Franks scores victory in McHenry County Board chairman race

In what has been called a historic and pivotal race for McHenry County, Democrat Jack Franks came out on top Tuesday over Republican Michael Walkup in the race for the first elected county board chairman.

With all precincts reporting, Franks garnered 79,100 votes to Walkup's 58,386, according to unofficial results.

Franks, 53, of Marengo, is leaving the state legislature for the chairman position, which he hopes to use as a bully pulpit for restructuring what he calls a corrupt county government. He intends to initiate a "Cut 10" plan to decrease the county's property tax levy by 10 percent and encourage other government entities to do the same.

"I'm very optimistic about the future of our county," Franks said Tuesday night. "I'm just excited to be coming home and still working hard for the people I care so much about."

Voters approved a referendum in 2014 to make the board chairman a countywide, elected position. Up to now, the person filling that role was appointed by fellow board members.

As per state law, the size of McHenry County prohibits an elected chairman from voting, even to break ties. He will, however, set the agenda and lead meetings.

Walkup, 67, a Crystal Lake resident who has held one term on the county board, said before the election the chairman should focus on collaborating with other board members to chip away at the tax levy.

He also ran successfully for re-election for a District 3 seat because he wanted to be able to vote on various issues even if he were elected chairman.