Words Of Wisdom

"The natural cure for an ill-administration ... is a change of men."

 --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 21

Recycling of Styrofoam, Electronics, Batteries Saturday

Tomorrow--Saturday, April 13th,-- the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, in Woodstock. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

Electronics, such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. Become a new member of the Defenders at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  People may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm, phone 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Words Of Wisdom

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

" --Second Amendment to the United States Constitution

Flood Warning

A flood warning continues for the Fox River at Algonquin Tail Water

From Friday Afternoon until further notice

At 5:30 a.m. Thursday, the stage was 8.4 feet – flood stage is 9.5 feet

Recent activity – flood forecasts for Algonquin were moved to this location July 5, 2011.

Gage zero datum is different from the old gage location.

Flood and action stages have changed

Moderate flooding is forecast with a rise above flood stage by Friday afternoon and continue to rise to near 10.9 feet by Monday afternoon

Words Of Wisdom

 "O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone; and you have no longer an aristocratical, no longer a democratical spirit. Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation, brought about by the punishment of those in power, inflicted by those who had no power at all?" --Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Government At Work

THURSDAY, APRIL 11—

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Legislative Committee—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is planning to obtain legislative updates, federal and state, through conference calls with the Ferguson Group and the Metro Counties group.

The agenda also calls for consideration of Federal Consulting services.

9:00 a.m. – McHenry County Board Continuum of Care To End Homelessness—

Meeting in Conference Room C, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Following various related reports to the Committee, a topical discussion related to Coordinated Intake/Assessment-mapping-out a strategy and action plan to complete the task by August 2014.

The Committee is also to consider the ranking committee recommendations for 2013 Emergency Solutions.

1:30 p.m. – McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals—

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A hearing is scheduled for a reclassification from A-1 Agriculture District to E-5 Estate District on property located in Hebron Township.

Grafton Township Changes

GRAFTON TWP SPVR
Vote for		1
Precincts Reporting		31/31	100.00%
PAMELA FENDER	REP	1877	49.12%
JAMES A KEARNS		1944	50.88%

GRAFTON TWP CLERK
Vote for		1
Precincts Reporting		31/31	100.00%
KATHRYN FRANCIS	REP	2991	100.00%

GRAFTON TWP ASSR
Vote for		1
Precincts Reporting		31/31	100.00%
ALAN ZIELINSKI	REP	1998	52.97%
TERRA LEILANI JENSEN		1774	47.03%

GRAFTON TWP HWY COMM
Vote for		1
Precincts Reporting		31/31	100.00%
TOM POZNANSKI	REP	2020	54.20%
TIMOTHY J HOEFT		1707	45.80%

GRAFTON TWP TRUSTEE
Vote for		4
Precincts Reporting		31/31	100.00%
ROBERT J WAGNER +	REP	2165	16.12%
BETTY ZIRK  +	REP	1844	13.73%
CAROL J WILLIAMS	REP	1453	10.82%
DAVID MOORE	REP	1156	8.61%
MARCELLA M GORDON		1420	10.57%
JOSEPH H HOLTORF +		1739	12.94%
TAMARA L LUETH		1694	12.61%
DANIEL G ZILLER JR  +		1963	14.61%

No Change For Crystal Lake Council

CRYSTAL LAKE CNCL
Vote for		3
Precincts Reporting		46/46	100.00%
RALPH M DAWSON  +		1808	23.08%
JAMES R TOMASELLO		1394	17.79%
CAMERON D HUBBARD  +		1798	22.95%
JEFFREY T THORSEN  +		1841	23.50%
CHARLES K EBANN		987	12.60%

Crystal Lake voters decided to return the Council Members whose terms were expiring. Ralph M. Dawson, Jeffrey T. Thorsen and Cameron D. Hubbard.

Hubbard is the newest member of the Council, being appointed to fill the vacancy created when Carolyn Schofield was elected to the McHenry County Board. It has been determined that a person may not served on the County Board and a Municipal Board at the same time.

New Members For MCC Board

McHenry County Voters turned down the re-election of two McHenry County College incumbent trustees. Instead they elected a former College employee, Molly Walsh, with 19.56 percent or 12,932 votes,

The other two winners were Chris Jenner with 9,718 votes and Thomas Wilbeck with 8,867 votes. A total 45,227 votes were cast in that election. Incumbents Carol Larson and Barbara Walters received 7,754 and 7,748 votes. The third board member whose term expired, Dennis Adams, did not seek re-election. CAROL LARSON 7574 11.46% MIKE SMITH 7697 11.64% ARNE WALTMIRE 4452 6.74% WILLIAM SCOTT ALFORD 3237 4.90% MOLLY WALSH--X 12932 19.56% ERIK SIVERTSEN 3657 5.53% THOMAS WILBECK--X 8867 13.41% CHRIS JENNER --X 9718 14.70% BARBARA WALTERS 7748 11.72%

Words Of Wisdom

"O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone; and you have no longer an aristocratical, no longer a democratical spirit. Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation, brought about by the punishment of those in power, inflicted by those who had no power at all?"

 --Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Preparing For 2014 Election

Republican candidate for McHenry County Sheriff in the 2014 election, Bill Prim, is announcing that Gary T. Rabine of the Rabine Group has agreed to serve as Honorary Chairman of Prim’s campaign committee Rabine, Chief Executive Officer of the Rabine Group and an acknowledged national leader in paving and associated businesses, has already been involved with a number of Prim’s early efforts but will now move into a more substantial role.

“I’m very excited that Gary has decided to go all-in on our campaign,” Prim said. “He is an acknowledged leader among businessmen in McHenry County and we have already benefited from his knowledge and his dynamic approach.”

“I intend to do all I can to help him get elected,” says Rabine. I’m hoping the local business community will join me in taking the Sheriff’s Office in a new direction, with new leadership at the helm. We live here and we know what needs to be done. Bill’s the man to do it.”

The Rabine Group Foundation has taken an active role investing in the communities they serve. Many Northern Illinois and McHenry County non-profit organizations can count on support from Gary’s team and the Rabine Group Foundation. The Rabine family including four children in ages from 12 to 25 have made their home in McHenry and Johnsburg for 25 years. 

Open House Regarding Crystal Lake Road Construction Projects

An open house is taking place Wednesday, April 10 from 5 to 7 pm in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street.

The public is invited to attend any time during the above hours to view information regarding the upcoming construction projects throughout the City.

City staff will be available to answer any questions.

Anyone unable to attend the open house, is invited to visit the City’s construction webpage at 

 http://www.crystallake.org/index.aspx?page=68#improvements. 

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

8:30a.m. – McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee, meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Two resolutions are to be considered including authorizing acceptance of a modification to the several Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants to the McHenry County Workforce Network.

A third resolution is to authorize acceptance of a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Trade Adjustment Assistance for McHenry County Workforce Network.

1:30 p.m. McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals

Zoning petition hearing for reclassification from A-1 Agriculture District to the A-2 Agriculture District on Miller property in Hebron Township

The hearing is being held in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

7:00 pm. Crystal Lake Public Library Board Building Committee –

Meeting in the Ames Room of the Library, 126 Paddock Street., Crystal Lake.

Words Of Wisdom

"[W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, - who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually, by totally disusing and neglecting the militia."

 --George Mason, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Government At Work

TUESDAY, APRIL 9 --

ELECTION DAY – POLLS OPEN 6 A. M TO 7 P.M.

Voting is taking place for:

Municipal Offices,

Township Offices

Park District Commissioners

Library District Trustees

School Boards

County College Board

Fire District Trustees

Fox Waterway Agency, Chairman and a Director

Proposition to Levy a Tax for Facilities or Service for the Developmentally Disabled

Proposition for City of Marengo to Have Authority to arrange for electricity

Proposition for Village of Wonder Lake to Have Authority to arrange for electricity

Community High School District 156 $2.2 Million in School Building Bonds.

Not all of these affect all voters of the County.

8:15 a.m.- McHenry County Board Human Resources Committee –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

The Committee is to consider the reclassification of a couple of positions, one in the Assessors office and one in the Recorders office.

Two Worker’s Compensation cases are to be presented for the Committee’s review and approval.

9:30 a.m. – McHenry County Board Finance and Audit Committee –

Meeting in the County Board Conference Room, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

A resolution authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Performance Grant is to be considered by the committee.

Resolution Authorizing the Sheriff to Enter into Option Year 1 of the Galls Uniform and Accessories Contract Awarded in Fiscal Year 2011

Resolution Authorizing the Reclassification of Position from a Recording Specialist

Resolution Authorizing Payment of Special Prosecutor Fees and Consulting Fees from the General Fund Fiscal Year 2013 Contingency

A Discussion - Budget Task Force Presentations

9:30 a.m. –McHenry County Board Law and Justice Committee is meeting with the Finance and Audit Committee –

The topic of discussion is a resolution authorizing entering into an agreement with The Summerill Group, LLC to assist McHenry County in negotiating a new per diem rate for housing federal detainees.

6:00 p.m. - High School District 155 Board Committees, Curriculum, Staff Development, Technology and Student Services --M

Meeting in the District Center For Education, One South Virginia Road, Crystal Lake.

6:45 p.m. Lakewood Village Board  -

Meeting in the Red Tail Golf Club, 7900 Red Tail Drive, Lakewood.

A Public Hearing is scheduled on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 which is being presented for adoption.

7:00 p.m. –Lakewood Village Board Regular Meeting.

Meeting in the same location, Red Tail Golf Club.

The Board is to approve an Ordinance for the annual budget in addition to the other matters needed for the benefit of the citizens.

Who Will Voters Choose To Fill Three MCC Slots?

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT 528

FOR TRUSTEES OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

TO SERVE A 6-YEAR TERM

(Vote for not more than THREE)

CAROL LARSON-Harvard (I)

Some candidates are being backed by money from Chicago organizations...is this what our county needs ?... Those who are controlled by a Chicago machine.? NO

 McHenry County College has ;
- Always had a balanced budget
- Green sustainability
- Proven student success
- Quality staff and Faculty
-Job ready certificates & degrees
and No Building has been approved and NO tax Hikes proposed

Experience counts …Fairness & common sense rule !
I have lived in McHenry County for over 35 years, Helped to farm for 25 years, taught science in district 200 of Woodstock for 24 , have been the president of Harvard lion's club and am a stable member of this College Board.

Forget all the mud slinging campaigns and chest beating that is going on ...remember MCC has it's reputation to speak loudly for the lives it uplifts, educates and enriches.

So , I ask for the logical vote for Carol Larson

MIKE SMITH – Lakewood

I am seeking election to the McHenry County College Board of Trustees on April 9th because I am very passionate about the institution and the vital role it plays throughout our community and for our county's stakeholders.

I started my higher education at a community college, before ultimately achieving my bachelor's degree, my MBA, and certifications as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) and AIF Analyst, while working full time and raising a family here in McHenry County.

I firmly believe that community colleges are the future of the national, state and local economies.  MCC, as an institution, should be the crown jewel of McHenry County, providing a quality education at an affordable price and developing a skilled workforce that will bring jobs to our community.  The Board needs to regain the trust and respect of taxpayers with transparency and accountability.

I have deep roots in the community, as my wife of 27 years, Erin, and I have been residents of McHenry County for over 25 years.  We owned our first home in Cary, where we lived for 5 years before buying the home in the Village of Lakewood that we have lived in for the past 20 years.

I believe I bring a unique combination of McHenry County College insight, along with a fresh perspective as a trustee.  I am entering the 4th year of my volunteer service on the Friends of MCC Foundation Board, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to private fund raising and financial support to help students build a future through scholarship opportunities.  I currently serve as the Board President, following 2 years of service as the Treasurer and Finance Committee Chairman.

I fundamentally believe that expansion plans need to involve private funding, public/private partnerships and intergovernmental agreements that align with intelligent capacity planning.  If any potential project even remotely exposes the taxpayers in our community to financial risk, it is imperative to me that the project be presented through a referendum that would require taxpayer approval.

As the President of a Registered Investment Advisory Firm (Plexus Financial Services, LLC) that specializes in the fiduciary oversight of corporate retirement plans, my firm became one of the first Investment Advisor Firms in the country to achieve the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) ISO certification.  I have the credentials and background to provide prudent oversight of the college budget and the leadership experience to make intelligent policy decisions.

This is a 6-year term and this election should not be about just one issue, experience and leadership capabilities matter.  I would consider it a privilege to serve MCC and our community in this capacity, and I am humbly requesting the support of the voters on April 9th.

ARNE WALTMIRE – McHENRY

No information available to Town Crier

WILLIAM SCOTT ALFORD – WONDER LAKE

No information available to Town Crier

MOLLY WALSH – CRYSTAL LAKE

I am running for the McHenry County College Board Trustee position because I am passionate about the mission of community colleges. I want to ensure that MCC continues to be a great resource for our community and a remarkable value for our students. I worked for twenty-two years at McHenry County College, retiring in October of 2008. I think my knowledge of MCC’s programs and history will give me a unique perspective on the Board. I have extensive volunteer involvement in our community and have demonstrated an ability to build positive relationships with community members. The College faces many critical decisions such as future expansion and making difficult fiscal choices in future budgets.  I believe that I can work with all the stakeholders (administration, faculty, staff, students and the community) in a constructive, positive manner in 

Molly Walsh

http://www.votemollywalsh.com/

www.facebook/mollywalsh4trustee

ERIK SIVERTSEN – McHENRY

No information available

THOMAS WILBECK – LAKEWOOD

A 21-year resident of McHenry County, Thomas W. Wilbeck holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Wright City College and BS Degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University.

Qualifications for this position
“I am extremely proud of both higher education degrees and I fully understand the benefits that a community college provides.

I am a “people person” with over 40 years of successful business experience in the financial services industry. My sales and sales management experience provides me with a unique set of skills that will benefit the board.

I am a trained listener; I discover needs and provide practical solutions to meet those needs. The board needs some fresh people that will represent the tax payers and provide practical leadership.

Does the college need to expand? If so, what is the best approach and how will you facilitate that growth?

The college currently has a classroom utilization rate of only 45%. The college needs to better utilize its current facilities. It does not need to expand.

I have an A.A. degree along with a B.S in accounting. I am extremely proud of both.  I fully understand the benefits that a community college provides.   I am a "people person".  I have over 40 years of successful business experience in the financial services industry.  My sales and sales management experience provides me with a unique set of skills that will benefit the board.  I am a trained listener, I discover needs, and provide practical solutions to meet those needs.  The board needs some fresh people that will represent the tax payers and provide practical leadership.

I think the use of more on line courses will result in excess classroom capacity in the future.  This excess capacity can easily be utilized to offer expansion into the health sciences.

The programs most important to students today and how the college can incorporate more of them into its current curriculum.
A recent Georgetown study indicated that 48% of all working college alumni are underemployed. Those graduates have chosen majors where there are no corresponding job openings.  MCC must counsel and guide students into classes that offer careers that are in demand.  The Georgetown study predicts the greatest employment demand over the next decade will be in information sciences, financial services, and health care. MCC should counsel and prepare students for employment in these areas.  By 2018 only 63% of jobs will require some post secondary education.

MCC must also work very closely with employers to provide courses that meet their current and future hiring needs.

How can the college use a limited budget to maximize return?  Are there options for new revenue streams?
The economy is struggling.   New revenue streams are scarce.  Tax payers can no longer be counted upon to carry this heavy burden.  The continual "tax to the max" approach is no longer sustainable.  MCC needs to utilize its current assets and resources more effectively.  The MCC administration should seek health care partners on their own and not thru a third party.  The college must have a working relationship with a health care provider that will be mutually beneficial.
What is one other issue facing the college and how would you address it?
Technology - technology - technology.  MCC must stay ahead of the curve.  Technology if used correctly, can drive down costs. 

CHRIS JENNER – CARY

In my eighth year of service on the Cary D-26 school board. I’ve been on the Policy Committee all eight years, and have been committee chair for six years. I’ve authored many “good governance” policies which will apply just as well at MCC as they have in D-26, including a policy that prohibits the district from incurring debt without voter approval.

The one year I was chair of the D-26 Finance Committee, D-26 had its first balanced budget in several years. I made tough votes to close two D-26 schools -- D-26 had overbuilt, and it was the right thing to do. I’ve taken the Illinois Attorney General’s Open Meetings Act training, and understand and have experience with Roberts Rules of Order.

Additionally, I have over 25 years of customer service and business experience, and training and experience in quality techniques such as Digital Six Sigma. I’ve been personally responsible for budgets as large as $12 million. I also have a long history of volunteer work within Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and D-26

Why I'd like to be elected
MCC is a tremendous asset for the McHenry County community. I’d be honored to contribute to MCC being all it can be. My primary prompting to run for MCC trustee is the Board’s approach to the long term $640 million expansion plan, and the $42 million health sciences facility project. It’s not at all clear either is justified, although with proper study, data, and documentation, it’s possible an expansion of lesser proportion would be needed or appropriate. Effective and efficient use of funds will make MCC’s star shine even brighter.

BARBARA WALTERS – I

CRYSTAL LAKE

Miss Walters has served McHenry County College residents since 2010 and is seeking re-election. The Town Crier was unable to make contact with her for more information.