Northwest Herald Reporter Misses Real Reason Municipalities and McHenry County Want Home Rule Power

The Northwest Herald headline read:

McHenry could become 2nd county in Illinois, after Cook, to be home rule – if voters approve

The reporter apparently did not do much homework on what Home Rule is all about.

The article reports that the desire for local zoning authority is the reason County Board members are seeking Home Rule.

That misses the most important reason municipalities anduntis seek Home Rule.

It’s so their boards can raises taxes without a referendum.

Zoning preeminence is such a minor benefit compared to the ability to raise taxes and impose new taxes without gaining voter approval.

The only other county with Home Rule powers is Cook County.

The 1970 State Constitution granted that authority.

The Republican Party distributed a sign saying, “Don’t Cook County Our McHenry County.”

The “Don’t Cook County Our McHenry County” yard sign distributed by the McHenry County Republican Party can be seen above.

That’s what Home Rule would do.

Allow the McHenry County Board to act like the Cook County Board.