To our supporters and members,

Like you, I see potential in McHenry County for first-class Internet services. I was inspired by that potential to build an organization where we can collaborate to advocate for better Internet infrastructure in McHenry County. Over the past five years, I headed the organization and spent countless hours advocating for Internet Freedom. Many of you heard my message and joined the cause. We built our membership, and the support we have gotten from you has been fantastic. While I am very proud of the progress we have made, our mission is far from complete. Unfortunately, I cannot continue to lead you.

Despite our efforts, the status quo has not made a significant shift. The County, cities, villages, schools, elected officials, religious, and other non-profit organizations heard our information and have refused to take a leadership role. Companies like AT&T, Frontier, Spectrum, and Comcast have refused to invest in McHenry County in any considerable amount despite their promises to do so. Since we started, we have presented to many governmental entities on what steps to take to improve things, but they have yet to take them. Internet Freedom for McHenry County obtained grant funding and consultancy support from the State of Illinois and Benton Institute for Broadband & Society. This funding led to a coalition of members from all parts of McHenry County that met consistently for six months. However, this has yet to spur additional action. Simply put, there is no political will.

I meditated for months on the situation as to what to try next. I realized that my feelings and priorities in life have changed and that time as the President of this organization has run its course. As a result, I decided to resign, which prompted the next steps in dissolving the organization.

On April 23rd, 2023, we met as part of our Annual Meeting, and we unanimously decided to dissolve the organization. We have taken steps to wind things down, and will be donating any remaining funds to Woodstock Pride. 

If you have any questions or would like to start something up, please get in touch with me or others on our Discord server.

Thank you for all your support, and “So long, and thanks for all the fish.

Sincerely,

David Gutowsky
President of IFMC