This November, the citizens of McHenry County have to choose whether they want to change their form of government to elect a County Executive. While this sounds good, this is a step to crony capitalism and Chicago style corruption in McHenry County.
“Shall the County of McHenry adopt the county executive form of government and elect not to become a home rule unit?” Yes No
Everyone has heard about the unaccountable Czars appointed by the President. A County Executive would effectively be the elected County Czar. They would have a tremendous amount of power in McHenry County. As described below, the County Czar would have virtually dictatorial power of McHenry County. This is not good for the people of McHenry and must be stopped. Vote NO to stop the County Czar.
Here is an overview of the powers of a County Executive Czar:
- Elected to a 4 year term
- Not a member of the County Board
The information being spread by Jack Franks is untrue. This position will not be the County Board Chairman and cannot even vote, except to break a tie.
- Power of Executive Orders*
This Czar will have the power to use executive orders for administration and management of the county.
- Power to Budget
The Czar will make the budget, not the citizens elected County Board members.
- Power to appoint his preferred members to boards, commissions and special districts*
These positions can now be filled by friends and family members of the County Czar.
- Power to hire, fire and suspend his preferred deputies, employees and other administrative staff*
The Czar can remove people they disagree with politically and replace them with friends and family.
- Veto power of ordinances and resolutions passed by the County Board [Can be over ridden by 3/5 vote]
Veto power allows the Czar virtually unlimited power over McHenry County ordinances or resolutions.
- Power to negotiate Intergovernmental Agreements
Provides the power for the Czar to only make favorable agreements with only those he agrees with politically.
- Power to negotiate with the Private Sector to promote economic growth and development
Provides the Czar the power of Crony Capitalism.
- Power to appoint his own legal counsel
Instead of using the State;s Attorney, the Czar gets to appoint his own personal attorney who could have the same salary and benefits as the already elected State’s Attorney.
* Excludes the offices of other elected officials
The full text of the State Statute governing the County Executive form of Government can be viewed at the Illinois Compiled Statutes website starting at (55 ILCS 5/2-5007) (from Ch. 34, par. 2-5007) .