Steve Reick’s Arguments Against David McSweeney’s Township Abolition by Referendum Bill

A communication from State Rep, Steve Reick: The following is an email I sent to the members of the Illinois House, Republican and Democrat about HB348, a township bill that would have a devastating effect on McHenry County, and is … Continue reading

McSweeney’s Township Abolition by Referendum on House Floor

State Rep. David McSweeney succeeded in getting his McHenry County township elimination bill after passage of a referendum out of the Committee on Counties and Townships. He is the Republican Spokesman on that committee. The vote was 11-4-1. The bill … Continue reading

Wilcox Introduces Township Elimination by Referendum Bill Filling Blanks in McSweeney Bill

A press release from State Senator Craig Wilcox: Wilcox Consolidation Bill Adds Vital Taxpayer Protection Clauses Springfield, IL. – State Sen. Craig Wilcox (R-McHenry) filed legislation Wednesday to ensure local government consolidation puts taxpayers first. Senate Bill 1567 contains specific … Continue reading

Synopsis of David McSweeney’s New Township Abolition by Referendum Bill.

Here’s what legislators will see (in addition to any caucus analysis) about State Rep. David McSweeney’s bill to allow the abolitiion of township governments in McHenry County: Amends the Township Code. Provides that the board of trustees of any township … Continue reading

McSweeney Seeks to Eliminate Pensions for New Legislators

A press release from David McSweeney: Rep. David McSweeney Introduces Measure to Prohibit New Legislators from Participating in the Legislative Pension System Springfield, IL – State Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) has introduced legislation to end the legislative pension system … Continue reading

McSweeney’s McHenry County Township Abolition by Referendum Bill Sent to Governor

The Illinois General Assembly reports that State Rep. David McSweeney’s House Bill 4637 was sent to Governor Bruce Rauner on Monday by Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. So speculation that the bill might be rolled over to the next General … Continue reading

Township Opponent Offers Gradualist Approach to Abolition

In reply to Steve Willson’s comments on State Rep. David McSweeney’s bill to allow voters to abolish their township government through a petition and referendum process, commenter “KnownExtremist” offers the following: I do have an opinion on townships and I … Continue reading

Rep. Steve Reick Offers Theory for Rep. David McSweeney’s Delay in Sending Township Abolition Bill to Governor

State Rep. Steve Reick offers the following hypothesis for State Rep. David McSweeney’e delay in sending his House Bill 4617 to Governor Bruce Rauner. The bill would allow voters in any McHenry County township to petition for a referendum to … Continue reading

Ramping Up for the McHenry Township Road District Abolition Referendum

There was a pretty massive turnout of supporters of putting the McHenry Township Road District under the Township Board at the Fiesta Days Parade. They are calling themselves “Citizens For Consolidation” Teens carried a banner. There was an old car … Continue reading

Northwest Herald Chastises Algonquin Township Board for Not Putting Road District Question on the Ballot

On Saturday, the Northwest Herald Editorial Board (Jim Ringness, Jon Styf, Eric Olson, Kyle Nabors and Hannah Prokop) gave a “Thumbs-down” to those on the Algonquin Township Board who refused to put a referendum on the ballot concerning putting the … Continue reading

BGA Makes Email Pitch for Support for Bill to Allow Voters to Abolish McHenry County Townships

Here it is: McHenry County Residents Should Be Allowed To Dissolve Their Townships A bill in the Illinois legislature would allow McHenry County residents to dissolve their townships. Government consolidation is a key priority for the BGA and the bill … Continue reading

County Board Members Use Letter Against Township Abolition by Referendum Bill to Try to Scuttle Bill

Below is the letter that McHenry County Board member and former Grafton Township Supervisor Jim Kearns circulated among his colleagues. All signed it but Yvonne Barnes, Michael Rein and Craig Wilcox. The letter, addressed to the State Senate, was handed … Continue reading

Algonquin Township Board Cuts Gasser Legal Expenses from $250,000 to $150,000

When the budget for the Algonquin Township Road District was considered by the Township Board on Monday night, the Board voted 4-1 to reduce the line item for legal fees from $250,000 to $150,000. Trustee David Chapman made the reduction … Continue reading