Nowak re-elected in McHenry County District 1
Republican incumbent Robert Nowak won re-election to represent McHenry County Board's District 1, while Republican challenger Andrew Gasser and Democratic incumbent Nick Chirikos battled it out for the second open seat.
Nowak had 7,553 votes, or 43 percent of the total vote, compared to Gasser's 4,990 votes and Chirikos' 4,821 votes with all 38 precincts reporting in unofficial vote results Tuesday. The tally does not include early votes, as well as provisional and late absentee ballots.
Chirikos and Nowak touted the county's AAA bond rating, running against newcomer Republican Andrew Gasser, who said he wants to curb property taxes and capital expenses.
Gasser, a military veteran, said he wants to add transparency to the board. Also, he said he wants to take a look at whether McHenry County's government is too large.
Chirikos, who was elected in 2012, advocated reducing the size of the county board and increasing the number of districts, as well as building a high-speed fiber optic communications network.
Nowak, who was elected in 2010, said the county's ground water must be protected. He'd like to improve transportation and create a program to attract more businesses in McHenry County.