McHenry County Blog

Marty Waitzman

Pam Fender

Linda Moore

Candidates who have filed in the Republican Party primary election for Grafton Township Supervisor are the three who have previously been mentioned:

• Linda Moore
• Martin Waitzman
• Pam Fender

Moore is the incumbent.  Huntley Village Trustee Fender was appointed by the Township Board as Township Administrator basically to replace Moore, but was ousted by Judge Michael Caldwell.  Waitzman is the newcomer to the political arena.

For Trustee only three people have filed for the three spots:

• Betty Zirk
• Carol Williams
• Robert Wagner

Zirk has been one of the biggest proponents for a new township hall.  Wagner is a former Mayor of Crystal Lake.

Fender has previously indicated that she would be running with Zirk, Jenna Jones, Jim Kelly and Marci Gordon.  Only Zirk’s candidacy materialized.

Since there are four slots, people could run write-in campaigns for the vacant one.  I believe a minimum of 30 votes would be necessary to win a place on the April ballot (the number of petition signatures needed to get on the ballot), but, if more than one person runs, the one with the most votes over 30 would be the winner.

For Assessor Alan Zielinski is challenging incumbent William Ottley.

Highway Department employee Tom Poznaski is facing off against contractor Rich Dvorak.

No one filed for Clerk, so someone could become a write-in candidate for the $7,200 a year (to begin with) job.  Same minimum vote requirements as for Trustee.

Salaries for the people to take office next spring are found here.

A press release from Tom Poznanski:

Tom Poznanski Announces His Candidacy for Grafton Township Road Commissioner Makes Fiscal Responsibility, Responsibility to Taxpayers Top Priorities

Tom Poznanski

Lake in the Hills, IL – In the upcoming 2013 Republican primary election, Tom Poznanski has announced his candidacy to run for Grafton Township Road Commissioner.

Poznanski has worked as a Road District Highway Technician for the past eight years, serving directly under the current Highway Commissioner, Jack Freund, who is retiring at the end of this term. Poznanski brings experience and a desire to serve his community to the table.

“I am proud to endorse Tom Poznanski as the next Road Commissioner as I retire after eight years on the job. Tom has the experience, the knowhow, to be an effective servant to the people of Grafton Township. I have full confidence in him.” said Jack Freund.

Poznanski adds, “I want to continue Jack’s tradition of being fiscally responsible with the taxpayer’s money while ensuring that services provided by the Road District serve the needs of all Grafton Township citizens in a timely and professional manner.”

Poznanski says that with more than 30 years experience as a certified mechanic and over 20 years experience driving and handling all sizes of trucks, he brings a “from the ground up” wealth of knowledge to the job. “In order to be an effective leader I believe it is important to know all aspects of every job at the Road District. I bring the experience and the knowledge, and a wish to serve Grafton Township, the community I love and have been part of for more than 15 years.” Poznanski said.

About Tom

Tom and his wife Vicky live in Lake in the Hills where they raised a son and a daughter. Their son, Staff Sergeant Anthony Poznanski, a career United States Marine who served a tour of duty in Iraq, was a chief drill instructor, and currently serves in the Marine Air Wing in South Carolina, is now 28, married, and has two sons of his own. Their daughter, Lisa, has a son as well, is a State Certified Surgical Technician and a CNA, and is pursuing a RN degree. Tom has been a member of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corp for more than 20 years and is a current member of the Huntley Lions Club. He has been a Grafton Township Precinct Committeeman for twelve years, and has served as the Grafton Township Republican Central Committee Chairman for the past six years.

As the McHenry County Republican Central Committee prepares to organize for the next two years tonight at D’Andrea’s in Crystal Lake, word has reached McHenry County Blog that McHenry Township and Grafton Township.

McHenry Township’s GOP held its organization meeting Saturday.

Here’s who won what:

• Bruce Novak – Chair
• Tom Webb – Vice Chair
• Craig Adams – Treasurer
• Marsha Nelson – Secretary

Newly-elected Grafton Township Republican Party officers are, left to right, Chairman Tom Poznaski, Vice Chair Carolyn Schofield, Secretary Mike Skala and Treasurer Martin Waitzman.

Grafton Township Republicans organized Monday. Here’s who’s who there:

• Tom Poznaski – Chair
• Caroline Schofield – Vice Chair
• Mike Skala – Secretary
• Martin Waitzman – Treasurer

Tom Poznanski

Tonight starting at 6, the Grafton Township Republican Central Committee was planning on gathering McHenry County Board candidates at the Huntley Park District building.

People have been invited by robo-call, but the extent of the predicted snow storm has led Township GOP Chairman Tom Poznanski to cancel the event.

Donna Kurtz greets District 47 School Board member Ginny Visin and husband Allen.

For the second Thursday night in a row, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria was the site of a Republican event.  More sales tax revenue for my revenue-starved Village of Lakewood was one of my thoughts.

McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, Newt Gingrich Alternate Delegate candidate Mike Shorten, District 4 County Board canddiate Linda Kvidera Murphy and Nunda Township GOP Chairman Brent Smith converged on the door as I was leaving.

Last week, it was for State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay to meet local Republicans.

State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay chatted with McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer.

This week, it was McHenry County Board member Donna Kurtz’ fund raiser.

Here's a view of part of the crowd who attended Donna Kurtz' Groundhog Day fund raiser. How many can you name below in the comment section?

Marvelous deep dish pizza, of course.

A view in the other direction of some of those in attendance.

Good thing I skipped lunch.

State Rep. Mike Tryon was at this table. One of the Honored Guests, Ralph Dawson can be seen to the right. Tom Pozmamski, Grafton Township Republican Party Chairman is in the foreground on the left. In the background in Nunda Precinct Committeeman Mark Daniel and County Board member Nick Provenzano, who is not only running for re-election, but as a Delegate for Newt Gingrich, whose Illinois campaign he is coordinating.

There was a more than a touch of class in the classical guitarist who entertained the crowd.  His name is  David Daoui (815-337-8707).

Cary Fire Protection District Trustee Mark Guerra, Assistant State's Attorney Donna Kelly and State's Attorney Lou Bianchi engaged in an animated conversation.

Politics, of course enveloped the room.

The woman with her back to the camera is the GOP canidate for McHenry County Coroner, Anne Majewski. She is conversing with State's Attorney's Chief Investigator Ron Salgado, her mother, former McHenry County Board member Lou Anne Majewski, Republican Precinct Committeeman Eileen Marhoeffer and Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore.

Allies from political wars past sometimes sat together.

Crystal Lake City Councilwoman and McHenry County Board candidate Carolyn Schofield met some new people. On the left is attorney Jim Bishop. Former Crystal Lake Estates Precinct Committeeman Tom Roti is on the right. Behind is District 47 Board member Nancy Gonsiorek.

Others were seating by the luck of the draw, meeting new people.

Donna’s mother, former State Rep. Rosemary Kurtz, was helping do the essential funding raising tasks while her daughter was making the rounds.

Lakewood Village President Erin Smith brought her husband and parents, who raise her on Gate 14 in Lakewood. Former Village Trustee Black Hobson and his wife were also in attendance.

State Senate candidate Karen McConnaughay talks to McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler and Jim Thompson, long-time Republican Precinct Committeeman and one of the intitators of the first Tea Party Demostration in Crystal Lake. In the background are Precinct Committeemen Bryon Javor and Jake Justen.

Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay brought her campaign for the Illinois State Senate to Lakewood’s Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Thursday night.

Chatting near the entrance was State. Rep. Mike Tryon with District 2 County Board candidate Tom Wilbeck and Precinct Committeeman Tom McDermott.

Nothing like free eats to bring out a crowd.  And Lou Manati’s pizza.  What a treat!

State Rep. Mike Tryon chows down on Lou Manati's deep dish pizza. Also at the table, from left to right, are Republican Precinct Committeeman Rita Heuel, John O'Neill's wife Basia and Bo Strom, CEO of OnTarget, the shooting range going up north of Route 176.

The event featured high-profile politicians like State Rep. Mike Tryon. Tryon would be one of the State Representatives in the 33rd State Senate District.

Karen McConnaughay addresses the crowd.

McConnaughay outlined her accomplishments during her seven years in office.  They included achieving a better bond rating from the two major agencies.

Lots of folks from Grafton Township at this table. I see Randy Hutlgren's top campaign guy, Joe Calomino, front right, sitting across from his neighbor Dave Broxterman. To his right is Sue Russell. At the back left is Grafton Township Supervisor Linda Moore and Township GOP Chairman Tom Paznaski. At the head of the table is Anthony Paladino, co-captain to Precinct Committeeman Sam Paglini, who is sitting at his left.

Lots of talk about politics, of course.

County Board member Donna Kurtz was working the other back table, shaking hands with District 3 County Board candidate Joe Gottemoller here.. At the end is Precinct Committeeman and campaign consultant Cheryl Meyer. Local businesswoman Terry Greeno is front right, NRA leader Rich Young front left. To his left is Don Drzal, Huntley School Board member and write-in candidate for Precinct Committeeman

People looking for yard sign sites.

Campaign assistant Becky Kress can be seen to the left of Karen McConnaughay's back. John McGuire, his two daughters and a friend round out the group.

Others discussing court proceedings and Judge Gordon Graham’s order to pay a couple hundred more thousand dollars to the Special Prosecutors Henry Tonigan and Thomas McQueen and (their expensive investigators at Quest) who had no case against State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi.

McHenry County Republican Central Committee Treasurer Fred Wickham was discussing things with Karen McConnaughay. Wickham Interiors' Lynn Wickham was present, too.

At the end of event, campaign assistant Becky Cress was handing out McConnaughay tee shirts.

Grafton Township Republican Central Committee Tom Poznanski held up one of the McConnaughy tee shirts for me.

If you are interested in attending the $30 Grafton Township Republican Central Committee’s Golf Outing at Pinecrest next Monday, it’s time to get your tee time.

Tom Posnanski is the man to call.  His number is 847-951-5468.

Proceeds will go to Pioneer Center, not the local GOP organization, as you can see in the invitation below. [A commenter says the split will be split 70-30, but does not indicate which organization gets the 70%.]