McHenry Co. board hopeful says rival's hubby hinders independence

Dennis Palys, a candidate for McHenry County Board in the 6th District, questions whether challenger Diane Evertsen can truly represent the people since she's married to Evert Evertsen, the Hartland Township supervisor.

The 6th District and the township overlap.

On his campaign website, Palys, a Democrat, says he opposes nepotism in government.

During a Daily Herald endorsement interview Wednesday, Palys said the Evertsen marriage prevents Diane Evertsen from being a voice for the district.

"She'll claim she's independent, she'll claim she's not beholden to anyone, but she's already part of the administration," Palys said.

Two seats are up for grabs in the race for the 6th District and voters will choose between Palys, Evertsen and incumbent Mary McCann.

Evertsen and McCann are Republicans.

Diane Evertsen said Palys' comments were "a little outrageous" and that her marriage to a township supervisor will not affect her ability to serve.

"My husband would be the first to tell you I'm not the sit down, shut up kind of girl," she said.

In fact, her knowledge of the township will actually help her in office, she said.

"What it helps you do is recognize the services that the township gives to the people and recognize the problems the township runs into ... and you can better serve the county," she said.

McCann understands why the Evertsen marriage might raise eyebrows with some people, but says the relationship is "not really an issue" for her.

"We try to work with townships, so maybe that makes her a stronger candidate because she understands townships," McCann said.

The 6th District includes unincorporated land, as well as Huntley, Marengo, Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Harvard.