McHenry County Blog

I don't watch a lot of television.

To be honest, if it's not “24” or the news, I'm probably watching this computer screen reading an escapist novel or, more recently, putting up signs in Bull Valley.

So, I don't know whether McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi is airing the YouTube ad below on cable TV or not.

But, I thought you might be interested in looking at it.



31 had viewed it when I watched it.

Bianchi is being challenged by Democrat Tom Cynor.

Labels: ate's Attorney, Lou Bianchi, McHenry County State's Attorney, YouTube

Below is a press release from Democratic Party candidate for McHenry County Coroner Dave Bachmann:

CORONER CANDIDATE REFUTES CHARGE

Hebron--Recently The NORTHWEST HERALD questioned the "Investigative Instincts" of David Bachmann, Democratic candidate for McHenry County Coroner. The DAILY HERALD also ran articles critical of his campaign and “provided false information stating that I have no qualifications to become coroner,” according to Bachmann.

On Friday, Bachmann released a detailed refutation to the charges.

“Under Illinois state statute, there are no explicit required qualifications to become a Coroner. In fact by education, experience, and years in the death care industry I am overqualified for the job,” Bachamann said.

A complete history of those qualifications can be found on his blog at www.bachreview.blogspot.com.

“After The Daily Herald called into question my ability to handle finances, I provided the paper with the names and phone numbers of three (3) of my bankers since 2002. They would attest that I handle my finances very well.

"My long past financial difficulties came as result of having 17 major surgeries, and recovery time, and no insurance coverages. Most American's can certainly appreciate this. My opponent has used a human tragedy that could happen to any one of us, at anytime in our lives, for her political gain.

“Five Months prior to the release of the Official State Investigation of the alleged intentional killings of several Woodstock Nursing Home residents, my own investigation concluded that the sitting coroner should have taken ‘investigative command’ in either April or early may of 2006. I documented this in my written report on my web page.

"The papers called this hindsight,” Bachmann said.

“In fact the first alleged killing was proved by the Illinois State Police, to have occurred on April 3, 2006.

"Just as I had stated months before the reports were made public.

"All this occurred, just five blocks from the Coroner, and the deaths continued without raising alarms in the office.

"And the papers call into question MY investigative instincts?

“Statements by the Sheriff and the Lakewood Police chief that I was not helpful with other criminal investigations are colored by their acknowledged political support of my opponent,” Bachmann charged.

"For a complete history of the nursing home death and my investigation visit www.nursinghomedeaths.blogspot.com."

Labels: Daily Herald, Dave Bachmann, Northwest Herald

Using Abraham Lincoln's visage, the piece features the five countywide candidates for office.

The Illinois Republican Party decreased the postage cost by making the mailing for the McHenry County Republican Central Committee.

It's a duplicate of what appears on the back of the sample ballot zoned by county board district. That piece has photos of all the GOP candidates, not to mention the judges up for retention.

What are the “Top Ten Reasons” to support McHenry County Republicans?

1. McHenry County Republicans do not suffer from Springfield Gridlock – There is not Rod Blagojevich, Mike Madigan or Emil Jones operating in McHenry County. Republican leadership works together for the benefit of the people in McHenry County.


2. Republicans Streamline Local Government – Republican controlled McHenry County has 25% fewer Governmental employees per capita than Democrat controlled Cook County.


3. Republicans Invest in Future Transportation – The Republican led County Board has taken the bold initiative to reduce congestion by borrowing $50 million to spend on road construction NOW. This is a smart move as road construction costs are rising faster than the borrowing rate. The existing motor fuel tax repays this debt.


4. The Republican County Board Adheres to a Balance Budget – While most counties deficit spend, McHenry County Republicans insist upon operating a balanced budget and have built a five month cash reserve.


5. Republicans Borrow Smarter at Lower Rates – McHenry County has earned an AA1 bond rating, one step from a perfect AAA. This outstanding rating allows the county to borrow at LOWER rates. This SAVES tax dollars. This is a rating that less than 3% of counties in the U.S. have attained.


6. Republicans Protect the County's Scenic Beauty – The Republican controlled McHenry County Board introduced the Land First Initiative. This initiative protects ground water and preserves open space. This ordinance was applauded by conservationists and developers alike.


7. Republicans Crack Down on Crime – The Republican States Attorney and Sheriff have taken a tough stand on crime which has led to harsher sentences and more penitentiary time for offenders. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been saved by handling civil lawsuits with staff attorneys, rather than outside counsel.


8. Republicans Protect the Environment & Lead the State in Ground Water Protection – McHenry County Republicans have launched one of the most aggressive programs in the state to protect ground water. Further, they have implemented a Green Building Policy to protect the environment.


9. Republicans Don't Tax Everything that Moves and let you keep More of YOUR Money – Unlike Democratic controlled Cook County, McHenry County does NOT have soft drink, amusement, liquor, natural gas, electric telecommunication or special restaurant taxes. Democrat controlled Chicago has the highest sales tax in the U.S. At 10.25%.


10. There is no Glass Ceiling for Women with McHenry County Republicans – Woman play an important role in McHenry County. Four of five countywide candidates are women.

Click to enlarge the images.

Labels: Kathleen Keefe, Lou Bianchi, Marlene Lantz, McHenry County Republican Central Commit;tee, McHenry County Republican Party, Pam Palmer, Phyllis Walters

Keely Cat is not going to be happy about this.

I am featuring a cat, but it's not him.

It's a more appropriate to Halloween black feral cat.

Along with its colleagues it hangs out across the street from Crystal Lake's City Hall.

So, if you are walking on Woodstock Street or Walkup Avenue or Caroline Street tonight and see a black cat cross your path, remember you can come back during the day and see the same thing.

Labels: Black Cat, Caroliine Street, Cat, Crystal Lake, Crystal Lake City Hall, Feral Cat, Keely, Walkup Avenue, Woosdstock Street

As I mentioned in the first article I wrote on the subject, it would have come earlier had I not had a Cub Scout meeting to attend the night that Bill Cellini made his successful pitch to be the TIF developer at Vulcan Lakes.

As it turns out, Cellini was cited as Individual A in Tony Rezko's indictment three days after Mayor Aaron Shepley's city council voted to hire Cellini and his associates.

Northwest Herald reporter Karen Long figured out the connection in mid-December. The headlines and subheadlines were

CEO out of Vulcan Lakes
Project Exec said he’d step aside after
alleged links to separate kickback plot

CL Mayor satisfied with letter saying
Cellini would not have a personal role.

Clearly Mayor Shepley had stepped into a tar pit.

The questions still remains about how Cellini, et al, found his way to the Crystal Lake City Council chambers. After I read the NW Herald article, I wrote,

“It should be noted, but is not by the Northwest Herald, that Cellini has long known former McHenry County Republican Chairman Al Jourdan. When Cellini was Secretary of Transportation under Governor Richard B. Ogilvie, Jourdan was Don Udstuen’s top assistant in Ogilvie’s patronage operation. IDOT had many, many patronage workers.”

I think you might find the conversation that Shepley had with Cellini of interest.

Here's the short 30-second version:



Here's the longer version, just so you can see I have not taken anything out of context.



The two television stations I watched last night used a still photo of Cellini that Associate Press took.

Here's another story on Cellini on McHenry County Blog:

Bill Cellini Close to Owners of Shopping Center CL Mayor Shepley Wants to Make Another Deer Park

1,011 people had viewed the short version as of last night; 774 for the 2 minute, 19 second version.

Nothing in the indictment relates to Crystal Lake.

Labels: Aaron Shepley, Al Jourdan, Bill Cellini, Crystal Lake, Tax Increment Financing District, TIF, Vulcan Lakes

In my mailbox, you would hardly know a was happening with pitches from 16th district Congressman Don Manzullo.

Yesterday his third mailing hit my mailbox.

I see he is justifiably claiming credit to saving about $100 million a year for convincing the Navy to sell, rather than give its surplus ships.

I heard Manzullo talk excitedly about this policy change that he had just succeeded in initiated.

The piece repeats WGN's labeling him as “an honest politician,” as well as pointing out how $80-$100 million a year is being saved “be eliminating taxpayer subsidies on government loans.”

The congressman also brags that he voted to cut spending 123 times since his current term began in January, 2007.

The theme of the piece?

Fighting the Big Spenders in Washington.

He notes that he is ranked as the most fiscally conservative congressman from Illinois by the National Taxpayers Union.

Click to enlarge the images.

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Don Manzullo, National Taxpayers Union

McHenry County Democrats have sent out an imaginative post card based on the game of Monopoly.

They obviously want people to think that McHenry County Republicans have a monopoly on local office.

While that is not true—think of the Democrats on school boards—the partisan offices at the county level are dominated by Republicans, even though at least one used to be a Democrat.

All of the countywide officials are Republicans and only one of twenty-four county board members is a Democrat (Jim Kennedy of Lake in the Hills in District 5).

This article will address where your town has been placed on the McHenry County Monopoly board.

What town is where Boardwalk is? Who's Park Place?

I would have thought Boardwalk would have been Bull Valley or Barrington Hills and Park Place one of those two as well.

But, that's not the case.

So, this isn't exactly a reality game.

Marengo is where Boardwalk usually appears and Ringwood is identified as McHenry County's Park Place.

Crystal Lake, Huntley and Lakewood are the placed where the next most valuable lots are on the real Monopoly board.

The yellow lots just before where the “Go To Jail” sign on regular Monopoly appears are Algonquin, Hebron and Lake in the Hills.

McHenry, Trout Valley and Prairie Grove are the red lots next to where free parking.

Do you notice a lack of uniformity in what appears to be almost a random placement of village and city names?

The orange ones are labeled McCullom Lake, Cary and Woodstock.

Oakwood Hills, Richmond and Harvard are on the same side next to the jail.

Spring Grove, Union and Johnsburg are right before the jail, but they aren't the color I remember on the original board (but I'm color blind to some extent, maybe I'm wrong).

The two cheapest properties on the regular Monopoly board were named Wonder Lake and Fox River Grove. I wonder if residents there will take offense.

Labels: Fox River Grove, Marengo, McHenry County, McHenry County Democrats, McHenry County Monoploy, Monopoly, Ringwood, Wonder Lake

The following is a press release from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office:

WILLIAM F. CELLINI, SR., INDICTED FOR ALLEGED ROLE IN DEFRAUDING
TEACHERS RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITH REZKO, LEVINE AND OTHERS

CHICAGO –A longtime political insider in Springfield was indicted today on federal corruption charges for allegedly conspiring with two Chicago businessmen and others to obtain political contributions for a certain public official by shaking down an investment firm that was seeking a $220 million allocation from the state Teachers Retirement System (TRS.)

The defendant, William F. Cellini, Sr., was charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
Cellini, 73, of Springfield, had longstanding relationships and influence with TRS trustees and staff members and was associated with Commonwealth Realty Advisors, Inc., a real estate asset firm that managed hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of TRS, according to the indictment.

He also raised significant funds for Public Official A, among others. He was charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and soliciting a bribe. He will be arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court.

Cellini’s alleged crimes – essentially conspiring with others to force Capri Capital, also a real estate investment firm, and Thomas Rosenberg, a principal and part owner of Capri, to raise or donate substantial political contributions for Public Official A – were the subject of testimony earlier this year at the trial of alleged co-conspirator Antoin “Tony” Rezko. Cellini was charged with conspiring with Rezko, former TRS trustee Stuart Levine, the pension fund’s outside lawyer Steven Loren and others between the spring of 2003 and the summer of 2005 to defraud TRS beneficiaries and the people of Illinois of Levine’s honest services as a TRS trustee. TRS, a public pension plan for teachers and administrators in public schools statewide except in Chicago, serves hundreds of thousands of members and beneficiaries and has assets in excess of $30 billion.

Cellini is the 13th defendant charged as part of Operation Board Games, an ongoing federal public corruption investigation of insider-dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks involving private interests and public duties related to various state boards and non-profit organizations.

Mr. Fitzgerald announced the charges with Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Alvin Patton, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; Thomas P. Brady, Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Chicago; and James Vanderberg, Regional Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

According to the indictment, in the spring of 2003, Cellini and Levine agreed to oppose a proposal to consolidate TRS with two other state pension plans because they feared their control and influence at TRS, as well as the profits received by Commonwealth Realty Advisors, would be threatened. Cellini and Levine further agreed to seek help from Rezko and Co-Conspirator A in defeating the consolidation plan, with all four eventually agreeing that Cellini would use his influence at TRS and Levine would use his trustee position to hire investment firms that made contributions for the benefit of Public Official A. Cellini, Rezko, and Co-Conspirator A knew that Levine agreed to use his influence and position at TRS to help firms that had made contributions for the benefit of Public Official A, even though Levine understood that those firms were being chosen based on their political contributions and not on their merit.

Between February and April 2004 – at the same time Commonwealth Realty Advisors obtained allocations totaling $220 million from TRS – Cellini, Levine, Rezko, and Co-Conspirator A allegedly conspired to use their influence and Levine’s position at TRS to prevent Capri Capital from receiving a planned $220 million allocation of TRS funds unless Rosenberg and Capri agreed to raise or donate a substantial amount of funds for the benefit of Public Official A. In early May 2004, after conversations with Levine, Cellini agreed to and did tell Rosenberg that Capri was not going to receive its $220 million allocation because Rosenberg had not made a significant political contribution for the benefit of Public Official A, the indictment alleges. Once Rosenberg understood the reason Capri was not receiving funds, Cellini and Levine agreed that Cellini would direct Rosenberg to talk with Levine to arrange making the necessary contributions, the charges state.

Cellini allegedly reported back to Levine that Rosenberg would not be extorted and threatened to expose their plan to law enforcement. Cellini, Levine, Rezko, and Co-Conspirator A allegedly agreed it was too risky to continue demanding money from Rosenberg and Capri or blocking the $220 million allocation. They further agreed that, although Capri would receive the pension funds for investment purposes, Capri and Rosenberg would not receive any further business from the State of Illinois, the charges allege. In late May 2004, just five days after Levine was confronted by federal agents, Levine and the TRS board voted to allocate $220 million to Capri.

As part of the conspiracy, Cellini, Rezko, and Co-Conspirator A also allegedly agreed to and did engage in secret communications with Levine, other TRS trustees and staff members, including TRS Staffer A, concerning official actions pending before TRS. Cellini was aware that Levine concealed from and failed to disclose to the TRS board the existence of these secret communications, the charges allege. In the summer of 2004, Cellini, Rezko, Co-Conspirator A, and others allegedly discussed moving TRS Staffer A from his position at TRS into another job with a different state entity in an effort to ensure that TRS Staffer A would not cooperate with the government. And, in or around the summer and fall of 2004, in an effort to conceal the conspiracy, Cellini, Rezko and others discussed the possibility of removing the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois in an effort to stop any investigation into the co-conspirators and others, the indictment alleges.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Niewoehner, Carrie Hamilton and Reid Schar. If convicted, the charges carry the following maximum penalties: conspiracy to commit mail fraud – 5 years in prison; extortion conspiracy and attempted extortion – 20 years in prison; and soliciting a bribe – 10 years in prison, and each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000.

The Court, however, would determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Labels: Bill Cellini, Tony Rezko

Glancing at the final week's contributions to McHenry County candidates, I found two for the county board district north of Crystal Lake.

One was a $500 contribution to incumbent Republican Nick Provenzano from Jack Roeser, who runs the Family-Taxpayers Network.

The second was more interesting. It was for Kathy Bergan Schmidt, the new McHenry County Democratic Central Committee Chair.

She is the only Democrat challenging Provenzano and Mary Donner.

She started off with $1,887 on Jul 1st and has picked up $2,131.

So, she has a bit over $4,000 for her campaign.

Over half of the money has come as a loan from herself.

She also received $500 from the Eight District Democrats and Independents out of Lake Zurich.

Provenzano started out July with $465 and has garnered $1,780 since then. Besides the Roeser $500, the only other donations big enough to be reported was $250 from former State Senator Dick Klemm.

Donner had about $8,000, counting what she had on July 1st and what she has raised since. That does not take into account whatever her fund raiser cost.

Those identified as contributors are

• $500 – Richard Klemm Trust
• $250 – Mr. and Mrs. G. Weiler
• $250 – Local 150 Operating Engineers
• $250 – Referrals Plus, Inc.
• $240 – National Association of Systems Administrators
• $150 – Madsen Sugden and Gottemoller

Labels: Dick Klemm, District 3, Jack Roeser, Kathy Beran Schmidt, Mary Donner, National Association of Systems Administrators, Nick Provenzano

That's what people who take Walkup Avenue across Route 176 are telling me.

How long is it going to be before the two inches of asphalt are laid?

How long must traffic slow to a crawl, not once, but twice, in order to minimize damage to one's tires?

IDOT, where are you?

Labels: Asphalt, IDOT, Repaving, Route 176

McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi, being challenged by Democrat Tom Cynor, is warning of an expected smear campaign between now and the election. Here is his press release:

Bianchi warns of smear campaign

Crystal Lake – McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi said Wednesday that he expects his Democratic opponent, Tom Cynor, to launch an eleventh-hour smear campaign by mail.

“His history shows that he favors last-minute, shock allegations instead of a full and honest debate of ideas,” Bianchi said.

Bianchi noted that all three newspapers covering McHenry County—Northwest Herald, Daily Herald and Chicago Tribune have endorsed him and that Cynor is desperate.

Cynor was an advisor to a county board candidate who launched such an eleventh-hour smear campaign.

Further evidence is that Cynor took out a $35,000 loan recently and hasn't spent it yet on advertising.

“I'm confident that the voters of McHenry County will see through the oldest political dirty trick in the book—a last minute smear campaign,” Bianchi said. “They know I have put their interests first ahead of special interests, saved taxpayer dollars and protected them from violent crime.”

Labels: Lou Bianchi, McHenry County State's Attorney, Smear, Smear Campaign, Tom Cynor

This post card arrived yesterday. This the first time I remember Algonquin Township Republicans sending out a mailing.

The big stylized elephant appears on the address side, along with the Alqonquin Township Republican Central Committee's web address.

It's on thicker card stock than I have ever seen on campaign mailing.

On the back are the names of all of the candidates on the ballot throughout Algonquin Township.

For those new to the area and not up on political geography, Algonquin Township is in the southeastern corner of McHenry County. It is six miles from north to south and eight miles from east to west.

We live on the far northwestern corner. Our house in Lakewood is actually on the Algonquin-Grafton Township line.

Crystal Lake from about the middle of the lake east is in Algonquin Township if it is south of Crystal Lake Avenue. Draw a straight line east and you can get a general idea of how far north it goes in Cary.

On the south end, County Line Road (the Super Walmart is north of County Line) on Randall Road in Algonquin is the boundary line.

Labels: Algonquin Township, Algonquin Township Repblican Central Committee

Just got an email from 26th state senate district candidate Bill Gentes' campaign.

His people are urging potential constituents to take Democratic Party literature to hand out in the neighborhood while they go trick or treating with their children.

Excellent idea, I would say.

I'll bet Republicans could do it, too.

Gentes and Republican Dan Duffy are facing off for the privilege of replacing Bill Peterson in the eastern McHenry, western Lake and northwestern Cook County district.

Labels: 26th District, Bill Gentes, Bill Peterson, Dan Duffy, Halloween

I took this picture last Sunday afternoon.

It was really windy. A gray kind of day.

Leaves had been thrust through the chain line fence at Crystal Lake's Main Beach.

They tried to get through, but were not as successful as the wind was cutting through my thin Heartland Blood Centers jacket.

Heartland more or less traded it to me, along with a bar-b-cue apron and cooking utensils, for four pints of blood.

Labels: Chain Link Fence, Crystal Lake, Leaves, Main Beach, Message of the Day, Wind

Trying to get good photos of cellular towers, I stopped on Briarwood north of Route 176 and took this photo.

This cell tower is located just north of the old Christ farm.

As an aside for those interested in the Cary Park District's efforts to sell off valuable commercial space on Route 31 may I suggest that the part of the old Christ Farm that fronts on Route 14 south of the high power lines might someday present a similar way for the Crystal Lake Board to raise money to finance something?

But back to the tower.

Quite ornamental, wouldn't you say?

T-Mobile says the tower proposed in Ken Bird Park will be a pole. No close-up photograph was provided to show what the top will look like at the selected and park board-approved park site.

Labels: Briarwood, Cell Tower, Cellullar Tower, Crystal Lake Park Board, Ken Bird Park, Sunset Park, T-Mobile

For our next look at the McHenry County Monopoly game that was introduced from a Cleveland, Ohio, mail house, we'll look at two cards, one from COMMUNITY CHEST, the other from the CHANCE card pile.

One of the COMMUNITY CHEST and one of the CHANCE cards are flipped over on the Democrats Monopoly board.

The COMMUNITY CHEST card says,


That's cute, but not really biting, because no new offices but the health department-animal control center in Crystal Lake have been opened in the last two years.

Considering how much that was attacked two years ago, I'm surprised there was no follow-up.

The CHANCE card is interesting.

The Get Out of Jail Free card, which is shown face up, says,

Think this one was vetted by an attorney?

Think the Democratic Party will print up this game and sell it?

If so, a copy would certainly end up in the McHenry County Historical Museum in Union.

One final thought.

Wouldn't it be something if Cook County Republicans could run a similar campaign?

Labels: Bob Miller, McHenry County Democats, McHenry County Historical Museum, McHenry County Monoploy, McHenry County Republicans, Mike Chmiel

16th congressional district Green Party candidate write on nuclear disarmament today:

“Make the Rubble Bounce”

Yesterday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates delivered a policy speech at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Here are excerpts of his remarks.

"(W)e must deal with the messy realities of the world in which we live. One of those realities is the existence of nuclear weapons."

"Try as we might, and hope as we will, the power of nuclear weapons and their strategic impact is a genie that cannot be put back in the bottle - at least for a very long time. While we have a long-term goal of abolishing nuclear weapons once and for all, given the world in which we live, we have to be realistic about that proposition."

"To be blunt, there is absolutely no way we can maintain a credible deterrent and reduce the number of weapons in our stockpile without either resorting to testing our stockpile or pursuing a modernization program."

Mr. Gates, it seems, is intent on keeping our nuclear menace trigger-ready. For shame. For shame!

Not only that. He would have us spend new billions on refurbishing and retooling our fiendishly awful nuclear armament. And testing it!

For Secretary Gates, genie stuffing is just oh-too-much-trouble. Can't-be-bothered. Let-somebody-else-do-it. "A very long time" from now.

Sorry, Mr. Gates. You have it precisely backwards. Horribly, awfully, appallingly, disgustingly backwards.

The "messy reality" you blithely overlook is the prospect of annihilation of the planet. The "messy reality" you cavalierly deny is the possible extermination of the human race.

And the time to deal with it is now. Now. NOW.

No more obfuscation. No more excuses. No more deferral. No more delays.

Rather than retool weapons -- let us retool treaties and protocols.

And rid ourselves of the curse and scourge and fear and terror of nuclear weaponry.

Let us finally, finally lay claim -- for ourselves, and for our children, and for generations yet unborn -- to the stirring ancient prophecy of beating swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks.

And in so doing, may we avert the apocalypse foretold by Winston Churchill:

"If you go on with this nuclear arms race, all you are going to do is make the rubble bounce."

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Nuclear Disarmament, Robert Gates, Scott Summers

Here's what the ad looks like:

Pretty low key, but maybe deservedly so.

In the Chicago Tribune's article yesterday about races to watch, the 16th congressional district was not included.

In his daily appearances, Democratic Party opponent continues to concentrate in the Rockford television market.

No reason he should do anything in McHenry County, because the NW Herald wouldn't cover it.

Labels: 16th Congressional District, Don Manzullo, Northwest Herald

Republican congressional challenger Steve Greenberg is continuing his string of press releases criticizing 8th District Congresswoman Melissa Bean.

Here is his latest press release:

Bean Provides No Excuses for Her Relationship with Fannie, Freddie
Continues to Duck Questions About Her Role in Economic Crisis

LAKE ZURICH, IL 10/29/08 – Melissa Bean continues to lie about her role in the economic crisis and about her relationship with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Under fire from Congressional Candidate Steve Greenberg for her “Bean-Neugebauer” amendment, which undermined attempts at strengthening GSE regulation in 2007,¹ she has not offered a legitimate answer to the accusations.

First, Bean attempted to distort the facts through her spokesman, claiming that the amendment “strengthened oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac,”² despite a press release by Fannie Mae praising her for weakening the potential regulation,³ and the GSE Report pointing out the obvious benefits the amendment provided the mortgage giants.⁴

Realizing the facts did not back up her claims, Bean then attempted to change the subject. Her spokesman called the attacks “baseless” and said that Greenberg “should stop talking”, but refused to answer questions on the allegations.⁵

1. http://www.steveforus.com/newsDetail.aspx?newsID=5216, http://www.steveforus.com/newsDetail.aspx?newsID=5217

2. http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=245019&src=3

3. http://www.fanniemae.com/media/statements/2007/052207.jhtml?p=Media&s=Statements

4. http://www.gsereport.com/2007/April%2030-May%2014.pdf

5. http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=245765

Labels: 8th Congressional District, Bailout, Melissa Bean, Steve Greenberg

On the McHenry County Monopoly board that the Democrats sent to some, but not all parts of the county, there is a reference to a $177 million county administrative complex expansion plan.

The Dems call it a “Spending Spree.”

Wednesday's Daily Herald has an article by Chuck Keeshan about how the county plans to spend $4.5 million buying the Klehm property, which was nursery when Mr. Klehm tried to get me to waive interest when he showed up at the McHenry County Treasurer's Office a day after his real estate tax bill was due. (You would guess correctly that I made him pay the late penalty.)

The article also says the county wants to purchase Cardunal Savings Bank. It's on Route 14 south of the county administrative property.

Labels: McHenry County Board, McHenry County Democats, McHenry County Monoploy

I last saw Bruno Behrend at the Illinois Republican State Convention in Decatur in June.

He was manning a booth promoting the call for a new constitutional convention.

I got him to pose with a bumper sticker for his cause.

Now he is coming to Crystal Lake tonight to debate Greg Baise, head of the Illinois Manufacturers Association. Baise ran for State Treasurer in 1990, but lost to Pat Quinn.

Attention All Voters!

Every 20 years the Illinois constitution requires that a vote be taken on whether or not to hold a constitutional convention. This question will be on the ballot November 4th

Are You Prepared to Vote?

Convening a constitutional convention, a chance to rewrite the Illinois constitution, has several pros and cons.

What Can You Do?

Attend the constitutional convention debate hosted by:

Senator Pamela J. Althoff

Representative Jack D. Franks

Representative Michael W. Tryon

Illinois voters, this is your opportunity to listen, learn and ask questions at the:

Constitutional Convention Debate

McHenry County College

8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 P.M.

Pro: Mr. Bruno Behrend, co-founder of the Illinois Citizen Coalition and co-author of Illinois Deserves Better

Con: Mr. Greg Baise who is President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Association and also on the Executive Committee for the Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution

Labels: Brunlo Behrend, Con-Con, Greg Baise, Illinois Manufacturers Assocation, MCC, McHenry County College

It's that time of year in the rural parts of Crystal Lake.

Leaf burning time.

This smoke was blowing across the Crystal Lake-McHenry Blacktop from the first lot in Covered Bridge Trails.

It was thick and would soon be thicker, because it was starting to rain.

I am so glad that Lakewood Village President Julie Richardson led the movement when she was still a trustee to ban leaf burning in town.

It used to be that people would burn along the sides of Lake Avenue. At times the smoke obscured the road.

It was worst than a blizzard.

The worst part was that one could not leave one's bedroom windows open during what could arguably be labeled at the best sleeping nights of the year without contaminating the air in the room.

And, if you had asthma, you'd best move out of town to protect your health.

Today, leaf rakers were making their first attack on the droppings of the oak-hickory forest where we live.

They'll have to do it every week between now and the first week of December, the last leaf pickup here.

How I long for a return to the way leaves were picked up by Veugelar's with a vacuum-powered tube and deposited into a truck.

Just rake the leaves to the side of the road. No putting them into containers and bags.

So much more convenient.

Anyone running for Lakewood village board who wants my wholehearted support can promise to re-instate that leaf collection method.

Labels: Blizzard, Covered Bridge Trails, Julie Richardson, Lake Avenue, Lakewood Fire Department, Leaf Burning, Smoke, Veugelar

The source of the spiffy pamphlet supporting passage of the sale of the part of Hoffman Park that fronts on Route 31 has been discovered.

The part which the park board is seeking to sell lies where we had the little ceremony when it was announced that the park would be named for farm owner Hoffman in exchange for a lower price. If was a couple of hundred feet from this sign, back near the barn.

It's also where the announcement was made that $400,000 of state money would be provided. That was my share that year of what legislative leaders euphemistically call “member initiative” money, but most people call “pork.”

The State Board of Elections reports that Scott Hamann of 1073 Acron Way in Cary is responsible for the $2,000.09 that it cost. That total includes his in-kind professional services.

Hamann is obviously a big supporter of the park district, evidenced not only by the campaign piece, but by the fact he ran for the Cary Park Board last year, losing by just two votes.

The Route 14 sign above doesn't advocate voting for the referendum and is on park district property. It was put up by the Cary Park District and directs folks to information about the referendum. It points to this on the internet.

Labels: Cal Skinner, Cary Park District, Hoffman Park, Member Initiative, Pork, Scott Hamann

I first me Hancock County Pastor Randy White at the Republican State Convention in Decatur.

I meant to write a story earlier about his candidacy for lieutenant governor, but time just has a way of being eaten up.

Monday night I received a call telling me that White would be in Crystal Lake talking to seniors on Tuesday.

The only place I have been with seniors—and it was way back in the late 1990's—was at the Crystal Lake Park District's Park Place, the old American Legion Hall.

So I drove over and found two tables of women playing what I think was Mah Jong. Anyway there seemed to be plastic tiles.

No Randy White there.

When I mentioned to the staff person that all I had been told was to look for Joe, she told me he was down at Senior Services in the building next to the fire station.

I drove down Woodstock Street and saw his vehicle in the parking lot across the street where the Crystal Lake Police Station used to be.

When I entered the old factory, I found a huge, and I mean huge room.

In the far southeast corner was White sitting at a table talking to local seniors.

I took a couple of photos, heard him say that he would be available 24-7, if elected lieutenant governor, mentioning the rural affairs mandate that the office has and, in answer to a question regarding whether he didn't have too much on his plate being a minister and serving on not-for-profit boards, he replied that he was no longer a pastor and would resign from all boards when elected.

White was speaking to a Senior Forum, which it appears is held once a month.

I wish I could have stayed, but I had to put signs up against the Bull Valley annexation referendum.

= = = = =
All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them.

Labels: Hancock County, Lieutenant Governor, Randy White, Senior Citizens Forum

I'm not sure what the last COMMUNITY CHEST substitution has to do with McHenry County Republicans.

But, what the heck.

This is a political piece and most won't look at it as closely as I am.

Let's cut them some slack even though it was the Clinton Administration that pushed for loosening mortgage qualifications.

It has the guy pulling his empty pants' pockets out again with the message


Where Luxury Tax usually appears are another three monkeys.

This time it says,


Water and air pollution are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Pollution Control Board, but the McHenry County Health Department did prepare a report that was far less than complete.

Before returning to the “STOP” game starting place, the Democrats have replaced the last CHANCE SPOT with something a bit different

A CHANCE SPOT near Boardwalk and Park Place still has a question mark, but above it is the word


That's what the advertising piece is designed to push people toward, isn't it?

Voting Democrat, rather than Republican.

Change.

And between Boardwalk and Park Place is another card with a bag of money.

$5,000 this time.

What's that?


Who's it from?


Tomorrow - Part 5 of McHenry County Monopoly - How Is Your Town Ranked by Local Democrats?

Labels: Bob Miller, Change, McCullom Lake, McHenry County Democats, McHenry County Monoploy, McHenry County Republicans, Mike Chmiel, Monopoly

I was reflecting upon the declining importance of newspaper endorsements recently.

It not just that fewer people are reading newspapers.

And, for those who read the Chicago Tribune, the editorial page is, perhaps significantly, located after the obituary page.

Those reading newspaper content on the internet may be like me.

They may rarely look at the editorials that are posted.

And, if they don't look, there's no chance that they can even find out who is endorsed...

Unless the candidate endorsed lets them know.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe lots of people read the editorial when they go to read the letters to the editor.

Labels: Editorial Endorsement, Editorial Page, Endorsement

The Daily Herald's Chuck Keeshan reports that the puffer fish guy (at last a newspaper headline writer is describing the guy the way I have) wants to get out of jail.

Edward F. Bachner IV wouldn't flee, his lawyer says.

= = = = =
This puffer fish light can be found at Crystal Lake Chinese restaurant, The Breakers, just north of Route 176, across from Skaja-Bachmann Funeral Home.

Labels: Edward F. Bachner, Lake In the Hills, Puffer Fish