Endorsement: Barnes, Miller for McHenry County Board, Dist. 1
Republican voters in McHenry County Board District 1 will decide from an experienced group when they head to the polls for the March 15 primary.
The four candidates seeking two nominations include board Vice Chairman Yvonne Barnes, who's spent nearly eight years on the board in addition to 12 years as a Cary village trustee, and 14-year incumbent Anna May Miller. Challenging them are former McHenry County College trustee Tom Wilbeck and newcomer Terence Ferenc.
Barnes, of Cary, stands out with a firm grasp on county finances, thoughtful proposals for reducing costs and a measured approach to issues such as the Valley Hi Nursing Home's unnecessary $41 million surplus.
In a county where roads are always an issue, Miller's experience as the longtime chairman of the board's Transportation Committee is a plus. So is the Cary resident's strong support for bringing the county its first interstate interchange, in Marengo.
Wilbeck, of Barrington Hills, impressed in his brief tenure on the MCC board, helping lead the charge on needed reforms, and is a strong candidate here.
Ferenc, of Fox River Grove, might fare better in a weaker field, but he lacks his opponents' experience and fluency with county issues. We endorse Barnes and Miller.