Munaretto, Bless get McHenry County board GOP go-ahead

A longtime McHenry County Board member once again earned a Republican nomination Tuesday.

Marc Munaretto, a District 1 representative on the county board since 1998, led the way with 2,0534 votes, or 27 percent, with all 35 precincts reporting, according to unofficial totals.

Robert Bless, a lawyer from Fox River Grove and a Cook County sheriff's police officer, secured the second Republican nomination slot with 2,012 votes, or 26 percent.

Former Fox River Grove Village President Bill Yocious garnered 1,977 votes, about 26 percent of the total.

Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsforth received 1,566 votes, about 21 percent of the total cast.

About 4,700 early and absentee ballots were still being counted early this morning.

Munaretto, chairman of the county board's finance committee, said his record of sound fiscal judgment, which includes instituting an internal audit policy and alleviating the county's debt, helped secure his victory.

Despite a campaign focus of improving relationships with downstate legislators, more accountability for spending and eliminating traffic congestion throughout the county, Bless said "basically, all four of us (candidates) are all the same. I don't think things would be too much different on the board with any two of us on there."

Cutsforth said despite his loss, he'll still be "plenty busy in county government."

Munaretto and Bless will face uncontested Democratic candidate James McTague in the November election.