Dozens line up to file for McHenry County elections

Dozens of McHenry County candidates stood in line Monday morning to file nominating petitions for the March 15 primary elections.

Republican candidate Joni Smith, a Crystal Lake resident seeking the county recorder position, was first in line for the 8 a.m. opening of the county clerk's office.

Incumbent Phyllis Walters, recorder since 1984, announced this summer that she is retiring.

Smith, who has lived in the area for years, works in the recorder's office as the office supervisor and said her experience makes her eminently qualified.

"I have a lot of integrity and a great knowledge of the department," she said. "I've learned every aspect of it."

Smith, however, was joined in line by two other Republican candidates running for recorder, one being Tina Hill, who currently holds a District 5 seat on the county board.

After 14 years of setting policies, Hill said, she is looking for a new way to serve the public.

Hill said she has run government offices for 17 years and her "administrative skills are unique."

Also seeking the county recorder title is Joe Tirio of Woodstock, who owns Monarch Senior Care with his wife.

"There's so much institutional waste in the form of nepotism," he said, adding that "property taxes are out of hand."

In addition to county recorder, offices up for election in 2016 include the state's attorney, circuit court clerk, county auditor, and county coroner, as well as two county board seats from each of the six districts.

Seeking re-election as county auditor, Pam Palmer said she is hoping to take the position to the next level. The auditor's office is in the midst of a "huge project," she said - installing a new financial software.

"It's a lot of responsibility, but I feel my staff has done a great job," Palmer said.

Circuit Clerk Kathy Keefe, State's Attorney Lou Bianchi and Coroner Anne Majewski are also seeking re-election.

With District 4 board member Bob Martens retiring from the county board, Craig Wilcox, a McHenry resident who recently retired from the Air Force, hopes to take his place.

"I want to reduce the tax bill in the area and have an impact locally," Wilcox said.

Also concerned about taxes is District 5 candidate Andy Snarski, a Crystal Lake resident.

"I'm analytical. I'm a dog with a bone when it comes to finding the real truth," he said.

District 2 candidate John Reinert, a real estate broker and businessman for more than 20 years, said he hopes to also continue infrastructure improvements.

Also running for a District 2 seat is 30-year-old Cameron Hubbard, a Crystal Lake city councilman.

"I have an open mind. I'm young, and I represent a demographic they don't have there," he said. "I want to see this county grow."