Linda Moore Loses Grafton Township Primary; Voters Choose Pam Fender

A Huntley Village Board trustee will move forward as the Republican candidate in the race for the Grafton Township Supervisor seat. 

Pam Fender of Huntley beat incumbent Linda Moore and challenger Martin J. Waitzman of Algonquin during Tuesday's primary election, according to preliminary results posted on the McHenry County Clerk's website.

Fender lead with 600 votes followed by Waitzman with 468 votes and Moore with  450 votes, according to preliminary results. 

• READ MORE: Grafton Township Primary Results 

Fender will now face Jim Kearns of Huntley during the general election on April 9. 

Moore of Huntley and the Grafton Township Board have been at odds since her election, a contentious relationship that has resulted in numerous lawsuits filed by both sides.

Moore recently made headlines after a McHenry County Judge found her in contempt of court for not paying a $10,000 retainer for a forensic audit of the township's finances, which was approved by the Grafton Township trustees, according to the Northwest Herald.

Moore avoided 30 days in jail and handed over the check to ECS Financial Services in recent days, according to the article. 

Fender has served on the Huntley Village Board the past 7 years. Fender told Patch in August that her background makes her the ideal candidate for township supervisor.

“Every step of my political and personal life has played an important role in supporting the future growth and development of our community,” Fender said. “My many leadership opportunities have led me on the path to run for Grafton Township Supervisor.”

She also said she was running on a platform of peace within the township and on the board.

 “As the Grafton Township Supervisor, I will peaceably engage other government entities to work together in positive ways to address township issues for a higher level of living for our residents,” Fender said.

“My goal is to improve existing programs and provide new important community services,” she said.

For example, she said there should be only one Grafton Food Pantry, instead of the two disparate food pantries in the community.

“Together, we the collective Grafton community, should do everything we can to help out those who really need a helping hand,” she said.

Fender added during the August interview that the township has great programs, and they need to continue, but that it also needs more.

For example, she said, the Grafton Bus service not only needs to continue, it needs to become more user-friendly, with more times and routes to fit the needs of residents.

She added that Senior Bingo is a great day out, but said with greater cooperation it can be a better quality event.

“I have worked hard for the betterment of Huntley for many years. I am now ready for the next chapter — to improve the reputation and quality of life for all Grafton Township residents,” she said.

“I have the experience required to provide the township with growth and act as a change agent for the township citizens. I will plan for the community’s future and find solutions to present-day problems.”

Amy Johnson contributed to this article.