McHenry Times

Nancy Gonsiorek’s run for McHenry County auditor is as pragmatic as it is selfless.

Gonsiorek is on record asserting that one of her first orders of business, if elected, would be moving to have the post eliminated as an elected position. To do that, she said she would work to have the question of whether it should become an appointed position placed on the ballot in 2020 as a binding referendum.

“I feel strongly that there should be qualifications for the job,” Gonsiorek, a certified public county, told the McHenry Times. “Right now, there is opportunity for abuse. Serving in this role should require a seasoned professional.”

Nancy Gonsiorek

Gonsiorek argues all the evidence strongly suggest that many across the state already seem to agree with her.

“Out of 102 counties in Illinois, only 17 have an elected auditor,” Gonsiorek said. “By making the post an internal audit position you get the best candidate and the chance to hire a skilled professional. Right now, I think the job has too much power.”

Gonsiorek is running to replace Pam Palmer, who retired this month. She ended her run for the county board to apply for the auditor position.

“I have interest in the post because it’s an area I’m qualified in and I also enjoy the job of public service,” said Gonsiorek, who previously served eight years on the District 47 School Board in Crystal Lake, including as vice president and chair of the finance department.  

According to the Daily Herald, County Board Chairman Jack Franks plans to temporarily appoint someone to serve in Palmer’s seat until the November elections, when voters will determine who will serve out the last two years of her term.  

In addition to running for the seat, Gonsiorek said she has also already submitted her resume to Franks.