Editorial: Provenzano, Gonsiorek in GOP for McHenry County Board, Dist. 3
Voters in the Republican primary for McHenry County Board's District 3 will find four candidates who share strong civic backgrounds. Differences, however, play out in the nature of their experience and their positions on key issues.
Leading the pack in terms of experience is longtime incumbent Nick Provenzano of McHenry. As a member of the finance, transportation and legislative committees, he has a firm, realistic grasp on challenges facing the county, and his leadership and participation in regional planning efforts have earned our support.
Also impressive is newcomer Nancy Gonsiorek of Crystal Lake. She stresses her work as a CPA and her past school board experience as plusses, and we agree. We like her emphasis on consensus and compromise as well.
A second newcomer, Cherie Rickert of McHenry, has a commendable community service record, but lacks focus on the issues.
Incumbent Michael Walkup of Crystal Lake, meanwhile, has strong opinions. While a voice of dissent is healthy, at times Walkup seems out of step with big-picture county issues, including his opposition to a study of a full interchange at Route 23 and I-90. Plus, we have misgivings about him seeking both a District 3 seat and chairmanship of the board.
We endorse Provenzano and Gonsiorek.