In McHenry County Board District 3, a rematch between Eric Hendricks, Bob Nowak

The Republican primary race for a District 3 seat on the McHenry County Board features a rematch between incumbent Eric Hendricks and the former board member he beat two years ago, Robert “Bob” Nowak.

Hendricks, of Lake in the Hills, works as a lawyer, while Nowak has a background in government and business, working for the village of Cary for 23 years.

Nowak, of Algonquin, was an incumbent on the county board in 2022 and lost in a three-way race to Hendricks and current board member Carolyn Campbell.

District 3 covers parts of Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Lakewood, Crystal Lake and a sliver of Huntley.

Both Nowak and Hendricks stressed the need to address the burden of taxation, with Hendricks saying that lowering taxes is his motivation for running. Nowak said it was a last-minute decision to run again for the county board and said “holding the line” on property taxes was a big reason he joined the race.

In a candidate forum in January hosted by McGOPAC, the McHenry County Republican political action committee, Hendricks said the top three responsibilities of the board are taxes, public safety and transportation.

Nowak answered similarly, saying protecting citizens, budgets and transportation are the primary duties of the board.

Transportation was an issue that both candidates mentioned. Hendricks discussed services such as senior transportation in the county. He added the county should continue to spend money to keep roads in good shape and isn’t “opposed” to road widening where it makes sense.

“I think they’re good services,” Hendricks said about transportation services the county provides.

Nowak expressed support for widening Route 47, construction on which is due to begin this year. As for public transportation, “We’re out in the far boonies,” Nowak said, adding public transportation use in McHenry County “doesn’t hold a candle” to use in the city.

Several McHenry County municipalities, including Crystal Lake and Huntley, have signed on to oppose an effort to combine the CTA, Metra and Pace boards. Nowak said one board often can be more productive but expressed worries about McHenry County getting the short end of the stick.

Hendricks said he generally is open to consolidation but wanted to do more research before supporting or opposing that proposal.

On the Democratic side, Rester Dogboe has filed to run as a write-in candidate for the county board seat.