McHenry County Blog

This is also being distributed this weekend. Click to enlarge.

It’s not only McHenry County College Board candidate Erik Sivertsen who is making robo-calls today.

The “Three in a Row” high school board candidates in McHenry are doing so, too.

Here’s the message:

Are you aware that McHenry School District 156 is asking for another tax increase?

We are three candidates opposed to this plan.

We will work hard to improve the financial stability of the school district without going to the taxpayers.

This Tuesday April 5th vote 3 in row, Beth Taylor, Steve Bellmore, Timothy Byers, then vote no on the McHenry School District 156 bond proposition, remember this is a tax increase.

Seven of nine candidates on the ballot for the McHenry High School Board showed up the League of Women Voters candidates night.

Incumbent Mellody Ahrens

Tracy Simon

The McHenry County League of Women Voters held a candidates’ night for the McHenry High School Board Wednesday night at McHenry East High School.

Steven White

There was too much covered to spell it all out, but the most important question was how candidates planned to vote on the tax hiking referendum.

Three candidates favored the measure.

The first is the incumbent up for re-election, Mellody Ahrens.

The members of the blue and white yard sign slate do, too.

They are Tracy Simon and Stephen White.

All the rest who participated said they plan to vote “No”.

Steve Bellmore

• Steve Bellmore
• Timothy Byers
• Beth Taylor

Timothy Byers

In addition, Darnell Qualls said he was an opponent to the referendum.

Two people listed on the ballot didn’t show up.

Beth Taylor

They are Alexandra Coy and Daniel Koruna.

Darnell Qualls

The missing two are, respectively, the second and last on the ballot.

Being first on a long ballot like this provides about a ten percent advantage. Being last or second has been show to add about five percent to one’s vote totals.

Three candidates have banded together to advance their candidacies for the McHenry County School Board.

McHenry County Blog obtained a copy of the “Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility” pamphlet, plus a card that is being passed around.

Although it is not written in large print, there is a statement on the front of the brochure stating,

WE DO NOT SUPPORT THE
$8 MILLION BOND
REFERENDUM WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT MONETARY
CONCESSIONS

Obviously, this statement could be stronger, but there certainly won’t be “significant monetary concessions” by the teachers union.

So for the present election, this slate has obviously concluded that being against the referendum enhances its chance for success.

Here’s the complete front page of the pamphlet:

Look inside and you’ll see this flap declaring the three to be “highly qualified candidates” who “will work together to stabilize finances of the district and attain a balanced budget. We see concessions as the only way to balance this budget…”

Click to enlarge any image.

There’s a commitment to maintain “a comprehensive high school experience…as well as extra-curricular activities…(to retain) the overall quality of life for our community.”

Inside, each candidate gets a panel:

Candidates Beth Taylor, Steve Bellmore and Timothy Byers have biographies inside. Click to enlarge.

And, on the back is another quality of life pitch, as well as one for votes.

But, that’s not the only campaign hand out.

There are also thick yellow cards with the candidates’ names on one side and the issue summarized on the other:

Issues emphasized are a balanced budget, well-rounded education and quality of life.

There is no mention of opposition to the referendum here.

Considering the lack of color coordination in the two campaign pieces, it is conceivable they were prepared separately.

Other candidates who would like a similar story are invited to email their literature to calskinner2@gmail.com.

The slate is obvious. Beth Taylor, Steven Bellmore and Timothy Byers.

The proof is in the signs.

That’s how you know that candidates have joined together to try to gain an advantage against those running independently.

And, in the McHenry High School District 156 Board race, there is obviously a slate.

It consists of

• Beth Taylor
• Steven Bellmore
• Timothy Byers

This is the district that is in so much trouble that thirteen candidates filed for the board contest.

My prediction was that those supported by the teachers union would win. That’s because it will be a relatively low turnout election. (Anyone know who the high school union is backing? If you have an endorsement letter or email, please email it to me or fax it to 815-459-8017.)