Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Message of the Day – A Tee Shirt
This message, worn by a young woman, is the deepest I saw at Disney World.
District 300 Tax Hikers Organizing Students, Teachers & Staff at Jacobs High School
The following email found its way to McHenry County Blog. It is someone who is encouraging students, teachers and staff members to attend what sounds very much like a series of political rallies and mini-campaign schools during the school day. Students in class will even be able to get a pass. It originally went to about 42 people.
Read it and see if you think these will be informational meetings or campaign rallies and political training sessions. I wonder if the Republican and Democratic Parties could get permission for similar activites this fall.
I have added paragraphs to make the email easier to read.
Read it and see if you think these will be informational meetings or campaign rallies and political training sessions. I wonder if the Republican and Democratic Parties could get permission for similar activites this fall.
I have added paragraphs to make the email easier to read.
Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2006 8:22 PM
Subject: Referendum Meetings
Very important meeting Friday, March 3, during flex, in the auditorium.
All those involved in any way with the referendum, whether you have helped out a little in the past or plan to help, everyone should attend. It is very important that as many of you make it as possible. If you have other meetings, I will be able to write passes to you to give to your teacher. I have already talked to clubs about this, and I would like to say thank you especially to Interact, Tri-M, and Art Club for being understanding.
The referendum effort is the most important thing as of right now, and as soon as this is over it will be back to normal. However, that is what we are fighting for, keeping things normal and the way that we like it.
We will be talking about all the things coming up in the next 3 weeks. There is less than a month till the voting, and we need as many people to help as possible. Ask your teachers if you can say something in your class about the meetings, especially the ones in the auditorium. The ones in the auditorium are always on Friday, and are during flex.
Door to door canvassing is one thing that we will be going over. Everyone involved in the referendum is asked to come and hear what the game plan will be for the next several weeks. If you have signed up for sports, please attend as well. This meeting is to get everyone, even teachers and staff members, who has signed up, and is from Jacobs, to come together, hear what is going on and become united in all we do.
We can do this, but it will be hard if we can't get the people we need to do so. If you know someone who wants this referendum to pass, then get them to come to the meetings.
It may seem different, or you could be a little nervous, but I want you all to have the courage to at least stand up in all your classes and get people to act on what they believe.
We are in control, WE HAVE THE POWER! We have the chance act on what we believe in, and it is very important that people step up. I am just concerned about the turnout, because it is crucial that we do what we can for what we believe in.
Thanks for each and every one of your many contributions!
Meeting Dates:(All During Flex)Thursday, March 2, Rm. 172 (Choir room)Please mark your calendars! Thanks Again!
Friday, March 3, Auditorium Important!
Thursday, March 9, Rm 172 (Choir room)
Friday, March 10, Auditorium Important!
Thursday, March 16, Rm. 172 (Choir room)
Friday, March 17, Auditorium Important!
Monday, March 20, Rm. 172 (Choir room) Day before the election!
Passes will be written for those who miss other meetings to attend these!
IT ISN'T COOL TO HAVE EVERYTHING CUT!
TIF Giveaways in Elgin
Sunday’ Elgin Courier-News had a column by managing editor Mike Bailey entitled, “Time to end the giveaways.”
It was about Elgin’s Tax Increment Financing District giving developer RSC & Associates another $2 million “to continue developing a site from the former Joseph Spies & Co. building.”
To lure the developer, the Elgin City Council “agreed to pay the generous sum of $9.4 million in incentives,” Bailey notes.
“Largely abandoned downtowns are bitter fruit sweetened only by the generosity of the taxpayers via their elected representatives. How much and how long this largesse continues is an open issue.”
But, in Elgin, an unknown sewer line was discovered. That added another $500,000-plus to the subsidy.
Bailey criticizes the city’s “disclaimer that all of this money is coming from tax increment financing money and not taxpayers” as “disingenuous.”
The Elgin editor does not make the point that was forcefully made by School District 47 and 155 officials, that every dime lost by local governments from a tax increment financing district will be taken from the pockets of the rest of us.
Instead, he argues
It was about Elgin’s Tax Increment Financing District giving developer RSC & Associates another $2 million “to continue developing a site from the former Joseph Spies & Co. building.”
To lure the developer, the Elgin City Council “agreed to pay the generous sum of $9.4 million in incentives,” Bailey notes.
“Largely abandoned downtowns are bitter fruit sweetened only by the generosity of the taxpayers via their elected representatives. How much and how long this largesse continues is an open issue.”
But, in Elgin, an unknown sewer line was discovered. That added another $500,000-plus to the subsidy.
Bailey criticizes the city’s “disclaimer that all of this money is coming from tax increment financing money and not taxpayers” as “disingenuous.”
The Elgin editor does not make the point that was forcefully made by School District 47 and 155 officials, that every dime lost by local governments from a tax increment financing district will be taken from the pockets of the rest of us.
Instead, he argues
The money generated from these (TIF) districts was never intended to be given away to a private developer to enhance his profit. It was intended for the public good in the form of site work, intersection improvements, road work and—perhaps—relocating a sewer line.McHenry County Blog will be watching how much the Crystal Lake City Council decides to subsidize developers in the TIFs it has approved in the last year.
But not providing a safety net for a private developer’s profits.
Oberweis Introduces "Main Street Ethics Plan;" Calls on Topinka to Release Results of Her Inspector General's Report
The following is a slightly re-formatted press release from Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Oberweis:
In a Monday morning press conference held at the Union League Club in Chicago, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Oberweis presented a three-part "Main Street Ethics Plan." The plan is designed to break the cycle of cash that funds the culture of corruption so starkly evident in Illinois state government.
"The Oberweis Main Street Ethics Plan
In addition to unveiling his own ethics reform proposal, Oberweis responded to a call from Topinka regarding income tax returns.
"At the conclusion of a recent radio debate, Judy Topinka requested my tax returns, perhaps missing the irony that twenty-five years of her own tax returns would simply confirm what most voters know...Judy Topinka has been living off the taxpayers of Illinois for way too long. Today, I am releasing my 2004 tax return.
“In exchange, I ask that Ms. Topinka release the results of her 2003 internal investigation into allegations that her state employees performed political work on taxpayer time," challenged Oberweis.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Topinka's Inspector General, Crystal Caison was investigating allegations of campaign work being done on state time, allegations at the heart of a federal investigation. Ms. Caison has since been replaced by Mr. David Wells.
"I've given Ms. Topinka a recent tax return, now she can come forward with the results of a two and a half year old investigation," concluded Oberweis.
Oberweis held his press conference at Chicago's Union League Club, the sight of Judy Topinka's Republican State Central Committee deliberations to replace Jack Ryan as the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. With Judy Topinka chairing the State GOP, the organization decided to skip over Jim Oberweis, as runner-up to Jack Ryan the clear choice of Illinois voters. Topinka's group instead chose Maryland native Alan Keyes to be the GOP standard bearer in Illinois.
Oberweis says he takes exception with Topinka's selective memory regarding the resignation of Jack Ryan, the replacement process and the choosing of Alan Keyes.
In a Monday morning press conference held at the Union League Club in Chicago, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Oberweis presented a three-part "Main Street Ethics Plan." The plan is designed to break the cycle of cash that funds the culture of corruption so starkly evident in Illinois state government.
"The Oberweis Main Street Ethics Plan
· would prohibit our statewide Constitutional officers from accepting campaign contributions from companies doing business with the state."Whether it's a governor who trades campaign contributions for contracts or appointments, a treasurer who takes campaign contributions from banks doing business with her office or a lobbyist who makes over five million dollars in commissions and fees on behalf of clients wooing state business, the Oberweis Main Street Ethics Plan will put an end to this pay for play culture and the corruption tax which burdens the people of Illinois," concluded Oberweis.
· would prohibit former legislators and other former state employees from serving as lobbyists for a period of two years following their departure from office or state employment.
· calls for full semi-annual disclosure by lobbyists of the sources and amounts of income earned from their clients, with special emphasis on the types of commissions and fees given to Republican National Committeeman Bob Kjellander.
In addition to unveiling his own ethics reform proposal, Oberweis responded to a call from Topinka regarding income tax returns.
"At the conclusion of a recent radio debate, Judy Topinka requested my tax returns, perhaps missing the irony that twenty-five years of her own tax returns would simply confirm what most voters know...Judy Topinka has been living off the taxpayers of Illinois for way too long. Today, I am releasing my 2004 tax return.
“In exchange, I ask that Ms. Topinka release the results of her 2003 internal investigation into allegations that her state employees performed political work on taxpayer time," challenged Oberweis.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Topinka's Inspector General, Crystal Caison was investigating allegations of campaign work being done on state time, allegations at the heart of a federal investigation. Ms. Caison has since been replaced by Mr. David Wells.
"I've given Ms. Topinka a recent tax return, now she can come forward with the results of a two and a half year old investigation," concluded Oberweis.
Oberweis held his press conference at Chicago's Union League Club, the sight of Judy Topinka's Republican State Central Committee deliberations to replace Jack Ryan as the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. With Judy Topinka chairing the State GOP, the organization decided to skip over Jim Oberweis, as runner-up to Jack Ryan the clear choice of Illinois voters. Topinka's group instead chose Maryland native Alan Keyes to be the GOP standard bearer in Illinois.
Oberweis says he takes exception with Topinka's selective memory regarding the resignation of Jack Ryan, the replacement process and the choosing of Alan Keyes.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Message of the Day – An Editorial
The Northwest Herald’s summary of its editorial endorsing allowing the Gay Games to hold its rowing contest on Crystal Lake:
The organizers of the Gay Games plan to request that Crystal Lake’s namesake lake be used for a rowing competition. This would be good exposure for the city.McHenry County Blog stories:
Star105 Host on Gay Games Reaction: “A Small Town Attitude”
Gay Games’ Rowing Proposed for Crystal Lake
February’s Sunset
At the instigation of the Chicago Tribune’s Eric Zorn, here are my nominations for February stories, noted and unnoted.
Big winners: School districts with local reporters who can’t find opponents to comment on their stories about the “need” for raising taxes or passing bond referendums. (It is my theory that, by assigning reporters to cover schools and other local governments, newspapers are sending a not-too-subtle message that these governments--and what their officials say--are important. This probably leads to giving schools, etc., the benefit of the doubt.)
Big losers: Tax hike opponents.
Overlooked stories:
(1) The almost total financing of school bond referendum campaigns by developers and school vendors.(When a partisan politician gets financed by vendors, newspapers call it “pay to play.”) This is a difficult story to write because the really skillful tax hikers start new committees for each election and collect the bulk of their money more than 30 days before election day. Collecting the case between January 1st and the third week of February means donor information does not have to be made public until March 7th. That’s when State Board of Election pre-election reports are due. By then, most beat reporters are too busy covering the “who hit whom” of the campaign to notice.
(2) How overmatched financially referendum opponents’ campaigns are.
(3) How year-round schools could increase the capacity of any school district’s buildings by one-third.
To see the rest of McHenry County Blog, click here.
Local Resident Urges CL Park District to Turn Down Gay Games Rowing Event: “Crystal Lake Has Everything To Lose!”
A copy of the following email, sent to Crystal Lake Park District and city officials, plus the Village of Lakewood and the park police, was sent to McHenry County Blog:
Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2006 10:22 PM
Subject: Crystal Lake has everything to lose!
TO: Kirk Reimer, Director of Parks and Recreation
Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners, c/o Dave Phelps, Treasurer
cc: Crystal Lake City Council and Mayor
cc: Village of Lakewood
cc: Park Police
SUBJECT: Gay Games proposed 1,000 Meter Rowing Event
Crystal Lake has everything to lose!
These are the facts: “Vancouver lost $84,000 in 1990, New York lost $700,000 in 1994, Amsterdam lost $1.8 million in 1998, and Sydney lost $1.1 million in 2002…"
According to the Gay Games web site 8,000 Participants are now committed to attend the 2006 Gay Games, but they expect upwards of 12,000 people from all over the world to participate. Just imagine the turmoil if even half of the expected 12,000 screaming, rowdy and party-spirited non-residents show up at Crystal Lake Park. Crystal Lake Park and lake area would be inundated with screaming, rowdy and party-spirited people, 99% of whom have no connection to our local community.
If Gay Games Ambassador, Sir Elton John, (global superstar who supports the quadrennial sport and cultural event) makes an appearance at the proposed Crystal Lake event, even more hundreds of people from all over Northern Illinois will also show up at our relative small park area at Crystal Lake. A disruptive crowd of this nature would create havoc in our park, in our streets, all around our city and throughout surrounding communities.
The clean-up costs and extra police patrols would be astronomical. Who is going to pay for all this? Crystal Lake and Lakewood taxpayers will have to foot the bills! How will the immediate and long-term fall-out affect our local patrons, our children, our elderly and our local society in general?
No past events with such massive influx of non-residents give us a measure for probable costs. We have to ask ourselves how this event would help or hurt our community. We must weigh the economic gains our merchants achieve against the cost of services to be borne by taxpayers. Is it really worth the economic risk?
One thing is certain – this event would plow new ground. City and Park leadership must not become enamored by dubious celebrity that raises expectations and elates egos of the Crystal Lake Rowing Club membership, which, after all, only represents a minute number of park users.
Stop! Think! Acceptance of the proposed event by the Park District Board of Commissioners would leave our residents to deal with the adversity and negative fall-out. Just imagine all the loud, boisterous and disruptive behavior of large, hard-to-control crowds.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allowing this event to take place will set an historical precedent that will have continuous negative affect on the future of the Crystal Lake community. I urge you not to be persuaded by a vocal minority who seek infamy for our community by allowing our local recreational facilities to be corrupted with promises of economic gain and notoriety.
Please reject this overture by the Chicago mayor to seduce local tax-payer dollars to feather the nest of the big city!
Contrary to the usual admonition, I think ‘We have everything to lose’,
/s/ Mel Ingram
547 Primrose Lane
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cong. Melissa Bean Breaks House Rule Against Linking Campaign & Official Web Sites
Look what just dropped in my in-box.
But, 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean does it. My source, who obviously and thankfully likes to make things easy for reporters, has provided this link.
Check it out and let's see how long it takes Bean's campaign staff to eliminate the forbidden link. [It's 8:45 PM Monday and the link has been taken down.]
From: http://www.house.gov/ethics/m_top_20_030498.htm
March 4, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
FROM: Committee on Standards of Official Conduct
James V. Hansen, Chairman
Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democratic Member
SUBJECT: Answers to the "Top 20 Questions"
“11. Under the web site rules issued by the House Oversight Committee, a Member's site cannot include a link to his or her campaign web site. Can the Member's campaign web site include a link to the congressional office site? Can the congressional office site be advertised on the Member's campaign web site, or on campaign material issued by the Member's campaign?
The answer to both questions is no. It has long been the rule that campaign contributions cannot be used to support the activities of, or pay the expenses of, a congressional office, and under this rule, the Committee has long advised that campaign materials cannot include, for example, the address or telephone number of the congressional office. There is no basis for according any different treatment to either a Member's campaign web site or the office web site address.”
From: (the campaign web site)
http://www.melissabean.com/index.php?Sector=Public&Page=[00]%20Home
Message from Congresswoman Bean
Welcome to my 2006 Campaign Website.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the 8th District, what I have done as your Congresswoman and ways you may get involved in my re-election efforts, if you'd like to do so. You may also visit my official website for information on legislative issues and my work in Washington and Illinois as your representative.I encourage you to bookmark this page and return often, so you can keep up with the latest news on our campaign. I appreciate your support in helping me continue representing the 8th District with the moderate, commonsense leadership our families deserve.
Sincerely,
/S/ Mellisa L. Bean
A link to a United State House of Representatives March 4, 1998, memo from the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct containing questions and answers about the permissibility of linking one's campaign web site to one's official web site.It's apparently a No-No.
But, 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean does it. My source, who obviously and thankfully likes to make things easy for reporters, has provided this link.
Check it out and let's see how long it takes Bean's campaign staff to eliminate the forbidden link. [It's 8:45 PM Monday and the link has been taken down.]
From: http://www.house.gov/ethics/m_top_20_030498.htm
March 4, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
FROM: Committee on Standards of Official Conduct
James V. Hansen, Chairman
Howard L. Berman, Ranking Democratic Member
SUBJECT: Answers to the "Top 20 Questions"
“11. Under the web site rules issued by the House Oversight Committee, a Member's site cannot include a link to his or her campaign web site. Can the Member's campaign web site include a link to the congressional office site? Can the congressional office site be advertised on the Member's campaign web site, or on campaign material issued by the Member's campaign?
The answer to both questions is no. It has long been the rule that campaign contributions cannot be used to support the activities of, or pay the expenses of, a congressional office, and under this rule, the Committee has long advised that campaign materials cannot include, for example, the address or telephone number of the congressional office. There is no basis for according any different treatment to either a Member's campaign web site or the office web site address.”
From: (the campaign web site)
http://www.melissabean.com/index.php?Sector=Public&Page=[00]%20Home
Message from Congresswoman Bean
Welcome to my 2006 Campaign Website.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the 8th District, what I have done as your Congresswoman and ways you may get involved in my re-election efforts, if you'd like to do so. You may also visit my official website for information on legislative issues and my work in Washington and Illinois as your representative.I encourage you to bookmark this page and return often, so you can keep up with the latest news on our campaign. I appreciate your support in helping me continue representing the 8th District with the moderate, commonsense leadership our families deserve.
Sincerely,
/S/ Mellisa L. Bean
Township Power and Contracts Shift
I ran across an article about a shift in power in New Jersey township (where townships have a lot more duties than they do in Illinois) and wrote an article on it Saturday.
Then, today, I saw this Daily Herald article about shifting contracts in Palatine Townshp.
See any comparisons?
Then, today, I saw this Daily Herald article about shifting contracts in Palatine Townshp.
See any comparisons?
David McSweeney and Al Salvi Trade Barbs
If a candidate’s husband is fighting with her opponent, what effect does that have on the campaign?
I certainly don’t know, but the pollsters will have a field day trying to figure it out.
Kathy Salvi’s husband, Al Salvi has a radio call-in program on Waukegan’s WKRS. The station had good reach into all of the Lake County portion of the 8th congressional district and even into northern Cook County. When I used to appear on the station in the 1970’s, I could hear it when I reached McHenry.
So, WKRS is probably the most important station in the congressional race.
There has been bad blood for a long time between the two men. It goes back at least to the 1998 primary, when McSweeney ran against Phil Crane. Salvi supported Crane.
When McSweeney thought that Al was going to run against him, he called for WKRS to drop Al’s 10-noon show.
Then, Al’s wife Kathy decided to run.
Al invited McSweeney to appear on his show. There is a Waukegan News-Sun article and a Northwest Herald column about what took place next.
Northwest Herald columnist Brian Slupski concluded it was “petty.”
Usually it is campaign managers or chairman who are the attack dogs in a campaign. Having a husband come to his wife’s defense and, perhaps, even lead the attack is something I haven’t seen before.
I certainly don’t know, but the pollsters will have a field day trying to figure it out.
Kathy Salvi’s husband, Al Salvi has a radio call-in program on Waukegan’s WKRS. The station had good reach into all of the Lake County portion of the 8th congressional district and even into northern Cook County. When I used to appear on the station in the 1970’s, I could hear it when I reached McHenry.
So, WKRS is probably the most important station in the congressional race.
There has been bad blood for a long time between the two men. It goes back at least to the 1998 primary, when McSweeney ran against Phil Crane. Salvi supported Crane.
When McSweeney thought that Al was going to run against him, he called for WKRS to drop Al’s 10-noon show.
Then, Al’s wife Kathy decided to run.
Al invited McSweeney to appear on his show. There is a Waukegan News-Sun article and a Northwest Herald column about what took place next.
Northwest Herald columnist Brian Slupski concluded it was “petty.”
Usually it is campaign managers or chairman who are the attack dogs in a campaign. Having a husband come to his wife’s defense and, perhaps, even lead the attack is something I haven’t seen before.
District 300 Vendors Didn't Contribute Much to Tax Hike Committees Compared to Payments - $37,000 out of $76 Million - 5/100 of 1%
A final look at what District 300 vendors over the last 5½ years contributed to finance the tax hike and bond referendum committees. Previously, McHenry County Blog has articles on the financing role of school vendors, including their business, specific amounts given, and evidence of work done for District 300 when found on the web
Part 1 - District 300 Vendors Major Contributors to Tax Hike Committees; Pay to Play?
Part 2 - District 300 Vendors Major Contributors to Tax Hike Committees; Pay to Play?
District 300’s School Construction Manager--Another Vendor--Contributed to Tax Hike Efforts
Who Wants To Raise Your Taxes? Getting School Vendors To Contribute – An Expert’s Advice.
Today, a comparison of contributions to District 300 checks paid to the donating businesses is examined. The short of it is that no company gave a very large percentage of the amount District 300 paid it.
McHenry County Blog found $36,880 in contributions from 13 vendors whose payments could be identified. (First American Bank also contributed $850, but figuring out the value of the District 300 float and any other benefits wasn’t worth the effort.)
Over the 5½-year period, the 13 companies received $75,730,477 in payments from District 300. $75.8 million out of the taxpayers’ pockets and $37,000 to committees who want to hike taxes more.
That means the average company contributed just 5/100 of 1% of the money it received from District 300 to the district’s tax hike committees.
If this were characterized as a “pay to play” scenario, such as is hinted at in Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times article on its I-PASS transponder marketer, each District 300 vendor dropped precious little money into the hands of the tax hike committees. The Sun-Times found IGOR’s owners contributed $76,000 for a $7 million contract, meaning its owners paid, opps, I mean contributed 1.1% for the business received. (The Sun-Times runs a follow-up story today.)
Of District 300’s contributors, Telstar American Corporation contributed the highest percentage--1.2% contributed of the almost $71,000 it was paid.
PMA Financial was also over 1%. PMA appears to be the only firm that contributed before getting business from the district.
There were two other companies whose campaign contributions exceeded 1/10 of 1% of the business they received from District 300:
Part 1 - District 300 Vendors Major Contributors to Tax Hike Committees; Pay to Play?
Part 2 - District 300 Vendors Major Contributors to Tax Hike Committees; Pay to Play?
District 300’s School Construction Manager--Another Vendor--Contributed to Tax Hike Efforts
Who Wants To Raise Your Taxes? Getting School Vendors To Contribute – An Expert’s Advice.
Today, a comparison of contributions to District 300 checks paid to the donating businesses is examined. The short of it is that no company gave a very large percentage of the amount District 300 paid it.
McHenry County Blog found $36,880 in contributions from 13 vendors whose payments could be identified. (First American Bank also contributed $850, but figuring out the value of the District 300 float and any other benefits wasn’t worth the effort.)
Over the 5½-year period, the 13 companies received $75,730,477 in payments from District 300. $75.8 million out of the taxpayers’ pockets and $37,000 to committees who want to hike taxes more.
That means the average company contributed just 5/100 of 1% of the money it received from District 300 to the district’s tax hike committees.
If this were characterized as a “pay to play” scenario, such as is hinted at in Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times article on its I-PASS transponder marketer, each District 300 vendor dropped precious little money into the hands of the tax hike committees. The Sun-Times found IGOR’s owners contributed $76,000 for a $7 million contract, meaning its owners paid, opps, I mean contributed 1.1% for the business received. (The Sun-Times runs a follow-up story today.)
Of District 300’s contributors, Telstar American Corporation contributed the highest percentage--1.2% contributed of the almost $71,000 it was paid.
PMA Financial was also over 1%. PMA appears to be the only firm that contributed before getting business from the district.
There were two other companies whose campaign contributions exceeded 1/10 of 1% of the business they received from District 300:
· J&E Duff Company, a masonry company, at 36/100 of 1%Those companies donating less than 1/10 of 1% follow:
· Burnidge Cassell, the district’s architects, at 3/10 of 1%
· Turner Construction, the construction management firm, at 19/100 of 1%
· Tessendorf Mechanical at 17/100 of 1%
· Freund International at 12/100 of 1%
· Cruise Boiler & Repair at 1/10 of 1%
· Carey Electric at 6/100 of 1%
· Hawks Auto Parts at 5/100 of 1%
· Trane Company at 3/100 of 1%
· Elgin Roofing at 2/100 of 1%
· Lamp, Inc., at 2/100 of 1%. (Lamp got paid over $60 million, the bulk of the almost $78 million analyzed.)
Labels: Burnidge Cassell, Carey Electric, Cruise Boiler, Elgin Roofing, Freund International, J and E Duff, Lamp Inc, PMA, Tessendorf Mechinaical, Trane
“There You Go Again” is Kathy Salvi Rebuttal to David McSweeney Negative Advertising on Tort Reform
I don’t have a copy (inserted later) of 8th congressional district Republican candidate Kathy Salvi’s rebuttal to opponent David McSweeney’s radio and direct mail campaign criticizing her position on tort reform, but a friend of the blog did email me most of its text on the 8½ by 11 inch glossy flyer. It follows:"David McSweeney is betraying Ronald Reagan's principlesThe sender's comment:
McSweeney Violates 11th Commandment
McSweeny has launched an unfair negative attack against conservative Kathy Salvi.... spreading misinformation and distortions about his opponents
Refuses to Sign Ethics Pledge..... refused to sign the Campaign Code of Conduct pledge
Worked to Defeat Republican Congressman.... spent $500,000 on attack ads to defeat Republican Phil Crane
Vote no on David McSweeney. He's just a desperate politician who is betraying Reagan's principals."
This had to prepared ahead of time.... with photos of Ronald Reagan and a quote from him: "There you go again."
McHenry Grade School 15 Makes the “Need” Argument
McHenry Grade School 15 Superintendent R. Alan Hoffman writes on the school web site that his board is “seeking a 27¢ increase in years one, two and three and a 44¢ increase in years four and five.”
When I read the sentence, I thought the increases should be added together, but, after looking at the tax hike committee’s web site, I guess not.
The district apparently wants the voters to give up all of the savings that have been achieved since the property tax cap took affect.
The tax hike committee’s view is that all that money belongs to the school district. It lists how much revenue was “lost to (the tax) cap” on its web site. It seems to me that a more appropriated heading for the almost $15.7 million listed would have been “Amount saved by the taxpayers,” but that probably just emphasizes the difference between those who believe money people earn belongs to them, rather than to the governments that are supposes to serve them
The way the tax cap works is that school districts may only get the amount taxed last year, plus an increase equal to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. (CPI). As far back as I can remember, however, the increase in real estate value has been higher than the CPI. The result is that tax rates for tax districts like McHenry Grade School District 15 have to go down for them not to receive more than the tax cap law would allow.
Add to the inflationary increase all the new construction in each year to get an idea of what has really happened in the last decade and a half.
Now, the school board wants to take all of the money that the tax cap has saved homeowners, but it needs a “Yes” vote in the referendum, hence, the car stickers, a photograph of which is here.
When I visited the tax hike committee’s web site Saturday afternoon, I was visitor 1076. The final message was
When I read the sentence, I thought the increases should be added together, but, after looking at the tax hike committee’s web site, I guess not.
The district apparently wants the voters to give up all of the savings that have been achieved since the property tax cap took affect.
The tax hike committee’s view is that all that money belongs to the school district. It lists how much revenue was “lost to (the tax) cap” on its web site. It seems to me that a more appropriated heading for the almost $15.7 million listed would have been “Amount saved by the taxpayers,” but that probably just emphasizes the difference between those who believe money people earn belongs to them, rather than to the governments that are supposes to serve them
The way the tax cap works is that school districts may only get the amount taxed last year, plus an increase equal to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. (CPI). As far back as I can remember, however, the increase in real estate value has been higher than the CPI. The result is that tax rates for tax districts like McHenry Grade School District 15 have to go down for them not to receive more than the tax cap law would allow.
Add to the inflationary increase all the new construction in each year to get an idea of what has really happened in the last decade and a half.
Now, the school board wants to take all of the money that the tax cap has saved homeowners, but it needs a “Yes” vote in the referendum, hence, the car stickers, a photograph of which is here.
When I visited the tax hike committee’s web site Saturday afternoon, I was visitor 1076. The final message was
If you think you will still be voting NO, please contact Linda Peel or Bonnie Simon so we can follow up.This viewpoint is quite different from that provided by a friend of McHenry County Blog. Comparing numbers on the School Report Cards from 1998 to 2005, here’s what popped out:
Thank you for your support and reading through the facts!
Let your voice be heard - less than 35% of our residents vote.
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
Inflation +20%
D-15 enrollment +5.3%
D-15 average teacher salary +40%
D-15 average admin salary +51%
D-15 # of teachers +9.1%
Operating expenses per pupil +65%
Total Ed Fund Spending +74%
Savings if district went back to the 1998 student-to-teacher
ratio $340,000
Increase in the CPI +20%
Tribune Endorses David McSweeney and Tammy Duckworth
It’s almost as if Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee campaign chairman Rahm Emmanuel were deciding whom the Chicago Tribune endorsed.
In the lead endorsement, it’s Iraqi war veteran Tammy Duckworth, Emmanuel’s hand-picked replacement for Henry Hyde. The second endorsement is of 8th congressional district Republican David McSweeney to run against Emmanuel’s client-Congresswoman Melissa Bean. (The other candidates are reduced--in typical Tribune fashion--to “Also in the race are…”)
Here’s everything in the endorsement about McSweeney:
Because a woman has something like a five percentage point advantage against a man, regardless of party. I’ve seen this since 1966 in both Republican primaries and general elections. I am sure that anyone polling in the district.
Why?
Maybe because women think they are underrepresented in public office and, maybe, because just by looking at the indictments and convictions of politicians in the Chicago media market one can see there are more politically corrupt males than females.
Last time, the margin was less than five percentage points.
Just to give you a hint that the Tribune favors Bean, take a look at how unopposed State Senator Peter Roskam is treated in the Duckworth endorsement:
Whom do you think the Tribune will endorse this fall?
In the lead endorsement, it’s Iraqi war veteran Tammy Duckworth, Emmanuel’s hand-picked replacement for Henry Hyde. The second endorsement is of 8th congressional district Republican David McSweeney to run against Emmanuel’s client-Congresswoman Melissa Bean. (The other candidates are reduced--in typical Tribune fashion--to “Also in the race are…”)
Here’s everything in the endorsement about McSweeney:
Our endorsement goes to former investment banker David McSweeney of Barrington Hills. McSweeney's business experience and his focus on spending cuts and low taxes to promote economic growth give him the edge. He also is firmly committed to civil justice reform.Why would the Democrats want a man to run against a congressional women incumbent in the Northwest suburbs?
Because a woman has something like a five percentage point advantage against a man, regardless of party. I’ve seen this since 1966 in both Republican primaries and general elections. I am sure that anyone polling in the district.
Why?
Maybe because women think they are underrepresented in public office and, maybe, because just by looking at the indictments and convictions of politicians in the Chicago media market one can see there are more politically corrupt males than females.
Last time, the margin was less than five percentage points.
Just to give you a hint that the Tribune favors Bean, take a look at how unopposed State Senator Peter Roskam is treated in the Duckworth endorsement:
Hyde…supports state Sen. Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton) as his successor. Roskam does not face a primary challenge.Compare that to what the Tribune says about Bean, also unopposed:
Democrats were indeed encouraged by Melissa Bean's victory over veteran Republican Rep. Phil Crane two years ago. They also understand they will have a tough job retaining the seat this year. It won't be easy for Republicans--Bean has done an impressive job of charting a moderate, pro-growth political course that many of her constituents will like. But she's going to get a fight in the fall.McSweeney or Bean?
Whom do you think the Tribune will endorse this fall?
How Does 8th District Congresswoman Melissa Bean Compare with 16th District Congressman Donald Manzullo?
According to the 2005 National Journal Vote Ratings, Melissa Bean is
Manzullo was found to be
more liberal than 59% of the House on economic issues,The National Journal found her less liberal than 40.7% of her colleagues overall, while Congressman Donald Manzullo, who represents the rest of McHenry County has 61.3% of the House more liberal than he.
more liberal than 60% than of the House on social issues and
more liberal than 58% of the House on foreign issues
Manzullo was found to be
more liberal than 37% of the House on economic issues,Thanks to Respublica for inspiring this article.
more liberal 37% of the House on economic on social issues and
more liberal than 40% of the House on foreign issues.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Message of the Day - Car Magnet
This salt covered manger was seen on the back of a van at McHenry High School's West Campus.
Teachers Give McHenry Grade School District 15 Tax Hike Committee $7,600 – 94% of Total
The tax hike committee for McHenry Grade School District 15--Our Children: Our Investment--has been around since 2002, but it has only about $6,700 to spend this to convince voters the district needs a tax rate.
Virtually all of the money contributed since last June--$7,600--has been contributed by teacher union political action committees.
Most of the campaign money--$7,600 out of $8,100--has come from teacher union PAC’s. Almost 94%.
A citizen-financed campaign this will not be.
Since the first of the year there have only been two contributions exceeding $150—both from teachers’ groups:
The biggest contribution during the last half of 2005 was $3,100 in late November from the McHenry Elementary Teachers Association. Another $300 came from others in small enough amounts that state law does not require identification. The committee spent $3,351 on printing and postage from the third week of November through mid-December, leaving it with about $2,000 at the beginning of 2006.
Unlike school bond referendums, local builders don’t seem to care enough about tax rate hikes to contribute…at least before February 19th.
Read an article on the substance of the proposal on Monday.
Virtually all of the money contributed since last June--$7,600--has been contributed by teacher union political action committees.
Most of the campaign money--$7,600 out of $8,100--has come from teacher union PAC’s. Almost 94%.
A citizen-financed campaign this will not be.
Since the first of the year there have only been two contributions exceeding $150—both from teachers’ groups:
· $500 on 1-20-6 from the McHenry Community High School Teachers AssociationAn additional $200 was reported in non-itemized contributions.
· $4,000 on 1-10-06 from McHenry County Teachers Association (All by $22.66 of this PAC’s money was transferred to the McHenry tax hike committee.)
The biggest contribution during the last half of 2005 was $3,100 in late November from the McHenry Elementary Teachers Association. Another $300 came from others in small enough amounts that state law does not require identification. The committee spent $3,351 on printing and postage from the third week of November through mid-December, leaving it with about $2,000 at the beginning of 2006.
Unlike school bond referendums, local builders don’t seem to care enough about tax rate hikes to contribute…at least before February 19th.
Read an article on the substance of the proposal on Monday.
The Price for a $100,000 Investment from the State Treasurer’s Office
One of the local bankers while I was McHenry County Treasurer (1966-70) had previously been a Wisconsin county official. We got to know each other pretty well after I put out the county money for bid.
He told me the price charged by Republican Bill Scott’s Democratic Party predecessor was $100 per year for each $100,000 invested.
That is brought to mine this week because of the Chicago Tribune examination of State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka’s campaign contributions. Here’s a sample paragraph:
He told me the price charged by Republican Bill Scott’s Democratic Party predecessor was $100 per year for each $100,000 invested.
That is brought to mine this week because of the Chicago Tribune examination of State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka’s campaign contributions. Here’s a sample paragraph:
A Tribune analysis of her three terms in the treasurer's office shows Topinka has received at least $500,000 from banks, their political action committees and individuals listing banks as their employer. Some of the donations came from banks that have had millions of dollars in contracts with her office.Topinka has proposed that no one doing business with state government contracts of more than $25,000 be allowed to donate to the office holder in charge of the contracts.
Star105 Host on Gay Games Reaction: “A Small Town Attitude”
As I was taking some pictures of Crystal Lake from Gate 3 Beach on Thursday morning, the Star105 morning guy and gal were making fun of those who oppose having the rowing contests for the Gay Games held on Crystal Lake. The parts I caught included a mother was referring people to a parental support group web site and a mother whose religious views did not include a celebration of that lifestyle.
The male co-host (sorry, I don’t listen enough to know either host’s name), observed that those with concerns had such “a small town attitude.”
Perhaps the hosts have not figured out that McHenry County is a place where people move to raise families. 85 percent of McHenry County’s residents are homeowners. That's the highest percentage in the whole country.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Message fo the Day - A Tee Shirt
Who Wants to Raise Your Taxes? Lakewood Homes
I’m looking through the State Board of Elections most recently filed campaign disclosure reports today trying to keep up to date on contributions to school tax hike and bond referendum campaigns and up pops a Manteno Unit School District 5 tax hike committee notice of a contribution over $500 (called “A-1’s”). One was a $25,000 contribution from Lakewood Homes.
It so startled me so much that I concluded it deserves an article, even though it’s about a Kankakee County school bond referendum.
After all the biggest contributor--Lakewood Homes--is building Hampshire’s Lakewood Crossing in District 300 and contributed $5,000 to District 300’s 2003 tax hike committee. And, I have documented that developers are large contributors to school referendum committees. See here, here and here.
The Kankakee County committee--Citzens for Good Schools & Good Kids--is what I have called a “pop-up” committee It was just formed on Januray 19, 2006. The three new contributions, from Feb. 23rd and 24th, would not even have to be made public now, if the committee had planned better and gotten the checks 30 days before election day. Those donations don’t have to be made public until the pre-election reports are due—March 7th.
Here are the three new contributions:
· $500 - Canna and Canna Ltd. 10703 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
· $25,000 - Lakewood Homes, 2700 West Higgins Road Suite 100, Hoffman Estates, IL
· $2,500 - Nexus, 4050 Olson Memorial Highway, Minneapolis, MN
Canna and Canna was appointed the school district’s law firm a year ago, according to these minutes. Nexus is a Minnesota computer vendor. (My guess is that it does business with the school district.)
Certainly, District 300 vendors have contributed to its tax hike committees in the past. See here, here and here. And, a South Suburban school superintendent advises asking vendors to donate.
It so startled me so much that I concluded it deserves an article, even though it’s about a Kankakee County school bond referendum.
After all the biggest contributor--Lakewood Homes--is building Hampshire’s Lakewood Crossing in District 300 and contributed $5,000 to District 300’s 2003 tax hike committee. And, I have documented that developers are large contributors to school referendum committees. See here, here and here.
The Kankakee County committee--Citzens for Good Schools & Good Kids--is what I have called a “pop-up” committee It was just formed on Januray 19, 2006. The three new contributions, from Feb. 23rd and 24th, would not even have to be made public now, if the committee had planned better and gotten the checks 30 days before election day. Those donations don’t have to be made public until the pre-election reports are due—March 7th.
Here are the three new contributions:
· $500 - Canna and Canna Ltd. 10703 West 159th Street, Orland Park, IL
· $25,000 - Lakewood Homes, 2700 West Higgins Road Suite 100, Hoffman Estates, IL
· $2,500 - Nexus, 4050 Olson Memorial Highway, Minneapolis, MN
Canna and Canna was appointed the school district’s law firm a year ago, according to these minutes. Nexus is a Minnesota computer vendor. (My guess is that it does business with the school district.)
Certainly, District 300 vendors have contributed to its tax hike committees in the past. See here, here and here. And, a South Suburban school superintendent advises asking vendors to donate.
District 300’s School Construction Manager--Another Vendor--Contributed to Tax Hike Efforts
When I filed a Freedom of Information request with District 300 seeking how much various contributors to District 300 tax hike committees had been paid by the school district, I neglected to include Turner Construction.
My second FOI request yielded this list of annual payments to Turner Construction:
And, what did Turner Construction of Arlington Heights give?
My second FOI request yielded this list of annual payments to Turner Construction:
And, what did Turner Construction of Arlington Heights give?
4/2/03 - $4,000According to its web site, Turner provided construction management for four elementary schools: Eastview, Huntley/Miller, Algonquin Lakes, and Lake in the Hills.
And You Think “Pay to Play” Is Bad in Illinois
From The Courier-Post, covering South Jersey in the Camden area:
Following a November election that gave Republicans a 5-4 majority on the township committee, the local governing body dumped Robert Churchill as the township engineer.The replacement firm gave $2,500 to the victorious Republicans.The paper’s suggested remedy:
Churchill, whose firm was the largest campaign donor to the local Democrats last year, giving $10,400, had been township engineer when that party was in the majority on the committee for many years up until December.
Not willing to let a key supporter lose his lucrative township business, the Democrats on the committee tossed Churchill's firm more than $600,000 worth of contracts two weeks after the election while they still had a majority.
…prevent firms or individuals who have given to local candidates from being eligible to do work for the townshipAlthough I found this on Google because of 8th congressional district GOP candidate Robert Churchill’s name, there obviously is no connection with the state representative.
8th Congressional District 3rd Party Aspirant Bill Scheurer Answers the "Spoiler" Question
Bill Scheurer, the Lindenhurst anti-war candidate who publishes The Peace Majority Report is seeking a place on the fall 8th congressional ballot. He wants to run against incumbent Democrat Melissa Bean, whom he thinks holds a position on the Iraq war much too similar to that of the potential Republican nominee, whom Scheurer believes will be either David McSweeney or Kathy Salvi.
Scheurer shared an email he received from a student who asks the “spoiler” candidacy question. Part of his reply follows:
You can read Scheuer's polished version here.
There are good insights on the state of the Democratic Party and Bean’s candidacy.
Scheurer shared an email he received from a student who asks the “spoiler” candidacy question. Part of his reply follows:
We realize that my presence in the race almost guarantees a loss by Bean, and that we have to accept some of the responsibility for this outcome. However, the Democratic Party and Bean herself will bear the greater responsibility for any temporary setback -- should we not win enough votes for my candidacy to prevent this seat from going back into Republican handsRead both the student’s question and Scheurer’s whole reply by clicking here.
for the next two years.
The Democratic Party still does not understand why it keeps losing elections. Even with the current meltdown of the Republican regime due to its unprecedented levels of incompetence and corruption -- the Democrats gain little ground. This is because they have conceded the battlefield, before the battle even begins.
You can read Scheuer's polished version here.
There are good insights on the state of the Democratic Party and Bean’s candidacy.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Message of the Day - A Board Game
With former Governor George Ryan's having rested his defense yesterday, this game of Monopoly, Springfield Edition, Special Corruption Issue,dreamed up by some good humored Chicago Tribune staffers and published Sunday, February 12th, seems appropriate as a message of the day. Remember you will have to click to enlarge it. Sorry I didn't get a better picture.
I could not find a link to what John Kass wrote, but the first paragraph reads,
I could not find a link to what John Kass wrote, but the first paragraph reads,
The object of Monopoly is to win the money and ruin your enemies. But in this version, Monopoly, The Bi-Partisan Illinois Combine Edition, there are new features. You make your friends multimillionaires by using taxpayer money and avoiding indictment.
A Way You Can Oppose School Bond Referendums With Total Intellectual Integrity
Mary Liebman is the Bull Valley woman who promoted year-round schools. Sadly, no local school district has adopted her idea.
It’s a simple one.
Use the schools throughout the year.
Can you think of any other huge buildings that are not used year-round? (OK, with the exception of Illinois completely finished Thomson maximum security prison.) What business closes for a quarter of the year?
It makes no sense from a utilization of resources point of view for either the private or the public sector.
So, if you want to increase the number of students that a school building can hold, what do you do?
You decided to use the all year round.
That increases the capacity by one-third, doesn’t it?
A school district would not have to increase your taxes to construct new buildings.
Of course, people will object.
Change is tough to accept. (My family would love to be able to take vacations sometime other than in the summer. After all, we in Crystal Lake live in a prime vacation destination of summers past. For example, former Secretary of State Mike Howlett told me he used to spend summers on the lake.)
The kids would go to school the same number of days, get enough time to go on vacation between quarters. And, they would get one quarter of the year off, just like now, except it would not always be in the summer.
It’s a simple one.
Use the schools throughout the year.
Can you think of any other huge buildings that are not used year-round? (OK, with the exception of Illinois completely finished Thomson maximum security prison.) What business closes for a quarter of the year?
It makes no sense from a utilization of resources point of view for either the private or the public sector.
So, if you want to increase the number of students that a school building can hold, what do you do?
You decided to use the all year round.
That increases the capacity by one-third, doesn’t it?
A school district would not have to increase your taxes to construct new buildings.
Of course, people will object.
Change is tough to accept. (My family would love to be able to take vacations sometime other than in the summer. After all, we in Crystal Lake live in a prime vacation destination of summers past. For example, former Secretary of State Mike Howlett told me he used to spend summers on the lake.)
The kids would go to school the same number of days, get enough time to go on vacation between quarters. And, they would get one quarter of the year off, just like now, except it would not always be in the summer.
Jim Oberweis Goes After Rod Blagojevich and Judy Topinka on Ethics
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Oberweis has issued a press release critical of both incumbent Governor Rod Blagojevich and poll leader Judy Topinka. Oberweis thinks ethical concerns link the two. It is below:
Oxymorons Introduced Into Gubernatorial Campaign
On Sunday, Rod Blagojevich announced his re-election bid and Judy Topinka announced her ethics plan.
A Blagojevich re-election and a Topinka ethics plan are both oxymorons. Based on the number of independents and Democrats who are flooding our campaign with offers to help, I would say that Governor Blagojevich has a better chance of winning an Oscar for best actor in a comedy of errors than he does of being re-elected.
After twenty-five years in Springfield, Ms. Topinka finally has a light bulb go off that perhaps ethics are a problem in Illinois politics. While she accepted over $500,000 from banks and bank officers that may do business with her office, Ms. Topinka saw no need for ethics reform. When she attempted to forgive $30 million of public debt owed by political insiders, Ms. Topinka saw no need for ethics reform.
When she made a deal with George Ryan to transfer jobs and responsibilities from the Executive to the Treasurer's office, Ms. Topinka saw no need for ethics reform.
Now that the other candidates have joined me in calling for the resignation of lobbyist Bob Kjellander from his post as Illinois Republican National Committeeman, Ms. Topinka shows her real disregard for ethics by continuing to claim impotence on the Kjellander issue. Remember, Kjellander is the anti-conservative lobbyist who has overseen the hobbling of the Illinois GOP while receiving an $809,000 commission on the Blagojevich bond deal and a $4.5 million fee for introducing the Carlyle Group to the scandal plagued Illinois Teacher Retirement System.
The people of Illinois deserve a governor who has not been a part of the culture of corruption in Springfield and Chicago. Republican voters deserve a nominee who has been loyal to the Republican platform and our Republican candidates. The choice is clear: Judy Topinka and more of the same or our campaign to renew Illinois with principled Republican values and a heartfelt and proven allegiance to ethical conduct.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Message of the Day - A Tee Shirt
This tee shirt was sitting in front of me on a boy at the Algonquin Village Board meeting Tuesday night. The story I wrote can be found here, now with pictures.
Further Daily Herald Analysis of David McSweeney's Anti-Kathy Salvi Radio Ad
I acutally took a look at the paper version of the Daily Herald tonight (the paper is not home delivered in Crystal Lake) and found something that was not in the internet version this morning. So, I actually bought a copy. Here is the Daily Herald's "Ad Watch." (Click to Enlarge.)
What the reporter does not observe is that the target of the ad reveals the McSweeney campaign's polling results. You don't attack people you are beating...or who at least don't have a chance to defeat you.
Reflecting on the first and second Salvi press releases and McSweeney's press release within the last 24 hours, it seems to me that the McSweeney folks are trying to get people to think that McSweeney is going negative on Salvi because Kathy's husband Al insulted McSweeney on his WKRS radio show. Anyone who knows anything about how long it takes to conceive and produce a radio ad and design a mailing piece would tell you that the radio ad and forthcoming mailing were planned well before two days ago, the date of the radio interview.
What the reporter does not observe is that the target of the ad reveals the McSweeney campaign's polling results. You don't attack people you are beating...or who at least don't have a chance to defeat you.Reflecting on the first and second Salvi press releases and McSweeney's press release within the last 24 hours, it seems to me that the McSweeney folks are trying to get people to think that McSweeney is going negative on Salvi because Kathy's husband Al insulted McSweeney on his WKRS radio show. Anyone who knows anything about how long it takes to conceive and produce a radio ad and design a mailing piece would tell you that the radio ad and forthcoming mailing were planned well before two days ago, the date of the radio interview.
Ron Gidwtiz Uses TV Ad Theme to Bash Judy Topinka (Click to Enlarge)
This arrived in the mailbox today:
Here’s the text on the back:
Here’s the text on the back:
Robert Churchill Wins Straw Poll of Secondary Schaumburg Township Republican Group
One of the results of the "winner-take-all" system of electing township and ward committeemen in Cook County is that when one politician’s organization loses it is pretty much completely replaced with the winner’s precinct workers. (Outside of Cook County, every precinct elects a precinct committeeman. It is not an "all or nothing" election on a township or county basis, so any political or demographic change is incremental, not seismic.)
A complete makeover occurred in Schaumburg Township in 1998 when now State Rep. Paul Froehlich defeated Don Totten, former State Representative, State Senator, Ronald Reagan Illinois campaign manager and 1982 Lieutenant Governor primary opponent of then House Speaker George Ryan.
Froehlich’s group is now the “regular” Republican organization, called S.T.A.R., the Schaumburg Township Alliance of Republicans. The other group is called F.I.R.S.T., the Forum for Independents and Republicans of Schaumburg Township. It is the successor organization to Totten’s old group, called ROOST--the Republican Organization of Schaumburg Township.
David McSweeney has the endorsement of Froehlich's "official" Republican organization.
With that background, here is the press release sent by Churchill’s group:
A complete makeover occurred in Schaumburg Township in 1998 when now State Rep. Paul Froehlich defeated Don Totten, former State Representative, State Senator, Ronald Reagan Illinois campaign manager and 1982 Lieutenant Governor primary opponent of then House Speaker George Ryan.
Froehlich’s group is now the “regular” Republican organization, called S.T.A.R., the Schaumburg Township Alliance of Republicans. The other group is called F.I.R.S.T., the Forum for Independents and Republicans of Schaumburg Township. It is the successor organization to Totten’s old group, called ROOST--the Republican Organization of Schaumburg Township.
David McSweeney has the endorsement of Froehlich's "official" Republican organization.
With that background, here is the press release sent by Churchill’s group:
”Bob Churchill wins Straw Poll at the 8th Congressional District – Republican Candidates Open Forum” sponsored by F-I-R-S-T on Saturday, February 18, 2006
SCHAUMBURG TOWNSHIP, Ill., Feb 21 / -- F-I-R-S-T (Forum for Independents and Republicans of Schaumburg Township) announced today that Bob Churchill won a Straw Poll conducted at the conclusion of an open forum on February 18, 2006. The forum featured Republican Candidates for the Illinois 8th Congressional Seat. The results are below:
48% Robert W. Churchill
28% Kathy Salvi
10% Ken Arnold
6% James Creighton Mitchell Jr.
4% Aaron B. Lincoln
4% David McSweeney
Daley Patronage Chief Robert Sorich and Alleged Accomplices Get More Charges
The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office has handed down an indictment which adds new mail fraud charges against Mayor Richard Daley’s patronage chief Robert Sorich and alleged accomplices Tim McCarthy and Patrick Slattery.
Count 4 says that Sorich advised Water Department Employee B that she had received a promotion to Career Service Motor Truck Driver in late September 2001.
Count 5, another new mail fraud charge, says in early July 2004, Sorich and Tim McCarthy “did knowingly cause” an envelope to be delivered to Buildings Employee A telling him that he did not get an appointment of Building Inspector.
Count 6 charges Patrick Slattery of mail fraud when he mailed a letter to a Deputy Trustee of Laborer’s District Council, Local 1001, “concerning promotion of Hand Laborers to Seasonal Laborers” in early August 2004.
This superceding indictment follows closing the February 15th court decision by Judge David H. Coar, which ruled the three’s “No One Could Have Guessed” defense not worthy of consideration.
Count 4 says that Sorich advised Water Department Employee B that she had received a promotion to Career Service Motor Truck Driver in late September 2001.
Count 5, another new mail fraud charge, says in early July 2004, Sorich and Tim McCarthy “did knowingly cause” an envelope to be delivered to Buildings Employee A telling him that he did not get an appointment of Building Inspector.
Count 6 charges Patrick Slattery of mail fraud when he mailed a letter to a Deputy Trustee of Laborer’s District Council, Local 1001, “concerning promotion of Hand Laborers to Seasonal Laborers” in early August 2004.
This superceding indictment follows closing the February 15th court decision by Judge David H. Coar, which ruled the three’s “No One Could Have Guessed” defense not worthy of consideration.
David McSweeney Charges Al Salvi Attacked “Personally” on WKRS
Here is a press release I missed earlier today from the McSweeney camp:
Candidate's spouse, Al Salvi, "Machine guns" David McSweeney on the Al Salvi Radio Show: Levels personal attacks McSweeney campaign asks for apology
Barrington Township: David McSweeney, candidate for Congress in Illinois' 8th Congressional District, was attacked personally by the spouse of one of his opponents in the Republican Primary. Al Salvi, Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Kathy Salvi's spouse, used air-time from his radio broadcast to personally attack McSweeney. In a February 22nd broadcast Al Salvi called into question McSweeney's integrity and relentlessly misrepresented his position on abortion.
After inviting McSweeney to appear on his show on February 21st Al Salvi, also a personal injury trial lawyer, tried to "badger" his guest during a live interview. After defending his wife's position on Lawsuit Reform and taking a question on abortion, Salvi began a relentless line of questioning of McSweeney's position on the issue, at times interrupting the answer and mischaracterizing that position. Salvi later apologized on air for his behavior after a series of callers complained.
The next day Al Salvi once again used his radio show to level personal attacks, make false accusations, and once again mischaracterized McSweeney's position on abortion. The following are excerpted quotes from Al Salvi from the Al Salvi Radio show on WKRS radio out of Waukegan:
"For some reason the newspapers still don't acknowledge that David McSweeney ran as a Pro-Choicer in 1998."
" If I weren't Kathy's husband I would have really pursued that even more. It had nothing to do with abortion. It had to do with integrity."
"I could have moved onto the next issue but it was B.S."
"I don't like when someone B.S.'s me."
"It goes to integrity."
(A copy of the audio file is available via e-mail upon request)
(more)
"I think that the Salvi campaign should apologize for the personal attacks on Dave McSweeney and the misrepresentation of Dave's position on an important issue. Al Salvi questioned Dave's integrity and that is about the lowest personal attack you can level on a fellow candidate. We are making the audio file available to anyone who asks because it is important to know the truth," said McSweeney Campaign Manager Jim Thacker.
"Salvi's misrepresentation of Dave's positions on the issues is also reminiscent of the false allegation against wheel chair bound former Reagan Press Secretary Jim Brady. In his 1996 bid for the US Senate, in an 11th hour act of desperation, Al Salvi falsely accused gun control activist Brady of being a machine gun dealer in a past life. The accusation was absurd and it was false and the Salvi campaign publicly apologized for it. The Salvi campaign should apologize for the verbal 'machine gunning' of Dave McSweeney's character," said Thacker.
"When you place your name in nomination for a public office you expect to be scrutinized and taken to task for your positions on issues. I don't, however, believe that there is room for personal attacks and misrepresentation of another candidate's positions. The voters deserve to know about where the candidates stand on the issues and it is an insult to those voters to think that they can be manipulated through misrepresentation," said David McSweeney.
David McSweeney resides in Barrington Township within the 8th Congressional District with his wife Margaret and their two daughters.
Kathy Salvi Issues Press Release on David McSweeney’s First Negative Attack
What follows is 8th congressional candidate Kathy Salvi’s reaction to David McSweeney’s first attack on her candidacy:
David McSweeney has unveiled his first negative attack on Kathy Salvi. He printed up mail pieces and produced attack radio ads last week that the Daily Herald reports accuse Kathy Salvi of siding with Democrats.
"This is McSweeney's history." Says Jason Heffley, campaign manager for Kathy Salvi. "He viciously attacked Republican Phil Crane even when Phil Crane was in the hospital. Now he is attacking Kathy Salvi."
David's excuse? After David went onto a talk show with Kathy's husband, David objected to the talk show debate.
"David McSweeney loves the politics of character assassination. He did it to Congressman Phil Crane. Now McSweeney is attacking Kathy Salvi for a debate between her husband and McSweeney. Meanwhile, Kathy is running for Congress and talking about the issues of the war on terror, reducing taxes and spending, and fighting traffic gridlock. If David McSweeney wants to debate Al Salvi, he should become a talk radio host too."
Daily Herald Story on David McSweeney’s Attack on Kathy Salvi
As reported last night on McHenry County Blog, 8th congressional district GOP candidate for congress has started a radio attack to be followed by negative direct mail on the person he must think is the person to beat—Kathy Salvi. Here is the Daily Herald story.
His attack is on her stand on the federal government’s capping pain and suffering.
Thus far, Kathy Salvi has been following former President Ronald Reagan’s “11th Commandment” not to criticize other Republicans.
There is a danger that any Republican candidate has from going negative. The candidate must not make the supporters of the one being attacked so angry that they will sit out the fall election.
Below is Salvi’s answer to the Chicago Tribune questionnaire’s question about legal reform. (David McSweeney’s camp has thus far refused to allow his Chicago Tribune answers to be published on McHenry County Blog, along with those of Ken Arnold, Bob Churchill and Salvi. To read them all, click here.)
His attack is on her stand on the federal government’s capping pain and suffering.
Thus far, Kathy Salvi has been following former President Ronald Reagan’s “11th Commandment” not to criticize other Republicans.
There is a danger that any Republican candidate has from going negative. The candidate must not make the supporters of the one being attacked so angry that they will sit out the fall election.
Below is Salvi’s answer to the Chicago Tribune questionnaire’s question about legal reform. (David McSweeney’s camp has thus far refused to allow his Chicago Tribune answers to be published on McHenry County Blog, along with those of Ken Arnold, Bob Churchill and Salvi. To read them all, click here.)
Legal Reform
Legal reform is another area where an impact can be made by the federal government.
I support legislation which would prohibit a plaintiff in any tort case from forum shopping. Forum shopping is where a plaintiff picks a state or jurisdiction that is pro-plaintiff. The plaintiff should be required by federal legislation to file his case where the incident occurred.
I support loser pays legislation, which provides that the loser of a medical malpractice case must pay the opponent's costs. I also support limits on punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish tortfeasors for violating important national policies. For example, if a national or international corporation knows its product will kill patients, but hides that fact from the USFDA, a federal punitive measure is appropriate, but should be limited. The limit should be $500,000.
These are all areas which need federal legislation because they involve either national policy goals, or they involve matters which can only be handled by the federal government.
I do not support, however, the federal government telling the states how to run their courts. I support states' rights. Elected representatives of the people of a state should be allowed to have control over how their state court system operates. One exception, in my opinion, is if it involves a matter which can only be accomplished by the federal government. Another is a matter involving national policy goals, such as drug safety.
For example, a single state cannot prohibit a plaintiff from filing in a different, pro-plaintiff state. Only the federal government can accomplish this.
Headline: “Confidence in Gov’t Is Fading”
Whoa. Does that mean people ever trusted government?
The headline in the Elgin Daily Courier-News is about an Associated Press-Ipsos Public Affairs poll about falling confidence in government, based on the hurricane Katrina response. I can’t find a link to the article, but here is one with the same headling.
Guess it’s time to go back to the Federalist Papers.
Can anyone cite something there that suggests citizens should trust government?
I can attest that the only government programs I think work are the ones I have not closely (or ever slightly) examined.
If you want something more local, think of the way Rod Blagojevich campaign contributors just happen to get major contracts in Illinois. Or read this Chicago Tibune article about faulty counting of jobs claimed created by the Blagojevich adminstration.
The headline in the Elgin Daily Courier-News is about an Associated Press-Ipsos Public Affairs poll about falling confidence in government, based on the hurricane Katrina response. I can’t find a link to the article, but here is one with the same headling.
Guess it’s time to go back to the Federalist Papers.
Can anyone cite something there that suggests citizens should trust government?
I can attest that the only government programs I think work are the ones I have not closely (or ever slightly) examined.
If you want something more local, think of the way Rod Blagojevich campaign contributors just happen to get major contracts in Illinois. Or read this Chicago Tibune article about faulty counting of jobs claimed created by the Blagojevich adminstration.
McSweeney Mailing on Roads/McHenry County Endorsements
Great picture of sitting in traffic. And I love the bumper sticker: "How long did you sit in traffic today?"
Inside are endorsements. Half of the endorsees even live in the 8th congressional district, although those two have a countywide presence.
This arrived about a week ago.
Look at the road pitch made specifically to Wonder Lake here.
The endorsements can be found here.
Here is the inside middle of the mailing, mainly biographical , but with a pitch for early voting.
On the right inside panel is another picture of the family with five issues the McSweeney campaign is promoting.
1992 “Why Does Rita Mullins Lie?” Mailing
When I saw that the Chicago Tribune endorsement of Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins for the State Senate over conservative Matt Murphy, a Harper College trustee, it brought to mind the low-life campaign she and her pro-abortion allies conducted against my friend State Representative Bernie Pedersen in 1992.
Here is the final rebuttal piece:
Click here to read the back.
Click here to read the inside top.
Click here to read the inside bottom.
I hope this year’s campaign is more honest.
Here is the final rebuttal piece:
Click here to read the back.
Click here to read the inside top.
Click here to read the inside bottom.
I hope this year’s campaign is more honest.
Congressional Quarterly Calls 8th Congressional District for the Democrats
In an article summarizing close fall congressional districts, Congressional Quarterly says the 8th is leaning Democrat. Here's the reasoning:
Democrats view Bean, who has no primary opponent, as a model of a candidate who can compete for Republican-held seats in the outer suburbs. A businesswoman, she voted for the Central American Free Trade Agreement and to overhaul bankruptcy laws and energy regulations. She is promoting a tax credit for energy efficiency and efforts to combat online “cyber crime.” CQ Election Forecaster rating: Leans Democratic
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Message of the Day – A Window Sticker
This plastic “Vote Yes” sign is what proponents of the McHenry Elementary School District 15 tax hike referendum want people to put on their back windows. This one was found on a van at McHenry High School’s West Campus.
Yesterday, the Northwest Herald ran a letter to the editor from McHenry resident Rick Wesley. He said he checked the District 15 web site and concluded that by 2010 the taxes on a $200,000 home would increase $712, which he noted would be a 47% increase from the 2005 tax. He thought that was too high an increase.
David McSweeney About To Attack Kathy Salvi?
That’s what a member of the media has told the Kathy Salvi campaign. Both are candidates for the 8th congressional distict's Republican nomination.
In an email received Wednesday evening on the Salvi campaign letterhead comes the following:
In an email received Wednesday evening on the Salvi campaign letterhead comes the following:
We have been called at our headquarters and told David McSweeney is launching negative attack ads against Kathy Salvi on the radio and in the mail box.McSweeney ran against Crane in the 1998 Republican primary election.
Our information suggests that he is doing this because after spending $1 million of his own money, he is falling in the polls.
David McSweeney refused to sign the Pledge of the Illinois Republican Party not to launch unfair personal attacks.
McSweeney is using the same kind of underhanded tactics he used to attack Congressman Phil Crane.
Republicans Deserve Better!!!
Ron Gidwitz' P-16 Education Plan (Click to Enlarge)
This is the education mailing from Ron Gidwitz, GOP candidate for Governor. You can see the "glitz" on this side of the over-sized post card. For the "guts" of the plan, click here.
Gravel Pits Give to Althoff, Franks & Beaubien
Gravel Pits Give to Althoff, Franks & Beaubien
Three state legislators who represent McHenry County are recipient of $250 campaign contributions from the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers:
Read my idea for a Gravel Gertie State Park between Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Cary and Algonquin here. Or would you rather have more traffic congestion and higher taxes from more people moving in?
Three state legislators who represent McHenry County are recipient of $250 campaign contributions from the Illinois Association of Aggregate Producers:
State Senator Pam Althoff (R-McHenry)McHenry County is the largest producer of gravel in the State of Illinois, not to mention the source of the gravel pit-based stories found in Woodstock resident Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy cartoons.
State Representative Jack Franks (D-Bull Valley)
State Representative Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington Hills)
Read my idea for a Gravel Gertie State Park between Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Cary and Algonquin here. Or would you rather have more traffic congestion and higher taxes from more people moving in?
Teachers Union Contributes $1,000 to Senator Pam Althoff
According to the most recent contributions reported by the Illinois Education Association, McHenry County State Senator Pam Althoff received $1,000 in early February for her January 23rd fund raiser.
Unopposed State Rep. Jack Franks Rakes in $5,500 in Unopposed Quest for Re-Election
McHenry County’s top Democratic Party politician, State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Bull Valley), reports cash flowing into his new political action committee—Supporters of Jack Franks. McHenry County Blog reported on the dumping of the old committee in favor of the new one here. http://www.
Contributions include
Contributions include
$1,000 from Kling, Steven W & Laurel A, 10N916 Highland Trail, Hampshire, IL 60140
$1,000 from Shefsky & Froelich Ltd,111 E. Wacker Dr., Ste 2800, Chicago, IL 60601
$1,000 from Chicago Teachers PAC, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 400,Chicago, IL 60654-1016
$2,500 from Posner, Kathy, 100 E Huron Apt 3505, Chicago, IL 60611
Huntley District 158 Board “Colleagues” Criticize Larry Snow for Analyzing District 300 Figures and Telling
No good deed shall go unpunished.
Here District 158 School Board member Larry Snow decided to use his expertise to help inform District 300 voters how the financial projections being laid out in the referendum have been ”cooked” (not his description) and his school teacher union-dominated fellow board members decided to rebuke him.
They didn’t have the guts to do it in an open meeting.
They did it in a letter to the editor, published today in the Daily Herald.
The support by one teacher union-dominated board for another teacher union-dominated board really should not surprise taxpayers.
Especially when the first teacher dominated-school board was spanked by Snow for giving out false information about last year’s 55-cent tax hike referendum.
When reached for comment, Snow said, “First, I was asked to speak by the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Rotary. Second, a trustee for Lake in the Hills asked me to come to its meeting and address the trustees on school crossing guards. Third, I received (School Board President) Mike Skala’s approval to speak publicly to the Lake in the Hills trustees. Finally, I’m pleased my fellow board members acknowledge my First Amendment Freedom of Speech rights.”
“It’s is interesting that my fellow board members are encouraging the public to call the school to complain about me. Do you think they will count the number of people who call and voice their support?”
The number in the paper was 847-659-6158.
Here District 158 School Board member Larry Snow decided to use his expertise to help inform District 300 voters how the financial projections being laid out in the referendum have been ”cooked” (not his description) and his school teacher union-dominated fellow board members decided to rebuke him.
They didn’t have the guts to do it in an open meeting.
They did it in a letter to the editor, published today in the Daily Herald.
The support by one teacher union-dominated board for another teacher union-dominated board really should not surprise taxpayers.
Especially when the first teacher dominated-school board was spanked by Snow for giving out false information about last year’s 55-cent tax hike referendum.
When reached for comment, Snow said, “First, I was asked to speak by the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Rotary. Second, a trustee for Lake in the Hills asked me to come to its meeting and address the trustees on school crossing guards. Third, I received (School Board President) Mike Skala’s approval to speak publicly to the Lake in the Hills trustees. Finally, I’m pleased my fellow board members acknowledge my First Amendment Freedom of Speech rights.”
“It’s is interesting that my fellow board members are encouraging the public to call the school to complain about me. Do you think they will count the number of people who call and voice their support?”
The number in the paper was 847-659-6158.
Labels: Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Rotary, District 300, Huntley School District 158, Larry Snow, Mike Skala
Pam Palmer Picked to Replace Her Former Boss Ruth Rooney as McHenry County Auditor
In action by the McHenry County Board Tuesday night, former County Auditor Ruth Rooney’s chief deputy, Pam Palmer, was appointed to fill out her term. The vote was 17-4.
Palmer was Rooney’s choice and was recommended by a seven-member committee appointed by County Board Chairman Ken Keohler. When the committee split 3-3, Koehler broke the tie by supporting Palmer.
Causing the tie was insurance man Chuck Lutzow, who has elected Algonquin Township Trustee and served on the village board of a northwest suburban Cook County village before moving to McHenry County.
Although Palmer has the job for now, it is up to a three-member committee appointed by the chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee to decide who will be on the ballot this fall and, if elected, take office in December.
Lutzow is clearing vying for that committee’s approval.
Palmer was Rooney’s choice and was recommended by a seven-member committee appointed by County Board Chairman Ken Keohler. When the committee split 3-3, Koehler broke the tie by supporting Palmer.
Causing the tie was insurance man Chuck Lutzow, who has elected Algonquin Township Trustee and served on the village board of a northwest suburban Cook County village before moving to McHenry County.
Although Palmer has the job for now, it is up to a three-member committee appointed by the chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee to decide who will be on the ballot this fall and, if elected, take office in December.
Lutzow is clearing vying for that committee’s approval.
Labels: Chuck Lutzow, Ken Koehler, McHenry County Auditor, McHenry County Republican Central Committee, Pam Palmer, Ruth Rooney
Algonquin District 300 Referendum Supporters Fail to Convince Village Board to Endorse Referendums
Despite the urging of three community members for the Algonquin Village Board to find a way around their ethics ordinance and endorse School District 300’s referendums, the Board stood firm in its neutrality.
While expressing his personal support for the referendums and for “every referendum since 1992" (when he moved to Algonquin), Village President John Schmitt told the petitioners the village was prohibiting from spending any money to promote a referendum
“We have said, ‘No,’ to developers that don’t give enough to the schools,” he concluded prior to stating,
“We expect our elected village officials to have the courage and strength of character to stand up,” Lischka said before trying to read the ethics ordinance in a way that would allow a supportive statement. He observed that other villages with the same legal counsel as Algonquin had found a way to pass an endorsement resolution.
“I will support candidates who are not afraid to take a stand on this issue,” he concluded.
After Schmitt finished his statement, Village Trustee Barb Read interjected,
He was the next to speak to the board.
Battiaans objected to the board members publicly endorsing the referendum, even as individuals.
Burley continued,
When the first proponent finished speaking, I counted six adults clapping. Three applauded with opponent Ryan concluded. There were children accompanying their parents, some wearing tee shirts supporting the referendum, which I shall use for a future “Message of the Day.”
Whether reporters who stuck around for the entire meeting found other village board members supportive of the referendum, you will have to find elsewhere.
While expressing his personal support for the referendums and for “every referendum since 1992" (when he moved to Algonquin), Village President John Schmitt told the petitioners the village was prohibiting from spending any money to promote a referendum
It’s not just our ethics laws. It’s state law.He added,You can’t mimeograph a piece of paper. You can’t hire an attorney to draft a resolution.
We don’t show up every three years when there is a referendum. We’re there every year.Schmitt related how the village board requires residential developers “to have certain characteristics that offset the cost of the kids they bring in,” referring to an accompanying commercial development or, if that is not possible, making the subdivision age restricted or townhouses, which produce few children.
“We have said, ‘No,’ to developers that don’t give enough to the schools,” he concluded prior to stating,
I’m sorry, but we take our ethics laws seriously.Algonquin resident Mark Lischka was the first referendum proponent to address the board. He intimated that only with a board endorsement would its members be showing the leadership he expected of them.
“We expect our elected village officials to have the courage and strength of character to stand up,” Lischka said before trying to read the ethics ordinance in a way that would allow a supportive statement. He observed that other villages with the same legal counsel as Algonquin had found a way to pass an endorsement resolution. “I will support candidates who are not afraid to take a stand on this issue,” he concluded.
After Schmitt finished his statement, Village Trustee Barb Read interjected,
I agree with you. I’ve already signed up to send letters and walk door-to-door.In the middle of her statement, Wayne Battiaans, a resident of Carpentersville, interrupted, saying, “Point of order,” rather loudly.
He was the next to speak to the board.
Battiaans objected to the board members publicly endorsing the referendum, even as individuals.
When we read it in the newspaper, we’re going to read it’s John Schmitt, Algonquin Village President, and Barb Read, Algonquin Village Trustee, supporting it. It carries a tremendous amount of influence.Next it was proponent Kathleen Burley’s turn. She noted that District 300 was “in trouble because of the building in Algonquin.” (Previously, fellow supporter Lischka had pointed out that one-third of District 300’s students came from Algonquin.)
What the village president is saying is absolutely correct. They can be prosecuted. I don’t know how. The answer I get from Springfield is, ‘We don’t know.’
This is a personal issue between the taxpayers and the district. They have an advantage over every taxpayer and citizen in this district. They can ask every general election.
They’re always looking for it. They’re always looking for it. They’re always looking for it.
You cut its tail off and it grows back.
Burley continued,
With the referendum at stake and, yes, I am for the referendum, of course, by not backing the referendum when others have, is there another way without passing the resolution? Maybe they’re thinking the rest of the Board doesn’t support it.Schmitt then explained,
I’ve seen a lot of you canvassing for other referendums.
We personally have every right to say what we want the same way you do.Playing clean up was Republican Precinct Committeeman John Ryan, who had written a publicized letter concerning the District 300 referendums to a constituent who asked his opinion:
Perhaps no one has drawn the ire of the pro-referendum folks as much as I have.Ryan said, as he expressed his personal gratitude for the board’s not passing a resolution of support.
I would caution you to tread very lightly,
When the first proponent finished speaking, I counted six adults clapping. Three applauded with opponent Ryan concluded. There were children accompanying their parents, some wearing tee shirts supporting the referendum, which I shall use for a future “Message of the Day.”
Whether reporters who stuck around for the entire meeting found other village board members supportive of the referendum, you will have to find elsewhere.
Five Story Condo/Commercial Building Gets Crystal Lake City Council Approval in Main Street TIF District
Without dissent, the Crystal Lake City Council gave preliminary approval a five-story condo with commercial space at the intersection of East Crystal Lake Avenue and Main Street. It will be located on the old Hines Lumber property and sits within the Tax Increment Financing District that was approved late last year.
(If the subsidy from the TIF district to the developer was mentioned, it was after I got to the meeting.)
The developers, the Hummel Group of Palatine not only sought the height waiver, but said it will seek a waiver from on-site detention of water during storms.
Several members of the council were effusive in their praise.
“I’ve seen what Hummel’s done in Palatine,” observed Councilman Jeff Thorsen. “I think it is going to be a real shot in the arm for Downtown.”
“It will help Downtown by having additional neighbors,” said Mayor Aaron Shepley. “When you have a strong Downtown, people want to live in an area like this.”
Shepley did talk about the complaints neighbors raised about the proposed building’s height, saying, “When you look at those buildings, they’re big.” He noted that only three stories would be allowed without a variation from the city’s ordinance.
“If we’re going to talk about whacking floors off, let’s talk about it now," Councilman Ralph Dawson replied sternly. "They should know.”“Right now, it presents as a grand, gorgeous building,” Cathy Ferguson said, indicating that five stories was all right with her.
Ellen Brady-Mueller, who made the approval motion, asked before the vote,
You can’t take one (story) away at final (approval) can you?“No, you cannot,” Mayor Shepley replied
Labels: Aaron Shepley, Cathy Ferguson, Ellen Brady Mueller, Hines Lumber, Hummel Group, Jeff Thorsen, Main Street Station, Main Street TIF, Ralph Dawson, TIF
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Message of the Day – A Quote
After one of Governor Rod Blagojevich’s re-announcement speeches, he said,
I'm not going to raise taxes on the hard-working people of Illinois. I won't do it,according to the Chicago Tribune story by Ray Long and James Kimberly.
Kathy Salvi Endorsed by Republican National Coalition for Life
The fight for pro-life votes among the 8th congressional district Republican primary candidates continues. All candidates claim to be pro-life.
Today, Kathy Salvi announces support from a national Republican group “committed to assisting pro-life candidates”—the Republican National Coalition for Life.
I think it is safe to say that Salvi, who has a pro-life record going back before her 1993 friend of the U.S. Supreme Court brief in Bray v. Alexandria Women’s Health Clinic, was surprised when the Illinois Right to Life organization endorsed her opponent David McSweeney without even knowing who else was running for the seat.
Salvi’s press release notes that she has also been endorsed by
To read the entire press release, click here.
Today, Kathy Salvi announces support from a national Republican group “committed to assisting pro-life candidates”—the Republican National Coalition for Life.
I think it is safe to say that Salvi, who has a pro-life record going back before her 1993 friend of the U.S. Supreme Court brief in Bray v. Alexandria Women’s Health Clinic, was surprised when the Illinois Right to Life organization endorsed her opponent David McSweeney without even knowing who else was running for the seat.
Salvi’s press release notes that she has also been endorsed by
the Susan B. Anthony Fund and Eagle Forum, as well as pro-family advocates Phyllis Schlafy and former State Rep. Penny Pullen.An analysis of incumbent Congresswoman Melissa Bean’s contributions by the Chicago Tribune found 40% came from the pro-abortion group Emily’s List.
To read the entire press release, click here.
Gay Games’ Rowing Proposed for Crystal Lake
Rowing events for the Chicago Gay Games have been proposed for Crystal Lake, the Chicago Tribune reports today and that proposal is under active consideration by the Crystal Lake Park District.
“We don’t even know what the dates are,” Park District Director Kirk Reimer told McHenry County Blog. Riemer explained that Superintendent of Recreation Jack Sebesta “is talking with them, getting details, finding out more of what they need.”
The Gay Games VII Chicago 2006 web page for rowing reports it
The idea apparently first surfaced on August 25th of last year. (Scroll down to page 4.) Here’s part of the text:
“We don’t even know what the dates are,” Park District Director Kirk Reimer told McHenry County Blog. Riemer explained that Superintendent of Recreation Jack Sebesta “is talking with them, getting details, finding out more of what they need.”
The Gay Games VII Chicago 2006 web page for rowing reports it
has worked closely with several local leaders of the more than 6 Chicago Area Rowing Clubs, including Susan Urbas at the Chicago River Rowing and Paddling Center and Walt Gary with the Crystal Lake Rowing Club.The details page about the competition says the races are scheduled from Monday through Thursday, July 17th through 20th.
The idea apparently first surfaced on August 25th of last year. (Scroll down to page 4.) Here’s part of the text:
The lake can accommodate 8 lanes and 1,000 meters. Existing docks, boats, and floating barges could be used for handheld starts, and obtaining funds for buoys appears feasible since it would benefit the local community going forward.In late January, the Crystal Lake Rowing Club proposed Crystal Lake as the venue for the Olympics. It was reported then, however, that the lake would have to be lengthened.
Bean Blog Pops Up
Started in late January, but just noticed today, is the Bean for Congress 2006 blog run by Michael Daly.
So far, it’s just excerpts from and links to newspaper articles
So far, it’s just excerpts from and links to newspaper articles
David McSweeney Mailing on National Defense
When I got a copy of this, my first question was, "Who is this family?" Not having looked at the address side, I thought it might be 8th congressional district Republican candidate Aaron Lincoln, who hasn't made a mass mailing yet.
But, when I opened it up, it was obviously from David McSweeney.
To see the the answer to the cover page's "The best was to ensure our safety at home...click here.
See the inside left by clicking here.
See the inside center by clicking here.
See the inside right by clicking here.
Andy Martin Initiates Avalanche of Topinka Criticism
The Republican gubernatorial candidate whose name shall not be mentioned turned a ho-hum WBEZ-FM radio debate into a sizzling TV news story.
Because of what he did decades ago, media covering the governor’s primary race have ignored Andy Martin, who has run previously as Andy Martin-Trigona. He claims that no poll this year has even listed his name, even though he is on the ballot, and challenged the truth of the Tribune poll in court last week. (The Tribune story said his name was on its poll.)
In any event, much of the media has been wondering when her opponents would start attacking front-runner Judy Baar Topinka. Ron Gidwitz did so in a TV ad that most have seen by now. So did Andy Martin in a radio ad, which I haven’t heard, but I don’t listen to a lot of radio.
Martin also used his closing minute of the debate to attack Topinka.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Because of what he did decades ago, media covering the governor’s primary race have ignored Andy Martin, who has run previously as Andy Martin-Trigona. He claims that no poll this year has even listed his name, even though he is on the ballot, and challenged the truth of the Tribune poll in court last week. (The Tribune story said his name was on its poll.)
In any event, much of the media has been wondering when her opponents would start attacking front-runner Judy Baar Topinka. Ron Gidwitz did so in a TV ad that most have seen by now. So did Andy Martin in a radio ad, which I haven’t heard, but I don’t listen to a lot of radio.
Martin also used his closing minute of the debate to attack Topinka.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Message of the Day – A Quote
From Robert Novak’s Sunday column in which he writes of Ohio’s black conservative Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who is running for governor:
He annoys the establishment because he, unlike it, believes things. He believes that the establishment is proof of a conservative axiom: Any political group or institution that is not ideologically conservative will become, over time, liberal. That’s because, in the absence of a principled adherence to limited government, careerism—the political idea of the unthoughtful—will cause incumbents to purchase job security.
Who Wants to Raise Your Taxes? Developers, As Predicted
Kane County’s Burlington Unit School District 301’s tax hike committee just broke one of the cardinal rules of passing a bond referendum. It revealed on the very first day possible, that homebuilders are financing its referendum campaign.
On January 18th, $7,000 was donated by three developers:
The committee had almost $10,200 in the bank at the beginning of the year. Looking back, it appears that it also came from homebuilders.
On January 18th, $7,000 was donated by three developers:
$1,000 - B & B Properties of Illinois Inc., St. CharlesTwo others gave money to Building Success in District # 301 is early February:
$4,000 - Crown Community Development, Aurora
$2,000 – Wyndham Development, North Aurora
$1,000 – 2/6/6 - Residential Land Fund I L.P., Oak BrookThat’s it. No small contributions from citizens and, so far, no contributions from school vendors or the teachers' union to help pass the $31 million school building and equipment referendum.
$1,000 – 2/9/6 – Town & Country Homes, Lombard
The committee had almost $10,200 in the bank at the beginning of the year. Looking back, it appears that it also came from homebuilders.
Who Wants To Raise Your Taxes? - New School PACs Like the First Robin...and You’re the Worm
Somewhere there are experts in passing school tax hike and bond referendums who must have given advice on how to hide who is financing the increasingly expensive campaigns as long as possible.
They solicit big bucks from developers, school vendors and, to a lessening extent, teachers’ unions, but that information appears where the public can spot it as late as state law allows.
The State Board of Elections has a “Latest filed reports” part of its web site that lists the last 1,000 filings.
If you want to watch who is running an active campaign, that’s the place to check. Starting February 20th big contributions (over $500) will be reported there every day. Most will be for candidates, but the ones I shall be watching for are for school tax hike committees. Those referendums affect your pocketbook more than any candidate can.
Pre-election reports must be filed by March 7th. They show up in the most recently filed list, too. They list all January 1st through February 19th contributions of more than $150. (These can be filed earlier than March 7th, but that would just let you to see the names of special interest contributors earlier than required.) It is those pre-election reports where those interested in who wants to raise their taxes will find most of the gold given school tax hike committees.
A committee or individual does not have to reveal its existence until it spends $3,000 in a year. Of course, if your public relations firm and printer trust you, they can give you credit. They can and do send bills after the election. But once big checks are collected—probably a lot from a meeting of homebuilders—a Statement of Organization has to be filed with the State Board.
Citizens for District 34 Children is a group pushing the Antioch school’s bond proposal. It showed itself by filing organization papers on February 17th.
Another filing on February 17th was named U 4 Excellence. It is supporting a bond referendum in Champaign and filed on paper, rather than electronically. It only identifies the political action committee’s officers and purpose. There was an existing committee--Friends of Unit 4--with $1,247.25 in the bank at the end of the year. In existence since 1993, its purpose was “to support the passage of referendum to increase the property tax rate for the unit 4 school district.”
As previously reported, when the Woodstock School District 200 made its initial filing on January 31st, it identified no propositions being supported.
Take a look at the nine other more or less sneak attack committees I found by clicking here.
They solicit big bucks from developers, school vendors and, to a lessening extent, teachers’ unions, but that information appears where the public can spot it as late as state law allows.
The State Board of Elections has a “Latest filed reports” part of its web site that lists the last 1,000 filings.
If you want to watch who is running an active campaign, that’s the place to check. Starting February 20th big contributions (over $500) will be reported there every day. Most will be for candidates, but the ones I shall be watching for are for school tax hike committees. Those referendums affect your pocketbook more than any candidate can.
Pre-election reports must be filed by March 7th. They show up in the most recently filed list, too. They list all January 1st through February 19th contributions of more than $150. (These can be filed earlier than March 7th, but that would just let you to see the names of special interest contributors earlier than required.) It is those pre-election reports where those interested in who wants to raise their taxes will find most of the gold given school tax hike committees.
A committee or individual does not have to reveal its existence until it spends $3,000 in a year. Of course, if your public relations firm and printer trust you, they can give you credit. They can and do send bills after the election. But once big checks are collected—probably a lot from a meeting of homebuilders—a Statement of Organization has to be filed with the State Board.
Citizens for District 34 Children is a group pushing the Antioch school’s bond proposal. It showed itself by filing organization papers on February 17th.
Another filing on February 17th was named U 4 Excellence. It is supporting a bond referendum in Champaign and filed on paper, rather than electronically. It only identifies the political action committee’s officers and purpose. There was an existing committee--Friends of Unit 4--with $1,247.25 in the bank at the end of the year. In existence since 1993, its purpose was “to support the passage of referendum to increase the property tax rate for the unit 4 school district.”
As previously reported, when the Woodstock School District 200 made its initial filing on January 31st, it identified no propositions being supported.
Take a look at the nine other more or less sneak attack committees I found by clicking here.
Bill Kaper, Cary Commercial Landowner, Blasts Cary Mayor Steve Lamal
It’s not often someone other than a car dealer buys a two-page ad in the Northwest Herald. Barrington developer Bill Kaper did it Sunday.
He is white-hot angry that he did not get a change to talk to an extended hotel chain before it had selected another property owner for its site.
“Since I am a firm believer that no good deed should go unpunished, please be advised that offices shall maintain my 53.044 acres on Three Oaks Road as an open area for decades to come," his ad reads.
And, just in case Village President Steve Lamal and the trustees do not get his point, he continues
He is white-hot angry that he did not get a change to talk to an extended hotel chain before it had selected another property owner for its site.
“Since I am a firm believer that no good deed should go unpunished, please be advised that offices shall maintain my 53.044 acres on Three Oaks Road as an open area for decades to come," his ad reads.
And, just in case Village President Steve Lamal and the trustees do not get his point, he continues
..the Village of Cary shall not enjoy one dime of sales tax dollars from this property for decades to come.You can read the whole story in the Northwest Herald. You can see the ad by clicking here and here.
Davie McSweeney Calls for Congressional Probe of Foreign Management of Nation’s Ports
8th congressional district Republican candidate David McSweeney has issued a press release on foreign ownership of the management of U.S. ports. It is found below:
David McSweeney, candidate for Congress in Illinois' 8th Congressional District, is calling for a full Congressional investigation into the management of US ports by foreign owned businesses. Recent revelations into the purchase of a British based company by a United Arab Emirates (UAE) government owned company has raised national security concerns and caused some members of Congress to call for a full investigation and question the wisdom of such an arrangement.
The British based company has managed six major ports in the United States, including the port of New York, and would come under control of a UAE government owned company. The National Security implications of the ownership transfer prompted seven Republican and Democrat Senators and Congressmen to sign a letter addressed to Treasury Secretary John W. Snow asking the Secretary to "conduct a full 45-day investigation".
"I would support the full investigation of this matter and all of the National Security issues at a minimum but I would oppose turning over control of such important assets such as our Ports to a company owned by a foreign government. In addition, the members of Congress point out the sketchy record of the UAE in the War on Terror. The UAE was one of three nations to legitimize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, there were a number of areas where the 9/11 terrorists were connected to the UAE, and the UAE did not satisfactorily cooperate with some aspects of the hunt for Osama Bin-Laden," said David McSweeney.
"As a member of Congress I would part company with the administration on this issue. Although I am one of the President's biggest supporters of his policies in the War on Terror I can't understand the logic of turning over the management of major strategic assets to foreign entities. Our Ports are already difficult to monitor and secure and I view this issue as a further erosion of our security," said McSweeney.
David McSweeney resides in Barrington Township within the 8th Congressional District with his wife Margaret and their two daughters.
Edwin Eisendraths Uses Humor in Democratic Party Gubernatorial Campaign
Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Edwin Eisendrath issued thefollowing press release today. It has some humerous lines.
As we celebrate President’s Day we recall two famous quotes. First, from Illinois’ own Abraham Lincoln who once said “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” And from George Washington who said “I cannot tell a lie.”
Food for thought as the next phase of the race for Governor of Illinois gets underway.
And here's something else to chew on:
Top Ten Blagojevich Campaign Slogans
10. In the Land of Lincoln, I'll make sure every lobbyist drives a Cadillac.
9. As a good neighbor, I'll continue to give Indiana and Iowa your jobs.
8. Last in spending on education. But I did spend $720,000 of your money to heat my driveway.
7. You need someone for the U.S. Attorney to investigate.
6. You need someone for the Cook County State's Attorney to investigate.
5. You need someone for the Illinois Attorney General to investigate.
4. As Governor, I raised a $2,500 an hour in campaign contributions. I must be good.
3. Last in funding pensions. But contribute to my campaign and I'll let you manage them.
2. The state's debt has nearly tripled. See, we're not last in everything.
1. My father-in-law thinks I'm a crook. Doesn't everyone's?
Who Wants To Raise Your Taxes? Getting School Vendors To Contribute – An Expert’s Advice
There’s a blog written by Stickney’s Lyons District 103 School Superintendent Ray Lauk called “Successful School Referenda.” It seems to be largely a come-on for a $125 seminar about passing referendums he teaches.
In the post entitled, Successful School Fund Raising," he suggests:
As he puts it, they “usually complied.”
But, “There certainly was no quid pro quo…”
“But that would be wrong,” to quote a former disgraced President.
It is a wonder that newspapers and electronic media have not zeroed in on something that looks quite similar to what they call “pay to play,” when referring to Governor Rod Blagojevich’s fund raising history.
I suppose Dr. Lauk didn't suggest solciting developers because there probably aren't many in the Stickney area. Or, maybe, he left that good advice for those willing to pay $125 for his seminar.
In the post entitled, Successful School Fund Raising," he suggests:
The main source of money came from our vendors--- Attorneys, food service providers, bus company, bond salespeople, and a variety of other companies with which we do business. I viewed those vendors as partners, and they had a very real stake in the outcome of the referendum.He hits them up for $1,000 to $1,500.
As he puts it, they “usually complied.”
But, “There certainly was no quid pro quo…”
“But that would be wrong,” to quote a former disgraced President.
It is a wonder that newspapers and electronic media have not zeroed in on something that looks quite similar to what they call “pay to play,” when referring to Governor Rod Blagojevich’s fund raising history.
I suppose Dr. Lauk didn't suggest solciting developers because there probably aren't many in the Stickney area. Or, maybe, he left that good advice for those willing to pay $125 for his seminar.
Sun-Times Washington Reporter Lynn Sweet Hints of Denny Hastert Endorsement in 8th Congressional District
On her blog Chicago Sun-Times blog “Sweet,” Washington correspondent Lynn Sweet hints that House Speaker Dennis Hastert may weigh in with an endorsement for the Republican nomination for Congress in the 8th congressional district.
She writes,
She writes,
At some point, it seems that the national House GOP operation--led by Hastert--would want to make sure the March primary produces the nominee with the best chance to beat Bean.David McSweeney did host a fundraiser for Phil Crane that featured Hastert as the guess speaker. Maybe that’s what Sweet has heard and figures it may be pay back time.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Message of the Day – A Book
It’s the New Testament. It’s cut into 365 parts, accompanied by relevant parts of the Old Testament, plus a commentary and questions.
If you have trouble doing regular Bible study, this might be the answer.
Bill Brady Goes After Blagojevich and Topinka
This afternoon the following press release arrived from GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady:
BRADY ASKS BLAGOJEVICH, TOPINKA TO STOP POLITICIZING, HIDING BEHIND ELECTION STUNTSTo read the rest of the press release, click here.
Sen. Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, today reacted to the latest election stunts from Rod Blagojevich and Judy Baar Topinka. Blagojevich this morning said he was launching his election campaign and Topinka announced an ethics reform proposal that ignores the root of corruption problems plaguing state government.
“Today Rod Blagojevich announced he is beginning his campaign for re-election. In reality, Rod has been campaigning for re-election since the day he took the oath of office. His budget addresses, State of the State speeches, proposals to spend money the state doesn’t have, they’re all part of his campaign plan. Today’s announcement is just more hype from a governor long on talk and short on responsibility,” said Brady.
“It's going to take more than a bulging campaign fund and a plane trip through Illinois to win back the trust of Illinois voters. It's going to take more than his borrow-and-spend philosophy to give people tax relief and to bring back the 250,000 jobs Rod Blagojevich's anti-business policies have cost Illinois over the last three years.”
District 300 Tax Hikers Report Referendum Vote “Extremely Close”
Embedded in Thursday’s email from the tax hike committee is the following sentence:
The belief that their cause is in trouble probably explains signs of panic on the part of the tax hikers.
First the email which talks about massing at the next Algonquin Village Board meeting to pressure its members to violate the new ethics law.
Then, Friday's (Elgin) Daily Courier-News front page article today entitled, “D300 debate turning harsh,” subtitled, “Campaign cluttered with personal attacks, allegations.”
The lead sentence makes the referendum campaign sound like, well, a real campaign:
I wish I could have attended some of these meetings. I live the sounds of democracy in action.
As far as discrediting District 300 financial data, the district has already admitted ignoring over $3 million in revenues. Their grossly underestimating obvious general State Aid to Education and completely ignoring state charter school subsidies does not lead a rational person to trust other District 300 financial projections.
And, a previous Courier-News article debunked the $27 million debt figure repeated as fact in this article.
Stay tuned, folks, multiple mailings are about to begin arriving in your mailbox. )If you get one, please mail it to me at 275 Meridian St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. I’ll post them all we can all see how the contributions from the developers and school vendors are being spent.)
The referenda vote by all accounts, is going to be an extremely close contest.The Family Taxpayers Network’s spokesman told me that it is not taking a poll. Guess if the tax hikers say the referendums are “extremely close,” they must have enough money to have done some survey research…or the word on the street is so negative they don’t have to take a poll to figure out which way the wind is blowing.
The belief that their cause is in trouble probably explains signs of panic on the part of the tax hikers.
First the email which talks about massing at the next Algonquin Village Board meeting to pressure its members to violate the new ethics law.
Then, Friday's (Elgin) Daily Courier-News front page article today entitled, “D300 debate turning harsh,” subtitled, “Campaign cluttered with personal attacks, allegations.”
The lead sentence makes the referendum campaign sound like, well, a real campaign:
Public discussions about Community Unit School District 300’s referendums have proven divisive, pitting opponents against supporters I what has become a debate cluttered with personal attacks and serious allegations.The allegations include ones of “district dishonesty and financial irresponsibility,” the paper reports and “opponents focus on discrediting district data,…calling district officials ‘selfish and self-interested.’”
I wish I could have attended some of these meetings. I live the sounds of democracy in action.
As far as discrediting District 300 financial data, the district has already admitted ignoring over $3 million in revenues. Their grossly underestimating obvious general State Aid to Education and completely ignoring state charter school subsidies does not lead a rational person to trust other District 300 financial projections.
And, a previous Courier-News article debunked the $27 million debt figure repeated as fact in this article.
Stay tuned, folks, multiple mailings are about to begin arriving in your mailbox. )If you get one, please mail it to me at 275 Meridian St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014. I’ll post them all we can all see how the contributions from the developers and school vendors are being spent.)
Of School Yard Concussions, Then and Now
Eli Owens, the little Woodstock District 200 fifth grader who suffered a concussion after a fellow student bumped into her on a playground slide at Mary Endres Elementary School, but didn’t get to the hospital in a timely fashion, reminds me of a fall I took in second grade, I think.
Our part of the playground at Easton (Maryland) Elementary School was the concrete street on the north side of the school. It was roped off for recess.
I fell and badly hurt my head. Of course, there was no school nurse in 1948. I was told to walk home and did.
I felt pretty poorly for a couple of days--probably had a mild concussion--but I do remember that my parents were quite disturbed that I had been allowed to walk home alone, that neither mother nor father had been called.
It’s pretty amazing that Woodstock school officials did not err on the side of caution, instead of sending the little girl back to her classroom with an ice pack and not calling the rescue squad until after her grandmother arrived and demanded it.
This year’s parent and teachers handbook for the school says,
District 200 Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Special Services would not provide the name, salary or whether the nurse in question had been certified by the State Board of Education, so I filed a Freedom of Information request. I did find out from the State Board, however, through the process of elimination, that the nurse in question does not have a school nurse certification. I have no idea what that means, except that she is not in the more lucrative teachers’ pension system.
The school nurses listed on the school’s web site are the certified ones. They earned from $37-42,000, according to state-provided salaries listed at The Champion. If you want to find out "total creditable earnings," that is, what school districts report teachers earn to the Downstate Teachers Retirement System for pension base purposes, take a look. You can do it by school district or individual. The three District 200 nurses listed on The Champion’s database and whose photographs appear on the district’s web site would seem to be those who have achieved the certification mentioned above.
Our part of the playground at Easton (Maryland) Elementary School was the concrete street on the north side of the school. It was roped off for recess.
I fell and badly hurt my head. Of course, there was no school nurse in 1948. I was told to walk home and did.
I felt pretty poorly for a couple of days--probably had a mild concussion--but I do remember that my parents were quite disturbed that I had been allowed to walk home alone, that neither mother nor father had been called.
It’s pretty amazing that Woodstock school officials did not err on the side of caution, instead of sending the little girl back to her classroom with an ice pack and not calling the rescue squad until after her grandmother arrived and demanded it.
This year’s parent and teachers handbook for the school says,
Being a school nurse can be one of the best jobs an RN can have. They have regular hours, usually not a lot of stress, pretty good pay and can get into the Downstate Teachers Retirement program by becoming certified as a school nurse by the State Board of Education.Emergency ProceduresIf your child gets sick or injured at school every effort will be made to first make him/her comfortable. A decision is made by the school nurse and/or principal as to whether parents should be called and if the student should go home. We expect that the parent or an authorized adult, pick up the child within a reasonable time after notification. We are not equipped from a personnel, space, or medical standpoint to keep ill or injured children at school. Our only option if the child is not picked up is to initiate emergency procedures. The adult must come to the office to sign the student out. In the event of a serious illness or injury, 911 will be called in addition to the parents/guardian. (emphasis added).
Illness and Injury at School
District 200 Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Special Services would not provide the name, salary or whether the nurse in question had been certified by the State Board of Education, so I filed a Freedom of Information request. I did find out from the State Board, however, through the process of elimination, that the nurse in question does not have a school nurse certification. I have no idea what that means, except that she is not in the more lucrative teachers’ pension system.
The school nurses listed on the school’s web site are the certified ones. They earned from $37-42,000, according to state-provided salaries listed at The Champion. If you want to find out "total creditable earnings," that is, what school districts report teachers earn to the Downstate Teachers Retirement System for pension base purposes, take a look. You can do it by school district or individual. The three District 200 nurses listed on The Champion’s database and whose photographs appear on the district’s web site would seem to be those who have achieved the certification mentioned above.
Where Is the “Culture of Corruption?”
With Chicago’s U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald prosecuting former Governor George Ryan and turning up the heat on the administrations of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Governor Rod Blagojevich, we have a short quiz today:
Where in Illinois, while sentencing a convicted defendant, did a federal judge comment on the cumulative effect of recent cases, saying they have done "intangible harm to the citizens of ?????, an impoverished city whose government, which the defendant was a part, has nurtured a culture of corruption."
Give up?
Click here.
Where in Illinois, while sentencing a convicted defendant, did a federal judge comment on the cumulative effect of recent cases, saying they have done "intangible harm to the citizens of ?????, an impoverished city whose government, which the defendant was a part, has nurtured a culture of corruption."
Give up?
Click here.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Message of the Day – A Tee Shirt
Found sitting in front of me at a swim meet with the McHenry Marlins at the Mt. Prospect RecPlex. Mt. Prospect won.
McHenry/Lake County Judge Expansion Advocates Win in Court; Election On
It’s not often that House Speaker Michael Madigan takes a drubbing, but he and the entire Democratic leadership in Springfield surely did on Friday.
As the Chicago Tribune reports today, a Springfield judge, with the agreement of the Attorney General, ruled in favor of those seeking to expand the number of judges in McHenry and Lake County by five judges, rather than the two that Democrats had been willing to allow.
The judge let the election continue, deciding to issue an opinion in the case after the primary election at the end of March.
See yesterday’s article for details on the background of the fight.
As the Chicago Tribune reports today, a Springfield judge, with the agreement of the Attorney General, ruled in favor of those seeking to expand the number of judges in McHenry and Lake County by five judges, rather than the two that Democrats had been willing to allow.
The judge let the election continue, deciding to issue an opinion in the case after the primary election at the end of March.
See yesterday’s article for details on the background of the fight.
Andy Martin Sues Tribune Over Polling Methods
It looks like GOP gubernatorial candidate Andy Martin managed to figure out how to get some ink in the Chicago Tribune. He sued the Trib over it took its poll, which showed him at 1%, alleging that his name was not even mentioned as a candidate.
The seeming lack of inclusion was his ticket into the Channel 7-League of Women Voters debate. The League only allows folks in who get a certain percentage in a non-candidate affiliated poll which includes all the candidates on the ballot.
In 2002, that threshold was 5% and I met it in the early fall Daily Southtown poll. (Having met the League’s criterion, power party candidates Jim Ryan and Rod Blagojevich decided not to accept the League’s invitation. Good strategy.)
In any event, the League has invited Martin to the debate because it thought no poll had mentioned all five candidates’ names.
If the Tribune says Martin was included, and it does in today’s story, my guess is that the League will revoke his invitation.
The seeming lack of inclusion was his ticket into the Channel 7-League of Women Voters debate. The League only allows folks in who get a certain percentage in a non-candidate affiliated poll which includes all the candidates on the ballot.
In 2002, that threshold was 5% and I met it in the early fall Daily Southtown poll. (Having met the League’s criterion, power party candidates Jim Ryan and Rod Blagojevich decided not to accept the League’s invitation. Good strategy.)
In any event, the League has invited Martin to the debate because it thought no poll had mentioned all five candidates’ names.
If the Tribune says Martin was included, and it does in today’s story, my guess is that the League will revoke his invitation.
Northwest Herald Heats Up Woodstock School Referendum
A front page story in the Northwest Herald Friday certainly will heat up the Woodstock school referendum fight.
And, for the second time in two days, the Northwest Herald has mentioned a blog.
Yesterday, it was mine.
Today, it is the Woodstock Citizen, apparently created as an online competitor to the Woodstock Independent, which, in turn, was created to fill the void when Shaw Publications closed the Woodstock Daily Sentinel, consolidating all its newspapers into the Northwest Herald.
Since the Woodstock Independent has already endorsed the $105 million bond issue and my prediction is that the Northwest Herald will do so as well, it does seem that there might be room for another voice in Woodstock.
The Woodstock Citizen has (had? see below about proponents' reaction to the two political ads) business advertisers, but found its first two political advertisers to be referendum opponents. Here’s one from VoteNod200. The ad, in the form of a letter from “interim community organizer” Kathleen Penner announces that her group is the Woodstock Chapter of Citizens for Sane Spending. The headline of her ad reads,
So, after these “political messages,” as the Woodstock Citizen calls them, appeared, the referendum supporters retaliated. Here is the way the Citizen staff described the reaction:
Now, that is threatening.
And, for the second time in two days, the Northwest Herald has mentioned a blog.
Yesterday, it was mine.
Today, it is the Woodstock Citizen, apparently created as an online competitor to the Woodstock Independent, which, in turn, was created to fill the void when Shaw Publications closed the Woodstock Daily Sentinel, consolidating all its newspapers into the Northwest Herald.
Since the Woodstock Independent has already endorsed the $105 million bond issue and my prediction is that the Northwest Herald will do so as well, it does seem that there might be room for another voice in Woodstock.
The Woodstock Citizen has (had? see below about proponents' reaction to the two political ads) business advertisers, but found its first two political advertisers to be referendum opponents. Here’s one from VoteNod200. The ad, in the form of a letter from “interim community organizer” Kathleen Penner announces that her group is the Woodstock Chapter of Citizens for Sane Spending. The headline of her ad reads,
Feeling Steam-rolled by Yet Another Tax Increase? Join “Stop D-200 Tax Hike” TodayThe other advertiser, Citizens for Sane Spending, ties into the first. The ad consists of photos of various unidentified people with their “purported,” as the Northwest Herald article said, comments about the referendum. Here’s one:
It breaks our heart that some of our neighbors have ridiculed us and labeled us “anti-children” because we cannot support this tax hike. Do they think money grows on trees? Do they have any idea that we are already one of the highest taxed communities in the entire United States? How anti-child is that? It seems you can’t even have a civil discussion with some of these people. They treat you like a moron if you ask questions about their budget process, growth assumptions, independent studies, convoluted assessment process, and can’t-spend-it-fast-enough mentality. I’ve had it with ever-increasing taxes. We are positively voting no.The vignettes are certainly very skillfully written, touching about ever reason for voting against the referendum.
So, after these “political messages,” as the Woodstock Citizen calls them, appeared, the referendum supporters retaliated. Here is the way the Citizen staff described the reaction:
Then all hell broke loose…Perhaps their request for an advisory board explains why this publication differs from the Establishment outlook of most:
Numerous D-200 pro-tax-hikers, behaving like goons and fascists, started calling, one right after the other, all of our local advertisers in a coordinated attack over 72 hours. These callers ranted and raged and threatened them with economic and other hostilities if they continued to advertise with the Woodstock Citizen. The calls were so hostile, bizarre, and disruptive to their businesses that we decided to pull down all of our local advertisers’ links and adverts to save them the trouble of explaining to these Gestapo-like callers that they are simply neutral advertisers in a new local news publication. (And the no-tax-hike people are Zealots? Ha!) Much more about this unbelievable story next week.
We would like this Board to represent a cross-section of the community.In short, it will not be controlled by the politicians.
Board members must reside in Woodstock.
Employees of the City of Woodstock, District 200, and McHenry County, including elected officials, and their spouses, are not eligible to serve on this Board.
Now, that is threatening.
Althoff to Co-Chair New Legislative Environmental Caucus
I found this on the new blog for the Illinois Environmental Council:
New Environmental Caucus Announced
At a press conference yesterday in Springfield, a group of pro-environmental legislators announced the creation of a new Environmental Caucus. The caucus is bipartisan and bicameral, and includes about 25 founding members. The co-chairs are Reps. Karen May and Dave Winters and Sens. Pam Althoff and Mattie Hunter.
The caucus will discuss issues and legislation, seek to take caucus positions on individual bills, and establish priorities on legislation. Having such a caucus will give environmental legislation increased stature and visibility, and is a sign of strong leadership on environmental issues by the participating legislators.
posted by Jonathan Goldman Posted Feb. 8, 2006
Melissa Bean Co-Sponsors Barney Franks’ "Name & Shame" Bill
8th district Congresswoman Melissa Bean has agreed to support a so-called “name and shame” bill sponsored by Cong. Barney Franks to punish credit card companies for security breaches, as well as notify cardholders of the potential problem, according to a recent article. Read more here.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Message of the Day – A Tee Shirt
Tink is one of my wife’s favorites. I wanted a photo of this tee shirt, but didn’t want to tell her about it. She might have bought it.
When we arrived home from Disney World, I learned that she had bought a blanket with the same image.
Part 2 - District 300 Vendors Major Contributors to Tax Hike Committees; Pay to Play?
Yesterday’s article outlined the payments made by District 300 to vendors who did not brag about their work for the school district on their web site. Payment information appears today on companies not shy about their business relationship.
Here’s how much the companies who actively promoted their work for District 300 on their web sites were paid over the five and a half year period:
Burnidge Cassell & Associates, Inc., Elgin (Click here and here.) 1/30/02 - $10,000, 2/14/02 - $1,613, 1/21/03 - $5,000. The school district’s architect was paid substantial sums in each of the fiscal years back to 2001. The totals range from $200,000 so far this year up to $2.3 million in 2003.
Lamp Inc., Elgin (Click here and here.) 4/29/02 -$725, 4/29/02 - $5,642.56, 4/2/03 - $5,000. Lamp was the biggest winner. Many millions every year, except in 2001, when its take of District 300 tax dollars was only $620,500. Besides that, the least was $4.3 million this year. The most was almost $29 million in 2003.
Tessendorf Mechanical Industries, Inc., Gilberts 3/21/02 - $1,000. Tessendorf received from $14,000 (2003) to $337,500 in 2001.
The Trane Company, Willowbrook 3/12/02 - $1,000. Trane got paid by District 300 in each of the six fiscal years. They ranged from a piddling $94.71 in 2001, but rose to $214,500 in 2002, peaking at $2.5 million in 2003.
Turner Construction, Arlington Heights 4/2/03 - $4,000. (Click here.) I didn’t include Turner in my first Freedom of Information request on January 25th, but did in my second. The FOI folks at District 300 say they did not get my faxed January 30th letter, so I have re-sent it. You’ll get the information on payments made to Turner the day I receive it.
It appears some of the links advertising these companies prior work for District 300 have been taken down from the internet. Guess that partly explains in the increase in readership of McHenry County Blog.
Here’s how much the companies who actively promoted their work for District 300 on their web sites were paid over the five and a half year period:
Burnidge Cassell & Associates, Inc., Elgin (Click here and here.) 1/30/02 - $10,000, 2/14/02 - $1,613, 1/21/03 - $5,000. The school district’s architect was paid substantial sums in each of the fiscal years back to 2001. The totals range from $200,000 so far this year up to $2.3 million in 2003.
Lamp Inc., Elgin (Click here and here.) 4/29/02 -$725, 4/29/02 - $5,642.56, 4/2/03 - $5,000. Lamp was the biggest winner. Many millions every year, except in 2001, when its take of District 300 tax dollars was only $620,500. Besides that, the least was $4.3 million this year. The most was almost $29 million in 2003.
Tessendorf Mechanical Industries, Inc., Gilberts 3/21/02 - $1,000. Tessendorf received from $14,000 (2003) to $337,500 in 2001.
The Trane Company, Willowbrook 3/12/02 - $1,000. Trane got paid by District 300 in each of the six fiscal years. They ranged from a piddling $94.71 in 2001, but rose to $214,500 in 2002, peaking at $2.5 million in 2003.
Turner Construction, Arlington Heights 4/2/03 - $4,000. (Click here.) I didn’t include Turner in my first Freedom of Information request on January 25th, but did in my second. The FOI folks at District 300 say they did not get my faxed January 30th letter, so I have re-sent it. You’ll get the information on payments made to Turner the day I receive it.
It appears some of the links advertising these companies prior work for District 300 have been taken down from the internet. Guess that partly explains in the increase in readership of McHenry County Blog.
Lake & McHenry County Legal Forces Sue State for Three Revoked Judgeships
Right in the middle of an election, Democrats in Springfield decided to correct what they said was a mistake.
Last year the Democrats passed a bill that would create new judicial districts that were smaller than either Lake or McHenry Counties. The idea was patterned after a deal cut between blacks and Republicans for judicial districts in Cook County. The theory, since validated, was that districts smaller than Cook County would allow both blacks and Republicans to get on the bench without playing "mother, may I" with the Cook County Democratic Party machine.
Turnabout was fair play, thought the Democrats. Maybe some of our guys/girls could get elected in Lake or McHenry County without running as Republicans., if we created smaller districts. Word has it that State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Bull Valley)drew the McHenry County districts.
But, when the bill was examined after passage, the Democrats found they had bungled the job big time. Instead of giving Democrats a chance to win elections, they had created opportunities for up to five Republicans to win highly-paid judicial seats.
"Repeal that part" was the cry.
The Republicans put up such a stink at the effort that the Democrats finally agreed to two new judges in the rapidly growing counties. The bill eliminating the three judges was signed this week.
But, that did not satisfy the Republicans. They want five new judges. They sued, as the Chicago Tribune reports today.
On January 19th, local judicial aspirants formed Committee for Prompt Justice, chaired by McHenry attorney Thomas J. Popovich. Seven candidates are listed as being supported by the committee, but the real purpose may have been to finance this suit. I’m not convinced those financing the suit have to reveal how much they give or their identities, so we’ll have to wait until the PAC’s pre-election report to the State Board of Elections to find out.
Last year the Democrats passed a bill that would create new judicial districts that were smaller than either Lake or McHenry Counties. The idea was patterned after a deal cut between blacks and Republicans for judicial districts in Cook County. The theory, since validated, was that districts smaller than Cook County would allow both blacks and Republicans to get on the bench without playing "mother, may I" with the Cook County Democratic Party machine.
Turnabout was fair play, thought the Democrats. Maybe some of our guys/girls could get elected in Lake or McHenry County without running as Republicans., if we created smaller districts. Word has it that State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Bull Valley)drew the McHenry County districts.
But, when the bill was examined after passage, the Democrats found they had bungled the job big time. Instead of giving Democrats a chance to win elections, they had created opportunities for up to five Republicans to win highly-paid judicial seats.
"Repeal that part" was the cry.
The Republicans put up such a stink at the effort that the Democrats finally agreed to two new judges in the rapidly growing counties. The bill eliminating the three judges was signed this week.
But, that did not satisfy the Republicans. They want five new judges. They sued, as the Chicago Tribune reports today.
On January 19th, local judicial aspirants formed Committee for Prompt Justice, chaired by McHenry attorney Thomas J. Popovich. Seven candidates are listed as being supported by the committee, but the real purpose may have been to finance this suit. I’m not convinced those financing the suit have to reveal how much they give or their identities, so we’ll have to wait until the PAC’s pre-election report to the State Board of Elections to find out.
Did Village Boards Break Law By Endorsing District 300 Tax Hike/Bond Referendums?
That’s the basic question being asked by a Daily Herald editorial last Sunday, February 12th.
Here’s the law the paper quotes:
So far, the potential violators of the law are the villages of Lake in the Hills, Sleepy Hollow and West Dundee.
In its February 16th email, even the tax hike committee advises supporters
[There may be different factions of the tax hike committee, but the State Board of Elections has them pegged as one political action committee for at least this century.]
The tax hike committee email continues,
Here’s the law the paper quotes:
Soliciting votes on behalf of a candidate for elective office or a political organization or for or against any referendum question or helping in an effort to get voters to the polls.Sounds pretty straight forward, doesn’t it?
So far, the potential violators of the law are the villages of Lake in the Hills, Sleepy Hollow and West Dundee.
In its February 16th email, even the tax hike committee advises supporters
We understand that some have legal questions on what an organization is allowed to do, but this is America after all and so it would be preposterous if there were not some way for the members of those organizations to stand up and be counted…And has some advice for the village board members:
But there are times when you need to take a risk and do what is right…Finally, the tax hike committee's position:
Advance300 supports these efforts.Under the headline
“LOCAL POLITICIANS NEED TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!”the tax hike committee, in its Feb. 16th email, starts by saying,
Several local community members (not members of the Advance300 committee) have been organizing citizens of D300 to attend the Algonquin village board meeting on Tuesday February 21st.[The interlocking nature of all the tax hike committees since at least 2000 is evidenced by the listing of Advance 300 as the committee name at least back to 2000 for contributions. See the $5,000 Centex contribution: “Centex Homes Illinois 150 W Center Court Schaumburg, IL 60195 $5,000.00 10/19/2000 Individual Contribution Advance 300”]
[There may be different factions of the tax hike committee, but the State Board of Elections has them pegged as one political action committee for at least this century.]
The tax hike committee email continues,
We also understand that it can be difficult for an elected official to take a stand on a hotly contested issue. The referenda vote by all accounts, is going to be an extremely close contest. Officials run the risk of alienating many voters by taking a stand one way or another. In addition, there are multi-millionaire activists outside our district[Certainly, multi-millionaire and Carpentersville-based Otto Engineering’s Jack Roeser, who lives in the Barrington area, has been trying to shield District 300 taxpayers from the announced $153,000 campaign of the tax hike committee, which is to be financed primarily by vendors and developers from outside the district. That counts as one multi-millionaire. And, it’s not as if the tax hikers do not have in-district multi-millionaires on its side.]
who contribute hundreds of thousands to support candidates who support their cause, money that no politician will ever see if they speak up for what is right on these referenda. We only have our voices and our votes to counter with.[Such misinformation, considering the not-yet-revealed huge campaign contributions pouring into the tax hike committee. Stay tuned, McHenry County Blog will tell you about them when they are reported to the State Board of Elections. And, which Algonquin Village Board member has higher ambitions that Roeser might support?]
But there are times when you need to take a risk and do what is right.
Advance300 supports these efforts and encourages any interested citizens to attend as is their right. However, we want to emphasize that it is our position that all such efforts should be done with the utmost respect and decorum. Do not go to disrupt a meeting. Go to have your voices heard and votes seen and let them know that we will remember who takes a stand and who does not. But do it in a respectful way at the appropriate time! Do not stoop to the level of those who promote their cause by stirring up a frenzy of hatred and anger. The politicians will listen to a calm voice when they realize that we will be here long after the outsiders move on to whatever their next target is.
Does It Help To Be a White Democrat, If You Voted Against CAFTA?
An intriguing commentary about how a black Brooklyn Democrat is being threatened with punishment for voting against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), while 8th congressional district U.S. Representative Melissa Bean is not, on appears on the National Public Radio blog Political Junkie by Ken Rudin.
Here’s part of what Rudin has to say:
Here’s part of what Rudin has to say:
The root of this animosity is (Ed) Towns' vote last July in favor of CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Strongly opposed by organized labor, it passed the House by the razor-thin margin of 217-215. Fifteen Democrats, including Towns, voted for it. For his apostasy, Towns, an African-American lawmaker in his 12th term, has been threatened with the loss of his seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Needless to say, members of the Congressional Black Caucus are livid over Pelosi singling out Towns, noting that freshman Rep. Melissa Bean (D-IL), who is white, also voted for CAFTA but has not been subjected to any threats from the leadership. Towns also missed a key vote on a crucial budget bill that Republicans also pushed through by a two-vote margin. He may now face a serious challenge in the Sept. 12 primary.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Message of the Day – A License Plate
With the snow storm blowing into McHenry County, this license plate is appropriate.
Labels: License Plate, Message of the Day, Skiing
Part 1 - District 300 Vendors Major Contributors to Tax Hike Committees; Pay to Play?
McHenry County Blog has already thoroughly showed that developers have provided big bucks to School District 300 tax hike campaigns and made a good start toward proving that major vendors do, too.
Now, District 300 has provided documentation that major contributors to District 300 tax hike committees over the years have been made by major vendors, providers of service and those who construct new schools.
McHenry County Blog asked District 300 for payments it made for the last five and a half years to a list of campaign contributors, most of whom looked as if they might have provided supply goods and services.
Guess what?
A lot of them got paid a lot of money.
A January 30th article, using documentation from the vendors’ own web sites, demonstrated numerous large tax hike committee contributors were doing business with District 300. So, let’s start with those for whom documentation of a business relationship was not obtained until today:
Now, District 300 has provided documentation that major contributors to District 300 tax hike committees over the years have been made by major vendors, providers of service and those who construct new schools.
McHenry County Blog asked District 300 for payments it made for the last five and a half years to a list of campaign contributors, most of whom looked as if they might have provided supply goods and services.
Guess what?
A lot of them got paid a lot of money.
A January 30th article, using documentation from the vendors’ own web sites, demonstrated numerous large tax hike committee contributors were doing business with District 300. So, let’s start with those for whom documentation of a business relationship was not obtained until today:
Tomorrow read how much the companies who promoted their work for District 300 were paid over the five and a half year period.
Carey Electric, McHenry 2/28/02 - $1,000. The firm was paid $1.4 million in 2002, $218,000 in 2003 and between $3,000 and $4,000 in 2004 and 2006.
Cruise Boiler & Repair, Elmhurst 3/26/02 - $500. Cruise was paid $113,862 and $113,855 in 2001 and 2002, respectively. From 2003 through 2005, it received from $101,000 down to $$78,500.
First American Bank, Elk Grove Village 12/26/03 - $845. District 300 writes it has 19 bank accounts with the bank.
Freund International, Huntley 3/25/02 - $250. Payments to Freund ranged from a low of $13,800 in 2001 to a high of over $65,000 in 2005.
Hawks Auto Parts, Elgin 3/01/02 - $200. Annual payments to Hawks ranged from $39,000 to over $72,000 over the six years for which data was provided.
J&E Duff Inc. Mason Contractors, West Chicago 3/04/02 - $1,000. District 300 sent J&E Duff checks for $1.15 million in 2002 and over $125,000 in 2003.
PMA Financial Network, Aurora 3/20/02 - $250. Nothing was paid to PMA until 2004 ($9,900) and 2005 ($14,050).
Techstar America Corp, Grayslake 2/07/02 - $850. During the years 2001 and 2002, payments approximated $32,000 and $34,000. $5,500 more was paid in 2003, then, nothing.
8th Congresional District GOP Candidate Robert Churchill Weights in on State Budget
One of the advantages of having an office when one runs for another one is that one can use it as a platform to obtain publicity for the office sought. State Rep. Bob Churchill demonstrates that technique with this press release on Governor Rod Blagojevich's budget address:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rep. Robert W. ChurchillFor the rest of the press release,click here.
February 15, 2006 (847)231-6262
CHURCHILL: GOVERNOR’S FY 2007 BUDGET NEEDS TO PAY OVERDUE BILLS, NOT PROPOSE NEW SPENDING
GRAYSLAKE – State Representative Robert W. Churchill (R-Grayslake) on Wednesday said that Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s budget for FY 2007 includes a spending proposal of $1.4 billion above last year’s total – another all-time high. The Governor continues to spend money the state does not have, said Churchill, adding that our state debt is at an all-time high. In the last three years, the Governor and legislative Democrats have borrowed more money than any other Governor in the past 20 years – with no plan to pay it back, noted Churchill.
Stevenson High School Students Quiz 8th Congressional District Republican Candidates
Weekly Pioneer Press continues its coverage of the 8th congressional district Republican primary by reporting on a meeting between high school students and five of the candidates. State Rep. Bob Churchill could not attend because the legislature is in session.
Thought you might like to read the story.
Thought you might like to read the story.
What's the District 300 Tax Hike Committee Up To
Here's the email the District 300 tax hike committee recently sent out, presented without comment:
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006
Subject: Advance300Yes - Debunking Construction Cost Tales!
SUBJECT: Debunking Construction Cost Tales!
To Students, Residents, and Friends of District 300
New to our email blasts? To review past issues, including an explanation of our purpose, click below to see blasts from the past:
www.Advance300Yes.com/blastsfrompast.html
WHO NEEDS A GYM, A CAFETERIA, OR A BATHROOM ANYWAY?
The anti-public education activists want you to believe that D300 is over paying for school construction at $250 per square foot for the schools that we need. Then they claim that this is twice what it should cost to build a school. But the truth is that the activists again misuse and abuse numbers to draw a false conclusion. Click the link below for details: www.Advance300Yes.com/Commentary_constructioncosts.html
LOCAL POLITICIANS NEED TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!
Several local community members (not members of the Advance300 committee) have been organizing citizens of D300 to attend the Algonquin village board meeting on Tuesday February 21st. We understand that their purpose is so that elected officials can hear their voices and see their votes. Several municipalities in our district have taken a stand and passed resolutions in support of the D300 referenda. The village of Algonquin has not done that so far. We understand that some have legal questions on what an organization is allowed to do, but this is America after all and so it would be preposterous if there were not some way for the members of those organizations to stand up and be counted.
We also understand that it can be difficult for an elected official to take a stand on a hotly contested issue. The referenda vote by all accounts, is going to be an extremely close contest. Officials run the risk of alienating many voters by taking a stand one way or another. In addition, there are multi-millionaire activists from outside our district who contribute hundreds of thousands to support candidates who support their cause, money that no politician will ever see if they speak up for what is right on these referenda. We only have our voices and our votes to counter with. But there are times when you need to take a risk and do what is right.
Advance300 supports these efforts and encourages any interested citizens to attend as is their right. However, we want to emphasize that it is our position that all such efforts should be done with the utmost respect and decorum. Do not go to disrupt a meeting. Go to have your voices heard and votes seen and let them know that we will remember who takes a stand and who does not. But do it in a respectful way at the appropriate time! Do not stoop to the level of those who promote their cause by stirring up a frenzy of hatred and anger. The politicians will listen to a calm voice when they realize that we will be here long after the outsiders move on to whatever their next target is.
SEE OUR NEW ENDORSEMENTS PAGE!
Many individuals, local businesses, and villages are standing up for the schools in our community. We expect more every day. Advance300 encourages all residents to support all the businesses who have officially endorsed a YES YES vote along with any business that proudly displays signs in their windows that support the referendum. A health community is important to our local businesses and healthy schools are important for a healthy community! Find out how to get your signs and add your business to our endorsement list: www.Advance300Yes.com/endorsements.html
THANKS TO OUR ALUMNI RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVES!
In our last blast, we inadvertently failed to include our alumni representatives on our committee list. Michelle Sibery (Northwestern University), Happy Thakkar (Northwestern University), and Laura Rath (Winona State University) are leading the charge to get the alumni of Hampshire, Dundee-Crown, and Jacobs to put us over the top. For these and other corrections to our list, see: www.Advance300Yes.com/Committee.html
CAN WE HIT 1,000 ALUMS? MAYBE 2,000?
The numbers across the country are growing everyday. You are the unknown voting force in this election and have the power to save your old schools. The opposition really does not like that there are young adults with the power to fight back. Find an alum and recruit them for the cause. WE NEED MORE ALUMNI EMAIL ADDRESSES. If you would like to contact Michelle, Happy, or Laura to volunteer to help, just respond to this email and we will get your message to them.
BUT YOU ONLY HAVE FIVE DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER TO VOTE:
Do not delay any longer. Talk to your friends. Talk to your parents. Or talk to us. Find out what you need to do and do it. Absentee ballots are out and you need to request one immediately or that will not be an option. For more info on registering and voting: http://www.advance300yes.com/vote.html
SIGN THEM UP AND ASK THEM TO VOLUNTEER!
We will need HUNDREDS of volunteers before the election is over, whether canvassing prior to the election or helping with various critical activities on election day. The next email you forward may be the one that convinces that winning voter to vote. So remember to continue to pass these emails along to your friends and neighbors. Ironically, even the erroneous allegations made about our committee funding pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of dollars contributed to opposing political action groups. We only have a grass roots effort by members of our community to take back our schools. Lets show them that we, not money, are the real power of a democracy.
If for some reason you have already volunteered and not heard from somebody, contact us again. We apologize for letting you fall through the cracks. As a volunteer organization, we have at times been overwhelmed by the fantastic response thus far. But we want you to know that we have a great need for every willing body. If this email was forwarded to you, register to receive your own copy (and volunteer to help if you can) at: http://www.advance300yes.com/involve.aspx
Thanks, The Advance300 Committee http://www.advance300yes.com/ Hotline: 847-428-6323
Remember that NO vote is the same as a NO vote! So get registered. For information on registration and voting: http://www.advance300yes.com/vote.html
Finally Made Contact with Aaron Lincoln, 8th Congressional District Republican Candidate
Sure, it was only an email that he sent his entire list and I’d still like to get his answers to the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times questionnaires, but at least I can share his newsletter with you. Here it is:
The yard signs are here! Contact the LincolnforCongress headquarters at 368 W. Liberty St., Wauconda or go to the website www.lincolnforcongress.com for a sign. The signs should go quickly so contact us immediately so you won’t be disappointed.
The 30 second radio spot has been created and we are ready to go. If you are asking “What can I do to Help?” this may be an opportunity for you. A donation of $300 will provide 20 spots. So far, we are scheduled for the local radio stations WXLC, WKRS, WIIL, WLRR and Star 105.5 McHenry.
We are getting some nice attention from the print media. Last week the Editorial Board of the Pioneer Press interviewed Aaron Lincoln to discuss his views on the issues and a discussion of his platform. This week the Daily Herald Editorial Board will be conducting an interview to capture his views on the issues.
Next week Nate Legue, political writer for the Northwest Herald, which covers Lake & McHenry Counties, will do a profile piece on Aaron Lincoln. The website was recently updated and carries a nice profile piece on Aaron Lincoln that was written by Ed Fanselow, a staff writer for the Daily Herald. Check it out www.lincolnforcongress.com. We may not have a lot of money but we have a message worthy of hearing!
This week-end Aaron Lincoln will be in Lake Zurich at the Business Expo. We will have a booth and are always looking for volunteers to hand out flyers, sticker and information on Aaron Lincoln. We will be there on Friday and Saturday. Stop by and say hello.
The forum at Zion High School was so successful that the Political Science Dept. has invited Aaron Lincoln to come back and talk to the students and faculty. We are getting our message out!
Then on February 18th Aaron Lincoln will be attending the Forum for Indepedents and Republicans of Schuamburg Township (F-I-R-S-T) forum. Five of the Six 8th Congressional District Candidates have confirmed they will attend. The forum will be held at the Township District Library at 130 S. Roselle Road with the doors opening at 10:15 a.m. and it should be ending at 12:15p.m.
On Sunday, February 19th Aaron Lincoln and his brothers will be attending the Gun Show at the Lakemoor Banquet Hall on Rte. 120 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
As we “kick it up” to get the best 8th Congressional Candidate into the winner’s seat—Aaron Lincoln—give us a call to see how you can contribute 847-346-9094 or 847-469-8544. We can do it!
Northwest Herald Editor Checks Out McHenry County Blog
A friend of mine emailed me a copy of Northwest Herald Metro News Editor Kevin Lyons’ column on McHenry County Blog. Lyons doesn’t blog…yet.
But he reads some blogs and other internet sources “to get story ideas.” He notes that comments on McHenry County Blog are “rare.” I note that, too, and wish more people would post their reactions, instead of telling me in person. (Posters do have to pick a screen name. I’m tired of reading blogs where you can’t tell one “anon” from another.)
Given the recent appearance of blogs on the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times web sites, my guess is that Northwest Herald bloggers will appear in the near future.
Then folks will be able to express their reactions in more than in once-a-month letters to the editor. The Northwest Herald will have achieved the status of community forum. It will be a welcome step toward more extensive two-way communication.
But he reads some blogs and other internet sources “to get story ideas.” He notes that comments on McHenry County Blog are “rare.” I note that, too, and wish more people would post their reactions, instead of telling me in person. (Posters do have to pick a screen name. I’m tired of reading blogs where you can’t tell one “anon” from another.)
Given the recent appearance of blogs on the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times web sites, my guess is that Northwest Herald bloggers will appear in the near future.
Then folks will be able to express their reactions in more than in once-a-month letters to the editor. The Northwest Herald will have achieved the status of community forum. It will be a welcome step toward more extensive two-way communication.
The Tower of Blago
When I heard Governor Rod Blagojevich’s budget proposal, I thought of the Tower of Babel.
In Biblical times those who thought they were in control of the world built the Tower of Babel.
Man said,
After it is built, Blagojevich wants to run for national office.
While the Biblical tower was constructed of brick, Illinois Democrats are constructing their Tower of Blago out of sugar.
Some of the sugar cubes from this year and before include
The Democrats’ Tower of Blago will melt away, too.
The result will be a sticky mess.
Our money will stick to that mess.
The sticky melted sugar will require tax hikes.
But, that’s what Democrats are all about, isn’t it?
In Biblical times those who thought they were in control of the world built the Tower of Babel.
Man said,
Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves…Let us call the Illinois version the “Tower of Blago.”
After it is built, Blagojevich wants to run for national office.
While the Biblical tower was constructed of brick, Illinois Democrats are constructing their Tower of Blago out of sugar.
Some of the sugar cubes from this year and before include
· universal pre-school for 3 and 4-year oldsThe elements have eroded the Tower of Babel.
· universal health care for all children, whether or not they are legally in Illinois
· selling state assets like the college student loan portfolio
· undelivered flu vaccine
· selling the James R. Thompson Center
· selling the Tollway headquarters
· doubling state debt
· $1,000 tax credits for B college students
· selling the 10th casino license with proceeds to prop up state pension funds
· state subsidy for stem cell research, this time by law, rather than Executive Order
· local state-financed police
· multi-year pension holiday
· fuel-efficient car rebates
· an end of business as usual
The Democrats’ Tower of Blago will melt away, too.
The result will be a sticky mess.
Our money will stick to that mess.
The sticky melted sugar will require tax hikes.
But, that’s what Democrats are all about, isn’t it?
Labels: Impeachment. I am in control, Initiatives, Rod Blagojevich, Tower of Babel, Tower of Blago
8th District Republican Candidates on Taxes – Daily Herald
A story appeared in the Daily Herald about the six GOP congressional candidates’ positions on tax cuts and things fiscal. Thought you might want to read it.
It starts out, “Republican tax fighters, fear not.”
It starts out, “Republican tax fighters, fear not.”
Bob Koehler Column on Melissa Bean’s Potential “Pro-Peace, Pro-Labor” Opponent Bill Scheurer Attacked by “Ballot Bully” Democrats
Monday I ran a piece about liberal columnist Robert Koehler’s pitch for “pro-peace, pro-labor progressive…Bill Scheurer(’s)” 8th congressional district third party candidacy. Koehler's column attracted negative attention from loyalist Democrats since its appearance on the OpEdNews.com.
Would a third party candidate really just be a “spoiler?”
That stimulated the 2000 Nader-supporting columnist to attack the “ballot bullies” in his column this week.
Interesting controversy.
Would a third party candidate really just be a “spoiler?”
That stimulated the 2000 Nader-supporting columnist to attack the “ballot bullies” in his column this week.
Interesting controversy.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Message of the Day – A Tee Shirt
With Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich signing the bill to strip McHenry and Lake Counties of three of five judges the Democrats say were created without the Democrats’ knowledge when they passed a partisan bill to elect judges in districts smaller than either county, somehow this Disney World tee shirt seems appropriate.
Of course, the rules are being changed in the middle of the game, something most children would not tolerate. Candidates have already filed for the offices and were actively campaigning. The uproar from Republicans at the “take back” resulted in a compromise that kept one new judgeship in each of the rapidly growing counties.
Letter from Ron Gidwitz (Click to Enlarge)
In an envelope on a letterhead headed, "Gidwitz-Rauschenberger," comes a letterto my mailbox from "Ron" and "Steve."
They want me to know, as a "Dear GOP Friend," that "the future of Illinois has never looked brighter," that "an opportunity has been laid at our doorstep to not only reclaim the Governor's Mansion but to provide leadership that working class families deserve and that our state desparately needs."
Promising "extraordinary leadership" for "desparate times," the two say it's time "to turn Illinois back into the hands of hardworking citizens and out of the grip of political insiders and dealmakers."
"As we get closer to the March 21st primary, we look forward to talking with you..."
Enclosed were reprints from a January 9th Andy Shaw ABC Channel 7 story on Gidwitz' promise not to raise any campaign cash for his first two years in office and a January 19th article Copley press about Governor Rod Blagojevich's State of the State speech in the Governor blamed Washington for Illinois ills.
Daley Patronage Guys Robert Sorich, et al, Fail in “No One Could Have Guessed” Effort to Wiggle Out of Trial
The “’no one could have guessed’ what we were doing was illegal” defense has fallen flat in the criminal trial of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley patronage chief Robert Sorich and co-defendants Timothy McCarthy, John Sullivan and Patrick Slattery. (Former co-defendant John Katalinic is cooperating with authorities.)
“What the government charges—that public employees who create a complex, clandestine process for rigging purportedly neutral hiring processes in order to benefit themselves and their patrons are depriving their employers of their honest services—is neither the kind of incredible allegation that is bound to ensnare an honest civil servant intent on doing her job nor its prosecution entirely unprecedented in criminal case law even with this Circuit.”
That’s what Judge David H. Coar wrote today in denying dismissal of the case brought by Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
“What the government charges—that public employees who create a complex, clandestine process for rigging purportedly neutral hiring processes in order to benefit themselves and their patrons are depriving their employers of their honest services—is neither the kind of incredible allegation that is bound to ensnare an honest civil servant intent on doing her job nor its prosecution entirely unprecedented in criminal case law even with this Circuit.”
That’s what Judge David H. Coar wrote today in denying dismissal of the case brought by Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
To read the rest of the story, click here.
Spontaneous Demonstration at Family Taxpayers Network District 300 Tax Hike Meeting Tonight?
The rumor mill has it there will be a “spontaneous” demonstration tonight before the FTN’s meeting 7 PM tonight at 8 East Main Street in the Otto Engineering Building.
Supposedly teachers who today have received District 300 pink slips will be there to object to anyone being so bold as to think that a tax hike may not be the answer to District 300’s perceived problems.
The irony is that the demonstrators will have to park in Jack Roeser’s parking lot across the street from his building, unless they want to take a pretty long walk.
Oh, well. That’s where the tax hike supporters attending the meeting will park, too.
Supposedly teachers who today have received District 300 pink slips will be there to object to anyone being so bold as to think that a tax hike may not be the answer to District 300’s perceived problems.
The irony is that the demonstrators will have to park in Jack Roeser’s parking lot across the street from his building, unless they want to take a pretty long walk.
Oh, well. That’s where the tax hike supporters attending the meeting will park, too.
Family Taxpayers Network Takes on District 300 Threat to Abolish Sports & Extracurricular Activities (Click to Enlarge)
An 8 by 11 inch post card was mailed to District 300 residents inviting them to three meetings about the upcoming tax hike and bond referendums. The last one is tonight at 7 PM in the Otto Engineering Building at 8 East Main St. in Carpentersville.
Who says just proponents of tax hike can use kids to make their point?
This is the back of the post card where FTN’s reasons for rejecting the District 300 threats are deemed not credible.
Just Monday night, District 300 officials conceded that they have “found” an extra $3 million in expected revenue. Cutting sports and extracurricular activities was supposed to save $1.25 million.
Mike Royko on a Much Younger Cal Skinner
What a hoot it was to find my Skinner4Governor web site archived by the Library of Congress, dancing chicken and all.
There was even the June 1976 column Mike Royko wrote.
What's "a sardonic sense of humor?"
We used a line from the column in my 1992 campaign:
After we faxed him a copy, his reaction was, "Well, I guess I wrote it."
= = = = =
And, here's the column:
There was even the June 1976 column Mike Royko wrote.
What's "a sardonic sense of humor?"
We used a line from the column in my 1992 campaign:
"...an honest young legistor..."At least one primary opponent called Royko to object. He said he didn't remember writing it, I think. And with thousands of columns under his belt, how could anyone expect him to remember this one summer piece.
After we faxed him a copy, his reaction was, "Well, I guess I wrote it."
= = = = =
And, here's the column:
Labels: Cal Skinner, Chicago Daily News, Honest, Mike Royko
Andy Martin Joins Ron Gidwitz in Going Negative on Judy Topinka
Yesterday, I posted the text of Ron Gidwitz' negative Judy Topinka TV commercial. Although I have yet to hear an Andy Martin commercial, but here’s the text of his latest radio commercial, one which criticizes front-runner Judy Topinka:
TOPINKA COMMERCIAL NUMBER ONE
February 14, 2006 - DRAFT #2
I'm Andy Martin, the ONLY Republican candidate for Governor with experience fighting corruption in Illinois.
I helped send crime syndicate hoodlums to prison, fought corrupt Daley Machine construction companies, lit the fuse for Operation Greylord and saw crooked judges sent to jail.
Now I'm running against Judy Topinka in the primary.
Topinka has been part of the culture of corruption in Springfield for over 20 years.
Topinka takes special interest money and she has a campaign slush fund with dirty dollars. Go to StopTopinka.us for the truth about Judy.
I am the only candidate with a proven track record of fighting corruption. If you really care about cleaning up Illinois, whether you're a Republican, Democrat or Independent please vote for Andy Martin on March 21st.
Voice: I'm voting for Andy Martin
Voice: Andy Martin has my vote.
Voice: Andy Martin, there is only one candidate for Illinois governor we can trust.
Paid for by AndyforIllinois.com.
Kathy Salvi Starts TV Advertising Campaign
8th congressional district Republican candidate Kathy Salvi has announced the beginning of her television campaign. As with David McSweeney’s campaign, so far, it will limited to cable TV.
"We’re confident it’s a healthy cable buy,” campaign manger Jason Heffley told McHenry County Blog.
And where will the ad be broadcast?
“Fox News, CNN and CNN Headline News, MSNBC, ESPN, HDTV, TBS, TNT,” Heffley said. “Pretty much all the major cable stations.”
The campaign press release is below:
"We’re confident it’s a healthy cable buy,” campaign manger Jason Heffley told McHenry County Blog.
And where will the ad be broadcast?
“Fox News, CNN and CNN Headline News, MSNBC, ESPN, HDTV, TBS, TNT,” Heffley said. “Pretty much all the major cable stations.”
The campaign press release is below:
Kathy Salvi, candidate for Illinois' 8th Congressional District, has launched her first television ad in her bid to win the Republican nomination. The Republican primary is March 21.
"I am thankful for the outpouring of support from contributors which has allowed me to put my message on television. My message of lower taxes and less spending should resonate well with voters of the 8th District who deserve to have more control over their economic future."
"With less than five weeks to go until the primary, my commercial adds to the momentum of my campaign. I look forward to riding that momentum through the Republican primary and on to victory in November against Congresswoman Melissa Bean."
My ad can be found on my website, www.kathysalvi2006.com
Kathy Salvi is an attorney who lives in Mundelein with her husband, Al, and their six children. She will focus on issues important to the families of Illinois' 8th District including fighting taxes, controlling spending, traffic gridlock, the war on terror, and upholding conservative values.
Ron Gidwitz Chicago City College Reform Mailing (Click to Enlarge)
In this 8 1/2 by 11 inch post card, Ron Gidwitz has the retired president of Chicago's Harold Washington College tell how his presidency of the city community college system strengthened accountability, improved teacher quality and brought "real reforms to our schools."
For the front of the post card, click here.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Message of the Day – A Quote
Illinois State Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley in Fox Lake at the Grant Township Republican Club Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday night:
The Governor has stolen over $1 billion the last 3½ years from the Road fund…Today, we only have enough money to re-surface. We have a problem in our Road Fund he (Governor Rod Blagojevich) gave us.
Ron Gitwitz Goes Negative Against Judy Topinka in TV Ads
The ad can be viewed at here.
The script is below.
The script is below.
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RECORDS CONFIRM: JUDY BAAR TOPINKA SUPPORTS BIGGER GOVERNMENT.I do wonder why the Gidwitz hasn’t figured out that it more difficult to read all capital letters than upper and lower case print.
AS TREASURER, SHE DOUBLED SPENDING IN HER OFFICE
SPONSORED A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SALES TAX INCREASE.
SHE EVEN SUPPORTED BILLIONS IN NEW DEBT.
MORE SPENDING. MORE TAXES. MORE DEBT.
TOPINKA: MORE OF THE SAME WHEN IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE
RON GIDWITZ'S VISION FOR OUR SCHOOLS:
INNOVATIVE CLASSROOMS. INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY. TRUE REFORM.
LEADERSHIP WE CAN TRUST FOR A CHANGE.
Margaret McSweeney's "A Mother's Heart Knows" 8th District Valentine Day's Present
8th congressional district congressional candidate David McSweeney's campaign mailed his wife Margaret's new photo book widely in McHenry-Lake-Cook County.
"It was written in honor of my mother, who passed away in 2003," Mrs. McSweeney wrote in note with the copy I requested last Saturday night in Fox Lake.
Its cover appears below:
"It was written in honor of my mother, who passed away in 2003," Mrs. McSweeney wrote in note with the copy I requested last Saturday night in Fox Lake.
Its cover appears below:
The Letter in Margaret McSweeny's Tribune to Her Mother
District 300 Capitulates on Low-Balling State Aid Projections by $3.3 Million
Last night, District 300’s adminstration admitted it was wrong in grossly underestimating State Aid to Education for next year. (Those weren’t the exact words.)
A person at the meeting said the state aid glass is now $3.3 million fuller ($2.3 from general state aid, plus $1 million more for the charter school). Before, they admitted to 30% of the expected general state aid increase and nothing from charter school subsidies.
As pointed out in McHenry County Blog last Wednesday, there’s enough extra state aid to pay for extracurricular activities and sports.
Funny, that’s about the same figure that Huntley School District 158 Board member Larry Snow said District 300’s projection was short in his talk last week to the Algonquin Rotary Club. At the time, District 300’s finance woman Cheryl Crates admitted her State Aid to Education figure was low.
Snow also criticized District 300’s failure to account for future charter school savings.
Here’s Crate’s comment about that in the Daily Herald today:
A person at the meeting said the state aid glass is now $3.3 million fuller ($2.3 from general state aid, plus $1 million more for the charter school). Before, they admitted to 30% of the expected general state aid increase and nothing from charter school subsidies.
As pointed out in McHenry County Blog last Wednesday, there’s enough extra state aid to pay for extracurricular activities and sports.
Funny, that’s about the same figure that Huntley School District 158 Board member Larry Snow said District 300’s projection was short in his talk last week to the Algonquin Rotary Club. At the time, District 300’s finance woman Cheryl Crates admitted her State Aid to Education figure was low.
Snow also criticized District 300’s failure to account for future charter school savings.
Here’s Crate’s comment about that in the Daily Herald today:
For the sake of being chastised for not including it, we’ve included it at this time.But the district hasn’t decided to tell the whole truth on this issue yet, as can be seen by the last two paragraphs of the Daily Herald article by Jeffrey Gaunt:
But district officials said they can’t yet predict how many fewer teachers the district would need if the charter school is operating by the fall.Perhaps addition transparency would be in order. If District can predict how many more teachers will be needed if there are more students, why can’t it predict how many fewer teachers will be needed if there are fewer students?
By adding the charter school in projections, the district’s financial situation is made to appear worse than if the school doesn’t open.
District 300 Centex Development Featured in Tax Hike Pitch
Missed this (Elgin) Daily Courier-News article about how hiking property taxes in District 300 is good for property values.
Some question about that, but no question that hiking District 300 taxes to build more schools is good for the bottom line of homebuilders. Why else would they make $5,000 and $10,000 contributions to school tax hike committees?
The article features Carpentersville’s Silverstone Lake, a Centex subdivision. The cheapest model is $127,815.
Centex reports its “home building operating margin was 16.8%” in the quarter ended December 31, 2005.
$126, 815 times a profit margin of 16.8% would mean a profit of almost $21,500. So, a $5,000 campaign contribution would be just a drop out of the old profit bucket…the flow to which would diminish, if new homeowners can’t find a suitable school for their children.
Centex contributed $5,000 to District 300’s tax hike committees in 2000. You can find the Centex contributions to school tax hike committees here.
Chicago Tribune Posts Reader Responses on Corruption Causes & Solutions
Take a look at the reader responses to the Chicago Tribune Editorial Page’s request for readers to contribute ideas about why Illinois is so corrupt and what can be done about it by clicking here.
Skip Legenza of Johnsburg has a short letter printed today, but I can't find it on the internet.
And, for pure fun, take a look at the internet version of a two-page spread in Sunday’s Perspective Section. Those with quite a sense of humor have created the Game of Clout. It is so much more colorful here than on newsprint.
Skip Legenza of Johnsburg has a short letter printed today, but I can't find it on the internet.
And, for pure fun, take a look at the internet version of a two-page spread in Sunday’s Perspective Section. Those with quite a sense of humor have created the Game of Clout. It is so much more colorful here than on newsprint.
Jack Franks Creates New Political Action Committee; “Citizens” Gone, “Supporters” Appear
State Rep. Jack Franks had “Citizens” contributing to him. Now, the “Citizens” are gone, having been replaced by “Supporters.”
Franks closed shop on his “Citizens” campaign committee, transferring the over $20,000 left to “Supporters.”
The old “Citizens” campaign fund had Marengo’s Robert Tirk as its chairman.
The new “Supporters” committee has Elgin’s Thomas D McTavish.
Each are operated out of the same Woodstock post office box and have Harvard’s Margaret K Kirkpatrick as Treasurer.
The “Citizens” committee was recently fined $860 for notifying the State Board of Elections of large contributions later than state law required. The State Board staff originally recommended a $8,600 fine.
Perhaps Franks thinks a new committee will start with a fresh record, eliminating the late filing record of his old committee. Fines increase in severity with each successive violation.
Will the Elections Board consider it a new or a successor committee. Only a new violation and subsequent Board action will provide the answer.
Franks closed shop on his “Citizens” campaign committee, transferring the over $20,000 left to “Supporters.”
The old “Citizens” campaign fund had Marengo’s Robert Tirk as its chairman.
The new “Supporters” committee has Elgin’s Thomas D McTavish.
Each are operated out of the same Woodstock post office box and have Harvard’s Margaret K Kirkpatrick as Treasurer.
The “Citizens” committee was recently fined $860 for notifying the State Board of Elections of large contributions later than state law required. The State Board staff originally recommended a $8,600 fine.
Perhaps Franks thinks a new committee will start with a fresh record, eliminating the late filing record of his old committee. Fines increase in severity with each successive violation.
Will the Elections Board consider it a new or a successor committee. Only a new violation and subsequent Board action will provide the answer.
Com Ed Predicts 6-10% Growth in Southeastern McHenry County
Six to ten percent growth is what Commonwealth Edison expects in McHenry County’s southeast quadrant and northeastern Kane County in the next half decade.
The exact words of Com Ed spokesman Jeff Burdick, as reported in the (Elgin) Daily Courier-News:
The exact words of Com Ed spokesman Jeff Burdick, as reported in the (Elgin) Daily Courier-News:
"In this particular area ... we are seeing about 6 percent growth," Burdick said. Growth is expected to be as high as 10 percent by 2009, the project's projected completion date, he added.Electricity will be there, but, the road capacity obviously won’t be.
8th Congressional District Republicans Perform at Lake County GOP Forum
When six candidates get together, how does a reporter get a story?
Read what (Waukegan) News-Sun reporter Ralph Zahorik wrote after a two-hour Lake County Republican Central Committee-sponsored event.
A quote here, a quote there, a summary of abortion positions from other sources.
As usual at such events, a large proportion of the audience was connected to one of the candidates.
I used to consider any candidates’ night a success if more people showed up than candidates, so I guess this 50-person event was a success. The desired result, in any event, is what media coverage results.
No questions were allowed. Even with it abominable question screening process, the League of Women Voters format is better than the one used by the GOP.
Read what (Waukegan) News-Sun reporter Ralph Zahorik wrote after a two-hour Lake County Republican Central Committee-sponsored event.
A quote here, a quote there, a summary of abortion positions from other sources.
As usual at such events, a large proportion of the audience was connected to one of the candidates.
I used to consider any candidates’ night a success if more people showed up than candidates, so I guess this 50-person event was a success. The desired result, in any event, is what media coverage results.
No questions were allowed. Even with it abominable question screening process, the League of Women Voters format is better than the one used by the GOP.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Message of the Day - A Plaque
Designed by Crystal Lake's Burton's Bridge resident Herman H. Schmidt, this plaque of Abraham Lincoln is the original pattern engraved and cast I the 1950’s for a Rockford company. Given to Cal Skinner, Sr., in the summer of 1977.
Mr. Schmidt also made a fold-up tri-pod for my Legislative Listening Post (made out of black PVC.) Mr. Schmidt is deceased.
Labels: Abraham Lincoln, Burton's Bridge, Cal Skinner Sr, Herman H. Schmidt, Legislative Listening Post, Plaque
Low-Balling State Aid to Education
The Northwest Herald has a front page article on District 300’s low-balling of State Aid to Education projections.
District 300 has projected it will get an increase of $50 per pupil, while the State Board of Education has recommended $170. The extra money is more than enough to pay for extracurricular activities and sports, all of which District 300 is threatening to cut if its massive tax hike referendum fails.
Right on top of page 6 is the factual statement by reporter Allison Smith:
That’s ($50) a fraction of the hike the state has given each of the past three years.I commented on District 300’s admission that it had underestimated state aid in a Sunday article.
There are two mildly rational reasons that a school district might want to underestimating state aid to education:
To try to convince voters there is less money that any reasonable person would expect andHere’s the guts of my Sunday argument:
To try to convince teachers’ unions that there is less money available in order to influence salary negotiations.
When Huntley School Board member Larry Snow pointed out the State Board of Education had recommended $170 per pupil, [District 300 finance person Cheryl] Crates admitted that amount was not in the District projections.
Having served in the General Assembly for 16 years and watched it since the late 1960’s, my guess is that the state aid increase will be higher than recommended by the State Board of Education?
Why?
Because giving more to schools than was recommended will make the legislators and governor—running for re-election—look good. After all, most say education is their highest priority and how better to substantial that claim than to provide more money than is expected.
Of course, I don’t think this information will be included in the District 300 referendum projections or in its tax hike committee’s “fair, truthful and accurate” information. The reason given will be because it hasn’t passed yet.
But, as a former Executive Office of the President budget examiner, I would point out, none of the projections of either the District 300 or its tax hike committee has occurred yet. That’s the nature of budget forecasting. You have to guess what the future will bring and hope that your guesses are reasonable.
So far, for state aid, the tax hike advocates’ [or school administration] projections are not reasonable for this year’s state aid to education increase.
Tribune Solicits Corruption Causes & Antidotes
A Sunday Chicago Tribune editorial challenges readers to submit ideas of why public corruption flourishes in Illinois. The editorial follows up on its January 22nd editorial about corruption.
Here are some suggestions--somer big, some small--for making corruption tougher to get away with.
Send any you have to CTC-Response@Tribune.com by 4 PM Monday.
Some ideas for making Illinois corruption more difficult:
Here are some suggestions--somer big, some small--for making corruption tougher to get away with.
Send any you have to CTC-Response@Tribune.com by 4 PM Monday.
Some ideas for making Illinois corruption more difficult:
· Making public time sheets for legislative employees.For the rest of the story, click here.
Who Wants to Raise Your Taxes? District 300 Tax Hike Committee Admits Hiring Professionals; Cheryl Meyer Identified as "Campaign Solutions"
Ah…Openness in campaigning.
How refreshing.
Secrecy must have become a liability in the effort to hike District 300 taxes.
Folks have been wondering who “Campaign Solutions” was. It is listed as having received thousands of dollars from the District 300 tax hike committee, but the only identification was a post office box in Algonquin…unless it is related to the Alexandria, Virginia, consulting firm of the same name hired by DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom.
The campaign disclosure reports of the tax hike committee report Campaign Solutions was paid the following:
· $1,785 on 12/4/5Folks knew there was someone valuable to the tax hikers with an Algonquin post office box, but didn’t know who was worth over $6,000 during the month of December. The entity’s name is not listed on the Secretary of State’s data base as a corporation or a Limited Liability Corporation.
· $1,350 on 12/16/5
· $1,275 on 12/19/5
· $1,320 on 12/24/5
· $1,020 on 12/30/5
With the open letter from Advance300 (the name of the newest iteration of the District 300 tax hike committee) co-chair Nancy Zettler, we know the money went to Lake in the Hills resident Cheryl Meyer. Zettler says
Ms. Meyer specializes in grassroots campaigns and has over 7 years experience in political and referendum campaigns.Oh, yes, they have hired a mail house from Seattle called Winning Mark, so expect a blizzard of expensive fancy and colorful mailings.
All this expensive “professional” help will augment what Zettler says are over 700 people who have signed up to help convince people to raise their school taxes, who “either live or work in District 300.” She even admits some are “educators.”
So, who is Cheryl Meyer?
A photograph of Meyer from a video played at Huntley High School promoting one of the referendums endorsed by B.E.S.T. can be found here at Harvard-based tax fighters Jim and Cathy Peschke and their CRAFT (Citizens for Reasonable and Fair Taxes) group. CRAFT's also has a blog.
The Northwest Herald reported 11/17/4
Referendum campaign leader Cheryl Meyer urged school board members not to rest after voters approved a tax increase Nov. 2 for the district to open new schools and hire teachers.On 5/17/5 the Daily Herald identified Meyer as
chairwoman of Building Exceptional Schools Together.That’s the group which pushed through the 55-cent tax hike in Huntley, using, as citizen and future school board member Larry Snow revealed, false information about how much the referendum would cost homeowners.
And, I found a couple of Chicago Tribune articles with her name attached as reporter.
Probably of more than passing significance, is the fact that Meyer’s Huntley school tax hike committee financed its campaign with donations from developers and school vendors…just like the District 300 tax hike committees have done since 2000.
Read the companion article on Zettler's open letter here.
Labels: B.E.S.T., BEST, BEST Committee, Campaign Solutions, Cheryl Meyer, District 300, Huntley School District 158, Larry Snow, Nancy Zettler
Syndicated Tribune Columnist Bob Koehler Labels McSweeney “Likely Challenger”
On OpEdNews.com, (slogan: “Tough Liberal News”), Chicago Tribune Media Services syndicated columnist Robert Koehler, who has the web site CommonWonders describes 8th congressional district Republican candidate David McSweeney as the “likely Republican challenger” against first term incumbent Democrat Melissa Bean.
Also last week, the Seattle Times, running a story from the Washington Post, says McSweeney “seems like GOP front-runner.”
Columnist Koehler decries the lack of difference the two have on the Iraq war, while pitching the candidacy of potential third party challenger Bill Scheurer.
He wirtes that Scheurer is attempting to get on the ballot on the Bring Our Troops Home party. After the primary, he has 90 days to gather 14,000 signatures, but is seeking 25,000.
Should Scheurer get on the ballot, it would almost certainly result in Bean’s defeat by the Republican nominee.
Scheurer, who is said to be quite an innovative person by someone who loaned him money in an unsuccessful business venture, has a web site at winwithbill.com.
Also last week, the Seattle Times, running a story from the Washington Post, says McSweeney “seems like GOP front-runner.”
Columnist Koehler decries the lack of difference the two have on the Iraq war, while pitching the candidacy of potential third party challenger Bill Scheurer.
He wirtes that Scheurer is attempting to get on the ballot on the Bring Our Troops Home party. After the primary, he has 90 days to gather 14,000 signatures, but is seeking 25,000.
Should Scheurer get on the ballot, it would almost certainly result in Bean’s defeat by the Republican nominee.
Scheurer, who is said to be quite an innovative person by someone who loaned him money in an unsuccessful business venture, has a web site at winwithbill.com.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Message of the Day – A Shopping Bag
The movie “End of the Spear” is being advertised on bags distributed by Hobby Lobby. The movie about Christian missionaries in the Amazon jungle has grossed almost $10 million, as of last weekend. Critics polled by Yahoo Movies rated it C-, while 3665 viewers gave it a B+.
District 300 Tax Hike Committee Head Nancy Zettler Takes Aim at Algonquin Republican Precinct Committeeman John Ryan
Asked about his opinion by a constituent--because he was the Republican Precinct Committeeman--Algonquin’s John Ryan sent a reply by email that has gotten legs beyond my and CRAFT’s post.
Now there is an “open letter” of attack posted by Nancy Zettler on the Advance300—the newest name of the District 300 tax hike committee--web site. Zettler is listed as the committee chairman on the State Board of Elections web site.
Zettler intimates that Ryan is incapable of acting on his own, instead is acting “on behalf of a small group of individuals from outside of our District who want nothing more than to defeat our referenda.”
But, regardless, his analysis must be a threat because Zettler has written her “open letter” attacking him.
Zettler is a lawyer and says that Ryan called her “a liar.” Not only that, but Ryan “personally attacked me and my colleagues on Advance 300.”
Pretty strong language for a political disagreement.
She says her group only puts out “fair, truthful and accurate information.”
I wonder if that information has been revised upward since last Wednesday when District 300’s finance person admitted that only an additional $50 per pupil had been forecast in state aid to education.
Somehow, I doubt it.
When Huntley School Board member Larry Snow pointed out the State Board of Education had recommended $170 per pupil, Crates admitted that amount was not in the District projections.
Having served in the General Assembly for 16 years and watched it since the late 1960’s, my guess is that the state aid increase will be higher than recommended by the State Board of Education?
Why?
Because giving more to schools than was recommended will make the legislators and governor—running for re-election—look good. After all, most say education is their highest priority and how better to substantial that claim than to provide more money than is expected.
Of course, I don’t think this information will be included in the District 300 referendum projections or in its tax hike committee’s “fair, truthful and accurate” information. The reason given will be because it hasn’t passed yet.
But, as a former Executive Office of the President budget examiner, I would point out, none of the projections of either the District 300 or its tax hike committee has occurred yet. That’s the nature of budget forecasting. You have to guess what the future will bring and hope that your guesses are reasonable.
So far, for state aid, the tax hike advocates’ projections are not reasonable for this year’s state aid to education increase.
That certainly allows people to question whether its information is “fair, truthful and accurate,” doesn’t it?
Now there is an “open letter” of attack posted by Nancy Zettler on the Advance300—the newest name of the District 300 tax hike committee--web site. Zettler is listed as the committee chairman on the State Board of Elections web site.
Zettler intimates that Ryan is incapable of acting on his own, instead is acting “on behalf of a small group of individuals from outside of our District who want nothing more than to defeat our referenda.”
But, regardless, his analysis must be a threat because Zettler has written her “open letter” attacking him.
Zettler is a lawyer and says that Ryan called her “a liar.” Not only that, but Ryan “personally attacked me and my colleagues on Advance 300.”
Pretty strong language for a political disagreement.
She says her group only puts out “fair, truthful and accurate information.”
I wonder if that information has been revised upward since last Wednesday when District 300’s finance person admitted that only an additional $50 per pupil had been forecast in state aid to education.
Somehow, I doubt it.
When Huntley School Board member Larry Snow pointed out the State Board of Education had recommended $170 per pupil, Crates admitted that amount was not in the District projections.
Having served in the General Assembly for 16 years and watched it since the late 1960’s, my guess is that the state aid increase will be higher than recommended by the State Board of Education?
Why?
Because giving more to schools than was recommended will make the legislators and governor—running for re-election—look good. After all, most say education is their highest priority and how better to substantial that claim than to provide more money than is expected.
Of course, I don’t think this information will be included in the District 300 referendum projections or in its tax hike committee’s “fair, truthful and accurate” information. The reason given will be because it hasn’t passed yet.
But, as a former Executive Office of the President budget examiner, I would point out, none of the projections of either the District 300 or its tax hike committee has occurred yet. That’s the nature of budget forecasting. You have to guess what the future will bring and hope that your guesses are reasonable.
So far, for state aid, the tax hike advocates’ projections are not reasonable for this year’s state aid to education increase.
That certainly allows people to question whether its information is “fair, truthful and accurate,” doesn’t it?
Labels: Advance 300, District 300, John Ryan, Nancy Zettler
Judy Topinka Campaigns in Fox Lake; Gaggle of 8th Congressional District Candidates
Earlier tonight my wife and I attended the Grant Township Republican Club’s Lincoln Day dinner in Fox Lake.
As Judy Topinka was making table rounds, I noticed she looks quite attractive and softer in person than she does on TV.
She is certainly the best campaigner of those running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Which of the guys could get away with kissing you?
And, where were they?
Staffers for the other candidates were present, but grass roots Republicans like to see the real thing.
Also attending were all the congressional candidates in the 8th congressional district.
One, Kathy Salvi, was clearly quite disturbed at the misrepresentation of her position on tort reform (see Question # 1 on her blog) that appeared in the Daily Herald.
Bob Churchill said that he was campaigning door-to-door in Woodstock today. A couple of weeks ago he was in McHenry doing the same thing.
I met Jim Mitchell for the first time. He promised to send me not only his Tribune questionnaire for posting, but also his answers to Sun-Times questions.
David McSweeney’s wife Margaret promised to mail me a copy of the book that was widely distributed to potential constituents earlier this week and Dave said I should call campaign manager Jim Thacker about obtaining his Tribune questionnaire answers. (I sent Jim an email about that tonight.)
Ken Arnold told me that he was having computer problems. More on that later, perhaps.
I tried to make contact with the only candidate I have not met, Aaron Lincoln, but failed. I’d like to post his newspaper questionnaire replies as well.
Doug Whitley gave the self-described “red meat” address, consistently returning to the theme of Illinois’ needing a new CEO.
“My state government should not be for sale,” was one of his strongest statements.
Another:
Whitley was Governor Jim Edgar’s Revenue Department Director who shepherded property tax caps to passage and is heads the State Chamber of Commerce after six years of being in charge of Ameritech Illinois.
He stressed that job creation had to be the primary task of the next governor.
“Jobs in Illinois have basically been stagnant for a dozen years,” he observed.
As Judy Topinka was making table rounds, I noticed she looks quite attractive and softer in person than she does on TV.
She is certainly the best campaigner of those running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Which of the guys could get away with kissing you?
And, where were they?
Staffers for the other candidates were present, but grass roots Republicans like to see the real thing.
Also attending were all the congressional candidates in the 8th congressional district.
One, Kathy Salvi, was clearly quite disturbed at the misrepresentation of her position on tort reform (see Question # 1 on her blog) that appeared in the Daily Herald.
Bob Churchill said that he was campaigning door-to-door in Woodstock today. A couple of weeks ago he was in McHenry doing the same thing.
I met Jim Mitchell for the first time. He promised to send me not only his Tribune questionnaire for posting, but also his answers to Sun-Times questions.
David McSweeney’s wife Margaret promised to mail me a copy of the book that was widely distributed to potential constituents earlier this week and Dave said I should call campaign manager Jim Thacker about obtaining his Tribune questionnaire answers. (I sent Jim an email about that tonight.)
Ken Arnold told me that he was having computer problems. More on that later, perhaps.
I tried to make contact with the only candidate I have not met, Aaron Lincoln, but failed. I’d like to post his newspaper questionnaire replies as well.
Doug Whitley gave the self-described “red meat” address, consistently returning to the theme of Illinois’ needing a new CEO.
“My state government should not be for sale,” was one of his strongest statements.
Another:
Some people run for office to do something.I can see the paint blistering.
Other people run for public office to be someone.
Whitley was Governor Jim Edgar’s Revenue Department Director who shepherded property tax caps to passage and is heads the State Chamber of Commerce after six years of being in charge of Ameritech Illinois.
He stressed that job creation had to be the primary task of the next governor.
“Jobs in Illinois have basically been stagnant for a dozen years,” he observed.
Kathy Salvi Answers Chicago Tribune Question 8 – Priorities
One of the Republican candidates for the 8th congressional district nomination, Kathy Salvi, answers the Chicago Tribune’s final question—one about her priorities.
8 - Please tell us your priorities for the state and nation.
My answer:
My priorities on the national level will be to support our troops and the President in the War on Terror. I will support efforts to put our fiscal house in shape. That means I will join in the growing chorus of Republicans and Democrats who want to reduce federal spending. We will trim out a lot of the unnecessary programs, implement real reform and focus on what needs to be done. I want to tackle improving transportation in the Chicagoland area.
“Gridlock” is not a family value! I am talking about gridlock on our roads as well as gridlock in Washington. We need civility. We need to clear the roads of the partisan ways that have slowed reform. I would seek to improve the availability of adoptions and support the culture of life. I will support the family in America, the common sense, decent values of the people I hope to represent. I will not be afraid to support reforms, including some of those put forth by the Republican Study Committee and Mike Pence (R-IN), as well as the other reforms discussed in the previous answers. I will not sit on the backbench, instead I will be a leader on these issues. This is why I am the GOP candidate best suited to defeat Melissa Bean and represent this congressional district.
Ken Arnold’s answer can be found here and Bob Churchill’s here. The other candidates have been requested to provide their answers to the Tribune questionnaire, but have thus far failed to do so.
8 - Please tell us your priorities for the state and nation.
My answer:
My priorities on the national level will be to support our troops and the President in the War on Terror. I will support efforts to put our fiscal house in shape. That means I will join in the growing chorus of Republicans and Democrats who want to reduce federal spending. We will trim out a lot of the unnecessary programs, implement real reform and focus on what needs to be done. I want to tackle improving transportation in the Chicagoland area.
“Gridlock” is not a family value! I am talking about gridlock on our roads as well as gridlock in Washington. We need civility. We need to clear the roads of the partisan ways that have slowed reform. I would seek to improve the availability of adoptions and support the culture of life. I will support the family in America, the common sense, decent values of the people I hope to represent. I will not be afraid to support reforms, including some of those put forth by the Republican Study Committee and Mike Pence (R-IN), as well as the other reforms discussed in the previous answers. I will not sit on the backbench, instead I will be a leader on these issues. This is why I am the GOP candidate best suited to defeat Melissa Bean and represent this congressional district.
Ken Arnold’s answer can be found here and Bob Churchill’s here. The other candidates have been requested to provide their answers to the Tribune questionnaire, but have thus far failed to do so.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Message of the Day – Advice
From Springfield’s State Journal-Register columnist Bernie Schoenburg’s Thursday column:
Covering the current governor might well justify a new saying:Read the whole column for the examples Schoenburg has gathered.Before you believe what Gov. Rod Blagojevich says, remember, it could be make-believe.Oh, and his budget address is next week. Can't wait to hear the numbers.
District 300 Says Newsletter Pitch for Referendum Not an Ad
Take a look at this page of the February District 300 newsletter again.
Does it look like a pitch for the upcoming referendums? (Click to enlarge the page.)
Because it is printed on blue paper like the rest of the ads and the full-page pitch for ads, I asked Darlene Johnson, Media Communications person for District 300, if the page was an ad.
She wondered why I would think that, so I pointed solicitation for ads at the bottom of the page. A similar full-page pitch comes three pages later.
Her answer:
It’s part of the newsletter.Then, I asked if she considered this advocacy of the referendum, suggesting that it might violate the Election Interference Act, which prohibits the expenditure of public money in support of a referendum.
Her reply:
I consider it information.Certainly, it is information.
But, consider the language in the recommendation from the “Community Finance Committee:”
“…the committee determined that a $0.55 tax rate increase to the Education Fund was necessary in March, 2006.”That’s the committee’s conclusion.
Let’s see. How does one get a 55-cent tax rate increase without passing the referendum?Here are some of the arguments advanced for support of the referendum:
· Decrease the negative fund balance…Then, under “Recommendations of Community Building Committee,”
· Maintain the 2002 staffing ratio (which is asserted above “should be standard for the district”)
· Assure a quality education…
· Add 408 teaching positions to reduce class size and address future growth
· And, here is “Why the above is needed?” (Someone tell me why there is a question mark after that statement. If it were a question, it would be phrased, “Why is the above needed?”)
· The district student population is projected to grow…7,500 students in the next five years. Additional teachers need to be added…
· District 300 ranks 48 out of 54 students in Pupil to Teacher elementary Level Ratio
· Additional local revenues are needed to support this addition and create this standard
· The tax cap has eroded the Education Fund rate…, even though the voter approved rate is $2.70 [.19 cents higher]
· The cumulative loss to the district in tax cap dollars is $34,379,986; compare this to the cumulate deficit of $27 million
· The Sears Complex TIF means that the district receives approximately 1/10 of the taxes from this property
· The State…funds less than 37% of the operating costs…
· There is an economic value in smaller class size to increase learning
Taxpayer is asked to maintain $0.51 for the Bond and Interest rate in order for the District to secure $185,000,000 for capital projects in March, 2006. This committee recommends this issue for a March 2006 referendum. It would not require a tax increase.Quite apart from the inaccurate statement that suggesting that more taxes would not be required if an addition $185 million is borrowed (Try borrowing an additional $185,000 on your house with having to repay more total dollars than before!), District 300 cannot obtain the $185 million in bond unless a referendum passes.
And, finally, the need question—this time—in the form of a question:
Why the above is needed?The answer is the projected student population growth of 7,200…just in case you missed it the first time around.And “The Cost:”No increase to the taxpayer.How can anyone say that with a straight face?
Anyone think that this page would lead anyone to vote any way but “Yes?”
Labels: $185 Million Bond Issue, 55-Cent Tax Hike, Darlene Johnson, District 300, School Newsletter, Tax Hike
Kathy Salvi Answers Chicago Tribune Question 7 – Iraq
Here is 8th congressional district Republican candidate Kathy Salvi’s answer to the Chicago Tribune’s question on Iraq.
7 - Did the U.S. make the right decision to go to war in Iraq? Please give us your thoughts on the future political and military role of the U.S. in Iraq and the Middle East.
My Answer:
We made the right decision to go to war to remove Saddam Hussein and bring democracy to Iraq. We made mistakes in the process, as in every war.
Before, Saddam, an enemy of the U.S. who killed more than a million people during his reign of terror, defied U.N. resolutions, the armistice agreement he signed after the first Gulf War, and posed a real threat, post-9/11, to the U.S. Now, Iraq (and Afghanistan) are fledgling democracies in the Middle East.
The answer is not to cut and run. That would lead to disaster.
Right now terrorists are on the defense. They are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and they are hiding, using crude communications, in places ranging from Lebanon to Indonesia. Their increasingly desperate and sickening attacks do not change that global fact. Leaving Iraq in shambles would merely allow the terrorists to move on to topple other Arab nations and strike at the U.S. and our allies.
We must not only continue to support our new friends in the Middle East, we also must remember our old friend, Israel. I want to take a more active role in mediating peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.
I pray for the health of Ariel Sharon. He was right to disengage from the Gaza Strip.
We must cajole our friends like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt to continue their reforms toward a more pluralistic society.
The situation in Iran is far more dangerous, with its new President and its nuclear ambitions. Hopefully, the US can back our European allies in convincing the Iranians that there is a better solution. Fifty years of U.S.-Iranian history really limit our options, so this is a great example of how the U.S. can work in a multi-national format to achieve a peaceful solution. Ironically, the U.S. actually plays an important role in these talks-- as the “bad cop.” My greatest hope is that the Europeans will soon be proud of the fruits of their peaceful negotiations, which can only occur with the presence of a less amiable America waiting in the wings.
Clearly, tensions are high in the Middle East and many Arabs are distrustful when a non-Muslim nation has large military forces in the region. The history of British and French colonialism and a strong anti-West indoctrination are deep sores in the hearts of some in the Middle-East. So, as Iraq stabilizes and finds its own path toward its own democratic future and can defend itself, the world will see an amazing thing. U.S. troops coming home and leaving Sunnis, Shiite and Kurds in charge of their own future. When that day comes, I believe it can awaken the Arab world from its current deep distrust of the U.S. and the West.
Unfortunately, that moment won't come quickly. But we are moving in that direction.
For Ken Arnold’s views on Iraq, click here.
Bob Churchill’s answer to the question can be found here.
The other congressional candidates have not yet replied to my request for their answers to the Tribune poll questions.
7 - Did the U.S. make the right decision to go to war in Iraq? Please give us your thoughts on the future political and military role of the U.S. in Iraq and the Middle East.
My Answer:
We made the right decision to go to war to remove Saddam Hussein and bring democracy to Iraq. We made mistakes in the process, as in every war.
Before, Saddam, an enemy of the U.S. who killed more than a million people during his reign of terror, defied U.N. resolutions, the armistice agreement he signed after the first Gulf War, and posed a real threat, post-9/11, to the U.S. Now, Iraq (and Afghanistan) are fledgling democracies in the Middle East.
The answer is not to cut and run. That would lead to disaster.
Right now terrorists are on the defense. They are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and they are hiding, using crude communications, in places ranging from Lebanon to Indonesia. Their increasingly desperate and sickening attacks do not change that global fact. Leaving Iraq in shambles would merely allow the terrorists to move on to topple other Arab nations and strike at the U.S. and our allies.
We must not only continue to support our new friends in the Middle East, we also must remember our old friend, Israel. I want to take a more active role in mediating peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.
I pray for the health of Ariel Sharon. He was right to disengage from the Gaza Strip.
We must cajole our friends like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt to continue their reforms toward a more pluralistic society.
The situation in Iran is far more dangerous, with its new President and its nuclear ambitions. Hopefully, the US can back our European allies in convincing the Iranians that there is a better solution. Fifty years of U.S.-Iranian history really limit our options, so this is a great example of how the U.S. can work in a multi-national format to achieve a peaceful solution. Ironically, the U.S. actually plays an important role in these talks-- as the “bad cop.” My greatest hope is that the Europeans will soon be proud of the fruits of their peaceful negotiations, which can only occur with the presence of a less amiable America waiting in the wings.
Clearly, tensions are high in the Middle East and many Arabs are distrustful when a non-Muslim nation has large military forces in the region. The history of British and French colonialism and a strong anti-West indoctrination are deep sores in the hearts of some in the Middle-East. So, as Iraq stabilizes and finds its own path toward its own democratic future and can defend itself, the world will see an amazing thing. U.S. troops coming home and leaving Sunnis, Shiite and Kurds in charge of their own future. When that day comes, I believe it can awaken the Arab world from its current deep distrust of the U.S. and the West.
Unfortunately, that moment won't come quickly. But we are moving in that direction.
For Ken Arnold’s views on Iraq, click here.
Bob Churchill’s answer to the question can be found here.
The other congressional candidates have not yet replied to my request for their answers to the Tribune poll questions.
District 300 Teachers’ Union Files Campaign Disclosure Forms Late
The name of the teachers’ political action committee is Lead 300-IPACE NEA/IEA.
In its February 6th semi-annual filing with the State Board of Elections, it reported having $8,128.12 in the bank.
The person sending the forms in late pretty much had to be its chairman and treasurer, Kolleen Hanetho, giving an address of 2230 Point Blvd., Suite 400 in Elgin, IL 60123.
Campaign funds like this one have been known to have tens of thousands of dollars of contributions pumped into them by the Illinois
That’s the same address is used for the Elgin Teachers Association.
And, the same address as the Illinois Education Association’s regional office.
In its February 6th semi-annual filing with the State Board of Elections, it reported having $8,128.12 in the bank.
The person sending the forms in late pretty much had to be its chairman and treasurer, Kolleen Hanetho, giving an address of 2230 Point Blvd., Suite 400 in Elgin, IL 60123.
Campaign funds like this one have been known to have tens of thousands of dollars of contributions pumped into them by the Illinois
That’s the same address is used for the Elgin Teachers Association.
And, the same address as the Illinois Education Association’s regional office.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Message of the Day - Graffiti
"Village officials endorse District 300 Referendums"or something like that was the headline.
They don’t call them all “tax" districts for nothing.
"All those tax districts sticking together." That’s what I thought when I read that still another village board in District 300 had endorsed its tax hike referendums.
Then, today, I found this web site on Tribune columnist Eric Zorn’s blog
It can be found posted of February 8th.
Why did those words on the wall pop into my head?
Who Wants to Raise Your Taxes? Homebuilders Contribute Less Than the Profit on One House Trying To Raise Your School Taxes
Sometime between now and a couple of days after the March 21st primary election, school tax hike advocate committees will report multi-thousand dollar contributions from homebuilders.
$5,000, $10,000 and even $25,000 contributions from developers sound like a lot of money, don't they?
Especially if you're a homeowner who can't afford a tax hike.
McHenry County Blog looked at all Carpentersville School District 300 homebuilders’ contributions to school districts throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
Now, let’s take the next step.
Developer contributions in multiples of $5,000 are a big deal in local politics, but they represent less than a fraction of the profit on one home for the builders whose profit margins could be found.
A lot less.
Let’s take the lowest profit margin that I was able to find—9.8%--the nationwide average profit margin.
According to the November 13, 2005, Los Angeles Daily News,
So, it certainly is reasonable to conclude that builders making $5,000 and $10,000 contributions in the coming school referendum campaigns will be donating less than the profit on a single home.
To read how much District 300 developers make on each housing unit, click here.
$5,000, $10,000 and even $25,000 contributions from developers sound like a lot of money, don't they?
Especially if you're a homeowner who can't afford a tax hike.
McHenry County Blog looked at all Carpentersville School District 300 homebuilders’ contributions to school districts throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
Now, let’s take the next step.
Developer contributions in multiples of $5,000 are a big deal in local politics, but they represent less than a fraction of the profit on one home for the builders whose profit margins could be found.
A lot less.
Let’s take the lowest profit margin that I was able to find—9.8%--the nationwide average profit margin.
According to the November 13, 2005, Los Angeles Daily News,
The average profit margin on a new house dropped to 9.8% last year from 12% in 2002, according to an NAHB survey of the 10 largest builders in the country’s 50 leading metropolitan markets.To be able to afford to give $5,000 to a school tax hike committee a builder would have to sell a home for $51,020. There is nothing as cheap as that for sale in Carpentersville District 300 or Woodstock District 200.
So, it certainly is reasonable to conclude that builders making $5,000 and $10,000 contributions in the coming school referendum campaigns will be donating less than the profit on a single home.
To read how much District 300 developers make on each housing unit, click here.
Woodstock District 200 Tax Hike Committee Amends Organization Statement
Maybe the folks pushing for the Woodstock school referendum read McHenry County Blog. On February 10th, I noted that Citizens for District 200 had filed a notice of organization with the State Board of Elections, but that the Board’s web site did not show it supporting any proposition.
On Feb. 8th an amendment was filed and now, when one looks, here is what is seen:
It was the second amendment in two days.
Expect lots of money to pour in form homebuilders who know home sales will slow if local taxpayers don’t pay to build schools for the new students who will move to Woodstock to live in their houses.
To get an idea what to expect, take a look at this article about contributions made by homebuilders to Carpentersville District 300 tax hike committees sine 2000. Some of the same builders are in the Woodstock school district and can be expected to contribute similar amounts, if polling shows the referendum in trouble.
On Feb. 8th an amendment was filed and now, when one looks, here is what is seen:
Proposition: Bond issue to build three schoolsAnd, now they are doing business as "Citizens for District 200 Schools."
Type: Tax
Govt Unit: Woodstock School District
Govt Type: School District
It was the second amendment in two days.
Expect lots of money to pour in form homebuilders who know home sales will slow if local taxpayers don’t pay to build schools for the new students who will move to Woodstock to live in their houses.
To get an idea what to expect, take a look at this article about contributions made by homebuilders to Carpentersville District 300 tax hike committees sine 2000. Some of the same builders are in the Woodstock school district and can be expected to contribute similar amounts, if polling shows the referendum in trouble.
Tom Roeser on the Tribune Poll
February 9th, veteran political observer Tom Roeser put fingers to keyboard and wrote a critique of the Chicago Tribune poll that showed Judy Topinka leading Jim Oberweis by 38-17%.
He relates the unreliability of the poll, mentioning how it predicted that Bob Justra would beat Al Salvi in 1996's U.S. Senate primary. I commend it to your attention.
He relates the unreliability of the poll, mentioning how it predicted that Bob Justra would beat Al Salvi in 1996's U.S. Senate primary. I commend it to your attention.
As Predicted, Andy Martin Gets Chicago Tribune’s Negative Spotlight
At least Andy Martin’s picture got on the front page of the Metro section of the Chicago Tribune in its almost 1200 word Friday story.
The Tribune spotlights negative comments he has made about Jews, his fights with various judicial forums and sometimes subsequent jailing for contempt of court, as well as highlighting his various runs for public office in Illinois and Florida over the decades.
I have to admit that I had not heard the anti-Semitic comments the Tribune dug up.
The Tribune article gives not a hint that Martin may have been assisting a competing newspaper during coverage of the biggest Illinois Supreme Court scandal of my lifetime, which he says he did.
Strange that the Tribune would give him so much space, yet refuse to put his name on its recent poll.
The Tribune spotlights negative comments he has made about Jews, his fights with various judicial forums and sometimes subsequent jailing for contempt of court, as well as highlighting his various runs for public office in Illinois and Florida over the decades.
I have to admit that I had not heard the anti-Semitic comments the Tribune dug up.
The Tribune article gives not a hint that Martin may have been assisting a competing newspaper during coverage of the biggest Illinois Supreme Court scandal of my lifetime, which he says he did.
Strange that the Tribune would give him so much space, yet refuse to put his name on its recent poll.
Kathy Salvi Answers Chicago Tribune Question 6 - Social Security & Medicaid
Kathy Salvi, 8th congressional district Republican candidate provides her answer to the Chicago Tribune questionnaire on Social Security and Medicare:
6. How would you revise Social Security and Medicare to protect their solvency?
My priority is to protect the people who currently receive or are about to receive benefits under Medicare and Social Security.
But we also need long-term reform, because while the near future of these programs are safe, the long term looks bleak. It is a simple matter of math. Step one should be to expand the ability of people to save for retirement. We are moving from a time when 35 workers supported each Social Security recipient to a time when fewer than 3 will. Raising taxes to fund this system, of course, will fail. Reform is imperative.
Therefore, I support a voluntary system whereby a worker can chose to (a) stay in the present system, or (b) put up to 5% of their FICA (Social security) funds into an IRA- style real pension program (with real returns, compounded, and safe from government’s hands).
Medicare, while better-off financially than Social Security, faces the same math. Again, tax increases are not the answer-- in fact, tax increases would hurt the very economy that feeds the Medicare system. While I don’t have a specific answer to the long term issue of Medicare, I remain open minded and supportive of reforms.
Robert Churchill's answer is here. Ken Arnold's is here.
Questionnaire answers have been requested from the other GOP candidates, but have not been supplied to McHenry County Blog.
6. How would you revise Social Security and Medicare to protect their solvency?
My priority is to protect the people who currently receive or are about to receive benefits under Medicare and Social Security.
But we also need long-term reform, because while the near future of these programs are safe, the long term looks bleak. It is a simple matter of math. Step one should be to expand the ability of people to save for retirement. We are moving from a time when 35 workers supported each Social Security recipient to a time when fewer than 3 will. Raising taxes to fund this system, of course, will fail. Reform is imperative.
Therefore, I support a voluntary system whereby a worker can chose to (a) stay in the present system, or (b) put up to 5% of their FICA (Social security) funds into an IRA- style real pension program (with real returns, compounded, and safe from government’s hands).
Medicare, while better-off financially than Social Security, faces the same math. Again, tax increases are not the answer-- in fact, tax increases would hurt the very economy that feeds the Medicare system. While I don’t have a specific answer to the long term issue of Medicare, I remain open minded and supportive of reforms.
Robert Churchill's answer is here. Ken Arnold's is here.
Questionnaire answers have been requested from the other GOP candidates, but have not been supplied to McHenry County Blog.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Message of the Day – Letter to the Editor
The lead letter to the Chicago Tribune today is from former State Rep. Jim Nowlan. He was Governor Richard Ogilvie’s choice for Lieutenant Governor in 1972, when Ogilvie lost, and now a professor at the University of Illinois. Here are some of his chilling observations:
Unfortunately corruption is still deeply rooted in the culture of Chicago and Illinois, as the Tribune notes (in its maximum length editorial on corruption). For example, in my courses in American politics at the University of Illinois in Urbana, I conduct a classroom survey, as follows:Your older brother has been charged with a serious DUI, which would cost him his driver’s license. He absolutely needs a car for his new job; his young wife is home pregnant with their first child. Brother’s lawyer has insider connections and confides he can get the DUI charge dismissed—but it will cost an extra $1,000. Should brother pay the money, or turn down the proposal?Keep in mind that these students are seniors in political science, and nearly all of them plan to go to law school.
Consistently two out of three (in one class it was 21 out of 24!) said they would advise their brother to “go for it.”
Reformers in Illinois versus the political culture are like cork guns against Abrams tanks.
Ron Gidwitz TV Ad Script
The ad script is below:
You can view the ad here.
IT'S THE TEAM FOR CHANGEI wonder why all the letters are capitals. They are much harder to read than upper and lower case print.
FOR GOVERNOR, RON GIDWITZ, PROVEN TAX FIGHTER, JOB CREATOR, EDUCATION REFORMER.
FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, STEVE RAUSCHENBERGER, SENATOR, BUDGET EXPERT.
THEIR PLAN:
STRONG ETHICS LAWS THAT ROOT OUT CORRUPTION AND BAN PAY TO PLAY.
BALANCE THE BUDGET - STOP THE PENSION RAIDS AND PUT TAXPAYERS FIRST.
BETTER SCHOOLS WITH REFORMS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION.
GIDWITZ - RAUSCHENBERGER - EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP WE CAN TRUST... FOR A CHANGE.
You can view the ad here.
Ron Gidwitz Putting on the Gloves; Using Judy Topinka as Punching Bag
Just got the following via email from the Ron Gidwitz campaign:
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:Topinka's Political Insider Friends: The Gift that Keeps on GivingCHICAGO, ILLINIOIS... Do you ever get the feeling that some politicians in Illinois just don't get it?
How long will it take politicians to figure out where the lines need to be drawn?
And that brings us to our reoccurring adventure with State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, who was engaging in pay-to-play politics at the statewide level when the dream of being Governor was but a glint in the eye of Rod Blagojevich.
On Monday, the Chicago Sun-Times brought an old classic out of the closet thanks to a recent campaign contribution from an old Springfield comrade of Topinka's.
Wrote the Sun-Times (2/6/06),"...state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka accepted $11,000 from a firm owned by an investor in a clout-heavy luxury hotel that she once offered to bail out from a decades-old, unpaid state loan…Stephen Cullinan was among 85 investors in the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center built a few blocks from the state Capitol by GOP power broker William Cellini in the early 1980s." http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-topinka06.html)Now we test who's been paying attention, what's the current balance owed to Illinois taxpayers from the unpaid tab of Topinka's buddies?
$27.5 million and growing.
How many prison guards could we hire with that money, Ms. Topinka?
Oh, by the way, lest you think Ms. Topinka or her friends have learned any lessons or have any feelings of remorse over the hotel fiasco (for taxpayers), Cullinan's Peoria-based health care services firm has received $43.9 million in state contracts so far this year, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
It's nice to have friends in politics in Illinois.
-Joe Calomino, Gidwitz for Governor - Campaign Manager
Labels: Bill Cellini, Judy Baar Topinka, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Ron Gidwitz, Stephen Cullinan
Marriage Petitioners to Be at St. Thomas Catholic Church This Saturday & Sunday
Petitions asking for an advisory referendum to protect marriage in Illinois will be circulated at St. Thomas Catholic Church on route 176 in Crystal Lake this weekend.
“To destroy --or even to diminish further -- the traditional definition of marriage would jeopardize civilization,” said organizer Irene Napier. “Our children are our future and their most basic need -- fathers and mothers -- are our highest priority.”
The Illinois Family Institute, is trying to bring pressure on the General Assembly to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, such as the one that passed in 2004 in Ohio.
While the members privately express support for doing that, legislative leaders will not allow a vote.
Irene Napier is heading up petition gathering efforts at her church and seeks volunteers to assist on Saturday night at 4:15 and 5:15, before and after mass. There are 8-10 doors, making the church quite easy to escape in case of a fire, but meaning more people are need to maximize signature gathering.
On Sunday, assistance is requested in the morning at 6:15, 9:45, 10:15, 11:15, 11:45 and 12:45. and Sunday evening at 6:15 and 6:45.
If you would like to assist in gathering signatures, but cannot help out at St. Thomas, you can download a 7-signature petition here, get it completed and mail it in yourself.
Or call Napier at 815-459-3849 or email her at inapier@sbcglobal.net.
“To destroy --or even to diminish further -- the traditional definition of marriage would jeopardize civilization,” said organizer Irene Napier. “Our children are our future and their most basic need -- fathers and mothers -- are our highest priority.”
The Illinois Family Institute, is trying to bring pressure on the General Assembly to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, such as the one that passed in 2004 in Ohio.
While the members privately express support for doing that, legislative leaders will not allow a vote.
Irene Napier is heading up petition gathering efforts at her church and seeks volunteers to assist on Saturday night at 4:15 and 5:15, before and after mass. There are 8-10 doors, making the church quite easy to escape in case of a fire, but meaning more people are need to maximize signature gathering.
On Sunday, assistance is requested in the morning at 6:15, 9:45, 10:15, 11:15, 11:45 and 12:45. and Sunday evening at 6:15 and 6:45.
If you would like to assist in gathering signatures, but cannot help out at St. Thomas, you can download a 7-signature petition here, get it completed and mail it in yourself.
Or call Napier at 815-459-3849 or email her at inapier@sbcglobal.net.
Pioneer Press Article Focuses On 8th District Money
Pioneeer Press reporter Cristel Mohrman has written an article about the 8th congressional district race that focuses on money.
Her conclusion:
Her conclusion:
When it comes to financing 8th Congressional campaigns, the Republican primary candidates who received and spent the most money in 2005 did so largely out of their own pocketbooks.This is a comprehensive article that is worth reading.
Furry and Fuzzy Things Lottery
Does it depress anyone but me that good causes seem more and more drawn to gambling to finance their pet causes?
And, speaking of pet causes, the latest idea is a scratch-off lottery with the proceeds going to endangered species, humane education and cats and dogs. House Bill 4363 is now on the House, sponsored by Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville). The bill, or course, will pass and Governor Rod Blagojevich will sign it at a pet shelter.
I passed the Non-Game Wildlife Check-Off bill my last term in the General Assembly during the 1970’s, only to see Governor Jim Thompson veto it, so my criticism is not intended as a slap at the entities that would receive the money. (The next term, State Rep. Virginia Macdonald of Arlington Heights got Thompson to sign it.)
But, won’t these lottery tickets be attractive to children? Do we really want kids to think that success is dependent on luck, instead of hard work?
Another Scratch-Off Lottery Idea
Here’s another lottery idea.
How about a scratch-off lottery based on state elected officials?
Put the pictures of state legislators, statewide elected officials, Supreme and Appellate court judges on lottery tickets.
Players could have a love-hate relationship with their politicians.
Take out your dissatisfaction by scratching their face off a ticket and get satisfaction, if you win.
The proceeds could go to hire more lawyers in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
How about a scratch-off lottery based on state elected officials?
Put the pictures of state legislators, statewide elected officials, Supreme and Appellate court judges on lottery tickets.
Players could have a love-hate relationship with their politicians.
Take out your dissatisfaction by scratching their face off a ticket and get satisfaction, if you win.
The proceeds could go to hire more lawyers in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Will the Newspapers Endorse District 300 Referendums?
Here’s my prediction:
Newspapers listen to big advertisers.
The message to publishers from homebuilders will be,
The Northwest Herald's article on the meeting does not have a homebuilder ad next to it.
Yes to the bond referendum; probably on the rate increase.Here’s why:
Homebuilders advertise.Newspapers are businesses and advertisers complain when a newspaper does something they don’t like.
Newspapers listen to big advertisers.
The message to publishers from homebuilders will be,
We won’t be able to sell homes, if prospective home buyers don’t have a school to put their kids in. We will advertise less if the bond referendum does not pass.Take a look at what is next to the Daily Herald online edition article on a District 300 opposition meeting sponsored by the Family Taxpayers Network last night. Right next to the article is an ad for Grand Pointe Meadows in West Dundee.
The Northwest Herald's article on the meeting does not have a homebuilder ad next to it.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Message of the Day - A Button
This is my favorite button. It was developed by the Illinois Jaycees in the late 1960's or early 1970's. What a message.
Is a Chicago Tribune Smear Job on Andy Martin in the Offing?
The Chicago Tribune hit job on Chirinjeev Kathuria was published on October 12, 2003. Kathuria was the first candidate of Indian heritage to run for statewide office.
Did it offend the liberal Tribune that a rich member of a minority group ran as a Republican?
The hatchet job, by Rick Pearson, was the first any Tribune readers had heard about Kathuria. There was no previous puff piece announcing his candidacy where readers could learn of the doctor’s claimed accomplishments. Oh, there was some information about those in the hit piece, but the thrust of the article was Kathuria was a charlatan.
Now, it looks as if Andy Martin is going to get the same treatment.
Today, Martin got a one-page, single spaced list of questions reprising pretty much every bad thing he has ever been accused of. The letter requested replies by “the end of today.”
The Tribune thinks so little of Martin that it refused to put his name on the poll it just published. I don’t know about you, but with the name “Andy Martin,” he might get a significant number of votes just because his name sounds good.
Martin, formerly known as Martin-Trigona, is either a reformer who began his effort while at the University of Illinois or is a charlatan.
Although he graduated from law school, the Illinois Supreme Court denied him a law license.
Was this because he helped bring down two crooked Illinois Supreme Court justices, as he says? Or was it for some other reason?
Anyone who has been involved or even watched Illinois politics knows that university history teachers’ admonitions not to believe in a conspiratorial theory of history is nonsensical advice when applied to anything political in Illinois.
I certainly believe that a shaken and chastised Illinois Supreme Court could have retaliated against a law school graduate whom it thought brought the Supreme Court into well-deserved disrepute.
Did it offend the liberal Tribune that a rich member of a minority group ran as a Republican?
The hatchet job, by Rick Pearson, was the first any Tribune readers had heard about Kathuria. There was no previous puff piece announcing his candidacy where readers could learn of the doctor’s claimed accomplishments. Oh, there was some information about those in the hit piece, but the thrust of the article was Kathuria was a charlatan.
Now, it looks as if Andy Martin is going to get the same treatment.
Today, Martin got a one-page, single spaced list of questions reprising pretty much every bad thing he has ever been accused of. The letter requested replies by “the end of today.”
The Tribune thinks so little of Martin that it refused to put his name on the poll it just published. I don’t know about you, but with the name “Andy Martin,” he might get a significant number of votes just because his name sounds good.
Martin, formerly known as Martin-Trigona, is either a reformer who began his effort while at the University of Illinois or is a charlatan.
Although he graduated from law school, the Illinois Supreme Court denied him a law license.
Was this because he helped bring down two crooked Illinois Supreme Court justices, as he says? Or was it for some other reason?
Anyone who has been involved or even watched Illinois politics knows that university history teachers’ admonitions not to believe in a conspiratorial theory of history is nonsensical advice when applied to anything political in Illinois.
I certainly believe that a shaken and chastised Illinois Supreme Court could have retaliated against a law school graduate whom it thought brought the Supreme Court into well-deserved disrepute.
Will the Next District 300 Newsletter Have Ad(s) for the March Referendums
Will the next Carpentersville District 300 newsletter have an ad about the referendums?
That’s the question that has been posed to District 300 Media Relations person Darlene Johnson. Apparently, someone wants to advertise.
In the middle of the District 300 “ District News” is a section in which advertisements are accepted.
There are ads for a drugless alternative to ADD, Sylvan Learning Centers, Trapani Orthodontics, the Dance Force Studio, the Bank of America, Judson College, Foresite Wireless Internet, Cartridge World, attorney John Noverini, the Regional Sports Center and Caribou Coffee.
The three-month cost for this 42,000-circulation publication is
There is no provision for one-time ads.
When I asked about limitations on content, the answer was
The referendum is March 21st.
That’s the question that has been posed to District 300 Media Relations person Darlene Johnson. Apparently, someone wants to advertise.
In the middle of the District 300 “ District News” is a section in which advertisements are accepted.
There are ads for a drugless alternative to ADD, Sylvan Learning Centers, Trapani Orthodontics, the Dance Force Studio, the Bank of America, Judson College, Foresite Wireless Internet, Cartridge World, attorney John Noverini, the Regional Sports Center and Caribou Coffee.
The three-month cost for this 42,000-circulation publication is
$999 for an eighth page adDave Rogers of Creekside Printing, the advertising contact person listed in the newsletter, told me that the same ad has to run three months.
$1,950 for a quarter page
$3,825 for a half page
$7,350 for a full page
There is no provision for one-time ads.
When I asked about limitations on content, the answer was
That’s up to the school district. They are not accepting ads for liquor.Asked about whether ads could be placed concerning the upcoming referendum, Rogers replied,
I don’t know yet. I am waiting to talk to Darlene Johnson (who is in charge of District 300’s media relations).The March newsletter will come out at the end of February and has a submission deadline of February 10th.
The referendum is March 21st.
$2 Million in Ignored District 300 State Aid More Than Enough to Pay for $1.25 Million in Cuts Threatened to Sports and Extracurricular Activities
At the Algonquin Rotary Club this morning, Huntley District 158 school board member Larry Snow presented an alternative viewpoint to that offered by District 300’s Dr. Cheryl Crates the week before.
Snow concentrated on revenues omitted from the Carpentersville District 300 budget projections previously outlined by Crates and posted on the district web site. He didn't even look at the spending side of the budget.
There will be a longer article later, complete with Snow’s 56 slides, but new money popped up during the rebuttal time Crates was offered:
Under questioning by Rotary Club member Gene Brown about whether she rejected “all of the data Larry has presented," Crates replied
The school board has threatened to cut extracurricular activities and sports to save $1.25 million.
Let’s see.
Is $2 million larger than $1.25 million?
Snow concentrated on revenues omitted from the Carpentersville District 300 budget projections previously outlined by Crates and posted on the district web site. He didn't even look at the spending side of the budget.
There will be a longer article later, complete with Snow’s 56 slides, but new money popped up during the rebuttal time Crates was offered:
$2 million in state aid to education.Snow had pointed out that District 300 estimated state aid to increase only $50 per pupil, while this year’s increase had been $200 per child. That ignored as much $2.5 million in new revenue next year, Snow said. See slide 22 on the low state aid estimate, slide 23 on how much 1% to 4% increases would yield and slide 24 on the amount of new money the State Board of Education recommended state aid increase would bring District 300—over $2 million.
Under questioning by Rotary Club member Gene Brown about whether she rejected “all of the data Larry has presented," Crates replied
I’m always interested in people’s opinion. The only thing that’s not in there is state aid (at) $170 (per pupil).That’s the over $2 million underestimated revenue Snow pointed out.
The school board has threatened to cut extracurricular activities and sports to save $1.25 million.
Let’s see.
Is $2 million larger than $1.25 million?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Message of the Day – A Bumper Sticker
Seen in Villa Park on St. Charles Road on a Honda Hatchback:
It’s not God that I mind.
It’s his fan club I can’t stand.
Gidwitz-Blagojevich Poll Results Even Up
Rasmussen Reports says that a 500 person poll shows Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron Gidwitz tied at 40% with incumbent Democratic Party Governor Rod Blagojevich.
How’s that for a surprise?
The survey research firm reports that Judy Topinka is leading the governor 48% to 39%.
The third match-up reported is for Jim Oberweis versus Blagojevich: 39% to 43%.
Commentary on the poll is
How’s that for a surprise?
The survey research firm reports that Judy Topinka is leading the governor 48% to 39%.
The third match-up reported is for Jim Oberweis versus Blagojevich: 39% to 43%.
Commentary on the poll is
None of the candidates are viewed favorably by 50% or more of Illinois voters. Blagojevich and Topinka have far higher name recognition than the other candidates.
Topinka is viewed favorably by 46% of voters and unfavorably by 30%. For Blagojevich, it's 40% favorable and 49% unfavorable. For Gidwitz and Oberweis, a plurality don't know enough about them to have an opinion.
Labels: Jim Oberweis, Judy Baar Topinka, Rod Blagojevich, Ron Gidwitz
Is John Stroger Ashamed of His Name?
Just saw a TV ad for Cook County Board President John Stroger’s re-election campaign. It first featured “Cook County Hospital.”
That’s right, Stroger did not call it by the new name he gave it:
That’s right, Stroger did not call it by the new name he gave it:
Stroger Cook County Hospital.
Jack O’Malley Testifies in George Ryan Trial
McHenry County resident Jack O’Malley testified as a defense witness in George Ryan’s corruption trial Monday.
His testimony contradicted that of his former assistant Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Quinn’s testimony that Ryan sworn at the two prior to a press conference after the two had suggested ways of stopping corruption in the Secretary of State’s office.
O’Malley is now an appellate court judge who lives in Spring Grove with his wife, who is a pediatrician.
His testimony contradicted that of his former assistant Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney Patrick Quinn’s testimony that Ryan sworn at the two prior to a press conference after the two had suggested ways of stopping corruption in the Secretary of State’s office.
O’Malley is now an appellate court judge who lives in Spring Grove with his wife, who is a pediatrician.
Daily Herald Mea Cupa?
Right after last year’s school referendums, the Daily Herald published a massive analysis of how the tax cap was being evaded by school districts throughout its circulation area.
I sent a couple of editors rather critical emails pointing out that the research had to have been finished before the elections. In their replies, they admitted I was correct, but one said that the paper wanted to give the school districts the benefit of the doubt (or something like that).
Not so this year.
Now, a month and a half before numerous referendums will be voted upon, the Daily Herald’s crack education reporters Emily Krone and Jeffrey Gaunt have come up with a devastating new analysis of school district financial perfidy.
This time the subject is bonds and featured are capital appreciation bonds for which taxpayers pay interest on interest, similar to credit cards that are not paid off each month.
As one article puts it,
because only the loan amount — not the premium, not the interest — is counted under voter authorization, the district can still borrow more — without seeking voter approval.What’s the short solution?
The Daily Herald prints sample ballots for Colorado and Illinois, which I have reproduced below:
Colorado ballot:
Shall Suburban High School District 1 increase its debt $20 million, with a repayment cost of $26 million? And shall district taxes be increased $1.30 million annually for the purpose of building and equipping three new elementary schools; and renovating, repairing and adding to John Doe Middle School and Jane Doe High School? Such debt bearing a net effective interest rate not to exceed 5.40 percent?Illinois ballot:
Shall Suburban High School District 1 issue bonds in the amount of $20 million to build and equip school buildings; and renovate, repair and alter existing school buildings?The research took an enormous amount of time. I know, because I did similar research on all the tax districts in the six county area after House Speaker Lee Daniels and Senate President Pate Philip pushed through legislation in 1995 to allow all tax districts to reissue non-referendum bonds to the extent they were repaying them in 1994. (In other words, whatever interest and principal were being repaid in 1994 would forever be allowed to be repaid, without any approval by the voters. If a district were making a payment of $100,000 in 1994, for example, that would mean it could borrow about $1 million without referendum approval.)
When I stopped keeping track in about 2000, about $1 billion in bonds had been borrowed that could have not been under the original tax cap…without voter approval. Note that amount is larger than what is being exposed in this story.
Oh, yes, this bond bill-- Local Government Debt Reform Act--was also passed in 1995 under Republicans Daniels and Philip. (Historical reference: as I remember it, a Legislative Research Unit study of DuPage County bonds in the 1990’s found over 90% were non-referendum. Think non-referendum water and airport bonds, along with the non-referendum school and park district borrowing. I’m told that county’s taxing practices were the motivation the tax cap.)
The Daily Herald has published summary articles, regional stories on individual atrocities at
· Carpentersville District 300,an editorial and charts comparing all the school taxing district studied:
· Hawthorn School District 73,
· Valley View Community School District 365U,
· Vernon Hills-based Hawthorn School District 73,
· Grayslake Elementary District 46 and Grayslake High School District 127,
· Cook County BondsThe last article Tuesday harkens back to the Daily Herald’s refusal to publish it tax cap evasion findings prior to last year’s referendums. It allows the tax districts to blame legislators. What a disappointing way to end an explosive expose!
· DuPage County Bonds
· Fox Valley Bonds
· Lake County Bonds.
Apparently no taxpayer advocates could be found (or, at least, were allowed to comment in the article) to counterbalance the Pinocchio prevaricating educational bureaucrats and school board members whose line is basically, “the devil made me do it.”
The best way to find all of the stories is to type in the reporters’ names--Jeffrey Gaunt and Emily Krone—in the Daily Herald search engine, but even that brings up duplications. Remember the Daily Herald hides its stories after a week, so if you want to capture the content for future reference, you’ll have a lot of highlighting and pasting. And, you’ll have to print off the charts to capture their data.
Labels: Ballot Language, Daily Herald, Emily Krone, Evasion, Jeff Gaunt, Loans, Property Tax Cap, School Districts Borrowing, Tax Cap, Tax Hike, Tax Hike Referendum
Former State Senator Kay Wojcik Cashes Out Her Campaign Fund
I see that the Daily Herald has a story about former State Senator Kay Wojcik having cashed out her campaign fund. You could have read about it on McHenry County Blog on January 31st.
David McSweeney Mails on Health
The mailing is about paying for health care, but the headline reads, “A healthy step towards a better economy,” giving a mixed message. He combines the two, saying, “…improving health care for individuals and businesses is one step towards improving our economy.”
Below is probably what McSweeney put in his Chicago Tribune questionnaire on the topic, but, so far, we haven’t gotten a copy.
After reading what McSweeney has to say about health care, compare it with Ken Arnold’s, Robert Churchill’s and Kathy Salvi’s positions.
On the address side, there is also a little graph supposedly showing rising support for McSweeney, but there is no scale or indication of the measurement used. Good gimmick, though.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Message of the Day - A Tee Shirt
Sitting behind this lady at the Zion-Benton High School pool two Saturdays ago, I couldn't figure out what her tee shirt message meant. After I took this photography, I asked her what it meant.
"It's the name of a country and western band," she answered.
Comparison of District 300 Salary & Enrollment Increases (Click to Enlarge)
Below is another graphic provided by a taxpayer advocate. Look at how much various Carpentersville 300 indices have increased from 1998 to 2005.
District 300 Does End Run Around Taxpayers
Tenacious Daily Herald reporters Jeffrey Gaunt and Emily Krone delivered some more bad news to District 300 today.
As part of an immense investigation of school district bonds, the two discovered that District 300 had taken the tax eaters’ approach (my terminology), instead of deciding what would be best for the taxpayers.
It goes back to the 2000 $88 million bond issue. To tightly paraphrase the Daily Herald story, http://www.dailyherald.com/include/graphicdisplay.asp?g=nofreelunch.jpg&dow=2 the school board decided to pay super high interest rates in return for $13 million more than the $88 million approved by the voters.
Why ask the voters when one can get the money without doing so?
What do Illinois Campaign Reformers Want?
The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, headed by Cindy Canary (with the help of David Morrison), who was featured story on the front page of the Chicago Tribune a while ago, has a legislative questionnaire.
Let’s take a look at what these reformers want. Here’s the group's cover letter and questionnaire.
They want reapportionment where the fix isn’t in for incumbents or one party. They want limits on campaign contributions, which, I think would just increase the power of the Left Stream Media.
For the whole list and my take on what the consequences of their winning are, click here.
Let’s take a look at what these reformers want. Here’s the group's cover letter and questionnaire.
They want reapportionment where the fix isn’t in for incumbents or one party. They want limits on campaign contributions, which, I think would just increase the power of the Left Stream Media.
For the whole list and my take on what the consequences of their winning are, click here.
Ken Arnold Answers Chicago Tribune Question 8 - Priorities
Here is how 8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold answered the Chicago Tribune's final question on his national and local priorities.
8. Please tell us your priorities for the state and nation.
First, as a Constitutionalist and Conservative, my role as a Federal officer is strictly LIMITED when it comes to matters of the respective States. I will not look toward the Federal government to further intrude in matters the States should either regulate or have the most say in.
Having said the above: ALL of my five platform issues - as well as others found upon my “Issues Flier” attached - positively impact the States and illustrate my priorities. Whether it is healthcare and retirement income plan reform, securing our borders, Fair Trade with foreign nations, or our jobs and the future of economy – all impact our State of Illinois. Perhaps because we have more manufacturing (negatively impacted by the current “free trade concepts”) than many States, one can even argue that some of my issues are more relevant to Illinois than many other States of our Union.
Perhaps one State area that I would get involved in (but only indirectly and subtly given the rightful constraints of our U.S. Constitution), is in the area of Education. This area is NOT the strict purview of the Federal government. It’s a responsibility of the States and local government. However: The Federal government CAN act in a very limited role as “clearinghouse” and “coordinator” between all of the States.
The Federal government can be in the above role by instituting the following education initiatives. Each State could VOLUNTARILY choose to be involved in or adopt such initiatives:
Both of the above initiatives are national security oriented for potential evacuations as is a third initiative I would hope to launch - when federal budgets allow: The building of the Quad State National Defense Causeway across Lake Michigan. [Please see the attached white paper for details of this creative idea of mine that I have well researched already.]
CONCLUSION:
I am proud of the creative, detailed concepts that I have suggested in all of the above. I stand ready to answer ANY questions that your editorial Board may have on these or other issues. I also offer to personally appear before your Editorial Board – in Chicago or Vernon Hills – to answer any additional questions you may have. I highly value your endorsement, Gentlemen! And I look forward to you reinforcing with the public that I am not only a “different sort of politician” who bases himself on substance and not form -- but will creatively and energetically apply himself in the highest traditions of public service.
Thank you for your kind considerations.
8. Please tell us your priorities for the state and nation.
First, as a Constitutionalist and Conservative, my role as a Federal officer is strictly LIMITED when it comes to matters of the respective States. I will not look toward the Federal government to further intrude in matters the States should either regulate or have the most say in.
Having said the above: ALL of my five platform issues - as well as others found upon my “Issues Flier” attached - positively impact the States and illustrate my priorities. Whether it is healthcare and retirement income plan reform, securing our borders, Fair Trade with foreign nations, or our jobs and the future of economy – all impact our State of Illinois. Perhaps because we have more manufacturing (negatively impacted by the current “free trade concepts”) than many States, one can even argue that some of my issues are more relevant to Illinois than many other States of our Union.
Perhaps one State area that I would get involved in (but only indirectly and subtly given the rightful constraints of our U.S. Constitution), is in the area of Education. This area is NOT the strict purview of the Federal government. It’s a responsibility of the States and local government. However: The Federal government CAN act in a very limited role as “clearinghouse” and “coordinator” between all of the States.
The Federal government can be in the above role by instituting the following education initiatives. Each State could VOLUNTARILY choose to be involved in or adopt such initiatives:
A) The development of standardized examination tests across the States via commissioning a private sector entity (such as the makers of the SAT examinations) to work with an appointed Federal panel to establish and maintain such examination. It would then ideally become a standard for cross state comparisons for the “Leave No Child Behind” efforts and be a common yardstick for each State to know how they’re doing relative to other States in the educational area.Most locally for the 8th Congressional District, I can think of several road projects that I would use the Federal government to enable. They include: a) The completion of Route 53 into a Tollway via the Federal government guaranteeing the bonds of a Private Tollway Authority (an initiative of my own suggestion); and, b) The fixing of Route 41 by Gurnee to prevent the total cutoff of this Federal highway in times of flooding – like recently happened.
B) The further creation of school choice research. This would involve not only funding of research on the successes (and failures) of such initiatives within respective States, but also the development of various “how to” scenarios that States would – at their own election – adopt as the roadmap to institute school choice within their own State should they so choose.
Both of the above initiatives are national security oriented for potential evacuations as is a third initiative I would hope to launch - when federal budgets allow: The building of the Quad State National Defense Causeway across Lake Michigan. [Please see the attached white paper for details of this creative idea of mine that I have well researched already.]
CONCLUSION:
I am proud of the creative, detailed concepts that I have suggested in all of the above. I stand ready to answer ANY questions that your editorial Board may have on these or other issues. I also offer to personally appear before your Editorial Board – in Chicago or Vernon Hills – to answer any additional questions you may have. I highly value your endorsement, Gentlemen! And I look forward to you reinforcing with the public that I am not only a “different sort of politician” who bases himself on substance and not form -- but will creatively and energetically apply himself in the highest traditions of public service.
Thank you for your kind considerations.
Robert Churchill Answers Chicago Tribune Question 8 - Priorities
The final question on the Chicago Tribune questionnaire is about the candidate's priorities. Here is 8th congressional district Republican Robert Churchill's answer.
8. Please tell us your priorities for the state and nation.
For the nation, we should:
8. Please tell us your priorities for the state and nation.
For the nation, we should:
Cut spending, end wasteful programs, and simplify the tax code.For the 8th Congressional District, we should:
Secure our borders, win the war on terrorism, support our troops.
Implement and enforce ethics legislation at all levels of government.
Keep our promises to the Social Security recipients and our veterans.
Support tort reform, help relieve the pressures on our health care system.
Improve transportation, diminish traffic congestion.
Improve educational opportunities for our residents without increasing property taxes.
Focus on job and economic growth in the area.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Message of the Day - A Tee Shirt
Found being worn by a swim meet timer at Zion-Benton High School. The Zee-Bees beat the McHenry Marlins, but son Steven got two blue ribbons.
Crystal Lake's North Shore on a Very Early and Drizzly February Morning
Taken from the Gate 15 side of the Gate 13 Beach in Lakewood.
Ken Arnold on WLS-AM During Super Bowl
The email from 8th congressional candidate district Republican candidate Ken Arnold says
Although some will be busy watching the Super Bowl, others may wish to tune in to WLS radio this evening (890 AM on the dial). This is the Tom Roeser show where Congressional Candidate Ken Arnold will be appearing.So, if you are not a sports junkie, here’s an alternative use of your time at 8 PM.
Will McHenry County Board Committee Recommendation of Interim County Auditor Pam Palmer Lead to Fight With County Republican Committeemen?
Will it be a fight between the McHenry County Board and the McHenry County Republican Central Committee?
Could be.
When County Auditor Ruth Rooney announced she was retiring as of the end of December, all sorts of folks wanted the appointment. But, because her retirement occurred after the early December election filing date, it set in motion a two-step selection process to fill the vacancy.
Step one was the county board’s appointment of someone to fill the office through the election.
Friday, a seven-member committee was split 3-3 between former Algonquin Township Auditor Chuck Lutzow, an insurance man, and Rooney’s deputy Pam Palmer, a Republican precinct committeeman from Coral Township with a Union address. Lutzow is also a precinct committeeman, from Crystal Lake.
Not only did the recommending panel split 3-3, but it split along gender lines. Palmer got the votes of the three women—Marengo’s Ann Gilman, retiring this year, Crystal Lake’s Lyn Orphal and McHenry’s Sue Draffkorn. Lutzow won support of the guys—Nick Provenzano, Don Brewer and Perry Moy.
The tie was broken in favor of the women by County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, who is also a recent addition to the central committee.
Five people applied for the job—all Republican precinct committeemen.
Getting no votes were CPA and Crystal Lake county board member Marie Chmiel, whose husband Mike is running to retain his appointive judgeship, Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsforth, a Fox River Grove resident, and Algonquin’s Richard Evans, another Certified Public Accountant.
Whether there will be a floor fight over the appointment remains to be seen, but what is for sure is that the McHenry County Republican Central Committee will have the last say.
Step two will occur after the primary when the people elected GOP precinct committeemen will nominate the person to appear on the fall ballot. It is by no means certain that Palmer can muster a majority.
Palmer is not only a relatively recent arrival to the central committee, but Lutzow has been a political operative since before he moved to McHenry County.
Lutzow cut his teeth in Cook County as a village trustee in a northwest suburban municipality, got elected Algonquin Township Trustee after moving to McHenry County and is now working as a field person for gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady. He has been paid $2,700 a month since last spring and has helped other candidates like Patrick O’Malley, too. He also has consulted for Jack Roeser’s Family Taxpayers Network back in 1999.
The rumor mill says that former County Auditor and GOP County Chairman Al Jourdan wanted Palmer appointed, that, in fact, her selection was considered to be a foregone conclusion going into the meeting.
The 3-3 tie was a surprise.
Will the two aspirants mount campaigns to elect people in the precincts where there are no candidates? To learn where those are, click here. Click again to enlarge the print.
The selection will technically be made by a three member committee appointed by the GOP chairman.
Rooney was Jourdan’s chief deputy and got the job with his support when he retired. When he ran for Auditor in 1972, Jourdan was assistant to Don Udstuen, Govenor Richard Ogilvie's partonage chief. Jourdan followed Jack Schaffer when County Auditor Schaffer ran for the state senate after re-apportionment.
Could be.
When County Auditor Ruth Rooney announced she was retiring as of the end of December, all sorts of folks wanted the appointment. But, because her retirement occurred after the early December election filing date, it set in motion a two-step selection process to fill the vacancy.
Step one was the county board’s appointment of someone to fill the office through the election.
Friday, a seven-member committee was split 3-3 between former Algonquin Township Auditor Chuck Lutzow, an insurance man, and Rooney’s deputy Pam Palmer, a Republican precinct committeeman from Coral Township with a Union address. Lutzow is also a precinct committeeman, from Crystal Lake.
Not only did the recommending panel split 3-3, but it split along gender lines. Palmer got the votes of the three women—Marengo’s Ann Gilman, retiring this year, Crystal Lake’s Lyn Orphal and McHenry’s Sue Draffkorn. Lutzow won support of the guys—Nick Provenzano, Don Brewer and Perry Moy.
The tie was broken in favor of the women by County Board Chairman Ken Koehler, who is also a recent addition to the central committee.
Five people applied for the job—all Republican precinct committeemen.
Getting no votes were CPA and Crystal Lake county board member Marie Chmiel, whose husband Mike is running to retain his appointive judgeship, Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsforth, a Fox River Grove resident, and Algonquin’s Richard Evans, another Certified Public Accountant.
Whether there will be a floor fight over the appointment remains to be seen, but what is for sure is that the McHenry County Republican Central Committee will have the last say.
Step two will occur after the primary when the people elected GOP precinct committeemen will nominate the person to appear on the fall ballot. It is by no means certain that Palmer can muster a majority.
Palmer is not only a relatively recent arrival to the central committee, but Lutzow has been a political operative since before he moved to McHenry County.
Lutzow cut his teeth in Cook County as a village trustee in a northwest suburban municipality, got elected Algonquin Township Trustee after moving to McHenry County and is now working as a field person for gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady. He has been paid $2,700 a month since last spring and has helped other candidates like Patrick O’Malley, too. He also has consulted for Jack Roeser’s Family Taxpayers Network back in 1999.
The rumor mill says that former County Auditor and GOP County Chairman Al Jourdan wanted Palmer appointed, that, in fact, her selection was considered to be a foregone conclusion going into the meeting.
The 3-3 tie was a surprise.
Will the two aspirants mount campaigns to elect people in the precincts where there are no candidates? To learn where those are, click here. Click again to enlarge the print.
The selection will technically be made by a three member committee appointed by the GOP chairman.
Rooney was Jourdan’s chief deputy and got the job with his support when he retired. When he ran for Auditor in 1972, Jourdan was assistant to Don Udstuen, Govenor Richard Ogilvie's partonage chief. Jourdan followed Jack Schaffer when County Auditor Schaffer ran for the state senate after re-apportionment.
Labels: Al Jourdan, Ann Gilman, Chuck Lutzow, Don Brewer, Ken Koehler, Lowell Cutsworth, Lyn Orphal, McHenry County Auditor, Nick Provenzano, Pam Palmer, Perry Moy, Rich Evans, Ruth Rooney, Sue Draffkorn
Lobbyist Loophole
Articles in the Chicago Tribune and Elgin Daily Courier-News about State Senator Chris Lauzen’s and State Rep. Pat Lindner’s efforts to help folks in Campton Township do an end-run around Kane County Board roadblocks to incorporating in order to avoid being swallowed by Elgin brought back memories of a similar bill to help Bull Valley become a village.
When I was trying to get a bill passed, it was worded similarly to State Rep. Ann Hughes’ when she helped birth Ringwood. Any area with a certain number of people within “X” number of miles of the Wisconsin state border would have a limited period of time to incorporate, regardless of other requirements like minimum population or tax base adequacy otherwise in state law.
It just so happened that the Harmony area was about the same number of miles from Wisconsin as Bull Valley.
One day Alex Seith came to my office to discuss changing the bill slightly to allow incorporation of the Harmony area near the tollway exit. He said he was representing a homebuilder.
I took him seriously and printed up blue post cards asking folks in the area if they had any interest in incorporation. I may have even put the homebuilder’s name on the post card.
As I remember the follow-up, Seith came in my Springfield office the next week and denied my post card request for feedback was a correct representation of what he had talked about.
Seemed quite odd to me. I know I did not spend the weekend putting out those postcards based on something I dreamed up.
I then started looking at the lobbyist registration records in the Index Division of the Secretary of State’s Office. I could not find Seith registered on behalf of the homebuilder. I think I figured out that lawyers did not have to register, if the entity on behalf of which they were lobbying was a client.
I wonder if the loophole still exists.
When I was trying to get a bill passed, it was worded similarly to State Rep. Ann Hughes’ when she helped birth Ringwood. Any area with a certain number of people within “X” number of miles of the Wisconsin state border would have a limited period of time to incorporate, regardless of other requirements like minimum population or tax base adequacy otherwise in state law.
It just so happened that the Harmony area was about the same number of miles from Wisconsin as Bull Valley.
One day Alex Seith came to my office to discuss changing the bill slightly to allow incorporation of the Harmony area near the tollway exit. He said he was representing a homebuilder.
I took him seriously and printed up blue post cards asking folks in the area if they had any interest in incorporation. I may have even put the homebuilder’s name on the post card.
As I remember the follow-up, Seith came in my Springfield office the next week and denied my post card request for feedback was a correct representation of what he had talked about.
Seemed quite odd to me. I know I did not spend the weekend putting out those postcards based on something I dreamed up.
I then started looking at the lobbyist registration records in the Index Division of the Secretary of State’s Office. I could not find Seith registered on behalf of the homebuilder. I think I figured out that lawyers did not have to register, if the entity on behalf of which they were lobbying was a client.
I wonder if the loophole still exists.
U.S. House Plays Catch-Up; Finally Bans Former Congressmen-Lobbyists from Floor & Gym
It’s hard to believe that the Illinois House could have been ahead of the U.S. House in ethics, but here’s one area where the DC guys just figured it out.
I can’t ever remember when it was considered proper for a former legislator who had crossed over into lobbyist land to be on the House floor when the House was in session. A big fuss was made several times when a lobbyist was found on the floor during debate.
Before. After. That was OK.
Now, the U.S. House has gone into the lead. When they finally banned former congressmen-lobbyists from the House floor and gym, they did so at all times of day.
So, will the Illinois House think about banning lobbyists from the House floor when the House is not meeting?
Maybe, but don’t give large odds.
I can still remember how shocked the lobbyists were when they figured out that Republican Speaker Bob Blair was going to put vulletproof glass up on both sides of the House floor, earning him the nick name "Bullet Proof" Bob. They used to lean over a brass rail and chat with members. Maybe it was innocent, maybe it wasn’t. I was sitting front row center during 1973 before the House re-modeling.
I can’t ever remember when it was considered proper for a former legislator who had crossed over into lobbyist land to be on the House floor when the House was in session. A big fuss was made several times when a lobbyist was found on the floor during debate.
Before. After. That was OK.
Now, the U.S. House has gone into the lead. When they finally banned former congressmen-lobbyists from the House floor and gym, they did so at all times of day.
So, will the Illinois House think about banning lobbyists from the House floor when the House is not meeting?
Maybe, but don’t give large odds.
I can still remember how shocked the lobbyists were when they figured out that Republican Speaker Bob Blair was going to put vulletproof glass up on both sides of the House floor, earning him the nick name "Bullet Proof" Bob. They used to lean over a brass rail and chat with members. Maybe it was innocent, maybe it wasn’t. I was sitting front row center during 1973 before the House re-modeling.
Ken Arnold Answers Question 7 - Iraq
Iraq is the next Chicago Tribune quesiton which 8th congressional district GOP candidate Ken Arnold answers.
7. Did the U.S. make the right decision to go to war in Iraq? Please give us your thoughts on the future political and military role of the U.S. in Iraq and the Middle East.
America made the right decision to go to war in Iraq. Candidate Arnold, speaking before concerned High School Seniors, has been asked this very question. Succinctly, he has posed a question back to them: “If today Saddam Hussein, Abu Abbas (the mastermind of the Achille Laurel terrorist event), and whole groups of terrorists were freely walking around Baghdad today: Would we be MORE safe than we are today?” Obviously the answer is we would not – and that says it all…
As to our continuing involvement, one need only look at history to determine that it will take time to sustain a stable and friendly regime in Iraq. Effectively, it took ten years after WWI for Germany and all of Europe to stabilize. And American troops were still being shot several years after 1945 by Nazi holdovers. Iraq will likely be no different. So we need to keep engaged to the task and, more importantly, let our enemies not even question our resolve to do so!
Politically, we need to continue to support Israel as well as work for democracy in the newly liberated country of Lebanon. Iraq and Israel are the twin, lynchpins of showing all the Middle East that democracy works. And over the next decade, other Middle East countries may start to latch onto that concept versus the culture of “victimhood” and terrorism that grips so much of those areas now.
While Ken Arnold supports the War in Iraq – he is the ONLY candidate (Democrat or Republican) in this race or in all of Congress that condemns the financing of this nation building effort! American taxpayers have paid $82 Billion out TWICE now – in GRANTS! And there’s more to come… If Ken Arnold were the Congressman today, he’d be in the galleries of Congress shouting: “What about long term LOANS!”
It is amazing that no one has uttered such words in Washington! Instead, taxpayers are paying twice: Once in their taxes now…and once at the gas pump for the next 75 years. Iraq is the second riches country in the world! And their wealth was undisturbed by War (i.e. underground oil reserves). This is not post WWII Germany and Japan where their wealth (i.e. their industrial complex) was destroyed. So why are America’s taxpayers paying this burden? Is it not enough that we pay in the blood and broken bodies of our youths? The national attention that this effort consumes? Ken Arnold surely thinks so.
For Iraq (going forward) and for all future nation building activities to come, it is suggested that “The Arnold Doctrine” (if you will) would be firmly established. It would simply specify:
It is these type innovations that are the hallmark of the Arnold campaign for Congress. Common sense – American to the core – and with a bit of creativity and inspiration. Like “The Arnold Doctrine”, there are many other areas where citizens have already said to Ken: “Gee…Why haven’t THEY thought of that before!” Ken Arnold’s commitment to the people of the 8th District is to always think “outside of the box” on such matters. When it comes to government, he believes in thinking smart – not thinking large…
7. Did the U.S. make the right decision to go to war in Iraq? Please give us your thoughts on the future political and military role of the U.S. in Iraq and the Middle East.
America made the right decision to go to war in Iraq. Candidate Arnold, speaking before concerned High School Seniors, has been asked this very question. Succinctly, he has posed a question back to them: “If today Saddam Hussein, Abu Abbas (the mastermind of the Achille Laurel terrorist event), and whole groups of terrorists were freely walking around Baghdad today: Would we be MORE safe than we are today?” Obviously the answer is we would not – and that says it all…
As to our continuing involvement, one need only look at history to determine that it will take time to sustain a stable and friendly regime in Iraq. Effectively, it took ten years after WWI for Germany and all of Europe to stabilize. And American troops were still being shot several years after 1945 by Nazi holdovers. Iraq will likely be no different. So we need to keep engaged to the task and, more importantly, let our enemies not even question our resolve to do so!
Politically, we need to continue to support Israel as well as work for democracy in the newly liberated country of Lebanon. Iraq and Israel are the twin, lynchpins of showing all the Middle East that democracy works. And over the next decade, other Middle East countries may start to latch onto that concept versus the culture of “victimhood” and terrorism that grips so much of those areas now.
While Ken Arnold supports the War in Iraq – he is the ONLY candidate (Democrat or Republican) in this race or in all of Congress that condemns the financing of this nation building effort! American taxpayers have paid $82 Billion out TWICE now – in GRANTS! And there’s more to come… If Ken Arnold were the Congressman today, he’d be in the galleries of Congress shouting: “What about long term LOANS!”
It is amazing that no one has uttered such words in Washington! Instead, taxpayers are paying twice: Once in their taxes now…and once at the gas pump for the next 75 years. Iraq is the second riches country in the world! And their wealth was undisturbed by War (i.e. underground oil reserves). This is not post WWII Germany and Japan where their wealth (i.e. their industrial complex) was destroyed. So why are America’s taxpayers paying this burden? Is it not enough that we pay in the blood and broken bodies of our youths? The national attention that this effort consumes? Ken Arnold surely thinks so.
For Iraq (going forward) and for all future nation building activities to come, it is suggested that “The Arnold Doctrine” (if you will) would be firmly established. It would simply specify:
“Where Nations have the financial wherewithal, it will be they – thru long-term loans – who pay for all such nation building costs.”In Iraq’s case, Ken Arnold proposes that Iraq be given long-term, 75 year loans – not grants. Such loans would be paid off by taking 25% of the net profit revenues from oil sales to the United States and elsewhere and applying it to such loans given. By doing so, Americans will no longer be asked to pay twice. And Iraq cannot complain since not only are we helping them rebuild their country – but we’re willing to give them ample business to repay whatever monies we’ve loaned them!
It is these type innovations that are the hallmark of the Arnold campaign for Congress. Common sense – American to the core – and with a bit of creativity and inspiration. Like “The Arnold Doctrine”, there are many other areas where citizens have already said to Ken: “Gee…Why haven’t THEY thought of that before!” Ken Arnold’s commitment to the people of the 8th District is to always think “outside of the box” on such matters. When it comes to government, he believes in thinking smart – not thinking large…
Robert Churchill Answers Chicago Tribune Question 7 - Iraq
Iraq is the next question that 8th congressional GOP candidate Robert Churchill answers on the Chicago Tribune questionnaire.
7. Did the U.S. make the right decision to go to war in Iraq? Please give us your thoughts on the future political and military role of the U.S. in Iraq and the Middle East.
Obviously I have not seen the intelligence information that was made available to Congress before it voted on supporting the President’s decision to enter Iraq, but since this was not anywhere near a close vote, I think it is unwise to say Congress made a mistake.
The last thing we should do is “cut and run.” We have two choices:
fight the terrorists here on US soil or fight oversees. I prefer the latter alternative. Great progress is being made in Iraq, but it is unfortunate that the American people are not being advised accordingly. Over time we will reduce our military role in Iraq as the Iraqi people are trained to govern their own country.
I believe we went to Iraq four ultimate goals:
Defeat the terrorists.
Train the Iraqi people to fight terrorists and defend themselves.
Assist in the establishment of a constitutional democracy.
Leave Iraq on friendly terms, with Iraq as a long-term ally.
I believe that we have accomplished the first two. The third goal is proceeding well, and, hopefully, we accomplish the fourth in the near future.
The Mid-East will continue to be troublesome for many years. We need to relieve the antagonism and promote stability. We should never abandon Israel. We must play a critical role in the peace process between Israel and Palestine. We should never cease to do whatever we can to bring about peace in this area.
We, in concert with our allies, must never let the rogue nations of the world develop nuclear weapons.
7. Did the U.S. make the right decision to go to war in Iraq? Please give us your thoughts on the future political and military role of the U.S. in Iraq and the Middle East.
Obviously I have not seen the intelligence information that was made available to Congress before it voted on supporting the President’s decision to enter Iraq, but since this was not anywhere near a close vote, I think it is unwise to say Congress made a mistake.
The last thing we should do is “cut and run.” We have two choices:
fight the terrorists here on US soil or fight oversees. I prefer the latter alternative. Great progress is being made in Iraq, but it is unfortunate that the American people are not being advised accordingly. Over time we will reduce our military role in Iraq as the Iraqi people are trained to govern their own country.
I believe we went to Iraq four ultimate goals:
Defeat the terrorists.
Train the Iraqi people to fight terrorists and defend themselves.
Assist in the establishment of a constitutional democracy.
Leave Iraq on friendly terms, with Iraq as a long-term ally.
I believe that we have accomplished the first two. The third goal is proceeding well, and, hopefully, we accomplish the fourth in the near future.
The Mid-East will continue to be troublesome for many years. We need to relieve the antagonism and promote stability. We should never abandon Israel. We must play a critical role in the peace process between Israel and Palestine. We should never cease to do whatever we can to bring about peace in this area.
We, in concert with our allies, must never let the rogue nations of the world develop nuclear weapons.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Message of the Day - A Tee Shirt
Another Epcot Disney World tee shirt. On the back was an ad for a guitar shop.
Time to Sell Off Jim Edgar State Park for a Nuclear Power Plant Site?
My family actually found this off-the-beaten-track former future coal powered electric generating facility site now being used as parkland.
With talk rising on the need for the United States to build more nuclear power plants, I’m wondering if it isn’t time to think about selling off the 26-square mile Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area, assuming it would be a suitable site?
While over 10,000 acres of recreation area would be lost, from what I’ve heard from Downstaters, jobs are more important. And, it takes a lot of manpower to build a nuclear power plant. Both the construction and operating jobs pay well.
The state paid $8.7 million for the property. If it is suitable for a nuclear power plant, the taxpayers might not only get a good price, but think of the boost to the Menard and surrounding counties’ economies.
My wife observed that terrorists would have a difficult time finding it.
With talk rising on the need for the United States to build more nuclear power plants, I’m wondering if it isn’t time to think about selling off the 26-square mile Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area, assuming it would be a suitable site?
While over 10,000 acres of recreation area would be lost, from what I’ve heard from Downstaters, jobs are more important. And, it takes a lot of manpower to build a nuclear power plant. Both the construction and operating jobs pay well.
The state paid $8.7 million for the property. If it is suitable for a nuclear power plant, the taxpayers might not only get a good price, but think of the boost to the Menard and surrounding counties’ economies.
My wife observed that terrorists would have a difficult time finding it.
Labels: Jim Edgar, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Nuclear Power Plant, Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area
McHenry County PACs with $1,000 to $5,000
Political action committees that raise or spend more than $3,000 must file reports with the State Board of Elections. Let’s look at the six that range from $3,000 to $5,000 today:
The committee is so important that it merits at least one separate article before the money starts pouring in this year.
The next two are teacher union PACs. Both the McHenry Classroom Teacher Association and the Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers Association Political Action Committee are affiliated with the Illinois Education Association. In the past in other counties, the IEA has pumped tens of thousands of dollars into local teacher PACs during referendum campaigns. This year there is a grade school referendum in McHenry, so it might be worth watching the State Board of Election website here after Feb. 20th. Any contributions made between January 1st and February 19th do not have to be reported until March 7th, when pre-election reports are due.
In the middle of the list is Democrat Dr. Jeffrey Gindorf, who ran successfully for University of Illinois Trustee in 1992. The office was made appointive, rumor has it, because Libertarian Party candidates were getting close to the 5% threshold which would have allowed them to get on the ballot with as few signatures as the Republicans and Democrats.
Klasen and Salgado are both up for re-election to the county board. Klasen is in a six-way primary.
Jourdan Committee to Preserve & Project Good Government - $4,371.Former long-time Republican County Chairman Al Jourdan started this committee in 1989, but it wasn’t until he raised tens of thousands of dollars in a very short period of time and spent it electing county board members than many took notice.
Citizens for Gindorf - $4,235.71
McHenry Classroom Teachers Assn - $4,022.66
CLETA - PAC - $3,245.42
Citizens for Rich Klasen - $3,242.59
Citizens to Elect Sandra Fay Salgado - $3,000.00
The committee is so important that it merits at least one separate article before the money starts pouring in this year.
The next two are teacher union PACs. Both the McHenry Classroom Teacher Association and the Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers Association Political Action Committee are affiliated with the Illinois Education Association. In the past in other counties, the IEA has pumped tens of thousands of dollars into local teacher PACs during referendum campaigns. This year there is a grade school referendum in McHenry, so it might be worth watching the State Board of Election website here after Feb. 20th. Any contributions made between January 1st and February 19th do not have to be reported until March 7th, when pre-election reports are due.
In the middle of the list is Democrat Dr. Jeffrey Gindorf, who ran successfully for University of Illinois Trustee in 1992. The office was made appointive, rumor has it, because Libertarian Party candidates were getting close to the 5% threshold which would have allowed them to get on the ballot with as few signatures as the Republicans and Democrats.
Klasen and Salgado are both up for re-election to the county board. Klasen is in a six-way primary.
Ken Arnold Answers Question 6 - Social Security & Medicare
Social Security and Medicare are the topics of the Chicago Tribunes sixth question.
8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold gives his answer below.
6. How would you revise Social Security and Medicare to protect their solvency?
Upon entering Congress, Ken Arnold will be the only member certified and experienced in the design, management, and administration of employee benefit plans such as the retirement and healthcare plans mentioned in this question. It is amazing that there is no person like Ken in the current Congress – but in seeing the problems we see, it is not surprising since we see the results of such absence (example: the horrendous Medicare Part D initiative…).
Regarding Social Security: There is no one “magic bullet”. And privatization of accounts does NOTHING to help financial solvency (though, for younger workers, Ken Arnold favors partial privatization for other reasons). Having professionally studied this subject, Ken Arnold says several initiatives will literally guarantee solvency as far as his eye can see. His “benefits consulting advice” is as follows:
Putting each of the above three initiatives in place, Ken Arnold can confidently guarantee fiscal solvency of Social Security as far as the eye can see. He has worked on more difficult benefit problems than this before – and knows this one can effectively and fairly easily be solved.
8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold gives his answer below.
6. How would you revise Social Security and Medicare to protect their solvency?
Upon entering Congress, Ken Arnold will be the only member certified and experienced in the design, management, and administration of employee benefit plans such as the retirement and healthcare plans mentioned in this question. It is amazing that there is no person like Ken in the current Congress – but in seeing the problems we see, it is not surprising since we see the results of such absence (example: the horrendous Medicare Part D initiative…).
Regarding Social Security: There is no one “magic bullet”. And privatization of accounts does NOTHING to help financial solvency (though, for younger workers, Ken Arnold favors partial privatization for other reasons). Having professionally studied this subject, Ken Arnold says several initiatives will literally guarantee solvency as far as his eye can see. His “benefits consulting advice” is as follows:
A) For those who will not reach their Social Security normal retire age within the next ten years, RESPECIFY an actuarially sound normal retirement age based upon the longer lifetimes of today’s Americans. Then keep it there! Having been one to personally conduct retirement planning seminars, Ken knows that one of the most important elements to retirement planning is to have a set date – and then plan on it! It is immoral that Congress, via a commission a number of years ago, “copped out” and did a politically safe baby step and did not do what should have been done actuarially with Normal Retirement ages. That weakness now necessitates revisiting this issue. But in such revisions, we must protect those within ten years of their Social Security Normal Retirement Age by NOT now turning the tables on them.Putting social security in the context of a social safety net program paid for thru taxes (as it should be considered), then begs the question: “Why should this social safety net program even attempt to give a benefit to everyone? Should it not cover merely those in need – like all other safety net programs?” The answer to these questions is YES: The Bill Gateses and Warren Buffets of the world have private security (i.e. their assets and general wealth) – they have no need for social security paid for by all taxpayers.
B) Review all of the expanded benefit eligibilities. Since Social Security started, it has been greatly expanded. These expansions include not only disability, but also now giving retirement benefits to very recent immigrants reaching retirement age. These benefits are given even though they paid in for only a few, short years. All such benefit eligibilities need to be reviewed with an eye to at least better balancing what may have been contributed by such typical beneficiary versus what they would potentially get out of the program.
C) Means test the benefit eligibility. We need only look at the program’s name to justify this! When folks cannot provide adequate retirement security themselves, they should be able to turn to society to assist them in this area. Hence: Social Security vs. Private Security. Americans need to know that this was NEVER really an “insurance program” with reserves, earmarked benefits, etc. It has been merely a Federal tax to pay for a social safety net program – no different than many others such as food stamps, welfare, and others - that come from Federal tax revenues.
Putting each of the above three initiatives in place, Ken Arnold can confidently guarantee fiscal solvency of Social Security as far as the eye can see. He has worked on more difficult benefit problems than this before – and knows this one can effectively and fairly easily be solved.
Robert Churchill Answers Chicago Tribune Question 6 - Social Security & Medicare
Robert Churchill, one of the candidates for the 8th congressional nomination for Congress, continues to answer the Chicago Tribune's questinnaire. Here is how he replied to the Social Security and Medicare question.
6. How would you revise Social Security and Medicare to protect their solvency?
First, we have a moral and social responsibility to fulfill the contract we have with our retirees and those approaching retirement. I would give these individuals a written guarantee of their benefits.
The current Social Security system discriminates against the young and the poor. The average young male low-income worker will never receive in benefits the amount that he will pay into the system.
I believe we should have a two part system. Part A would be the current system and part B would be a personal retirement account. Workers would then have the choice of putting a portion of their retirement taxes into part B or continuing to put all of their retirement taxes into part A. Part B funds would be invested in a mixed portfolio of low risk assets such as stock index funds and super-safe government bonds. This would dramatically increase the return on investment that the average worker could expect to receive upon retirement.
We must improve communications between the government and the people in regards to Social Security. The great majority of people in this country think their social security money has been invested for them by the government. I am not a proponent of the “lockbox” system, but we need to be honest with the taxpayers.
Medicare is also in financial trouble. I am a firm believer in tort reform, caps on non-economic damages, a “loser pays” litigation system, and in stopping venue shopping. These changes would allow doctors to stop practicing defensive medicine and help to reduce overall medical costs. Medicare (and Medicaid) must also start paying their bills on time; hospitals and nursing homes all over the country are in dire financial straits.
The new drug prescription coverage under Medicare is one of the poorest crafted pieces of legislation I have ever seen. This legislation MUST be simplified.
6. How would you revise Social Security and Medicare to protect their solvency?
First, we have a moral and social responsibility to fulfill the contract we have with our retirees and those approaching retirement. I would give these individuals a written guarantee of their benefits.
The current Social Security system discriminates against the young and the poor. The average young male low-income worker will never receive in benefits the amount that he will pay into the system.
I believe we should have a two part system. Part A would be the current system and part B would be a personal retirement account. Workers would then have the choice of putting a portion of their retirement taxes into part B or continuing to put all of their retirement taxes into part A. Part B funds would be invested in a mixed portfolio of low risk assets such as stock index funds and super-safe government bonds. This would dramatically increase the return on investment that the average worker could expect to receive upon retirement.
We must improve communications between the government and the people in regards to Social Security. The great majority of people in this country think their social security money has been invested for them by the government. I am not a proponent of the “lockbox” system, but we need to be honest with the taxpayers.
Medicare is also in financial trouble. I am a firm believer in tort reform, caps on non-economic damages, a “loser pays” litigation system, and in stopping venue shopping. These changes would allow doctors to stop practicing defensive medicine and help to reduce overall medical costs. Medicare (and Medicaid) must also start paying their bills on time; hospitals and nursing homes all over the country are in dire financial straits.
The new drug prescription coverage under Medicare is one of the poorest crafted pieces of legislation I have ever seen. This legislation MUST be simplified.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Message of the Day - A Tee Shirt
This Disney World tee shirt is probably appropriate for the day before the weekend.
Wite-Out on DuPage County Petitions Prompts Memories
If you have lived in McHenry County long enough, you remember how some county board nominating petitions were altered with Wite-Out. You could see the Wite-Out and the infamous coffee mug ring right on the Northwest Herald’s front page.
McHenry County lost a county treasurer and a county board member as a result of prosecution by the state’s attorney’s office after Mark Bonne's article was published.
Now, there seems to be a similar situation in Downers Grove, where, according to the Chicago Tribune,
McHenry County lost a county treasurer and a county board member as a result of prosecution by the state’s attorney’s office after Mark Bonne's article was published.
Now, there seems to be a similar situation in Downers Grove, where, according to the Chicago Tribune,
proponents of ending Home Rule, Downers Grove Watch petition circulators Peter Hultman and William Wrobel, said the documents they turned in were not the same as the ones notarized by Watch member Laurel Bowen. Hultman and Wrobel said they didn't know if the documents were altered or who would have done it.Paul Darrah, spokesman for DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett’s office told McHenry County Blog
As of right, now our office has not been made aware of the situation in Downers Grove. Subsequently, we have no involvement in the situation as of right now.
Seven McHenry County PACs Between $5,000 and $10,000
Today, let’s look at the PACs that had $5,000 to $10,000 in the bank at the end of 2005. With county board districts being more than half the size of state rep. districts, it takes real money to make even one mailing. And, I’ve heard that it takes seven “impressions” to make an impact on a voter’s mind.
There are only seven committees that reached the $5,000 threshold:
The ringer is Citizens for Brendan G. O’Malley. He ran to succeed his father as Village President of Hoffman Estates, but lost. His campaign fund’s records are kept in Cary.
The Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee needs no explanation. Interesting, however, that it had more money in the bank than the McHenry County Republican Central Committee, its parent organization.
Marlene Lantz is our county coroner. She is not up for election this year.
The final committee to exceed the $5,000 level is McHenry Mayor Sue Low.
$1,000 to $5,000 McHenry County PACs tomorrow.
There are only seven committees that reached the $5,000 threshold:
Citizens to Elect Aaron T Shepley - $8,467.25Aaron Shepley, of course, is Crystal Lake’s mayor. The Pro-Life Victory Committee is the political arm of McHenry County Right to Life. The McHenry Township Republican Team Fund is operated by its incumbent township officials, who are up for election a year from now.
Pro Life Victory Committee - $6,599.62
McHenry Township Republican Team Fund - $6,497.41
Citizens for Brendan G O'Malley- $6,042.43
Algonquin Twp Republican Central Committee - $5,852.15
Citizens for Marlene A Lantz - $5,727.88
Citizens to Elect Sue Low - $5,004.19
The ringer is Citizens for Brendan G. O’Malley. He ran to succeed his father as Village President of Hoffman Estates, but lost. His campaign fund’s records are kept in Cary.
The Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee needs no explanation. Interesting, however, that it had more money in the bank than the McHenry County Republican Central Committee, its parent organization.
Marlene Lantz is our county coroner. She is not up for election this year.
The final committee to exceed the $5,000 level is McHenry Mayor Sue Low.
$1,000 to $5,000 McHenry County PACs tomorrow.
Kathy Salvi Wants Precinct Walkers, Etc. (Click to Enlarge)
Using a cute play on words ("She is the right Republican..."), Kathy Salvi's campaign staff is seeking volunteers to blitz precincts in Lake, McHenry and Cook Counties on March 5th, 12th and 19th, respectively. Of course, there is no phone number or email address. That's a problem. But, here is a link to the web site.
Other candidates are welcome to put me on their mailing lists. Similar appeals will be posted, as will press releases, etc. McHenry County Blog wants to be the reference point for the 8th congressional district Republican primary.
GOP Precinct Committeeman John Ryan Comments on District 300 Referendum
To say it is unusual for a Republican precinct committeeman in McHenry County to comment about referendum questions is something of an understatement. "Wouldn't want to anger a potential Republican voter" is the usual excuse.
That wasn't the approach my father or I took in 34 years as GOP precinct committeeman in Algonquin Township Precinct 7. We put out letters for every election. Often, we took stands. By the time the "powers that be" decided to oust me, with the help of Personal PAC, the primary election percentage turnout (for both parties) in the precinct was about 50%. When I was checking on the turnout of other precincts, only Nunda Township’s Charlie Nelson’s was competitive.
Now there is a precinct committeeman in Algonquin named John Ryan with the courage to write a constituent his thoughts on the upcoming Carpentersville District 300 referendums. And, he's willing to have it published. I first saw it on Harvard's Jim & Cathy Peschke's website, contacted Mr. Ryan and got permission to post it here.
Ryan's precinct is Algonquin Precinct 62, which is bordered roughly by Randall, County Line, Hanson & Harnish in Algonquin. His email address is CommitteemanRyan@AOL.com.
Here is Ryan's letter:
That wasn't the approach my father or I took in 34 years as GOP precinct committeeman in Algonquin Township Precinct 7. We put out letters for every election. Often, we took stands. By the time the "powers that be" decided to oust me, with the help of Personal PAC, the primary election percentage turnout (for both parties) in the precinct was about 50%. When I was checking on the turnout of other precincts, only Nunda Township’s Charlie Nelson’s was competitive.
Now there is a precinct committeeman in Algonquin named John Ryan with the courage to write a constituent his thoughts on the upcoming Carpentersville District 300 referendums. And, he's willing to have it published. I first saw it on Harvard's Jim & Cathy Peschke's website, contacted Mr. Ryan and got permission to post it here.
Ryan's precinct is Algonquin Precinct 62, which is bordered roughly by Randall, County Line, Hanson & Harnish in Algonquin. His email address is CommitteemanRyan@AOL.com.
Here is Ryan's letter:
The District 300 referendum is a passionate issue with emotions running high on both sides. Although, my views will support a “no” vote, my interest in getting involved is to simply provide transparency and clarity. The decision of how to vote is, of course, yours to make. State Senator (and Lt. Governor Candidate) Steven Rauschenberger (R-Elgin) said recently at a campaign forum in Huntley that today’s school districts “…are seemingly run for the benefit of the adults working within it.” What I have found thus far seems to support his view.For the rest of this well-thought out letter, click here.
My concerns with this referendum are twofold:1) In my view, District 300 has not provided what I consider a quality education for my children and has not demonstrated fiscal self-discipline. Simply throwing more money at a problem doesn’t solve it.
2) I suspect there is more to the Advance300 organization than what they would like you to believe.
Manzullo Backs the Winner for Majority Leader.
Congressman Donald Manzullo high stakes support of Ohio’s John Boehner for the 2nd ranking Republican leadership spot paid off. Boehner was the underdog winner in the House Majority Leader’s race.
According to DC publication, The Hotline, Blunt was ahead big time among those who had made their votes public. The public count prior to the secret caucus vote was
As reported on McHenry County Blog yesterday, The Hill, another DC publication told of Manzullo’s high profile support of Boehner for re-instatement to a House Republican Leadership post after losing the 4th ranking spot in 1997 when he was blamed for trying to oust Speaker Newt Gingrich after GOP election losses.
Boehner won 122-109 on the second vote, after being behind on the first.
Backing the winner in a leadership fight is hardly ever a bad career decision.
According to DC publication, The Hotline, Blunt was ahead big time among those who had made their votes public. The public count prior to the secret caucus vote was
Missouri’s Roy Blunt (current Whip) 99Hotline pointed out that one congressman (the one representing my birth place on the Eastern Shore of Maryland) had been identified as planning to vote for both Blunt and Boehner, perhaps indicating movement toward Boehner prior to the secret vote.
Ohio’s Boehner 51 and
Arizona’s John Shadegg 17
As reported on McHenry County Blog yesterday, The Hill, another DC publication told of Manzullo’s high profile support of Boehner for re-instatement to a House Republican Leadership post after losing the 4th ranking spot in 1997 when he was blamed for trying to oust Speaker Newt Gingrich after GOP election losses.
Boehner won 122-109 on the second vote, after being behind on the first.
Backing the winner in a leadership fight is hardly ever a bad career decision.
Ken Arnold Answers Chicago Tribune Question 5 - FEMA
Here is 8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold's answer to the Chicago Tribune's fifth question--about FEMA.
5. It is generally agreed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency performed poorly in the wake of Katrina and the other hurricanes last year. What are your thoughts on the federal role in emergency preparedness? What role should the federal government play in the reconstruction of New Orleans?
One has to see this as a failure of local and State government – THEN a failure of the Federal Government. States have the primary responsibility for such immediate disaster preparedness. In fact, due to the Posse Comatatus Act of 1878, Federal military personnel cannot even intervene into such State unless officially invited in by the Governor of that State! This is as it should be…
States Rights must be respected in such matter. However: National preparedness in all events that WILL surely have Governors invite the Federal military (and other Federal entities in) must obviously be more closely planned and prepared for. One such action the Federal government would do under Ken Arnold’s initiative is for such events (as well as potential terrorist events) to have the Federal government develop and disseminate a comprehensive list of recommended “survival box” provisions found to keep a typical family alive for whatever duration deemed advisable by the experts (my guess would be two weeks). This would include listings of survival items along with recommended food stuffs that could be preserved for long periods of time.
For the rest of the answer, click here.
5. It is generally agreed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency performed poorly in the wake of Katrina and the other hurricanes last year. What are your thoughts on the federal role in emergency preparedness? What role should the federal government play in the reconstruction of New Orleans?
One has to see this as a failure of local and State government – THEN a failure of the Federal Government. States have the primary responsibility for such immediate disaster preparedness. In fact, due to the Posse Comatatus Act of 1878, Federal military personnel cannot even intervene into such State unless officially invited in by the Governor of that State! This is as it should be…
States Rights must be respected in such matter. However: National preparedness in all events that WILL surely have Governors invite the Federal military (and other Federal entities in) must obviously be more closely planned and prepared for. One such action the Federal government would do under Ken Arnold’s initiative is for such events (as well as potential terrorist events) to have the Federal government develop and disseminate a comprehensive list of recommended “survival box” provisions found to keep a typical family alive for whatever duration deemed advisable by the experts (my guess would be two weeks). This would include listings of survival items along with recommended food stuffs that could be preserved for long periods of time.
For the rest of the answer, click here.