CRYSTAL LAKE – Two state representatives who normally work very well together were at loggerheads at a Wednesday night forum over a referendum to change McHenry County government to an executive form.

To Democratic state Rep. Jack Franks, who spearheaded the referendum, an executive form would mean an end to county government tax increases and greater transparency and accountability. To Republican state Rep. Mike Tryon, who had served as McHenry County Board chairman before his 2004 election to Springfield, an executive would be a disaster that would increase government spending and foster an environment ripe for corruption.

More than 180 people attended the forum, hosted by Patriots United at McHenry County College, to learn more about the Nov. 6 referendum. Under an executive form, voters directly elect an executive to run the day-to-day operations of county government. An executive under state law has wider-ranging powers than a county board chairman, such as veto power over board legislation, drafting the county budget and hiring and firing staff, all with the approval of the board.