Ok.  Forget Obama-Clinton.  The big race on February 5, the one that’s got tongues wagging is the titanic struggle between Patrick Murfin and John Darger  for Democratic Precinct Committeeman (Precinct Representative) in Nunda Township, Precinct 5.

For the legions of loyal Democratic voters on Crystal Lake’s north side, each of whom slavishly reads this blog, and in the selfless concern for voter information, we reproduce below Murfin’s campaign flyer.  

The other guy? Let him get his own blog.

THIS GUY, YEAH, THIS GUY

WANTS YOUR VOTE

FOR AN OFFICE THAT YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WAS ON THE BALLOT.

WHO IS HE AND WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?

PATRICK MURFIN

IS YOUR DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT COMMITTEEMAN FOR

NUNDA TOWNSHIP, PRECINCT 5

At the very bottom of your Democratic Primary Ballot you will find the office of Precinct Committeeman.  It is the Democratic Party’s official representative for this precinct.

For almost 20 years the odd looking gent in the picture has been providing you and your neighbors with information on Democratic Party candidates in Primary and General Elections.  If you have not met him knocking on your door, you have come home to find packets of election information.  It wasn’t elves that put it there.  It was Patrick Murfin.

Patrick is a former Chair and Vice Chair of the McHenry County Democratic Party.  He has handled the Party’s publicity and often served as its press spokesman.  And he has twice been a candidate for public office. This spring the Party will honor him with its Robert McGarry Distinguished Community Service Award not only for his work with the Party but for his involvement as a community activist and leader.

Ok.  He’s kind of funny looking.  But Patrick Murfin deserves your vote.

HELP PATRICK MURFIN PUT THE KICK

IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY 



 

VOTE FOR PATRICK MURFIN

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

NUNDA 5 COMMITTEEMAN

Carolyn Quinn

Our contributor, Carolyn Quinn, Secretary of the McHenry County Democratic Party, attended the Tuesday night “workshop” meeting of the Crystal Lake City Council which considered funding requests from the city’s Hotel/Motel Tax.  The tax is earmarked to support tourism and economic development in the city.

The Crystal Lake Gala Committee was one of the groups with their hands out.  They requested a not inconsequential $40,000 allotment. The Committee, which produces the city’s annual Independence Day Parade, last year banned the McHenry County Peace Group from participating.  A ban also was extended to the Libertarian Party.

In protest to this attack on free speech and discrimination, the McHenry County Democratic Party voted to boycott last year’s parade and joined the Peace Group rallying around a giant Statue of Liberty erected in a private yard along the parade route.

In response to the resultant brouhaha, festival official made the ludicrous claims 1) that the parade did not receive tax payer support and was thus “private,” 2) that they were thus legally able to ban participation by any group for any reason, and 3} that the parade had nothing to do with the Fourth of July, even though the whole purpose for which the Gala Committee was originally created was to fund and produce the city holiday celebrations including the parade and fireworks.  In fact up until the controversy erupted, their own web site and publicity materials called the event the “Fourth of July Parade.”

Carolyn joined members of the Peace Group and local Democrats to monitor the meeting in hopes of being able to object to City funding unless the Committee changes it policy and renounces discrimination based on political content.  They were unable to do so.  But the issue will come up for final consideration and a vote by the full Council on February 15 at which time public comment will be permitted.  Carolyn and friends will be back.  We hope you join them.

This report was edited from an e-mail to interested parties.

 …We had a group of five people in a row.  The Gala Committee had a Power Point presentation and requested $40,000 to cover the fireworks, parade, and a third thing that did not make it into my notes.There were no decisions made tonight.  

The public did not get to speak at all.  It was officially a “workshop.”  Libby Pappalardo from the McHenry County Peace Group was ready with a prepared statement that she didn’t get to use.  I know she was disappointed…

…There were only five members of the board [City Council Members] present—lots of empty seats…

…The City Manager [Gary Mayerhofer] came over to shake my hand after they had adjourned and said that the February 15th meeting, when more members will be there, is the time to address our concerns.  I had asked if Libby could submit her written statement, and they almost took it, but didn’t.

The bottom line is that we [Democrats] should draw up a statement of our own.

I tried to get the NORTHWEST HERALD to give me permission to use their photo of Lou Bianchi cashing in that Red Ribbon street cred.  No luck.  Instead, here is a generic Red Ribbon graphic and a head shot of Bianchi.

            Well, there is was on page 5 of Wednesday’s NORTHWEST HERALD.  Lou Bianchi, the ethically challenged McHenry County States Attorney, got to take advantage of a friendly photo-op with Westwood Elementary students.  And Bianchi, plagued by rumors of investigations in recent days looked mighty happy to get some good publicity.

            It was all part of something called Red Ribbon Week, advertised as the oldest anti-drug education project in the country. I remember it well from my days as a building custodian at Briargate School in Cary.  What ever educational components of Red Ribbon Week might be, the most visible elements of the annual observance were the big red ribbons that all children and staff were commanded to wear throughout the week. I believe it was the same in schools across the county.  The ribbons were always emblazoned by the anti-drug slogan of the year and—more importantly—featured the name of the incumbent States Attorney in bold gold print.  Every child in the county became a walking advertisement for the States Attorney.  Better yet, Red Ribbon Week always fall just a couple of weeks before election day!

            I see no evidence that a single child was ever saved from a life of drug induced stupor by the hoopla around Red Ribbon Week.  But I have a keen eye for a political boondoggle when I see one.

            Now Bianchi did not invent this scam.  He is only the most recent of at least three Republican McHenry County States Attorneys to benefit from the free promotion.  And Lou is not one to stare such a gift horse in the mouth.  Even better he gets to be in the paper without his questionable use of public funds getting mentioned.  Way to go Lou!

****

            Locals may wonder why I have not yet commented on the circus surrounding Bianchi and Bill LeFew, the McHenry County Republican Chair.  As Dan Rather used to say when he was trying to be down home and folksy, I don’t have a dog in this fight.  But it is entertaining to sit back and watch the Republicans devour one another

For those who have not followed the story, Bianchi has been in hot water lately for his careless spending habits.  He has been caught putting parade candy and the like on his public account.  Even the Republican County Auditor Pam Palmer choked on that.  Parade appearances are patently political—at least when accompanied by dozens of “volunteers” in matching t-shirts and handing out candy while the Man himself shakes hands like no tomorrow.  That’s a little different that sitting in an official “dignitary” car representing the office.  There have been other irregularities too.  Nickel and dim stuff, really, only a few thousand dollars a year for lunches, flowers, and other “office expenses.”  In the old days it would have been considered a perk of office and no one would ever raise a peep.  Unfortunately for Bianchi in the wake of more than the usual governmental scandals in Illinois, the public and press—and other prosecutors—have begun to take a dim view of such goings on.

Democratic County Chair Tom Cynor, acting on his own behalf, recently asked the County Board to withhold payment of the disputed “expenses,” but on the whole, this has been a totally intramural Republican dust up.

Indeed none of this would ever have come to light if LeFew had not become disenchanted by his hand picked States Attorney.  Evidently LeFew believed that Bianchi was either behind or in support of moves by some GOP committeemen to oust him as chair or limit his power.  Such infighting has been standard operating procedure since former chair Al Jourdan, a man who knew how to run a humming  political machine with an iron hand, hung up the bull whip some years ago.  There have been successive struggles between party “regulars” and conservative insurgents yearning for ideological purity.

LeFew, a former Mayor of Harvard was tapped as a peace maker a few years ago who could protect the old guard while moving the party generally to the right.  In the process LeFew had to jettison some excess baggage, including the hard drinking former States Attorney Gary Pack who was tainted by a relentless murder prosecution of organic farmer Gary Gauger, later proved innocent when two motorcycle gang members were fingered for the case.  LeFew backed the unknown Bianchi against Pack’s former top prosecutor.  But the love match was not destined to continue.

Shortly after the first of the year LeFew began casting about for a candidate to run against Bianchi in the GOP primary.  Even the washed-up Gary Pack was rumored to be coming back from Florida to give it another whirl, this time with the Chairman’s blessing.  That trial balloon deflated quickly when no one could be found enthusiastic for old regime.  So LeFew, who vowed never again to support Bianchi, was stuck with Dan Regna an ousted former Assistant States Attorney bitter that he was replaced by Bianchi’s minions.  Regna bases his campaign on claims that Bianchi has “politicized” the office by allowing his assistants and staff to work and contribute to his campaign.  The only trouble is that Regna did the same for his boss, former First Assistant Glenn Gable who ran against Bianchi in the last primary.  Confused yet?

Not content with just putting his muscle behind Regna, LeFew has glommed onto the issue of Bianchi’s expenditures, if he was not responsible for bringing (through surrogates) the issue to light in the first place.  Then last week he dropped his bombshell at the regular Republican meeting.  He planned to resign in the near future, he said, because of a conflict of interest between his role as Party Chair and his job as County Treasurer.  He said that someone had filed a complaint against Bianchi with Attorney General Lisa Madigan and with the Chicago Crime Commission and that he may some day have to turn over financial records to investigators.  

The NORTHWEST HERALD reported that neither Madigan’s office nor the Crime Commission had received a complaint on Friday, the day after LeFew’s announcement. The complaints finally showed up on Monday.  LeFew claimed he did not originate them.  But he knew that they were going to be filed in advance.  Hmmm.  Something’s rotten in Denmark.

Despite LeFew’s attempts to swath himself in high minded ethics, just about everyone recognized it as a stunt meant to throw a bomb into Bianchi’s campaign while letting LeFew leave office before the GOP county ticket goes down in flame next year.

Voters in the county are tending more Democratic, the national party is in disarray, Congresswoman Melissa Bean has proved both resilient and popular,  Bob Abboud is mounting a well funded challenge to Don Manzullo in the 16th  District with State Representative Jack Franks’ formidable political organization behind him, and strong challengers are immerging in key County Board races.  The top of the ticket promises to be swamped by who ever emerges as the Democratic Presidential Candidate and by incumbent Senator Dick Durbin.  Demoralized conservatives, particularly the “family values” voters of the religious right, may sit on their hands and stay home in droves. 

Over at the McHenry County Blog Cal Skinner reported that the real reason for LeFew’s resignation might lie in attempts by some to amend the party By-laws eliminating a requirement for a quorum of 50% of the committeemen for major party decisions.  That would allow a handful of disciplined committeemen to seize control of the party at a lightly attended meeting.  And the movement conservatives are nothing but disciplined.  Of course any candidates the rump could put forward would be far too wacko to be elected in McHenry County, which may still tend Republican but which prefers to elect moderates.

It’s as good a time as any for LeFew to bail.

Democrats can simply sit back and watch the debacle.  Whether Bianchi can salvage the nomination next spring or Regna takes it, the prize may not be worth the effort.  With GOP party unity shattered and a nation-wide Democratic landslide looming, look for County Dems to caucus in a strong candidate for States Attorney next spring.

In Mexico, David Bachmann holds a baby named for him. Bachmann attended to the mother of this child as she was killed in an auto accident. The Appreciative for his efforts in support of the family, they sought him out, and showed up at his home one evening with the newborn child of the women killed in the accident. They graciously thanked him and told him the family named the child "David" in his honor.

The office of coroner seems an odd place to look for political drama.  Particularly in McHenry County,  where it tends to be passed down from hand to hand as a minor fiefdom of the Republican machine.  But it may move to center stage as David John Bachmann, a career funeral director and embalmer with deep roots in the county announced his candidacy at the McHenry County Democratic Party meeting in Spring Grove Wednesday night

            Democrats have not contested the Coroner’s office since the early ‘90’s.  Back when former County Chair Frank Mclatchey promoted a “full slate” of county candidates for county-wide office Clark Landers was a more-or-less sacrificial lamb as place holder.  The quirky Landers had minimal qualifications for the office and less ability as a candidate.  He also would go off on tangents like anti-Masonry at the drop of his cowboy hat.  He was such an embarrassment on the ticket that he tainted strong candidates for Auditor and Sheriff in the eyes of the press.  The party was ever after reluctant to run candidates just to fill slots.

            Bachmann, on the other hand, promises to be a serious candidate

            The present Corner is Marlene Lantz, who was anointed the job by her mentor, long time office holder, the late Alvin Querhammer.  Ms. Lantz, who presides over the smallest of the elected county offices recently won a substantial pay raise in lock step with other officers in a controversial vote by the CountyBoard.  That is she will get that nice raise if she is re-elected next November

            Until Bachmann came along that re-election seemed a forgone conclusion.

            Bachmann was raised in Crystal Lake,  where his father was Chief Financial Officer of Black Dot Group owner of Graftek Press a printing company and major local employer.  The family also bought Whede Shoes on Williams Street from former mayor Carl Whede.  But the former Crystal Lake Central graduate decided to take a different track.

            I am sure much to the surprise of his friends and family, the tall and athletic young Bachmann elected to attend mortuary science school after Eastern Illinois University. After plying his trade in California and Florida he returned to McHenry County to work at a prominent Cary funeral home.   

            In a conversation at the Democratic Party meeting, Bachmann related to me how he decided to open his own business in Crystal Lake at the tender age of 27.  He was already involved in some pioneering AIDS education work in conjunction with Hospice and when Coroner Querhammer made local—and state wide—headlines by announcing his firm belief that AIDS was an unstoppable plague which could be spread on toilet seats and by the air circulators on airlines.  He advocated mandatory quarantine of AIDS patients under armed guard in conditions that could only be described as concentration camp like.  Appalled, Bachmann determined to open up his own funeral home to go into head to head competion  with  Querhammer’s.  

            The local establishment was less than thrilled with the upstart, and numerous hurdles were thrown up to prevent the competition.  But Bachmann persisted and opened his modern Bachmann Funeral Home north of town on Rt. 14—less than a quarter mile from Querhammer’s—in 1987.

            While running his business, Bachmann was active in the community.  He served as president of the Crystal Lake Kiwanis, on the boards of directors of both Crime Stoppers and Senior Citizens of Northern Illinois, chaired the special gifts committee of the American Heart Association, was and education volunteer for Hospice of Northern Illinois, and an instructor on death and dying at McHenry County College.

            In 1992 Bachmann sold his business and relocated his family to Florida where he continued his career both as a funeral home executive and embalmer and as the president of a company that manufactured state of the art cremation urns.

            The funeral director faced death himself in 2002 when he was diagnosed with usually fatal pancreatic cancer.  He sold his business and fought the disease, enduring an operation that would “either kill me or save me.”  Bachmann had also survived serious surgeries following an automobile accident and a plane crash.

            Looking for a new challenge after his recovery, Bachmann and his Mexican born wife journeyed to her country where he served as Chief Embalmer of State under the Chief Justice of the state of Tlaxcala in the impoverished interior.  He educated medical examiners on embalming techniques and protective measure in handling human remains.

            The family has now returned to McHenry County making a home in Hebron. Looking for new challenges, Bachmann decided on what some might consider his long shot run for coroner.  But he expects to win.  “I’ve overcome a lot of obstacles in my life.  I know I can do it again.”

            Bachman’s strong professional credentials and broad experience make him a viable candidate.  His community roots and public service are a plus.  So is his command of the Spanish language and ability to reach out to the county’s growing Latino communities.  He is also confident, bright and articulate.

            Look out, Marlene Lantz.

Well, it’s been a week and I am finally getting around to posting a gallery of photos from DIVERSITY DAY 2007:  “…Skies Everywhere as Blue as Mine.”  It was a beautiful, but unseasonably hot day.  I made a very unattractive sight as co-host with my shirt soaked through with sweat.  Attendance was down a bit.  Whether that was due to the weather, competing events like near-by Marengo’s  big Settler’s Day Parade or the McHenry County Historical Society in Union  annual Cider Fest, lingering depression over the Chicago Cub loss the night before, or my failure to get adequate publicity is open to question.  Anyway, those who did come out seemed to enjoy the day.  This is what it looked like.
 

The festival opened with the fabulous Congregational Unitarian Church Choir.  Director Tom Steffens was on the injured list following an automobile accident earlier in the week—Get well, Tom.  Rebecca Strong stepped up to pinch hit.

                                              

A row of display tables.  That’s McHenry County Citizens for Choice (MCCC) under the white canopy, an unidentified table (sorry), the Latino Coalition, and the Woodstock Area Community Ministry (WACM.)

Carlos Acosta of the Latino Coalition.

                                   

A view from the Gazebo.

                                  

O Brother sang their traditional Appalachian music.  Brian Pappalardo, Harold Rail, Sam Jones, and Kemberly Dallay-Hohnson.

                               

SubZero Sandwich and Ice Cream Shop/Lucia’s Custom Catering kept the folks fed. 

                                

Gary Christ explained his Demine Cambodia project at his elaborate display.  He is raising funds to return to Cambodia and build more of his ingenious mine clearing devices.

Two of the Latinos Unidos dancers from McHenry County College show how to salsa.

Da Utes of the Congregational Unitarian Church did great business with their “Diverse Pumpkins for Diversity Day” table.  They probably made more money than the festival itself.
  
                              
Pat Young and Ray Eberhardt staffed the CUC booth under the cover of the pump house.  They sold—or tried to sell—Choir CDs, Wise Words From Women of a Certain Age books, and the CUC window booklet.  

                               

Rev. Dan Larsen chatted at the CUC Green Sanctuary Committee table.  That committee chair Margaret Fox-Hawthorne partially obscured by the display. The committee is the environmental voice of the church.

Lisa Haderlein of the Land Conservancy of McHenry County accepted the 2007 Peace and Justice Award on behalf the Quaker environmentalists Alice and Bill Howenstine.

                               

 The McHenry County Peace Group table was a busy place.

                              
McHenry County Pride was proud to have table.

                             
Joy Martin (left) was doing double duty for Family Alliance (senior services) and Home of the Sparrow (emergency housing for women and children

                                         
                            

The Family Health Partnership table.

                  
Betty Appleton (left) and the Woodstock Folk Dancers got the audience on their feet to dance the Macarana.

 The McHenry County Democratic Party, despite a large contingent marching in the Marengo parade the same day, had several volunteers at their table among them were District 3 Chair Pauline Walker (left) and John Darger.

                                         
                           
Kathy Bergan-Schmidt made sure that there was a Bill Richardson For President table.  That’s Rich Garling in the hat.

.
                                         

            When I was a boy back in CHEYENNE my mother, who had the social ambitions of those raised in poverty thrust among the white-gloves-and-pearls middle class of the 1950’s, was always after my father to join the Country Club.  And he consistently resisted, not an easy thing to do when my mother got up a head of steam.

            He explained it to me this way:  “Son, I don’t know of any more foolish way for a man to spend an afternoon than to chase a ball through a pasture.”  His idea of recreation was to don hip boots and flannel shirt and head out to some high, clear, and remote mountain trout stream for the Zen-like joys of fly fishing.

            My father was a man of few words in the advice department.  In my entire adolescence, I came away with just a handful of his pearls of wisdom:

• “Always remember there are three sources for the Missouri River—the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin.”
• “Don’t pop off in your socks, your mother is complaining.”
• “Never mix whiskey with anything sweet.  If you can’t taste the alcohol, you’ll drink too much too fast.”
• And, of course, “Don’t chase a ball around a pasture.”

            This had a profound affect on my development. I heeded Dad’s advice and never took up golf, a pass time I never could have afforded anyway.  And I always associated golf with Republicans.  Maybe it was growing up in the EISENHOWER years when the Commander in Chief was more apt to be pictured with putter in hand than in a flight suite making absurd utterances about a war he didn’t understand.

            But over the years I have leaned that a lot of perfectly respectable people actually play golf.  Half the union guys I know can be found out on the links on a nice Saturday morning.

            So while I am not yet personally ready to take up the Scott’s game, I am more tolerant of those who get a dreamy, far away look in their eyes at the mention of TIGER WOODS.

McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

GOLF OUTING

PATRICK MURFIN listens to a voter in the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PENNY POLL.

Despite a strong surge in support for Senator BARACK OBABA in the final day of the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRAT’S PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY PENNY POLL during the McHENRY COUNTY FAIR, New Mexico Governor BILL RICHARDSON hung on to eke out a close victory at the end of 5 days of voting.

            Voting was brisk all day Sunday. Lively, sometimes passionate, discussions erupted in front of the display of jars representing all eight Democratic presidential candidates. 

Results were based on the total contributions to each candidate and were tallied daily during the fair, as were cumulative results.  Voters could contribute as much as they liked and vote as often as they wished.  One cent equaled one vote.

While the poll was far from scientific, it offered an opportunity to examine the Democratic Presidential field.  “Every one had fun,” Party Chair THOMAS CYNOR reported, “As for drawing any conclusion from the results, I leave that up to others.”

Here are the final cumulative vote totals as of 5:30 Sunday night when voting ended:

Richardson                  15323

Obama                         14061

Clinton                          4957

Edwards                        1417

Biden                            1314

Gravel                             739

Kucinich                         700

Dodd                               559

            A total of $409.70 was collected from all candidate jars.  The proceeds will go to support the work of the McHenry County Democratic Party.

New Mexico Governor BILL RICHARDSON stretched his lead over Senator BARACK OBAMA Saturday in the PENNY POLL being conducted by the county DEMOCRATIC PARTY at the McHENRY COUNTY FAIR. in  WOODSTOCK.  Richardson came in first in the daily tally for the first time since he dominated on opening day of the fair.

            Obama continued to run a strong second in the cumulative vote. Senator HILLARY CLINTON retains significant support but still lags behind the frontrunners.

            Former Senator JOHN EDWARDS doubled Senator JOSEPH BIDEN’S vote on Saturday and regained a distant fourth place, followed by GRAVEL, KUCINICH and DODD, each unable to break out three digit totals on the fourth day of the Fair.

            “The story here is the preference for diversity,” as County Chair THOMAS CYNOR analyzed it.  “Just look at the top three vote getters.  And despite the help from a very generous lady with a large piggy bank, Governor Richardson has had an impressive showing of support. “

            At least one Republican County Board member known to be dissatisfied with the options in the Republican race and staffers for a high level GOP office holder were observed participating in the poll.

            Here are the cumulative totals at Fair closing on Saturday:

BRIAN MEYERS staffed the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY booth at the McHENRY COUNTY FAIR Thursday night.  PENNY POLL buckets on left, results posting on corkboard at right.

After the first two days NEW MEXICO Governor BILL RICHARDSON is in the lead of a PENNY POLL being conducted by the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY  at their booth at the COUNTY FAIR in WOODSTOCK.  ILLINOIS favorite son, Senator BARACK OBAMA, is rapidly closing on the leader.

            The “Penny Poll” counts the total money collected in jar representing all 8 major declared Democratic Presidential candidates.  One cent equals one vote.  Results are tallied nightly with day winners noted and cumulative totals added together.

            Acknowledging that the poll is “highly unscientific” party members still believe that over the long run of the fair, it could be reflective of local sentiment in the Democratic race.

            On opening Day Governor Richardson jumped to a commanding lead largely on the strength of donations from one devoted supporter.  Votes were more evenly distributed on Thursday with Obama surging.

            As of 9:30 Thursday evening the cumulative votes for the candidates were as follows:

Richardson                 5484

Obama                        4309

Clinton                        1465

Edwards                       537

Biden                           453

Kucinich                       211

Gravel                          206

Dodd                            100

            For undecided voters Democrats are showing the recent CNN/YouTube debates and can give voters directions to all of the candidate’s web sites.

            Voting continues through Sunday in Building C.

Some CRYSTAL LAKE DEMOCRATS  biked to the FIESTA DAYS PARADE in McHENRY, inspiring the Bicycle Brigade trip to ALGONQUIN for the FOUNDERS’ DAY PARADE this coming Saturday, July28.

The following was adapted from a letter to NORTHWEST HERALD editor KEVIN LYONS.

There is a BICYCLE BRIGADE planned for a mini-trip (3 miles) from CRYSTAL LAKE to the ALGONQUIN FOUNDERS DAY PARADE line-up area on Saturday, July 28.  We are joining together to make a symbolic, political statement and to have ourselves a grand pre-parade party.  At the same time, we will be promoting the PRAIRIE BIKE PATH that crosses the entire length of McHENRY COUNTY from WISCONSIN to the KANE COUNTY Border.

By using our bicycles instead of cars to get to the parade does the following things for us we reduce our carbon footprint for the day; increase our intake of fresh air and exercise with friends and neighbors; reduce our use of gasoline; promote community pride—the Prairie Trail through McHenry County is remarkable—and prevent the frustration of being stuck in traffic at the Fox River Bridge in Algonquin, which is also remarkable.

The Bicycle Brigade is sponsored by the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY.  We will join the party contingent for the at the MY KIND OF COUNTY float in position #93.).  This is a part of the NATIONAL CLEAN UP AMERICA promoted by party Chair, GOV. HOWARD DEAN for the DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL REUNION DAY 2007.

So far, we are being joined by members of the McHENRY COUNTY DEFENDERS, the OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/RECREATION CLUB (OAR) of McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE, and the McHENRY COUNTY PEACE GROUP. Anyone is invited to bring their bike, grab a helmet and join us for the event.

In the 18 years that I have lived here, traffic problems have been one of the primary concerns of McHenry County.  The hottest spot in the county is still the corner of 62 & 31, and on parade day both highways are closed at 9:30 AM.  I don't mean to complain, as I, myself, love having the roads closed for a parade or a block party.  But there will be plenty of people who are complaining that day (cursing in their cars) because they are frustrated, wasting time and gas in a traffic jam.  We are going to sail right through all of that and arrive at the Parade in fine spirits.

We are gathering at the DIVERSE CITY PRAIRIE on the Prairie Path Bike Trail.  There is a special parking for bikers there on EASTGATE ROAD, public water fountains and restrooms.

CAROLYN QUINN
Secretary, 
Democratic Party of McHenry County
info@mchenrydems.com  
815-788-9540

 
LADY LIBERTY'S head for McHENRY COUNTY PEACE GROUP 
banned GALA PARADE entry.

Despite being barred from the annual CRYSTAL LAKE GALA PARADE  this year, the McHENRY COUNTY PEACE GROUP will still have a presence along the parade route this Sunday afternoon.

            They will erect the float that would have been in the parade in a private yard at the southwest corner of Dole Av. and Pierson Street.  “It will be hard to miss,” according to Group spokeswoman LIBBY PAPPALARDO, “It is a STATUE OF LIBERTY measuring 17 feet tall to the tip of her torch.”

            Group members will gather around the statue and invite others to show support.  Activities will include a reading of the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.

            Volunteers have been working on the statue since even before the Gala Parade Committee rejected the Peace Group’s parade application.

            In banning the Peace Group, the Committee cited one sign carried by the Group in the 2006 parade which listed “The Cost of the War” in money, U.S. deaths and injuries, and Iraqi deaths.  They said the sign violated a parade rule on “political statements” and was potentially alarming and distressing to those with family members in the war.

            The ban created a firestorm of controversy in the community which escalated when the McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY  publicly withdrew from the parade in protest and urged others to do the same.

            Peace Group members feel that they have been singled out for their opinion when other groups, politicians and office holders have also “expressed political opinion.” 

            The parade is part of the Crystal Lake Gala Festival.  The festival was established twenty-one years ago to present and pay for an INDEPENDENCE DAY parade and fireworks for the city.  As a private organization the Committee says that it is free to regulate who participates in the parade and no free speech issues are involved.

            “We find it ironic,” Pappalardo said, “ that our freedom of expression has been denied at an event meant to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.”

            In the face such criticism Gala CHAIRWOMAN LOUISE STEINBACH has recently maintained that the parade has nothing to do with the Fourth of July but is simply part of the Gala Celebration.

            Information on the Gala web site and previous publicity materials however, have referred to the parade as an Independence Day event.

Graphic adapted by CAROLYN QUINN 

The McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, meeting at the Nunda Township Hall, voted Wednesday night to withdraw from participation in the Crystal Lake Gala Parade and to encourage others to do the same.  The action was in response to the decision by the Gala Committee to bar participation in the parade by the McHenry County Peace Group.

            “Tonight the Central Committee took a strong stand for fundamental fairness and freedom of speech by authorizing our withdrawal from the Crystal Lake Gala Parade” Cynor wrote in a message to party members after the vote.  “The Gala Parade Committee has repeatedly abused its authority in making arbitrary decisions as to who may participate in this publicly supported parade.”

            The Party has been a regular participant in the Gala Parade for several years with large contingents of marchers.

           It was determined that the decision by the Gala Committee was "arbitrary and capricious" especially in light of banners, placards and signs regularly carried by an array of organizations,  political parties, candidates and elected officials throughout the years. 

            The resolution authorizes the Party chair to withdraw participation “until such time that the Gala Parade Committee enforces its rules and regulations uniformly in the interest of equity, fundamental fairness and freedom of speech.”  Cynor indicated that he would take action.

            The resolution was overwhelmingly adopted by the weighted vote of the precinct representatives.

 RESOLUTION OF THE MCHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE

AUTHORIZING WITHDRAWAL FROM THE CRYSTAL LAKE, GALA PARADE 2007

WHEREAS, the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee has a parade float entry in the 2007 Crystal Lake, Gala Parade; and

WHEREAS, the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee has participated in the Gala Parade in the past without incident; and

WHEREAS, many State of Illinois elected officials, county elected officials, municipal elected officials, and candidates for elected office have participated in the Gala Parade without incident; and

WHEREAS, many commercial and/or religious organizations have participated in the Gala Parade without incident; and

WHEREAS, these organizations, parties, candidates and/or elected officials have repeatedly utilized banners, signs and placards to convey a political and/or ideological statement/opinion during said Gala Parade; and

WHEREAS, the application for parade participation of a particular group has been denied by the Gala Parade Committee because of the alleged use of banners, signs and/or placards to convey a political and/or ideological statement/opinion during said Gala Parade; and  

            WHEREAS, said decision of the Gala Parade Committee is both arbitrary and capricious;  and

WHEREAS, the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee’s participation in the Gala Parade 2007 would be in tacit support of said arbitrary and capricious decision violating guarantees of equity, fundamental fairness and freedom of speech;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Central Committee of the McHenry County Democratic Party, that the Chairman of the Party is hereby authorized to withdraw said application for participation in the Crystal Lake Gala Parade 2007, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all members of the Central Committee be encouraged to withdraw from said event; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Central Committee members and the Chairman of the Party publicly encourage others to withdraw from said event and in particular contact all elected officials and candidates and request their support of said resolution, until such time that the Gala Parade Committee enforces its rules and regulations uniformly in the interest of equity, fundamental fairness and freedom of speech.

DATED: at Crystal Lake, Illinois, this 20th day of June A.D., 2007.

Thomas J. Cynor Esq.                                        Carolyn Quinn

Chairman, McHenry County                               Secretary, McHenry County  Democratic Central Committee                                             Democratic Central Committee

CONGRESSWOMAN MELISSA BEAN and JUSTICE FRANCIS LORENZ chat.  STATE REPRESENTATIVE JACK FRANKS in the background.

            An enthusiastic crowd filled a Crystal Lake Holiday Inn ballroom on Saturday night for McHENRY COUNTY DEMOCRATATIC PARTY’S second annual THOMAS JEFFERSON DINNER. 

The event featured two moving video presentations by the talented MICHAEL BISSETT.  The first was thematic introduction to the evening featuring a montage of photographs and quotations from folks as diverse as Jefferson himself, Justice THURGOOD MARSHAL, ELANOR ROOSEVELT, GEORGE McGOVERN, and HELEN KELLER.  It reminded us of our traditional Democratic ideals and commitments to the poor, to working people, to peace, justice, and civil liberty. It called on us first to dream, but then to act on that dream.  It was a perfect keynote for an evening that was considerably elevated above the tone of simple crass partisanship one might expect of such an event.  One astonished observer noted, “There are real ideas here.”

Former County Chair PAT OUIMET suggested to me that I post the video on this blog.  I had to explain to him that the steam-powered technology here would melt down with a lengthy video.  But I am so eager to share it that if it is posted on the local party web site or elsewhere, I will post a link here.

Later another Bissett video saluted JUSTICE FRANCIS LORENZ, recipient of the evening’s prestigious THOMAS JEFFERSON LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.  The video featured vintage photo’s of the Lorenz’s long and storied career and charming excerpts from a discussion he had one afternoon with COUNTY CHAIR THOMAS CYNOR. 

Lorenz rose from Depression era poverty as the son of butcher and service during World War II to a law degree and distinguished career of public service.  He was elected as Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court and Illinois State Treasurer.  Although he lost a bid to become Attorney General, he fondly remembered his service as Illinois Director of Public Works during the years that the Interstate Highway and Chicago Expressway system was being built as his greatest achievement.  He capped his career with long service as an Illinois Appellate Court Judge whose legal opinions are admired and frequently cited to this day.  Although 93 years of age and slowed by arthritis one audience member marveled how he seemed to transform himself into the vigorous and handsome young man in the video photos as he spoke in acceptance of his award.

It has been my pleasure to work closely with MARTI SWANSON, recipient of the BOB McGARRY AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE (named for the late, beloved McHenry County Party Chair) for many years.  In her acceptance remarks she noted that BOB GIBSON (last year’s award winner) and I were among just a handful of elected Committeemen (that’s what we were called then) listed in the McHENRY COUNTY YEARBOOK for 1995, the year she started her service with the party.  She waited until she retired as a high school English teacher and union officer to take on party work.  Since then not only has she faithfully worked her own precinct and aided others, but offered her skills in many areas to the party.  She worked on an extensive revision of the Party by-laws and worked to keep it up to date—and to make sure that we followed our own rules.  She was active with Illinois Democratic Women and with other regional groups to help build the party.   Marti was a highly effective Party Secretary and my personal choice to be elected chair after my brief tenure filling the end of Bob McGarry’s term.  She lost to JOHN BARTMAN, but did not slacken her dedication to the party.  A John will testify, Marti kept him on the strait and narrow if he over stepped his authority or circumvented party rules.  It may have irked John at the time, but it made him a better, and eventually more effective, chair. 

Marti also served on the RINGWOOD VILLAGE BOARD, at the time one of only a handful of local officials who an open Democrat, and was proud to elected as a Delegate to the DEMOCRATIC PARTY NATIONAL CONVENTION.   She also served as lobbyist for the McHENRY COUNTY RETIRED TEACHERS and for the organization's regional and state bodies.  She knew all the players in SPRINGFIELD and was tireless in her efforts to keep teachers from being screwed out of their pensions.  Yet there was also time for other commitment like the McHENRY COUNTY GENEOLOGICAL SOCIETY and the DEFENDERS WILDFLOWER COMMITTEE. 

Of course it wouldn’t be a political event without speeches from politicians.  STATE REPRESENTATIVE JACK FRANKS, once called the 800 pound gorilla of the local Party, and 8th DISTRICT CONGRESSWOMAN MELISSA BEAN both spoke.  I understand as both worked the room after dinner Jack got an earful on the state budget and Melissa was frequently counseled to vote against continued funding for the IRAQ WAR. 

The biggest splash of the evening, however, came from the man who introduced Bean, ROBERT G. ABBOUD, the mayor of BARRINGTON HILLS and now a candidate for DON MANZULLO’S 16th DISTRICT Congressional seat.  Abboud, a nuclear engineer, businessman, and son of ROBERT A. ABBOUD, legendary former chair of FIRST CHICAGO bank, displayed intelligence and gravitas as he talked at length and in depth on economic issues like the deficit and the de-industrialization of the U.S.  He convinced everyone in the room that he had what it takes to successfully challenge the entrenched, but ineffective incumbent.

Abboud will have to hone his message for the campaign trail, but he can raise the significant sums necessary to mount a meaningful challenge and to hire professional campaign people who can help him.

Long after the dinner ended he was at the center of large knots of enthusiastic listeners—and a few folks ready to give him advise.

The evening’s principle speaker was SHEILA SIMON, daughter of the late SENATOR PAUL SIMON, probably the most beloved Illinois Democrat since ADALI STEVENSON.   Simon is herself active in politics, and has been since childhood helping her father’s campaigns.  She related how her parents—at the time both members of the Illinois House—honeymooned at the Democratic National Convention lf 1960 and how she and her husband honeymooned “in Iowa and 16 other states” during her father’s bid for the Democrat Presidential nomination.  Two years ago she was elected in grass-roots style campaign to the city council of CARBONDALE.  This fall she was narrowly defeated for Mayor of the city.  Yet she has a bright future and will surely emerge again to run for office.

Simon mentioned that she favored SENATOR BARACK OBAMA for president while allowing that any of the Democratic candidates were obviously superior to any of the pathetic Republican hopefuls.

           Melissa Bean and Jack Franks also expressed support for the Senator.  Judging from the reaction of the crowd, I would say that Obama has solid support throughout the Illinois Party--bad news for HILLARY CLINTON, who thought that her PARK RIDGE connections and the loyalty of activist party women would at least bite into his support.  Absolutely no evidence of that at the dinner.  I know some local party folks have also been partial to JOHN EDWARDS, BILL RICHARDSON, or DENNIS KUCINICH, but even many of those folks like Obama just as well or better.

            At the end of the evening the local party was united, a little richer, and eager to tackle next year’s elections.

            Below are more pictures from the evening.  

MARTI SWANSON accepts the BOB McGARRY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD.


ROBERT G. ABBOUD makes an impression introducing Bean.


SHEILA SIMON wins over the crowd.


JUSTICE FRANCIS LORENZ draws a chuckle from PARTY CHAIR TOM CYNOR.


ABBOUD chats with local Democrats after dinner.


Three great Democrats:  last year’s McGarry Award Winner BOB GIBSON, former county chair PATRICK OUIMET, and current chair TOM CYNOR.


FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR PAULA YENSEN, the impresario of the evening and her  husband MICHAEL BISSET (standing clapping,) who produced the videos that wowed the crowd.

Democrats: save the date!

The Thomas Jefferson Dinner

On Saturday, June 16, 2007, the McHenry County Democratic Party will again celebrate the American spirit and the enduring principles of the Democratic Party. All Democrats are invited to attend this fundraiser and demonstrate their support of our local party organization.

The Thomas Jefferson Dinner is the most important social event of the year for local Democrats. Hundreds will gather to enjoy an evening of spirited political discussion and camaraderie. Last year's event drew a crowd of over 200, and was an energizing kick-off to the political campaign season. A number of local and state political figures are again expected to attend the dinner including Attourney Gerneral Lisa Madigan, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, State Representative Jack Franks and more. 

This event also serves as our opportunity to honor several most deserving local Democrats for their contributions to the cause of democracy and public service.

The Thomas Jefferson Lifetime Achievement Award

This year's honoree is Justice Francis Lorenz. We are especially proud to have Justice Lorenz as this year's recipient of the Party's highest honor. Justice Lorenz began his career in politics over 50 years ago. He has served in many roles over the years, from Illinois State Treasurer, to Director of Public Works, to appellate court judge.

The Robert McGarry Award for Community Service

Retired teacher Marti Swanson is the recipient of this year's community service award. Marti has been active for many years in the Retired Teachers' Association and is a former president of the group. Her life-long commitment to public education and active citizenship makes Marti especially deserving of this award.

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