Our picks for McHenry County offices
McHenry County voters will find something unique on their Nov. 4 ballots: multiple choices from multiple parties as Democrats challenge Republicans across this GOP stronghold. A Green Party candidate adds to the fun. Many of those candidates are closely matched - and that's a delightful dilemma for voters. We found impressive the knowledge, commitment and desire of all the candidates to help guide their county through the financial, transportation and quality of life woes which concern so many voters today.
McHenry County Coroner: We have many concerns, however, about challenger David Bachman's qualifications for McHenry County coroner. We think voters will be equally concerned that someone with a history of multiple bankruptcies could have oversight of a nearly half million dollar budget. Perhaps more worrisome are his somewhat shrouded claims to ties to the government of Mexico and our own federal agents. For someone so eager to show pictures of his apparent surgical and accident scars, he is quite reticent to share relevant information about his finances and work history. Incumbent Marlene Lantz, a Republican, has been the epitome of a good public servant well-known for her professionalism in the difficult task of dealing with death. We strongly endorse Lantz.
McHenry County State's Attorney: Incumbent State's Attorney Lou Bianchi was clearly outmatched in the bitter GOP primary when we endorsed challenger Dan Regna, a former prosecutor. To his credit, the incumbent appears to have responded to some of that criticism, particularly by improving communications and his office's relationship with law enforcement. And he now acknowledges it was a mistake to have taxpayers pay for more than $17,000 in candy and meals, though he still, unfortunately, defends those expenditures. Still much has calmed since the tumultuous primary. Challenger Thomas Cynor offers an intriguing choice with valid criticism of the incumbent but does not make as strong a case for his own selection and credentials for this vital office. Bianchi is endorsed.
McHenry County Auditor: Credentials are key in the auditors race where we easily endorse incumbent Pam Palmer, a Republican who has shown professionalism and fierce protection for taxpayers as she has upgraded the auditor's watchdog role. She's not afraid to hold fellow public officials accountable for tax dollars. Democratic challenger Kerry Julian is also impressive thought not as experienced.
McHenry County Board
District 1: Incumbent Republican Marc Munaretto, also the Algonquin Township clerk, is well-known for his financial expertise, but our policy prohibits endorsing anyone who holds two public offices. We endorse newcomer Robert "Bob" Bless, a Republican. Democrat James McTague is also running.
District 2: Incumbent Jim Heisler also deserves re-election. Democrats Jill Mawhinney and Anita Harmon both offer a fresh perspective. J.S. "Scott" Breeden, a Republican, is also running. We endorse Heisler and Harmon.
District 3: We endorse incumbent Republicans Mary Donner and Nick Provenzano. Democrat Kathleen Bergen Schmidt also offers voters a good choice.
District 5: Democrat Paula Yensen and Green Party candidate Frank Wedig give interesting challenge to Republican incumbents Virginia Peschke and John Jung who have been strong advocates for their constituents for many years. Peschke and Jung are endorsed.
District 6: Democrats Darryl Frank and Robert Ludwig, and Republicans Ersel Schuster and incumbent Randall Donley all offer voters a good choice. We endorse Donley and Ludwig.