McHenry County Board Too Shy for Comfort

They’ve apparently hired Don Peasley to take the official photograph of the McHenry County Board that will serve for the next 2 years, but McHenry County Blog has been denied the opportunity to bring its camera to the place where new members will be sworn in.

Keely Cat doesn’t mind having his picture take, even when he is peacefully sleeping. This is just one of the house cats that the McHenry County Board wants to tax.

When I called and asked if I could take pictures the last time the county cat tax was discussed, the pleasant woman that answered the phone told me that County Board Chairman Ken Koehler would have to grant that permission.

To no avail I pointed out that would be difficult since he was already chairing the meeting.

In any event I was told I would have to put the request in writing.

So, I missed that meeting when county Republicans changed the ordinance a bit, but still decided that farm cats would be exempt from the requirement to get rabies shots.

Tuesday I went to get the election results from the County Clerk’s office and discovered the new county board meeting room was upstairs.

So, I went up and asked for permission to take pictures at the swearing in ceremony on Monday. Again I was told that I would have to put my request.

I did.

Wednesday about three I got a call from Kathy at the McHenry County Board Office.

Chairman Koehler requested I call you back to let you know at this time he cannot grant permission to take pictures as the county board members he polled have stated they would feel uncomfortable and that it would be a distraction to them during their meetings.

He said he will let you know for future meetings.

If you have any questions, you can call us back…at 815-334-4221.

My guess is that the McHenry County Board is the only governing body in Illinois that does not allow the public to take its members’ photographs while meeting.

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Anyone want to bet against their passing a cigarette tax, if the General Assembly gives them that power?


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