GOP contenders for McHenry Co. Board 3 discuss transparency

Five candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for two seats on the McHenry County Board in District 3.

Barb Wheeler of Crystal Lake, elected in 2002, is seeking re-election, while Nick Provenzano, a former six-year board member from Woodstock, is looking to return after voters ousted him in 2008.

Veronica Armstrong and Craig Steagall, both Crystal Lake residents, and Karen Tynis of McHenry are hoping voters will pick new ideas over experience when they head to the polls Feb. 2.

Wheeler, a former teacher, has proposed an ad hoc economic recovery commission that will look at measures the county can take to help recession-weary residents.

"I'm not waiting for the state," Wheeler says.

Provenzano, who works in sales, noted his push for ethics reforms when he was on the board and proposed live video streaming of county board meetings.

"That's the quickest way to get more transparency on the county board," Provenzano said.

Armstrong, a massage therapist, wants to reduce the number of seats on the county board and make it more responsive to residents.

"I want to give the county people a voice," Armstrong said.

Steagall, a business owner, wants to use his business sense to make county government more efficient and transparent while promoting job creation.

"I think the county board can take a more proactive role in trying to attract companies to McHenry County," Steagall said.

Tynis, also a business owner, supports more engagement with residents, consolidating county departments and incentives for businesses.

"We need to be much more aggressive in going after grants," Tynis adds.