Nepotistic hires highlight township government waste

By Joe Kaiser

06/18/2018

Two McHenry County highway commissioners hired each other’s sons to township government positions in 2017. Despite concerns of nepotism, these practices are not uncommon in township government.

TAGS: Algonquin Township, Andrew Rosencrans, Bob Miller, consolidation, corruption, David McSweeney, Jim Condon, Leda Drain, local government consolidation, McHenry County, Mike Lesperance, municipal pensions, nepotism, patronage, pensions

McHenry County state’s attorney: Consolidate townships

By Joe Kaiser

06/07/2018

An investigation into the office of a former township official concluded with no criminal charges. But the probe did find evidence that calls into question the merits of township governance.

TAGS: Algonquin Township, consolidation, local government consolidation, McHenry County, Patrick Kenneally, townships

More than 230 Belleville school district employees earn more than $100K

By Vincent Caruso

05/30/2018

Many school district employees’ earnings are more than double that of the typical Belleville household.

TAGS: Belleville, Belleville Township School District 201, consolidation, local government consolidation, Metro East, municipal pensions, pensions, salaries, school district consolidation, St. Clair County, teacher salaries

Elimination of Alton Township could be placed in voters’ hands

By Vincent Caruso

05/24/2018

Taxpayers in the city of Alton, which has identical borders to that of Alton Township, could see savings through consolidation.

TAGS: Alton, budget, consolidation, local government consolidation, Metro East, taxes

The bipartisan bullies of township government

By Austin Berg

04/26/2018

Townships are the cockroaches of governance. They won’t die.

TAGS: consolidation, local government consolidation, McHenry County, townships

Controversial hiring in McHenry County townships boost calls for consolidation

By Joe Kaiser

04/24/2018

The appearance of patronage hires in some McHenry County townships highlights consolidation efforts at the state and local level.

TAGS: consolidation, David McSweeney, local government consolidation, McHenry County, townships

House passes McHenry County consolidation bill

By Vincent Caruso

04/18/2018

A bill that would give McHenry County voters a more powerful voice in township consolidation is one step closer to becoming law.

TAGS: consolidation, David McSweeney, local government consolidation, McHenry County

More than 100 township governments file in opposition to township consolidation bill

By Vincent Caruso

04/12/2018

A House bill that would allow communities to consolidate local township governments has earned support from both parties – and the opposition of township officials.

TAGS: consolidation, local government consolidation, Sam Yingling, townships

McHenry County consolidation bill passes committee, advances to House floor

By Vincent Caruso

04/10/2018

A House bill that would allow for the dissolution of township governments in McHenry County has passed committee and is set to receive a vote.

TAGS: consolidation, David McSweeney, local government consolidation, townships

DuPage County votes ‘yes’ to consolidate rare unit of local government

By Brendan Bakala

03/21/2018

The nonbinding referendum to merge DuPage County’s election commission with the clerk’s office won by more than 17,000 votes.

TAGS: consolidation, DuPage County, election, local government consolidation