State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) is asking McHenry County residents to join him in requesting a gubernatorial veto of legislation that would substantially increase the powers granted to the McHenry County Board Chairman.
Reick is hosting an online petition drive to gather signatures in opposition to HB 171. The petition specifically asks Governor Rauner to veto the legislation, which was approved earlier this month and now sits on his desk. “A few years ago the voters of McHenry County voted down by a 2:1 margin an effort to increase the powers of the leader of the McHenry County Board,” said Reick. “The electorate was clear in their mandate. They do not want an all-powerful County Board Chairman.”
According to Reick, in a subsequent election, voters approved a measure to allow for a popularly-elected County Board Chairman with limited authority and power. “When voters weigh in on an important measure at the ballot box, that should mean something,” Reick said. “The signing of HB 171 would directly circumvent the expressed will of the people who resoundingly said ‘no’ to a board leader with a great deal of individual power. My hope is that we will flood the Governor’s office with signatures from those who want him to respect voter intent and veto the bill.”
Shortly after the bill’s passage, Reick sent a letter to Governor Rauner asking him to veto HB 171. “There is strength in numbers,” Reick added. “A large showing of support for a veto could go far in influencing his final decision.”
Click here to sign the petition.