Three GOP contenders vie for two seats in McHenry County Board 1

Republican voters in the McHenry County Board's District 1 will have a pair of familiar faces, and one relative newcomer, to chose from when they head to the polls for Feb. 2 primary to select two to carry their party's banner in the November election.

Board incumbents Anna May Miller and Yvonne Barnes, both well known in southeastern McHenry County political circles, are seeking the GOP nomination along with Robert Nowak, a Cary resident and the village's onetime planning and development director.

Miller, 56, who is chairman of the county board's transportation committee, sees transportation as the central issue in both the district - which includes Cary, Algonquin and Fox River Grove - but also the entire county.

"Whether sitting in traffic on Rakow Road, Randall Road or Route 31 or sitting at home without access to an automobile and wondering how you are going to get to shopping, medical or educational facilities, transportation is a major concern," she said.

Barnes, 48, chairman of the board's law and justice committee, said her priorities are to maintain the quality of life for county residents and spend frugally to avoid any need for tax increases. Asked how to maintain a balanced budget if revenues continue to falter in 2010, the former Cary village trustee suggested freezing wages and eliminating county board members' expense accounts.

Both are strong supporters of the county's groundwater protection efforts.

"New cost-effective programs and greater education efforts are necessary," Barnes said. "A focus on coordination within county departments and other governmental entities is a priority. Various businesses and associations also need to be included as key decision-makers."

Nowak did not return phone calls, a candidate questionnaire or an invitation to an endorsement interview with the Daily Herald editorial board.