Gottemoller Fish Boil

Gott fish 2015 crowd shot

Joe Gottemoller mingled with the crowd.

State Rep. Mike Tryon started the Huntley Fish Boil seven years ago.

Another view of the crowd.

Another view of the crowd.

He brought the idea from Wisconsin, I would guess.

When Tryon decided to retire, he handed the fundraiser off ally McHenry County Board Chairman Joe Gottemoller.

Grafton Township Supervisor Jim Kearns and Joe Gottemoller talked.

Grafton Township Supervisor Jim Kearns and Joe Gottemoller talked.

Gottemoller was elected by his peers in a parliamentary-type system.

Former McHenry County Republican Executive Director Geri Davis was in attendance.

Former McHenry County Republican Executive Director Geri Davis can be seen to Joe Gottemoller’s left as he greets County Board member Mary McCann.

This was the last time around for such a selection process, however.

The voters, prompted by a push from State Rep. Jack Franks, approved election of the next County Board Chairman in an at-late election.

That will change our county governance to an Executive-Legislative Branch system.

There were just too many things going on last Wednesday night for me to make more than two (a visit with my son’s teachers and the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee Presidential Debate Party in Lake in the Hills).

Joe Gottemoller poses for the camera with Joe Keller.

Joe Gottemoller poses for the camera with Joe Keller and Charlie Eldridge.

Gottemoller’s folks, however, did forward some photos, which you have seen above.

I’m told by people who made both the Fish Boil and the Moretti’s Debate Party that well over one hundred attended Gottemoller’s fundraiser.

Entertaining was the Boat Drink Caucus.

The Boat

The Boat Drink Caucus band.

It is comprised of lead vocalist Rep. Chad Hays from Catlin (near Danville), lead guitarist Tryon, and backup vocals and guitar Senator Don Harmon, who did not attend.

Hays’ sister Carla (from Wisconsin) often sings with the band at their larger events, and joined the two Representatives on stage for a 20-song set.

Their music is inspired by Jimmy Buffett.

In Springfield they have a standing gig at the Butternut Hut every other week, and they play at a variety of other events, including at Governor Bruce Rauner’s Inaugural Concert in January of this year, and at the Phases of the Moon Music Festival every summer.

They have also played at several fundraising events for a variety of philanthropic and non-profit groups.

Both Tryon and Hays are Assistant Leaders on the House Republican Leadership Team under Leader Jim Durkin.

Joe Gottemoller spoke to the crowd. Mike Tryon is in the background.

Joe Gottemoller spoke to the crowd. Mike Tryon is in the background.

Tryon introduced Joe and spoke about their 30-year friendship and about how he has enjoyed watching Joe emerge as a long-time GOP volunteer and precinct committeeman to his own political career which has been very successful so far.

“As far as attendance goes, there were at least 150-175 people total,” Cheryl Meyer reports.

“We could see those numbers reflected in the number of Fish Boils served and the number of sandwiches, etc., ordered from the menu.

County Board members were in attendance.

County Board member Larry Smith, Sue Draffkorn, Michele Aavang and Mike Skala can be seen at the table.  Standing behind is RTA Board member Blake Hopson.

“Several McHenry County electeds and hopefuls were in attendance. Both Recorder candidates, 3 of the 4 State Rep candidates (no Serwatka), almost all of the county board, Lou Bianchi, Pam Palmer, Senator Pam Althoff” and maybe more.


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