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Election Night Parties

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Folks are announcing Election Night parties.

State Senator Dan Duffy will be hanging out in Barrington.

Senator Duffy’s Election Night Party

Dan Duffy

Chessies / 111 Grille
200 Applebee Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Ph: 847-382-5020

When polls close – 7pm to ???

There will be plenty of complimentary food, beer, wine, pop and excitement! Come on by and join us as we watch the election results roll in for local, state and federal races. Bring your family and friends.

Help us CELEBRATE VICTORY for our campaign and many other key Republican races throughout the state and country – including the Presidential race!

I look forward to seeing you at Chessies on Tuesday – November 6th!

Dan

The McHenry County Republican Party will be watching election returns at its campaign headquarters in the Crystal Lake Plaza down from Joseph’s Market.

Election Night Celebration

The biggest election night crowd will probably be at the McHenry County Republican Party Campaign Headquarters. That’s where people watched one of the debates.

Election night celebration will be held at our Crystal Lake Campaign Office, 22 Crystal Lake Plaza (few doors away from Joseph’s Grocery) beginning at 7:00 pm until ?????

Light refreshments will be served and we will have election results as they come in. Come and join your Republican friends for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment that all of our hard work paid off.

Geri Davis
Executive Director
McHenry County Republican Central Committee

The location of Buddy’z Pizza in McHenry.

Democrats Will Be at Buddy’z Pizzari in McHenry

Demcoratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett advises, “We are going to be at Buddyz Pizzeria in McHenry, 7:30 p.m.”

The pizza place is located near McHenry East High School.

And, in Algonquin, Citizens for [Kane County Board member] Maggie Auger has a party at Niko’s Lodge. It is the former Barley House in Algonquin Commons.

ELECTION NIGHT COUNTDOWN

Maggie Auger

JOIN CITIZENS FOR MAGGIE AUGER as we await the election results for Kane County Board Dist. #23 and other Republican Candidates including Gov. Romney.

 Where: Nikos Lodge (Algonquin Commons)
1520 S. Randall Rd.
Algonquin, IL 60102

When:  Tuesday,  November 6. 2012
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Please RSVP to maggie@maggieauger.com

Appetizers will be served.  Cash Bar.

The post Election Night Parties appeared first on McHenry County Blog.


McHenry County Democratic Party Ends Up with almost $15,000 at the End of the Second Quarter of 2013

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The McHenry County Democratic Party raised $16,015 during the second quarter of this year and ended June with $14,703.92 in the bank.

Will the two McHenry County Board Democrats try to cut the levy this year to match Democratic Patry State Rep. Jack Franks' legislative proposal?

Two of the large contributors to the McHenry County Democratic Party were County Board member Paula Yensen and former Board member Kathy Bergan Schmidt.

Those making contributions which were reported (required if in excess of $150) follow:

  • $1,000 – Paula Yensen, Self Employed, Lake In The Hills
  • $850 – Kathleen Bergan-Schmidt, Crystal Lake
  • $900 – Irene Raven, Network Engineer, AT&T, McHenry
  • $800 – Michael Bissett, Lake in the Hills
  • $800 – Donald Metivier, CEO, The Sports Shop Inc., Spring Grove
  • $800 – Sheet Metal Worker’s International Assoc. Local 73 PAC, Hillside
  • $560 – Painters District Council 30, Aurora
  • $500 – John Bartman, Marengo
  • $500 – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 117 PAC, Crystal Lake
  • $420 – Debbie Chirikos, Algonquin
  • $400 – Laborers international Union local 1035, Marengo
  • $320 – Andrew Georgi Jr., Hebron
  • $320 – Loreen Keller, Crystal Lake
  • $320 – Patrick Ouimet, Chicago
  • $240 – Carpenters Local 2087 PAC, Crystal Lake
  • $240 – Samuel Melei, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – Denise Barretto, LITH
  • $160 – Rebert Beltran, McHenry
  • $160 – Judi Clement, Lakewood
  • $160 – John Darger, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – Ralph Gigregor, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – Susan Glad, Gurnee
  • $160 – Kasthuri Henry, Huntley
  • $160 – Maurice Hill, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – Susan Hooker, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 117 PAC, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – Terry Kappel, McHenry
  • $160 – Mary Mahady, McHenry
  • $160 – Mary McCann, Woodstock
  • $160 – James McTague, Cary
  • $160 – Anna May Miller, Cary
  • $160 – Michael Mueller, Woodstock
  • $160 – Norma Nerstron, Green Oaks
  • $160 – William Nowaskey, Woodstock
  • $160 – Marylou Nunamaker, Fox River Grove
  • $160 – Chester Olench, Fox River Grove
  • $160 – Dorothy Pfeuffer, Naperville
  • $160 – Nancy Shepherdson, Barrington
  • $160 – Ernst Sirois, Crystal Lake
  • $160 – Douglas Smith, Woodstock
  • $160 – Barbara Sutton, Bull Valley
  • $160 – Arne Waltmire, McHenry

The post McHenry County Democratic Party Ends Up with almost $15,000 at the End of the Second Quarter of 2013 appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

Slim Pickings for Political Watchers at the McHenry County Fair

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It’s an off year for politics.

If you park in the free lot off Country Club Road behind the McHenry County Fair, the first thing you see upon entering is Skinner's Carnival.  (No relation.)

If you park in the free lot off Country Club Road behind the McHenry County Fair, the first thing you see upon entering is Skinner’s carnival. (No relation.)

The major partisan elections are next year.

Maybe that’s the reason.

Jack Franks’ tent is near the entrance, but he wasn’t there so I didn’t take a photo.  (Later I was told he was answering Chicago media calls about Metra Chairman Brad O’Hallonan’s resignation.)

Sheriff Keith Nygren was not playing catch with children as he did in 2010 when he was running for re-election.

Sheriff Keith Nygren was not playing catch with children as he did in 2010 when he was running for re-election.

Inside the buildings, the first display was that of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department.  No sign of Sheriff Keith Nygren or Undersheriff Andy Zinke.

Lake in the Hills Village Trustee Denise Barreto and Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett joined two young people at the party booth.

Lake in the Hills Village Trustee Denise Barreto and Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett joined two young people at the party booth.

Next I came upon the booth of the McHenry County Democratic Party.  As I was standing there, Chairman Mike Bissett and Denise Barreto came.

The McHenry County Citizens for Choice booth.

The McHenry County Citizens for Choice booth.

Around the corner was the booth for the McHenry County Citizens for Choice.

Garrett Hill, Tom Kantner and Eric Peterson were at the Republican Party booth.

Garrett Hill, Tom Kantner and Eric Peterson were at the Republican Party booth.

Young Republicans were manning the McHenry County Republican Party booth.

Congressman Randy Hultgren's booth was staffed by Nick Provenzano.

Congressman Randy Hultgren’s booth was staffed by Nick Provenzano.tf

Congressman Randy Hultgren has a booth manned by McHenry County Board member Nick Provenzano.

Kelly Liebmann and Jim Young were talking to people at the Libertarian Party booth.

Kelly Liebmann and Jim Young were talking to people at the Libertarian Party booth.

Kelly Liebmann and Jim Young were challenging people at the Libertarian Party booth.

1st Way Pregnancy Services President Connie Freund and two young people were at their pro-life booth.

1st Way Pregnancy Services President Connie Freund and two young people were at their pro-life booth.

On the other side of the building was Johnsburg’s 1st Way Pregnancy Support Services.

Peter's Net was closer to the front of the building this year than in previous years.

Peter’s Net was closer to the front of the building this year than in previous years.

Down the row was the pro-life display of Peter’s Net.

The display by the McHenry County Deanery was less obviously pro-life this year.

The display by the McHenry County Deanery was less obviously pro-life this year.

The McHenry County Deanery was across the aisle.

There were far fewer Sheriff's Department vehicles at the County Fair this year than previously.

There were far fewer Sheriff’s Department vehicles at the County Fair this year than previously.

As I walked toward the farm animals I spotted a six-wheeled vehicle with Nygren’s name on it.

The corn on the cob stand of the Knights of Columbus.

The corn on the cob stand of the Knights of Columbus.

On the way out, I stopped at the Knights of Columbus corn on the cob booth.  Excellent corn and the group donates to 1st Way Pregnancy Services fund to purchase a ultrasound sonogram machine.

I looked for State Rep. Jack Franks’ tent, but couldn’t find it.

Jack Franks' tent is the yellow one, all buttoned up at 8 PM on Thursday night.

Jack Franks’ tent is the yellow one, all buttoned up at 8 PM on Thursday night, next to a private enterprise tent.

I finally asked an open tent and was told his was next door.

The post Slim Pickings for Political Watchers at the McHenry County Fair appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

Paul Yensen Strikes Back

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The top post on the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee's web site features Paul Yensen's reason for taking action about TAG.

The top post on the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee’s web site features Paul Yensen’s reason for taking her actions about TAG, The Advantage Group.

The McHenry County Democratic Party web site features a piece by County Board member Paula Yensen rebutting comments apparently made under my article

The Advantage Group (TAG) Sunsets

I would guess from the content of comments made by new folks that they found the article from the Democrats’ web site.

People on the local Democrats’ email list received the following:

Paula Yensen victim of vicious smear

Right-wing attacks cannot go unchallenged

DEAR FELLOW DEMOCRATS: In a story appearing in Cal Skinner’s blog this morning, the Tea Party Wing Nuts (mostly anonymous cowards with phony names) are viciously attacking Paula Yensen, our friend and fellow Democratic County Board Member, for her courageous decision to expose wrong-doing at a non-profit agency named TAG (The Advantage Group).

Her efforts helped prevent our county from wasting more taxpayer money on an agency that was going out of business due to mismanagement.

If you want to read Paula’s side of the story, here it is.

Republicans Donna Kurtz and Michael Walkup, along with the anonymous Tea Party cowards, are trying to turn the closure of TAG into a story that Paula is insensitive to the plight of children.

It’s a shameful and disgusting attack on one of our own and a damn good Democrat.

Therefore, we urge you to write a comment supporting Paula and drown out the right wing “mean” machine now.

Let’s show our support for a fellow Democrat and swamp Cal’s blog with your written support for Paula.

There are also two articles about this issue in the Northwest Herald which have attracted similar Wing Nut rants.

We cannot allow the know-nothings to dominate the discussion. Please take five minutes to make your voice heard. Write a comment on the articles or send a letter to the editor.

The Advantage Group closes its doors Committee spars over reporting of improper activity

We hope Paula can count on your immediate support today.  Thank you.

Patrick Ouimet and Michael Bissett

= = = = =
Ouimet is a former Chairman of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee. Bissett is the current chairman and Paula Yensen’s husband.

The post Paul Yensen Strikes Back appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

Demcorats Filling for Precinct Committeeman Sparse

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McHenry County has 212 precincts.  Take a look at how many people filed for Democratic Party Precinct Committeeman.

I count 31.

RILEY
MARENGO 1
MARENGO 2
MARENGO 3
MARENGO 4 **Allison A. Barnard, 761 Woodland Ln, Marengo, IL 60152
DUNHAM
CHEMUNG 1
CHEMUNG 2
CHEMUNG 3
CHEMUNG 4
CHEMUNG 5
ALDEN
HARTLAND 1
HARTLAND 2
SENECA 1
SENECA 2 John Bartman, 19319 Rte. 176, Marengo, IL 60152
CORAL 1 Henry P. Franks, 6903 S. Grant Hwy, Marengo IL 60152
CORAL 2
CORAL 3
GRAFTON 1 Diane Oltman Ayers, 10907 N. Church St, Huntley, IL 60142
GRAFTON 2
GRAFTON 3
GRAFTON 4
GRAFTON 5 Helen Lindquist, 77 Timberhill Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
GRAFTON 6
GRAFTON 7
GRAFTON 8
GRAFTON 9
GRAFTON 10
GRAFTON 11
GRAFTON 12 Michael A. Bissett, 971 Brittany Bend, Lake In The Hills, IL 60156
GRAFTON 13
GRAFTON 14
GRAFTON 15
GRAFTON 16
GRAFTON 17
GRAFTON 18
GRAFTON 19
GRAFTON 20
GRAFTON 21
GRAFTON 22
GRAFTON 23
GRAFTON 24
GRAFTON 25
GRAFTON 26
GRAFTON 27
GRAFTON 28
GRAFTON 29
GRAFTON 30
GRAFTON 31
DORR 1
DORR 2
DORR 3
DORR 4 Ann Legg, 853 Washington Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
DORR 5
DORR 6
DORR 7
DORR 8
DORR 9 Daniel F. Giallombardo, 1155 Walden Oaks, #306E, Woodstock, IL 60098
DORR 10
DORR 11
DORR 12
DORR 13
DORR 14 Thomas G. Erlenborn, 414 High Meadow Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098
GREENWOOD 1
GREENWOOD 2
GREENWOOD 3
GREENWOOD 4
GREENWOOD 5
GREENWOOD 6
GREENWOOD 7
HEBRON 1
HEBRON 2
RICHMOND 1
RICHMOND 2
RICHMOND 3
RICHMOND 4
BURTON 1
BURTON 2
BURTON 3
MCHENRY 1 Martha B. “Marti” Swanson, 5615 N. Ridgeway Rd., Ringwood, IL 60072
MCHENRY 2
MCHENRY 3
MCHENRY 4
MCHENRY 5
MCHENRY 6
MCHENRY 7
MCHENRY 8
MCHENRY 10
MCHENRY 11
MCHENRY 12 Irene Wolff, Raven 4420 Lakewood Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
MCHENRY 13
MCHENRY 14
MCHENRY 15
MCHENRY 16
MCHENRY 17
MCHENRY 18
MCHENRY 19
MCHENRY 20
MCHENRY 21
MCHENRY 22
MCHENRY 23
MCHENRY 24 Cody Sheriff, 4720 Bonner Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
MCHENRY 24 Arne N. Waltmire, 5202 Shorehill Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
MCHENRY 25
MCHENRY 26
MCHENRY 27
MCHENRY 28 **Mary Mahady, 207‐C N. Creekside Trail, McHenry, IL 60050
MCHENRY 29
MCHENRY 30
MCHENRY 31
MCHENRY 32
MCHENRY 33
MCHENRY 34
MCHENRY 35
NUNDA 1 Kathleen Bergan Schmidt, 4713 Timberlane Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
NUNDA 2 Pauline Walker, 233 Third St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
NUNDA 3
NUNDA 4
NUNDA 5 Richard J. “John” Darger, 629 Green Oaks Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
NUNDA 6
NUNDA 7
NUNDA 8
NUNDA 9
NUNDA 10 Kevin Klopfenstein, 635 Arrowhead Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 60012
NUNDA 11
NUNDA 12
NUNDA 13
NUNDA 14
NUNDA 15 Mitchell J. Wisumierski, 6715 W. Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
NUNDA 16
NUNDA 17
NUNDA 18 Nancy Schietzelt, 4419 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
NUNDA 19 Nan Kueller, 2701 Jenny Jae Ln, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
NUNDA 20
NUNDA 21
NUNDA 22
NUNDA 23
NUNDA 24
NUNDA 25 Kristina Zahorik, 8 Fenview,  Oakwood Hills, IL 60013
NUNDA 26
NUNDA 27
NUNDA 28
NUNDA 29
ALGONQUIN 1
ALGONQUIN 2
ALGONQUIN 3
ALGONQUIN 4
ALGONQUIN 5
ALGONQUIN 6
ALGONQUIN 7
ALGONQUIN 8
ALGONQUIN 9
ALGONQUIN 10 Sandra J. Bartholmey, 67 W. Paddock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
ALGONQUIN 11
ALGONQUIN 12
ALGONQUIN 13
ALGONQUIN 14
ALGONQUIN 15
ALGONQUIN 16 Patricia A. Abboud, 13 Country Oaks Lane, Barrington Hills, IL 60010
ALGONQUIN 17
ALGONQUIN 18
ALGONQUIN 19 Loreen “Lori” Keller, 208 Lake Court, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
ALGONQUIN 20
ALGONQUIN 21
ALGONQUIN 22
ALGONQUIN 23
ALGONQUIN 24
ALGONQUIN 25
ALGONQUIN 26
ALGONQUIN 27
ALGONQUIN 28
ALGONQUIN 29 Katherine Tremont, 3104 Killarney Dr., Cary, IL 60013
ALGONQUIN 30
ALGONQUIN 31
ALGONQUIN 32
ALGONQUIN 33 Debbie K. Chirikos, 10075 N. River Rd., Algonquin, IL 60102
ALGONQUIN 34
ALGONQUIN 35
ALGONQUIN 36
ALGONQUIN 37
ALGONQUIN 38
ALGONQUIN 39
ALGONQUIN 40 Judith A. Vandenboom, 23 Willow Circle, Cary, IL 60013
ALGONQUIN 41
ALGONQUIN 42
ALGONQUIN 43
ALGONQUIN 44
ALGONQUIN 45 Michael P. Olencheck, 23 Ashcroft Court, Fox River Grove, IL 60021
ALGONQUIN 46
ALGONQUIN 47
ALGONQUIN 48
ALGONQUIN 49
ALGONQUIN 50 Alene K. Shaull, 6212 S. Kilkenny Drive, Crystal Lake IL 60014
ALGONQUIN 51 Robert R. Barton, 837 Wimbleton Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
ALGONQUIN 52
ALGONQUIN 53
ALGONQUIN 54
ALGONQUIN 55
ALGONQUIN 56
ALGONQUIN 57
ALGONQUIN 58
ALGONQUIN 59
ALGONQUIN 60
ALGONQUIN 61
ALGONQUIN 62
ALGONQUIN 63
ALGONQUIN 64
ALGONQUIN 65
ALGONQUIN 66
ALGONQUIN 67
ALGONQUIN 68
*  8:00 AM Filings 11/25/13
** Filed 12/2/13 between 4:00 and 5:00 PM

The post Demcorats Filling for Precinct Committeeman Sparse appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

County Party Conventions Set for April 16th

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It’s a long time away but the Republican and Democratic Parties are set for April 16th.

The Illinois State Board of Elections says county party conventions will be held

The Illinois State Board of Elections says county party conventions will be held on April 16th.

So, folks who are running for precinct committeeman should put that on their calendars.

The post County Party Conventions Set for April 16th appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

McHenry County Party Conventions Tonight at 7 in Crystal Lake

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Republican and Democratic Party Central Committees will meet on opposite sides of Crystal Lake tonight at 7:30 to select officers and conduct other business.

Both have open to the public in past years.

Details for the Democrats
follow:

Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 7:00 PM · 5 rsvps
McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL

The Democratic Party of McHenry County will meet at 7:00 p.m., April 16 at McHenry County College in room B166-167. This facility is handicap accessible.

Republicans will meet at 7 PM at d’Andrea’s.

Doors open at 6.

Mark Daniel’s slate of officers is providing eats starting at 5:30.

The post McHenry County Party Conventions Tonight at 7 in Crystal Lake appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

Democrats Elect Central Committee Officers

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McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett.

McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bissett.

Couldn’t be two places at once last Wednesday night, so I asked the head of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee if there were any changes in officers.

There were a couple of them, which you can see below:

  • Chair: Mike Bissett
  • Vice Chair: Kristina Zahorik (formerly Sam Melei)
  • Treasurer: Mary Mahady (formerly Eric Silber)
  • Secretary: Judy Vandenboom
I also asked if candidates had been given permission to petition for any county offices.  From the following answer, there were:
There will be some announcements on slated candidates soon.

The post Democrats Elect Central Committee Officers appeared first on McHenry County Blog.


Jim Harrisons Appear on Democrats’ Web Site

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Jim and Carolyn Harrison’s names have popped up on the web site of the McHenry County Democratic Party Central Committee web site.

Jim

The names of Jim and Carolyn Harrison as they appear on the McHenry County Democrats’ web site.


Does this means the Harrison, who was first running for Sheriff in the GOP Primary, then announcing he would collect signatures to run as an Independent, really going to run as a Democrat?

If so, gathering the signatures will be a comparative piece of cake compared the onerous requirements for an Independent or Third Party candidacy.

The post Jim Harrisons Appear on Democrats’ Web Site appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

Democratic Party Precinct Committeemen Elected in 2014

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This was found stuck to the sidewalk after the Independence Day Parade.

This was found stuck to the sidewalk after the Independence Day Parade in Crystal Lake, but not this year, because there was no entry.

There are precious few who filed a petition with ten signatures and were elected, as you can see below. The number in parentheses represents those voting in the March Democratic Primary Election.

They call themselves “precinct representatives,” but the title on the ballot is Precinct Committeeman for the Democratic Party.

  • MARENGO 4 – Allison A. Barnard, 761 Woodland Ln, Marengo (33)
  • SENECA 2 – John Bartman, 19319 Rte. 176, Marengo (36)
  • CORAL 1 – Henry P. Franks, 6903 S. Grant Hwy, Marengo  (27)
  • GRAFTON 1 – Diane Oltman Ayers, 10907 N. Church St, Huntley (24)
  • GRAFTON 5 – Helen Lindquist, 77 Timberhill Dr, Crystal Lake (22)
  • GRAFTON 12 – Michael A. Bissett, 971 Brittany Bend, Lake In The Hills (15)
  • DORR 4 – Ann Legg, 853 Washington Street, Woodstock (17)
  • DORR 9 – Daniel F. Giallombardo, 1155 Walden Oaks #306E, Woodstock (35)
  • DORR 14 – Thomas G. Erlenborn, 414 High Meadow Drive, Woodstock (17)
  • MCHENRY 1 – Martha B. “Marti” Swanson, 5615 N. Ridgeway Rd., Ringwood (36)
  • MCHENRY 12 – Irene Wolff Raven, 4420 Lakewood Rd, McHenry (26)
  • MCHENRY 24 – Arne N. Waltmire, 5202 Shorehill Drive, McHenry (20)
  • MCHENRY 28 – Mary Mahady, 207‐C N. Creekside Trail, McHenry (14)
  • NUNDA 1 – Kathleen Bergan Schmidt, 4713 Timberlane Road, Crystal Lake (27)
  • NUNDA 2 – Pauline Walker, 233 Third St, Crystal Lake (10)
  • NUNDA 5 – Richard J. “John” Darger, 629 Green Oaks Drive, Crystal Lake (17)
  • NUNDA 10 – Kevin Klopfenstein, 635 Arrowhead Ln, Crystal Lake (23)
  • NUNDA 15 – Mitchell J. Wisumierski, 6715 W. Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake (24)
  • NUNDA 18 – Nancy Schietzelt, 4419 Walkup Road, Crystal Lake (11)
  • NUNDA 19 – Nan Kueller, 2701 Jenny Jae Ln, Crystal Lake (30)
  • NUNDA 25 – Kristina Zahorik, 8 Fenview, Oakwood Hills (21)
  • ALGONQUIN 10 – Sandra J. Bartholmey, 67 W. Paddock St., Crystal Lake (13)
  • ALGONQUIN 16 – Patricia A. Abboud, 13 Country Oaks Lane, Barrington Hills (10)
  • ALGONQUIN 19 – Loreen “Lori” Keller, 208 Lake Court, Crystal Lake (9)
  • ALGONQUIN 29 – Katherine Tremont, 3104 Killarney Dr., Cary (12)
  • ALGONQUIN 33 – Debbie K. Chirikos, 10075 N. River Rd., Algonquin (20)
  • ALGONQUIN 40 – Judith A. Vandenboom, 23 Willow Circle, Cary (13)
  • ALGONQUIN 45 – Michael P. Olencheck ,23 Ashcroft Court, Fox River Grove (6)
  • ALGONQUIN 50 – Alene K. Shaull, 6212 S. Kilkenny Drive, Crystal Lake (6)
  • ALGONQUIN 51 – Robert R. Barton, 837 Wimbleton Ln., Crystal Lake (25)

There are thirty.

McHenry County has 212 precincts.

Andy Zinke had a discovery recount in one-fourth of them–53.

The post Democratic Party Precinct Committeemen Elected in 2014 appeared first on McHenry County Blog.

McClellan Offers Affirmative Defense

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A press release from McHenry County Clerk Mary McClellan:

ePoll Book Vendor Glitch Leads to 90 Minutes Extra Voting Time; Record turnout generates communication concerns

On March 15, 2016, McHenry County experienced a record voter turnout in a Primary with 87,672 votes cast, collected and counted–a 42.73% turnout.

Mary McClellan

Mary McClellan

After polls opened on time, a small number of precincts experienced delays when using the new state-mandated electronic ePoll Books, which did not affect votes cast counted.

The ePoll Books are used for the registration process only. Out of 212 precincts, fewer than 20 were affected and the issue was quickly resolved.

Once these issues were identified, County Clerk McClellan requested, on her own initiative, that a Judge enter an order allowing polls to remain open after 7:00 p.m.

This extension was provided so that every voter who wished had the opportunity to vote.

One of the biggest issues on Election Day was communication with the Judges and the Election Headquarters. The Clerk’s received a staggering number of phone calls.

Clerk McClellan has already formulated a resolution for this in the future to create a communication officer in charge of fielding calls.

On Election Day the Clerk’s office had a staff of 40 election specialists who were sent to precincts to resolve any issues.

“It is my biggest concern that the voter have the right to vote and I will do whatever it takes to make this process better. I apologies to any voter or official who was unable to immediately communicate with me or a member or my staff,” McClellan said.

“While simple software glitches caused a delay, the integrity of the voting process was never jeopardized and this was and will remain my highest priority.

“I would welcome any review of my processes or the events of Election Day by the State Board of Election,” McClellan said.

“I am humbled by all the wonderful people who worked for the Clerk’s office and the people who volunteered their time. This record election would not have been possible without them,” McClellan said.

= = = = =

Democrats’ Take on Election Day

McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bisset addresses Wednesday night's Central Committee meeting about the Election screw ups.

McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Bisset addresses Wednesday night’s Central Committee meeting about the Election screw ups.

Last night at the McHenry County Democratic Party’s Central Committee meeting, Chairman Mike Bisset had a different story.

“They knew it was going to happen.

“Yesterday was not a surprise to me.

“Yesterday morning I got the call:

‘What the hell is going on?’

“I called Lou [Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney]

“We need to get a court order to keep the polls open.”

Jack Franks Set to Run for State Rep. & County Board Chairman at Same Time…If No Other “Electable” Candidate

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The following was written by First Electric Newspaper publisher Pete Gonigam and graciously shared with McHenry County Blog readers:

McHenry Dems Pick State Rep. Jack Franks For County Board Chairman

State Rep. Jack Franks handing petitions for his McHenry County Board Chairman nomination to Paula Yensen who'll have to circulate petitions of her own to run for the County Board in District 5. Photo by Pete Gonigam.

State Rep. Jack Franks handing petitions for his McHenry County Board Chairman nomination to Paula Yensen who’ll have to circulate petitions of her own to run for the County Board in District 5. Photo by Pete Gonigam.

The McHenry County Democratic Central Committee in caucus Sunday picked 63rd District State Rep. Jack Franks to run against Republican Mike Walkup to become the County’s first directly-elected County Board Chairman in November.

Saturday the Committee added nominees for two more Board Districts, slating Lake in the Hills Trustee Paula Yensen to run in District 5 and Cary resident Kathryn Potter in District 1.

Franks still has to circulate and file nominating petitions for the Chairman’s spot but Sunday’s choice makes him unofficially a candidate for two offices simultaneously.

He told Central Committee members he planned to abandon the race to represent all but the southeast corner of McHenry County in Springfield next term as soon as they can pick a replacement.

Later, in a First Electric Newspaper interview, Franks qualified that saying he’d give up the Rep. race if the Committee can pick another candidate who’s both “electable” and holds a political outlook consistent with his own.

Franks won the Democratic Primary running unopposed. Harvard attorney Steve Reick was the GOP winner.

Nick Chirikos

Nick Chirikos

The vote for Franks as Board Chairman candidate wasn’t unanimous, however, Former Algonquin County Board Member Nick Chirikos was the lone naysayer.

“He has never supported our local party in any way, shape or form until it suited his interests,”

Chirikos told FEN.

Crystal Lake lawyer Mike Walkup won the Republican Primary for County Board Chair but Franks didn’t have much to say about his new opponent besides scoffing at his defense in the still unfolding County Board IMRF possibly fraudulent pensions controversy.

“C’mon. You’re an attorney and you didn’t read what you were signing?” he snarked..

What Franks briefly outlined sounded more like a campaign against the entire McHenry County Board, currently an exclusively Republican domain.

“I feel compelled to fix the problems created by this Board.”

“I’m embarrassed by the inefficiency and the corruption they’ve created.”

Franks said he’d push to shrink the Board from 24 members, four at large in each of 6 districts, to only 16 in as many single-member ones.

“That would be representative,” he said.

He also said he wanted to shrink the number of Board committees from 12 to 7.

Separately, Yensen told FEN that LITH trustee and County Board member are legally incompatible offices so if she wins a return to the County Board she will resign her seat on the Village panel.

Franks told fellow candidates the way to victory was to get out and campaign hard every day.

He said that’s what he planned to do, only not yet because the Legislature will be in session for the next couple of weeks.

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Of course, Franks promised not to run for County Board Chairman, as the following Northwest Herald headline shows:

The Northwest Herald headline from early June of 2014 about Jack Franks' promise not to run for McHenry County Board Chairman.

The Northwest Herald headline from early June of 2014 about Jack Franks’ promise not to run for McHenry County Board Chairman.

McHenry County Board Outmaneuvered by Nimble Jack Franks Again

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Democratic Party Jack Franks has a great sense of timing.

And, as I have told many folks, timing is pretty much everything in politics.

Franks pushed for an elected County Executive and ended up with an elected County Board Chairman.

Less power–not even a vote on the Board or veto power–but elected at-large.

Franks advocates for a smaller County Board and the Republicans on the County Board put such an advisory referendum on the ballot this fall, even though every County Board member knows it will pass.

Franks called the County Board out for taking pensions for their part-time jobs.

He asked the McHenry County State’s Attorney to appoint a Special Prosecutor to see if County Board members had criminally violated the law which says members must work 1000 hours a year to qualify for their pensions.

Lou Bianchi made a move to do so, then backtracked.

Franks convinced the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to probe the situation and it is.

On May 3rd, Republican County Board Chairman nominee Mike Walkup  called for abolishing those IMRF pensions starting next term, but the Northwest Herald ignored that.

Jack Franks demonstrates he is physically nimble.

Jack Franks demonstrates he is physically nimble by jumping over a road barrier at the Marengo parade.

When Franks caught State Senator Pam Althoff’s bill (Senate Bill 2701) to require time sheets to be kept to document the 1000 hours, the NWH ran an article.

This past week, Franks snagged another article by amending the bill to abolish such pensions.

It does mention the Walkup call for abolition, but Franks got top billing.

Of course, “Franks rejected the idea that he amended Althoff’s bill as part of an election campaign,” he told the Northwest Herald.

The amendment is in the House Rules Committee and awaits judgment from House Speaker Mike Madigan before it can be considered further.

(A Sangamon County Board member, Tony DelGiorno, got caught in the Jack Franks trap.  The Springfield attorney is running for State Representative as a Democrat against an appointed Republican woman, Sara Wojcicki Jimenez.  Will the legislation help or hurt Madigan’s candidate?)

The McHenry County Board could have preempted that legislation by expeditiously following Mike Walkup’s advice.

But it did not.

And that is the problem with the County Board.

It is not nimble.

Perhaps that is a consequence of its being a relative large legislative body.

Whatever the reason, Jack is nimble.

Jack is quick.

When he sees an opening he jumps, not over a candlestick, but over his opponents’ possible response.

The County Board is not.

That may cost Republicans seats in November, not to mention the County Board Chairmanship.

Dems in the CL Independence Day Parade

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Previously, I’ve covered the Jack Franks part of Crystal Lake’s 4th of July Parade (held on July 3rd).

Now, let’s look at the other Democrats, who were marching separately.

Jim Roden, candidate for McHenry County Board in Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills.

Jim Roden, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Board in Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills.

Jim Roden, County Board candidate for District 2, was riding in a convertible.

Next came the Democratic Party banner.

Supporters of Nancy Zettler held signs next to the banner proclaiming the Democratic Party entry in the Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade.

Supporters of Nancy Zettler held signs next to the banner proclaiming the Democratic Party entry in the Crystal Lake Independence Day Parade.

Didn’t see any indication that Hillary Clinton was running for President, but one man, Terry Kappel, was wearing a Bernie Sanders tee shirt.  Sanders carried McHenry County over Clinton.

Stalwart Democrat Terry Kappel wears a Bernie Sanders tee shirt while carrying a Tammy Duckworth for U.S. Senate sign. Behind him is Nancy Zettler.

Stalwart Democrat Terry Kappel wears a Bernie Sanders tee shirt while carrying a Tammy Duckworth for U.S. Senate sign. Behind him is Nancy Zettler.

In the foreground above, one can see a Jim Walz for Congress supporter.

The Jim Walz for Congress banner.

The Jim Walz for Congress banner.

Walz is running against Republican Randy Hultgren.

A banner protesting the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

A banner protesting the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

Another banner followed saying, “Corporations are not people.  Money is not free speech. www.movetoamend.org.”

Earlier I had looked unseccessfully for the Democrats’ congressional candidate.

Jim Walz was working the crowd.

Jim Walz was working the crowd.  Note that he has a name tag large enough to read.

He was pointed out to me on the parade route.

I told him I would publish any press releases sent to McHenry County Blog (as I will for any candidate running in any part of McHenry County).

Democrats in Algonquin Parade

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Yesterday Republicans in Algonquin’s Founders Day Parade were featured.

Today we look at the Democrats.

Perhaps fittingly, one of the people carrying the Democrats banner is a woman wearing a Hillary tee shirt.

Perhaps fittingly, one of the people carrying the Democrats banner is a woman wearing a Hillary tee shirt.  The other one is wearing a tee shirt promoting the State Representative candidacy of Nancy Zettler.

Behind the banner was a young man carrying a “Thank You Bernie” sign, plus one opposed to the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement being pushed by President Barack Obama and endorsed by Hillary Clinton pre-Sanders.

Two walkers are holding up signs.

Two walkers are holding up signs.  One is a yard sign for District 1 County Board candidates Kathryn Potter and Kerri Barber.  Guess the Algonquin Founders Day Parade sign police didn’t catch them.

In the next picture, we can see that County Board candidate Paula Yensen makes a second appearance in the parade. She made her first as a Lake in the Hills Trustee.

The person in a donkey suit can be seen clearing in the next photo.

Good thing it was not a hot day or the person in the donkey suit would be really sweating.

Good thing it was not a hot day or the person in the donkey suit would be really sweating.

Paula Yensen made a second appearance in the parade.

The first was as a Lake in the Hills Trustee.

Paula Yensen is not carrying a sign promoting her run for the McHenry County Board. A Nancy Zettler supporter carries and anti-TPP sign.

Paula Yensen is not carrying a sign promoting her run for the McHenry County Board. A Nancy Zettler supporter carries and anti-TPP sign.  McHenry County Board candidate Kathryn Potter is next to the man pushing the stroller.

Note that unlike District 1 candidates Potter and Barber, Yensen following the rules.

Signs supporting the campaign of Nancy Zettler for State Representative were in the entry.

Signs supporting the campaign of Nancy Zettler for State Representative were in the entry.  Guess the sign police missed them, too.  Kathryn Potter, County Board candidate, waves in this photo.

A pickup truck bearing a stylized donkey came next.

A sign linking the Democrats to the Labor Day Holiday was on the side of their truck.

A sign linking the Democrats to the Labor Day Holiday was on the side of their truck.  County Board candidate Keri Barber was driving the truck.

Blue tee shirts with the name “Flavin” came after the truck.

Supporters of McHenry County Democratic Party State's Attorney candidate Ray Flavin.

Supporters of McHenry County Democratic Party State’s Attorney candidate Ray Flavin.

Ray Flavin is the Democrats’ second appointed candidate for McHenry County State’s Attorney.

More Ray Flavin-tee shirt wearing supporters.

More Ray Flavin-tee shirt wearing supporters.

His opponent, Patrick Kenneally, was with the Republicans, but he had many fewer supporters last Saturday.

Ray Flavin waves as Nancy Zettler walks behind him.

Ray Flavin waves as Nancy Zettler walks behind him.

At the end of the Democrats’ entry were two candidates:

  • Ray Flavin
  • Nancy Zettler

Looking at the back of the walking Democrats I saw a youth with an anti-Trump sign:  “Love Trumps Hate.”

Two of the tee shirts had slogans. The anti-Trump one I can read, but not the other one.

The tee shirts had slogans on their back sides.

It took me back to the 1960’s.

The Jesse White Tumblers performed on the Route 62 bridge across the Fox River in Algonquin.

The Jesse White Tumblers performed on the Route 62 bridge across the Fox River in Algonquin.

After the Democratic Party entry came the Jesse White Tumblers.

The Jesse White Tumblers line up to jump off the mini-trampoline.

The Jesse White Tumblers line up to jump off the mini-trampoline.

A commenter took me to task after the McHenry parade for putting them in the political category.

A barrier advertising Jesse White Tumblers sponsors CocaCola and McDonald's raised the high the jumpers had to clear.

A barrier advertising Jesse White Tumblers sponsors CocaCola and McDonald’s raised the high the jumpers had to clear.

Guess that person doesn’t realize the spreading name identification in a favorable manner is a major part of politics.

The Jesse White Tumblers' van.

The Jesse White Tumblers’ van.

This is one of six units that spread out across the Chicago metropolitan area which give favorable publicity to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

= = = = =
I am weak on face recognition of Democratic Party candidates. If either Potter or Barber or any other candidate appeared in the parade, please let me know where they are in which photo.


Dems Meeting Tonight in McHenry to Name County Board Replacement

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Arne Waltmire leaving the Democrats' secret caucus at which Ray Flavin was picked to replace Jim Harrison for McHenry County State's Attorney.

Arne Waltmire leaving the Democrats’ secret caucus at which Ray Flavin was picked to replace Jim Harrison for McHenry County State’s Attorney.

Because Andrew Breen has withdrawn from the Democratic Party ballot, District 4 Precinct Committeemen have the right to replace him on the ballot.

The following email came from Arne Waltmire, a man who ran for County Board there in 2014, concentrating his campaign on John Hammerand.

This is a notice of a special meeting of the Democratic Party of McHenry County for the County Board District 4, for the purpose of slating a candidate for County Board in District 4 to replace Andrew “Andy” Breen. Mr. Breen withdrew his candidacy on July 27, and therefore we must meet to slate his replacement NO LATER THAN August 4, according to state law. All elected and appointed Precinct Committeemen are eligible to cast a weighted vote at this meeting. Your attendance is appreciated. Please RSVP to awdw@waltmire.com

TIME: Aug. 4th   8pm

LOCATION: Panera Bread, 1711 North Richmond Road, McHenry, IL

= = = = =
Originally, the headline indicated the meeting was in Richmond.

Kathy Bergan Schmidt Steps Up to the District 3 County Board Plate

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Former McHenry County Board member Kathy Bergan Schmidt has agreed to run for the McHenry County Board in place of Kenneth Miller, who died last Friday.

McH Co Bd Dems 2011-12 Yensen + Schmidt

With Kathy Bergan Schmidt now taking Ken Miller’s spot on the fall ballot in District 3, the two Democrats who served at the turn of the decade may be returned to the McHenry County Board. Paula Yensen is again running in District 5.

Schmidt served one term, but was defeated when she ran for re-election four years ago.

d3-2012-general-election-co-bd-ad3-2012-general-election-co-bd-b

Two years later, Bergan Schmidt ran again for the same office, but again failed to gain a spot on the County Board.

The 2014 General Election results for the District 3 McHenry County Board race.

The 2014 General Election results for the District 3 McHenry County Board race.

McHenry County Dems Appear To Have Been Used as Conduit for Franks Money

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Something that has not been seen before happened to the McHenry County Democratic Party recently.

It started out October with $18,691.03 in the bank.

On October 12th, $10,800 came from Chicago uber-liberal Fred Eychane.

On October 17th. the Dems got another $21,600 from that man’s company, Newsweb Corp.

There were also two other relatively piddly contributions:

  • $1,500 – Illinois Democratic County Chairman Association
  • $1,176.50 – Illinois Democratic County Chairman Association

So, what did the County Dems do with the $32,400 in cash?

Did any go to the Democratic Party’s State’s Attorney candidate, Ray Flavin?

None that I see.

Was it sent to County Board candidates?

Not that I can find, but there could still be a countywide mailing financed with cash on hand at the beginning of the quarter and some of the Eychane money.

Jack Fanks

Jack Fanks

However, $27,400 went to Jack Franks’ campaign fund yesterday.

Eychane also gave Franks $5,400 directly on October 17th.

His Newsweb Corp also contributed $10,800 to Franks on October 17th.

Messages the Democrats Didn’t Get Out – District 3

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Continuing to show you the side of the mailing designed by the McHenry County Democratic Party, today we look at the message about District 3 County Board candidates.

This piece was delivered to some households, but apparently not to many, contrary to District 6’s, which a lot of folks received.

The message local Democrats wanted to deliver to District 3 voters.

The message local Democrats wanted to deliver to District 3 voters.


I won’t comment on the mistakes in the piece.

Maybe commenters will.

The election results as of the day after the election follow:

Vote total in McHenry County Board District 3 at the end of counting on Election Day.

Vote total in McHenry County Board District 3 at the end of counting on Election Day.

Dems Plan September 10th Picnic, Candidate Meet and Blood Donations

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