other announced Republican candidate in the 8th District was Barrington-area Andrew Palomo.

When filing closed Tuesday afternoon, Palomo had not filed.

The opponents to Congressman Joe Walsh are Rich Evans and Robert Canfield.

Canfield did not surface until the first day of the filing of petitions.

Richard Evans conferred with Joe Walsh about whether Walsh was going to run in the 8th District at the McHenry County Right to Life Picnic.

At 8 AM, three men filed for the office of United States Representative in the 8th Congressional District.

They are

• Robert Gregory Canfield – Palatine
• Richard Evans – Wheaton
• Joe Walsh – McHenry

Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady traveled up the Fox River Valley to talk to McHenry County Republicans Wednesday night.

Pat Brady is seen addressing McHenry County Republicans at the Nunda Township GOP meeting.

The event was held at the Prairie Isle Golf Club in Prairie Grove.

A good number of countywide elected officials were in attendance.

Sheriff Keith Nygren enjoyed a good laugh with Pat Brady.

Here you see Pat Brady posing with Nunda Township Republican Party Chairman Brent Smith, McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew and Dan Regna, who ran against McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi in 2008.

Not only candidates for countywide office, but those for the McHenry County Board were courting voters. Nick Provenzano was there, but I don’t think he’d want me to post the photo I have for this event.

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, an announced candidate for re-election is seen in this shot with District 3 County Board candidate Lyn Orphal. Orphal was beated for her District 2 seat by Donna Kurtz in 2010.

8th District Congressman Joe Walsh represented the national scene.

Congressman Joe Walsh spoke to the group. He is having a Town Hall Meeting at the Woodstock VFW tomorrow night at 7.

State legislators and candidates were in attendance.

McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler was talking up her candidacy to Bob Cook.

Kent Gaffney addresses the crowd.

State Senator Dan Duffy was caught with County Board candidate Jim Schlader.

McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Mike Tryon was present, as was McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler.

Mike Tryon and Ken Koehler converse with those present. Undersheriff Andrew Zinke can be seen in the background to the left to Pat Brady.

Steven Rooney, recently elected to the Johnsburg School Board, was present.

Johnsburg School Board member Steve Rooney poses with State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.

There was even a past school board member sighted.

State Senator Dan Duffy chatted with former Huntley School Board member Larry Snow.

The turnout was more than respectable.

Part of the crowd who attended the Nunda Township Republican event.

I’m fortunate to have had a couple of people taking pictures for me, but good coverage of an event really requires feet on the ground. For instance, I’d love to knows what the politicians are laughing about in the photo below:

Anyone know what this "almost falling of the chair" joke was?

There was a gathering of Chairmen at the meeting.  Not only was State Party Chairman Pat Brady present, but McHenry County Chairman Mike Tryon, Lake County Chairman Bob Cook and the host, Nunda Township Chairman Brent Smith.

GOP Chairman Brent Smith (Nuida Township), Pat Brady (Illinois), Mike Tryon (McHenry County) and Bob Cook (Lake County).

As I go through the second set of photos, I see one with Crystal Laker Rich Evans, who has announced his candidacy for Congress in Joe Walsh’s 8th District. There is no indication that Walsh is running for re-election there.

Rich Evans appeals to Nunda Township Republicans.

The Northwest Herald usually doesn’t send reporters to political events, but newcomer Jane Huh covered the event.

Northwest Herald reporter Jane Huh interviews State Senator Dan Duffy.

Andrew Palomo

Another candidate has surfaced in the Republican primary for the 8th Congressional District, where Joe Walsh is the incumbent, but is disinclined to run.   His name is Andrew Palomo and he joins Crystal Lake resident Richard Evansin seeking to represent the GOP in the newly-configured district.

Here is Palomo’s press release:

GOP CANDIDATE ANNOUNCES RUN IN NEW 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

Andrew Palomo from South Barrington is formally announcing his run for U.S. Congress in the New 8th District in Illinois.

Barrington, Illinois, August 7, 2011: Andrew Palomo, businessman from South Barrington, is officially announcing his campaign to become the first Congressman in the new 8th Congressional District of Illinois.

Andrew Palomo has decided to run for congress as a result of his concerns over the future of our
country.

Especially troubling are current government policies and their impact on our economy. Andrew wants to see our nation return to the place where freedom reigns opportunity for all exists.

Here is Palomo’s biography:

Andrew Palomo was born at Mt. Sinai hospital in Chicago in 1970.  His mother is the daughter of  Russian-Jewish immigrants. Andrew’s father, George Palomo, was the son of Mexican immigrants who served this country as a Marine in the Vietnam War.  Andrew spent his early childhood living in the Pilsen and Little Village areas of Chicago.

The family moved out of the city into Cicero and then Berwyn.

At the age of 13, Andrew went to live with his aunt in Oak Park where he attended Hawthorne Jr. High and Oak Park River Forest High School.

After graduating in 1988, Andrew enrolled in the Loyola University Chicago, School of Business.  He received a B.B.A. upon graduating in 1992, with a coursework emphasis in finance, economics and accounting.

Working his way through college was a valuable time of growth for Andrew.

A few of his jobs included positions at McCord Travel Group, Sadler & Associates (management consulting firm) and Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Andrew’s first job, after graduating from Loyola, was with First Residential Mortgage in Rolling Meadows.  It was at this company that his career in mortgage planning began.

As the youngest member of the sales team, Andrew consistently led the company in new business.  He quickly moved into management, where he helped recruit, mentor and develop new team members.

In 1997, Andrew co-founded Pillar Financial, LLC.   As a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, Andrew has helped thousands realize the dream of home ownership.  His straightforward, analytical approach with his clients has earned him trust and long-lasting customer relationships.

He holds the distinction of CRMS, CMC and CMPS and has maintained a dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.  In the spring of 2009, Andrew left Pillar Financial to concentrate on the financial planning aspect of his business.  He became a CFP in June of 2010 and enjoys a growing practice in  Oak Park.

Currently, Andrew continues his work on a master’s degree in personal financial planning, which he will complete in March of 2012.

Andrew believes in giving back to his community.

He has led a volunteer team to New Orleans following the Hurricane Katrina disaster of 2005.

With the help of two close friends, Andrew delivered a truckload of food, water and supplies to families in need.

In his business community, Andrew is giving back as well.  He has given hours of complimentary debt counseling and debt management advice to families and individuals.

He volunteered at the Financial Planning Day at the Harold Washington Library, giving free financial advice.

The Palomo family.

In his free time, Andrew loves spending time outdoors, annual fishing trips with his family and lifelong friends.

He is a member of the St. Charles Gun Club and is also a founding member of the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois.

Andrew and his wife Karen, are the proud parents of four children and the proud owner of their German Shepherd, Puccini.

They have lived in South Barrington since 2000.

Incumbent 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh converses with Rich Evans at the Pro-Life Pig Roast held at Irene Napier's farm.outside of Crystal Lake.

With no other Republican candidate having raised his or her head in the newly-reconfigured 8th Congressional District now held by Joe Walsh, Crystal Laker Rich Evans has thrown his hat into the ring. What follows is his email.

NEW CANDIDATE IN NEWLY MAPPED 8TH DISTRICT AND PLAN for Social Security
Hi:
I am Rich Evans, father of large family, CPA and Risk Manager and candidate for Congress.

My goal is to win the GOP nomination in the primary and win the general election to represent the citizens of Illinois in the US House of Representatives, newly mapped Illinois 8th District.

As a resident of Villa Park for eight years, and having worked in that District for 15-20 years, I am ready to accept the challenges of voting in Congress and representing the citizens in Illinois, the 8th District.

As a CPA and a Risk Manager, I have the skill set to analyze proposed legislation and to stop reckless and wasteful spending. The math is not complicated.

Ending unwise spending and restraining the growth of the Federal government is essential.

I will run a frugal and energetic campaign and I look forward to a robust debate on the issues.

Also, I have a plan to take the pressure off Social Security disbursements during the period of many baby boomers retiring at the same time in the next few years.

This is based somewhat on a “means testing” and letting those retirees with solid pensions, voluntarily waive immediate receipt of their full social security benefits.

Someone who is retiring could elect to waive immediate receipt of their benefit. This citizen and wage earner would then receive a tax credit for three years. The amount of the credit would be calculated using discounted value of the benefits and other actuarial techniques.

The retiree would receive a tax credit for a discounted amount and a portion of their earned benefit not taken (not immediately taken or paid out).

Then, the amount not taken would be given (gifted or granted) to the grandchildren.

In other words, using generation skipping—(a standard estate planning tool) the wage earner and retiree would give the remaining calculated balance to their grandchild (or someone in the skipped generation designated by Social Security number).

Thus, patriotic and fortunate retirees who have earned and secured a private pension would give up an immediate Social Security benefit. The demands on the SS system would be smoothed out– benefits earned would be given to the skipped or third generation, so designated by specific SS number, when the designee becomes of age, i.e., 18 years old and ready for higher education or trade school.

Thus the immediate pressure on the Social Security system due to the large number of baby boomer retirees in the next 10 -15 years is reduced.

The wage earners who have earned and secured a private pension benefit, voluntarily waive immediate receipt of their social security benefit, and these fortunate and prudent tax payers are given a tax credit for three years.

The remaining balance of the benefit is “gifted” to a duly designated individual (by social security number) in the “skipped” generation— essentially the grandchildren.

Many retirees would voluntarily give earned income to their grandchildren.

This program I have described would take the pressure off the ‘bubble” of baby boomer retirees, reward those fortunate and prudent workers who are receiving an earned private pension and allow an amount to be “gifted” or granted to the grandchildren.

Like those patriotic citizen that bought the War Bonds, those solid citizens and taxpayers who would elect to sign up for this program would be doing something to save the system, would be compensated by a tax credit on their 1040 return for three years, and would still have the good will of giving a gift to the grandchildren ( or some significant other specific designee by SS # ) in the skipped generation.

Respectfully submitted by:

Rich Evans CPA
Candidate for US Congress, Illinois 8th District
815-347-6377

The annual Pro-Life Pig Roast was held at Irene Napier’s Valley View Road farm northeast of Crystal Lake Sunday and there were candidates galore.

Crystal Lake Tea Party leader Mary Alger and McHenry County Pro-Life Matriarch Irene Napier listen to Congressman Randy Hultgren.

With Governor Pat Quinn’s having just signed the Democrats’ reapportionment bill for for congressional districts, the two incumbents living in the new 14th District showed up.

Joe Walsh, who lives between McHenry and Johnsburg, arrived first.

He worked the crowd, then spoke to it.

Congressman Joe Walsh auctions off golf for four at the Marengo Golf Course.

He and other elected officials were drafted to auction off donated items.

Randy Hultgren, from the DuPage County end of the new 14th District came with his family.

Congressman Randy Hultgren spoke to those attending the Pro-Life Pig Roast.

After speaking to those gathered, Hultgren also became a celebrity auctioneer.

State Senator Chris Lauzen

State Senator Dan Duffy

State Senators Dan Duffy and Chris Lauzen told what was happening in Springfield.

Then, they were also impressed to be auctioneers.

Two people whose names have been mentioned as potential candidates for the Republican nomination for State Representative in the new 64th district, which is divided about 50-50 between McHenry County and Lake County were sighted.

Barb Wheeler making a big point at the Pro-Life Pig Roast.

John O'Neill

Retiring McHenry County Board member Barb Wheeler was in attendance, as was McHenry Grade School and Library Board member John O’Neill.

Democrat State Rep. Jack Franks flattered O’Neill by removing the Spring Grove precincts where O’Neil beat him last year from the boundaries of his newly-drawn 63rd District.

Both are possibilities, as is attorney Joe Gottemoller.  Wheeler and Gottemoller have Crystal Lake addresses.  O’Neill lives in McHenry.

Rich Evans (on the right) discusses a run for Congress in the new 8th District with incumbent Joe Walsh.

A potential candidate for the 8th congressional district is Rich Evans.

A CPA, Evans has contacts in the 8th District, although he now lives in Crystal Lake.

Incumbent 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh is not expected to run for re-election in the new district.

John and Josie Jung.

In addition to Barb Wheeler, three McHenry County Board
members were in attendance:

• John Hammerand of Woodstock,
• John Jung of Bull Valley and
• Nick Provenzano of McHenry

McHenry County Board member John Hammerand spoke with potential District 6 candidate Shawn Green of Coral Township.

A potential candidate for District 6, former Huntley School Board President Shawn Green, attended with his toddler and pregnant wife Angela.

Other elected officials were also chowing down.

Johnsburg School Board member Steve Rooney and State Senator Chris Lauzen converse.

Judge Mike Chmiel

Included were

• McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi,
• Wonder Lake Fire Protection District Trustee Cheryl Hammerand, and
• Johnsburg School District Board member Steve Rooney.

Judge Michael Chmiel was there with his wife, Marie, a former McHenry County Board member.

Newly-named Patriots United Executive Director Maria Rodriguez converses Right to Life McHenry County leader Nancy Cole at the Pig Roast.

Patriots United announced that Maria Rodriguez has been hired as Executive Director.

Out of the ordinary was the appearance of two guys not seeking office,

• physician Arie Friedman and
• former State Rep. candidate Dan Sugrue.

Arie Friedman and Dan Sugrue have a conversation.

After his run against an incumbent Democrat in Lake County last year, Mike Madigan put the woman who beat him in a district with incumbent Republican Sid Mathias.  Any chance that Sugrue could win in the Green Oaks district where he lives is minimal.  He was elected the the village board his past spring, however.

Friedman ran in the 10th congressional district Republican primary against Robert Dold.  He has often spoken in public forms against Obamacare.

Richard Evans has not gotten more publicity for his write-in campaign since Algonquin Township Assessor Forrest Hare ran a successful write-in campaign for re-election after he was defeated in a 1973 GOP caucus in which a re-count was not allowed.

Hare won the election and the controversy stimulate the law that allows townships to select nominees by primary election, as well as the caucus method, which is controlled by party precinct committeemen.

No, I’m wrong.

Crystal Laker Mike Shorten ran as a write-in candidate for governor in 2006 and made the front page of the Northwest Herald. He got 98 votes statewide.

In any event, CPA Evans, who once ran for county board, has been noticed by the Daily Herald.

Four paragraphs resulted.

Here’s one:

” Evans, a certified public accountant who runs a tax service and performs risk-management audits as a consultant, was one of seven to apply for the auditor’s post in early 2006 after the resignation of Ruth Rooney, but he was bypassed in favor of (Pam) Palmer, at the time Rooney’s top deputy.”

On the Republican ballot are incumbent Pam Palmer and challenger Richard Kelly.

Palmer is aligned with McHenry County State’s Attorney challenge Dan Regna, as you can tell from her sign placement.

Kelly is on incumbent Lou Bianchi’s side.

I figure you win one write-in campaign in ten.

I’ve participated actively in two. Hare won his race for assessor with the active, week daily assistance of Mal Bellairs on WIVS-AM radio and tons of volunteers

But Crystal Lake Jaycee Vance Roberts lost his campaign for Crystal Lake city council when he challenged incumbent and fellow Jaycee Chuck Scott, who was moving to New Jersey, but remained on the ballot