McHENRY COUNTY DEMS--Elect New Officers at Convention
McHenry County Democrats met in biennial convention Wednesday night at the Woodstock Opera House. In the words of outgoing Chair Tom Cynor we were celebrating more than 32,000 votes cast in the February Primary-more than the total Republican vote. He noted that there were now more registered Democrats in the county than Republicans. Noting that McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren told the press the next day that the results were “an anomaly,” Cynor said he had his own six dollar word for it-“an epiphany.” He said that the results were not yet a victory, only a sign post to victory in November, if the party takes advantage of the opportunity handed to them
Then it was time to get down to business. The elected Precinct Representatives present represented a total of 5,100 votes cast in the Democratic primary. Each PR casts a weighted vote for officers based on the total Democratic ballots taken in the primary. In the end a slate of officers was elected by acclimation. Don Finochio, a candidate for Vice Chair withdrew his name from consideration when it became clears that Sam Melei was winning overwhelmingly and called for Melei’s election by acclimation.
Otherwise, the evening was without drama, except for the palpable excitement of Democrats determined to change the course of McHenry County History.
A selections of photos below capture the evening.
Stanchions representing the 6 McHenry County Board Districts leaned against a back wall before the evening got under way.
Outgoing Chair Tom Cynor kicked off the evening
Brian Meyers was elected presiding officer of the Convention.
Kathy Bergan Schmidt makes her appeal to the Convention. The former Vice Chair was elected Chair by acclimation.
.Convention Secretary Nancy Sschietzelt, B.J Rendine, and Jim Kennedy count up votes in the contested race for Vice Chair. Unfortunately my camera’s batteries died and I missed a photo of the victorious Sam Melei. Cynor was then unanimously elected Treasurer.
Patrick Murfin, the sole candidate for Secretary, has a few words.
Outgoing District 3 Chair Pauline Walker holds the stanchion as District PRs gather round her to elect her replacement. Dan Giallombardo, to Walker’s left was elected. Meanwhile other districts were holding their caucuses. Elected were Brian McTague in District 1, Carolyne Quinn in District 2, Mary Margaret Maule, District 4, Chris Emmerich in District 5, and Robert Ludwig in District 6.
Madam Chair meets the Press after the meeting.
A bevy of former Secretaries congratulate the galoot who got the job-Kathy Bergan Schmidt, Marti Swanson, Carolyne Quinn, and Dianne Oltman Ayers.