Franks has been model legislator

McHenry County Board chairman candidate Jack Franks is famously known for never voting for a tax or fee increase. He has passed significant legislation to allow for consolidation of governments and property tax relief.

Recently, Franks started an investigation into pension eligibility abuse by the current county board and then passed a law prohibiting taxpayer funded pensions for the elected officials.

Franks is a true reformer who has been the conscience of the Illinois General Assembly. He was a leader in the investigation and ultimately the impeachment of then Gov. Blagojevich. He has consistently fought for the taxpayers and against powerful special interests, and is widely supported by those on both sides of the aisle.

It's in that context that I laugh when the local Republican Party criticizes Franks for serving more than three terms in the General Assembly. Franks has been the most productive influential legislator in Springfield for years.

I'm glad he stayed as long as he has, because his presence has yielded great benefits to the county. Franks' pragmatic, bipartisan, results-oriented approach to government should be a blueprint for all elected officials of any party.

Amy Appel

Wonder Lake