Friday, June 30, 2006

Crystal Lake Gala Parade- July 2, 2006

As Friends of James McTague for McHenry County Board District 1 you are invited to join us in this community event.

Marchers and other interested parties:

For those pulling/assembling the float plan to arrive between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Use the west driveway.Our Unit Number is 82.2. We will assemble in the former Suntronics Building (110 Woodstock Ave.).

The actual parade will begin at 1:00 pm. The route begins at the Municipal Building at the corner of Woodstock St. and Dole Ave. The parade ends at the South Elementary School (601 Golf Road).

Parking:

Parking will be very limited. Woodstock Ave. will be closed. Some parking will be available at the commuter railroad parking lot on Woodstock Ave. At the end of the parade (South Elementary), parking is allowed on the East Side of the building.

I would refrain from wearing anything that might be offensive to some in the crowd (e.g., anti-Bush). We want to promote our party and candidates in the best possible light.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Festival, Fundraising, and Father's Day

On Saturday June 10th the McTague Team had an awesome time braving the questionable weather at the Algonquin Hill Climb Festival (visit the website- www.jamesmctague4district1.com- for pictures). This local event honors the automotive gumption of a far gone era in a very fun and colorful way as racers speed to the top of a hill in vintage cars. It was great meeting with other citizens and exchanging our thoughts how we need to improve our community. As I've stated myself and am looking to change, many of you expressed anger at the lack of choice in our elected community leadership- there is a large population of Independents and closet Democrats who are being alienated, a continued increase in the traffic congestion- even though large sums of your money has been spent researching this issue there is still a failure to act, the shrinking water table (due to rapid uncontrolled/ unplanned growth) and the potential for contamination to our remaining water, and the need for improved safety- the county board has known for some time about the need to upgrade a regional animal shelter and has chosen like most things to do nothing. Time and time again the county board has failed to recognize that our community is growing. Also, as these complaints- and federal problems- demonstrate single party control over all branches of government breeds incompetence, impedes action, corrupts, and distances government from the people. This makes democracy unhealthy and eventually non-existent.

On Saturday June 17th I had the privilege of being one of many who attended the 1st annual McHenry County Democratic Jeffersonian Dinner. It was wonderful seeing Herb Franks and Bob Gibson receive recognition for their life long dedication to the community, and listening to Illinois leaders like...

Congresswoman Melissa Bean
Attorney General Lisa Madigan
and State Representative Jack Franks

In addition, I had the pleasure of speaking with Algonquin and Barrington Hills Village Board Presidents John Schmitt and Robert Abboud who also attended the event. Most importantly, I was impressed to see how many in our community believe in democracy and that the oligarchical rule in the area must end.

Finally, I hope everyone had an enjoyable Father's Day; even those who were unable to be with their loved ones- because of war or other distances.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Hello from campaign headquarters-

I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday and thanked a veteran or active duty person for their defense of our freedoms. Speaking of freedom and the democratic process, my fellow democrats and I are continuing to ensure your freedom of choice here in McHenry County. We are hoping to develop a more representative government for the citizenry. From speaking with fellow constituents I am constantly informed of how glad people are that we could have alternate representation with new progressive democratic views. Many had fallen under the mistaken sense that there is no other alternative but to accept what the traditional republican party hands them here in McHenry County. They have felt isolated, frustrated and disenfranchised. That their opinion did not matter. Well, it matters very much. We need your voice and your views on how you wish your local goverment to address your local issues.

I pay significant amount of money in property taxes. Are the republican district board members using it in as fiscally a responsible manner as possible. As my county grows in population are the county board members planning for balanced growth with an eye to developing economic support for future needs?

The safety of our families and property continues to be an issue in our communities. We all know someone who has needed the services of our area fire department and police. Thanks to their dedication we enjoy relative safety and security. Yet, they are continually underfunded while demand grows. Many communities have to depend on the committment and self sacrifice of volunteers. Tell me what you think.

How are they going to ensure my child gets the best education possible? Are the teachers, who work very hard to provide your child's education, getting the best support and recognition possible? How is it that we have three no kill dog shelters but not one single operational womens' shelter? We definitely need effective animal control. But, what about our needs for a family support services and domestic challenges that face people we know and love?

Why has the county goverment been spending money year after year on transportation studies since 1940 but not implemented one of them. Our communities are growing but there is no plan for growth. Soon we will not have the option to choose after developers have taken up the available land sites.

Why is it that a current county board member can draw a paycheck for her post at the county level and a paycheck as a secretary at her job at the local township office. It would seem like double dipping on your tax dollar not to mention an appearance of a conflict of interest. How would she protect your tax dollar if Township and County issues conflicted? I am just asking. What are your questions. Let me know. Let your friends know about my website.But most of all vote. If you are not registered then register. If you do not know where visit my website jamesmctague4ditrict1.com to find out. Or, contact me and I will personally register you as a voter. Take care and have fun this summer. And again thank a 1st responder, veteran and/or active duty person for the safety and security you enjoy.

We need a change! We have a choice! Let me hear your thoughts ideas and needs. You have a voice and I invite you to express it here.