WOODSTOCK – A third-party evaluation of the McHenry County Coroner’s Office after the resignation of former Coroner Anne Majewski characterized the department as being in an “abhorrent and dysfunctional state.” The report, which was conducted by Dr. Dennis Kellar, highlighted a number of deficiencies, including a lack of security and quality assurance of fluid and tissue [Read More]
WOODSTOCK – McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks has launched a robocall urging thousands of Algonquin Township residents to pressure the township board to put a referendum on the November ballot giving voters the choice to eliminate the highway department at the polls. The heart of the Marengo Democrat’s call was an attack on Algonquin [Read More]
Published: Friday, Jan. 13, 2017 5:30 a.m. CST To the Editor: McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks epitomizes what it means to be a true public servant. Even though his term was ending in the General Assembly, he sprinted to the finish line, in his typical fashion, protecting the taxpayers. The recent Sunday front page exposé [Read More]
Published: Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016 5:30 a.m. CDT To the Editor: I entered County Board chairman candidate Jack Franks’ Crystal Lake Town Hall meeting as an undecided voter and left as an enthusiastic Franks supporter. I was impressed with Mayor Aaron Shepley’s introduction and endorsement and learned most every mayor, all Republicans, also have endorsed Franks. [Read More]
Published: Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 5:30 a.m. CDT To the Editor: Thank you, Sen. Pam Althoff, Rep. Jack Franks and Gov. Bruce Rauner for teaming up to end the practice of County Board members receiving taxpayer-funded pensions. It is unfair that solely because of elected status County Board members are getting full-time perks for very part-time [Read More]
Will County officials are considering a plan in which they may opt out of their participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, in the wake of a new law that bans newly elected board members from the state pension program. Members of the county board’s executive committee voted to recommend a resolution eliminating the IMRF [Read More]
Published: Monday, Aug. 29, 2016 3:43 p.m. CDT • Updated: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016 12:24 a.m. CDT By KEVIN P. CRAVER – kcraver@shawmedia.com Elected county board members statewide are no longer eligible for pensions under a law signed Friday by Gov. Bruce Rauner. Senate Bill 2701, which took effect with Rauner’s signature Friday, disqualifies future candidates elected [Read More]
To the Editor: The attacks on state Rep. Jack Franks are laughable. They call Jack a liar because he changed his mind and decided to run for County Board chairman, and they call him crooked because he served more than three terms in the state House of Representatives. I am glad Jack listened to his [Read More]