Jack Franks Cover-Up of Member Walk Out from Committee of the Whole Meeting Today in Response to His Unfair Criticism of Joe Tirio

Earlier today (2:30), I showed what happened when one clicked on the media” button for the McHenry County Board’s September 13, 2018, meeting. That’s today. Just in case you are just reading this article, here is what showed up: It’s … Continue reading

McSweeney’s Sexual Harassment Payoff Transparency Bill Signed

A press release from State Rep. David McSweeney: McSweeney Local Government Sexual Harassment Accountability Legislation Becomes Law Springfield, IL –State Rep. David McSweeney’s (R-Barrington Hills) legislation shining a light on taxpayer-funded severance agreements stemming from sexual discrimination or harassment has … Continue reading

Tribune: Party-Hearty, But Put It in the Budget

The Chicago Tribune had an editorial in its Monday edition about Glenview official’s spending about $504,000 over three years on parties, dinner, travel, etc. “And a lack of transparency documenting it.” Here’s how the editorial began: “For those who work … Continue reading

Gasser Praises Algonquin Township Transparency Efforts

Andrew Gasser took to YouTube to praise Algonquin Township and their transparency efforts today. Both the Algonquin Township Highway Department and Algonquin Township are now posting their bills online. Gasser got the idea from The Illinois Policy Institute website guidelines. … Continue reading

Observer Kicked Out of McHenry County Democratic Party Convention

The following was written by Joseph Monack: Tonight I went to the McHenry County Democratic Party’s convention to see who they would nominate for their leadership positions in what’s shaking up to be a very good year for them. Their … Continue reading

Fraternite Notre Dame Settlement Lacks Transparency

Added to the McHenry County Board’s Regular Meeting scheduled one day before the Primary Election, Monday at 10am, is a “Resolution authorizing the settlement of Fraternite Notre Dame v. County of McHenry 15 CV 50312.” You may remember that County … Continue reading

Jack Franks’ Lobbying County Board Members Behind Closed Doors Criticized

Former McHenry County Board member and District 6 candidate Ersel Schuster’s take-away from last Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting: Transparency? A very telling, and otherwise interesting bit of information surfaced during the 10/12/17 McHenry County Board’s Committee of the … Continue reading

GOP Members of County Board Seek Two Special Meetings Wed. Night

A press release about the call for special McHenry County Board meetings by Republican County Board members: Special Meetings, McHenry County Board Two Special Meetings of the McHenry County Board have been called by Republican members for Wednesday, August 23, … Continue reading

State’s Attorney Sets Local Government Official Training Session

A press release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney: McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office to Present Seminar For Elected Officials Patrick D. Kenneally, McHenry County State’s Attorney, is pleased to announce that his office will be conducting a free seminar … Continue reading

Franks Loses Second Freedom of Information Request Denial Appeal

For the second time since he has taken office as McHenry County Board Chairman, a Jack Franks’ denial of a Freedom of Information request from McHenry County Blog has been overturned. The first sentence of the latest missive from the … Continue reading

Franks’ Patronage Hires Fail HR Committee Test – Part 1

A bare majority of the McHenry County Board’s Human Resources Committee refused to rubber stamp McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks’ hiring of two patronage employees at its Wednesday meeting. By a 4-3 vote, HR Committee members voted down a … Continue reading

Jack Franks Moves to Limit McHenry County Blog Reporting

Friday afternoon McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks made a move to cut the timely release of information that will lead to stories I suspect a number of McHenry County Blog readers would find of interest. Let me first show … Continue reading

First Frank’s Transparency Failure

In an email that newly-sworn in McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks sent before taking office, he promised, “We will be the most efficient, transparent and effective County in the Nation.” This afternoon, I have been searching for the Rules … Continue reading

Jack Franks Breaks Transparency, Accountability Pledges at Town Hall Meetings

Woke up this morning reflecting on Jack Franks’ reported refusal to engage in public debate tonight at McHenry County College with his Republican opponent for the McHenry County Board Chairmanship with Mike Walkup.  (All the other county candidates for contested … Continue reading