New Head of the McHenry County Conservation Foundation

Found in the McHenry County Conservation District’s winter edition of its magazine “Landscapes” is the following piece on the appointment of the foundation formed with money paid by Lakehead Pipeline for the last part of its western McHenry County pipeline. … Continue reading

Softening the Image of Tax Hike Goal of Conservation District

When I discussed the impact of Senate Bill 3341 with one its sponsors, I was told that out tax bill would not go up if more non-referendum bonds were issued pursuant to the legislation now awaiting signature on Govenror Pat … Continue reading

Tax-Financed Non-Profit Transparency

“Not.” That’s the best word to use when talking about transparency of most not-for-profit organizations. If they are financed with government money, however, I have argued since the 1970’s that they should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. … Continue reading

Can MCC Foundation Use Donations to Urge Voters to Vote for Referendums?

It has been most frustrating to have to fight McHenry County Conservation District referendums. As I have mentioned previously (see Why Odds Against Taxpayer if Conservation District Goes to Referendum), the frustration comes from having to fight money that should … Continue reading

County Board Set to Encourage McHenry County Conservation District Tax Hikes Tuesday

My computer has been out of action while bills under the sponsorship of State Senators Pam Althoff and Karen McConnaughay have worked their way to the Senate floor. The McHenry County Board will vote Tuesday morning on supporting two bills … Continue reading

Gordie Tebo Campaign Makes MCC Board Pitch

A note from McHenry County College Trustee candidate Gordie Tebo: McHenry County College Voters: Gordie Tebo is running for MCC Board Trustee. Gordie worked for Woodstock School District 200 as a math teacher at Woodstock High School.  During his 34 … Continue reading

Money That Should Have Been MCCD’s Used to Finance 2007 $73 Million, 27% Tax Hike Campaign

The McHenry County Conservation Foundation sounds all warm and fuzzy until you figure out that the Conservation Board set it up specifically to keep $1 million paid by Lakehead Pipeline out of MCCD’s coffers. Out of the control of public … Continue reading

MCCD Bonds Get Almost 57% Approval

Get ready for your McHenry County Conservation District tax bill to go up 27%. That’s the decision of 17,538 of your neighbors. They amounted to 56.7% of the total votes cast on the measure. Amazing what using “other people’s money” … Continue reading

MCCD Bonds Get Almost 57% Approval

Get ready for your McHenry County Conservation District tax bill to go up 27%. That’s the decision of 17,538 of your neighbors. They amounted to 56.7% of the total votes cast on the measure. Amazing what using “other people’s money” … Continue reading

Left Behind – The Second Conservation District Tax Hike Mailing

Now I’m just like the reporters who haven’t lived locally long enough to be getting election mail. The McHenry County Conservation District tax hikers, called the McHenry County Conservation Foundation, and its campaign front group, the McHenry County Citizens for … Continue reading

Left Behind – The Second Conservation District Tax Hike Mailing

Now I’m just like the reporters who haven’t lived locally long enough to be getting election mail. The McHenry County Conservation District tax hikers, called the McHenry County Conservation Foundation, and its campaign front group, the McHenry County Citizens for … Continue reading