Frustration over high taxes and government waste in Illinois need more than an angry social media post or a moving van. Some residents of McHenry County, Illinois, acted, and are winning reforms.

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.

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

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

Following years of work by consolidation advocates, the McHenry Township board of trustees passed a motion allowing voters to decide whether to dissolve their local road district in November.

State Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, is working on the framework for a bill that would dramatically improve taxpayers’ ability to eliminate township governments, of which Illinois has about 1,400.

Local barber Bob Anderson has endured two attempts at intimidation since being elected to the McHenry Township Board on a platform of consolidation.

Local barber Bob Anderson has endured two attempts at intimidation since being elected to the McHenry Township Board on a platform of consolidation.

Illinoisans face the highest median property-tax rate in the nation.