McHenry County Blog

A press release from Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry (Tree of Life):

Growing Support Spurs Marriage Equality Vigil in Woodstock

McHenry—Members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry (Tree of Life), Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Fortunate Families, a Catholic family group will once again be holding a silent roadside vigil in support of Marriage Equality in Illinois.

They will gather this time in Woodstock at the corner of South Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) and Country Club Road on Friday, May 17 from 5 to 6:30 pm.

Marriage Equality demonstration in McHenry.

“This week Minnesota became joined Rhode Island and Delaware becoming the third state to enact marriage equality legislation in the last month,” Patrick Murfin, Social Justice Committee chair of the U.U. Congregation said.

“With growing public support in Illinois we join Governor Pat Quinn in urging the state House of Representatives to vote for the landmark bill which has already passed the Senate.”

After quick passage in the Senate, a vote on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act stalled in the lower house while the chamber turned its attention to pension reform, the concealed carry gun debate, and other contentious issues.

Advocates for and against same gender marriage have ginned up lobbying efforts in the meantime.

“It is particularly important for legislators to know that not all religious communities and individuals oppose civil marriage for all,” Murfin said. “Many religious voices join us in Standing on the Side of Love.”

Previous vigils were held in McHenry and Crystal Lake where they drew strong support from passing motorists.

Anyone can join the vigil. Volunteers are urged to bring their own signs and maintain a thoughtful and respectful attitude.

For more information contact Patrick Murfin, 815 814-5645 or e-mail pmurfin@sbcglobal.net.

Demonstrators at Rep. Jack Franks’ Woodstock office.

Being State Representative must not be rewarding enough for Marengo Democrat Jack Franks.

Four years ago at the end of June he convinced family and friends to transfer about a half a million to his campaign fund.

That got him mentioned as a candidate for Governor.

But he ran for State Rep. again.

Today, the Chicago Sun-Times has a story entitled,

Jack Franks for Lt. Gov? State rep looking at statewide run — undecided on gay marriage

The two are linked, perhaps because it is unlikely a candidate running in a statewide Democratic primary election could win if he or she opposed same-sex marriage.

Confirming his statewide ambitions, the article starts, “State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) confirmed Tuesday that he is setting his sights on a run for higher office, possibly for Lieutenant Governor.”

Under new law candidates for Governor select their running mates and they run as a ticket, linked on the ballot.

Franks says he is not interested in running with Governor Pat Quinn.

Much of the maneuvering for statewide office is dependent on whether Attorney General Lisa Madigan runs for re-election or Governor. She outraised Quinn in fund raising this past quarter.

In February, 2011, I made an effort to analyze how competitive Franks’ campaign fund was with other potential statewide candidates.  You can read it here.

While I probably dismissed some Cook County politicians I should not have, among Democratic Party state legislators, Franks had the third highest amount in the bank.

Reporter Natasha Korecki got Franks to talk about his statewide ambitions.

The story did not make the print edition.

A press release from Tree of Life–A Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry County:

Marriage Equality Supporters Plan Friday Roadside Vigil

McHenry—With marriage equality legislation temporarily hung up in the Illinois House of Representatives, local advocates plan to show their commitment and support at a silent roadside vigil this Friday, March 22 from 5-6:30 pm at the Southwest corner of the intersection of Routes. 31 and 120 in McHenry, in front of the ATT store with the yellow awning.

Bill sponsors report that the legislation legalizing same gender marriage in Illinois is a handful of votes shy of passage after clearing the house.

“Undeclared or wavering legislators are coming under enormous pressure from opponents who are mobilizing in Catholic parishes and other churches,” said Patrick Murfin, Chair of the Social Justice Committee of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry.

“Despite the best efforts of other voices of faith who support marriage justice and the clear majority of Illinois residents who support reform, legislators might not clearly understand the breadth of support this legislation has.”

Members of the Tree of Life Congregation and their partners from Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) will be joined by other concerned residents at the vigil.

Participants will silently line the curb holding simple signs in support of marriage equality in the hopes of bringing their message to as many passing motorists during the busy rush hour as possible.

For more information contact Murfin at 815 814-5645 or e-mail pmurfin@sbcglobal.net.

Jack Franks courts constituent at the McHenry Business Expo in 2011.

Got this email from an opponent of same-sex marriage:

“Rep. Jack Franks will be at the Johnsburg Business and Craft Expo at Johnsburg High School tomorrow (Saturday, March 16).

“The Expo will be taking place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Rep. Franks will not be there for the full time, but he will have a booth at the Expo that will be staffed by his district office staff.

“If you’re planning to attend the Expo, please take a moment to stop by the booth and express your opinion on the same-gender marriage bill to Rep. Franks and his staff.

“The more comments they hear from us, the more aware they will be of the district residents’ concerns.

“Please encourage others to stop by too.

“Let’s create a constant drumbeat of concern over this issue for Rep. Franks.”

Johnsburg High School is located at: 2002 W. Ringwood Road, Johnsburg, IL

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If anyone goes, I’d appreciate a photo.

Joe Edwards

Patriots United’s Joe Edwards traveled to Marengo Saturday morning to talk to Jack Franks at Wisted’s Supermarket. Here is his report:

“Many thanks to Eileen Vogel, Julia Crenshaw, Nancy Cole and Joyce Story for getting the word out on Jack Franks table top visit at Wisteds in Marengo. Key things we learned and had reinforced for us all:

1. Of the estimated 20-25 people there, all but several were in attendance to reinforce traditional marriage for the sake of our children and urging Jack to oppose redefinition of marriage. There were excellent remarks on behalf of our children as to why the institution of marriage should not be trifled with
2. Jack’s comments:

• He believes this issue should not be even discussed at this time with the financial crisis we have in our state
• He admitted not having read the bill
• He thought there was adequate religious protection in the bill and corrected by citizenry
• He welcomed the input, received several documents including Dr. Morse’ testimony in Springfield that explain why this is bad public policy and Jack promised to read them to be better informed
• He remained non-committal as to his vote

“I personally spoke to Jack one-on-one afterwards, thanking him for his time and informed him his staff was not acknowledging emails or calls of concerned constituents.

“He indicated disappointment with this information and promised to speak to his staff.

“I know most all of us agree that civility is the best policy in these forums.

“As conservatives, we wish to treat everyone with dignity, even in our frustration and when we feel we are not being treated in kind.

“Giving people the courtesy of listening, finishing their thoughts and only then responding is always in order.

“I was very encouraged and honored to be among such caring people who attended and treated Jack respectfully.

“To the one gentleman who simply could not cease his criticism, let’s extend grace toward him and encourage him to trust in the Lord during these trying times.

“We all share his frustration but I believe we realize there is a kinder path that can be a powerful witness as we speak the truth, in love.

“Let’s keep the pressure on in the days ahead.

“And if you have any strong articles or white papers that you believe bolster our arguments, now is the time to get them into Jack’s hands.

“We know what the Bible says on this matter.

“But our legislative body needs more than Biblical proof-texting.

“Some scoff at the Bible.

“So let’s give them what they can absorb.

“They need sound arguments from academia and they are out there.

“The key is to get Jack to read them.”

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Anyone with photos from the event is invited to email them to McHenry County Blog. Look at the left side of the page to find the email button.

Looks like a friend of Jack Franks has a correction. He/she apparently got the phone call and says, “This entire post is a blatant fabrication and a lie. I received the poll too, and it clearly indicated it was from an outside group.”

So, it appears someone else polled with the intent of giving Jack Franks the results, if it turned out the way the unidentified “outside group” wanted.

Correction duly noted and article moved up so people can see the new information.

Also noted is that the person making the comment used a fake email address.

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A message to Democrat Jack Franks at the demonstration in front of his office.

Apparently actively considering voting to approve the gay marriage bill, State Rep. Jack Franks has phone calls being made asking the following question:

“Would you vote to re-elect Jack Franks in 2014 if he votes for same-sex marriage?”

Franks voted for the civil unions bill, but had no opponent on the ballot to test his continuing drift to the Left, even though Tea Party activist Tonya Franklin volunteered for the challenge.  (She was shot down by local Republican Party leaders.)

Late last month a group over 100 picketed Franks’ Route 47 Woodstock office, but he didn’t have time to speak to anyone on the subject.

Something in Chicago was more important.

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If you got a call like this, please let us know any other details.

Mike Tryon

Here’s the reply that State Rep. Mike Tryon sent to an opponent of gay marriage this week:

“Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your concerns for Senate Bill 10.

“As you know, the bill was heard in the Executive Committee Tuesday night.

“It did pass out of committee, but I was one of five ‘no’ votes.

“I certainly appreciate hearing your concerns.

“I wanted to let you know that I believe in a traditional marriage, one that exists between one man and one woman and will be voting ‘no’ if the bill makes its way in front of the House for full consideration.

“Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact me with your concerns about SB10. If I can be of any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or my office.”

A column by former Congressman Joe Walsh:

What a Bunch of Media Hypocrites!

Joe Walsh

Over six weeks ago, I asked Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady to step down after his public comments on same-sex marriage.

My request had nothing to do with Pat Brady — who’s a good guy — and it had nothing to do with the issue of same-sex marriage.

There are plenty of Republicans who support traditional marriage, and there are plenty of Republicans who support same-sex marriage.

Brady needs to resign not because of where he stands on marriage, but because, as the party chairman, he needs to publicly support the party platform which he helped draft last year or keep quiet.

Pat, not once, not twice, but three times, publicly rebuked the party platform and publicly rubbed Republican noses in it.

That’s not right for the party chairman to do, no matter what the issue is.

The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald and others know this, but they continue to use this dispute as a way of claiming that it’s all about same-sex marriage.

They try to portray Republicans as intolerant on the issue of same-sex marriage.

They are practically giddy about this.

Again, this isn’t about same-sex marriage.

It’s about a party chairman publicly giving his middle finger to his own party platform.

The reaction from the party would be the same if Brady publicly demanded that the Illinois legislature raise the state income tax.

The Chicago media are a bunch of hypocrites.

Think about this for a moment:

What would Illinois Democrats do if their party chairman came out and publicly supported traditional marriage and publicly demanded the Democrat Party vote against same-sex marriage?

Can you imagine how upset Democrats would be?

Does anyone doubt that the Chicago media would be calling for that Democratic Party chairman to step down?

Liberal, media hypocrites.

John O’Neill, a leader in the Saturday demonstration against State Rep. Jack Franks’ co-sponsorship of a bill that would statutorily codify the legalize abortion in Illinois during the last trimester of pregnancy, sends the following information about the rally against gay marriage in the same Woodstock location.

(See “Jack Franks Goes to the Dark Side” and “Anatomy of a Demonstration.”)

Basia O’Neill and daughter hold a poster saying, “Marriage equals 1 man + 1 woman.”

The anti-same sex marriage rally in front of Jack Franks’ office Monday.

The stop sign echoes the message picketers delivered to State Rep. Jack Franks about voting for the gay marriage bill.

John O’Neill holds a sign saying, “Google Massachuets transgender rules.”

A colorful “Defend Marriage Illinois” sign can be seen here.

The universal symbol for “No” is superimposed on the words “Gay Marriage” on one sign in this photo.

“Kids need their Mom and their Day,” says one sign.

The photo does not capture what God’s message to State Rep. Jack Franks is.

“No to re-defining marriage” is the message on the only readable sign. Meanwhile State Rep. Jack Franks is taking off on double-dipping public officials after having been in office over twelve years.

“Rep. Franks vote to defend marriage” was the message of the day.

“Vote No SB 10″ pretty much sums up the crowd’s message.

Want to see some of the lobbying efforts in Springfield last week?

If so, this video shows some of what happened including statements by State Rep. Mike Tryon and Tim Schmitz.