Legislative Diabetes Caucus Formed

State Representative Mike Tryon explains, "I, along with House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and State Representative Jim Durkin (R-LaGrange) announced the formation of a bipartisan legislative Diabetes Caucus,"

The reason is diabetes is a disease that affects a growing number of Illinois families each year. Today almost 10% of Illinoisans suffer from either Type I or Type II diabetes, and this new caucus will bring a bipartisan approach to diabetes prevention, awareness and treatment.

The steering committee for the caucus includes eight members, and for most the issue of diabetes is a very personal one. Tryon says, "I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2006 and living with diabetes has been life-changing. Through my own research I have found that many Illinois families struggle to find sufficient information and resources that can help them manage symptoms and maintain a maximum quality of life. "

For Leader Cross and Representative Jim Durkin (R-LaGrange), diabetes affects family members. Both have children with Type I diabetes. Representative Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago) is also on the steering committee. She represents District 4 which includes Humboldt Park. According to Soto, Humboldt Park has been identified as the community with the highest percentage of people living with diabetes in the state.

Tryon explains that the group has been meeting regularly since January and they have been approached by many corporate and non-profit agencies that are willing to help with outreach efforts.

The steering committee’s goals include:

Seek needed legislation and evaluate filed legislation that affects people with diabetes

Promote prevention education, available treatments and public programs that assist people with diabetes

Reach out to agencies that assist people with diabetes

Engage in outreach efforts between the caucus, its supporting agencies and people who suffer from diabetes

I also want to take this opportunity to provide an update on important financial legislation that is moving through the House of Representatives.

Environmental Scholarship Available

 Each year, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County awards a scholarship to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to his/her schoolwork, the community, and the environment.

The applicant must be a resident of McHenry County, and the following must be included with the application:

•  Documentation of volunteer work for an environmental organizatio
• Two letters of recommendation, with one being from a high school teacher 
•  Grade point average from high school transcript
•  An essay on student’s goals and aspirations in regard to the environment

An application can be picked up at the Defenders’ office,

110 S Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL

, or downloaded from the Defenders’ website http://www.mcdef.org/Community_Scholarship_Application.pdf.

Completed applications must be received in the office of the Defenders by May 9, 2011. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please call the office at 815-338-0393.

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 community residents 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.

Rock Classics Come To Crystal Lake Saturday

Wearing tight white pants and some ancient Adidas sneakers, Gary Mullen brings legendary Queen front man Freddie Mercury back to life in a two-hour energy-filled concert at 7:30pm on Saturday at Raue Center For The Arts in downtown Crystal Lake. 

Fans know Queen classics such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Another One Bites the Dust” so well that these tunes are almost rock clichés.  But since few were able to see Mercury in person before he died, the chance to watch someone as talented as Mullen brings him back to life is a genuine treat.

This is no cheesy Vegas stage show.  Mullen, backed by a four-piece band, uses sophisticated lighting and an uncanny ability to connect with an audience to almost fool folks into thinking he’s the real deal.  You will be dancing in the aisles, rocking in the balcony and will have an all-around great time.  For one night only, Queen and Freddie Mercury come back to life.

Tickets are $65, $62 and $59 and can be purchased online at RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake.

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts.  Celebrating their 10th anniversary season, they are proud to provide quality programming and strive to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all.

Springtime In McHenry County

It's Spring! That means time to clean up leaves, shrubbery cuttings, and tree limbs that have collected over the winter. The first thought is to gather it together and burn it.

But in McHenry County there is a Public Health Ordinance: Open Burning of Landscape Waste. It permits residents to burn landscape waste on Saturdays and Sundays during April, May, October and November. Additionally, the burn area must meet setback requirements of at least 100 feet from a school, business, church or house; 50 feet from a barn, shed or detached garage.

Also most municipalities have ordinances which restrict or prohibit the burning of yard waste. In areas where there is not a ban, or more restrictive ordinance, the County ordinance, which is in effect year-round, must be followed.

Environmentally Sound Practices

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages a more environmentally sound approach:

• Reduce/Reuse - Use a mulching mower for grass and leaves or a chipper for branches. Native landscaping will also reduce the need for yard waste. 
• Recycle - Composting landscape waste can reduce material volume by 70 - 80% and act as a soil conditioner to improve plant growth. 
• Disposal - Licensed municipal waste haulers in McHenry County are required to provide pick up of landscape waste from residential customers; an additional fee may apply.  Some waste haulers contract with municipalities, neighbors and homeowner associations to provide collection of landscape waste. Residents are encouraged to work collectively with neighbors and associations for the most economical solution for their neighborhood. Residents may also drop off landscape waste at a local facility that composts these materials into organic compounds for reuse. A listing of these services is available at www.mcdh.info, under Environmental Health, quick link – Open Burning, “other alternatives”.

Communities with ordinances that meet or exceed County standards, as well as those with total bans on burning are also listed. Call local police, fire or MCDH non-emergency number for enforcement of open burning issues. If reporting an emergency complaint that is life threatening or is a fire safety issue, call 911. Residents may also call the health department’s after-hours phone number 815-344-7421 for assistance.

Complete details about the Ordinance and suggested alternatives are available online the Department’s webpage at www.mcdh.info or by calling 815-334-4585.

Have A Jolly April Fool's Day

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (New Year's week) to January. Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.

These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.

This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continues on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.

In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.

In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered bad luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.

In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis. This is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."

In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.

The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.

So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

Valley Hi and County Archive Building On Friday Morning Agendas

A number of matters will be handled by the McHenry County Board Public Health and Human Services Committee when it meets Friday at 8:15 a.m in the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Valley Hi Emergency Access Road

An emergency Access Road at Valley Hi Nursing Home needs to be paved and the Public Health and Human Services Committee has been requested to approve the necessary funding for the work.

According to information provided to the committee by Nursing Home Administrator, Thomas Annarella, a gravel road connects to the parking lot of the facility. The road was designed for emergency access only and is not intended for a thoroughfare. Valley Hi and Facilities Management maintained the gravel road through the year including ensuring plowing of the road in winter.

During the annual architectural/life safety code survey conducted by the State Department of Public Health last May, Valley Hi was cited for a deficiency since the road was not paved. Although an informal dispute Resolution regarding this citation was filed, it was denied. A Plan of Correction was required which was approved by the State and a request to allow the work to be done in 2011 was approved. Valley Hi is required to have the road paved by June 15, 2011.

Tobacco Free Communities Grant

The McHenry County Board of Health has been offered a $13,000 grant in added funding for the Illinois Tobacco Free Communities Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Public Health and Human Services Committee is expected to approve the acceptance of the grant.

Redistribution of Unused Grant Funding

Another grant is expected to be accepted by the committee. It includes $203,926 grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health was to cover the costs for the planning and dispensing of H1N1 Flu vaccine to residents in 2009-2010.

In 2009-2010 funds were distributed through grants to local Health Departments to carry out activities necessary to assure the public access of vaccine as provided to each county. Unused funding was returned by the local health department to the State Health Department. That agency has authority to redistribute the money based on new grant offering to address issues identified in the 2009-2010 H1N1 Pandemic Flu response.

Grant Funding For Needed Equipment and Supplies

The $203,926 grant is expected to be used to assure 24/7 vaccine temperature control at Crystal Lake and Annex B buildings, improve self scheduling soft ware, install electronic message sign at Crystal Lake building, outfit the trailer for command/vaccination capacities, purchase trailer for delivery/storage of supplies, also purchase supplies and promotional material, forms and other necessary support items. There is no county match required for the grant.

Second Committee Meeting For The Day

The Building Projects Committee of the McHenry County Board is involved in building an archive facility at what is known as the record storage facility, on property owned by the County at 15615 Nelson Road.

The committee is expected to review the project and tour the archive building when it meets Friday at 9:00 a.m. at the facility.

Opportunities To Vote Prior To Election Day

Election Day is just five days away. In case anyone wants to get their civic duty out of the way before that date, there is still time to do that. "In person" absentee voting will be conducted beginning Friday and through Monday in five locations including the offices of McHenry County Administration Building, Algonquin Township, Grafton Township, McHenry Township, and Nunda Township. Following are the schedules for voting:

McHenry County Administration Building

667 Ware Road. Conference Room A

Woodstock

Friday, April 1- from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, April 2 – from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Monday April 4 – from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

For all qualified voters of McHenry County

Algonquin Township

Algonquin Township Office

3702 Northwest Highway, Clerk's Office,

Crystal Lake

Friday, April 1 – from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Monday, April 4 - from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

For all qualified voters in Algonquin Township

Grafton Township

Huntley Park District Office

12015 Mill Street'

Huntley

Friday, April 1- from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, April 2 - from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Monday, April 4 - from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

For all qualified voters in Grafton Township

McHenry Township

McHenry Township Office

3703 N. Richmond Road

McHenry

Friday, April 1 - from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday, April 2 - from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Monday, April 4 - from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

For all qualified voters in McHenry Township

Nunda Township

Nunda Township Supervisor's Office (Annex)

3510 Bay Road

Crystal Lake

Friday, April 1 - from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturday, April 2 - from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Monday April 4 - from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

For all qualified voters in Nunda Township

Decreased Tax Collections Last Year

Census Bureau Reports State Government Tax Collections Decrease $14 Billion in 2010

"State government tax collections decreased $14.3 billion to $704.6 billion in fiscal year 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau has reported. There was a $65.8 billion decrease in 2009. These new data come from the 2010 Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections, which contains annual statistics on the fiscal year tax collections of all 50 state governments, including receipts from licenses and compulsory fees. Tax revenues also include related penalty and interest receipts of the governments. According to the survey, corporate net income tax revenue was $38.2 billion, down 6.6 percent, while tax revenue on individual income was $236.4 billion, down 4.4 percent. General sales tax revenue was $224.5 billion, down 1.8 percent. These taxes comprised 70.8 percent of all state government tax collections nationally.

This survey provides an annual summary of taxes collected by state for up to 25 tax categories. For more information about this survey, visit http://www.census.gov/govs/statetax/.

Taken from beSpacific - Accurate, focused law and technology news

http://www.bespacific.com

Environmental Scholarship Award Available.

Each year, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County awards a scholarship to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in environmental work. The $500 scholarship will be given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated a commitment to his/her schoolwork, the community, and the environment.

The applicant must be a resident of McHenry County, and the following must be included with the application:

• Documentation of volunteer work for an environmental organization
• Two letters of recommendation, with one being from a high school teacher
• Grade point average from high school transcript
• An essay on student’s goals and aspirations in regard to the environment

An application can be picked up at the Defenders’ office, 110 S Johnson St, Suite 106, Woodstock, IL, or downloaded from the Defenders’  website.

Completed applications must be received in the office of the Defenders by May 9, 2011. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please call the office at 815-338-0393.

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 community residents 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.

Manzullo Holding Hearing Thursday Afternoon On American Interests in China and Asia

House Foreign Affairs Asia & the Pacific Subcommittee Chairman Don Manzullo (R-IL) will hold a hearing at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 31, in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building, entitled “Asia Overview: Protecting American Interests in China and Asia.” The hearing will also be webcast at http://international.edgeboss.net/wmedia-live/international/60299/300_international-web_101210.asx

Members will examine the Administration’s efforts to promote American exports and assist American firms having trouble overseas.  The Chairman and CEO of Fellowes, Incorporated, will testify about the unfair business practices the firm is facing in China. 

The Subcommittee will consider resolutions expressing condolences and support to the people of New Zealand (H. Res. 139) and Japan (H. Res. 172) in the wake of their devastating earthquakes.

Hearing witnesses include:

Kurt Campbell, Assistant Secretary of State at Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

James Fellowes, Chairman and CEO at Fellowes, Inc.

Calman Cohen, President at Emergency Committee on American Trade

Michael Austin, Director of Japan Studies at American Enterprise Institute

Water--An Important Part of Life

McHenry County relies exclusively on aquifers for its drinking water. With that in mind, progressive steps in addressing the current and long-term issues with the need for providing clean drinking water is one of the issues being addressed. County Board Chairman Ken Koehler says, "The County is addressing stormwater concerns and balancing the need for growth with being stewards of the environment."

A new McHenry County website provides real-time water level data for McHenry County's observation wells and stream gauges, as well as precipitation amounts from rain gauges around the County. The recently launched United States Geological Survey's McHenry County Hydrologic website is the culmination of three years of collaboration between McHenry County, the U.S. U.S Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Illinois State Water Survey, and Illinois State Geological Survey. Data gathered from this project will be used to develop a groundwater-flow model to assist with future groundwater management decisions.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Cassandra McKinney, McHenry County Water Resources Manager, 815-334-4216 or clmckinney@co.mchenry.il.us.

Government At Work

Wednesday, March 30
9:00 A.M.-

A special joint meeting of McHenry County Development Block Grant Commission and the Housing Commission is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Wednesday in Conference Rooms A and B of the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Two presentations by applicants are scheduled including one by senior Residences of Crystal Lake LLC and Banner Funding, Inc. The second presentation scheduled concerns owner-occupied Rehabilitation Program for which the McHenry County Housing Authority is the applicant.

McHenry County Board of Health Decided Against Adopting Hospital Motions

McHenry County Board of Health decided not to take a position on either of the two proposed new hospitals being considered for location in McHenry County. Centegra Health System is planning to build a 128-bed acute care facility on the east side of Haligus Road between Algonquin Road and Reed Road at Huntley.  Mercy Crystal Lake Hospital and Medical Center is proposing to build 128-bed facility on the southeast corner of Route 31 and Three Oaks Road, Crystal Lake. Both hospital groups have facilities located in McHenry County.

The board discussed the dilemma of whether they should adopt a resolution of support for either of the two facilities or both. After discussing concerns regarding the situation and whether anyone who works for one of the facilities should be voting on a motion of support or not, the matter was resolved by removing the item from the agenda for consideration. That solved the dilemma without have to vote one way or the other.

A Public Hearing has been held for each of the two proposals which were well attended by the public with comments recorded for consideration by the group that will have to make the decision whether both hospitals are to be licensed or just one and which one or none. Consideration regarding the construction of the hospitals is scheduled to be before the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board on May 10. That Board could decide in favor of both proposals, for one or the other, or against both.

Young Man Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse of Two Small Boys

A 21-year old swim instructor has been found guilty by a McHenry County Jury of two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse resulting from the fondling of two small boys during swim lessons.

Evidence at trial, which concluded last Friday, revealed that the defendant, 21-year old Rock Burman, had touched two different boys during their swim lessons. Immediately following the lesson, one of the young boys told his father of the encounter. That disclosure led to the investigation and discovery of another victim. Neither of the boys knew each other and their disclosures regarding the abuse were almost identical

The case was investigated by Crystal Lake Police Department Detective Nystrom. Prosecution for the State was handled by State's Attorneys Jessica Carrier and Sharyl Eisenstein. Sentencing is to take place May 20.

The charge of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a Class 2 felony, carries a possible sentencing range of probation to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Burman will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Crystal Lake Area Candidates

A week from Tuesday is the official election day. Many have already voted, or will do so prior to that day. Following is a listing of candidates for the Crystl Lake area. In the past the Town Crier has obtained information from candidates for the readers' consideration. Based on the returns in the last election, it was decided not to spend time seeking that information since very few respnded.

CANDIDATES IN THE

CRYSTAL LAKE AREA

CRYSTAL LAKE CITY

MAYOR

To Serve A 4-Year Term

Aaron T. Shepley-I

For Council Members

 (Vote for not more than THREE)

To Serve a 4-Year Term

Brett Hopkins-I           

Ellen M. Brady-Mueller-I

Cathy Ferguson-I

______________________________

VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD

To Serve A 4-Year Term

(Vote for not more than THREE)

J. Carl Davis I (Independent)

Gary D. Sexson II (Independent)

Kenneth M. Santowski I (Independent)

To Serve An Unexpired 2-Year Term

 (Vote for ONE)

Jeffrey Iden (Independent)

Julie Richardson I (Independent)

___________________________________

VILLAGE OF PRAIRIE GROVE

To Serve A 4-Year Term

(Vote for not more than THREE)

Michael E. Breseman I (Independent)

W. Randal "Randy" Baudin II I (Independent)

Write-In____________________________

_____________________________________

CRYSTAL LAKE PARK DISTRICT

For Park Commissioners

To Serve a 4-Year Term

(Vote for not more than THREE)

Paul Myers

Richard C. Passavant

Larry R. Wheeler

_______________________________________

SCHOOLS

PRAIRIE GROVE CONSOLIDATED

SCHOOL DISTRICT 46

For Members Of The Board Of Education

To Serve A Full 4-Year Term

(Vote for THREE)

Khushaliz Shah

Lori McConville

Write-In___________________________

________________________________________

CRYSTAL LAKE COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED

SCHOOL DISTRICT 47

(Vote for THREE)

Robert Fetzner

Nancy L. Gonsiorek-I

Ryan Farrell

Carlo A. Agnello

__________________________________________

COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 155

Voter Instruction: More that 15%, but less than 30% of the taxable property of this high school district is located in the unincorporated territory of the district, therefore, at least one board members hall be a resident of the unincorporated areas.

ON THE BASIS OF EXISTING BOARD MEMBERSHIP, MEMBERS MAY BE ELECTED FROM ANY AREA OR AREAS.

FOR MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

TO SERVE A FULL 4-YEAR TERM

(Vote for THREE)

Barbara J. Slusin-I

Karen K. Whitman-I

James Nelson-I

_________________________________________

MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE

DISTRICT 528

FOR TRUSTEES OF THE

COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

TO SERVE A 6-YEAR TERM

 (Vote for TWO)

Linda Liddell

Robert J. DeWitt-I

Gordon Tebo

Cynthia Kisser

Robert S. Jackson

Erik Siversten

Darren Fortin

George Lowe-I

Still Time To Register To Vote

Anyone who is not registered to vote in the upcoming election, still has today and Tuesday to do so. The deadline to register to vote was March 8. However, state law provides a "Grace Period" for people to register. That "Grace Period" ends Tuesday, March 29.

Individuals may register in-person during normal office hours at the clerk's office, County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Room 107, Woodstock. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

People who register to vote at this time must vote in the County Clerk's Office at the time they register to vote.

Eligibility to vote requires a person to be a US citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, and a resident of the precinct for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. Two forms of ID are necessary both with their name and one with their current address.

More information about this final Grace Period registration is available by contacting the County Clerk's office, 815-334-4242.

McHenry County Board of Health Meets Monday Evening

The McHenry County Board of Health is meeting Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the offices located in Annex A, of the McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. A number of contracts are to be accepted including one for Breast and Cervical Cancer Program amendment, as well as HIV Testing and Prevention.

Resolutions are to be discussed for the two proposed hospitals in McHenry County including Mercy Hospital at Crystal Lake and Centegra Hospital at Huntley.

Not Just Politics As Usual--Class War Comes To The US

An open discussion titled “Not Just Politics as Usual—Class War Comes to the U.S.” is taking place Tuesday March 29, 7:00 p.m. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock (UUCW), 221 Dean Street is the location.  The program is a public educational offering of the congregation’s Social Justice Committee.

The discussion will be led and facilitated by Patrick Murfin, a lifelong social activist for peace, civil rights, labor and other causes.  He was an active member of the Industrial Workers of the World, the legendary radical industrial union founded in Chicago in 1905.   He served as organizer, General Secretary Treasurer, editor of the Industrial Worker, and co-authored with Fred Thompson "The IWW:  Its First Seventy Years, 1905-1975."

As a member of the Woodstock congregation since 1991 Murfin collaborated with the Rev. Dan Larsen on numerous social justice projects and was a co-founder and Executive Director of the annual Diversity Day Festival in Woodstock.  A member of the Democratic Party of McHenry County, Murfin has served as Vice Chair, Chair after the death of the incumbent, and secretary.  He has run unsuccessfully for Crystal Lake City Council, the McHenry County Board, and Nunda Township Trustee.  Murfin has maintained his blog, "Heretic, Rebel, a Thing to Flout" since 2006.  The opinions he may express during the discussion do not necessarily reflect the views and positions of either the UUCW or McHenry County Democrats.

Murfin says that the discussion arises from a pattern of events unfolding across the nation, “In Congress, in state after state, an unprecedented assault on the lives and wellbeing of ordinary working people has been unleashed under the cover of faux populism.  Backed by powerful interests with unlimited resources, an unparalleled media operation of their own, and an otherwise acquiescent media, gains long thought secure, are under fire in a brilliantly coordinated campaign.  In the cross hairs are not only unionized workers but women, minorities, immigrants, the disabled, the elderly, and the children.  A tiny plutocracy wins at the expense of the rest of us.  And when people have the audacity to complain they are charged with waging class war.  The questions are:  "How can people best respond?  Are the conventional tools of politics, petition, and “respectful protest” enough?”

After brief opening words to introduce the topic, Murfin will moderate an open discussion with all points of view welcome as long as discourse remains civil.  The event is free and open to the public.

Many Choices For Voters

Choices for McHenry County voters in the upcoming election include candidates in 33 municipalities; five park districts; 13 library districts. 22 school districts, including elementary grades through high school; four community college boards; four Regional Board of School Trustees; nine Fire Protection Districts; one Fire/rescue District; one Waterway District; six Propositions for voters to consider.

Not all voters will be making decisions on all of these. Only those voters who reside in a municipality will vote on those boards; not all voters reside in the boundaries of a park district; or a library district. All voters reside in at least one school district. Some reside in two school districts-an elementary district as well as a high school district. Most of the voters do reside in a community college district.

All voters reside in a Regional Board of School Trustees. Also, not all voters reside in a fire protection district.

Additionally, there are six propositions to be considered, but not all voters are to make a deicison on these. The Village of  Fox River Grove and City of Harvard are seeking voter approve to arrange for the supply of electricity to residential and small commecial retail customers who have not opted out of such programs. This is said to be a reduction in costs.

Village of Lakemoor is seeking voter approval to amend the Municipal Code to limit the number of consecutive terms which one person may serve as trustee or President of the Village Board.  

The City of McHenry is asking voter approval to appoint a City Treasurer.

High School Distdrict 156 (McHenry) is seeking voter approval to issue $8 million in bonds for a working cash fund.

NOTE: Usually the Town Crier has dedicated an issue on information regarding candidates in the election. Based on the few returns from candidates in the last election, we have decided not to spend the time on that project.

However, if any candidate would like to provide information about themselves and why they are seeking election, we will provide an outlet. It should be noted that the Town Crier has gone to publication on the internet instead of the prior practice using e-mail.