McHenry County Board hopefuls differ on Route 23 interchange study

Candidates for the Republican nomination for two McHenry County Board District 3 seats in the March 15 primary have differing views on whether the county should consider a full interchange at Route 23 and Interstate 90 near Marengo.

Incumbents Michael Walkup and Nick Provenzano and challengers Nancy Gonsiorek and Cherie Rickert seek two-year terms.

All candidates agree bringing more business development and nonresidential growth is key to keeping property taxes in check or reducing them.

McHenry is the only collar county that does not have an interstate highway running through it, and the candidates aren't of the same opinion on the benefit of an I-90 interchange.

Walkup, who has held the District 3 seat since 2012, opposes the study and any future interchange. He said Marengo officials will have full control - not the county - on future development around that area through annexation, and he is worried it could become congested like Randall Road.

"That's really the elephant in the room. All we're doing is Randall-izing the rest of the county. They would build whatever they want," Walkup said, noting he believes the county, which is halfway between airports at O'Hare and Rockford, has a good location for development.

Provenzano, who has served on the county board for all but two years since 2002, supports the study, which will be completed this June. He said a new, full interchange won't necessarily lead to more sprawl, and shorter commutes help the entire county.

"Spending money on infrastructure is critical, if it's done right," Provenzano said. "We're meeting with stakeholders from all over the area. Randall Road is a huge economic engine for McHenry County."

Gonsiorek, who favors the study, pointed to her eight years of service on the Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 board of education, and said her experience can help bring various officials together in compromise and partnerships.

"I am a person who has a proven track record of getting along and getting things done," Gonsiorek said.

Rickert, a registered nurse and former human resources executive, favors the study. She said she hopes McHenry can have the best of both worlds - economic development while still holding on to its natural areas and rural character.

"We need to emphasize this is a great, safe place to live," Rickert said.

Early voting is Feb. 29 through March 14. Kenneth Miller is running as a Democrat for the District 3 seat.