James McTague for District 1

The actions of Texas developer Fritz Duda, the deannexation of 368 acres and his intent of developing this land into 371 homes at Spring Creek and Haegers Bend roads are appalling. Duda’s actions present a health, environment, financial, and overall way-of-life threats to the other residents of Barrington Hills and the rest of the county at large.

While there is nothing illegal about this matter (except that Mr. Duda’s actions will violate Illinois law and disturb the habitat of the redwing blackbird population- as identified by young Erin Ford at the June 29th hearing) and no one believes that Mr. Duda is not entitled to earn a profit from his holdings these actions are selfish and reflect an ill character. Every other resident of Barrington Hills has respected the 5-acre zoning approved in the area, which was in existence when Mr. Duda purchased his property. However, Mr. Duda feels that he is entitled to independently ignore this legislation and the well being of those who already live in the area.

At present the County Board has jurisdiction over this issue, however, they appears to be accommodating Mr. Duda and once again neglecting the demands and wishes of its larger constituency- a systemic problem of the one-party system in McHenry County. By siding with Duda the County Board sets a precedent that zoning law is unnecessary, as long as you are privately funded enough to circumvent it. We deserve a change!

The County Board will, hear argument and decide this issue on July 25, 2006 at the County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road Woodstock; speakers against the matter must arrive at 8:45am the zoning board will meet at 9:30 a.m.