Friday, May 29, 2009

In Opel Talks, a High-Stakes Game of Poker - NYTimes.com

image Go to fullsize image

Negotiators from General Motors, Magna International and the German government reached a tentative agreement on Friday that would have Magna take a major stake in G.M.’s European operations,

Magna puts together the BMW X3, a sport utility vehicle, and in 2012 it will begin assembling the Porsche Cayman, and its convertible sibling, the Boxster.

With the 1.7 million vehicles a year produced by G.M.’s European operations, Magna might be a player

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  In Opel Talks, a High-Stakes Game of Poker - NYTimes.com

Consider defense for life after Chrysler - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Mr. Wise’s blog posting gets on RR Star .

Today, a new industrial development plan is needed that will bring jobs to Belvidere before time runs out on Chrysler and this once mighty industrial giant closes its doors.

Consider defense for life after Chrysler - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Boone chief wants to pick next board rep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

“The chairman can only appoint with the advice and consent of the board and sometimes the chairman seems to want the consent part, but not the advice part,”

Boone chief wants to pick next board rep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Iacocca losing pension, car in Chrysler bankruptcy | Reuters

Photo 

Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli told a U.S. bankruptcy court on Thursday that Iacocca's pension would be among the obligations Chrysler will no longer have to pay if it gets bankruptcy court approval to sell itself to a "New Chrysler"

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Iacocca losing pension, car in Chrysler bankruptcy | Reuters

Boone County Journal: “ Salary Questions Fester in County Courthouse”

The following is a photocopy taken from  the Boone County Journal’s May 29, 2009 edition, page 3 and 7.  This is also available at:  http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2009/Boone-County-News-05-29-09

Journal 5-29-2009   p3

Click on  the photocopy to enlarge:

Journal 3-29-2009, p7

Journal Editorial: Disband the County Ethics Committee

The following is a photocopy taken from  the Boone County Journal’s May 29, 2009 edition, page 3.  This is also available at:  http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2009/Boone-County-News-05-29-09

 

Journal 5-29-2009   p3

Oil Is Plentiful, Demand Weak. Why Are Gas Prices Going Up? - Yahoo! News

time_logo_101 

Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi - OPEC's key power player - said Wednesday that oil prices ought to rise to between $75 and $80 a barrel by the end of the year.

about 2.6 billion barrels are currently stored in commercial tankers around the world. "There is some risk we will run out of storage space in the next four to six weeks,""If we run out of storage it could prompt a collapse in the price," says Wardell. Oil producers might then choose to dramatically cut output in order to run down the surplus.

Over the past two months, investors have plowed billions of dollars into oil futures.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Oil Is Plentiful, Demand Weak. Why Are Gas Prices Going Up? - Yahoo! News

Delphi in Talks to Emerge From Bankruptcy - NYTimes.com

 

delphi gmc

Delphi won permission on Thursday from a bankruptcy court judge to delay a crucial hearing on its restructuring plan until Tuesday, one day after G.M. is expected to file for bankruptcy

As part of Delphi’s reorganization, G.M. has agreed to take back five Delphi plants, although the terms of that transaction have not been settled.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Delphi in Talks to Emerge From Bankruptcy - NYTimes.com

Thursday, May 28, 2009

China Is Said to Plan Strict Gas Mileage Rules - NYTimes.com

China already gets the equivalent of 35.8 miles a gallon this year based on the American measurement system of corporate averages and will be required to get 42.2 miles a gallon in 2015.

China sets minimum standards for each of 16 weight categories and tests only urban fuel economy, not highway driving.

The current fuel-economy standards ban the production of any vehicle in China that does not meet the minimum requirement for its vehicle weight range. But imports are exempt

 

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  China Is Said to Plan Strict Gas Mileage Rules - NYTimes.com

Chrysler Cures a Bankruptcy, but Tests Loom - NYTimes.com

 

Chrysler is, in fact, hurtling through the process and appears on track to emerge soon as a new company, just one month after its Chapter 11 filing.

“We have to see the consumer supporting this company by buying their product, which hasn’t been happening,”

Mr. LaSorda said it was clear to him that the company would continue to spiral downward unless it could update its vehicle lineup.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Chrysler Cures a Bankruptcy, but Tests Loom - NYTimes.com

Daily Herald | Governor: 'Burbs OK with my tax increase

Governor Quinn indicated that nary a complaint from a suburban crowd regarding his tax increase plans and considers the public to be on his side in negotiating a balanced budget with lawmakers.

He also predicted that there would be a budget deal before the midnight Sunday deadline for action.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Daily Herald | Governor: 'Burbs OK with my tax increase

Elgin city council OKs 2% pay hike for service workers and police

 

The move runs contradictory to city efforts to cut costs over in past months in response to a projected 3 percent decrease in revenues compared to last year and a reported 9 percent hike in expenses.

It's a two-year agreement with Service Employees International Union Local 73 that will increase the hourly pay of full-time and part-time public works, maintenance and clerical staff….however there's a wage re-opener at the end of the first year, and so this 2 percent is only for 2009."

Last November, the city announced it was eliminating as many as 54 positions throughout this year, which included the laying off of 16 employees late last year

the agreement allows for a renegotiation of wages at the end of 2009 that could possibly decrease workers' pay, depending on the city's economic condition at that time.

Click on the following for more details:  Elgin council OKs 2% pay hike for service workers :: The Courier News :: Local News

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Board divided on best course to fill vacant spot

Members of the Boone County board tussled over procedure on filling the vacant District 2 board spot

This appointment comes with the consent of the board," she said. "I want to make an informed decision."

Those voting in support of the amendment were board members Ken Freeman, Glass, Kathy Hartwig, Peggy Malone, Mattison and Ward.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Board divided on best course to fill vacant spot

Monday agenda at Belvidere includes Boone PSB

The ongoing debate over what is an appropriate level of security at the Public Safety Building continued this week as aldermen decided against moving up a special meeting

 

Perhaps even more interesting, are the remarks in the Comments section from Mr. Wise, an apparent Mayoral Candidate for 2013

Wise_for_Mayor2013

What can happen will happen. How right you are Ald. Racz. Regarding the incident at the courthouse, it was not until after it had occurred that, luckily, it was prevented from getting any worse than it did. The security measures that you seek for the PSB will not prevent an incident from occurring, it will merely record it as it is happening. There are serious security issues throughout the entire PSB but, these issues can wait for another time.
There are far more important issues for you and your fellow aldermen to tend to. The communities industrial base is crumbling, businesses are threatened with closure, tax revenues continue to decline and personal hardships abound.
I would ask that you and your fellow aldermen explain to your constituents why it is that camera's for the PSB, gifts for sister city officials and fireworks are more important to the council than doing something that would prevent a complete collapse of the local economy is.
Jim Wise

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Monday agenda includes Boone PSB - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Chrysler supplier Android closing - - BusinessRockford.com

Michigan-based supplier of engine/transmission modules and instrument panels for Chrysler LLC’s Belvidere assembly plant, will close its Belvidere operation Saturday,

The closing is not a surprise. The company notified its employees in late March that it planned to close the Belvidere plant on May 22 unless Chrysler could make assurances on production.

“To this point, Chrysler has been unwilling or unable to give us any assurance that it will be able to continue its business indefinitely.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Chrysler supplier Android closing - - BusinessRockford.com

12 pct. are behind on mortgage or in foreclosure - Kansas City Star

 

A record 12 percent of homeowners with a mortgage are behind on their payments or in foreclosure as the housing crisis spreads to borrowers with good credit.

12 pct. are behind on mortgage or in foreclosure - Kansas City Star

Visteon Files for Chapter 11 Protection - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com

 

Ford, from which Visteon was spun off in 2000, has committed to support such debtor-in-possession financing for Visteon’s restructuring efforts and to ensure long-term continuous supplies. Ford accounted for about 31 percent of the company’s first-quarter product sales.

Visteon Files for Chapter 11 Protection - DealBook Blog - NYTimes.com

Bondholders Get a New Proposal From G.M. - NYTimes.com

 

Under the terms of the deal, G.M. would sell itself in Chapter 11 and bondholders would receive a 10 percent stake in the newly reorganized company in exchange for about $27 billion in bonds. They would also receive warrants to buy an additional 15 percent of a new G.M., exercisable if G.M.’s value rises to certain levels.

the proposal depends on the government getting enough bondholders to make statements of support backing the terms of the swap. Without those statements, which are due by Saturday, the amount of stock and warrants for bondholders would be “substantially reduced or eliminated.”

Bondholders Get a New Proposal From G.M. - NYTimes.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

U.S. Expected to Own 70% of a Revamped G.M. - NYTimes.com

 

U.S. Expected to Own 70% of a Revamped G.M. - NYTimes.com

Business Journal | Area home prices rebound in April

McHenry/Kane County homes sales  up in value from March still lower than April 2008.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Business Journal | Area home prices rebound in April

U.S. recession to end soon, modest recovery seen: poll - Yahoo! News

 

economists do not see a return to near trend growth until the fourth quarter of 2010, citing rising unemployment, falling house prices and difficulties accessing credit

U.S. recession to end soon, modest recovery seen: poll - Yahoo! News

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Increase in state income tax?

Campaigning Against Higher Income Taxes

By WEEK Producer, Channel 25, NBC Affiliate, Granite Broadcasting. Peoria, Il

Story Published: May 26, 2009 at 5:49 PM CDT

Story Updated: May 26, 2009 at 6:27 PM CDT

The president of the Illinois Senate says Democrats lack the votes to raise income taxes and are looking for Republican help.

Meanwhile, the President of the Illinois Taxpayer Education Foundation has embarked on a campaign against Governor Pat Quinn's efforts to raise the state income tax.

Jim Tobin says the group is opposed to a 50–percent state income tax increase to help raise revenue.

Tobin believes the plan would result in huge pensions for government employees.

"Lavish gold plated pensions for retired local and state employees have created most of the current 9 billion dollar revenue gap projected through June 30, 2011," said Tobin.

Tobin says new state hires should be required to save for their retirement by making personal contributions to 401k programs and enter Social Security.

He says Quinn's income tax proposal would prevent the creation of 70–thousand new jobs and would make Illinois the 5th highest state on income taxes.

Hourly Wages for Boone County Sheriff Deputies and Detectives

The following is the wage schedule of the 12-01-2007 to 11-30-2010 contract which was recently approved by the Boone County Board based upon binding labor arbitration.  Below this schedule,  is a comparison of  hourly wages for sheriff departments in other counties.  Finally , the annual regular pay for Belvidere City Police.

 

Boone County Sheriff Department

image

image

image

Friday, May 22, 2009

Federal regulators close Strategic Capital Bank -- chicagotribune.com

 strategiccap_com

To protect the depositors, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. entered into an agreement with Midland States Bank for the Effingham-based institution to assume all of Strategic's $471 million in deposits.
The FDIC estimates that the cost to its deposit insurance fund will be $173 million

Federal regulators close Strategic Capital Bank -- chicagotribune.com

Many Countries Are Worse Off Than We Are « The Baseline Scenario

Are figures are bad but Japan, Germany, Eorozone, Italy and U.K. are all worse.

Click on the following to see the actual numbers:  Many Countries Are Worse Off Than We Are « The Baseline Scenario

Who Will Lose the Most From a GM Bankruptcy - Rick Newman (usnews.com)

The losers will include retirees, conservative investors who bought for the long haul, and GM loyalists who showed their support for America's biggest automaker by investing in it

Who Will Lose the Most From a GM Bankruptcy - Rick Newman (usnews.com)

This summer’s gas price forecast better than last | csmonitor.com

If we approach $3 a gallon, we’ll hit the squawk level,” says Mr. Fitzpatrick.

However, Fitzpatrick doesn’t think gasoline prices will get that high. He thinks it will peak by July 4 at $2.60 to $2.70 a gallon and as much as $3 a gallon in California.

that oil is now heading for $70 to $74 a barrel, then hopefully it stabilizes,” says Phil Flynn, director of research at Alaron Trading in Chicago. “Then, it depends on the economy from that point forward.”

This summer’s gas price forecast better than last | csmonitor.com

Boone health board members retain posts - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

“With all the issues that have come up with the health board, this is your opportunity to make a statement and say something to them about the things that are going on,” board member Pat Mattison said before Wednesday’s vote.
Walberg said it would be a disservice to continue to discredit the board of health.
“To me these three people are quality people,” Walberg said

 

Boone health board members retain posts - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Thursday, May 21, 2009

U.S. to Steer GM Toward Bankruptcy - washingtonpost.com

no agreement between the company and the investors who hold $27 billion worth of GM bonds.

But the speed of the government-led transformation has triggered complaints that the rights of investors and dealers are being trampled. Meanwhile, fears that a bankruptcy could lead to cascading business failures are spreading throughout GM's vast chain of suppliers.

"GM now stands for Government Motors," said Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). "While the UAW is cashing in, it's the dealers, creditors and American taxpayers who are being forced to cash out."

U.S. to Steer GM Toward Bankruptcy - washingtonpost.com

Armed deputy to remain at Boone courthouse entrance - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

Armed deputy to remain at Boone courthouse entrance - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

KeithHennessey.com » Understanding the President’s CAFE announcement

A Bushes' take on the new CAFE standards—a different set of economic criteria

Obama raises standard until total societal costs equal total societal benefits, so net societal benefits equals zero.  This is the highest you can go before the model says that the rule is making society (in the aggregate) worse off, taking into account all costs and benefits.

.CAFE comparison

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  KeithHennessey.com » Understanding the President’s CAFE announcement

Daily Herald | Crystal Lake firm dumping sewage, chemicals into ground, county claims

The county also is seeking fines of up to $750 for each day the pollution occurred, though Thomas Carroll, civil division chief for the state's attorney, said that is a secondary concern.

The health department has been out there 15 times since the beginning of the year, and on at least five of those times domestic and non-domestic waste had been discharged into the soil and wetlands," she said.

Daily Herald | Crystal Lake firm dumping sewage, chemicals into ground, county claims

Northwest Herald | County wants to halt chemical plant over spills

A March 4 inspection found sewage spilling onto the ground and into a dry well on the property, as well as soils stains that apparently came from the railroad tracks but went to wetlands on the property.

The lawsuit also alleges that Chemtool never acquired the proper occupancy certificate after renovating the Crystal Lake facility in 1998.

County officials want a judge to ban Chemtool from operating its rural Crystal Lake plant until it fixes sewage and unknown chemical spills.

Northwest Herald | County wants to halt chemical plant over spills

Understaffing of police, firefighters addressed In City of DeKalb

The city’s overall budget asks for a wage freeze by all employees in order to be balanced, a savings of about $480,000. Union groups for fire, police and AFSCME members, along with management staff, have been approached to freeze salaries, and discussions of possible alternatives will happen by July 1.

If wages are frozen, Harrison expects to see no further cuts by attrition or retirement; if there is no wage freeze, more cuts to personnel could be made in the next budget cycle.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Understaffing of police, firefighters addressed | Daily Chronicle

China Becomes More Choosy in Buying U.S. Debt - NYTimes.com

China is getting out of US Agencies and going shorter term with US Treasury’s.  China’s portion of new U.S. debt,  is getting small although still very large. 

Click on the following to read the whole story:  China Becomes More Choosy in Buying U.S. Debt - NYTimes.com

Members disagree on how to fill Boone County Board vacancy

RRSTAR.COM

Posted May 20, 2009 @ 11:29 PM

Last update May 21, 2009 @ 12:21 AM

 

bobwalberg

BELVIDERE —

Boone County Board members already are thick into a debate about selecting a new board member, and they don’t even have the candidates yet.
The board was split over the process for filling the vacancy left by Brad Rightnowar, who resigned May 10 to become president of the village of Poplar Grove.
They eventually voted 6-5 today on a method that board member Pat Mattison said will provide more openness to the public.
But board Chairman Bob Walberg said it felt like a lack of trust from the board in his ability to choose a successor to Rightnowar.
“They didn’t want to give me a chance,” Walberg said. “Whenever I make the nomination, I will share it with the board, and it is only with their consent.”
The chairman has the authority to appoint with the board’s consent. The chairman’s method for making that appointment can vary from person to person. Walberg’s process for naming committee and board members differs from his predecessor, Cathy Ward.
Ward, who was chairman for two years ending in December, asked for all potential appointees to go through an interview process at a committee meeting before being approved by the whole board. Walberg makes his nomination based on information he gathers during his own review of applicants and presents that nomination for the full board to vote on.
Mattison amended a motion that declared Rightnowar’s vacancy to authorize the county clerk to request letters of interest, biography sheets and letters of recommendation from candidates by 5 p.m. June 8. The letters are to be sent to the Boone County Board chairman’s office, 601 N. Main St., Belvidere, IL 61008. Rightnowar’s replacement must be a Republican from County Board District 2, according to law.
Mattison also requested all information on each applicant, not only Walberg’s nomination, be sent to County Board members for their review and that any applicants considered be interviewed by the board.
The six that voted in favor of Mattison’s motion were the same six that originally supported Ward during a 4 1/2 hour-long meeting in December where board members went through 25 rounds of stalemate voting before Walberg was named chairman.
Board members had been split in a 6-6 vote between Ward and Marshall Newhouse in December before Walberg was selected by a 7-5 vote on the 25th try.
“This is not anything against the chairman. It would empower the chair to get as much information as he could,” Mattison said of his motion. “I think it’s getting the public involved.”

Finance update
Board members also updated the county’s financial situation. The newest figures given today predict the board would end up about $10,000 in the black by year’s end if they can hold spending to about $13.5 million.
That figure does not include the $97,000 in backpay from new sheriff’s deputies that was budgeted for 2008 but held in reserves to be paid once arbitration on the labor agreement was settled. That contract was settled in April.
But it also does not include the county’s recent action of asking vendors to renegotiate contracts for a lower price, Finance Chairman Karl Johnson said.
The board at one time faced a $839,000 loss in revenues, but through voluntary spending cuts, reductions, frozen hires, voluntary unpaid days and identifying additional revenue sources Johnson believes the board has given itself a chance to end the year with a balanced budget. But he also knows another drop in tax revenues could hurt that chance.
“It’s impossible to forecast what we’re going to end up with at the end of the year at this point,” Johnson said. “This gets us a good solid base to move from here to the rest of the year and then begin working on an extremely difficult 2010 budget.”

Staff writer Kevin Haas can be reached at 815-544-3452 or khaas@rrstar.com.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Manzullo Seeks Federal Funds for Major Road, Rail Projects in Rock River Valley - Inbox - Yahoo! Mail

Manzulo 

Passenger Rail from Chicago to Rockford to Dubuque, IA – This $185 million project involves extending passenger rail along the Union Pacific tracks from the Elgin Big Timber station through Huntley, Marengo, Belvidere, Rockford, Freeport, Galena to Dubuque, IA

4-way interchange at I-90 and Irene Road in Belvidere  The federal funding would be dedicated to purchase the land needed to construct the full diamond interchange.

Bell School Road widening to four lanes in Winnebago County – This $16 million

Jack Dame Road Overpass in Rochelle – This $14.7 million project

Click on the following for the complete news release:  Manzullo Seeks Federal Funds for Major Road, Rail Projects in Rock River Valley - Inbox - Yahoo! Mail

Deficit surges at agency that insures pensions

 

Retirees-stand-to-lose-with-GM-Chrysler

the government agency that insures the pensions of 44 million Americans has amassed a record $33.5 billion deficit — triple what it was just six months ago.

Click on the following to read the rest of the story:  Deficit surges at agency that insures pensions

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Illinois budget: Fear tactics kick off fiscal fight years in the making -- chicagotribune.com

 

Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) said Quinn had yet to make a compelling case for the increase and was compensating with scare tactics.

Cullerton challenged Quinn to formally submit his doomsday plan to the legislature or get down to the business of negotiating on his tax proposal.

Illinois budget: Fear tactics kick off fiscal fight years in the making -- chicagotribune.com

Quinn: Hike tax or slash spending 37% | Crain's Chicago Business

 

dire message to a downtown civic club Monday: If he doesn’t get his budget, state spending will have to be cut 37%.

Quinn: Hike tax or slash spending 37% | Crain's Chicago Business

The Capitol Fax Blog » Governor Quinn’s full “slash and burn” explanation

• Lay off nearly 1,000 State Troopers -50 percent of the force - and eliminate the 2010 class of 100 cadets.
• Release over 6,000 inmates early and close the Sheridan and Southwestern Drug Treatment facilities.

Cut school aid by $568 million, causing more than 9,300 teachers to lose their jobs.
• Eliminate preschool for 100,000 children, causing more than 5,000 teachers to lose their jobs.

Click on the following for the full story:  The Capitol Fax Blog » Governor Quinn’s full “slash and burn” explanation

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Real estate tax bills mailed May 19, first installment due June 19

 

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Real estate tax bills mailed May 19, first installment due June 19

Monday, May 18, 2009

Boone seeks deals with vendors - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

Boone County’s tax-software provider, CIDNET Software, the election electronic services group, Governmental Business Systems, and the company that administers landfill groundwater analysis, RMT Inc., have agreed to cuts that could save up to an estimated $10,000

Terrinoni’s most recent estimates still has the county falling about $99,000 in the hole.

Boone seeks deals with vendors - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

General Motors to cut ties with Wolf Chevrolet - - BusinessRockford.com

 

GM left it up to individual dealers to make public whether they were being eliminated.

General Motors to cut ties with Wolf Chevrolet - - BusinessRockford.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

GM dealer cuts Chicago: Tom Sparks Buick in DeKalb get letter from GM about dealer cuts -- chicagotribune.com

The letter came at 9:30 am Friday morning for Tom Sparks Buick in DeKalb and he is cut.  “Based on our review and current and foreseeable market conditions and your dealership's historical performance, we do not see that General Motors can have a productive business relationship with Tom Sparks Buick Inc. over the long term,"

GM dealer cuts Chicago: Tom Sparks Buick in DeKalb get letter from GM about dealer cuts -- chicagotribune.com

Jobless numbers rise more than expected - - BusinessRockford.com

Among the states, Illinois reported the largest increase in initial claims, which it attributed to layoffs in the construction and manufacturing industries.

Economists estimate Chrysler LLC has laid off 27,000 workers in the wake of its April 30 bankruptcy filing. General Motors Corp. has said it will temporarily shut 13 factories beginning later this month through July, potentially affecting 25,000 workers.

Jobless numbers rise more than expected - - BusinessRockford.com

Boone County Journal criticizes governmental entities for bad conduct

Now the community has the hiring of a non-qualified
person to lead the Boone County Health Department.

“…removing candidates from the ballot is a means to ensure
the result and to sustain the elitism of incumbency. That
appeared to have been the goal of the board of education
above any consideration of ethical behavior.”

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Journal 5-15-2009

Which Members of Congress Got Insurance Money In Last 2 Elections?

The top recipients of insurer contributions in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., $2,287,345; Sen. Chris Dodd, D.-Conn., $1,102,056, and Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D.-Pa., $491,545.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Which Members of Congress Got Insurance Money In Last 2 Elections?

05/15/2009 - Madison County foresees employee layoffs - STLtoday.com

Madison County has approximately 150,000 residents and is in the Greater St. Louis Area. Boone County is only a third the population of Madison County however perhaps it will have to consider layoffs as well.

Not only is revenue falling short, officials said, but they must come up with an additional $1.4 million to pay the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

05/15/2009 - Madison County foresees employee layoffs - STLtoday.com

Chicago wind-power firm plans $400M project | Crain's Chicago Business

Invenergy LLC says it has deals with property owners to erect up to 133 wind turbines on 28,000 acres in Champaign and Vermilion counties.

Chicago wind-power firm plans $400M project | Crain's Chicago Business

Boone County Taxpayers Association questions budget makers.

BCTA 5-14-2009

Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

GM dealers to learn today if they are on list to be closed

GM Headquarters  GM

GM does not plan to release a list of dealerships being closed.

Around 1,100 GM dealers -- about 18% of the company's U.S. network -- should be receiving letters from the automaker informing them that the company does not plan to renew their contracts that expire in October 2010,

weren't meeting objectives set by the company, such as minimum sales volumes and dealer profitability.

Click on following to read the rest of the story:  GM dealers to learn today if they are on list | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Northwest Herald | Seminar teaches public officials about open government laws

 

Rein said the law stated that meetings “may” be closed for certain meetings, not that they “shall” be closed. The intent of the law is that the business of public bodies – government – be done openly, not behind closed doors.

Northwest Herald | Seminar teaches public officials about open government laws

Thursday, May 14, 2009

3 local dealers among 789 Chrysler wants to close - - BusinessRockford.com

Also—Viking Dodge in Crystal Lake is also on the list. 

Belvidere Motors, 1201 N. State St., Belvidere; Strandquist Motor Co., 601 W. Jefferson St.; and Lou Bachrodt Auto Group, 7070 Cherryvale Blvd.;

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  3 local dealers among 789 Chrysler wants to close - - BusinessRockford.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Taxpayers association meeting to focus on Boone County's financial woes - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

The group, which touts itself as a nonpartisan government spending watchdog agency, will host Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg and County Administrator Ken Terrinoni at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Belvidere Township Hall, 8200 Fairgrounds Road, Belvidere.

Click on the following to read the rest of the story:  Taxpayers association meeting to focus on Boone County's financial woes - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Poplar Grove's wind-turbine rules won’t stop developers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

The need for renewable energy is well known. It is an area that the country wants to move to,” Papiech said. “There are a lot of people (in Boone County) that are interested in having wind turbines on their property.”

Poplar Grove's wind-turbine rules won’t stop developers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Reports: GM to export China-built cars to US - Kansas City Star

 

Reports: GM to export China-built cars to US - Kansas City Star

Robert Reich's Blog: The Truth Behind the Social Security and Medicare Alarm Bells

 

Medicare is the terrible one, but the problem is not really Medicare; it's quickly rising health-care costs. Look more closely and the real problem isn't even health-care costs; it's a system that pushes up costs by rewarding inefficiency, causing unbelievable waste, pushing over-medication, providing inadequate prevention, over-using emergency rooms because many uninsured people can't afford regular doctor checkups, and spending billions on advertising and marketing seeking to enroll healthy people and avoid sick ones.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Robert Reich's Blog

Boone County’s efforts to rein in budget

Things don’t seem to be getting better.

Karl Johnson

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Boone again addresses budget cuts - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The meeting is at 6 p.m. in the County Board room at the

Boone again addresses budget cuts - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Business Journal | LED manufacturing
coming to Crystal Lake

attracted to LED because it was able to return profits more quickly than other technologies.

turning raw parts imported from China into the LED lights on display in its showroom.

“Within the next six months, we will be setting up manufacturing here in Crystal Lake out of this facility,

Business Journal | LED manufacturing coming to Crystal Lake

Northwest Herald | Families deal with cost of college

This is an incredible statistic—3x Freshmen enrollment.

 

Area students who graduate from high school in 2009 can attend MCC for free next year, courtesy of the new MCC Promise. School officials credit the new perk for a nearly 200 percent increase in applications this year.

Northwest Herald | Families deal with cost of college

Poplar Grove board approves regulating wind towers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

a 2,000-foot setback from any primary structure and 1.5 times the height of the tower from property lines. It’s a stingier measure than the laws that cover rural Boone County. Boone County’s code, which was adopted in July, calls for a 1,000-foot setback from homes and 1.1 times the height of the tower from property lines.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Poplar Grove board approves regulating wind towers - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Wind farm hearing continues | Daily Chronicle

DeKalb Wind public hearing on changes to NextEra Energy's proposed wind farm is scheduled to continue at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Carl Sandburg Auditorium in the Holmes Student Center on the campus of Northern Illinois

early session's testimony was dominated by attorneys and an expert witness in acoustics, who testified that wind turbines generate dangerous levels of low-frequency noise that can have a negative effect on health

Click on the following to read the rest of the story: Wind farm hearing continues | Daily Chronicle

Monday, May 11, 2009

US to borrow 46 cents for every dollar spent

deterioration reflects lower tax revenues and higher costs for bank failures, unemployment benefits and food stamps.

the measure economists say is most important, the deficit would be 12.9 percent of GDP this year, the biggest since World War II. It would drop to 8.5 percent of GDP in 2010

Click on the following to read the rest of the story:  US to borrow 46 cents for every dollar spent

Obama on Health Reform: The Dog That Didn't Bark

 

Only with a government plan that competes with private insurers, and offers Americans lower costs if the providers and insurers fail to reform themselves, will the system be genuinely reformed.

Click the following for the full text:  Robert Reich's Blog

Recount confirms Boone assessor results - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

incumbent Bob Falkenstein congratulating his challenger, Diann Helnore, for her victory.

Recount confirms Boone assessor results - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Chicago home sales fall 37% from 2008, prices 26.8% :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business

Can Winnebago-Boone County’s prices be much different? 

Home sales in Chicago plunged 37 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, and prices fell 26.8 percent, the Illinois Association of Realtors said Friday.

Chicago home sales fall 37% from 2008, prices 26.8% :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business

Sunday, May 10, 2009

County workers’ contracts need changes to help budget - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

cathy ward 

Sheriff’s deputies set to receive pay hikes that average 6 percent for last year and another 5.5 percent in each of the next two years.

Click on the following to read the rest of the editorial:  County workers’ contracts need changes to help budget - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Friday, May 8, 2009

Journal’s Editors Questions Board of Health Using Wine and Dine Approach to Interviewing

The following is the editorial from page 3, May 8, 2009, Boone County Journal.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Journal Editiorial 5-8-2009

Searching for open records -- chicagotribune.com

Here is good primer on Freedom of Information Requests—Remember they can charge you only $ .10 to $.25 per page.  And if you only ask to inspect the records, there is no charge.

9. Do what you can to make it easy for public officials to comply. If you don't need copies of the records, don't ask them to go to that trouble. If possible, ask only to inspect the records and set up an appointment to view them. Unless they are specifically exempted from the law, such as the courts, public agencies can charge you only for the "actual costs" involved in photocopying - usually somewhere between $.10 and $.25 per page. It is against the law for them to charge you for staff time, or the time it takes to review records for redaction.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge the sample letter:

FOIA

Click on the following to read the rest of the Tribune article:  INTERACTIVE: Searching for open records -- chicagotribune.com

Thursday, May 7, 2009

More States Start Pension Inquiries - NYTimes.com

 

DV Urban Realty Partners, which won $68 million from five public pension funds in Chicago. The firm was founded by a nephew of Mayor Richard M. Daley

More States Start Pension Inquiries - NYTimes.com

G.M. Is Said to Seek a Stake in Fiat - NYTimes.com

Four years after paying $2 billion to extricate itself from a partnership with Fiat, General Motors is seeking a stake in the Italian automaker in exchange for its Latin American and European operations.

G.M. Is Said to Seek a Stake in Fiat - NYTimes.com

Keep Hartmarx in business -- chicagotribune.com

Will Obama show favoritism for his preferred suit maker? 

Keep Hartmarx in business -- chicagotribune.com

Business Journal | Chrysler lenders group releases members list

Here is the list of the nine bad boys that “caused” Chrysler to go into bankruptcy. 

Business Journal | Chrysler lenders group releases members list

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Pandemics and Depressions - WSJ.com

 

The potential for a flu pandemic surely adds to the depression odds, particularly since -- like the 1918-20 epidemic -- the current strain disproportionately impacts persons of prime working age.

Pandemics and Depressions - WSJ.com

More Middle-Class New Yorkers Fall Behind on Rent and Face Eviction - NYTimes.com

If it is happening in New York—what about Chicago and its collar counties?

growing numbers of accountants, salespeople, small business owners, construction project managers and other white-collar professionals being pursued for nonpayment is striking.

More Middle-Class New Yorkers Fall Behind on Rent and Face Eviction - NYTimes.com

Monday, May 4, 2009

Public hearing on wind farm scheduled for next Monday | Daily Chronicle

 

The May 11 public hearing is the third to be scheduled on the wind farm proposal. A Feb. 19 public hearing was canceled because of inadequate space when about 400 people showed up at the multipurpose room of county health facility. The rescheduled hearing on March 21 lasted nearly 19 hours.

NextEra submitted its application in January for the permit, but hearing officer Dave Dockus denied that application in March. Among his concerns were a lack of both a property value guarantee plan and a sufficient decommissioning process

Public hearing on wind farm scheduled for next Monday | Daily Chronicle

First probable case of swine flu in DeKalb County discovered | Daily Chronicle

 

The "probable" designation means the man tested positive for the influenza A virus and negative for the seasonal virus

First probable case of swine flu in DeKalb County discovered | Daily Chronicle

CDC: Belvidere boy, girl have swine flu - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Lab results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that an 11-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl from Belvidere have tested positive.

CDC: Belvidere boy, girl have swine flu - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Belvidere mayor: Next 4 years to be most challenging - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The obvious thing is not simply the economy—it is Chrysler—the economy will probably come back given enough time—but will Chrysler (or whatever we call the company) ever be  again?

“The economy is going to have a huge impact on what we are able to accomplish, but we’re not going to let that stymy our efforts

Belvidere mayor: Next 4 years to be most challenging - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Policy for the policymakers? Boone County Board of Health, shouldn’t you follow county policies? Should taxpayers pay for your alcoholic drinks?

I wish to thank County Board Member, Pat Mattison, District 3, R,   who obtained the references used in this posting.

It certainly appears that the Boone County Health Department is exempt from its and the county’s policies.

(As previously questioned by the news media and this blog) Did Boone County Board of Health ever advertize the vacancy for the Health Administrator (or Assistant Administrator)? The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy statement for the county requires that positions be advertized in “ a newspaper of general circulation in Boone County”.  (See below) Did the Board of Health do this?  Not to my knowledge.

EOP

County employees are not allowed reimbursement for alcoholic beverages. (See county policy, shown below) But when members of  the Search Committee, Boone County Board of Health had their interviews with two Health Administrator candidates at Giovanni’s Restaurant in Rockford,  they  billed for alcoholic drinks.  (Bills are shown below.)  And they were really good tippers—over a $90 tip/20% service charge on each day.  The final photocopy is the list of members and staff present at the “Closed Session” at Giovanni’s.   I attended the May 4 meeting of the Board of Health and asked that the board reconsider these reimbursements  for alcoholic beverages.  I am sure that you know some of these people, perhaps you can ask the drinkers to pay their own tabs.

county meal policy

bar bill 2

search committee

New governor turns to old friends, colleagues :: The SouthtownStar :: News

An interesting evaluation of  Governor Quinn’s appointments and continuation of Blagojevich’s budget team.

Since taking office Jan. 29 after Blagojevich's impeachment, Quinn has made about 20 major staffing decisions, from the person who handles his daily schedule to the head of the Transportation Department.

Fifteen of the people he hired have previously worked for him

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  New governor turns to old friends, colleagues :: The SouthtownStar :: News

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Northwest Herald | MCC mum on Packard’s exit

Freedom of Information Request in neighboring Mc Henry County. 

– McHenry County College officials are citing employee confidentiality when pressed for more information about former President Walt Packard’s departure or why he remains on the payroll.

Northwest Herald | MCC mum on Packard’s exit

Northwest Herald | County law enforcement agencies see more applicants in tough economy

 

Many police departments across McHenry County are reporting an increase in applicants from recent years when aggressive marketing tactics were more common. That likely is a sign of economic times, local police officials say.

We have found that by increasing the education standard, we’re getting a very high-quality candidate who can function in today’s police working environment,” ….. “We find that these candidates use less sick time, have fewer disciplinary problems, and that’s what we’re looking for to professionalize law enforcement.”

Northwest Herald | County law enforcement agencies see more applicants in tough economy

Your government in secret -- chicagotribune.com

 

 

Most states that have passed good transparency laws did so because lawmakers and politicians were forced to by a citizenry fed up with political scandal, said Charles Davis, director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition at the University of Missouri.

Your government in secret -- chicagotribune.com

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Canada: 1st pigs found with new swine flu virus - Yahoo! News

Remember to keep flu sufferers away from your pigs. 

Click on the following for the story:  Canada: 1st pigs found with new swine flu virus - Yahoo! News

Friday, May 1, 2009

ProPublica is collecting Administration’s Ethics Letter

ProPublica is collecting and maintaining a file on the Ethics Letters of the Administration.  Top  members of the Administration pledge to adhered to ethics legislations and outlines any possible conflicts of interest that might exist either through their holdings and current affiliation or that of their immediate family.  This may be a very good source if a question of “conflict of interest” arises.  Of special interest is the first letter from Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State.

There are currently 154 pages of such letters and they are at:  http://documents.propublica.org/obama-administration-ethics-agreements#p=1

Below is a description of process by Ms. Michel of ProPublica

Previously Unpublished Obama Admin. Ethics Letters

by Amanda Michel, ProPublica - April 30, 2009 3:03 pm EDT , available at:  http://www.propublica.org/article/nominee-ethics-promises-may-prove-unrealistic-0430

President Barack Obama meets with members of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room at the White House on April 20, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama meets with members of his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room at the White House on April 20, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama's administration came to Washington pledging transparency and accountability in government. The White House has demanded strict new ethics requirements and signed pledges from appointees detailing what they will do to abide by the rules.

A few weeks ago, we published roughly three dozen ethics waivers (and nearly 200 financial disclosures) from the Obama administration by reporter Olga Pierce. Since then Olga has received more previously unpublished ethics letters, all of which we've now posted for public review

Robert Reich questions what America receives from the auto bailout.

Quite unbelievable that this very “Democratic” thinker is so opposed to Obama on this issue.  To view this and other comments by Mr. Reich, go to:  www.robertreich.blogspot.com

Thursday, April 30, 2009

The Auto Bailout Is Going Off the Road

GM just announced it was laying of 21,000 more of its workers, as a means of assuring the Treasury Department the company is worthy of more bailout money. A Treasury official was quoted as saying approvingly that the goal is a "slimmed-down" GM.
What? Having General Motors or Chrysler cut tens of thousands of jobs in order to be eligible for a government bailout reminds me of "saving" Vietnam by bombing it to smithereens. Aren't we giving these companies billions of taxpayer dollars to save jobs? If not, we're just transferring money from taxpayers to GM and Chrysler bondholders and shareholders.
I agree with those who say the United States needs an auto industry. But there's no point spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars for an auto industry that's a tiny fragment of what it was before. We could achieve that objective by doing nothing.
Besides, as I've said before, the "American auto industry" shouldn't be defined as auto companies whose headquarters are in the United States. The true "American auto industry" is Americans who make automobiles. At the rate the Big Three are shrinking even as they’re bailed out, foreign automakers with American plants may soon employ more Americans than the Big Three do. The Big Three have gone global anyway. A Pontiac G8 shipped by GM from Australia contains far less American labor than a BMW X5 assembled in the United States. General Motors' European subsidiaries include Opel and Saab. Ford also has operations around the world. It even owns Volvo.
The purpose of any auto bailout ought to be to help American auto workers keep their jobs, regardless of whether they work for GM or Toyota or anyone else. Or if they lose their jobs, help them get new ones that pay almost as well. Yet we’re doing exactly the opposite: We're paying GM and Chrysler billions of taxpayer dollars to keep them afloat while they cut tens of thousands of American jobs and slash wages. There's no good reason why taxpayers should foot any of this bill unless the Big Three agree to keep their workers employed while they try to turn themselves around

NY Time’s Editorial casts doubt that Chrysler’s bankruptcy will be short and successful

nytlogo379x64 

short “prepackaged” bankruptcies generally succeed when all of the difficult issues are resolved ahead of time, requiring only a judge’s official approval

Quickie bankruptcies … have also never been attempted for a company as big and multifaceted as a carmaker.

Click on the following for more details:  Editorial - The Chrysler Bankruptcy - NYTimes.com