Roskam, McConchie, McSweeney Headline Algonquin Republican Luncheon

6th District Congressman Peter Roskam was the highest Republican Party official to speak to the Algonquin Township Republican Party luncheon at D’Andrea’s Saturday. He did what I enjoy most from a congressman. He provided insight into what he does while … Continue reading

Cat Tax on Its Second Life

Imagine my surprise to see that the McHenry County Health Department is again floating the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax in its FY2011 “Goals.” Don’t believe me? Take a look at the 2011 Draft Budget, a link for which can … Continue reading

ALAW Offers Reaction to Passage of Conflict of Interest Ordinance It Promoted

Whether the ordinance that the McHenry County Board passed two days ago will make any difference in the way the board does business remains to be seen. But it is a step toward the transparency that citizens need to begin … Continue reading

Marc Munaretto Seeking to Replace Ken Koehler as County Board Chairman

Multiple sources have confirmed that the man who placed third in the contest to be named McHenry County Board Chairman is running again. The vote in 2008 was sixteen for Ken Koehler, six for Barb Wheeler and two for Marc … Continue reading

DuPage County Board Salary Freeze Puts Pressure on McHenry County Board

There’s a movement on the McHenry County Board to freeze their own, plus countywide officials’ salaries. And a counter-movement to raise the salaries of the McHenry County Clerk, Treasurer and Sheriff. There’s politics involved, of course, Those voting for such … Continue reading

ALAW Promotes Minority 2030 Plan Report by District 6 County Board Members

Something certainly is at stake in the 2030 County Land Use Plan to be voted upon at Tuesday night’s McHenry County Board meeting. The following press release from the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water might give you an idea … Continue reading

Tom Poznanski Continues to Lead Grafton Township Republicans

With 15 out of 31 precincts having no elected GOP precinct committeeman, the Grafton Township Republican Central Committee met to select officers for the next two years. Tom Poznanski will continue to be chairman of the Grafton Township Republican Central … Continue reading

Grafton Township Republican Turnout

Continuing a series of Republican turnout in the February 2nd primary election, we now turn to Grafton Township. Previously, precinct results for Algonquin Township have been previously  published. As in Algonquin and Nunda Townships, all Grafton Township precincts had contests … Continue reading

Northwest Herald Adds Weight to Conflict of Interest Ordinance Effort

Yesterday I weighed in with my thoughts on McHenry County Board member Pete Merkel’s apparently harsh criticism of the Alliance for Lake, Agriculture and Water’s proposal for a conflict of interest ordinance. The group asked county board candidates whether they … Continue reading

Minority of Republicans Playing Conflict of Interest Defense

“Hostile” would be fair in characterization of McHenry County Board member Pete Merkel’s reaction to the ALAW conflict of interest proposal, as reported by Kevin Craver of the Northwest Herald Merkel, running unopposed in the Republican primary election, did not … Continue reading

Dan Ryan Blames Defeat on Refusal to Fill Out ALAW Conflict of Interest Questionnaire

In an interview with the Daily Herald, Sun City McHenry County Board member Dan Ryan blamed his refusal to disclose personal financial information requested by the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water and low turnout in his retirement community. “It … Continue reading

What Happened to the County Board Candidates Who Did Not Fill Out ALAW’s Conflict of Interest Forms

There were only seven McHenry County Board candidates who did not complete the ethics questionnaire proposed by the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water. Leading up the list is District 2’s representative and McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, who … Continue reading

Half of Incumbents in District 1 and District 6 Losing

Yvonne Barnes from Cary and Dan Ryan from Huntley’s Sun City are the two McHenry County Board members who are far enough behind before the early and absentee votes are added to the totals for me to conclude have lost. … Continue reading

Women Leading in District 6, Incumbent Dan Ryan Third

Incumbent McHenry County Board member Dan Ryan is going down to defeat, while, Mary McCann, the other incumbent up for election is running second with 13 of 31 precincts reporting. Leading the pack is newcomer Dianne Evertsen from Hartland Township. … Continue reading

Those Who Didn’t Volunteer to Fill Out ALAW’s Conflict of Interest Form

It’s the day before the election and time to do some reviewing of issues that McHenry County Blog has covered on the county level. Most attention was given to the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water’s conflict of interest questionnaire.  … Continue reading

Only 7 Out of 27 County Board Candidates Have Not Yet Revealed Potential Conflicts of Interest

Two more county board candidates have filed their conflict of interest forms with the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water. That brings the total to 20 out of 27 candidates who have answered the ALAW questionnaire. 74%.  Pretty amazing. District … Continue reading

Remembering the McHenry County Republican Cat Tax Now that County Board Members Are Up for Election

Now that the primary election is but a week away, I’m going to give you a chance to read my article on the McHenry County Board’s 2007 defeat of the Republican Cat Tax. The folks running for re-election (or, in … Continue reading

ALAW Conflict of Interest Idea Jumps to Crystal Lake City Government

Remember hearing about how forest fires sometimes jump fire breaks that are intended to contain them. That may have happened late last week with the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water’s conflict of interest ordinance. Originally presented to the McHenry … Continue reading

Ken Koehler Missing from Only County Board Forum, Potential Conflict of Interest Transparency Strongly Supported

Patriots United held its Town Hall Candidates’ Forum last night at McHenry County College. Panels of county board candidates introduced themselves and answered questions. All were asked if they had filled out the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water’s conflict … Continue reading