McHenry County Blog

Daily Herald reporter Chuck Keeshan is reporting today that former McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi's secretary, now NIU student Amy Dalby, stole office computer files to be able to defend herself, “should anyone later claim she was part of a crime.”

Dalby is due in court today to answer for her indictments for official misconduct, theft and theft and computer tampering. The indictments came after a 16-month on and off probe.

Dalby told Keeshan that she did fund raising campaign work, including typing campaign checks and invitations requested by Bianchi, while at work from the beginning of 2005 until the summer of 2006.

She showed the reporter copies of what she did and said she had set up tables for a mid-day campaign fundraiser while being paid by the taxpayers.

She said she told former co-worker Kristen Foley, a former Gary Pack hire. Foley apparently told Bianchi's Republican primary election opponent Dan Regna. And, somebody told Bianchi's subsequent slated Democratic Party opponent Tom Cynor.

Foley was chief accuser of Bianchi's use of office expense money improperly.

The accusations were investigated by the office of Attorney General Lisa Madigan, which “found no basis for opening a criminal investigation against” Bianchi.

Foley was no casual supporter. Now working in Naperville, she obtained 35 signatures for Regna on petitions notarized by then-McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Bill LeFew.

She also threw a Christmas party for former assistant state's attorneys. Regna was a special guest.

In the fall of 2007 Illinois State Police investigators interviewed Dalby about her taking the computer files. She talked to them without asking for an attorney.

She told the Daily Herald that the state policemen did not ask about the content of the files she took.

After the primary and general elections, the state police came back, requested and got video interviews. Again nothing was asked about the content of the computer files.

“They're slaying the messenger, not dealing with the message,” Dalby's attorney, Wes Pribla, told the Herald.

So far, neither the Daily Herald nor the Northwest Herald has delved into the connection Bianchi's Democratic Party opponent Tom Cynor with the information. Former Democratic Party coroner candidate Dave Bachmann released emails last week from Cynor indicating he was prvy to the charges as well.

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The picture of McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi was taken at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee candidates' night.

The room photo is from Bianchi's announcement of his intention to run for re-election. It was held in the second floor courtroom of the Old McHenry County Courthouse on the Woodstock Square, the room in which I was sworn in as McHenry County Treasurer in 1996.

Labels: Amy Dalby, Dan Regna, Dave Bachmann, Illinois State Police, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County State's Attorney, Tom Cynor

After reading the following emails below from the 2008 McHenry County Democratic Party's candidate for coroner, Dave Bachmann, I'm beginning to wonder.

You may remember that Cynor poured $35,000 into his campaign fund in mid-October.

If I had been Cynor's opponent, I'd have figured out that he could mount a countywide mailing, plus have some money left over for radio and cable TV.

With the indictment of former Lou Bianchi secretary Amy Dalby by special prosecutor and former primary opponent Dan Regna jumping into the fray with both feet, Bachmann sent me the emails from Tom Cynor, along with a statement.

Although Bachmann no longer lives in the area, he thought the copied emails that Cynor sent to him in the final days of the 2008 Campaign season might be of interest.

Bachmann's statement:

"It was clear in the waning months of the campaign that many in both parties had been trying to link my campaign as a "Puppet" of Mr. Bianchi's campaign.

"I had stated in the past, and will state one final time:

I do not now, nor have I ever known Mr. Bianchi with the single exception of a chance meeting in June of 2008 at the Pro Life Pig Roast.

"Mr. Bianchi was very polite and was gracious enough to shake my hand and we visited for perhaps a sum total of 5 minutes. This was the first, and last time Mr. Bianchi and I have ever spoken. I had gone on record in one of my writings to McHenry County Blog stating that I had a deep respect for Mr. Bianchi with regards to the way he had handled himself during the brutal primary campaign against Dan Regna. Other than this, I have never had any personal contact with Mr. Bianchi whatsoever.

"Mr. Cynor and I rarely if ever spoke beyond our initial meeting and a lunch in September of 2007. I did not believe he was a qualified candidate for States Attorney. I did NOT support the Democratic Party's decisions to load up the ballot AFTER my successful primary season had ended. I believe I may have attended a total of 3 McHenry County Democratic events from the time the primary season ended, up to election day. Mr. Cynor and I had very little contact, if any, from Sept 2007 thru election day.

"I therefore found the attached emails from Mr Cynor, that he had sent to my Campaign at the very last minute of the campaign season, to be suspect.

"From reading the emails, it appears Mr. Cynor, while perhaps under some misguided belief that my campaign and the campaign of Mr. Bianchi's were somehow linked, in fact sent me these deeply troubling emails with one intent. I believe his intent was to have me pass these along to the Bianchi Campaign in a child like attempt to emotionally extort Mr. Bianchi's campaign.

"I found Mr. Cynor's behavior to be reprehensible at the least. Indeed, I did pass this along to Mr. Bianchi via a forwarded email. After reading the content, I was concerned there may be some legal issues of a criminal nature that needed investigating. I wanted no part in what I believed was a misguided use of my campaign by Mr. Cynor and his campaign team.

"After reading Mr. Cynor's emails to me, then reading the email his campaign manager Laura Asbury had immediately followed up with, I believe the motive and intent was clear. Ms. Asbury was either unaware of her candidate's previous emails to my campaign, or she is a liar. I won't speculate, I believe the contents of the emails speak for themselves.

"I am proud I acted in accordance with the law. I was suspect of the content and the intent of Cynor's emails to my campaign.

"Sincerely,

"David J. Bachmann"

The emails follow:

--- On Wed, 3/11/09, david bachmann wrote:

From: david bachmann
Subject:
To: mtnmortician@yahoo.com
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 3:37 PM


Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:32 PM
From: "Thomas J. Cynor"
Add sender to Contacts
To: "'david bachmann'" mtnmortician@yahoo.com

Dave:

Speaking of Bianchi and Lantz, I just got a number of very interesting e-mails from supporters. I have information about a young lady by the name of Amy Dalby who worked in the SA’s office for some time. Turns out there are some very serious allegations about someone working on the Bianchi campaign while being on county time. The information I have been given claims that this person worked on the campaign at least 10 hours a week on average with the approval and knowledge of the office manager and Lou himself. If true this is obviously criminal activity.

I have about $35,000.00 budgeted for a final county mailer. I can hit about 75,000 homes and about 100,000 voters with info. Info should hit the mail boxes right before the election on Saturday and Monday with press release to accompany. Just an FYI. You may want to keep an arm’s length distance from Bianchi.


Friday, October 24, 2008 11:31 PM
From: "Thomas J. Cynor"
View contact details
To: "'david bachmann'"

Information was independently verified. Mailers already printed and in process of mailing. Thanks for the concern, however. Don’t overly concern yourself with the coverage in the NWH – relatively limited penetration among MC voters. Turnout should be around 125,000 - 130,000 voters. Should be interesting to see what happens. Good luck.


Thursday, October 30, 2008 6:22 PM
From: "Thomas J. Cynor"
View contact details
To: "'david bachmann'"

Dave:

Good work on the signs, I see them everywhere. Saw Lou B last night at Lou Czarny’s retirement dinner. He didn’t look too good – very concerned, as well he should be. Next week should be very interesting. Got calls from the papers today, looking for information on “smear” campaign. Certainly didn’t give them anything to use.


Saturday, November 1, 2008 3:53 PM
From: "Thomas J. Cynor"
View contact details
To: "'david bachmann'"

Did you see the mailer yet? Some in Algonquin, Cary and Fox River Grove have received it in the mail today and already getting positive feed back. I suspect the bulk will be received on Monday – timing couldn’t be better. Things looking good. I just laughed at the money Lou is spending. No amount of money can save him now


Citizens for Cynor] Bianchi fabricates "last minute smear campaign"
Monday, November 3, 2008 10:09 PM
From: "Laura Asbury"
To: undisclosed-recipients

-----Inline Attachment Follows-----

To Whom It May Concern:

I have just returned from a long day campaigning. I checked my phone messages and noticed a number of telephone calls from supporters asking about this "last minute smear campaign" referenced in Lou Bianchi's press release, Cal Skinner's blog and multiple robo calls. I honestly don't have the faintest idea what the Bianchi Campaign is referring to, as there is no "last minute smear campaign". But I do know this: to play the victim card is an all too common political ploy employed only by the most desperate of candidates. Clearly Mr. Bianchi is desperate, paranoid or confused, or perhaps a bit of all of the above.

Shame on Lou Bianchi for this lowest of political tricks the day before an election. The people of McHenry County deserve better from its public servants. This is certainly an indication of all that is wrong with the State's Attorney's office today. Win at any cost, regardless of ethics or integrity.
--
Laura Asbury

Citizens for Cynor
P.O. Box 1816
Woodstock, Illinois 60098

(815) 861-1198

Bachmann also tells me he is writing a book.

He provided a copy of his first draft of his book, "UN-WANTED," which is based on his four-year federal investigative work. He states he is meeting in Boston next week with a major publisher. You can see his suggested cover above.

All images may be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County Coroner, McHenry County State's Attorney, Tom Cynor

Without early voting totals folded into the results, Barack Obama was leading John McCain by one percentage point.

After adding those early votes in, Obama's lead leaped to 5.3 percentage points: 51.75% to 46.45%.

House Speaker Mike Madigan will have some explaining to do for his refusal to reinstate the straight party voting that Republican House Speaker Lee Daniels killed the ability to punch one hole and vote for every on the ticket.

Had straight party voting been in effect, there might have been more victories down the ticket.

As it stands now—with the Democratic Party-dominated early voting included in the totals—Democrats have picked up two county board seats.

Lake in the Hills village trustee Paula Yensen beat McHenry County Board Vice Chairman John Jung.

McHenry County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Bergan Schmidt turned out Nick Provenzano.

Both men were strongly supported by Pro-Life forces in McHenry County.

64th state representative Democratic Party candidate Robert Kaempfe got more Democratic primary votes than Mike Tryon received in the Republican primary last spring.

But Kaempfe could not convert that seeming advantage to victory. Instead the spread was almost 23 percentage points.

Democratic Party candidate for coroner, the only countywide Democrat who actually had his name on the ballot, also got more Democratic Party primary votes than incumbent Republican Marlene Lantz.

That did not convert to a close fall race.

Lantz got over 60% of the vote.

I am sure local Democrats will wonder what would have happened had there been straight party voting.

The countywide candidate who came closest to losing was McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer.

She got almost 58% of the vote.

55% is considered a landslide.

Running best was McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi. He almost got 62% of the vote in his re-election campaign. The possibility that the hotly contested primary election with Dan Regna would hurt his re-election chances against former Democratic Party Chair Tom Cynor did not materialize.

Labels: Barack Obama, Dave Bachmann, John Jung, John McCain, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Lee Daniels, Lou Bianchi, Mike Madigan, Nick Provenzano, Pam Palmer, Paula Yensen

Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann has issued the following statement of concession:

"I congratulate Ms. Lantz on her Re-Election.
 
“Participating in this wonderful process we call Democracy, has been a distinct pleasure and a life's experience I shall forever feel blessed to have been a part of.
 
“In 2002, I was told I would die within 8 months of my 42nd birthday, the day I was diagnosed with cancer.

"Although I have survived a near fatal brush with death, my campaign 'Bachmann for Coroner' on the other hand, can now be forever placed into eternal rest.
 
“My plans are to relocate back to Mexico to continue a project I began in 2005. That being, opening the country's first Mortuary School in Puebla Mexico.

“Again, its been a distinct pleasure. I wish all office holders well!

"Remember to laugh each and every day. That 'perspective' is really the key to true happiness!”

To show he has a sense of humor, he sent these photos.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

Any hopes of Democrats sweeping away lots of Republicans in McHenry County seem to be dashed from early returns.

With one-third of the vote counted, John McCain is leading Barack Obama by just over one percentage point.

That should buoy Democratic Party hopes, wouldn't you think?

But look at the congressional race between incumbent Republican Don Manzullo and challenger Robert Abboud.

It's 63% to 33% with Green Party candidate Scott Summers scoring 3 1/2%.

No coattails there.

State Rep. Mark Beaubien is cleaning Democrat Rich Garling's clock 69% to 30%.

Much was made of Democratic Party state representative candidate Robert Kaempfe's getting more votes in the primary election than incumbent Mike Tryon.

No carryover can be noticed this fall.

Tryon is winning 64% to 36%.

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi is leading challenger Tom Cynor almost 2-1.

McHenry County Auditor Pam Palmer, another Republican incumbent is not leading her opponent by as much as Bianchi, but she is still topping 61%.

Four term incumbent Coroner is getting 63% over Democrat Dave Bachmann. Not quite as high as Bianchi, but quite close.

So, at the legislative and countywide levels, there is no sign McHenry County voters are defecting to the Democrats.

The only potential crack in the Republican wall appears in county board races. More on that later.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Don Manzullo, Lou Bianchi, Mark Beaubien, Marlene Lantz, Mike Tryon, Pam Palmer, Robert Abboud, Scott Summers, Tom Cynor

Below is a press release from Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann:

CORONER CANDIDATE REFUTES CHARGE

Hebron--Recently The NORTHWEST HERALD questioned the "Investigative Instincts" of David Bachmann, Democratic candidate for McHenry County Coroner. The DAILY HERALD also ran articles critical of his campaign and “provided false information stating that I have no qualifications to become coroner,” according to Bachmann.

On Friday, Bachmann released a detailed refutation to the charges.

“Under Illinois state statute, there are no explicit required qualifications to become a Coroner. In fact by education, experience, and years in the death care industry I am overqualified for the job,” Bachamann said.

A complete history of those qualifications can be found on his blog at www.bachreview.blogspot.com.

“After The Daily Herald called into question my ability to handle finances, I provided the paper with the names and phone numbers of three (3) of my bankers since 2002. They would attest that I handle my finances very well.

"My long past financial difficulties came as result of having 17 major surgeries, and recovery time, and no insurance coverages. Most American's can certainly appreciate this. My opponent has used a human tragedy that could happen to any one of us, at anytime in our lives, for her political gain.

“Five Months prior to the release of the Official State Investigation of the alleged intentional killings of several Woodstock Nursing Home residents, my own investigation concluded that the sitting coroner should have taken ‘investigative command’ in either April or early may of 2006. I documented this in my written report on my web page.

"The papers called this hindsight,” Bachmann said.

“In fact the first alleged killing was proved by the Illinois State Police, to have occurred on April 3, 2006.

"Just as I had stated months before the reports were made public.

"All this occurred, just five blocks from the Coroner, and the deaths continued without raising alarms in the office.

"And the papers call into question MY investigative instincts?

“Statements by the Sheriff and the Lakewood Police chief that I was not helpful with other criminal investigations are colored by their acknowledged political support of my opponent,” Bachmann charged.

"For a complete history of the nursing home death and my investigation visit www.nursinghomedeaths.blogspot.com."

Labels: Daily Herald, Dave Bachmann, Northwest Herald

Today we look at the third side of the McHenry County Monopoly board.

Where the second CHANCE space usually appears after FREE PARING. the same man with his hands pulling out his pockets.


The Dems could have done something with Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley's 75% city sales tax hike that took effect on July 1st.

No ballot box vote was required because Crystal Lake is a "Home Rule" unit and its ordinances generally are as important as state law because of that special status that can only be challenged by passing a petition seeking a vote on whether to repeal Home Rule status.

Shepley is an appointed Vice Chairman of the county GOP--for "Community Outreach," of all things!

That huge sale tax hike went into effect on July 1st.

And, after all, all of the city council members are Republicans.

But they are elected on a non-partisan basis. Maybe that is why the Democrats gave them a pass.

Where the third railroad would be is a third bag of money.



Oh, I get it.

Each board side's money bag is $500 more than the one before.

The utility just before the regular “GO TO JAIL” has three more monkeys,


One candidate for office, the Democrat's man for County Coroner, Dave Bachmann, has said he won't take the authorized raise during the first year, should he win election.

The “Go to Jail” space at the next corner has been replaced with


I would have put the apostrophe after the “S,” but that's a small quibble.

Tomorrow - McHenry County Monopoly - Side 4

Labels: Dan Regna, Dave Bachmann, Lisa Madigan, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County Democats, McHenry County Monoploy, McHenry County Republicans, Monopoly

Police know they cannot be everywhere so they have developed a Neighborhood Watch program in many communities.

It's a pretty simple concept.

The police ask people to let them know when they see something suspicious.

Dave Bachmann, the Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner apparently did that.

His reward?


Being trashed in the Northwest Herald and dissed by Sheriff Keith Nygren.

Oh, well.

They say no good deed will go unpunished.

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The Neighborhood Watch placard was sent to constituents by State Rep. Jack Franks.

Click and enlarge it and you will see that the McHenry County Sheriff is one of the numbers people are encouraged to call.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Keith Nygren, Northwest Herad

There are some candidates who file campaign disclosure statements with the Illinois State Board of Elections on paper, rather than electronically.

These are aspirants with fewer financial resources than other candidates who are required to file via the internet.

Most are county board members.

You can find out what has been reported by calling the Board of Elections, but I haven't taken the time to do so yet.

One candidate is running for countywide office.

Rather than waiting for me to phone the State Board and ask, he sent out a press release about his paucity of funds. It follows:

When I began my campaign, "Bachmann for Coroner," I made a promise to myself, and to my family.
 
Rather than going deep into debt for my campaign, I promised to go Deep into viable ideas and ideals for the citizens of McHenry County.
 
I have held ZERO fundraisers, and had placed 4500 dollars into my campaign account, and when that was exhausted, my mission had been completed.
 
I now conclude my campaign, with $22.66   
 
Should I be elected November 4Th, I will walk into office with no political baggage, nor will I be in debt-ed either personally or professionally.
 
A Coroners office is a very special and sacred office. It has been my intent, to the best of my ability, to keep my campaign as politically neutral as possible. I am here to serve citizens on ALL faiths, all races, and creeds. Irregardless of any Political Posture.
 
For me it has never been about the Politics. Rather, my campaign has been about education, and providing my life's dedicated work within the death care industry, internationally.
 
Bringing a wealth of professional, social, and cultural experience back here to my home county, McHenry County. This journey, has been a distinct pleasure.
 
I wish all candidates well. (Emphasized sentences in the original email.)

The woman Bachmann is challenging, 28-year incumbent Marlene Lantz, reported raising $9,700 since July 1st.

Both have yard signs and 4X4's.

Neither have enough money for a widespread mailing. My guess is that Lantz would spend her money on newspaper and radio ads.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

It appears that Dave Bachmann, the Democratic Party's candidate fore McHenry County Coroner has won at least the “framing of the debate” part of the campaign.

The headline of Chuck Keeshan's Daily Herald article on the race is

Nursing home deaths become political fodder in coroner's race

Keeshan writes about how the issue is now not only in the court system, but in the “court of public opinion.”

Bachmann first called incumbent Marlene Lantz to task on McHenry County Blog on April 14th.

The way Bachmann put lays out the chargeto the Daily Herald:

"Had Miss Lantz gone out to the nursing home in April or early May, she would have caught this.”

Lantz' reply to the Daily Herald:

"Because no one came to us with any concerns we were comfortable with those deaths. I was not alarmed at the time."

When the Virginia Cole wrongful death suit was filed against the Woodstock Residence, et al, in early September, 2008, one of the attachments was the investigative report from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Apparently based on that report and/or the State Police Report, Dr. Bruce Hyman made the following statement:

“On or about April 3, 2006, the Administrator at Woodstock Residence was aware that Morphine Sulfate was being administered to patients without an order and/or outside prescribed parameters.”

If you go to Bachmann's web site, you will find an article dated July 25, 2008, entitled,


The following is excerpted from that Bachmann article:

“(Lantz) should have gone to the nursing home around late April or early May. At minimum, the bodies should have been brought back to the McHenry County Morgue, to preserve toxicology...

“As documented as far back as April 2008, Bachmann has contented and has proved in his writings on his campaign blog, that Lantz should have gone to the nursing home in Late April or Early May of 2006.“

So it seems that Bachmann was able to identify the time period when toxicology samples should have been taken before the dates of the investigated deaths were made public.

Below the Daily Herald article, a Democrat identified as “Merri,” who says she walked the Crystal Lake parade route with Bachmann, left this comment below the story:

“I was in the fourth of July parade in Crystal Lake with Mr Bachmann. I marched with the local Democrats, and happened to be standing near him as we began.

“I am new to politics, and I never knew anything about what a coroner does. He explained the job to me in great detail, and also explained his qualifications.

“I was really impressed by his passion for the job, and I also learned how important that job really is. I think his stand on this nursing home is important.

"My 96 year old grandmother died in a nursing home in Long Grove that ended up being on 20/20 for their abuses. Thank God there are public servants that want to protect our elderly against these abuses.”

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Woodstock Residence

The Chicago Tribune headline on the internet was

Challengers for coroner in Lake and McHenry Counties question incumbents' judgment

Charges fly in Lake, McHenry Counties

As one might expect McHenry County's Democratic Party challenger Dave Bachmann said

"Republican Marlene Lantz was 'out of touch' and should have noticed a suspicious spike in deaths in 2006 at the former Woodstock Residence.”

Incumbent Republican Marlene Lantz replied that it was

“ridiculous to believe she should have noticed the death rate at a nursing home where most of the patients were terminally ill.

"'No one contacted us to give us a heads-up to say there were any problems,' she said. 'If you look at the statistics for any nursing home, they go up and then the deaths go down for many reasons.'"

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Woodstock Residence

Looking through recent filings with the State Board of Elections, I ran across the McHenry County-based Pro-Life Victory Fund.

All of the expenditures big enough to identify for the PAC were for the pig roast at Resurrection Center.

Those contributing over $150 follow:

• $175 - James/Antoinette Block, McHenry
• $175 – John Jung, Jr., Woodstock
• $200 – James P. Finnegan, Barrington
• $225 – Kenneth/Joyce Story, McHenry
• $250 – James/Bonnie Quirke, Libertyville
• $300 – James Keefe, Woodstock
• $350 – Philip Weyna, Crystal Lake
• $500 – Wickham Interiors, Crystal Lake
• $1,000 – Claire Narusis, Woodstock

An additional $2,730 were given in amounts of $150 or less.

Officers reported for the political action committee are Spring Grove's Sue Serdar, Chairman, and Crystal Lake Philip Weyna, Treasurer.

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Irene Napier can be seen whispering in the ear of DuPage County State's Joe Birkett. Out of focus in the foreground is the Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Joe Birkett, McHenry County Coroner, Pro-Life Victory PAC

Today the Northwest Herald featured the unexplained deaths at the Woodstock Residence in 2006 as an issued in the race for McHenry County Coroner.

The headline was


Former Crystal Lake funeral home director Dave Bachmann, running as a Democrat, is challenging long-time Republican incumbent Marlene Lantz. They appeared together before the NW Herald's editorial board Monday.

As reporter Kevin Craver put it,

“...where incumbent Republican Marlene Lantz and Democratic challenger David Bachmann significantly differ is the office's response to the ongoing state investigation into deaths at Woodstock Residence nursing home.”

Bachmann's take:

“Tracking deaths is the most simplistic thing that a coroner can do. I don't know how this could have not been noticed.”

Lantz is quoted as saying,

“Just because you have a rise in the death count [at a nursing home] does not mean someone is there killing the patients.”

There is more well worth reading.

Something very similar to one plank in Lantz platform--

“to pass legislation setting up drug recycling programs to prevent medications from ending up in local water supplies or landfills,” according to an indirect quote in the NW Herald--

was first put forth by Bachmann October 2, 2007:

“Today, the coroner’s office does NOT send any law enforcement officer to a home of a cancer patient when Hospice is in charge of the patient. What about oversight on all the left over Narcotics??? There is NO protection for the Hospice Nurse that PROVE she disposed of the left over Narcotic Medications...thus, they are open to be accused of taking drugs with no back up. I know, my mother died, one year ago tonight, with TONS of narcotics in her bedroom.

“NO OVERSIGHT AT ALL...

“I plan to close that loophole and send a deputy or myself to home deaths, even when expected, for one specific purpose, to confiscate the narcotics and dispose of them in a way that is proved and backed up... Trust but Verify.

“These drugs are now in today's world, in the hands of kids selling at our schools.”

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Northwest Herald, Woodstock Residence

This was sent by the Democratic Party's candidate for coroner, Dave Bachmann:

Bachmann's Assessment of current Coroner Lantz job performance proves to be "Exact!"

For several months, Dave Bachmann, Democratic candidate for McHenry County Coroner, has provided McHenry County Blog with his assessment of current Coroner Marlene Lantz's handling of the "Angels of Death" case regarding the Woodstock Nursing Home. Dating back to April 13^th and 14^th of 2008.

As documented as far back as April 2008, Bachmann has contented and has proved in his writings on his campaign blog, the following statements:

"Lantz should have gone to the nursing home around late APRIL or EARLY MAY. At minimum, the bodies should have been brought back to the McHenry County Morgue to preserve toxicology."

Lantz now admits on her campaign blog, dated June 27th, 2008 that she was in fact called upon each death by the nursing home, as they occurred. Although during her videotaped interview dated November 17, 2006, she showed total 'surprise' by these events having ever happened. Bachmann provides a copy of this video tape on his campaign web site.

"She, (Lantz) was called, yet not one time bothered to take 'Investigative Command' of this horrible situation. We now have the 'Entire Picture' of what had occurred.

“Once Ms. Lantz released the bodies over the telephone, the bodies were picked up by the funeral homes, embalmed and/or cremated. Thus, any evidence was destroyed via the embalming and or cremation process. Then she stated, 'there was nothing found in the new autopsy reports (per her own words on her web page).'

“Given the numbers and time lines as provided, I am estimating as many as 20 residents deaths should have been investigated. As painful as this is to witness, it has happened. After 28 years of holding office?

“In Lantz's writing, she is now trying to hide under the cover of the fact that the death certificates were signed by the doctor. She also states that SHE pulled the records after hearing about this investigation several months after the events occurred. Lantz is NOT a doctor. These medical documents should have been handed over to the Licensed Pathologist who are on contract with McHenry County who actually perform the autopsies for a professional 'medical opinion.' Ms Lantz review of any medical documents is meaningless and well beyond the scope of a 'Coroner's' knowledge.

“Contained within and attached to the recent filings of a lawsuit against the Woodstock Residence, were documents from 'experts' in the medical profession. Of particular note is a affidavit entered as 'Plaintiff's Exhibit B.' This document contains the 'Plaintiff's Expert Witness Report' as provided and attested to and signed by Bruce Hyman, M.D. Dr. Hyman on behalf of the Plaintiff, examined ALL medical records that pertained to patient Virginia Cole. His expert examination proved the following: 'As a result of the failure of care by Woodstock Residence, Virginia Cole was administered improper and unlawful amounts of medications including, but not limited to, Morphine Sulfate, which “caused or contributed to cause her death.”'

“Death certificate signing does not physically happen for 2 or 3 days AFTER death. How were the doctors to know what happened at the time of death to all their patients? It would be highly unusual for a doctor to be bedside when any death occurs in a nursing home. Doctors do not make 'daily rounds' to nursing homes, as they do hospital patients.

“This is exactly why the coroner is supposed to be keeping proper counts of death to pick up on these very type cases. The coroner's position, since the beginning of the 1600's in Europe, was created with the specific mission of acting as a 'watch dog.'

“The following is a paragraph taken from the formal filing of a lawsuit against the Woodstock Residence and its named co-defendants as filed Friday September 5th:

'The Plaintiff, VICKIE LUND, as Special Representative and Special Administrator of the Estate of VIRGINIA COLE, Deceased, by and through her attorneys, LEVIN & PERCONTI, complains against the Defendant, WRHC & RC, INC., an Illinois Corporation d/b/a WOODSTOCK RESIDENCE, as follows

'12. At least as early as APRIL 3,, 2006, the Administration including, but not limited to, ALISSA NATAUPSKY and PENNY WHITLOCK, RN, for the Defendant, WRHC & RC, was aware that that Morphine Sulfate was being administered to residents without an order and/or outside prescribed
parameters.

'13. From at least as early as APRIL 2006 until the end of September 2006, the Defendant WRHC & RC, by and through its employees, servants and/or agents, stored bottles of Morphine Sulfate for expired residents instead of discarding the medication, in violation of its own policies and procedures and the applicable standard of care.'

“Bachmann's contention that had he been Coroner at the time of these horrific events, it appears by the dates he had provided many months ago, he would have caught this situation just as it began, potentially, saving several lives and stopping this situation before it escalated over several more months.

"It's time for 'a fresh set of eyes' in the Coroner's office," Bachmann said.

"Unfortunately, this case proves this fact.”

Labels: Angel of Death, Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Woodstock Residence

The tradition start of political campaigns is Labor Day.

The Democratic Party candidate for coroner, Dave Bachmann, has decided to follow in the footsteps of Kane County colleagues and call for a freeze on level of the salary for the office he seeks.

Bachmann's press release follows:

David J. Bachmann to Ask County Board to Place “Stay” on Salary Increase for Coroner’s Office

McHenry County Democratic Candidate for Coroner, David J. Bachmann will ask the McHenry County Board for a “Stay” regarding the December 1st, post election pay raises that are currently scheduled to take place.

Upon reading Monday September 8th’s addition of McHenry County Blog, Bachmann found there has been a 17% decline in property values throughout McHenry County for homeowners.

If elected November 4th, Bachmann states,

"I will immediately present to McHenry County Board Chairman Ken Koehler asking him to allow me the opportunity to address the entire county board.

“Given the economic climate within our county, the high rate of foreclosures, job losses, many families struggling to come up with this years real estate taxes, I cannot in good conscious, accept the more than generous pay raises that are about to be implemented for many countywide officials.

“We are all in this economic crises together. Perhaps after a year or so, we can again, re-address this issue. However given the rate of pay as provided to our neighboring county Coroners who serve a populous greater than ours, I feel this is the right thing to do. Not for political gain, but as a matter of economic fairness to our hard working tax payers.”

Salaries for McHenry Countywide elected officials are due to rise from the current $89,530 as follows:

McHenry County Auditor, Coroner,
Circuit Clerk, Recorder of Deeds

For the year 2009……………………..$93,111
For the year 2010…………………….$96,836
For the year 2011……………………$100,709
For the year 2012……………………$104,737

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Ken Koehler, McHenry County Coroner

I'm confused.

I thought the McHenry County Democratic Party moved its annual Jefferson Day Dinner last spring from Crystal Lake's Holiday Inn to Sun City's Prairie Lodge to protest the Holiday Inn's not having workers who belonged to a labor union.

It just occurred to me that last night McHenry County Democrats gathered at the same Holiday Inn to watch U.S. Senator Barack Obama accept his party's nomination for president.

But, I'm confused.

Why was it unacceptable to hold the Thomas Jefferson Day Dinner at the Holiday Inn this past spring, but it is OK to hold the Barack Obama nomination blow-out there a couple of months later?

One holdout from the McHenry County Dem party is Dave Bachmann, candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann provided this statement to McHenry County Blog:

“Strong 'Core Beliefs' are not beliefs that you stand on from time to time based on a 'Political Wind' or for photo or press opportunities.

“The facts that caused the McHenry County Democratic party to pull out of its plans for its annual Jefferson Dinner Party Fundraiser to be held at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn are still in play today.

“It is 'unconscionable' to me that Kathy Bergan Schmidt, the McHenry County Democratic Party Chair, has shifted her position, so soon and so easily, by supporting this Historic Event being held at a facility she just months ago chastised for its lack of supporting a Democratic cause.

"She allowed the official McHenry County Democratic web sight as access for publication of this incredible, historic national event. The same web sight, just four short months ago, she utilized to publicize her distaste for the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn venue.

"This election is about Integrity and standing firm on core beliefs that the American workers should be supported unconditionally." Bachmann stated.”Rather than sacrifice my core beliefs and values towards our hard working American men and women, I will not attend this event.”

I confirmed that the Holiday Inn is still a non-union employer.

= = = = =
Any image can be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Barack Obama, Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, Dave Bachmann, Jefferson Day Dinner, Kathy Bergan Schmidt, McHenry County Democrats

Well, not that you can notice in the legislative arena.

But, the platform is being modified a bit.

And, although I don't follow national politics closely, I heard that the pro-life son of former Pennsylvania Governor Robert Casey, a pro-lifer who was not allowed to address the 1992 national Democratic Party convention, is going to be permitted to speak this year.

Locally, we have McHenry County Democratic Party coroner candidate Dave Bachmann, who has made no secret of his pro-life views, even showing up at the pro-life political action committee's pig roast.

It must have been intimidating to see the McHenry County Republican Party's elephant float and all the GOP signs out front of Resurrection Center.

And former Republican Dundee Township Republican Central Committee Chairman and GOP Kane County Board member is running as a pro-life Democrat for circuit court judge.

So far, there seems to be a semblance of tolerance for both among local abortion supporting Democrats.

Labels: Abortion, Dave Bachmann, John Noverini, McHenry County Coroner, Pro-Choice, Pro-Life

Saturday, I outlined the first outrageous rumor about a candidate which the candidate, Dave Bachmann, was willing to allow McHenry County Blog to debunk.

It was about the Crystal Lake funeral home Bachmann started some time before my mother was killed in a 1987 truck-car crash at the intersection of Dean Street and Route 14 (the trucker was coming down the hill doing 60 MPH) and sold in 1991 to Jim Skaja.

The "let's set the record straight" idea came to me when I reflected on the rumor supporters of my 1966 GOP opponents for McHenry County Treasurer spread about me.

The anonymous “EllenM” had a second rumor the Northwest Herald allowed her to float about Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann on behalf of incumbent McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz’ campaign for re-election.

"EllenM" quotes Bachmann's son, who posts as "bufordpusser," on Jul 21, 2008 9:16 AM:

"As far as your 'unemployment' statement. dave has worked in a position over the years, that resulted in many white collar convictions of those he investigated. This is all that can be said. In the process, he had received grave injuries, 6 spinal operations, gun shot, stabbing, a total of 17 major surgeries.”

EllenM then adds,

”A possible druggie who didn't want to pay his bill? What did you expect? 17 major surgeries, are you sure you are suitable to work as Coroner? Stop the BS David, you are killing me (not literally of course).”

The reply from Bachmann’s son on the comment board follows:

bufordpusser wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:33 AM:

"We enjoy the opportunity to address all nonsence: dave bachmann is willing to present, in person, to the chief editor of the NW Herald, to provide factual proof, physical evidence of said injuries. As soon as he returns to the area in August. if mr krug cannot see the evidence, bachmann will drop out of this race. We put our money where our mouth is...”

A subsequent commenter, "skepticall," wrote:

on Jul 21, 2008 9:44 AM:

"ellenm, This has gone way beyond concerned voter. You sound like you have a real ax to grind,

'possible druggie who did't pay his bill'.

"That is way over the top."

Over the top does not begin to describe a charge that a political candidate is a "druggie."

I cannot fathom why the Northwest Herald would open itself to a libel suit.

I talked to Bachmann about the challenge (his son delivered) to show his scars to the Northwest Herald’s Chris Krug. He told me Krug had not taken him up on the offer, then, suggested I take a look.

As you can see, this guy has scars over the trunk of his body. It would astound me if he had been able to recover from the operations without pain killers. Trim, too, but I guess that might be expected of a former Crystal Lake Babe Ruth pitcher.

The most visible scar, shaped like a frown, is from Bachmann’s cancer operation.

I saw a scar from a bullet on the left side of his stomach. Here it is:

I saw a scar from a knife wound a bit farther to his left side. It’s below:

Both shoulders have operation scars. Click to enlarge any of the photographs for a better view of the scar or scars.













There are scars on his back, including two down his spinal cord (close-up picture included; click on it to enlarge it). The upper midline scar is on what is called the "Thoracic Spine;" the lower would be "Lumbar Spine":

Intestinal scars?

I saw two gut scars, one horizontal, one rising to the right:

So, wouldn’t you like to know the stories behind all of these scars?




Here's a before-the-scars-healed photo of his bilateral total reconstruction from 2000:

Had any resulted in Bachmann's arrest, I assume that Lantz supporters would have made them public by now.

Maybe Bachmann will write an autobiography. Looks as if it might make interesting reading.

The cancer part of Bachmann’s life story is related in the following articles:

Part 1 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 2 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 3 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 4 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 5 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Labels: Bulllet Wound, Dave Bachmann, Dirty politics, Jim Skaja, Knife Wound, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Scars

In the first Mud Puddle article, I outlined some ancient history from my 1966 campaign for McHenry County Treasurer. In the primary election, my Republican opponents’ supporters hinted not to subtly that I was a homosexual.

Recently, a most efficient way of spreading negative political comments is the comment board under Northwest Herald articles and letters.

The Crystal Lake paper is a relative newcomer to handling anonymous commentary.

It has not learned the lesson that led Elgin’s Daily Courier News to ban anonymous political call-ins which, in its case, were transcribed and printed on the editorial page.

The Courier News decided that people wanting to praise or bad mouth a candidate had to write a letter to the editor.

Now, I know adopting a similar policy at the Northwest Herald would cost it internet “hits.”

But it would help McHenry County return to relative civility in political campaigns which has been lacking since

A supporter of Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Republican Party candidate for and incumbent McHenry County Coroner, calling herself “EllenM” on the Northwest Herald comment board left the following comments under a letter supporting Lantz’ Democratic Party opponent Dave Bachmann.

"Here is what 'EllenM' said about me, Bachmann emailed me:

"ellenm wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:11 AM:

"I suspect there is a non-compete scenario with Bachmann Skaja. That could explain why David is out of a job and looking to the County to support him. Three pieces of silver to sell the family practice. Was it all worth it?"

Bachmann’s reply, when I asked him about it:

“My son wrote this, after I told him to....

bufordpusser wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:33 AM:

"…you can call Jim Skaja, there was a 5 year non compete agreement, expired in 1996. Daves dad never owned any part of daves funeral home. These are the facts. keep it coming."

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Northwest Herald

The second fan campaign gimmick in one week.

First there was McHenry County Board member Mary Donner’s fold-up patriotic fan.

Then, last night at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee meeting at the Cary Country Club, there were Marlene Lantz fans on the tables. The kind that used to be used in southern churches during the hot summer.

Except they probably weren't shaped like an elephant with the message,


McHenry County Board member Yvonne Barnes posed with one. Lantz is running for McHenry County Coroner against Democrat Dave Bachmann.

Labels: Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Dave Bachmann, Fan, Marlene Lantz, Mary Donner, McHenry County Coroner

Another press release from the Democratic Party’s candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

You have to go all the way to the end to find out why he includes a close-up photo of Air Force One.

LOCAL CORONER CANDIDATE
STANDS ON SOLID GROUND

David J. Bachmann, Democratic Candidate for McHenry County Coroner, is again, taking a hard line on his strong beliefs.

On August 1, 2008 Dave Bachmann produced a letter that was posted on McHenry County Blog. He expressed his Faith Based belief that ALL life should be valued and "protected." This may be view here.

Today, Bachmann released another firm belief, having to do with the value of "True Friendships." Bachmann states, "In life, and even more so in Politics, it's all about ‘integrity’ and taking a firm stand. Never wavering! Say it, mean it, back it up!”

Therefore, "Bachmann for Coroner," an “Educational” based campaign, announces its Campaign motto,

"You Find Out Who Your Friends Are"

We believe the lyrics of the Tracy Lawrence song as attached, clearly states how we feel about our friends and family. Especially now, as we begin the 90 day countdown to election day.

Bachmann states:

“I am a man of Conviction. I want my campaign to reflect this. Voters will decide. Call me wrong, Call me right?

"We ask ALL our friends to join us now. The contact information is listed on our web site.

"Campaign Theme Song may be viewed here. "

Just as Importantly Bachmann states:

“Our Campaign greatly appreciates, and invites all our college student voters and supporters to get involved as so many have already. ‘Bachmann for Coroner’ Embraces and provides for its ‘Youth Movement’ web links, to Yahoo Music Videos. We feel for the first time in this Nation's history, our ‘youth’ are Politically engaged as never before. We know this to be true, via the amounts of emails our campaign receives each day, from our web site.

“I have linked a highly popular web-site Yahoo to my web page. This way, my visitors can listen to ‘tunes’ while they visit our site, for education on ‘What a Coroner Really Does.’ A most popular group, ‘Nickelback’ is featured with ‘Photograph.’

“Click on this link here for a sample.“

Dave Bachmann has also provided a campaign video. In this video he shares his platform for the future of the McHenry County Coroner's office. This may be view here.

All of these links and video's are also listed on the official campaign web site. Each sight may be navigated to from our home site.

Also, Dave Bachmann has now provided a site entitled, "Counter Intelligence."

Photographs of “Air Force One” may be viewed from Dave's Personal Photo Collection as he boarded this aircraft at the invitation of President George H. W. Bush.

Bachmann concludes: “This election cycle, we will prove, ‘TODAY’ is the future of Campaigning! On-Line............ “

Labels: Air Force One, Dave Bachmann, George W. Bush, McHenry County Coroner

McHenry County Democratic Party candidates have sent our a press release announcing their appearance on You-Tub:

LOCAL CANDIDATES UNLEASH THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

WOODSTOCK Il. – From YouTube videos to campaign websites, local Democratic Candidates have unleashed the power of the internet. This week, Citizens for Cynor and others have made available a number of videotaped interviews on their campaign websites and the popular video sharing site – YouTube.

"It's time traditional campaigns re-examined their methods," said Citizens for Cynor Field Director, Laura Asbury. "By utilizing available technology we are able to reach out to an entirely new generation of voters. YouTube estimates that there are more than 100 million videos being watched every day. We, of course, only need capture a very small percentage of that viewership to be highly effective."

Overall, the candidates seem extremely pleased with the YouTube interviews.

"There is no substitute for the personal videotaped interview when a candidate is attempting to convey a message" said Thomas Cynor, McHenry county candidate for State's Attorney. "This technology is a cost effective and efficient way for our campaign to connect with the voters and get that message out." A link to Thomas J. Cynor's video interview can be found at the Citizens for Cynor website at www.CitizensforCynor.com.

Other candidates participating in the YouTube video interview enterprise include: Bill Gentes (26th Illinois Senate), Richard Garling (52nd Illinois Representative), Robert Kaempfe (64th Illinois Representative), Kerry Julian (McHenry County Auditor), David Bachmann (McHenry County Coroner) and Dr. James McTague (McHenry County Board, District One).

Video footage and interview was provided by Grant Crowell, Project Director of Grantastic Designs located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Labels: Bill Gentes, Dave Bachmann, Grant Crowell, Grantastic Designs, James McTague, Kerry Julian, Laura Asbury, McHenry County Democrats, Richard Garling, Robert Kaempfe, Thomas Cynor

After reading my piece on Phyllis Schlafly's talk at the Family PAC cruise Monday night, McHenry County Democratic Party candidate for coroner Dave Bachmann issued the following statement:

"David J. Bachmann, Democratic Candidate for McHenry County Coroner has issued the following statement regarding Cal Skinner's report of July 29th, regarding Mrs. Phylis Schlafly and her campaign of years ago. Mrs. Schlafly, stood on the belief that all life, from the moment of conception, should be protected.

"The Bachmann for Coroner Campaign, knowing full well of the hard line, yet ethical, and dignified controversial stance taken by Mrs. Schlafly back in the 1970's regarding her belief that ALL life is to be protected and valued, from the moment of conception, has provided McHenry County Blog with the following press statement:

"Dave Bachmann and his campaign, 'Bachmann for Coroner,' proudly stand in like mind with Mrs. Schlafly, and Mrs. Irene Napier of McHenry County Pro-Life PAC. Bachmann states, 'For 30 years I have held death in my hands.' Life is a precious gift, provided directly by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"My own life had been spared since 2002 as a cancer survivor. I myself experienced first hand a death experience while on the operating table during a 12-hour life saving operation. I saw the 'diamonds' and experienced the sounds, and feelings, of 'Rushing thru the tunnel' from death back to life.

"This was a life altering experience of which I promised my God, that I will never allow to go unspoken when provided the opportunity.

"Mr. Skinner's blog has just provided this opportunity to allow his readers to know... God DOES exist....

"I have been in the 'Presence of the Holy Spirit.' His written word is true.

"Thank you Irene Napier and Mrs. Schlafly for your work and for having the courage to stand with 'integrity' on LIFE. I can tell you first hand, there is a Reward.

"Protect God's greatest work. The human life.

"David J. Bachmann"

= = = = =
The photos are of Mrs. Irene Napier and Mrs. Phyllis Schlafly, both were taken at the Family PAC cruise.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Family PAC, McHenry County Coroner, Phyllis Schlafly

Based on narcotics being left in the house after his mother died, Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner. came up with the idea that deputy coroners could pick up unused pills after people passed away. (Some are outright illegal to possess after a patient’s death.)

He floated this idea on McHenry County Blog last September.

Since then, the Fox Rive Grove Police have started the practice and the Chicago Tribune had an article by Ray Hood on the idea last Thursday.

The headline:

To avoid water contamination, officials hold medicine-collection drives
Flushing old pills no longer considered safe

“On Saturday, Cook County will hold its first medicine collection drive in the south suburb of Midlothian, joining Will, Kendall and other counties in the Chicago region in providing a safe way for residents to toss out their old prescription drugs,” the story said.

Continuing,

“Chicago officials reacted swiftly in April after testing performed for the Chicago Tribune showed trace amounts of many common household medicines in the water supply, which serves 7 million people in the city and suburbs.”

The Illinois EPA is encouraging such efforts.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Drugs, McHenry County Coroner

McHenry County’s Democratic candidate for Coroner has issued the following press release:


Marlene Lantz states on her blog page that her office handles 1100 "cases."

Here is how it really works.

These are the "cases" she is including in her numbers.

1) Funeral Directors walk into her office, show her an already signed death certificate by a doctor, she looks at it to verify it has been signed, then, takes the cremation permit that also is already filled out by the funeral home, and signs her name to approve the cremation. This will account for at least 600 of her "cases; " this takes about 2 minutes. Based on a 20 percent cremation rate of a county our size, this is a minimal estimate.

2) Hospice deaths at home: The hospice nurse must call the Coroner to inform the office of the death, most of which, if not all, are now pre-registered anyway with the Coroner's office. Its a basic telephone verification and no deputies even go out of the office. They give a telephone release. Again, Lantz calls this a "case." Again, all of 5 minutes to complete this "case." I'm sure there are a few hundred more of these.

3) This leaves the real truth. Of the 1100 she claims as "cases" only a small fraction of these cases actually are "actionable" cases. Ms. Lantz needs to provide the rest of the story on these "cases." Many Coroners use this ploy, to pump up their office numbers to seek more money from the county board. The entire truth is as stated above.

The real question is:

How many bodies are actually brought in the front door of the morgue and autopsied or studied for toxicology?

By swearing in as a deputy a "full time" secretary, she would be able to sign all the cremation permits, as she is there everyday anyway.

Thus, the field deputies can concentrate less on paper work, and more on working "hands on" cases.

So far this year, as of mid-July, we have had ZERO murders, as is the case MOST years, and maybe a dozen accidents resulting in death. (I do not have the exact number at hand, but its a relatively low number.)

By making a secretary a sworn deputy, this also frees up the field deputies for "personal time" off so they are fresh and professionally happy.

Also, this provides an extra officer without hiring another full time officer. Both physical and emotion health will be my focus for my deputies.

Although I'm sure they are apprehensive about the possibility of having a new Coroner soon, they need not worry. I have their well being planned for.

I will myself, work night calls and in the field, which will help build a "team" atmosphere and provide rest and family time for the staff.

Keeping in mind, our profession runs 24-7. I will be seeking a secretary who will work full time, 5 days a week. This will provide continuity of office operations. This would bring the staffing down to a level that I find acceptable. Down from six to five employees, plus my full time willingness to work in the field.

Prior to my launching my own personal investigation into the management of the Coroner's office as it relates to our protection of local nursing home residents, I had intended to actually dismiss one full time deputy. However, you may now read at my blog spot the most disturbing results of my investigation, I will now plan to enact, a first of its kind,

"Coroner's Elder Care Protection Task Team."

I will dedicate one deputy specifically to this duty. A daily log will be kept. This log will follow each on call deputy home each and every night. This way, we can keep a close check on numbers of deaths for each individual nursing home. We will check the daily obituaries and compare its content to the names of the nursing homes who have reported deaths in this time frame. This will serve as a checks and balances protection plan.

Additionally, in the past month, my Prescription Drug Plan that I had proposed last September has now gotten statewide attention. I will implement this plan within days of taking office. The Coroner has the law enforcement powers to do this without it yet being state law. I will dedicate a deputy to this "Narcotic Prescription Drug Retrieval" task force. This deputy will work along side law enforcement officers to assist them with this project.

I now ask you to read, the results of a most disturbing turn of events as they relate to our current sitting coroner of 28 years. This my friends, "Must NEVER be allowed to happen again!

David J. Bachmann
Democratic Candidate for McHenry County Coroner
www.bachreview.blogspot.com

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

The most interesting political development at the Resurrection Center Pro-Life Victory PAC Pig Roast was the appearance of Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann was even allowed to give a speech like the other statewide (actual and potential), legislative and countywide candidates.

The others were all Republicans.

Bachmann's was the last speech and a lot of people had left, but my impression was that it was well received.

Bachmann repeated the personal story that was first published here on McHenry County Blog.

For those of you who have not followed the details of Bachmann's campaign, here are articles (most of which contain content from his keyboard):

October 20, 2007 Dave Bachmann Running for County Coroner as a Democrat

October 21, 2007 Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party Candidate for Coroner, Gives Personal Background, Goals for Office

October 31, 2007 Dave Backmann Files to Oppose Coroner Marlene Lantzz

February 07, 2008 Republican Marlene Lantz Got Less Primary Votes Than Democrat Dave Bachmann

February 08, 2008 Something Marlene Lantz Does Not Understand

February 20, 2008 Part 1 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 21, 2008 Part 2 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 22, 2008 Part 3 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 24, 2008 Part 4 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

February 24, 2008 Part 5 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

April 12, 2008 So What Does a Coroner Do?

April 13, 2008 Dem Coroner Candidate Dave Bachmann Questions Incumbent Marlene Lantz Lack of Role in “Angel of Death” Nursing Home Deaths and More Prosaic Questions

April 14, 2008 Democrat Dave Bachmann Questions Marlene Lantz' Role in Woodstock Residence Nursing Home Death Probe

April 20, 2008 Marlene Lantz Called in “Angel of Death” Case

May 01, 2008 McHenry County Coroner Marlene Lantz Employees Want a Union

May 11, 2008 Part 1 - Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 12, 2008 Part 2 - Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 13, 2008 Part 3 - Some Internet Campaigning for McHenry County Coroner

May 30, 2008 Dave Bachmann Issues Statement in Coroner's Race Against Marlene Lantz

June 12, 2008 Dave Bachmann Re-Emphasizes Early Plank in Coroner's Run

28-year GOP incumbent coroner Marlene Lantz did not attend the pro-life event.

As I have stated periodically, McHenry County Blog will publish any candidate's press release or statement.

That's what the Crystal Lake Herald, Woodstock Sentinel, McHenry Plain Dealer, Marengo Republican, Harvard Herald, River Valley Clarion, Richardson's Publications, etc., did in the past.

My goal is to allow candidates to speak directly to voters...the way they used to be able to in newspapers.
= = = = =
In the photograph on top, Dave Bachmann can be seen conversing with McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, McHenry County pro-life godmother Irene Napier and Lake County's 59th district GOP candidate for state representative, Dan Sugrue.

The head shot is of Dave Bachmann speaking.

The next group shot is similar to the one on top, except from a different angle. From front left to right around the circle are Bonnie Quirke, Dan Sugrue, Lou Bianchi, Dave Bachmann, Fred Wickham, Lynn Wickham and, with her back to the camera, Irene Napier.

Dave Bachmann met Paul Weyna, a high school classmate from Crystal Lake Community High School, who was taking pictures, too. Paul's father, Phil, was there, too.

As the Republican speakers gave their pitches, Bachmann sat listening, as can be seen in the next photo.

Dr. Steve Sauerberg, the GOP candidate for U.S. Senate against Dick Durbin spoke, as did Joe Birkett, the man in the next photograph. He is thinking about running for statewide office for a third time.

State Rep. McHenry County Republican County Chairman Mike Tryon spoke, as did McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi and 8th congressional district candidate Steve Greenberg. You can see Greenberg pointing proudly to his family, who appear at the bottom of this explanation of the pictures.

Next is Dan Duffy, who is running for an open state senate seat being vacated by State Senator Bill Peterson.

Finally, Dan Sugrue can be seen with his daughter Vivian at his side. I missed getting a photo of a great leg hug.

All photographs can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Dan Duffy, Dan Sugrue, Dave Bachmann, Irene Napier, Joe Birkett, Lou Bianchi, Steve Greenberg, Steve Sauerberg

When he first announced Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner announced that he planned to start gathering left over drugs from people who died at home, especially those in Hospice care who had been using heavy narcotics. He wanted to make sure they did not end up in the illicit trade.

Now, the story about the Fox River Grove Police collected unneeded drugs to protect the ground water supply has spurred Bachmann to issue the following press release.

CORONER CANDIDATE
BACKS SAFE RX DISPOSAL

HEBRON—David Bahmann, Democratic candidate for McHenry County Coroner, applauds the Fox River Grove Police Department’s efforts to collect unused medications. Now he would like to expand the effort county-wide and have the Coroner’s office play a key role in collecting prescriptions left by the deceased.

“Safe disposal of medication has been number one on my platform from the beginning of the campaign,” Bachmann said. “A systematic program would legally protect care givers, Hospice nurses and others from liability should the drugs fall into the wrong hands. It would also preserve the water supply by preventing drugs from being flushed for disposal.”

“When my mother passed away under Hospice care, I noted that there was no oversight of the prescriptions she left behind,” Bachmann said.

Bachmann proposes that the Coroner’s office advise police departments at the time of death of death so that they can visit the home and retrieve narcotics. The police would also have a document in which the final care giver can sign off on medications

“Often at the time of death there are medications such as Vicodine, Oxycontin, Morphine and Fntynol left on the bedroom dresser or nightstand with no oversight,” Bachmann asserted. “I promise to enact this prescription drug retrieval and disposal program on day one of my administration of the Coroner’s office.”

Bachmann also urged state lawmakers to enact legislation to make the program a regular part of the duties of county coroners and local police authorities.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Drugs, Fox River Grove

The following statement has been received from Dave Bachmann, the Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner against Republican incumbent Marlene Lantz:

"While out canvasing and talking to the folks, I am asked a fairly consistent question regarding the coroners office. After twenty eight years of a Lantz reign without Union representation, nor any previous inquirers into having such, voters are wondering why now, all of a sudden?

"My response can only be as follows:

"Ms. Lantz's behavior during this election cycle obviously shows her fear of not having her cushy position and having it 'her way' any longer. Spending 'at will' to the detriment of our citizenry as I have previously outlined in my assessment of the Coroners office as it operates today.

"As many know, I have made my professional assessment (utilizing my 30 years of business and professional experience internationally) of her office management and staffing.

"I stand by my assessment and nothing Ms. Lantz plans to do will deter me from implementing tax dollar saving programs.

"Nothing!

"I am not a career politician, but clearly understand economics and a fiduciary duty to those who might place me in office come November.

"Ms Lantz is

• either holding the hard working tax payers of McHenry County to Economic 'Blackmail,' as punishment for the results of the Feb. Primary,
• OR, she is 'Pandering' after twenty eight years of ignoring Democratic based Unions, to make herself appear that she has seen the light of a Democratic cause.... all of a sudden.

"The hard working tax payers of McHenry County have paved the way for Ms. Lantz to earn a very nice living, and, in addition, have provided for her future with a well funded pension. We will not be fooled nor swayed by this political stunt.

"She should be ashamed that she has abandoned her base for the sake of an election.

"I will not be swayed by any such moves by Ms. Lantz should I win the office of Coroner.

"Rather, I will stay my course as outlined as a principled and dedicated public servant. I will act accordingly without the fear of threat to uphold my duty to the citizens of McHenry County.

"This will be my official stance on this issue. "Courage and Strength" undeterred by any faction that might try to impede my ability to do what is right for our county residents.

"David J. Bachmann
"Democratic Candidate for McHenry County Coroner"

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

A man named Rhino made a comment about one of my articles about the McHenry County Coroner's employees wanting to unionize. He obviously is a supporter of incumbent Republican Marlene Lantz.

Democratic Party challenger Dave Bachmann sent a reply, which was published yesterday. Then, Bachmann sent a Post Script, which appears below:

PS Rhino.. About your comment on the 19th century:

About 20 years ago, the state of Colorado, completely threw out ALL rules and regulatory statues governing the Funeral Home industry in Colorado.

Nobody needs any license or education to work in a funeral home in Colorado. (Do you like snow, Rhino?)

Some, private individuals in Colorado, the "Wealthy" family owned funeral directors, have tried to get the state legislators to re-instate funeral home regulation(a ploy to keep out corporate funeral homes). At least 3 attempts have all failed. Do you know why Rhino?

Colorado, even though it has ZERO legal or educational requirements to operate a funeral home, has had, since it abolished funeral home regulation, the LOWEST number of consumer complaints in the NATION!

Both on the State and Federal FTC sides.

State legislators have taken, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" stance.

So if you think more is better, Vote for Lantz and get your check book out.

Your assertions again, are patently false and without merit.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

Democratic Party challenger Dave Bachmann sent this reply to McHenry County Blog comments from a guy who calls himself Rhino on an article about unionization of the McHenry County Coroner's office:

Dear Rhino:

Thank you for your comments to Mr. Skinner's story on the coroners office desire to unionize.

I am deeply sorry that you have misinterpreted any and all of my statements. I believe I made just one statement regarding the numbers of employees of the coroners office.

Via my vast experience in the death care industry, 30 years worth.. in several countries, inclusive of working with the Department of Justice Criminal Division in the 3rd largest city in the world, I made a simple and verifiable business calculation. I stand by my assessment.

I too have been a proud Union Member, and clearly, running as a Democrat, strongly support all workers rights to join a union. Work environment security is of high concern to my management style, and as you might have noticed in my statement, that I promised to

"Protect employees private time, as well as provide time off for emotional healing when necessary."

I also sighted the deplorable weekly hours I was forced to work as a young mortician. Eighty hour weeks were not at all unusual.

I searched my statements to back up your assertions. I could not find a single instance where I made any of the statements you had attached to my candidacy.

Your comment stated that the current deputies work "unbelievable hours."

That is a shame. Proper time management is essential, as well as having a boss who is also willing to roll up his sleeves and work, both day and night calls, in the office and in the field.

Hence, ONE position I believe can be eliminated to save tax payer dollars. My letter your commenting on, clearly states this.

I believe we have a fundamental disagreement with the duty of government and its responsibilities to its citizenry.

I am a fiscal conservative, and will work to help conserve tax dollars.

I am sorry you don't agree with this fact.

I'm not a tax and spend thinker. I look for ways to save money in business, as well as protect my workers.

It can be done, believe it or not.

As we all are acutely aware, today, more than ever, due to the current climate of unemployment, high fuel charges, many UN-insured workers just one pay check away from losing everything, I feel it to be my duty to be judicious with your money as I am sure you to are a tax payer.

If it helps you to understand who I am, I am a cancer survivor who at a critical time in my own life, was forced to lengths of going to pawn shops selling off personal property just to pay for airfare to go back and forth for my life saving medical treatments.

I know first hand, how life can throw you a curve ball at any given moment in time.

In truth, a savings here, and a savings there, can all add up.

Would you not agree that a reduced tax bill each year would be a nice bonus from your elected officials being trustworthy of your hard earned dollars?

I know the Coroner's job extremely well, sir.

Its mission is to NOT be a Medical Examiner's office, by statute.

Thus, I have a fiduciary responsibility to all McHenry County Tax payers, to protect their hard earned dollars.

This has nothing to do with winning an election. It would be my sworn duty to do so.

A coroner and a Medical Examiner are two totally different systems.

We have law enforcement specifically trained to handle certain cases involving death scenes, as well as the State of Illinois Crime Lab and specialists who are called in on an as needed basis vs. paying for thes

e people to sit around full time at a rate of pay that would break a county budget. Also, to pay at least 3 licensed pathologist to staff a Medical Examiner's office would be so costly, we could never pay the bill.

Are you aware that the coroner does not do any autopsies, Rhino?

This is why we contract them out and they come to our county facility.

It is for these very reasons, counties voted to keep the coroner's system instead of a medical examiners system.

Rhino, how many murders do we have in McHenry County each year? Many years, none. Other years, MAYBE, one or two.

MOST of the coroners calls are phone releases.

DO you want to pay a licensed pathologist over $200,000 per year each, to sit around day after day, taking phone releases?

You also mentioned, investigations that would be improperly handled.

This has already been done by our current coroner and her large staff in 2006, having missed as many as 17 deaths at the Woodstock Residence.

I had nothing to do with that sir or madame.

Ms. Lantz did.

Death rates NEVER more than double in any given year... Ms. Lantz and her staff had a duty to begin asking questions long before many allegedly had their lives taken prematurely.

But she did not...You failed to mention that in your comments, Rhino.

If you were educated in the death care industry, you would know death rates follow a 5 year pattern.

Three years are usually exact, one year will show a slight dip and another year would show a SLIGHT increase.

It would have been as simple as keeping a spiral notebook with each health care facilities name on it with its death count. Taken home each night, so each facility could be checked upon any death calls, and noted. Hence, this situation would have been caught sometime in May of 2006. Sometimes, Rhino, the simplest methods of facts are, as you state, 19th century, work very well. Obviously, it would have in this case.

As far as delayed burials, I don't understand your thinking on that issue as doctors are contracted with the county to come in and handle autopsies. These doctors, are in addition to the current staff. I used this as well in my factoring the numbers.

As a current licensed funeral director, this, too, will save tax payer dollars in that the state of Illinois mandates that a licensed funeral director MUST be in attendance when removing a remains from the county morgue or any other facility. I can serve as such, to save funeral home dollars, which in turn will also save tax payers money.

My 30 years having served THOUSANDS of grieving families in several countries and in many of our own states will serve our McHenry County citizens as well.

My resume has already been built and I will not be a burden upon the taxpayers to help build my resume. I am extremely well qualified, and by statute, actually over qualified for this position. I possess hundreds of letter of thanks from the many families I have comforted in great time of tragedy. So, I dismiss your assertion of my inexperience. However, it is the pattern of the old regimes here in the county. However, I will not stoop to this level, I don't have to. My professionalism is clear cut and well earned over 30 years.

If the Deputy Coroners choose to unionize after 28 years of not wanting union representation, I support and give my blessing. I only questioned the timing Rhino. However, you did not provide an answer to that on behalf of the person for whom you hide your name behind.

This being said, I will not engage my campaign, in negative rhetoric as Ms. Lantz had done in the primaries toward a gentleman whom I deeply admire and respect, Mr. Louis Bianchi.

I hope you can re-read Mr. Skinner's story, and you will see none of the assertions you have made are true under my name.

Thank you again.

David J. Bachmann

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Unionization

Someone named Rhino, obviously a supporter of incumbent Republican Marlene Lantz, found my article on the McHenry County Coroner's employees' wanting to unionize sent in a comment. I can't help but wonder if "Rhino" is a RINO, that is, a "Republican In Name Only."

Anyway, here is his comment:

It is funny that Beckman [Bachmann is the correct spelling] said that employees don’t need to fear him, but than he goes on to talk about layoffs.

I believe he doesn’t understand the job as a coroner and would just like to win an election.

There is no way possible that this man could do the job alone. The increase in population alone has grown to the point that 6 people may not be enough.

Unless you would want to wait to pro long a burial or if you want mistakes made in investigations.

As far as anyone wanting to join a union they are protected in Illinois under the strongest labor laws in the country. I have a friend who works in this department and they work unbelievable hours and have allot of respect for their boss.

Maybe they formed a union for other reasons than this election. When other unions organized in the sheriffs office no one said they did it because their boss was a bad guy, or Even the highway department or so on.

Proud to be Union tradesman and I believe we all should be union.

One final note! Government is not there to save money but to make life more efficient and better, Which means if you have to open different offices and bring on ore staff to serve the public than that is what you are suppose to do.

Not keep everything in the 19th Century!

Tomorrow, you can read Dave Bachmann's reply.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

I had been hearing rumors, but the Northwest Herald's Brandon Coutre nailed the story.

The coroner's office is the next to the smallest of any of the elected officials. Six employees.

And they want to join Democratic Party Governor Rod Blagojevich's most supportive union—the Service Employees International Union.

Only the 4-person auditor's office is smaller

So, what's this all about?

One observer thought that it might be because Coroner Marlene Lantz was seeking her deputy coroners' assistance in her campaign against Democrat Dave Bachmann.

Another through it might be because some feared the loss of their jobs should Bachmann defeat Lantz. He did, after all, get more votes in the primary election than she did.

Bachmann thinks that the scurry to join a union results from this McHenry County Blog article, which suggests that six employees are too many for a county the size of McHenry.

Bachmann says Lantz “has overstaffed her office.” Bachmann promises to go out on calls.

Let's see.

If the boss does more of the work, there might not be a need for as many assistants.

“These workers have no reason to fear my coming in, should I win the election and abusing their hours and or work load,” Bachmann said. “I remember too well the 100 hour weeks I was forced to work in an industry that, in years past, was never challenged by labor unions. I will protect their private time and allow time off for emotional healing when needed."

A union, however, cannot force an employer to keep people on the payroll, if there are layoffs. It might determine who gets laid off, of course, if that is in the contract.

So, what do you think?

Is this an attempt by insecure employees trying to keep their jobs?

Of is it an attempt by pressured employees to avoid doing political work to keep their boss in office?

Or is it a combination of both?

In any event, the Northwest Herald apparently thinks this might be an issue in the campaign.

Maybe it will find others.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

Last weekend, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann asked some tough questions here and here about the role or lack thereof played by opponent incumbent Republican Coroner Marlene Lantz in the Woodstock Residence patient death cases.

The story of Chicago Tribune reporters Carolyn Starks and Jeff Long touched on the role of the McHenry County Coroner:

“Sam Amirante, the attorney for Marty Himebaugh, a licensed practical nurse who worked at the home, said the death certificates of the four residents in the indictment indicate they had natural deaths (saying) the next step...is to ask a judge to dismiss the indictment...

“State's Atty. Louis Bianchi said Thursday that the death certificates are irrelevant to...'the charges that these two women were negligent in their care of the elderly.'”

Lantz was subpoenaed and appeared before Judge Joseph Condon.

When she spoke in court, she said, in what was described to me as an angry voice,

“The State's Attorney's office will not give me anything, nor will the Illinois State Police.”

Labels: Angel of Death, Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, Woodstock Residence

Against the backdrop of the indictments concerning deaths at the Woodstock Residence by McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, the Democratic Party candidate for Coroner has issued the following press release:

Democratic Party coroner candidate David Bachmann wants to know what involvement, if any, Republican incumbent Marlene Lantz had in the Woodstock Residence nursing home deaths.

“With McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi having just announced the indictments of two nurses at the nursing home, I believe it is reasonable to ask what Lantz did and when she did it?” Bachmann said.

“There are really only 2 questions to be answered regarding the nursing home issue,” he continued.

“Did the nursing home notify Lantz upon each death as required? If so, why didn't she catch the spike in death rates and, at minimum, get toxicology?”

“If the nursing home bi-passed her, then she did no wrong...but in the obituaries, they always state place of death... so it could have been caught there as well...BUT THATS JUST ME... I SEE TOO MUCH... 30 years worth! I know what I see and don't see.. and as a tax payer, Im bothered..as a professional, I'm mystified!

“The president of the Illinois Coroners Association and the State Inspector told me that MOST counties require the nursing home to call the coroner for permission to move the body from a nursing home.. UNLESS the doctor is bedside at time of death..( which is extremely rare.)

“Had I been coroner, I would have began investigating each death when the death total at a nursing home exceeded the preceding 3 years total within the first 9 months of the year in question. This obviously was NOT done by Coroner Lantz in the Woodstock Nursing home case.

“From 18 deaths in 2005 to 34 deaths by September of 2006?

“I would have personally gone to the nursing home on each death after the 18th death to research the records of each patient.

“Also, did the deaths seemingly occur on a particular shift? If so, this would have certainly added to my concern.

“Had Coroner Lantz taken charge of these bodies from the Woodstock nursing home after the 18th death, she should have at least preserved "toxicology" on each body.. which would have shown any drugs in the body and the amounts of any drugs.

“Potentially, deaths could have been prevented if the charges and allegations are proved true.

“Once the body was released and embalmed, it was too late."

An Illinois coroner I know from another county told me, “The proper procedure for notification is that the coroner be notified at the time the doctor of that patient is notified before a funeral home is notified.

“Either the doctor or the coroner will release the body to the funeral home.

“My nursing homes as a general rule will call coroner first on the list. There is a need to know of any problems that have occurred or contributed to the death. I hope this has answered your question.

“Yes the nursing home must call the coroner before a body can be released to a funeral home. If any of your nursing homes are not complying to this, a phone call or a visit is in order.”

(These quotes are direct quotes from several Illinois County Coroners that I have contacted.)

“I have to make the statement that I am not privy to any of the investigations regarding the Woodstock Residence cases,” Bachmann stated. “My comments are on the operations and management of the McHenry County Coroner's office, given the information provided in the NW Herald and the Public News Conference held by the McHenry County States Attorney's office.”

I wrote a related article reflecting on how the Lake County Coroner in the 1970's discovered foul play in nursing home deaths in Zion.

Labels: Angel of Death, Coroner, Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Nursing Homes, Woodstock Residence

Yesterday, McHenry County Blog printed information from McHenry County Democratic Party Coroner Candidate Dave Bachmann on how the Indiana State Coroners Training Board answers these questions:

• When is a death a coroner's case?
• What are the requirements to become a coroner?

Today, the only countywide Democratic Party candidate to face primary voters puts his views of when a coroner should get involved in a death in writing and critiques incumbent Republican Party Coroner Marlene Lantz' performance in office.

(Let me repeat my offer to publish press releases from any local candidate. Replies to press releases like this certainly are included in that offer.)

Among his prosaic criticisms, Bachmann seems to be saying that the current office is overstaffed, suggesting the county board needs to concentrate on more fiscal oversight.

Bachmann also questions whether the continuing education taken by Lantz has been excessive.

Potentially most explosively, Bachmann asks,

“Where was Coroner Lantz when the nursing home in Woodstock had an 'angel of death' working within?

“A spike in deaths of over 100 percent in 9 months from the previous 5 year totals? The nursing homes have to call the coroners office when any death occurs to verify a doctor will sign the death certificate.

“This should have been noticed by the coroners office.”

His comments follow:

Let me put this into context for you.

When I was an embalmer in California, at the funeral home I worked, we handled 2,000 bodies per year.. THERE WERE ONLY 4 of us. We picked every body up, embalmed them, dressed them, casket-ed them, and had one secretary handle the death certificates. This included 24 hour shift work coverage for night calls.

When I operated a human remains shipping company out of south Florida, myself and only one other man, handled 500 bodies per year... that was A LOT of work... picking up the body, embalming and preparing for shipment, (many were autopsied bodies, which is twice the work to prepare) doing all the death certificate work, which included tracking down the doctor, waiting in his office for him to sign, doing the burial transit permits also requiring going to the local heath department, contacting the airlines for arrangements... and, driving the body to the airline cargo department. Plus, speaking to the family of the deceased. Again 24 hour on call work.

Our coroner (Marlene Lantz)says she has six employees... and given the numbers, I believe she may "handle" at most 350 cases per year.. and out of those 350, many are just phone call releases (going by a county population of 300,000). This county in Indiana, Marion County.. has 900,000 residents... They have 7 deputies, plus 2 secretaries.. and it's a major city.. Indy...

Plus, lets not forget.. in addition to the staff mentioned, there is also a doctor, a pathologist who actually comes in and does the work, the autopsy, along with his assistant. So the deputies and Lantz really never even work on a body, unlike what I was doing for years...

I have no idea how this has gotten by the county board?

I plan to lift the veil from this office, and tell our county board how it REALLY works.

Our tax payers have to rely upon their elected officers.

Ms. Lantz has stated she enjoys teaching and speaking at colleges? (See page 26 of The Town Crier's pre-primary voters' guide:

“I also enjoy teaching and have done several programs for Purdue University in LaFayette, as well as at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN and at Concordia University in River Forest, IL. I assist in the field work at Dr. Neal Haskell’s yearly Entomology Workshop in Rensselaer and I also speak to the local high schools and colleges. About what? On the 24 continuing education hours required per year, what could she possibly be an expert on? Unless she has taken so many hours above and beyond the requirements of state law. The law says, "at least 24 hours.")

I bet that has really been stretched.. and the expenses that go with out of town seminars? I'd like the press to find out these numbers from the county Auditor. Although taking more than 24 hours is not illegal, it's "Resume Building" at tax payer expense. Then taking this resume out of county to give speeches at colleges?

People need to keep in mind, McHenry County is NOT under a Medical Examiners System. ANYBODY may run for coroner!

Where was Coroner Lantz when the nursing home in Woodstock had an "angel of death" working within? A spike in deaths of over 100 percent in 9 months from the previous 5 year totals? The nursing homes have to call the coroners office when any death occurs to verify a doctor will sign the death certificate. This should have been noticed by the coroners office.

MY friend is a 50 veteran of the funeral business in Coles County (where Eastern Illinois University is located). He asked his coroner, “How many hours of continuing ed have you taken?. He stated 400 hours last year.. PLUS all expenses... since I brought this up, he checked it out.

I've asked Illinois Coroners Association for a copy of its updated laws; they refuse to answer my request!

David J. Bachmann

Labels: Angel of Death, Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz

McHenry County Democratic Party Coroner's candidate Dave Bachmann has put his views of when a coroner should get involved in a death in writing. But, first, as background, he provides the following from the Indiana State Coroners Training Board:

When is a death a coroner's case?

Everyone would say homicide, and yes, that is correct. Suicides and all accidents are also to be investigated by the coroner. But by far the largest segment of the deaths to be investigated by the coroner is in the natural manner.

Most county health departments report a one percent death rate in each county per year. Of this total, the coroner investigates about 12 percent of the cases. So if you have 200,000 people in your county and one percent die this year, then you will have 2,000 deaths. The coroners will then investigate about 240 cases with 60-70 percent of these natural deaths.

Natural deaths include people who have no attending physician to sign the death certificate. It is also composed of those individuals who die suddenly and unexpectedly, even though they have been seen recently by a physician. They include individuals who have affected their health by the use of drugs or alcohol.

All deaths of inmates while incarcerated or when the eventual cause of death is found to have originated while the victim was incarcerated is another type of death that is investigated by the coroner. Deaths of individuals who die of a disease that might constitute a threat to public health are also reviewed.

Deaths of people whose bodies are to be cremated, buried at sea, transported out of state, or otherwise are unavailable for pathological study must be reviewed by the coroner. Deaths of transplant surgery donors that are the result of some type of trauma are also reviewed.

What are the requirements to become a coroner?

As with all other constitutionally elected officers, one need to be an elector of the county, and a resident for one year in order to be elected. The coroner does not perform autopsies (unless he or she is also a board-certified pathologist).

The coroner is an administrator above all else. By living locally and being elected, the corner is answerable to the people. The coroner has innumerable experts to call upon to help them render a decision. The Indiana State Coroners Training Board has been established and funded.

Tomorrow, Bachmann offers his comments on the office.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, McHenry County Coroner

So, McHenry County Democratic Party Coroner candidate Dave Bachmann sends me a picture of a new car with the following message:

“Thanks to Keely the cat...
“I took her advice today...
“brought home a new toy before the tax rate changes!
“Such a DEAL...

So, how am I to know that it's his car, that he hasn't picked the picture off the Saturn web site?

Sure looks like it came from a web site, unless McHenry County has developed an ocean front view recently.

My reply:

“If you want me to believe it, send me a picture with your kids in it.”

Bachmann's March 31st reply:

“Okay.. but I pick it up tonight at 7pm.. I will take the photo at the dealership in the shop under the lights...and send it to you tonight! Its going to be Black with black and red leather seats. Saturn Sky Redline Turbo!“

I sent another instruction:

“Holding the artificial flowers.”

Then, pictures arrive with the following subject line:

“Memo from : SpongeBob Square Pants and Morris and Laura Bachmann”

“Dear Keeley the Cat:

"We took your advise and beat the Tax Hike.

"Our dad gave us the keys now, because he is afraid of what the taxes might be like when I turn 16.

"Along with SpongeBob, we enjoyed our ride thru Crystal Lake. We stopped in Woodstock at the 'Krusty Crab' for some Krabbie Patties with the money we saved!”

Bachmann wanted me to put in something about his usually being serious, but needing to have fun every day, but I won't do it.

Even bloggers have some self respect.

Another communication:

“I'm normally not a cat person... I've only see maybe 2 cats in my life I admire.. Keely is beautiful...I could own a cat like that....plus she gives good advice!”

Keely is insulted. He is a he. At least he started out that way.

Since that guy Bachmann isn't around, Keely will take out his frustration on his scratching post.

Then, when I didn't post a story on March 31st, Bachmann started getting nervous:

“Why do I have this feeling that I have an April Fools day joke coming my way???”

The car was purchased from Saturn of Lake Barrington. The salesman's name is Dan Allaire.

Labels: Dan Allaire, Dave Bachmann, Flowers, RTA Sales Tax, Saturn, Saturn of Lake Barrington

There was “Sturm und Drang” in GOP circles when the primary election results showed that Democrats were getting more votes than Republicans.

This showed that the early voting results had predictive value.

Democrat Robert Kaempfe, a veteran and retired postal union official topped Crystal Lake's Republican State Rep. Mike Tryon.

The only Democratic Party candidate for countywide office, Dave Bachmann, received more votes than incumbent Republican Coroner Marlene Lantz.

The Democratic Party tide was not uniform in McHenry County.

In fact, in the only district that attracted enough Democrats to make a primary election necessary to select county board challengers, more Republican than Democrat votes were cast.

Taking a look at the county by county results in the 16th congressional district cannot have been the best news for Democratic Party challenger Robert Abboud. Abboud is the village president of high income Barrington Hills.

When he spoke to the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee about three weeks before the February 5th primary election, he had high hopes of unseating Don Manzullo, the seven-term incumbent.

But look at the results below:

Winnebago County even went for Manzullo.

There, you have to add the results for Rockford with those for the county, but, when you do, Manzullo got 24,6298, besting Abboud's 23,343. Manzullo received 53.6%.

I guess having had a family restaurant with you last name made a lasting impression.

And, I guess Abboud won't be able to use the primary returns to fortify his fund raising efforts as much as if he had beaten the incumbent.

Although he undoubtedly did better in McHenry County than any previous Manzullo challenger.

The same goes for total for the entire 16th district.

Districtwide, the unknown 2004 Democrat got 34,141 to Manzullo's 59,507 in the primary elections. Manzullo got 63.5%.

In 2006, the totals were 27,749 to 60,440. Manzullo got 68.5%.

Note that Manzullo got 5,364 more votes than he did two years ago. Democrat Abboud, got 22,810 more votes than the highest number the previous two primary elections.

And, now the two power party candidates have a third party challenger from the Green Party, McHenry County College Trustee Scott Summers.

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Dave Bachmann, Don Manzullo, Green Party, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Robert Abboud, Scott Summers

I observed that Democratic Party McHenry County Coroner candidate Dave Bachmann deserved the award for

"Shameless Use of Children and Imagination to Gain Public Attention for One's Campaign,"

but published this picture of his kids holding flowers inside in front a fireplace anyway.

But, yesterday, I said what I was looking for was

“The first flower that blooms from a bulb planted in the soil in anyone's yard this spring.”

So what did I get shortly after I posted my article late Sunday afternoon?

Another picture which might—if one want to stretch things quite a bit—meet the conditions above.

It made me smile, even chuckle.

I can't wait until Bachmann starts sharing his funeral director humor.

You can enlarge the photo by clicking on it.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Flowers, Laura Sanchez Bachmann, Mauricio Sanchez Bachmann

In the

"Shameless Use of Children and Imagination to Gain Public Attention for One's Campaign,"

Democratic Party McHenry County Coroner candidate Dave Bachmann wins first prize.

I mentioned that I would run a picture of the first flower of spring in McHenry County.

Here are his children Mauricio and Laura Sanchez Bachmann holding fabric flowers.

He writes they are the first flowers in Hebron.

Let me be clearer on what I am looking for:

The first flower that blooms from a bulb planted in the soil in anyone's yard this spring.

As usual, the picture may be enlarged by clicking on it.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Flowers, Hebron, Laura Sanchez Bachmann, Mauricio Bachmann, McHenry County Coroner

In this final of five installments, Democratic Party coroner candidate and cancer survivor Dave Bachmann tells about how he will emphasize cancer awareness education in his campaign.

However as life goes, at times, we get caught up in the day to day things..especially in Politics.

Without making any political statements because I have never personally met Mr. Louis Bianchi, but I need to say this, please.

I watched Mr. Bianchi keep his class and dignity about himself while under political fire these past months.

I was so touched by this "reminder" of how I need to keep perspective in my own race, I sent him a note of thanks for being that "feather" in my life at the right time. We are usually touched by "feathers" as reminders to take a good look at ourselves, BEFORE, the "Hammer" hits us!

I was somehow "touched" to dedicate my campaign and share my very personal story, which I have never revealed in such depth in public.

I now know why I am still alive.

In just one short week of adding my Breast and Cervical Cancer awareness campaign to my blog, I am again, finding a Miracle of love and hope from people I have never met before, nationwide!

What a blessing this journey has been for me and continues to be. I hope I'm flooded with letters from all over the world that I can share, and hold close to my heart.

I lost my mother to breast cancer October 16, 2006.

My sister Paula Muntzenberger just had a double mastectomy, my cousin from McHenry, Mary Beth Ong, fought her fight with Breast Cancer in the past couple of years, she is in her 40's and is doing well.

I just found out this last week, that my cousin's wife from Wheaten, just had a mastectomy from breast cancer at age 39.

My greatest hope is that everybody reading my story, becomes a "hypochondriac" for a day, and gets tested. It just might be the day you can say saved your life!

God Bless and thank you for sharing your stories with me.

Please visit my blog page for important links and information.

David J. Bachmann
www.bachreview.blogspot.com

I am attaching Courtney Lercara's web site Pink Wings for all to see.

Previous stories can be found below:

Part 1 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 2 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 3 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 4 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Labels: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Dave Bachmann, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County Coroner

Dave Bachmann, Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner, is in the process of telling his experience with cancer and how that led him to emphasize cancer awareness in his campaign for public office.

Bachmann has just ended up back in the hospital after his Houston pancreatic cancer operation with a serious infection.

My fever spiked to 105 one night, and as I lay alone in my hospital room, I shouted out loud..

"GOD, I GET IT! Please stop this NOW"

.... Within one hour, my fever lifted completely, and I was on my way to beginning my recovery.

Rather than go on and on, I think you get the idea of where I am going with this.

This experience taught me about life.... real life.

What is REALLY important, and what REALLY is not..

It taught me about "PERSPECTIVE!"

In this light, I felt my life was spared for a higher purpose.

However until October of this last year, I was not quite sure what that was. I supposed God would let me know when the time was right.

On October 10th,2007 or so, I found out what that purpose would be.

I'm not a politician. I am a death care provider and caregiver, by nature and training over 30 years.

This opportunity I have before me to put a face on cancer and tell my story of hope, faith and strength when fear had its chance to destroy me, is what I was called to do.

A purpose larger than my own story of survival, but to show all those who have suffered the exact same life experience, that they are never alone, and that if you are willing to fight and never give up, YOU CAN LIVE TO SEE A PURPOSE LARGER THAN YOU EVER DREAMED OF.

It is my hope, that if you are just now finding out about your own "journey," that my story can inspire you and bring you the strength you will need.

It's there, just dig deep! I promise, you have it within.

It's God given.

I have to add that although I have lived through everything that I have described, at times, I still need that "reminder" of "Perspective".

I have also survived 6 major spinal surgeries, 4 bi-lateral shoulder reconstructions, a total of 17 operations if that weren't enough reminders?

I will report that, at this moment in time, I can go to any gym and work out with the best of them... well, maybe not all the guys, but for my age group, I'm in better shape than I deserve. I am lucky in that I am totally rebuilt, so I should have about 100 more good years ahead!

Part 5 appears tomorrow.

Previous articles can be found below:

Part 1 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 2 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Part 3 - Democrat Coroner Candidate and Cancer Survivor Dave Bachmann Bases Campaign on Cancer Awareness

Labels: Cancer, Dave Bachmann, McHenry County Coroner

Democratic Party McHenry County Coroner candidate Dave Bachmann is telling how his experience with cancer led him to decide to educate people about the disease in his campaign. Bachman has just been told by MD Anderson Cancer Center to come to Houston. He has an appointment in two days.

If you are just dipping into his story, here is Part 1 and Part 2.

I was scared to death.

There I was alone, at the World's largest cancer center, surrounded by sick people.

When you arrive, you pick up your schedule and a map of the campus, its very pro-active.. The day before you see your doctor, you complete all your tests. I started at about 0800 in the morning, and they kept me going until 10pm that night. They do things there, that are not even on the books at a regular hospital.

The blessing in what I had come to call my "Field Trips" where all the wonderful stories of hope, and miracles I heard from fellow patients.

They send you to testing in groups, so we all sat around and told our story. I heard stories from people from all over the world.

Of how they were told to go home and die by their local hometown physician, and found themselves alive and well some years beyond their anticipated expiration date.

This gave me hope as I waited my turn. I had a total of 4 "Field Trips" from 2002 to 2003.

One man, in particular, just happened to be from Lake in the Hills. Mr Jack O'Connor.. a great man, bald headed from his treatments, but with the most infectious smile you ever saw. My being from Florida, and meeting Jack from back home, what were those chances?? Another Sign? Jack and I remained friends and have kept in touch since.

I met the following morning with my surgeon. I was told the tumor is bad, BUT, it appeared it had not spread yet and if I survived the 12 hour surgery, I had a good shot at making it. I was young, strong, a non smoker, I had a shot.

But he also warned me, the recovery is hell.

I had no choice, I had to do it. My doctor scheduled me for 2 weeks out. Instructed me to go home, relax, put things in order then get ready for war!

The one thing I really found out about cancer is... nobody else can fight your battle for you! Reality in its most raw form!

I did in fact survive the surgery obviously, but what was to follow could have never been anticipated. Tubes extending from my body, everywhere, no ability to eat food except via tube feeding, pain that was unbelievable, I was indeed in the fight of my life.

I remember walking through the Houston Airport, after my hospital release, with 3 tubes still protruding from my body. I met some wealthy folks there in Texas, oil people, in the rooms on my floor, and I was supplied Neiman Marcus and Marshall Field shopping bags, the type with the horse shoe shaped handle. I placed by "fluid bags" in these shopping bags to conceal my "carry on luggage."

Although, since it was so soon after 9-11, I was seriously searched by Airport Security... I was in a wheel chair barely able to walk, and they made be get up, life up my shirt and reveal my "packages" content.. Well, needless to say, they believed me and let me through.

I was determined to fly home to Pensacola alone, and walk myself up that jet way when I arrived, so my kids could see their dad looking strong. That was my first accomplishment since the operation.

I did it!

My kids needed to see that.

The weeks that ensued where full of unexpected twists and turns.

I ended up back in the hospital on life supports just 12 days later, suffering from a serious pancreatic infection from the surgery. I was given blood transfusions and drugs I cannot ever pronounce the names of.

The pain was horrendous in my mid back...They had me on Morphine, phentonol patches and shots of Demoral and Phenergen at the same time...

Tomorrow you can read Part 4.

Labels: Cancer, Dave Bachmann, McHenry County Coroner

Wednesday, Dave Bachmann, the Democratic Party candidate for coroner told the first part of his involvement with cancer--diagnosis. Today, the journey continues.

He (the doctor) kept me in the hospital that night in order to help me adjust to the situation.

I clearly remember waking the next morning, and getting into the shower.

As I washed my body, I remember looking at my hands, thinking, these hands that have served me so well in life, will soon lie lifeless in a box in the ground, and there was nothing I could do about it.

I wept for my body that had served me in life. The hands that held my children.

I've learned in life, to allow 24 hours to feel sorry for myself, then, I push it aside, and get moving on solutions to my situation. To do nothing when you are down, will only serve to defeat you.

I remember the first few nights at home after I was released from the hospital. I would awake in the early morning hours, in the dark, thinking, my time is coming.

I had made my will out, contacted my parents, and laid in bed....

It is interesting in that I read an article in the news paper just the other day, from a cancer patient that had the same experience of waking at night with these very thoughts. I am sure EVERYBODY who has lived what I am writing about, has lived this same phenom in the early morning hours after being diagnosed.

About 8 years prior, a friend of mine gave me the gift of the bible. I found that strange coming from my friend Steve. He was the last guy you thought would be a reader of the word of God.

But, as I have since found, our Lord does in fact work in mysterious ways. If you don't fight it, you will see it in your life more than you think.

After about 4 nights of this waking, I decided there must be something I can do. The interesting conversation I had with a surgeon who attended me in Florida after they scoped my pancreas, told me.. Well, we can try to do a "Whipple" on you.. that is your only chance... Then he explained to me what a "Whipple" is... as one doctor friend of mine calls it.. "The Cadillac of all Surgeries"!

The surgeon described the horrors of this procedure.

Basically stated, they go in and remove most of your digestive system, and lift the tumor out untouched. But, not many who are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer qualify to have this life saving operation. He went on to tell me that when he opens me up, if he sees, this certain issue, in his words,

"Its a show stopper,"

or if I see that,

"Its a show stopper"

.. his words, not mine.. I looked at him and I said,

"Doc, How many of these Whipple's have you done?"

He stated,

"Not Many"

... I then in rebuttal stated,

"That's a show stopper!"

I got up from his office table, and went home. I went on line to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston Texas.. the very best cancer center in the world...as Ranked worldwide. They have the two top Pancreatic surgeons in the World there.

I sent them an email at about 0300 in the morning.. By 10 am the same morning, I received a return email stating...

Get your films, and come on down.. your appointment is in 2 days!

Part 3 tomorrow.

Labels: Cancer, Dave Bachmann, McHenry County Coroner

After reading about how McHenry County's Democratic Party candidate for coroner Dave Bachmann was planning to use cancer awareness as a campaign theme, I asked him for more information. What follows is what he sent me.

(This is as good a place as any to remind candidates that I am happy to run their press releases or other communications to voters.)

It is appropriate for you to know that Bachmann buried both my mother, when she was killed while crossing Route 14 on Woodstock's Dean Street by a truck speeding from Harvard, and my father, when he died of lung cancer, having not stopped smoking quite soon enough.

Bachmann now lives in Hebron and is running against Republican incumbent Marlene Lantz. In the primary elections he received more votes than she did.

Dear Cal:

As you are aware, I have made the decision to dedicate my 2008 Campaign for the office of McHenry County Coroner to Cancer Awareness.

Although I have never really disclosed all the particulars as to why, I am grateful to all of those who are now contacting me wanting to help, and also thanking me for this dedication. Within a 12 hour period this past Sunday, I had 98 visitors to my blog page from around the country.

Just this morning, Tuesday February 19, I opened my email, and to my surprise, was a very nice email from Courtney Lercara herself. I am deeply touched by this very unexpected response to what I considered, my innocent response to a cause I have myself, been touched by. I am attaching information about Courtney and her California based group. She is an amazing women!

In short, in 2002, on my 42nd Birthday, I felt compelled to go see my doctor. I was not feeling quite right, and was sweating.

My mother always said,

"David, your a hypochondriac!"

Well, that may have been so, but that statement had well served to save my life. I remember going to the emergency room, September 7, 2002 as my doctor and friend, was already there working. I had called him and he told me to come on down to the ER and he would do a CT scan.... I thought innocent enough, non-invasive, sure I would come right down.

I can still vividly recall the look on my doctor and friends face when he came to my Emergency Room Cubicle to tell me the results of the CT Scan. He was ghost white and grim in the face.

I said,

"What's up doc, you look like you just lost your best friend?"

He said, Dave, your very sick you have a large 4cm tumor in the head of your pancreas, and it does not look good. He said he wanted me to come back the following day for more tests, and to see a specialist.

I went home, a bit taken back.

That day was "My Day".

I always felt in life, we all have our time when we are faced with our own mortality, it was just a matter of when and where. My day had indeed arrived.

I went to the hospital the following afternoon, and met a very nice doctor who was going to put me on the operating table, put me to sleep, and place a scope down my throat and down into my stomach and pancreas. He did so.

While I was still sleeping and he was completed, he went to the waiting room and instructed my children that I had a bad cancer and that I would be gone within 8-10 months. My tumor had caused a "stricture" of the bile ducts and that is a bad sign.

Upon waking up, the kind doctor gave me the news. He stated it's bad, that I would die in about 8 months. I reached up and took his hand and held it...

I began to cry, he began to cry, and said he had to go, and gently placed my hand on the bed and walked away.

Part 2 tomorrow.

Labels: Courtney Lercara, Dave Bachmann, McHenry County Coroner, Pink Wings

You may have wondered why McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Bill LeFew is so angry at McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.

So do I, but today let's explore the depth of LeFew's angry.

How angry is he?

Eventual unsuccessful (57%-43%) challenger Dan Regna was at least his third choice.

Now, a friend of McHenry Blog has confirmed sightings of Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew and Democratic Party Chairman Tom Cynor yukking it up like old buddies on multiple occasions and recently! (See yesterday's "Message of the Day.")

Does this remind anyone of the Northwest Herald's story about LeFew saying State Rep. Jack Franks had approached him concerning the Democrats not running a candidate against State Rep. Mike Tryon, if Franks did not have an opponent?

Franks denied the contact. (I can't find the story on the Northwest Herald. If anyone can find it, I'll be happy to link to it.)

Franks faced an opponent that year, but, note well, he does not this year and did not two years ago.

And, Tryon didn't have one two years ago, but has a challenger this year.

If it was a "quid pro quo," the "quo" is missing.

For those of you who did not take Latin, the phrase means, "this for that."

But, then again, Tryon backed Bianchi.

Rumor has it that Democrat Cynor applied for, but was denied a position with current States Attorney Bianchi.

Sources also tell me that Regna approached the Democratic Party for support prior for his run against Bianch.

Regna was rejected by the Democratic Party.

With no one running on the Democratic ticket for state's attorney, some have speculated that Chairman Cynor might try to engineer the nomination for himself.

Consider this paragraph from Daily Herald reporter Chuck Keeshan's last Thursday article:

”When Democratic leaders choose a state's attorney candidate next month, party Chairman Thomas Cynor said Wednesday, that person will step into a situation even better than Franks saw in 1998.

"'I think the circumstances are even more favorable than when Jack ran, but it all comes down to the quality of the candidate,' Cynor said. 'We've received a lot of interest from potential candidates.'"

I'm not aware that Cynor has a background as a prosecutor, pretty much a requirement to keep Bianchi from arguing a lack of experience on the part of a Democratic Party challenger.

But he might not be talking about himself.

Cynor now works for McHenry County judges. All of the elected judges ran as Republicans.

Surely there are assistant Cook County State's Attorneys living in McHenry County. I know there was at least one public defender living in McHenry from my dealing with the rape in prison issue.

With Regna and LeFew being so cozy, would a State's Attorney Cynor appoint Regna his chief assistant?

This would continue the LeFew war against Bianchi...using the same game piece.

And, assuming Bianchi rejected an application for employment from Cynor, the Democratic Party Chairman might extract retribution as well.

If Cynor managed to beat Bianchi, what would happen in 2012?

Would a chief assistant Regna run against his boss on the Republican ticket?

Regna did announce in the Northwest Herald that he was running in 2012, didn't he?

And he is still running thank you ads.

There are some new Democratic Party candidates who would be outraged by this double-dealing scenario.

Not to mention Republicans.

But, Republicans interested in the health of the local GOP couldn't be much more disturbed at LeFew than they are now, could they?

Rather than risk their reputations, some Democratic candidates could well abandon their local Democratic Party candidacies in protest.

With Republican Party coroner Marlene Lantz openly criticizing State's Attorney Bianchi after the primary, thereby offering evidence for what had only been rumors about her attitude toward him previously, my guess is that former Crystal Lake funeral director Dave Bachmann might be one of the candidates willing to drop off the ticket.

Bachmann polled more Democratic Party primary votes than Lantz received in the GOP primary.

First time I've seen that happen.

There are about three weeks for the Democrats to decided if they want to run any more candidates.

They are allowed to appoint them to the ballot.

No need to be on a primary ballot and have to answer early media questions.

With Jack Franks having benefited from the Republican Party split between the Establishment, who supported appointed State Rep. Mike Brown of Crystal Lake, and fourth time primary candidate Steve Verr of McCullom Lake, maybe the Dems have a chance of electing a state's attorney.

But it is doubtful they can find someone with as much energy as Franks or with the ability to take as much time off from work.

Most lawyers don't have families as well off as Herb Franks' family.

Would Democrats be able to put together the resources needed to beat an incumbent countrywide officeholder the way Jim Kennedy did for county board?

Multiply six times what Kennedy spent and then add a lot more to counter the grassroots organization Bianchi has.

Somehow I doubt the Democratic Party chairman has as much power as Al Jourdan did when he engineered the appointment of Mike Brown to replace Ann Hughes in the Illinois House.

Appointing oneself would surely make enemies.

= = = = =
All pictures can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Bill LeFew, Dan Regna, Dave Bachmann, Herb Franks, Jack Franks, Jim Kennedy, Lou Bianchi, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, McHenry County State's Attorney, Mike Tryon, Thomas Cynor

A funny thing happened on the way to the general election.

More Democrats voted in the McHenry County primary elections than Republicans.

As McHenry County Blog pointed out Tuesday night, the Democratic Party presidential candidates got more votes than did the Republicans.

And, as one might expect, that was not the only race where this phenomenon occurred.

It happened in the only countywide office which McHenry County Democrats are contesting—the coroner’s office.

With all the absentee and early votes folded in, Democrat Dave Bachmann is shown getting 25,944.

Republican Marlene Lantz got 24,941.

Lantz, you may have noticed, burned a lot of bridges with victorious McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi by vigorously supporting Dan Regna’s challenge.

A press release from the McHenry County Democratic Party added,

"Lantz also lagged behind her unopposed ticket mates. Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Keefe pulled 25,060 votes and Recorder of Deeds Phyllis Walters won 25,257.

"The results came on a night when Democrats topped the GOP across the board [this is not quite correct, as can be seen here] in the traditionally heavily Republican county.

"In a statement released to the press Bachmann said,

'I don't believe for one moment, last evenings results are as result of a just because! Dem Ballots were pulled for a reason—a yearning for change. A voter who pulled a Democratic ballot, did not have to vote for'

"Bachmann, himself a cancer survivor, pledged to dedicate his campaign to breast awareness awareness.

'I lost my mother last year to breast cancer, my sister Paula is a survivor, as is my cousin MaryBeth Ong of McHenry. I plan to dedicate my 30 years experience as a death care provider, internationally, to raising awareness in McHenry County this fall. Pink will be the color of the Bachmann campaign. It depicts hope, strength and promise for the future.'”

Labels: Dan Regna, Dave Bachmann, Lou Bianchi, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, McHenry County State's Attorney

A press release from Dave Bachmann announcing his challenge to Republican Coroner Marlene Lantz:

BACHAMANN FILES AS DEMOCRAT FOR McHENRY COUNTY CORONER

WOODSTOCK—David John Bachmann, the founder and former owner of a Crystal Lake funeral home, filed petitions today with the County Clerk’s office to run for the Democratic nomination for McHenry County Coroner.

Bachmann, of Hebron, said “I am eminently qualified for the office having 30 years experience serving grieving families as a licensed Funeral Director world wide.”

The son of a prominent Crystal Lake businessman, Bachmann chose to enter what he calls the “death care industry” as a young man. After working in California and Florida, he returned to McHenry County where he worked at a prominent Cary funeral home before opening his own Bachmann Funeral Home (now Skaja-Bachmann) in 1987. He served the local community in many volunteer capacities including as president of the Kiwanis, a board member of Crime Stoppers and Senior Citizens of Illinois, chairman for Special gifts for the American Heart Association, and an educator in death and dying for Hospice of Northern Illinois and at McHenry County College.

Bachmann sold the funeral home in 1991 and relocated with his family to Florida where he continued his career as funeral director and executive. After surviving a near fatal brush with cancer and two serious accidents, Bachmann sold his Florida business and spent a year serving as “Embalmer of State” in the impoverished Mexican state of Tlaxcala where he trained medical examiners in safe handling of human remains before moving last year to Hebron.

"I am running as a Democrat,” Bachmann said, “because I believe in diversity. I strongly believe that all public offices should be free and open for any qualified American to seek not only for the chosen or a select few. This is a pioneering concept in McHenry County.”

As coroner Bachmann said he would have three priorities: properly securing remaining prescription drugs in the homes of the deceased, educating immigrant communities about proper and legal procedures around the death of a loved one, and educating youth in the permanence of death to discourage risk taking behaviors.

McHenry County Blog ran articles about his pending candidacy on October 20th and October 21st.

Labels: Dave Bachmann, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner

Yesterday, McHenry County Blog revealed that former funeral director Dave Bachmann intends to challenge incumbent Republican County Coroner Marlene Lantz for her office.

In another email, he outlined a bit of personal history:

“I moved to Crystal Lake back in 1969 with my mother and father 2 sisters and 1 brother. My father was CFO of Black Dot Group, which was also the owner of Graftec Press, so my family name is well known.

“I was the pitcher and hit 2 home runs in the 1976 Babe Ruth City series, Teledyn Big Beam, my team won.

“I built Bachmann Funeral home in 1987 against all odds. Here is an old news story...

“It’s important in that, of all the Dems in power, I am the person with the most amount of time in the county... that I am aware of to date.

“Just a few facts. I was past President of CL Kiwanis from 1989-1990, was instrumental in helping Hospice for Northern Illinois in that I gave seminars on the funeral industry at my facility, this helped the volunteers learn what to do to help McHenry county families when a death occurred at home..By the way, this is ONE of my BIG platforms to which I will run upon.”

Bachmann also outline his goals for the office:

“Today, the coroner’s office does NOT send any law enforcement officer to a home of a cancer patient when Hospice is in charge of the patient. What about oversight on all the left over Narcotics??? There is NO protection for the Hospice Nurse that PROVE she disposed of the left over Narcotic Medications...thus, they are open to be accused of taking drugs with no back up. I know, my mother died, one year ago tonight, with TONS of narcotics in her bedroom.

NO OVERSIGHT AT ALL...

I plan to close that loophole and send a deputy or myself to home deaths, even when expected, for one specific purpose, to confiscate the narcotics and dispose of them in a way that is proved and backed up... Trust but Verify.

“These drugs are now in today's world, in the hands of kids selling at our schools..

“Also, spend time educating our foreign guests on what to do in case of death. My wife is from Mexico, and we plan to personally help these people do things in a legal fashion with full translation in order to protect our laws and to help these people protect themselves by knowing our laws and abiding by them.

“Finally, I plan to PERSONALLY, ‘Lift the Veil’ from the office. Get out and go to our schools, and give seminars an classes to our kids on the Reality of Death.

“Life is NOT a Play Station Game... Dead is Forever... You can’t re-boot your life as is done on your home computer games.

“These are the 3 main issues to which I stand on.

“Here are some old pics that show my ties for many years to this county. I currently reside in Hebron.”

Labels: Babe Ruth League, Black Dot, Crystal Lake Kiwanis, Dave Bachmann, Drugs, Graftec Press, McHenry County Coroner

You know his last name if you drive between Crystal Lake and Woodstock.

You see it on a funeral home he started.

That's the funeral home Bachmann was told he wouldn't get off the ground, that he could not succeed.

But you can see his name still on the sign on Route 14 next to Flowerwood. Bachmann doesn’t run it any more, but his name is still there.

“As you know Cal, under the ol’ Querhammer reign in the county,” Bachmann emailed me, “I was told I could never build a funeral home in Crystal Lake. Querhammer would never hire me, and Jim Flagg laughed at me... Well, there it sits, 20 years later, Bachmann Funeral Home.

“I also believe I could never get any attention from the powers that be in the Republican party for the office of Coroner unless I was anointed by the party, as Al Querhammer had done when he ‘handed’ the office to Marlene Lantz many years ago. Thus, again, if there's a will, and there is, there is a way!

“I may not win, but I can guarantee, the office of Coroner will have a formidable opponent for the race in 2008. The winds of charge are blowing!”

Bachmann has returned from Mexico.

He emailed McHenry County Blog that he has

“decided to run for County Coroner.. under the Democratic Banner. Time for change..

“I have most recently been living in Mexico helping the poorest of states learn about modern and sanitized ways of burial. I'm happy to be back home in my county.

”It will be a large undertaking, excuse the pun...however, I feel I have the qualifications to make a difference. I believe the race will be a one on one with Marlene Lantz in Nov. 2008. Seemingly, this county now votes more or less independent rather than straight ticket.

“This would be my road to victory, my only road.”

I asked for a picture to run with an article. He sent me this one.

Here’s the explanation:

“The mother of this baby died as result of an auto accident. The family came to my home, with the child, and told me they named him David, after me. I was able to help the father and family of this baby thru their grief. Often times, babies born in Mexico, go unnamed for a full year.

“I was able to teach the Medical Examiners how we treat our grieving families here in the United States, and how we care for our dead with dignity and respect.

“In Mexico, they literally put naked, autopsied bodies in the back of pickup trucks for transport, and line dead bodies from accidents on the side of the road with no police oversight to stop on lookers from just going up to the scenes of horrific accidents.

“The government would spend little to no money on protective wear for its medical examiners, ie, no gloves, or gowns or masks.... they still do autopsies with an old saw.

“However, the people of Mexico were gracious when they found they had help. And this child, was brought to my home, they found where the ‘gringo’ who helped them lived, and just showed up one evening.

“It was a humbling experience. I intend to continue this type service to our people in McHenry County. I will be a ‘hands on’ Coroner. Like the ol’ country doctor.”

Tomorrow, some more of Bachmann's personal history and his goals for the office.

Labels: Al Querhammer, Dave Bachmann, Jim Flagg, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Coroner, Mexico