McHenry County Blog

In his pitch to be elected Chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee on April 3rd, 2000, McHenry County Treasurer Bill LeFew presented his background, as well as making promises.

Some of the promises, including accessibility and a willingness to listen were included in his cover letter. Others were put on an enclosure, which will be printed tomorrow.

He categorized his experience and background under the following four headings:

DIVERSE GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE: The new Chairman must have experience in all levels of government. I have been a school board member, a school board President, a city Alderman, Mayor of Harvard, and now McHenry County Treasurer. As Treasurer I routinely meet with City Councils, Village Boards, Town Boards, School Boards, Fire Board, and other taxing bodies to offer suggestions and aid in managing their funds. I am the only candidate that has regular contact with every governmental body in McHenry County. I am also the only candidate that has served in multiple levels of local government.

EDUCATION: The new Chairman must have the knowledge and intelligence to be able to make things happen for our country, both in Springfield and Washington. I graduated from Carthage College with a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice. I also attended John Marshall Law School.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD: The new Chairman must have the knowledge and intelligence to be able to make things happen for our county. In the last 5 years, I have been able to get over $32 MILLION in grants for various areas of our county. This money has paid for new water wells and tower, new parks and park buildings, new roads and stop lights, new land for the site of a new school, and $2 MILLION for job training. Also, I was the person responsible for bringing Motorola to our county. They are now the largest employer and largest taxpayer in McHenry County. While bringing in this large development, I wrote the ordinance that established a green zone in our county. This is an area set aside that cannot be developed.

PROVEN KNOWLEDGE OF OUR PARTY: The new Chairman must “hit the ground running”. There is not time for on the job training. I have given testimony before two congressional committees, as well as present grants in Springfield. I know our party inside and out. When you call me with a problem or question, you can be assured that I will find the right person to help us out.

So, it’s seven years later.

Isn’t it ironic that one of LeFew’s major selling points—bringing Motorola and its approximately $30 million in state subsidies to Harvard—now is a shell of its former self?

His connections in the United States House of Representatives are now half what they were then.

And, he no longer has connections in Springfield with a Republican governor.

Tomorrow: “…the beginning of a new era for all of us…”

Labels: Bill LeFew, McHenry County Republican Central Committee