Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Thanks for the support!


Meredith Reid Sarkees and Patrick Murfin wish to thank all of our volunteers, contributors, supporters and the voters. We lost the election, but are proud to have stood up to be counted.

Here are the results as posted on
McVote. These results are not final. Early and absentee ballots have not yet been recorded. But early voting was very light and will not significantly affect the out come.

NUNDA TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Vote for 4
Precincts Reporting 29/29 100.00%

TOM PALMER REP
2468 19.08%
JONI SMITH REP 2565 19.83%
JAMES C. SCHLADER REP 2356 18.21%

KELVIN JENNINGS REP 2206 17.05%
PATRICK MURFIN DEM 1656 12.80%
MEREDITH SARKEES DEM 1685 13.03%

So what happened?

Support for the Democratic Party candidates closely tracked the turn out in most Democratic Primaries (the last Presidential Primary excepted.) In other words folks who are so strongly committed to the party that they have been willing to let their friends and neighbors in a traditionally overwhelmingly Republican area know who they are came out to vote. The much larger number of folks who now vote Democratic in state and national elections, but traditionally pay no attention to local races, could not be turned out despite a concerted effort. Some how we have to get the “national Democrats” to recognize the importance of local races.

Meanwhile the Republican Party, stung by the loss of McHenry County last November, was highly motivated to re-assert their traditional dominance of local governments. The party raised and spent unprecedented money in support of their Team Nunda slate and in support of Algonquin Township trustee candidates challenged by another Democratic slate.

The township was blanketed by hundreds of Team Nunda signs and hundreds more signs for each individual candidate. By contrast the Change for Nunda campaign could only afford 50 signs at least half of which were stolen. There were also multiple mailings and robo calls. Change for Nunda got out one targeted mailing and volunteers made about 1000 phone calls in concert with McHenry County College Trustee candidate John Darger. The Republicans also actually got out and canvassed door-to-door in some areas, which has been unheard of in recent elections. They had ceded the shoe leather department to Democrats who have tried to make up for less well funded campaigns with personal campaigning.

So it became a turn-out-your-base election. And the sad fact is that in Nunda Township the Republicans can still turn out a bigger base than the Democrats.

The
Nunda Open Space Referendum was also a factor. Murfin and Sarkees enthusiastically supported the referendum, which would have issued bonds to buy and preserve open space for the protecttion ground water reserves. Although the funding mechanism failed to pass it by a mere handful of votes the last time it was offered, bringing it back to the voters in hard economic times was risky. But it was a matter of conscience for both candidates.

NUNDA TOWNSHIP OPEN SPACE REFERENDUM
Precincts Reporting 29/29 100%

YES 1705 40.89%

NO 2465 59.11%

You can see that the yes vote closely paralleled the Change for Nunda numbers. Murfin and Sarkees got the majority of yes voters. On the other hand support for the referendum undoubtedly cost the candidates some votes even among Democrats voting their pocket books over environmental concerns.

Finally, did the last minute smear campaign launched against Murfin have much effect? For all of the strum und drang it was essentially shouting down the rain barrel. It got half a dozen lunatics into a froth in the on-line comments to letters to the editor in the Northwest Herald. “Discussion” there quickly spun out of control and ended with accusations that Murfin was an actual “Communist.” But most voters of either party disregarded the noise. It certainly did not effect the Democratic base. At worst may have motivated a couple of dozen knuckle draggers to turn out to vote for Team Nunda—and to oil their guns in preparation for the upcoming insurrection against the “socialist/facist/muslim/terrorists/gun grabbing/baby killing regime in Washington.”

But despite the defeat, this election was an important skirmish in the on going guerilla campaign to “Turn McHenry County Blue.” By not ceding local races to the Republicans, Democrats force them to spend large amounts of cash. We keep our campaign organizations intact and in practice between even-year general elections. And we develop experienced candidates who learn the ropes and can go on to bigger things. First time candidate Sarkees, who outdrew old timer Murfin, has all of the credentials to go on to other races.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Election Day Tuesday—Get out the vote!


It seems just yesterday since Nunda Township Democrats caucused to nominate Meredith Reid Sarkees and myself (Patrick Murfin) as candidates for Township Trustee. Less than three month is not much time to pull together a campaign, even one for an often neglected local race. So we have been pretty busy.

We appreciate the support offered to us in donations of time, talent, and treasure. Without it he could not hope to challenge one of the most entrenched political machines in McHenry County.

Now we need you to go the final mile. VOTE! Call your friends and neighbors and remind them to VOTE! In the race for Nunda Township Trustee vote only for you Change for Nunda candidates, Murfin and Sarkees. Do not “fill out” your ballot by voting for any of the Team Nunda Republicans. You don’t need to vote for all four positions. Vote only for the best.
While you are at the polls, please support the
Nunda Township Open Space Referendum, which we have enthusiastically endorsed. And vote for John Darger, candidate for McHenry County College Trustee.

And after the polls close please join us and the friends and supporters of Algonquin Township Democratic CandidatesFrank Hyden, Robert Franks, and James McTague—and John Darger at Porter’s Oyster Bar, 446 W Virginia Street, Crystal Lake to follow the returns and celebrate the campaigns.
--Patrick Murfin

April 7, 2009 Consolidated Election Polling Place Locations
Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

NUNDA 01 PRAIRIE ISLE GOLF CLUB (BANQUET ROOM) 2216 ROUTE 176. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 02 NATURE CENTER (VETERANS ACRES) 330 N. MAIN ST. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 03 SALVATION ARMY (CLASSROOM 134) 290 W CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 04 ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (FELLOWSHIP HALL) 405 W. STATE RD. (RTE 176). ISLAND LAKE

NUNDA 05 SALVATION ARMY (CLASSROOM 134) 290 W CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 06 LAKEMOOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING (1ST FLOOR) 234 W. RAND RD. (ROUTE 120). LAKEMOOR

NUNDA 07 VILLAGE OF PORT BARRINGTON (MAIN ROOM) 69 S. CIRCLE AVE. (RTE 4). PORT BARRINGTON

NUNDA 08 SHAMROCK COMMUNITY CENTER (COMMUNITY ROOM) 4300 W. SHAMROCK LN. MCHENRY

NUNDA 09 OAKWOOD HILLS VILLAGE HALL (COMMUNITY ROOM) 3020 N. PARK DR. OAKWOOD HILLS

NUNDA 10 NATURE CENTER (VETERANS ACRES) 330 N. MAIN ST. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 11 ROTARY BLDG-UPPER LEVEL (VET ACRES-MAIN PRKG LOT) 5300 N. WALKUP RD. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 12 HOLIDAY HILLS VILLAGE HALL (CONFERENCE ROOM) 1304 SUNSET DR. MCHENRY

NUNDA 13 BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH (UPSTAIRS-LUTHER HALL) 76 W. CRYSTAL LAKE AVE. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 14 THE FOUNTAINS AT CRYSTAL LAKE (CANTERBURY PL-LOBBY) 965 N. BRIGHTON CIR. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 15 ROTARY BLDG-UPPER LEVEL (VET ACRES-MAIN PRKG LOT) 5300 N. WALKUP RD. CRYSTAL
LAKE

NUNDA 16 PRAIRIE ISLE GOLF CLUB (BANQUET ROOM) 2216 ROUTE 176. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 17 THE CHURCH OF HOLY APOSTLES (SOUTH ENT-ANGEL'S WING) 5211 W. BULL VALLEY RD. MCHENRY

NUNDA 18 ROTARY BLDG-UPPER LEVEL (VET ACRES-MAIN PRKG LOT) 5300 N. WALKUP RD. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 19 THE CHURCH OF HOLY APOSTLES (SOUTH ENT-ANGEL'S WING) 5211 W. BULL VALLEY RD. MCHENRY

NUNDA 20 NUNDA TOWNSHIP HALL (LOWER LEVEL) 3510 BAY RD. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 21 NUNDA TOWNSHIP HALL (LOWER LEVEL) 3510 BAY RD. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 22 CALVARY ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH (FOYER) 5906 S. RTE. 31. CRYSTAL LAKE

NUNDA 23 COTTON CREEK SCHOOL (LIBRARY) 545 NEWPORT CT. ISLAND LAKE

NUNDA 24 MCHENRY CITY HALL (VESTIBULE) 333 S. GREEN ST. MCHENRY

NUNDA 25 OAKWOOD HILLS VILLAGE HALL (BOARD RM) 3020 N. PARK DR. OAKWOOD HILLS

NUNDA 26 COTTON CREEK SCHOOL (LIBRARY) 545 NEWPORT CT. ISLAND LAKE

NUNDA 27 SHAMROCK COMMUNITY CENTER (COMMUNITY ROOM) 4300 W. SHAMROCK LN. MCHENRY

NUNDA 28 VILLAGE OF PORT BARRINGTON (MAIN ROOM) 69 S. CIRCLE AVE. (RTE 4). PORT BARRINGTON

NUNDA 29 NUNDA TOWNSHIP HALL (LOWER LEVEL) 3510 BAY RD. CRYSTAL LAKE




Thursday, April 2, 2009

Murfin responds to attack letter in Northwest Herald


Today’s Northwest Herald contained an attack letter by one Brent Smith (pictured right) on Change for Nunda candidate Patrick Murfin. Read the letter here. Smith’s attack was not unexpected. He lurked around the January Nunda Township Democratic Party Caucus at which Murfin appealed to the voters to consider his past before they voted to slate him--the same past which is frankly revealed in his candidate profile on this very blog.

Below are the responses Murfin made in the on-line comments to the letter.


In 26 years residency in Nunda Township, I have never tried to hide my past. During the agonies of the Vietnam War I was faced with a personal moral choice, which I made at a personal sacrifice. Others made other decisions. I respect them for it. I some folks will never be able to support me because of that. I understand. Others will look at a lifetime of community service and involvement and judge that. My many veteran friends may even remember when I advocated for decent medical care for vets while a Republican administration sought to short change them.

Mr. Smith is lying when he claims that his letter “is not about political partisanship.” His wife is one of my opponents for Nunda Township Trustee. He has been using his leadership in clout heavy Local Union 150 to build a political empire within the Republican Party. Insiders may recall how he arranged for Local 150 operatives to get appointed as Republican precinct committeemen even though some of them did not even live in the county. Allied with Nunda Road Commissioner Don Kopsell’s mini patronage army, he hopes to be calling the shots in the county GOP soon.

By the way, ask honest union leaders what they think of Mr. Smith’s cozy relationship with the Republican Party.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Bob Kaempfe airs radio endorsement ads


Thanks and a tip-o’-the-hat to Robert Kaempfe for endorsing Change for Nunda candidates Meredith Reid Sarkees and Patrick Murfin for Nunda Township Trustee in radio ads that will air Saturday and Sunday on Star 105.5 FM. Eight spots will run each day. Listen for them.

Kaempfe was the Democratic Party candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 64th District in the last election and is planning to make the run again. A retired postal worker and Vietnam veteran, Kaempfe ran as a non-career politician, a “regular Joe” looking out for the interests of ordinary working people. In the ads he makes the same claims for Murfin and Sarkees as well as other McHenry County candidates in the April 7 Consolidated Election.

Also endorsed in the ads are
Algonquin Township Trustee Candidates Frank Hyden, Robert Franks, and James McTague; Ed Riley for Supervisor, Kerry Julian for Clerk and Tom Ganka for Road Commissioner in Greenwood Township; Jeff Thirtyacre for Road Commissioner in Burton Township; and John Darger for McHenry County College Trustee.

The Committee to Elect Robert Kaempfe
is paying for the spots.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Door bells and shoe leather


On Saturday, Patrick Murfin, with Meredith Reed Sarkees one of the Change for Nunda candidates for Township Trustee, was out canvassing for votes the old fashioned way—by ringing door bells and talking to actual voters. He had to work fast with a heavy spring snow storm threatening to close in. He will be hitting the bricks again next weekend. So will volunteers in other “urban” precincts.

While the tactic may be traditional, a high tech voter data base enables Democratic Party Precinct Representatives to target likely supporters. Getting those supporters to the polls on April 7 or to cast an
early vote is critical to electoral success.

Voters, including those in more rural areas of Nunda Township, are also being contacted by phone and by
post card mailing.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Look for us in your mail box and at your front door!




Patrick Murfin and Meredith Reid Sarkees, your Change for Nunda candidates, are campaigning hard for election as Trustees in Nunda Township.

Fifteen hundred post cards are already in the mail to Nunda Township mail boxes. A second wave will be going out at the end of the week. These cards will also be carried by the candidates and volunteer canvassers walking door to door in many urban precincts.

Early voting has already begun and continues through Thursday, April 2. Election Day is Tuesday, April 7. Make sure your voice is heard! Get out and vote. And remember to make sure to get the change we need, vote only for Murfin and Sarkees and not for any other candidates!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Join us to learn about water resources in Nunda Township


The Nunda Township Plan Commission will be hosting an informational presentation on the Future Supply of Groundwater in Nunda Township on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 pm at the Nunda Township Hall.

Meredith Reid Sarkees and Patrick Murfin, your Change for Nunda candidates for Township Trustee, will be in the audience to learn more about our critical water resources. This program promises to shed light on the need to preserve open space to aid in re-charging precious ground water, as provided for in the Open Space Referendum on the April 7 ballot, as well as proving a broad view of the challenges we face.

Nunda Township was identified as one of several townships in Southeastern McHenry County at risk of running low of groundwater supplies. This meeting is intended to provide background on the situation to local residents and municipal officials. Two speakers will be featured; Cassandra McKinney, the Water Resource Manager for McHenry County, and Janet Agnoletti, the Executive Director of the
Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG).

McKinney staffs the county’s
Groundwater Protection Task Force and its effort to create a draft policy for groundwater management for all of McHenry County. Agnoletti recently guided the preparation of a groundwater analysis of the BACOG area, with consultant Kurt Thomsen, which mapped out three dimensional layers of groundwater supply over more than 100 square miles, including portions of Nunda Township.The meeting will help guide Nunda Township Plan Commission efforts in its updating of the township’s comprehensive plan.


The Nunda Township office is located at 3510 Bay Road. From Crystal Lake Road, take Edgewood Road east and turn South on Bay Rd. Or take Edgewood Road west off of Rt. 31, then left on Bay Rd.