Algonquin Township Highway Commissioner Spends Money On 'fake News' Attack

Before Andrew Gasser made the move of using a government-owned sign planted next to one of the busiest roads in McHenry County to label the Northwest Herald "fake news," the Algonquin Township highway commissioner spent money to spread similar anti-media rhetoric on his political Facebook page. Gasser's attack display appeared on the government sign Friday afternoon and drew sweeping criticism from elected officials and taxpayers from across McHenry County and beyond. Keri-Lyn Krafthefer, a lawyer who co-wrote the handbook for Illinois' township officials, even characterized Gasser’s message on the marquee as “political speech” and said Friday that his antics constituted an improper and illegal use of government property. "This speech is not government speech," said Krafthefer, an Ancel Glink attorney who co-authored the "Township Officials of Illinois Laws and Duties Handbook.