McHenry Times

Kelli Wegener, a member of the McHenry County Board, appealed for further participation of underrepresented communities in the remapping process discussions.

Wegener testified in the April 9 House Redistricting Committee hearing in McHenry County. She pointed out that the county ranges from suburban to very rural with an approximate figure of 308,000 people with a median income of $87,000. She says the population has needs and should be involved in the redistricting process.

“It’s important that our state and local government represent them,” Wegener said. “Our county is comprised of 881 farms, which is about 60% of our county’s land. 95% of these farms are family-owned. … I would like to urge you to add some of these hearings in the evenings. Those that work sometimes can’t take off to attend these meetings. I watched one meeting last week where a woman was working at a convenience store while she was trying to give her testimony. I applaud her for this, but it made it hard for us to understand her. I want to make sure all voices are heard no matter their income, race, religion, or sexual preference. They should all have representation. I urge you to draw fair maps so that everyone can be heard and not drowned out by the majority. Please keep in mind the diverse population that our county has.”

Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Bourbonnais) has previously noted that her district is an example of drawn boundaries that have been “unfair to some communities,” and that "these moves were not based on township, village or meaningful divisions.”

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) has also said that “The best way to guarantee fairness is to "create more room at the table.”