Looking for a Smooth Transition From Franks to Buehler

Mike Buehler, new Chairman for McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY – As a small business owner and now as Chairman-elect of the McHenry County Board, Mike Buehler of Crystal Lake is ready to guide the county through some very difficult times.  However, before Buehler officially takes over from incumbent Jack Franks of Marengo as County Board chairman, he’ll receive an untraditional swearing-in ceremony on December 7.  The board will follow COVID-19 safeguards for the ceremonies that’ll include new members of the County Board. The number of people allowed into the ceremonies will be limited. Although it’s a bit disappointing, Buehler is thinking ahead. He’s said he’s appreciative of Franks for reaching out to him, offering his assistance in the transition period.

“Everybody has been very welcoming. The transition period has been fantastic.  I will draw on the experience of others around me so we can be more successful together.  Building those relationships, I’m really looking forward to it,” Buehler said.

Asked what he’ll do once he’s stepped into the role of County Board chairman, Buehler didn’t need much time to think. He vowed there won’t be any partisan politics.

“I look forward to working with all the board members, across the aisle especially, we should work on things that’ll be mutually beneficial for all of us in the county,” Buehler said. “It’s about building trust and communications and getting the board back to a more functional entity.”

Using his 25 years of experience as a business owner with his twin brother, Buehler intends to keep to his priority of promoting business development and job creation. This will mean he’ll support the Resume McHenry County partnership.  This is a campaign Franks has supported.

“McHenry County’s small businesses are the threads that hold our economic fabric together and bring vibrancy and character to our communities,” Franks said.  “This year, for the love of McHenry County and what makes us special, please invest your money where I know your heart is—in our community,” Franks said.   Besides all the normal responsibilities as chairman, Buehler knows the big challenge that he and other county leaders face is in guiding McHenry County’s economy in the shadow of COVID-19 mitigations. “My heart goes out to all those business owners, families, and people affected by this.  I don’t think anybody is untouched,” Buehler said. “We will continue on with the Restore McHenry County plan, we will support our businesses and families as much as we can as a county going forward.”  County government is working with The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) and they’re partnering with local villages, businesses and residents, according to MCEDC President Jim McConoughey. “Our small businesses need our support more than ever.  Whether buying gifts for family, friends or employees, please look local first,” McConoughey said.

Buehler is hopeful we’ll come through this on the other end and the sun will be shining.

“People will see all the great attractions and experience McHenry County for what it is that’ll hopefully be a successful venture as well.”

As Buehler takes over the chairmanship from Franks, he will see some new names on the county board, elected  on November 3.  But one county board member he won’t see is Chuck Wheeler.  Wheeler recently passed away.

“He was a great public servant for many years…definitely will be missed,” Buehler said.  “I didn’t know him for more than a year but he was such a nice guy, it didn’t take long to like a guy like Chuck.”

According to Buehler, Wheeler’s passing will leave a gap because he was so involved in the community.

With the type of determination that brought Buehler personally  knocking on thousands of residents’ doors in McHenry County during his campaign, he has vowed to work hard building trust and a higher level of communication and transparency.

“I’ve had a lot of conversations already on how we can accomplish that and I think that we have started already. Going forward, hopefully this will be the most transparent administration that McHenry County has seen.”