Thursday, January 31, 2008
Message of the Day – A Sign
These
signs were at the Cary Country Club on Monday night at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee candidates’ night.
I saw a precinct committeemen take some.
and, apparently, one candidate took one home.
It was in his front yard when I drove by.
Mitt Romney for President
signs were at the Cary Country Club on Monday night at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee candidates’ night.
I saw a precinct committeemen take some.
and, apparently, one candidate took one home.
It was in his front yard when I drove by.
Labels: Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee, Cary Country Club, Mitt Romney
Carolyn Cox Called
Remember Carolyn Cox.
She was the woman about my age who was battered by her husband, the honcho at Exacto on Route 31 between Ringwood and Richmond.
She was left to die in a garage filling up with exhaust fumes.
The case is turning out to be an important piece of McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi’s re-election campaign.
About noon I got a recorded call from Cox, a woman of my generation.
I saw it was from an 800 number and almost hung up, thinking it was a sales or donation solicitation.
She introduced herself and outlined what happened.
I jotted down snatches of what she said:
This is obviously a multi-media campaign.
I have seen an 8½ by 11-inch piece that has a big picture of Cox and Bianchi.
I found it.
As I read it, it sounds exactly like what she said on the phone:
B.J. Cox had to be re-indicted because Dan Regna apparently erred in preparing the first indictment.
That’s what an attorney in the state’s attorney’s office said.
The Regna version didn’t allege that BJ Cox’ actions were done with “intent to kill.”
Without those words in the indictment, the lawyer pointed out, the charge of attempted murder would not have stuck.
Cox had a good defense attorney, Mark Gummerson. Gummerson is one of Regna’s staunch backers.
Without Bianchi’s re-indictment, the defense lawyer would have let the statute of limitations run out and, then, moved for dismissal of that charge, my source says.
That would have left only a charge of aggravated domestic battery, a charge with a much lower maximum sentence.
Regna left something else out, the lawyer pointed out.
That first indictment did not include Mrs. Cox’ age.
Illinois law says that when you try to kill someone over 60, the penalty is higher.
I’m not sure what makes a life of someone my age more important than one of someone younger, but that’s the law.
Probably because older folks tend to vote in much higher numbers that young folks and the bill’s passage gave members of the General Assembly a chance to pander to those over 60 in their next campaign brochures.
In any event, the maximum sentence for Cox would have been 30 years using Regna’s words. By including her age, which was over 60, Bianchi was able to ask for a 60-year sentence, rather than a maximum of 30 years.
Even so, the judge sentenced BJ Cox to 20 years in prison.
= = = = =
The picture of Lou Bianchi talking was taken at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee's candidates' night last Tuesday.
She was the woman about my age who was battered by her husband, the honcho at Exacto on Route 31 between Ringwood and Richmond.
She was left to die in a garage filling up with exhaust fumes.The case is turning out to be an important piece of McHenry County State’s Attorney Lou Bianchi’s re-election campaign.
About noon I got a recorded call from Cox, a woman of my generation.
I saw it was from an 800 number and almost hung up, thinking it was a sales or donation solicitation.
She introduced herself and outlined what happened.
I jotted down snatches of what she said:
"…left for dead…My family is safe again….Crime victims need a State’s Attorney who will fight for them all the way…”There was a pitch for Bianchi, but I didn’t get the exact words.
This is obviously a multi-media campaign.
I have seen an 8½ by 11-inch piece that has a big picture of Cox and Bianchi.
I found it.
As I read it, it sounds exactly like what she said on the phone:
”My name is Carolyn Cox and I was the victim of a horrendous crime.But, the case is more significant that Cox’ message or Bianchi’s literature indicates.
"I was bludgeoned by my husband, locked in our garage with running cars and left for dead."I survived and my husband was successfully prosecuted thanks to Lou Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney.
"Lou Bianchi is the first State’s Attorney to treat my case with the attention it deserved.
"Until Lou was voted into office, I was never convinced that the prior administration was truly working on my behalf.
"Lou Bianchi and his administration convicted my husband and sought the maximum 60 years in prison.
"Crime victims deserve a State’s Attorney who will fight for them every step of the way.
"Lou Bianchi is that man.
"Justice and safety for crime victims is essential!
"I encourage you to vote for LOU BIANCHI, McHenry County State’s Attorney on February 5, 2008."
B.J. Cox had to be re-indicted because Dan Regna apparently erred in preparing the first indictment.
That’s what an attorney in the state’s attorney’s office said.
The Regna version didn’t allege that BJ Cox’ actions were done with “intent to kill.”
Without those words in the indictment, the lawyer pointed out, the charge of attempted murder would not have stuck.
Cox had a good defense attorney, Mark Gummerson. Gummerson is one of Regna’s staunch backers.
Without Bianchi’s re-indictment, the defense lawyer would have let the statute of limitations run out and, then, moved for dismissal of that charge, my source says.
That would have left only a charge of aggravated domestic battery, a charge with a much lower maximum sentence.
Regna left something else out, the lawyer pointed out.
That first indictment did not include Mrs. Cox’ age.
Illinois law says that when you try to kill someone over 60, the penalty is higher.
I’m not sure what makes a life of someone my age more important than one of someone younger, but that’s the law.
Probably because older folks tend to vote in much higher numbers that young folks and the bill’s passage gave members of the General Assembly a chance to pander to those over 60 in their next campaign brochures.
In any event, the maximum sentence for Cox would have been 30 years using Regna’s words. By including her age, which was over 60, Bianchi was able to ask for a 60-year sentence, rather than a maximum of 30 years.
Even so, the judge sentenced BJ Cox to 20 years in prison.
= = = = =
The picture of Lou Bianchi talking was taken at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee's candidates' night last Tuesday.
Labels: B.J. Cox, Carolyn Cox, Dan Regna, Exacto, Lou Bianchi
Another Precinct Committeeman Reams Bill LeFew
Arriving in the mailbox of a precinct committee I know was a January 28th letter from Grafton Township Precinct 20 Committeeman Glenn C. Schmeltzer. His precinct votes at Chesak Elementary School, along with Grafton 12 and 19.
This is the second committeeman to share his dissatisfaction with McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Bill LeFew.
The first was veteran volunteer Bernie Narusus. He called LeFew "a spineless coward" for trying to hide that his political attack on McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.
Here’s what relative newcomer Schmeltzer wrote to his fellow committeemen/committeewomen:
The picture of McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew was taken December 6, 2006, the day of the big luncheon party at the courthouse after newly elected judges were sworn in.
This is the one which was paid from funds intended for court automation. (No article about that in the Daily Herald for LeFew to mail out.)
McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi was one among many candidates who spoke at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee candidates' night on Tuesday night at the Cary Country Club. That's where I took this picture.
His opponent, Dan Regna, spoke, too. That's where I took this picture of him, too.
This is the second committeeman to share his dissatisfaction with McHenry County Republican Central Committee Chairman Bill LeFew.
The first was veteran volunteer Bernie Narusus. He called LeFew "a spineless coward" for trying to hide that his political attack on McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi.
Here’s what relative newcomer Schmeltzer wrote to his fellow committeemen/committeewomen:
That’s the end of the letter, but there is a P.S.:The McHenry County Party is at an obvious crossroads. The antics of Bill LeFew have been front page news for the past several weeks, causing political pundits, neutral observers, and certainly local Democrats to laugh at the infighting and backstabbing within the Republican Party.
The McHenry County Republican Party has been called a “good ol’ boys network,” wherein success within the party is based exclusively on who you know. For years,When Lou Bianchi ran for State’s Attorney he was backed by Bill LeFew and local party leaders who thought they could control him.
Somewhere during Bianchi’s term, LeFew came to realize that Bianchi’s campaign promises were just that—promises he intended to keep.
When Bianchi held firm to his promise to be tougher on crime, local defense attorneys complained to LeFew.
Largely for that reason, LeFew has orchestrated a smear campaign against Bianchi.In my opinion, LeFew engineered a complaint to the Attorney General against Bianchi and publicized it before it was even filed, hoping that Bianchi would face this election with an open investigation pending.
His plan backfired when the Attorney General’s Office (run by a Democrat, by the way) announced that the complaint was so spurious that it did not even warrant an investigation.
LeFew then sent an anonymous mailer to 900 households attacking State’s Attorney Bianchi. His plan backfired when his identity as the mailer was revealed by the Daily Herald newspaper.
Thankfully, LeFew will no longer be our Party Chairman; however, that does not mean that his influence is gone.
He has handpicked a candidate to run against Bianchi that he can control, throwing the full weight of his political machine (Union 150, a group of local Democrats) into the race, with an entirely negative campaign.
Given who is backing Bianchi’s opponent, it is perfectly clear that this race is shaping up into a choice between the old guard and the new.
Thoseshould vote for Lou Bianchi.
- who want to see the Republican Party move forward,
- who are more concerned about political ideals than political power, and
- who want an independent State’s Attorney beholden to no one,
You as precinct committeemen will have to choose the direction of the party.
It’s time to back a “statesman” not just another political good ol’ boy. It’s time to move forward before the democrats move in. It’s time to back Lou Bianchi.
A meeting of committeemen and committeewomen has been called several times and has not been rescheduled because “so many committeemen and committeewomen could not make it.” This seems very strange to me. I, for one, would like to see a show of hands whenever the meeting does happen, to see just how many could not make the meetings.= = = = =
The picture of McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Bill LeFew was taken December 6, 2006, the day of the big luncheon party at the courthouse after newly elected judges were sworn in.
This is the one which was paid from funds intended for court automation. (No article about that in the Daily Herald for LeFew to mail out.) McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi was one among many candidates who spoke at the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee candidates' night on Tuesday night at the Cary Country Club. That's where I took this picture.
His opponent, Dan Regna, spoke, too. That's where I took this picture of him, too.
Labels: Bernard Narusis, Bill LeFew, Glenn Schmeltzer, Grafton 20, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County State's Attorney
Advice for the McHenry County College Board from Jane Collins - 2
Here is the second part of Jane Collin's advice to the McHenry County College board.
This section concentrates on accountability. Take a look at the amount of money that Mark Houser of Equity One has been paid and the lack of documentation for what he has done to earn the $400,000 in MCC taxpayer dollars.
And, notice Collins' questions about the possibility that the college is using Houser's company, EquityOne, to hide what it being paid to FCL and Cornerstone, companies that are presumably doing work for the college.
II. Demonstrate a willingness to be held accountable.
Exercise prudent fiduciary oversight over District investments of taxpayer monies. Some trustees have failed and continue to fail to acknowledge that impartial third party reviews and experts have demonstrated that the proposed Sports & Entertainment complex is not a sound investment of taxpayer dollars. Instead, this would be a public subsidy for private investors.
A specific example of failed oversight:
1. Mark Houser still being paid for a project that supposedly has been put on hold. (Mark Houser received all of the “Release to Begin Development” money: August 2007, $220,000; Sept. 2007, $100,000; November 2007, $80,000.)
2. Where is the tangible evidence of what the District has received in exchange for the $400,000 paid to Mark Houser, i.e., “the items that need to be started and or completed prior to the City of Crystal Lake’s final approval of the PUD include full architectural and engineering drawings, full specifications, full bid packages and bid reviews along with solicitations for naming rights, sponsorships and indoor center user groups.” Para. one, “Release,” 5-10-07.
3. Missing from Mark Houser one-page invoices: itemized hourly rates, services/tasks performed and by whom.
4. Does Mark Houser serve as a “pass through” for monies paid to FCL, Cornerstone and others with whom the District does not have executed contracts?
5. What financial and legal liability has this Board incurred in this “pass through” arrangement to those being so paid – to the engineering firm FCL has hired, for example?
This section concentrates on accountability. Take a look at the amount of money that Mark Houser of Equity One has been paid and the lack of documentation for what he has done to earn the $400,000 in MCC taxpayer dollars.
And, notice Collins' questions about the possibility that the college is using Houser's company, EquityOne, to hide what it being paid to FCL and Cornerstone, companies that are presumably doing work for the college.
WHAT THE McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE BOARD
MUST DO TO RESTORE
PUBLIC TRUST IN ITS CONDUCT
MUST DO TO RESTORE
PUBLIC TRUST IN ITS CONDUCT
II. Demonstrate a willingness to be held accountable.
Exercise prudent fiduciary oversight over District investments of taxpayer monies. Some trustees have failed and continue to fail to acknowledge that impartial third party reviews and experts have demonstrated that the proposed Sports & Entertainment complex is not a sound investment of taxpayer dollars. Instead, this would be a public subsidy for private investors.
A specific example of failed oversight:
1. Mark Houser still being paid for a project that supposedly has been put on hold. (Mark Houser received all of the “Release to Begin Development” money: August 2007, $220,000; Sept. 2007, $100,000; November 2007, $80,000.)2. Where is the tangible evidence of what the District has received in exchange for the $400,000 paid to Mark Houser, i.e., “the items that need to be started and or completed prior to the City of Crystal Lake’s final approval of the PUD include full architectural and engineering drawings, full specifications, full bid packages and bid reviews along with solicitations for naming rights, sponsorships and indoor center user groups.” Para. one, “Release,” 5-10-07.
3. Missing from Mark Houser one-page invoices: itemized hourly rates, services/tasks performed and by whom.
4. Does Mark Houser serve as a “pass through” for monies paid to FCL, Cornerstone and others with whom the District does not have executed contracts?
5. What financial and legal liability has this Board incurred in this “pass through” arrangement to those being so paid – to the engineering firm FCL has hired, for example?
Labels: Baseball Stadium, Equity One, EquityOne, Jane Collins, Mark Houser, MCC, McHenry County College
Woodford Development Donates $15,000 to Dan Regna Campaign
Someone is really willing to lay out some big bucks to try to elect Dan Regna McHenry County State’s Attorney.
A Limited Liability Corporation called Woodford Development donated $15,000 to Citizens for Dan Regna on Tuesday.
The address associated for the LLC is 56 S Grove Avenue in Elgin, which is the address of Autoserve LLC. Great music from the firm who painted murals for the Jiffy Lube offices on a YouTube ad
—“Rock Me Tender…I have never been loved like this before.” 116 views when I found it.
Christina M. Makhlouf is listed as the firm’s registered agent. Her office is 55 S. Monroe, 1200, in Chicago.
There is another LLC with almost the same name (Woodford Development-Delevan) and the same agent has an address of 1007 Trakk Lane in Woodstock.
A company named Auto Serve is located at that Woodstock address.
Typing “Auto Serve” into Google, I found a list of “WOODSTOCK, IL Political Contributions by Individuals” on City Data.
On that list was John M. Jacobs’s name and a $250 contribution to the Republican National Committee in 2004:
Jacobs has also contributed to Althoff from a Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, address.
A Limited Liability Corporation called Woodford Development donated $15,000 to Citizens for Dan Regna on Tuesday.
The address associated for the LLC is 56 S Grove Avenue in Elgin, which is the address of Autoserve LLC. Great music from the firm who painted murals for the Jiffy Lube offices on a YouTube ad
—“Rock Me Tender…I have never been loved like this before.” 116 views when I found it.
Christina M. Makhlouf is listed as the firm’s registered agent. Her office is 55 S. Monroe, 1200, in Chicago.
There is another LLC with almost the same name (Woodford Development-Delevan) and the same agent has an address of 1007 Trakk Lane in Woodstock.
A company named Auto Serve is located at that Woodstock address.
Typing “Auto Serve” into Google, I found a list of “WOODSTOCK, IL Political Contributions by Individuals” on City Data.
On that list was John M. Jacobs’s name and a $250 contribution to the Republican National Committee in 2004:
Jacobs, John M Mr. (Auto Serve/Owner), (Zip code: 60098) $250 to REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE on 09/16/04Under his and/or his and his wife’s name and Bull Valley address, he has contributed a total of five times to Ann Hughes, Bob Thomas, Perry Moy, Pam Althoff and Dan Duffy, starting in 1996. The biggest was $1,000 to Moy in 2004. That's on the State Board of Elections website.
Jacobs has also contributed to Althoff from a Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, address.
Labels: Dan Regna, John Jacobs, McHenry County State's Attorney
Where Do County Board Candidates Stand on Water Policy
McHenry County is not destined to get water from Lake Michigan, so what county board members do on water policy is an important issue.
Some forces want to take water from the rural parts of the county (mainly District 6) and pipe it to areas that have grown or want to grow beyond their underlying aquifers ability to provide water. Carpentersville has actually investigated drilling a well in the Harvard area and piping it southeast.
The McHenry County Defenders and the Alliance for Land, Water and Agriculture (A-LAW) put together questions for county board candidates. So far, only six have responded. Maybe more will do so before the fall elections.
Here are the answers of four Republicans and two Democrats to the following questions:
Sue Draffkorn, D-4, Republican: I would like to see developers take it upon themselves to create subdivision plats that protect our natural resources. McHenry County is developing a conservation design ordinance that will require developers to incorporate the preservation and protection of natural resources.
Jeff Thirtyacre, D-4, Democrat:
We need a water filtration plant to collect rain water and filter it to have for when water is lacking so not to waste ground water quantities. And to aid in land preservation for farmers. Established water banks can take the overload when water levels are low.
Virginia Peschke, D-5, Republican:
I am currently on the Agricultural Preservation Committee and a Board Member of The Land Conservancy (TLC). I have spoken with municipal leaders regarding inter-governmental agreements that facilitate transfer of development rights, yielding income to farmers while preserving ag use. The success of TLC is proof that farmers do want to preserve agriculture.
Ersel Schuster, D-6, Republican: I am convinced that we need an independent water authority in the areas where the greatest recharge of our groundwater occurs. I plan to help fellow board members see the wisdom in that concept and will work to secure their assistance to see that it happens while we can still realize the benefits of having done so.
Harry Alten, Jr., D-6, Republican: Again, we need a viable Agricultural Land preservation plan and hold to that commitment.
Andrew “Drew” Georgi, Jr., D-6, Democrat:
First we need to protect the water and make sure those that are contaminating it stop and clean it up. Second, we need to make sure that we do not let the existing water be over used by approving too many new building projects. And last we need to add reservoirs to both new building projects and to our conservation areas.
= = = = =
Again, I unfortunately do not have Harry Alten's photograph. I should have also taken a picture of Jeff Thirtyacre looking left so the spacing would have been better.
Some forces want to take water from the rural parts of the county (mainly District 6) and pipe it to areas that have grown or want to grow beyond their underlying aquifers ability to provide water. Carpentersville has actually investigated drilling a well in the Harvard area and piping it southeast.The McHenry County Defenders and the Alliance for Land, Water and Agriculture (A-LAW) put together questions for county board candidates. So far, only six have responded. Maybe more will do so before the fall elections.
Here are the answers of four Republicans and two Democrats to the following questions:
| By protecting agricultural lands and soil resources, groundwater and its natural recharge can also be protected. What will you do to provide that protection? |
Sue Draffkorn, D-4, Republican: I would like to see developers take it upon themselves to create subdivision plats that protect our natural resources. McHenry County is developing a conservation design ordinance that will require developers to incorporate the preservation and protection of natural resources.Jeff Thirtyacre, D-4, Democrat:
We need a water filtration plant to collect rain water and filter it to have for when water is lacking so not to waste ground water quantities. And to aid in land preservation for farmers. Established water banks can take the overload when water levels are low.Virginia Peschke, D-5, Republican:
I am currently on the Agricultural Preservation Committee and a Board Member of The Land Conservancy (TLC). I have spoken with municipal leaders regarding inter-governmental agreements that facilitate transfer of development rights, yielding income to farmers while preserving ag use. The success of TLC is proof that farmers do want to preserve agriculture.
Ersel Schuster, D-6, Republican: I am convinced that we need an independent water authority in the areas where the greatest recharge of our groundwater occurs. I plan to help fellow board members see the wisdom in that concept and will work to secure their assistance to see that it happens while we can still realize the benefits of having done so. Harry Alten, Jr., D-6, Republican: Again, we need a viable Agricultural Land preservation plan and hold to that commitment.
Andrew “Drew” Georgi, Jr., D-6, Democrat: First we need to protect the water and make sure those that are contaminating it stop and clean it up. Second, we need to make sure that we do not let the existing water be over used by approving too many new building projects. And last we need to add reservoirs to both new building projects and to our conservation areas.
= = = = =
Again, I unfortunately do not have Harry Alten's photograph. I should have also taken a picture of Jeff Thirtyacre looking left so the spacing would have been better.
Labels: A-LAW, Alliance for Land Agriculture and Water, Andrew Georgi, Ersel Schuster, Harry Alten, Jeff Thirtyacre, McHenry County Board, Sue Draffkorn, Virginia Peschke, Water
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Message of the Day – Temperature
Actually, falling temperatures.At 2:30 in the afternoon, the temperature was
48 degrees on the thermometer outside our kitchen window.When I got home from the Algonquin Township candidates’ night at the Cary-Grove Country Club about 9 PM, my car’s thermometer read 6 degrees.
And, the weather forecasters were saying it would drop even lower.
So, a 40-plus degree drop in temperature in a quarter of a day.
And this morning right before school, a bit under zero.
Labels: Temperature, Thermometer
County Board Candidates Give Growth Views to A-LAW Questionnaire
Below are the answers to the A-LAW and McHenry County Defendeers' McHenry County Board questionnaire. Although the questions of the Alliance for Land, Agriculture and Water and the Defenders are good ones, only six of the candidates took the time to answer them.
A-LAW, you may remember proposed and campaign unsuccessfully for a water authority for the more unpopulated part of the county. The proposal covered much of county board District 6, where a number of the candidates providing answers seek to serve.
The McHenry County Defenders organization needs no introduction.
That's really a loss.
Perhaps this fall when it is Republicans versus Democrats more candidates will conclude that sharing their visions of McHenry County's future is in their best interest, not to mention the best interest of allowing a better informed electorate.
Below is the first installment:
Sue Draffkorn, D-4, Republican:
It appears that municipalities and the county were not pro-active in regards to the growth that has occurred over the past 25 years. We are now dealing with crowded roads, crowded schools and housing that is becoming unaffordable. The state of Illinois has failed to help McHenry County with transportation and education expenses. We are a donor county; we do not receive the same considerations from the state as other counties. Our citizens pay more in taxes and get little in return. I would like to see more environmentally friendly subdivision ordinances that take into account groundwater and natural resources in McHenry County.
Jeff Thirtyacre, D-4, Democrat:
Growth in McHenry County has been moderate at most due to the lack of Public Transportation. The Southern part of McHenry has had a boom in growth while the rest has little to none. My concerns are that because of the growth levels, we are going to see problems with jobs being lost. Water supply will decline because new water protection plans haven't been developed. I would like to see development plans put into place. Including Business Promotions to get jobs to McHenry County.
Virginia Peschke, D-5, Republican:
Growth has been out-of-control for the last 20 years due to the lower purchase price of homes and lack of planning by County and municipalities. The County, even with limited power to control growth had neither the will, nor the expertise, to exercise leadership in promoting “smart growth” principles. It will take effort and public pressure to force elected officials to rein in growth and promote sensible, sustainable development. The growing shortage of water resources may be a wake-up call. I would like to see the public elect representatives who would protect the quality of life we enjoy in McHenry County.
Ersel Schuster, D-6, Republican:
For the most part, I see growth in McHenry County being openly encouraged by village and municipal governments. From all indications I believe that process will continue at break-neck-speed; far outstripping the necessary infrastructure and ability for residents to pay the costs associated with that development. Idealistically, I would like to see greater restraint on the part of county and municipal leaders in promoting growth and development. I would envision stricter zoning laws and adherence to those laws thus curbing out of control development the public can ill afford.
Harry Alten, Jr., D-6, Republican: Random. Sometimes leap frogging. Misuse of productive Ag land. I would like the purchase of development rights of Ag Land to sustain our Agricultural Industry in McHenry County.
Andrew “Drew” Georgi, Jr., D-6, Democrat:
Large growth of the population and expensive housing projects that our people can not afford with the jobs available inside our county causing them to work outside the county making our transportation system over burdened. We need to approve only housing projects that our people can afford, bring in more jobs to the county, improve both our roads by having bypasses around the congested areas and improve the public transportation system.
= = = = =
Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of Harry Alten. And there are two stories today where he is featured.
A-LAW, you may remember proposed and campaign unsuccessfully for a water authority for the more unpopulated part of the county. The proposal covered much of county board District 6, where a number of the candidates providing answers seek to serve.The McHenry County Defenders organization needs no introduction.
That's really a loss.
Perhaps this fall when it is Republicans versus Democrats more candidates will conclude that sharing their visions of McHenry County's future is in their best interest, not to mention the best interest of allowing a better informed electorate.
Below is the first installment:
| How would you characterize the growth of McHenry County over the last 25 years and what trends do you see for the future? What concerns do you have? What would you like to see? |
Sue Draffkorn, D-4, Republican:
It appears that municipalities and the county were not pro-active in regards to the growth that has occurred over the past 25 years. We are now dealing with crowded roads, crowded schools and housing that is becoming unaffordable. The state of Illinois has failed to help McHenry County with transportation and education expenses. We are a donor county; we do not receive the same considerations from the state as other counties. Our citizens pay more in taxes and get little in return. I would like to see more environmentally friendly subdivision ordinances that take into account groundwater and natural resources in McHenry County.Jeff Thirtyacre, D-4, Democrat:
Growth in McHenry County has been moderate at most due to the lack of Public Transportation. The Southern part of McHenry has had a boom in growth while the rest has little to none. My concerns are that because of the growth levels, we are going to see problems with jobs being lost. Water supply will decline because new water protection plans haven't been developed. I would like to see development plans put into place. Including Business Promotions to get jobs to McHenry County.Virginia Peschke, D-5, Republican:
Growth has been out-of-control for the last 20 years due to the lower purchase price of homes and lack of planning by County and municipalities. The County, even with limited power to control growth had neither the will, nor the expertise, to exercise leadership in promoting “smart growth” principles. It will take effort and public pressure to force elected officials to rein in growth and promote sensible, sustainable development. The growing shortage of water resources may be a wake-up call. I would like to see the public elect representatives who would protect the quality of life we enjoy in McHenry County.Ersel Schuster, D-6, Republican:
For the most part, I see growth in McHenry County being openly encouraged by village and municipal governments. From all indications I believe that process will continue at break-neck-speed; far outstripping the necessary infrastructure and ability for residents to pay the costs associated with that development. Idealistically, I would like to see greater restraint on the part of county and municipal leaders in promoting growth and development. I would envision stricter zoning laws and adherence to those laws thus curbing out of control development the public can ill afford.Harry Alten, Jr., D-6, Republican: Random. Sometimes leap frogging. Misuse of productive Ag land. I would like the purchase of development rights of Ag Land to sustain our Agricultural Industry in McHenry County.
Andrew “Drew” Georgi, Jr., D-6, Democrat:
Large growth of the population and expensive housing projects that our people can not afford with the jobs available inside our county causing them to work outside the county making our transportation system over burdened. We need to approve only housing projects that our people can afford, bring in more jobs to the county, improve both our roads by having bypasses around the congested areas and improve the public transportation system.= = = = =
Unfortunately, I do not have a photo of Harry Alten. And there are two stories today where he is featured.
Labels: A-LAW, Andrew Georgi, Ersel Schuster, Growth, Harry Alten, Jeff Thirtyacre, McHenry County Defenders, Sue Draffkorn, Virginia Peschke
Daily Herald McHenry County Board Endorsements
The Daily Herald has issued its recommendations for county board. Those endorsed have their names in boldfaced type.
It targets the following issues:
I’d assume from the laudatory things said about the two that they would otherwise be endorsed.
Here’s what was said about Munaretto:
District 1 – Republican Party
District 1 - Democratic Party
No primary contest for Cary's James McTague.
District 2 – Republican Party
No primary contest and, hence, no endorsement, for
Strangely, no mention is made of Kurt W. Milliman.
District 3 - Democratic Primary
No endorsement because of lack of opposition: Kathleen Bergan Schmidt.
District 4 – Republican Party
No primary contest and no endorsement with these two incumbents, both from Wonder Lake, running for re-election:
Running unopposed is Jeff Thirtyacre of Spring Grove.
District 5 – Republican Party
No primary contest. Incumbents running for re-election are
Running unopposed is Paula Yensen, a Lake in the Hills Trustee.
District 6 – Republican Party
Democrats - District 6
Three are running. Endorsed are
A third Democrat, hence the need for a Democratic Party primary election, named Darryl Frank told the Daily Herald that a sickness in the family precluded participation in the interview process.
= = = = =
The picture on top of Bill Yocius on the left and Lowell Cutsworth on the right was taken at the Cary-Grove Country Club, where the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee held a candidates' night Tuesday night. You can see a photo of State Rep. and candidate for McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Mike Tryon addressing the crowd on the need for unity after the February 5th primary election.
The head shots below are of McHenry County Board members Mary Donner and Nick Provenzano.
County board member Randy Donely is seen alone because I do not have a photo of Harry Alten.
At the bottom are, from left to right, Democratic Party candidates for county board Andrew Georgi and Bob Ludwig. Their photographs were taken at the January 16th Democratic Party Central Committee meeting. Ludwig's was taken for his sweatshirt, which will appear as a "Message of the Day" one of these days. I didn't know he was a candidate when he allowed me to take it. The full photo will explain the slightly odd angle of his head.
The TV screen is what Republicans were seeing last night at the Cary Country Club while candidates were speaking.
It targets the following issues:
- Rapid growth
- Transportation and
- Water supply
- incumbent District 1 board member and Algonquin Township Clerk Republican Marc Munaretto, who lives in Algonquin, and
- District 6 Seneca Township Supervisor Ersel Schuster.
I’d assume from the laudatory things said about the two that they would otherwise be endorsed.
Here’s what was said about Munaretto:
”Although his sometimes arrogant approach can alienate, incumbent Marc Munaretto's financial savvy would net our endorsement for another term were he not to insist on holding two elected posts…”Here’s what was written about Schuster:
”A sprawling District 6 covers most of the county's western half, straddling Huntley's western edge to Hebron and Harvard. Its unique needs require strong county board representatives. Of the five candidates, former county board member and current Seneca Township Supervisor Ersel Schuster stands out as someone who does her homework, knows the county's challenges and guarantees strong advocacy for constituents. But, if elected, she would hold two elected offices and our policy, as previously outlined, is to not endorse candidates holding conflicting positions.So, with those two disqualified, here are the endorsees:
District 1 – Republican Party
- Former Fox River Grove Village President (and one of my 1992 GOP state rep. primary opponents) Bill Yocius is said to “clearly knows(s) the needs of the district” and
- Algonquin Township Trustee Lowell Cutsworth is also from FRG. Cutsworth says he will resign the trustee post, if elected. He is cited for “with his understanding of the growing district's transportation needs and the need to work with other entities to find solutions.”
District 1 - Democratic Party
No primary contest for Cary's James McTague.
District 2 – Republican Party
No primary contest and, hence, no endorsement, for
- Incumbent Jim Heisler and
- Newcomer Scott Breeden, who has served as Lakewood Village President and President of the Crystal Lake Park Board.
- Mary Donner and
- Nick Provenzano, both incumbents, were endorsed.
Strangely, no mention is made of Kurt W. Milliman.
District 3 - Democratic Primary
No endorsement because of lack of opposition: Kathleen Bergan Schmidt.
District 4 – Republican Party
No primary contest and no endorsement with these two incumbents, both from Wonder Lake, running for re-election:
- John D. Hammerand and
- Sue Draffkorn
Running unopposed is Jeff Thirtyacre of Spring Grove.
District 5 – Republican Party
No primary contest. Incumbents running for re-election are
- John Jung and
- Virginia Peschke, both from the Woodstock area.
Running unopposed is Paula Yensen, a Lake in the Hills Trustee.
District 6 – Republican Party
- “Challenger Harry Alten would be a strong board member representing McHenry County's still-thriving farm community” and
- “Randy Donley knows his district's needs but has played a low-key role on this board thus far. We hope he'll be a stronger advocate in the future.”
Democrats - District 6
Three are running. Endorsed are
- Andrew Georgi and
- Robert Ludwig,
A third Democrat, hence the need for a Democratic Party primary election, named Darryl Frank told the Daily Herald that a sickness in the family precluded participation in the interview process.
= = = = =
The picture on top of Bill Yocius on the left and Lowell Cutsworth on the right was taken at the Cary-Grove Country Club, where the Algonquin Township Republican Central Committee held a candidates' night Tuesday night. You can see a photo of State Rep. and candidate for McHenry County Republican Party Chairman Mike Tryon addressing the crowd on the need for unity after the February 5th primary election.The head shots below are of McHenry County Board members Mary Donner and Nick Provenzano.
County board member Randy Donely is seen alone because I do not have a photo of Harry Alten.At the bottom are, from left to right, Democratic Party candidates for county board Andrew Georgi and Bob Ludwig. Their photographs were taken at the January 16th Democratic Party Central Committee meeting. Ludwig's was taken for his sweatshirt, which will appear as a "Message of the Day" one of these days. I didn't know he was a candidate when he allowed me to take it. The full photo will explain the slightly odd angle of his head.
The TV screen is what Republicans were seeing last night at the Cary Country Club while candidates were speaking.
Labels: Andrew Georgi, Bill Yocius, Ersel Schuster, Harry Alten, Jim Schlader, Lowell Cutsworth, Marc Munaretto, Mary Donner, Nick Provenzano, Randy Donley, Robert Ludwig
Advice for the McHenry County College Board from Jane Collins
WHAT THE McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE BOARD
MUST DO TO RESTORE
PUBLIC TRUST IN ITS CONDUCT
MUST DO TO RESTORE
PUBLIC TRUST IN ITS CONDUCT
To the District Board of Trustees:
At your December 20, 2007 meeting, you discussed how to enhance the Board’s public image.I. Foster transparency.May I suggest that instead of hiring a public relations firm to improve its image, that the Board ask its constituents what it must do to restore the public’s confidence and trust in its actions?
Although some trustees have shown a willingness to listen to and respond to constituents’ concerns and questions, there are others who obdurately cling to attitudes and actions that do not convey to the people they serve that this Board is open, responsive, accountable and transparent in its conduct of the People’s business.
With this in mind, I offer the following suggestions.
a. Record meetings to provide a complete, accurate record of all open meetings.
b. Comply with the Freedom of Information Act [Act]. The current policy: according to District Counsel Perkoski, the Act is “a balancing of rights”; Counsel Kerrick has advised the Board that the correct response to a FOIA request is to “see what is exempt.”
Both interpretations are too narrow. The Act protects the public’s right to know how the People’s business is conducted – not how much can be withheld and kept secret.
Instead of focussing on WHO is asking for public documents or how many requests have been received, the Board should ask WHAT is being asked and WHETHER these are not the questions that the Board itself should be asking.
c. Establish a fair and objective FOIA request & appeal process. Current policy: President Packard has the authority to release records he deems “appropriate,” then to decide whether to uphold his denials of records, if denials are appealed. The public’s only recourse: to sue the District for public records – essentially making them unobtainable.
Labels: Jane Collins, MCC, McHenry County College
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Message of the Day - Ice
Driving down Route 14 from Deep Cut Road after leaving BSA Camp Lakota, it was like being in a modern Narnia with the White Witch in control.The trees were covered with ice.
The sun was shining brightly.
After we passed the place with the April 21, 1967, tornado crossed the highway, I rolled down the window and started taking pictures.
This was one of the better ones.
That’s how cold it was right after my son decided not to zip on the bottoms of his convertible pants.
Labels: Camp Lakota, Ice, Message of the Day, Narnia, Route 14, Tornado, White Witch
Banning Flash Photography at MCC Board Meetings
My instincts were correct.
That fifth item on the McHenry County Board's agenda was a ban of flash photography.
Of course, the board did not have the transparency to publish this on its web site.
And, that's not all.
Here's a delightful delegation of power to the prime mover for banning flash photography--Board President George Lowe:
After driving all around the parking lot, I finally found a space near the ring road.
By the time I arrived the fireworks were over and the ban had passed 3-2. George Lowe, Carol Larson and Barbara Walters voting in favor and Scott Summers and Donna Kurtz in opposition.
You can click on the images to enlarge them.
That fifth item on the McHenry County Board's agenda was a ban of flash photography.
Of course, the board did not have the transparency to publish this on its web site.
And, that's not all.
Here's a delightful delegation of power to the prime mover for banning flash photography--Board President George Lowe:
In addition, the Board Chair may limit an individual's ability to photograph any portion of the Board meeting if it is determined that the photography is interfering with the proceedings as they occur.After writing this and figuring out I could not post it, I was off to the board meeting.
After driving all around the parking lot, I finally found a space near the ring road.
By the time I arrived the fireworks were over and the ban had passed 3-2. George Lowe, Carol Larson and Barbara Walters voting in favor and Scott Summers and Donna Kurtz in opposition.
You can click on the images to enlarge them.
Labels: First Amendment, George Lowe, MCC, McHenry County College, Open Meetings Act
“Frankly, Del Webb, I Don’t Give a Damn”
With apologies to Clark Gable and “Gone With the Wind.”The Huntley School District 158 school board came up with an interesting idea at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting.
Why hold all the meetings at the administration building?
Why not go from school to school?
The school board discussed following the example of the Carpentersville District 300 and holding meetings at various school buildings.
Crystal Lake’s Grade School District 47 does that. I’ve attended meetings at West and Hussmann Elementary Schools.
When the idea adding Del Webb to the school rotation was brought up by board member Larry Snow, there was adamant opposition from the five-member board majority.
Here’s what Jameel Naqvi wrote in his Daily Herald article:
So, thirty percent of the property tax revenue in Huntley School District 158 comes from Sun City."(Superintendent John) Burkey proposed the idea in response to board member Larry Snow's suggestion that the board hold one-third of its meetings at Del Webb's Sun City --
in rough proportion to the amount of property taxes the Huntley community contributes to the district, according to Snow.
"Snow's board colleagues rejected his idea of holding board meetings in Sun City -- seen as a base of Snow's support -- in favor of meeting at District 158 schools."
But there are no schools there.
That’s because there are no kids allowed.
Del Webb residents pay a lot of the freight, but get none of the benefits.
But, heaven forbid, let’s not encourage Del Webb residents to attend a school board meeting.
Or, by the way, allow it to be broadcast to all Sun City homes via their private broadcast network.
Labels: Del Webb, Gone With the Wind, Huntley School District 158, Larry Snow, Sun City
Monday, January 28, 2008
Message of the Day – Calves
He’s my son.He has a mind of his own.
You would expect that, of course.
So, Sunday morning I ask him if he wants to put on the lower parts of his pants.
Pants with removable lower legs.
Great invention for in-between weather.
He took them off before he went to bed in the sleeping bag at the BSA's Camp Lakota northwest of Woodstock.
“No, “ was the answer.
Having been through Crystal Lake District 47’s Learning and Logic training sessions at South School,taught by Principal Mary Katzler, I said, “OK.”It’s important for kids to learn their own lessons in life and the earlier the better.
Let them make their mistakes early.
It will hurt them less.
So, as he was helping me load the car after the two-night outing, his calves were exposed.
Turns out the temperature was 16 degrees.
Up from the 9 degrees when we arrived on Friday night, but still pretty cold.
So, how cold is 9 degrees?
Take a look at tomorrow’s “Message of the Day.”
“I couldn’t feel my legs, Mom,” was his report when he arrived home.
Labels: Calves, Camp Lakota, District 47, Learning and Logic, Mary Katzler, Message of the Day, South School
Banning Flash Photography
My instincts were correct.
That fifth item on the McHenry County Board's agenda is a ban of flash photography.
That fifth item on the McHenry County Board's agenda is a ban of flash photography.
Labels: MCC, McHenry County College
MCC Board President George Lowe: “No Flashes…You’ve Been Warned!”
After last Monday’s McHenry County College Board meeting, Board President George Lowe looked at me and said,”There will be no flashes at the Monday Board meeting!I told him that he would have to pass a resolution first.
“You’ve been warned!”
I guess it surprised him that he couldn’t unilaterally set board policy.
Next, Lowe looks at MCC President Walt Packard, pretty much the only other person in the room, and says,
”First thing on the agenda—a resolution.At least he didn’t threaten to put me in the back corner of the room like the McHenry County Board rules change would have.
“No flashes at the board meeting.”
I’ve looked at the board’s agenda for tonight’s 7 PM meeting and can’t see anything that would lead anyone to think banning flash photography might be under consideration.There is agenda item 5:
”RESOLUTION ADOPTING COLLEGE POLICY, Board Report #08-22”Tells the public a lot, doesn’t it?
And it’s before the public comment period.
That’s about the same place the board considered the censuring of Board President Scott Summers, who subsequently resigned from that post, and Donna Kurtz.
Before public comment.
Oh.
One other thing.
Lowe make a big deal a week ago about how no items would be placed on the agenda without board consensus.
We’ll see.
= = = = =
The top picture of the map was taken after the meeting without a flash in an attempt to get a good close-up. The flash had been showing up in the previous photos of the map. Lowe walked in front of the map as he was issuing his "No flash" rule. The lower photo is after he had told MCC President Packard to put flash banning resolution first on the agenda.
Labels: Flash Photography, George Lowe, MCC, McHenry County College
Just in Time for Super Tuesday
Hillary Clinton received a gift from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald today.Rod Blagojevich fund raiser and Barack Obama political career launcher Tony Rezko has been taken into custody.
He’s to be tried on various corruption charges, starting late next month.
The arrest will put the Hillary Clinton’s Rezko attack on front pages in numerous states.
Labels: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Rod Blagojevich, Tony Rezko
White Papers Show Arnold Kept Promises, Candidate Says
8th congressional district Republican candidate Ken Arnold has sent the following press release:Stop the Presses! Politician Makes Good on Promise to Citizens
Gurnee, IL: Eighth District Republican congressional candidate, Kenneth “Ken” Arnold, this past week released his 24th and 25
Since the start of his campaign, he has termed each one his “white paper solution” on various problems and has posted all under the “Creative Solutions” tab within his www.ArnoldforCongress.com website.
These two detailed papers make for an astounding twenty-five (25) detailed and original initiatives by Mr. Arnold on how to solve a broad range of Federal and regional problems.
The breath of subjects Mr. Arnold has tackled include our National Healthcare crises, area transportation problems, Federal budgeting and spending improvements, tax reform, energy independence, and many other national problems. He has even tackled local or regional issues such as how to permanently fix the Des Plaines River flooding problems and how to immediately build the Route 53 extension.
Candidate Ken Arnold states:“When I announced at the start of this campaign in August, 2007 that I would present to the voters “twenty four and more” original and creative solutions for the problems of our day, several of my advisors advised against it. They said it was way too ambitious of goal in the heat of an election campaign.”But Mr. Arnold points out:“I felt with all our Federal problems, the People demanded solutions – and my campaign would be one of showing voters that there ARE effective and good solutions, if we only think creatively!”The Arnold campaign points out that despite Mr. Arnold, three times within candidate forums and other venues, challenging his fellow Republican opponents - Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris - to follow his lead and “show their stuff” before the voters, they have failed to do so. The Arnold campaign states Ken Arnold’s opponents have shown nothing similar in original and creative solutions on their websites or within their campaigns.
Ken Arnold outlines:“Mine is a unique campaign based upon the power of ideas, and ideals --- rather than empty words and smooth talking charm. With so many serious problems before us, I am betting that the voters of the 8th District are looking for solution finders and not vague politicians that do nothing to solve our problems.”He went on to note:“It is for this reason that I know that incumbent Democrat Congressman Melissa Bean can be beat. For she has not created a single material and creative solution to our major problems in her now two terms in office! Citizens are, indeed, frustrated. There is a better way…”For more information, or to donate to Ken Arnold’s campaign for Congress, citizens may either log onto his website or call the campaign at headquarters at 847-207-1167.
Labels: 8th Congressional District, Ken Arnold, Melissa Bean
Source Better Than Bloomberg
Raysyourhand writes in a comment under the story just below this one that Melissa Bean, the United States Representative from the 8th district, was in the district on Saturday. At least that's what I think he is trying to indicate, although he does not specifically say that.
If she was in the district on Saturday, I offer my apologies for saying she was in Medellin, Columbia.
You can read why I thought she was in Columbia, the South American country not the capital of South Carolina, here. The dateline on the Bloomberg article by Helen Murphy was Friday, January 25th. (Unfortunately, the U.S. State Department briefing link in my first article is not working, but I copied it if anyone wants details of Bean's trip with Condoleezza Rice.)
Raysyourhand writes:
Melissa was around the district at a series of small house parties. She also attended a government meeting in McHenry County this morning.Guess it was a short trip.
Again, my apologies.
Now, if the congresswoman wants to send me her press releases, I could publish them like I do Congressman Don Manzullo's.
I checked to see if there was a press release about her South American trip and could not find one.
Maybe you can find one.
Labels: Bloomberg, Columbia, Condoleezza Rice, Melissa Bean
Melissa Bean Misses Obama Victory in Columbia...
Because she is on a ten-day junket to Columbia.The 8th district congresswoman campaigned for Barack Obama in South Carolina earlier this month, but on election day Saturday she was in warmer climes in Medellin, Columbia, with nine other congressional Democrats.
Another indication that this early primary election day is primarily about making the re-nomination of incumbents safer than they already are.
It looks as if she will return before Illinois’ February 5th primary election, when Bean faces a Democratic primary challenge from Randi Scheurer.
Labels: 8th Congressional District, Columbia. Melissa Bean, Randi Scheurer
Advance 300 Tax Hike Committee Sits on $43,500
$43,445.86, to be exact.
It’s sitting in the Cardunal Savings and Loan earning interest.
$613.38 this past six months.
Just waiting to find another tax hike referendum to support.
It’s sitting in the Cardunal Savings and Loan earning interest.$613.38 this past six months.
Just waiting to find another tax hike referendum to support.
Labels: Advance 300, District 300
Robert Abboud Hones His Stump Speech - 5
In this fifth article about 16th congressional district Democratic Party candidate Robert Abboud’s appearance Wednesday, January 16th, in Woodstock’s Farm Bureau Building, McHenry County Blog reports on what he said about Iraq:“We’re done.“Oil,” shouted a chorus of Democrats.
“We’ve been done five years.
“Why did we go to Iraq?”
“I’m going to give the President the benefit of the doubt,” Abboud continued.
“The first day we cut their communications.
“In three days, we controlled the skies.“12.5 billion per month.
“If our strategy was to create a federalist government in Iraq, something that is based on the Magna Carta, people in the Middle East don’t recognize the Magna Carta.”
Abboud then explained his family’s involvement in the Armed Forces. His father spent three years in the Marines, his father-in-law 20 years in the Navy.
“The military is designed to kill the enemy and break things.
“You have horsepower so the diplomats can do their job.
“I don’t get the part where we use the military to create a new government.
“We’re done with this issue.
“It’s time to come home.
“I ask for your support.
“We have a very tough campaign.”McHenry County Democratic Party Chairman Thomas Cynor closed this part of the meeting by urging people to ask Abboud questions they had out in the hall and during the five-minute break.
“Bob will give you the answers…the whole answer.”
“The party’s really moving in the right direction,” Cynor concluded.
= = = = =
The photographs are of Robert Abboud. It the bottom one, you can see McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Thomas Cynor with Abboud after Abboud's speech.
Labels: Iraq War, McHenry County Democratic Central Committee, McHenry County Democrats, Robert Abboud, Thomas Cynor
Sales Tax Possible to Finance New Schools
A friend of McHenry County Blog has noticed a new law that would allow a sales tax to help pay for new schools.
It would have to be approved by referendum, unlike the extra one-half of one percent sales tax the General Assembly just foisted on us to finance the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.
Such a referendum could be put on the ballot by the county board or school boards representing at least 51% of the student enrollment within the county.
The ballot would read,
Once passed, it could not be lowered by a referendum initiated by citizens petition.
The McHenry County Board could lower the rate or discontinue it, unless school construction bonds were sold, it could not be lowered if repayment of the bonds would be endangered.
“School construction” is defined about as broadly as anyone could imagine.
The money would flow through regional superintendent of schools. I noticed one very strange provision. The regional supt. can sit on the money up to 30 days.
That reminds me of when all state aid to education used to take that route. School districts lost so much interest while the county superintendent of schools sat on the money that the legislature changed the law to require it to be sent directly to the schools.
The money would be distributed would be distributed on a pro rata basis, according to the percentage of county students in the school district.
I love tax incidence questions.
Who will be the winners and the losers?
My first take is that those areas that are built out will be the losers. They will tend to have paid for their schools.
The winners, if I am correct, will be the fast growth areas, the villages that lust for growth.
I see one intended consequence and one unintended consequence.
Once a flow of money starts and one school district sells bonds based on these sales tax receipts, the tax seems destined to stay forever.
The unintended consequence is that tax money will flow forever (so to speak) and the local school boards will find a way to spend, whether such expenditures are necessary or not.
That’s the problem with “free money.”
Perhaps the law should be changed to allow the money to be spent on operations, as well as building. After all, operations eat up most of the budget and the infusion of new cash could be used to cut the property tax, if all bonds were paid off.
Oh, yes.
This can’t be done in Cook County, even though Senate President Emil Jones jointly sponsored it with chief sponsor Mike Jacobs, both Democrats. House sponsors of Senate Bill 835 were Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island), Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn), Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville), who is also a school superintendent.
Locally, State Senator Pam Althoff and Chris Lauzen voted “No,” while State Senator Bill Peterson voted “Yes” on the final 31-24 vote.
The bill passed the Illinois House 74-41. State Representative Jack Franks and Mike Tryon voted against the bill. Mark Beaubien was listed as not voting. Tim Schmitz voted “Yes.”
As an aside, I see language that originated when I was in the Illinois House in the 1970’s. It requires sales tax to be collected on minerals like gravel and coal at the point of extraction. That was some coalition we put together to pass that bill.
It would have to be approved by referendum, unlike the extra one-half of one percent sales tax the General Assembly just foisted on us to finance the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.
Such a referendum could be put on the ballot by the county board or school boards representing at least 51% of the student enrollment within the county.
The ballot would read,
Shall McHenry County be authorized to impose a retailers’ occupation tax and a service occupation tax (commonly referred to as a “sales tax”) at the rate of [not more than ¼ of, ½ of, ¾ of or a maximum of 1%] to be used exclusively for school facility purposes?The tax would not be on food or drugs, which are not currently taxed by state government, just local governments.
Once passed, it could not be lowered by a referendum initiated by citizens petition.
The McHenry County Board could lower the rate or discontinue it, unless school construction bonds were sold, it could not be lowered if repayment of the bonds would be endangered.
“School construction” is defined about as broadly as anyone could imagine.
The money would flow through regional superintendent of schools. I noticed one very strange provision. The regional supt. can sit on the money up to 30 days.
That reminds me of when all state aid to education used to take that route. School districts lost so much interest while the county superintendent of schools sat on the money that the legislature changed the law to require it to be sent directly to the schools.
The money would be distributed would be distributed on a pro rata basis, according to the percentage of county students in the school district.
I love tax incidence questions.
Who will be the winners and the losers?
My first take is that those areas that are built out will be the losers. They will tend to have paid for their schools.
The winners, if I am correct, will be the fast growth areas, the villages that lust for growth.
I see one intended consequence and one unintended consequence.
Once a flow of money starts and one school district sells bonds based on these sales tax receipts, the tax seems destined to stay forever.
The unintended consequence is that tax money will flow forever (so to speak) and the local school boards will find a way to spend, whether such expenditures are necessary or not.
That’s the problem with “free money.”
Perhaps the law should be changed to allow the money to be spent on operations, as well as building. After all, operations eat up most of the budget and the infusion of new cash could be used to cut the property tax, if all bonds were paid off.
Oh, yes.
This can’t be done in Cook County, even though Senate President Emil Jones jointly sponsored it with chief sponsor Mike Jacobs, both Democrats. House sponsors of Senate Bill 835 were Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island), Sandra Pihos (R-Glen Ellyn), Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago) and Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville), who is also a school superintendent.
Locally, State Senator Pam Althoff and Chris Lauzen voted “No,” while State Senator Bill Peterson voted “Yes” on the final 31-24 vote.
The bill passed the Illinois House 74-41. State Representative Jack Franks and Mike Tryon voted against the bill. Mark Beaubien was listed as not voting. Tim Schmitz voted “Yes.”
As an aside, I see language that originated when I was in the Illinois House in the 1970’s. It requires sales tax to be collected on minerals like gravel and coal at the point of extraction. That was some coalition we put together to pass that bill.
Labels: Chris Lauzen, Emil Jones, Jack Franks, Mike Fortner, Mike Jacobs, Mike Tryon, Pam Althoff, Patrick Verschoore, Roger Eddy, Sandra Pihos, School Construction, School Sales Tax, Tim Schmitz
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Message of the Day – A Cross
When my son and I returned from a two night stay at Woodstock’s BSA Camp Lakota, I stopped at the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake to take a picture of the permutation of sculpture of a cross created by Dominic Zinanni.I was wondering how it would be changed.
The only difference I could see from week three was in the text on the cross bar.
This week it says,
give honor to Him and His name
Last week, it said,
There are also sun-like rays surrounding the center of the cross, mainly on the vertical post.
The photograph may be enlarged by clicking on it.
Labels: Cross, Dominic Zinanni, First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake, Message of the Day
Illegals May Be Registering To Vote
That was the headline on the main article in Elgin’s Courier News Thursday.The answer from Kane County Clerk Jack Cunningham was, essentially, “Maybe.”
I found it interesting how Democratic Party State Senator Mike Nolan approached the issue when interviewed by reporter David Gialanella:
"It's absolutely possible, and it's a problem. I'm not sure how to combat that. I'm open to suggestions."
The paper tied its story into this AP story by Deborah Hastings about Indiana
Labels: Courier News, Elgin, illegal aliens
District 300 Legislative Breakfast Focuses on Money – 5
Back to money in this series of articles of what happened when legislators were being briefed on District 300 by administrators and board members John Ryan and Joe Stevens, the board’s president.Superintendent Ken Arndt brought up the huge Sears Tax Increment Financing district.
“If it is renewed, it would cause us to go to a referendum a lot earlier,” Stevens said. “It would be disastrous.”
“Hoffman has no plans to extend that TIF,” State Rep. Ruth Munson (R-Elgin) reported.“Are you getting some (information) from Sears that they want it renewed?” State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) asked.
“In the House, current rules are that every single tax district has to sign off on it,” Munson explained.
No one brought up how much state aid to education would drop once the Sears TIF property got onto the assessment rolls.
And, more on money.
Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Crates explained that the charter school transitional assistance was supposed to be funded at the 90% level, but that in the past it was only funded at 50% of 90%. Now, it’s going to be 30% of 90%.
Addressing the school aid formula conundrum, Tryon said,”One of the problems I see is that school districts can’t agree on what the formula