McHenry Times

From Prairie State Wire

Former Illinois LIG says ethics commission 'squashed' her findings of 'wrongdoing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | 5 years ago

Former Illinois Legislative Inspector General Julie Porter is speaking out about the Legislative Ethics Commission’s effort to squash her reports on “wrongdoing.”

State police search Madigan’s office in connection with Franks investigation

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 3, 2020

Illinois State Police took a step further in their probe into several allegations against former state Rep. Jack Franks – that include sexual misconduct and stalking, among others– and executed a search warrant at Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s Capitol offices last Wednesday.

Batinick: AFSCME members authorizing a strike is 'disappointing'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 6, 2017

When the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) scheduled a strike vote earlier this year, many viewed the move as another tactic orchestrated by the union to prevent Gov. Bruce Rauner from imposing his last, best offer.

Videos surface of men wearing Algonquin Township Highway Dept. uniforms firing guns, totaling car

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 24, 2017

Videos uploaded to Youtube show four men dressed in Algonquin Township uniforms shooting at a vehicle and destroying it, using Algonquin Township equipment 

Lawrence discusses run for Algonquin Township trustee

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 20, 2017

After playing a role in national politics last year, Rachael Lawrence decided to not only find ways to become involved in local politics, but encourage other people to do the same.

Gasser hopes to shake up Algonquin Highway Commission

By Vimbai Chikomo | Feb 13, 2017

As the Republican primary in Algonquin Township heats up, Andrew Gasser, who is challenging longtime Highway Commissioner Bob Miller, says the township is long overdue for change.

Skillicorn calls tax hike 'recipe for disaster'

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jan 25, 2017

Illinois Senate leaders had hoped to hold a vote as early as last week on a proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent, but the complex nature of the deal stalled the vote.

Reick criticizes Democrats' slating of replacement in House District 63 race

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jul 18, 2016

In a closed-door meeting earlier this month, Seneca Township Democratic Precinct Committeeman John Bartman was selected to run for state representative in House District 63 in Jack Franks’ stead, pitting Bartman, also a former Democratic Party chairman, against Republican candidate Steve Reick.

Candidates call on state to analyze how CPS funds are being spent

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 29, 2016

Illinois’ General State Aid (GSA) funds K-12 education and was originally intended to financially support school districts with the most need. Through the years, however, the formulas used to calculate the amount of state funding school districts receive has sparked outrage over the funding system providing large subsidies to a few select districts, namely, Chicago Public Schools.

Seven public universities in Illinois under review for credit downgrade

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 27, 2016

The University of Illinois and six other state universities have been placed on review for downgrade by Moody’s Investors Service following the state’s recent bond rating downgrade to Baa2 from Baa1.

Reick: Franks is showing his 'true colors' now that re-election isn't an issue

By Vimbai Chikomo | Jun 1, 2016

Although some view Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks’ decision to not run for re-election in District 63 as a move that places Republicans at a huge advantage going into the November election, conservative House candidate Steve Reick says that since Franks no longer has to worry about re-election, voters are now seeing his “true colors.”

Allen Skillicorn criticizes lawmakers for CPS 'bailout' bill

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 15, 2016

Conservative House candidate Allen Skillicorn is calling out Illinois politicians for advancing an education funding bill that would change the school funding formula and funnel more money toward schools in Chicago.

GOP lawmakers send third letter to Auditor General demanding answers on questionable campaign spending

By Vimbai Chikomo | May 7, 2016

Republicans in the Illinois General Assembly have tried once again to get answers from Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino regarding his campaign spending while serving in the House.

Proposal for per-mile tax on Illinois drivers creates challenges

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 29, 2016

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton’s proposal to tax Illinois drivers based on road usage may generate more revenue to maintain the state’s roads, but such a complex task may prove immensely difficult to implement and sustain.

Reick calls out Madigan and Franks for not addressing vacant Motorola facility

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 5, 2016

Steven Reick, who won the GOP primary in Illinois House District 63, is shining a spotlight on the devastating impact taxes and regulatory policies have had on his district, and is calling out House Speaker Mike Madigan and Democrat state Rep. Jack Franks for neglecting the needs of District 63 residents.

Reick believes education funding, pensions to be driving force behind ever-increasing taxes

By Vimbai Chikomo | Apr 1, 2016

Steve Reick, Illinois House candidate for District 63, recently appeared on the Property Tax Show on AM-560, touching on the vision he has for Illinois and what he considers to be the most pressing issues facing the state.

With primary win secured, Allen Skillicorn vows to continue fight against Mike Madigan in House

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 18, 2016

In the four-candidate race for House Representative in District 66 that became a three-candidate race at the 11th hour, Allen Skillicorn emerged as the winner of the Republican primary on March 15.

Reick adds last minute posting for District 63 voters

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 14, 2016

Endorsed by the Illinois Federation for Right to Life, National Taxpayers United of Illinois, the Chicago Tribune, the Pro-Life Victory PAC and the National Rifle Association, House District 63 candidate Steven Reick looks strong going into Tuesday's Republican primary.

Skillicorn issues a late message for voters

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 14, 2016

As voters prepare to cast their votes in Tuesday's primary, GOP candidate Allen Skillicorn in House District 66 wants voters to remember one important thing: “The race on March 15th is about substance; talk versus action. Vote Skillicorn,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Liberty Principles PAC campaign ad questions Wilbrandt’s record on taxes

By Vimbai Chikomo | Mar 14, 2016

A recent Liberty Principles PAC campaign ad is calling House District 66 GOP candidate Dan Wilbrandt’s stance on taxes into question.