Mike "Shorty" Shorten Announces Candidacy for Nunda Township Supervisor

 

Dear Residents of Nunda Township,

 

I am officially announcing my candidacy for Nunda Township Supervisor in the upcoming

Republican Primary on February 25, 2025.

​

I did not initially plan on running for this office. However, several elected officials and

community leaders in Nunda Township reached out to me, expressing their concerns

about the behavior of the current office holder. After investigating and validating these

claims, I felt compelled to run, especially in the absence of any other opposition to the

incumbent Supervisor, Leda Drain.

​

My message to voters in McHenry County has always been clear: the road back for

Illinois runs through McHenry County. The example of effective government under Republican leadership at the County level is one that should be followed statewide. I cannot stand by while "so-called" Republicans in my own township act like corrupt Chicago Democrats.

​

Among the issues I have identified with the current administration under Supervisor Leda Drain are:

​

• Nepotism: Shortly after her appointment in 2020, Drain hired a family member without a job description, posting a help wanted ad, or considering other applicants. Since then, she has increased her relative's part-time salary nearly 200% to $52,000 a year, costing taxpayers more than $500,000 over the next 10 years.

• Self-serving salary hikes: In October 2024, Drain proposed a 23% raise for herself and other Township officers, which would have cost taxpayers $572,010 over 10 years.

• Disregard for taxpayers: When asked in the October 2024 board meeting if her dramatic spending increases and salary spikes would raise taxes, Drain responded, "We are going to have to increase our (property tax) levy."

​

The current Supervisor has used the office for personal gain. It's time for a change.

​

I promise to focus on serving the residents of Nunda Township rather than the self-interest exhibited by the incumbent Supervisor. My commitments to you include:

​

• No Nepotism: I will not hire my family. I will evaluate the need for staff based on actual requirements, clearly define positions, post job openings, and evaluate applicants based on qualifications.

​​

• Cut Costs and Cut Taxes: I will conduct a complete evaluation of Township operations and facilities to develop and execute a plan to drive out costs and cut taxes. I aim to right-size the footprint of Township facilities and modernize operations to deliver significant cost reductions and a tax cut to residents.

​​

• Cut the Supervisor's Salary: I intend to turn the position into a part-time role with part-time pay, supporting a 40% reduction in the Supervisor's salary.

​​

Early voting starts January 16, 2025, at the Election Center, 410 S Eastwood Dr, Woodstock, IL 60098, and will expand to the Nunda Town Hall at 3510 Bay Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 60012, on February 10th. Vote By Mail applications are being accepted now, with ballots mailed out starting January 17, 2025. Visit the McHenry County Clerk's website for more information.

​

There are no Democrat or independent candidates filed for the April 1, 2025 Consolidated election, so the next Nunda Township Supervisor will be decided in the February 25, 2025 primary.

​

I will be scheduling several Town Halls across Nunda Township between January 13th, 2025, and the primary election day on February 25, 2025, to meet voters, discuss my candidacy, and answer your questions.

​

Thank you for your time and consideration. Together, we can bring integrity and accountability back to the Nunda Township Supervisor's office.

Sincerely,

Mike "Shorty" Shorten