Words of Wisdom

"The great desideratum in Government is, so to modify the sovereignty as that it may be sufficiently neutral between different parts of the Society to controul one part from invading the rights of another, and at the same time sufficiently controuled itself, from setting up an interest adverse to that of the entire Society."

 --James Madison, letter to Thomas Jefferson, 1787

A Disaster Diverted

A terrorism suspect has been arrested in an FBI sting operation near the U.S. Capitol while planning to detonate what he thought were explosives.

U.S. Capitol Police say their officers and FBI officials arrested the man today in a sting operation.

‘

Two people briefed on the matter told Associated Press the FBI has had the man under surveillance around the clock for several weeks.

Although officials say the man was not believed to have any known connections to al Qaida, he was canvassing the U.S. Capitol with violent intentions. It is not clear whether he is a U.S. citizen.

It is reported that the man thought undercover FBI agents were actually associates of al Qaida.

Words of Wisdom

"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread."

 --Thomas Jefferson

Proposed Legislation To Repeal Tax Increase

On January 13th, 2011, State Representative Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) introduced House Bill 5828 that will repeal the tax increase.

“While other states have been cutting taxes and creating jobs, Democrats in Illinois decided to pass a massive tax increase on families and businesses,” said Gaffney.  “While our financial problems started long before this, the number one culprit keeping us from recovery is the irresponsible tax increase.  It must be repealed immediately.”

Democrat Governor Pat Quinn signed multiple tax increases with the lowest possible number of votes required for the bill to become law.  As a result, the state income tax rate increased by 66% and the corporate income tax rate rose from 7.3% to 9.5%.  Illinois now has the third highest corporate income tax in the nation and companies are already emigrating from the State. 

HB 5828 aims to:

• Roll back the personal income tax rate to 3% from 5%
• Roll back the corporate income tax rate to 4.8% from 7%
• Removes the provision that limits the net loss carryover deduction to $100,000 for any taxable year ending on or after December 31, 2012 and prior to December 31, 2014
• Repeals Illinois’ estate tax

“With Illinois hemorrhaging jobs, there is some momentum to repeal the corporate tax increase,” said Gaffney.  “We must not stop there. While families are hurting and their incomes are dwindling, government cannot take more money from everyday citizens if we want to get our economy back on the right track.”

Government At Work

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 –

10:00 am – Senior Services Grant Commission –

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

An update on the 2011 projects and accomplishments is to be presented followed by a presentation by the McHenry County Division of Transportation on Senior Transit.

Discussion is slated to be held on update of Senior Service Grant Commission Strategic Plan for 2013 and the meeting times and tentative schedule for meetings in 2013

Words of Wisdom

"Taxes should be continued by annual or biennial reenactments, because a constant hold, by the nation, of the strings of the public purse is a salutary restraint from which an honest government ought not wish, nor a corrupt one to be permitted, to be free.

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Wayles Eppes, 1813

Legislation To Repeal Obamacare Mandate

Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) joined his colleagues at a Capitol Hill news conference today to highlight legislation he co-sponsored to repeal an unconstitutional Obamacare mandate that would violate the conscience rights of religious institutions.

The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179) would amend Obamacare to preserve conscience rights for religious institutions, health care providers, and small employers who pay for health care coverage. The legislation is endorsed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Right to Life Committee, Americans United for Life, and other organizations

“This most recent Obamacare mandate is deeply troubling and patently unconstitutional,” Manzullo said. “Over the past several weeks, we’ve all heard the contradictory rhetoric from this administration and the so-called ‘compromise’ that was offered. 

 The compromise is a thinly-veiled version of the discredited original policy, dressed up to look like something else.  At the end of the day, it remains a serious violation of religious freedom. No one should ever be forced by the government to carry out policies that violate their conscience rights.”

Bishop Thomas Doran of the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois, was alarmed by the attack on religious liberty and shared his thoughts on the mandate with his parishioners on Jan. 28, 2012:

“We cannot—we will not—comply with this unjust law. People of faith cannot be made second class citizens. We are already joined by our brothers and sisters of all faiths and many others of good will in this important effort to regain our religious freedom. Our parents and grandparents did not come to these shores to help build America’s cities and towns, its infrastructure and institutions, its enterprise and culture, only to have their posterity stripped of their God given rights. In generations past, the Church has always been able to count on the faithful to stand up and protect her sacred rights and duties. I hope and trust she can count on this generation of Catholics to do the same. Our children and grandchildren deserve nothing less.”

Free Tax Help At MCC

McHenry County College will host free tax assistance for those who qualify through April 14 (excluding March 25-April 1 spring break week).  Hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in Room A102 and A106 at the college, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic prepares tax returns for individuals or households with incomes less than $50,000.

All tax forms will be provided. Participants should bring the following: valid photo ID for main taxpayer on tax return, Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letters for all those reported on the tax return, all 2011 W2s and other income/expense documents, copy of last year’s tax return, if available, and bank account information for direct deposits.

Additional Services include opening up checking and savings accounts in order to get the direct deposit refund in 10 days and financial aid assistance. Trained staff will help individuals complete the FAFSA form with the completion of the tax return.

Government At Work

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 16 –

8:30 a.m. – Planning & Development Committee –

Meeting in  the County Board Office, County Administrative Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

Among the agenda items for this committee meeting, is an Ordinance Amending Article 10, School developer Donation Requirements of the McHenry County Subdivision Ordinance to include the Annual “CPI” Adjustment.

The adjustment being made in the ordinance relates that the “fair market value” of improved land in and surrounding the County is $130,357 as the new figure used for determining the cash contribution in lieu of land for school purposes. The prior figure used was $127,676.

6:15 p.m. -- Crystal Lake Park District Personnel and Policy Committee –

Meeting in the Park District Office, One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

The committee will review Employee Service Recognition Program and also review IMRF sick day service credit vs. payout model and the IMRF pension dollar model

The General Practice Manual, Policy Manual, Personnel Policy Manual are also to be considered.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners –

Meeting in the Park District Office as listed above.

Four groups are seeking use of park district facilities for fund raising events. The Andrea Lynn Cancer Fund has requested to host its fourth annual 5K Run/Walk event at Lippold Pak on Sunday, October 24.

Chicago Juniors Rowing Championship Regatta is requesting permission to host the seventh annual Chicago area Juniors Rowing Championships Regatta on Crystal Lake, Saturday, May 5. This will entail the use of Main Beach facility, parking lot, boat launch and grounds.

The Crystal Lake Rowing Club Juniors Scrimmage Request is being made to host two rowing scrimmages on Crystal Lake on Saturday, April 14. Use of Main Beach facility, parking lots, boat launch and grounds are included in the request.

West Beach Project Update

A review of the West Beach project construction budget along with the project schedule will be presented to the Board for consideration. Various components of the project will go to bid in March 2012 with a final price to be approved in May 2012 and construction to begin August 1. The construction project is expected to be completed in March 2013.

Other unfinished business for the Board includes employee policy manual revisions the board is to consider for approval.

The Commissioners are also being asked to approve the low bid submitted by MBR for the Racket Club Ceiling Renovations for a low bid price of $44,900. This is for four sections of the ceiling. 

A Sign Of The Times

Gallup - Fewer Americans Have Employer-Based Health Insurance

"Fewer Americans got their health insurance from an employer in 2011 (44.6%) than in 2010 (45.8%), continuing the downward trend Gallup and Healthways have documented since 2008.

As employer-based health insurance has declined, the percentage of Americans who are uninsured has increased, rising to 17.1% this year, the highest seen since 2008.

The 25.2% of Americans who had government health insurance -- Medicare, Medicaid, or military/veterans' benefits -- is unchanged from 2010, but remains slightly elevated compared with 2008 and 2009 levels.

The percentage of Americans who report they receive healthcare through some other means, which would include buying their own coverage, has been stable over the past four years. Two factors appear to be driving up the percentage of uninsured Americans. First, more Americans were unemployed or underemployed in 2011 than in 2008. Second, fewer employees had health insurance from their employer, which may be because employers no longer offered it or the cost was too high for employees to afford."

history of Women's Reproductive Rights

THIS MORNING 11:30-12:45 -- MCC Employee Dining Room

This event, sponsored by the Student Peace Action Network and the College Democrats will begin with an overview of the United Nations CEDAW, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

Guest speakers Kathy Clark, Elaine Whalen, and Mary Ewert will discuss the History of Women’s Reproductive Rights in the United States, and then specifically McHenry County.

Discussion will follow the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.

Words of Wisdom

"The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it."

 --James Wilson, Of the Study of Law in the United States, 1790

Government At Work

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

8:15 a.m. –Transportation Committee—

Meeting in the McHenry Count Division of Transportation Building, 16111 Nelson Road, Woodstock,

The agenda calls for presentations on 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Update and Pavement Preservation Program.

Following these, several resolutions are being presented. One is for approval of an engineering services agreement and appropriating funds for construction materials testing.

A second resolution is to authorize amendments to a prior resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State for the Dunham Road Township Bridge project and appropriation the necessary funds.

A third resolution is to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois for the Hill Road Township Bridge Project and appropriating the funds.

An update is scheduled to be provided o Randall Road Public Hearing.

Also Transportation Department Staff member Bob Westman is to be recognized for 25 years of service.

An IDOT representative is scheduled to provide project implementation information.

7:30 p.m. –Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning Commission—

Meeting in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

Gala Event, 1275 Randall Road, is seeking a special use permit for outside storage of trucks at the location.

Go 24-7 Fitness, 141 North Main Street is seeking a variation from the required 34 parking spaces to allow the existing parking in the existing condition for this 24-hour physical fitness center in the Crystal Lake downtown area. 

McHenry County State's Attorney Takes Legal Action Against Street Gangs

Gangs continue to survive, ever present in our streets, parks and schools. McHenry County State’s Attorney Louise I. Bianchi is using a strong tool to combat the existence of street gangs and thwart gang-related criminal activity.

Bianchi announced today that his office has filed a civil lawsuit against the Latin Kings street gang under the Illinois Street Gang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

While the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office has previously prosecuted individual gang members, this initiative seeks to destroy the infrastructure of the gang and promote zero tolerance of gang-related activity.

The Act, passed in 1993 by the Illinois General assembly, recognizes that the activities of street gangs operating throughout Illinois present a clear and present danger to public order and safety; a danger which no society should be required to endure without recourse.

This injunctive lawsuit is a strong tool to combat the existence of street gangs and thwart gang-related criminal activity. The lawsuit seeks to classify Latin Kings members as members of a “street gang,” as defined by the Act, and seeks to stop identified gang members from associating with each other, possessing or discharging firearms, using, possessing, delivering or manufacturing illegal or controlled substances, directing or participating in assaults and batteries, and applying gang graffiti to public or private property. In addition to injunctive relief, monetary damages, and any other relief considered equitable and proper by the court are sought.

The McHenry County State’s Attorney would like to thank the City of Harvard, and all Harvard Police detectives, officers, and staff for their dedication to public safety, hard work, preparation, and cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s Office. We hope that this collaboration will encourage further cooperation amongst various law enforcement and community agencies to bring an end to street gangs in our communities. 

Presentation At MCC On Montgomery Bus Boycott

National award-winning storyteller, historian and former Teacher of the Year Barry Bradford will lead two presentations about the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott from 9:30-11 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Luecht Conference Center at McHenry County College. The college is located at 8900 U.S. Highway 14 in Crystal Lake.

Learn about Rosa Parks’ brave decision to challenge the segregation of buses in Alabama on Dec. 1, 1955 and the controversy surrounding her bold actions.  Bradford will bring the unexpected, unforgettable and ultimately uplifting events of the Civil Rights Movement alive through historic film clips, fascinating anecdotes and theatrical storytelling.  Through his presentation, discover the truth about Rosa Parks and the year that made Martin Luther King, Jr. a household name.

Admission is free and open to the public.  Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs) are available for teachers.  Advanced registration is not required, but large groups should contact Kristine Emrich at (815) 479-7570 to reserve seats.  For more information, call (815) 479-7570 or email conferencecenter@mchenry.edu.

Words of Wisdom

"Another not unimportant consideration is, that the powers of the general government will be, and indeed must be, principally employed upon external objects, such as war, peace, negotiations with foreign powers, and foreign commerce. In its internal operations it can touch but few objects, except to introduce regulations beneficial to the commerce, intercourse, and other relations, between the states, and to lay taxes for the common good. The powers of the states, on the other hand, extend to all objects, which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, and liberties, and property of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the state."

--Joseph Story, Commentaries on the Constitution, 1833

Death By Smoking Still Shockingly High

An interesting piece of information found in www.Opednews.com

By Josh Mitteldorf

Smoking in public has declined dramatically since social acceptance changed, and gradually state laws followed in the 1990s and 2000s. The overall smoking rate in the United States is only half what it was in 1950. 

Time to declare victory and move on to other issues? ...maybe not.  Tobacco is still killing Americans in shockingly high numbers.  

The World Health Organization of the United Nations has just released a report analyzing the effect of tobacco use on death rates around the world.

 Despite the fact that smoking is more prevalent and better-accepted in other countries, the USA has the world's highest death rates from smoking. 23% of all deaths in America can be traced to smoking, compared to 5% in France and 12% in Japan, both of which have higher smoking rates and lower rates of mortality overall. 

Government At Work

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14—

8:30 a.m. –Human Resources Committee, McHenry County Board—

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

A presentation is scheduled to be made regarding National Career Readiness Certificate by the Workforce Investment Board.

The Committee is to discuss take home vehicles, and hear a report from the Human Resources Director.

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

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

The Committee is to consider four resolutions including;

Authorizing the Acceptance of 2011 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Award

Authorizing the acceptance of a Child Passenger Safety Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation in the amount of $7,375.

Authorizing acceptance of a modification to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Grant and an appropriation

Authorizing acceptance of a $18,000 Grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health

Authorizing the Acceptance of the State of Illinois Emergency Management Citizen Corps Council Grant Program.

Other matters to come before the committee include the auditor’s report and contingency reports.

11:00 a.m. – Liquor and License Commission

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

A number of raffle permits are being requested by:

Cary-Grove Rotary

St. Peter’s Catholic Church – for Feb. 25 and another for July 29

Zamindar Club, Inc.

McHenry County Chapter of Pheasants Forever

Liberty Elementary PTO

McHenry County Historical Society

Crystal Lake Montessori School Parent Group

Special Liquor License Requests include:

Harvard Sportsmen’s Club for Feb. 26 and April 20 of this year.

The committee will hear incident reports and update on sting operations as applicable.

7:00 p.m. – Lakewood Village Board

Meeting in the Turnberry Country Club, 9600 Turnberry Trail, Lakewood.

In addition to considering approval of minutes for previous board meetings and approval of bill lists, and financial statements, an ordinance authorizing the sale or disposal of personal property owned by the Village is to be presented.

Also, approval is being request of the board for an ordinance amending the fees of the Lakewood Municipal Code, establishing Golf Course Rates for RedTail Golf Club for the 2012 Season.

A request for approval of a resolution is being presented for Maintenance of streets and highways by the Municipality under the Illinois Highway Code.

Another Ordinance is being presented for Board approval, authorizing execution of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and restrictions for RedTail Golf Club Property.

Committee Meeting Change For Crystal Lake Park Board

A change in the meeting date and time for Crystal Lake Park District Board Personnel and Policy Committee has been made from this evening at 7:00 p.m. to Thursday evening at 6:15 pm. The location is the Park District offices, at One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake. 

Nominations Wanted For "Spirit Award"

In celebration of National Public Health Week (April 2-8), McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will accept nominations from the public for its 7th annual Spirit of Public Health Awards.  The deadline is Friday, March 30. 

This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today”. The Spirit Award acknowledges individuals who are committed to making their community healthy but may not be recognized for their efforts.  Examples of past winners include –

• Raising awareness for a chronic illness
• Community service to needy children
• Recycling efforts at a clinic
• Role model for teens against tobacco use
• Devotion to animal welfare at a local shelter
• Helping seniors with home repairs to keep them safe
• Providing mental health/pet therapy for at-risk youth

 Nominations should be in short story format (a limit of 100 words) and can be submitted by email (daquackenbush@co.mchenry.il.us), fax (815-334-4635) or mail (McHenry County Dept of Health, Attn: Spirit Awards, 2200 N Seminary Avenue, Woodstock IL 60098). 

A flyer for the Spirit Awards is posted on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info along with winners from previous years. Spirit Award recipients and their nominators will be invited to attend the MCDH Public Health Breakfast on April 16 at the McHenry County Government Center in Woodstock. 

Please direct questions to Debra Quackenbush, Community Information Coordinator/PIO at 815-334-4456 or daquackenbush@co.mchenry.il.us. 

Words of Wisdom

"No government, any more than an individual, will long be respected without being truly respectable; nor be truly respectable, without possessing a certain portion of order and stability."

 --James Madison

Government At Work

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 –

8:30 a.m. – Management Services Committee—

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

The agenda calls for an update on Art, communications from committees and commissions, a discussion on Agenda Management/Webstreaming Services and the next steps.

This topic was thoroughly discussed at the recent County Board meeting. There are some feelings that it is a waste of funding to do webstreaming of County Board meetings. However, it has been explained that the process provides more than just Webstreaming of the meeting. It provides agenda management which cuts down on the time spent filing the necessary documents for the County Board.

6:00 p.m. – Buildings & Grounds Committee of High School District 155 Board --

Meeting at Cary Grove High School, Cary. The committee is slated to tour the Cary-Grove auditorium as well as view a presentation from the Cary-Grove Fine Arts Foundation.

7:00 p.m. – Joint Meeting of two Crystal Lake Public Library Board committees – Planning and Public Relations Committees – will meet in the Ames Room at the Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 Paddock Street, Crystal Lake.

Congress Established Lincoln's Birthday As A Legal Holiday

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 –

Lincoln’s Birthday-considered a holiday in some states including Illinois. The Courts in Woodstock are closed. However, County Board committee meetings are being held. Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809.

A Buffalo druggist made it is life mission to honor the slain president and repeatedly petitioned Congress to establish Lincoln’s birthday as a legal holiday.

The day is marked by traditional wreath-laying ceremonies at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, Hodgenville, Kentucky and at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

Since that event in 1922, observances continue to be organized by the Lincoln Birthday National Commemorative Committee. Observances are also organized by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). A wreath is laid on behalf of the President of the United States, a custom also carried out at the grave sites of all US presidents on their birthdays. Lincoln’s tomb is in Springfield, IL.

Congressman Manzullo Gains Supporters For His New District Area

Congressman Don Manzullo (IL-16) gained another major conservative supporter Monday when the Illinois Tea Party endorsed him for re-election to Congress.

“In our opinion, Don is the true fiscal conservative in this race,” announced Barb Offill, President of the Iroquois County TEA Party.  “Don is an ethical man and a passionate conservative who always votes in-line with his values.  His 19 years of experience in manufacturing, creating jobs, cutting wasteful spending, and reducing the deficit in Washington is a strength.  He hasn’t been named ‘Mr. Fix it’ for nothing, the Congressman just gets things done in Washington.”

Currently McHenry County is included in the 16^th District. However, with new redistricting taking effect for the upcoming March 20 election, Manzullo will no longer be representing McHenry County. That is not his choice, but the decision of those in charge of the recent redistricting.

McHenry County will be included in two Congressional Districts. Algonquin Township is included in the Sixth District while the remainder of the County is included in the 14^th District. 

Words of Wisdom

"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph."

--Thomas Paine