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McHenry leader cites 'poor judgment' in DUI, will enter rehab

McHenry County Board Chairwoman Tina Hill said she will not resign after her drunken driving arrest early Friday but plans to enter a 30-day inpatient program for alcoholism.

"It was poor judgment," said Hill, a Woodstock Republican. "I was going out to get some aspirin, and I had too much to drink."

Hill said she had a few glasses of wine at her home before leaving. The first store was closed, and she was pulled over by Woodstock police, she said. Hill also noted the effects of alcohol are amplified for her because she has had gastric bypass surgery.

A 12-year county board member, Hill was elected chairman in December 2012.

She said she plans to take a medical leave of absence and then return to work.

"I'm going to get medical help, and then I'm going to go back to work," she said. "It's humiliating that I made a poor decision. But I'm taking the next right step, and I'm getting help."

In a prepared statement, Woodstock Police Chief Robert Lowen said Hill was pulled over at 1:40 a.m. Friday on the 1000 block of North Seminary Avenue for a minor traffic violation. She took field sobriety tests, was arrested on "suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol," the statement said.

While at the station, Hill complained of pain and was taken to Centegra Hospital in Woodstock for treatment, Lowen said. There, a blood sample was taken to determine her blood-alcohol concentration. Police did not provide the results of that test.

Hill was returned to the station about 11 a.m., where she was charged with misdemeanor DUI, improper lane use and driving without a license. The next court date for Hill, who is free on bail, was not immediately available.

Reaction from fellow board members ranged from concern for Hill's health to confidence that the board would continue to function in her absence.

Robert "Bob" Nowak, a representative of District 1, said he thinks Hill should resign as chairwoman, even though her term lasts only about six more weeks.

"I'm hoping she does the honorable thing," Nowak said.

Nowak said he was surprised to hear the news.

"I was very surprised, because anybody that's in the political eye shouldn't be doing things like that," he said. "It's just not appropriate, especially for the chairwoman of the county board."

He was, however, sympathetic toward Hill.

"It's sad to see, because she is a very impressive county board member," he said. "She puts a lot of effort into it and does a lot of work for the county."

Carolyn Schofield, a board member from District 2, said she was concerned about Hill.

"Right now I care about Tina, and I hope that everything for her works out personally," said Schofield, adding that she considers Hill a friend. "She just needs to focus on getting better. (The county board is) taking care of business and allowing her to do what she needs to do."

The board is facing critical issues, such as a Unified Development Ordinance that would combine all the county's development-related ordinances, and the board itself has been somewhat chaotic and dysfunctional, Schofield said.

"It's probably a good time for this board to restart," she said.

Joseph Gottemoller, a board member from District 3, also expressed concern but said the board will continue its work.

"It's a tragedy for all concerned," Gottemoller said. "I'm really sorry that Tina's going through that. I hope she comes out of it OK. I consider her a friend. This is not a good thing to go through for anybody."

But, Gottemoller pointed out, there are 23 other people on the board and a vice chairman, James L. Heisler. "I think he's perfectly capable of doing that work," Gottemoller said of Heisler, "and I'm sure he will."

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