Franks to leave Illinois legislature

Jack Franks
State Rep. Jack Franks will not be seeking reelection. (Photo courtesy Illinois House Democrats)

By FarmWeekNow

SPRINGFIELD – A political maverick is leaving the Illinois House.

Democratic State Rep. Jack Franks of Woodstock has decided to run for McHenry County board chairman instead of seeking re-election. Franks has clashed with county officials in recent years.

Democratic officials in Frank’s district have until August to pick a replacement for Franks’ spot on the ballot in the Illinois House race. Franks said he believes he can have a greater impact in McHenry County where the population has been declining. He said the county is overtaxed and too reliant on tax hikes.

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