WOODSTOCK – The fact that 15 people have applied for four open seats on the McHenry County Mental Health Board is no coincidence to its critics.

To Patrick Maynard, president and CEO of Pioneer Center for Human Services, it’s a public cry for more transparency and fiscal accountability from the board that collects and disburses – and spends – property-tax money.

Maynard, who heads the county’s largest social service agency, was one of three speakers who told the McHenry County Board to seize the opportunity for reform. The County Board appoints Mental Health Board members.