Newcomer Announces Win In McHenry Co. Board Chair Race

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Political newcomer Mike Buehler has declared victory in the McHenry County Board chair race. Meanwhile, Democratic incumbent Jack Franks said he called to congratulate Buehler on his win earlier in the week and vowed to help him smoothly transition into the new role.

As of this week, Buehler had 52.87 percent of the vote total in the race, and Franks had 47.13 percent, according to unofficial results. So far, 158,287 ballots have been counted, with Buehler securing 83,691 votes compared to Frank's 74,596. As of Friday, there were 1,853 mail-in and provisional ballots that still needed to be counted. The clerk's office has until Nov. 17 to tally all the results.

Final results in McHenry County races will be posted on the clerk's website on Nov. 18, McHenry County Clerk Joe Tirio told Patch on Election Day. A breakdown of how various precincts in the county voted can be found on the county clerk's website.

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While announcing his win Friday morning, Buehler thanked voters for their "overwhelming support." During his first term in office, he said he will focus on supporting lower taxes, sensible budgeting policies and job creation for McHenry County communities and businesses.

"Self-serving cutthroat politics" will be a thing of the past, Buehler added, saying he will aim to serve residents with a vision of restoring McHenry County.

"Going forward I am focused on building trust and collaboration among all members of the board, our county employees, and other governmental bodies and elected officials throughout this area," he said in a statement posted to Facebook. "I promise that I will approach every one of you with the respect and dignity that you deserve."

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On Thursday, Franks released a statement acknowledging Buehler's win and congratulating his opponent. He also touted some of his accomplishments while in office, including a 14 percent reduction in property taxes, an $8.2 million rebate to 500,000 homeowners from surplus funds from county-run Valley Hi Nursing Home, and his work to impose term limits for his seat on the county board.

"We’ve accomplished so much together. I leave this office proud of what we’ve done for our taxpayers and proud that with your help, we delivered on every one of my campaign promises. Every one of them," Franks said. "Thank you for helping make that happen, and I hope to see you move the banner of reform and progress forward under our new Chairman."

MORE ON PATCH

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• Hand Sanitizer Fouls Voting Machine In McHenry Co.: Clerk
• 6th Congressional District Race Called For Sean Casten

For more on the results from top races this election shead to the Illinois Patch's Election page.