Think carefully before cutting board size

Before voting "yes" to reduce the McHenry County Board size this November, I would like you to consider the following: Advocates for reducing the county board size cited Los Angeles County's enormous population and budget but meager five member board. However, supporters have failed to explain to residents that Los Angeles County was also the first local government to be granted Home Rule in the U.S., having greater taxing powers than McHenry County's system of county government.

Furthermore, unlike the committee format of government that McHenry County utilizes, LACB is the county legislature, yielding much more authority by operating in a legislative, executive, and quasi-judicial capacity. The reach of power granted as an executive body is most distressing, allowing LACB the ability to dictate actions of county departments and their operations.

I discovered additional staggering facts about the Los Angeles County Board from a Los Angeles Times article describing the board as the "five kings," enriched by a system with virtually no checks and balances. In addition to their $189,000 annual salary, each supervisor is allotted $3 million per year for staff, cars, office expenses and pet projects.

McHenry County has yet to discover the reactions or consequences of having an executive county board chair. The new position is not subject to the same rules as our 24 member board, it is a position supported by separate staff and independent legal representation. Voters, do not make the referendum decision with haste. Vote no to reducing the size of McHenry County Board.

Kelly Liebmann

Wonder Lake