Libertarians Have Different Opinion Than Tea Party Members

Libertarian Party Executive Director Carla Howell is quoted in the current issue of the New American which suggests that many Tea Party members remain unaware of Republican Mitt Romney's voting record (as well as that of Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich) - all Big Government:

Carla Howell pointed out, "The Massachusetts state budget was $22.7 billion a year when (Romney) took office in January of 2003. When he left office four years later, it was over $25.7 billion — plus another $2.2 billion in spending that the legislature took 'off budget.' (Romney never reminds us of this fact.) The net effect of budgets proposed and signed into law by Mitt Romney? An additional $5.2 billion in state spending — and a similar increase in new taxes. Every year.”

2012 Libertarian candidates for federal office, and especially the eventual Libertarian presidential nominee, have a huge opportunity to inform voters of how Republicans and Democrats are equally guilty of reckless, dangerous high government spending.

According to Ms. Howell, "Libertarian candidates will offer Tea Party enthusiasts and voters everywhere a real choice for much lower government spending, lower taxes and a more stable dollar - all conditions that promote private sector job growth."

Tree Removal For Johnsburg Road

The McHenry County Division of Transportation is announcing the beginning of tree removal necessary for the Johnsburg Road improvement project.  The removal of trees along the project is needed in order to accommodate utility relocations in preparation for the roadwork for Johnsburg Road. 

Tree removal will begin next week and is expected to take one month to finish.  All work is expected to be completed with minimal traffic delays and flaggers will be present when crews are working near the road.

The Johnsburg Road Improvement Project is being undertaken by the McHenry County Division of Transportation.  The overall project will provide a three lane road between Illinois Route 31 and Chapel Hill Road, one travel lane in each direction with a continuous center turn lane.

 The project also includes two new traffic signals at the Riverside Drive and Spring Grove Road intersections as well as a modern roundabout at the Chapel Hill Road / St. Johns Avenue intersection.  Additional improvements will include lowering the hill west Riverside Drive and adding decorative enhancements such as lighting, new sidewalks, brick paver accents, benches and other amenities in downtown Johnsburg.

The road construction portion of this project is anticipated to go out for bid later this year.

To obtain the latest project information

 Visit the project website: www.johnsburgroad.com

Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnsburg-Road-Improvements.

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnsburgRoad

Words of Wisdom

"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government."

 --Thomas Jefferson, letter to The Republican Citizens of Washington County, Maryland, 1809

Nominations Sought For Spirit of Public Health Awards

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

"The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Abigail Adams, 1787

Rockford Postal Service Not Moving -- Further Study Underway

While announcing the closure of six other Illinois sorting centers today as part of a nationwide consolidation effort, the Postal Service singled out Rockford for further review and said it is widening the study to include possible consolidations with the sorting centers at Carol Stream and Palatine. 

In addition, U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahue has accepted Manzullo’s invitation to come to Rockford to view operations personally. A date for the visit is pending.

“While we are not out of the woods yet, it is a huge victory that Rockford was not on the closing list today,” Manzullo said. “Rockford was singled out for further study because moving mail sorting operations to Wisconsin – and delaying delivery to eight northern Illinois counties – did not make economic sense. It wouldn’t save any money, especially considering the high efficiency of the Rockford workers. It’s a message more than 600 citizens and I delivered at the public hearing in Rockford on Jan. 5, and it obviously caused the postal officials to have second thoughts.

“I thank the postal service for heeding our concerns, stepping back, and taking another look at this. As the postal service embarks on yet another consolidation study, you can rest assured that I will be monitoring the situation closely with the top postal officials in Washington, DC. In addition, I just learned that U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe has accepted my invitation to come to Rockford and view operations firsthand. We are working on dates for the visit.”

At the Jan. 5 public meeting, Manzullo presented USPS officials with resolutions of support approved on very short notice by 18 communities in northern Illinois. The closure of the Rockford sorting center would delay mail delivery to the eight counties served by zip codes beginning with 610 and 611. Those counties include Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, JoDaviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Lee, and Ogle.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

.A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM OVER SOUTHERN IL WILL CONTINUE TO TRACK ACROSS THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY THIS EVENING.IN ASSOCIATION WITH A STRONG UPPER LEVEL DISTURBANCE WHICH WILL MOVE FROM WESTERN IOWA INTO THE WESTERN GREAT LAKES REGION BY EARLY FRIDAY MORNING.

AS THIS OCCURS.AN AREA OF RAIN &;MIXED RAIN & WET SNOW ACROSS FAR NORTHERN  IL WILL EXPAND & INCREASE IN INTENSITY THIS EVENING CHANGING TO ALL SNOW FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST THROUGH LATE EVENING.

SNOW WILL BECOME HEAVY AT TIMES.ESPECIALLY IN THE HOURS JUST AFTER CHANGEOVER.& MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY THUNDER. THIS ENHANCED BAND OF SNOW WILL BE THE MOST FAVORED LOCATION FOR HIGHER SNOWFALL AMOUNTS IN THE 6 TO 7 INCH RANGE. AND AT THIS TIME IT APPEARS THAT AREAS FROM LEE & OGLE COUNTIES EAST INTO DEKALB, KANE, DUPAGE, NORTHERN COOK & SOUTH LAKE COUNTIES MAY HAVE THE GREATEST RISK OF SEEING HEAVIER BANDED SNOW FROM MID EVENING INTO THE OVERNIGHT HOURS.

THE SNOW WILL GRADUALLY TAPER FROM WEST TO EAST ACROSS THE AREA LATE TONIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING.

"Setting Priorities" Topic For Upcoming Shah Center Breakfast

Shah Center Breakfast Series to Feature “Setting Priorities” Topic March 16

Explore how successful leaders get results. Join McHenry County College’s Shah Center at its breakfast series, "Start@Shah" from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 16 featuring the Center for Creative Leadership topic, “Setting Priorities: Aligning Values for Results.”

This event will be facilitated by Catherine Jones, executive director of the Shah Center. Jones will reveal that by recognizing how values motivate decision making, leaders can proactively identify the trade-offs and potential consequences of their decisions. She will talk about how value alignment drives increased productivity by linking priorities and performance measures.

The Start@Shah breakfast events take place at 7:30 a.m. on the third Friday of the month. Cost is $35.  Use course ID: NTL S92 003 when registering. This breakfast series is held at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. For more information or to register, contact the Shah Center at (815) 455-8593  or shahcenter@mchenry.edu.

Representative Tryon Reports On Governor's Annual Budget Address

Yesterday Governor Quinn presented his annual budget address, and while I was impressed with the importance he placed on vital issues like reforming Medicaid and Pensions, I was really disappointed to hear that once again Governor Quinn has provided very few details for implementation of a plan. Rather than speak of specifics for how Medicaid and Pension costs can be reigned in, he made reference to committees and working groups that will explore efficiencies in those areas of the budget.

In January of 2011, the General Assembly took steps to address the escalating costs of Illinois’ Medicaid programs, and bipartisan provisions were approved as Public Act 96-1501. This new law would have led to the savings of hundreds of millions of dollars by reducing fraud and by providing improved coordination of care.

The law included common sense provisions to ensure eligibility, such as requiring one month’s worth of pay stubs, and proof of Illinois residency. Quinn’s administration has refused to implement those reforms, claiming the provisions are prohibited under the federal Affordable Care Act. Ordinary protocol is to file a waiver request, a step that many other states have taken to reign in Medicare costs and reduce fraud.

So before passing new Medicaid reforms I would first suggest that Governor Quinn and his administration fully implement those laws passed by the General Assembly last year.

An analysis of the budget speech shows that Governor Quinn wants to increase spending next year by 2.1%, mainly in the areas of funding for early childhood programs and scholarships for college-bound students.

 He has also shown support of an initiative to shift some of the state’s pension liability onto the backs of local school districts. I fear this shift would result in hefty tax increases at local levels and possibly large layoffs of teachers. It appears to be an attempt to shift the burden without addressing the root problem of pension costs.

In his address, Governor Quinn also announced his intention to close 14 major state facilities, including the supermax prison in Tamms, a maximum security prison in Dwight and six halfway houses for inmates nearing the end of their incarcerations.  Two juvenile detention centers were also included on his list of closures, as were mental health centers in Tinley Park and Rockford, and developmental disability facilities in Jacksonville and Centrailia.

While I favor consolidation where efficiencies of operation can be obtained, I would like to see the research that led the governor to believe that the 14 facilities should be closed. I would also like to see the transitional plans that ensure that vulnerable segments of our population will continue to receive the services they require.

Overall, I left the speech with more questions than answers.  Illinois will never get its finances in order until we start spending less money than we take in. Governor Quinn needs to show some leadership on this issue, and as budget discussions move through both chambers of the General Assembly, I will be expecting to see numbers that show Illinois is going to live within its means.

I will continue to update you on issues as they move through the legislative process, and as always, if my staff or I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call my Crystal Lake office at 815-459-6453.

MCC Board Meets This Evening

McHenry County College is in the initial stages of expanding the present campus to meet the needs of current and future students. Another report was presented to the Board this past week on architectural firm suggests for expansions.

Concerns noted on expanding the campus include such as the length of time it requires to travel from a parked vehicle to class, locating similar classes in one location, traffic, as well as overall view of the area.

One item not included is a residential area for students, since this is a community college and residential areas for students are not needed. This is a topic that has come up from an unknown source that the area surrounding the college was to be considered for student residence.

Based on the 1968 plans for the college district formation and the authority from the State for the college, McHenry County College was never considered to be a residence college.

We have also listened to discussion regarding the area at Crystal Lake Planning Commission meetings and never heard anything mentioned regarding placing student residence area around Lucas Road. 

There may be some changes made regarding the entrance to the College and the location of the smaller parking lot immediately in front of the building. However, none of this has been finalized at this point.

MCC Board Meeting This Evening

The College Board will hear a presentation this evening when it meets at 6:30 p.m. for a regular monthly meeting. The presentation by Leanne Meyer-Smith of Wright & Company, the firm retained to handle design work for the expansion of the campus is one of many that will be provided the board as plans proceed for campus expansion.

Another presentation being provided board members relates to the structure of the McHenry County College Foundation. Bill Brennan, Executive Director of the Foundation is scheduled to provide the presentation.

Necessary Costs To Operate The College

College personnel are continually seeking ways to save money for the operation of the college. One matter in this category to be considered by the Board is the purchase of Natural Gas through an Energy Service Agreement. The College has had an energy service agreement with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. since October 2006.  Total usage for the College is about 180,000 therms annually.

The College has an opportunity to enter into a two-year agreement with CenterPoint Energy, Inc. at the rate of $0.409 per therm. This is the lowest rate the market has experienced in ten years with the current contract rate at $0.50 per therm. The Board is being requested to approve a new two-year agreement with CenterPoint.

Another “savings” matter to be handled by the Board, is a Joint Educational Agreement with William Rainey Harper College. This agreement with Harper was first approved in 1982. A review of the joint agreement with Harper is resulting in the addition of an offering, Alternative Electrical Energy Certificate. This allows students to participate in the course work at Harper and pay an in-district rate at Harper College.

Words of Wisdom

"As our president bears no resemblance to a king so we shall see the Senate has no similitude to nobles. First, not being hereditary, their collective knowledge, wisdom, and virtue are not precarious. For by these qualities alone are they to obtain their offices, and they will have none of the peculiar qualities and vices of those men who possess power merely because their father held it before them."

--Tench Coxe, An American Citizen, No. 2, 1787

Rakow Road Work Continues

The utilities completed their relocations and work resumes on Monday, February 27th!  Expect to see the storm sewer crews digging on the southern end of the project.  Those crews will proceed to the north and complete some additional installations at the intersections. 

The contractor’s crews will resume work on the side streets on Monday, March 5th.  Motorists will see some tighter turns as the crews remove some additional pavement to start the construction of the future westbound lanes and the cross streets.  Please use extra caution and be sure to stop at the stop bars before moving into the intersections - a few seconds delay to survey the turns will help traffic flow smoothly. 

You may have seen some issues at the Rakow and Pingree signals over the past week.  The  source of the problems was discovered!  A family of mice decided to make their home in the warm and cozy signal controller box.  They were released into the wild, their entrance was blocked off with expandable foam and the traffic signals are back to normal.

Note from the mice:

Gee wiz guys, we just wanted to be warm and away from those danged cats!

"Democrat Pension Shift Disastrous For Schools" Say House Republicans

Springfield…A Democrat-backed plan to shift a portion of the state’s pension obligation to local schools and universities would be disastrous for the schools and for the taxpayers that fund them, a group of House Republicans stressed Tuesday.

 At a Capitol press conference, the lawmakers said that simply shifting the pension funding burden does nothing to solve the core problem, and would inevitably lead to property tax increases and teacher layoffs.

“Illinois has the worst funded pension system in the country, simply shifting a portion of the financial responsibility to local school districts and public universities does nothing to reduce long-term costs or stabilize our pension systems. This is basically rearranging deck chairs while the Titanic continues to sink,” said Representative Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein).

 Representative Kent Gaffney (R- Lake Barrington) said the Democrats’ pension shift would eat up about 9% of local school districts’ total payroll budgets. For the Wauconda School District 118 in his area, that would mean about $2.24 million.

“Schools are already waiting months for reimbursement from the state and school transportation dollars have been slashed.  If the Democrats move forward with the shift, schools will have even fewer payroll dollars to pay teachers’ salaries, and will be forced to enact layoffs,” Gaffney said.

Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) said he’s also extremely concerned about the certain impact the shift would have on family budgets already stretched to the breaking point.

“This shift will leave schools no place to go but back to their local property taxpayers. It will lead to huge property tax increases and tuition increases for our university students. Families are already struggling under the 67% income tax increase Democrats’ forced upon them last year.  Adding property tax and tuition increases on top of that would be absolutely devastating,” Morthland said.

 “Nearly one year ago Quinn signed into law massive tax increases on working families, seniors and businesses, and now Quinn wants to move forward with another ill-advised plan to reform pensions by raising taxes. . . property taxes,” said State Representative Paul Evans (R-O’Fallon) “ I am in strong support of reforming our state’s pension system which faces $83 billion in unfunded liabilities, but I am adamantly opposed to shifting that massive financial burden on homeowners’ property tax bills.   The Governor must stop seeing tax hikes as a solution to every state problem and come to the table to discuss with lawmakers long-term reform plans to get our state back on track.” 

Auditions At Raue Center For The Arts

William Street Rep is holding open auditions for their 2012/13 Season. at Raue Center for the Arts, March 4 & 11 (12pm to 6pm) and March 5 & 12 (4pm to 9pm).

Looking for Equity and Non-Equity actors 18 years of age or older. All types encouraged to audition. Please prepare a monologue and a song or two short contrasting monologues. No longer than five minutes in total. Accompanist will be provided.

Reservations are strongly encouraged, walk-ins are allowed. To reserve an audition slot please contact the Raue Box Office, 815-356-9212.

The WSR 2012/13 Season is anticipated to include;

• THE FANTASTICKS music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones (show dates Aug 10 – 26, 2012),
• THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW by Richard O’Brien (show dates: Oct 19 – 27, 2012), IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY by Joe Landry (show dates: Nov 23 – Dec 16, 2012),
• COMPANY book by George Furth with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (show dates: Feb 1 & 17, 2013),
• STEEL MAGNOLIAS by Robert Harling (show dates: April 26 – May 12, 2013). Shows and dates are subject to change. 

Those auditioning will also be considered for other WSR projects, including GET LIT, a short story reading series, and two new works in development. Pay involved for all roles.

Callbacks will be held for each production and will be by invitation only. To reserve an audition slot please contact the Raue Box Office, 815-356-9212.

About Williams Street Repertory

Williams Street Repertory (WS Rep) is a 501(c)3 non-profit production company in-house at Raue Center For The Arts.  WS Rep is a theatre company dedicated to sustaining an artistic process of innovative and emotionally charged work, telling diverse stories with an ever growing company of well-respected local, regional and national artists.  For additional information, visit wsrep.org, facebook.com/wsrep and twitter.com/wsrep.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 11 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Words of Wisdom

"States, like individuals, who observe their engagements, are respected and trusted: while the reverse is the fate of those who pursue an opposite conduct."

--Alexander Hamilton

Government At Work

Tuesday, February 21

8:30 a.m. – McHenry County Housing Commission –

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

A staff report is to be reviewed by the Commission in addition to the appointment of members to standing committees, discussion regarding an April Fair Housing Month Children’s Poster Contest and HOME Notice of funding Availability.

6:00 p.m. – Curriculum, Staff Development & Student Services Committee of High School District 155—

Meeting in the Crystal Lake Central High School Library/Media Center.

The agenda calls for new courses update and Special Education Program review.

6:30 p.m. – Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee –

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

A resolution is being presented the Committee authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Establishing the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium. This also involves the appointment of a county representative and alternative representative to represent the County and vote regarding Execution of Service Agreements regarding the sale and purchase of electricity and related services for the County’s Electric Aggregation Program.

 Consideration of support of Cell tower Legislation is another topic on the agenda.

7:00 p.m. – McHenry County Board—

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

Kevin Mathew Wright is receiving his Eagle Scout Badge and the County Board will be adopting a Resolution of commendation.

Nine zoning board matters are being presented the Board for approval including two matters each in Alden Township; McHenry Township, and Algonquin Townships, one each in Richmond, Riley, and Greenwood Townships.

A resolution is being presented for Board approval for the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement for Establishing the Northern Illinois Governmental Electric Aggregation Consortium and appointing a County representative to the consortium.

A number of grants are being presented the Board for acceptance. One is for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program in an amount of $100,820 for the Security Equipment and vehicle purchase in the Sheriff’s Department.

Other grants include: $7,375 from the Illinois Department of Transportation is to provide for Child Passenger Safety; $18,000 from Illinois Department of Public Health; $7,000 for the County Emergency Management Agency to establish a Citizen Corps Council.

A resolution is being presented supporting Hospital Property Tax-Exempt status. This is to urge the Governor and the McHenry County Illinois General Assembly delegation to acknowledge the full array of health programs, services, and subsidies that the non-profit, tax-exempt hospitals provide.

Several Ordinances are being presented for review and include an ordinance to designate the Exclusive Collector of Solid Waste, Recyclables and Yardwastes in Certain Areas of Unincorporated McHenry County; an Ordinance amendment for the Agricultural Conservation Easement and Farmland Protection Commission; and an Ordinance amending Article 10 of the School Developer Donation Requirements of the McHenry County Subdivision Ordinance.

One Ordinance is being presented for recertification of the McHenry County Zoning Maps.

7:30 p.m. – Crystal Lake City Council—

Meeting in the Council Chambers of Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street—

The Council is being requested to approve the use of City Hall front parking lot for a staging and start/end of the Crystal Lake Night Owl Bike Ride scheduled overnight between Saturday, August 4 and Sunday August 5.

The auto dealerships in the City have been encouraged to obtain on temporary use permit for the year for all the dealerships special advertising needs. This allows the six dealers in the City to conduct their promotions within the time frames of the manufacturers without a need to seek individual Temporary Use Permit Approval.

The annual Raue Center Bob Blazier Walk/Run for the Arts is to receive a Temporary Use Permit for this year’s event on Sunday, May 6. This allows the closure of Williams Street between Woodstock Street and Crystal Lake Avenue between 6:00 a.m. and noon.

Another matter involving the Raue Center is a requested motion to approve an ordinance granting a further sign variation to allow a 284 square foot wall sign on the west elevation of the Raue Center building.

Soccer Heads owner Orhan Senger is requesting a Retailer Jog Creation and Investment Grant of $3,775. Soccer Heads is located at 1275 Randall Road and is a specialty retailer of soccer gear.

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois –Fox Hill Senior Living is requesting approval of a preliminary plat of subdivision for a three-acre parcel immediately east of Commonwealth Drive, and approval of a preliminary planned unit development with a variation to the maximum height to allow the building at 33-feet high. Also being requested is a variation to allow a continuing care retirement community without nursing facilities in the B-2 zoning district.

Electrical Aggregation

The Council is being requested to award a bid for consultant services for residential/small business electrical aggregation and municipal electricity purchasing to Northern Illinois Municipal Electrical Collaborative.

On March 20 voters will be considering whether to approve an ordinance providing the City with the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of the electrical aggregation program. A consultant is to review and analyze load data, develop the requirements for a successful RFP process and conduct negotiations with a new Alternative Retail Electric Supplier.

The Council is requested to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract for the purchase of electricity. The successful bidder, Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC), Prospect Heights for this service. This firm will work with the City in receiving bids for electrical service. It is expected that bids from suppliers will be received soon after ComEd sets new rates in May of this year. A bid will only be accepted if it is lower than the ComEd rate. Additionally, residents and small businesses may revert back to the ComEd rate without suffering any financial penalty.

The annual Hotel/Motel Tax funding Allocations are also being presented for Council approval. The City received 10 applications from local organizations for some of the funding. The City has projected the amount expected to be $285,000 during the 2012/2013 Fiscal Year. The amount currently realized is $233,000.

Awards for this fiscal year are to be considered at tonight’s Council Meeting.

7:30 p.m. Community High School District 155 Board—

Meeting in Crystal lake Central High School, 45 West Franklin Avenue, Crystal Lake.

Several staff recognitions are among the first matters on the agenda. These include New Teachers, National Board Certified Teacher and Illinois Science Teachers Association New Teacher of the Year Award.

January 2012 Graduates are reported by Superintendent Jill Hawk. There 104 total including 16 from Cary-grove, 37 from Central, 26 from Prairie Ridge and 25 from South High Schools.

Words of Wisdom

"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever."

--Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 18, 1781

Annual State of Budget Address Coming on Wednesday

On Wednesday of this week a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly will meet for the annual State of the Budget Address. 

"I am hopeful that Governor Quinn will present a fiscally responsible plan which includes no new spending, no new labor costs, and solid proposals for improving Illinois’ jobs/business climate," says Representative Mike Tryon, R-64  

"I will also be listening for specific proposals to address our state’s largest and fastest-growing budget items:  Medicaid, retiree healthcare and pension costs," says Tryon.

He explains the situation further: "When the governor presented his State of the State address two weeks ago, he announced his intention to seek $1 billion in new spending. The feedback on that proposal was quick and definitive: the people of Illinois are tired of leaders who spend money the state doesn’t have. 

"Today one of every three budget dollars in the general fund is spent on debt repayment. That is money that should be earmarked for education, community service providers, and other essential programs. We will never have a healthy economy in Illinois as long as 1/3 of everything we bring in is tied to managing debt. With that in mind, it is my hope that the governor has come to understand that tackling the budget this year will require less spending than last year.

"Along those same lines, contract negotiations will begin soon between the governor and the state’s union and non-union employees. With mountains of unpaid bills that require immediate attention, Governor Quinn needs to pledge to keep salaries in check as he enters into these discussions.

"The tax increase that was pushed through 13 months ago has driven jobs out of Illinois and sent more than 60,000 additional Illinoisans to the unemployment line.  It’s time for a different approach, and I hope to see Governor Quinn lead the charge on changing Illinois’ course. 

"Democrat Governors Jerry Brown (California) and Andrew Cuomo (New York) have both shown great leadership in their states by offering reforms, program and agency consolidations and deficit-reducing strategies. While I do not agree 100% with everything these governors are doing, they seem to understand that status quo tax and spend agendas are not working in their states, and they have changed paths. Perhaps Illinois could do the same."

Tryon also suggests--If you enjoy Facebook, I would encourage you to “like” #CapChats on Facebook. During the governor’s 12:00 speech on Wednesday and shortly after it, I, along with many of my colleagues, will be posting our thoughts about the speech on this page.

Early Voting, Grace Period Voting, Voter Registration....

All part of the upcoming voting process. Explanations on these and much more on voting will be explained tomorrow when McHenry County Clerk Kathy Schultz will speak about “Opportunities to Vote” for Grafton Township residents.

The time is 11 A.M. and the American Legion, 11712 Coral Street, Huntley, is the location . 

Ms. Schultz will discuss early voting, grace period voting, voter registration, serving as an election judge, voter eligibility and much more.

A free lunch and bingo will be available following the presentation. The next event at Grafton Township will be March 13, 2012 when State Representative Mike Tryon presents, “New Laws in 2012.”
 

Your generous donations to the Grafton Township Food Pantry, 10109 Vine Street, Huntley, are greatly needed and appreciated.

Grafton Township residents are invited to join us for a special Township Event tomorrow at 11 A.M.

President's Day

PRESIDENT’S DAY—formerly known as Washington’s Birthday. Since the first president and the 16^th president of the United States were both born in February it was difficult to have two celebrations ten days apart. Therefore, the combination of the two day resulted in one President’s Day.

George Washington, the first President of the United States was born February 22, 1732 and died December 14, 1799.

Abraham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809 and died April 15, 1865.

Since this is a commemorative day, government offices generally are closed and schools are not in session 

Words of Wisdom

"It has been said that all Government is an evil. It would be more proper to say that the necessity of any Government is a misfortune. This necessity however exists; and the problem to be solved is, not what form of Government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect."

 --James Madison, 1833

Words of Wisdom

"[A] wise and frugal government ... shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government."

 --Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, 1801