Clout St: Quinn takes aim at lawmakers' pay raises

Here is something I missed until just now. 

Legislators had forfeited their annual raise this year, but on Friday Quinn used his amendatory veto power to go even further and propose eliminating yearly pay raises for good.

The bill Quinn changed also eliminates a controversial pay review board that frequently recommends giving lawmakers and statewide officials raises above and beyond the cost of living increase. 

Quinn's changes are aimed to forcing lawmakers to take a vote anytime they want a pay raise.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Clout St: Quinn takes aim at lawmakers' pay raises

Manufacturer considers leaving Elkhorn for larger facility -- Walworth County Today

Officials from the company told the Gazette in January that their was no room to expand in Elkhorn, and eventually they would consider moving.

In 2003, opposition from Linn Township residents prompted Chemtool owners to reconsider their plans to build a plant on a 102-acre property off County Highway B, :

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Manufacturer considers leaving Elkhorn for larger facility -- Walworth County Today

Beloit Daily News - your source for news, entertainment, sports, opinion, events, community, shopping and more > News > Local News

This article tells some new facts about the illusive plans of Mr. Athans. 

Athans said he would also like to move the Elkhorn, Wis., plant to the facility as well.

Woodward will be leasing some of the building back for a period of time, but he declined to comment on the amount of money Chemtool is offering Woodward.

The location, which is on the corner of Illinois Hwy. 2 and Rockton Road, is also conveniently located a mile away from Chemtool’s plant at the former Beloit Corporation at 1165 Prairie Hill Road.   Chemtool bought … [that] building in January of 2008. About 50 people now work there.

Athans plans to move Chemtool’s corporate headquarters in Crystal Lake to Rockton as soon as possible after the deal is closed. He expects 50 employees to move initially and then the remainder of the 500 employees should be relocated to Rockton within a year or a year and a half.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Beloit Daily News - your source for news, entertainment, sports, opinion, events, community, shopping and more > News > Local News

Chemtool to buy Rockton facility from Woodward - - BusinessRockford.com

A repeat for the most part of information already known.

Athans said Chemtool had wanted to build a 75,000-square-foot office building next to a former Beloit Corp. building at Prairie Hill Road and Illinois 2 but jumped at the chance to acquire the nearly 103,000-square-foot Woodward building and surrounding property. The Woodward building is less than five minutes away on the corner of Illinois 2 and Rockton Road.
“You can’t find a better looking building,” Athans said. “It’s set up for assembly and test so we’ll have to add on to it, but this allows us to get moving much more quickly.”

Chemtool to buy Rockton facility from Woodward - - BusinessRockford.com

Daily Herald | State tollway inspector general steps down

The Illinois tollway's inspector general resigned unexpectedly Thursday, officials confirmed.

Tracy Smith's move comes as the Illinois attorney general's office is raising questions about the performance of Smith even as another agency defended her record.

The attorney general office's criticism concerns a college friendship between Smith and Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Chairman John Mitola's wife. Madigan's staff did not elaborate on the issue or say if any action was planned.

Read the rest of the story:  Daily Herald | State tollway inspector general steps down

Quinn vetoes campaign finance bill | Daily Chronicle

The veto was the latest chapter for a bill that has been criticized ever since it passed the General Assembly

Quinn and lawmakers talked about improving the bill and closing loopholes that critics said plagued the legislation, they declined to say what specifically they found objectionable

Quinn vetoes campaign finance bill | Daily Chronicle

Woodward Selling Rockton Plant

Woodward Governor says it wants to sell Rockton plant to Chemtool.

Posted: 4:33 PM Aug 26, 2009

Chemtool will initially bring 50 jobs to Rockton and anticipates total employment in Rockton to be 500 team members. The approximately 210 Woodward Rockton members will relocate to the Woodward Rockford facility on North Second Street in the coming months. Construction on the 102,266 square-foot Rockton building was completed in 1989.

Click here for the rest of the story:  Woodward Selling Rockton Plant

Local jobless rate at highest since ’83 - - BusinessRockford.com

metro area shed 1,700 jobs from June to July, with the biggest losses coming in the service sector and local government, including teaching jobs, according to Illinois

Rockford and Belvidere had identical unemployment rates at 16.5 percent

Click on the following for more details:  Local jobless rate at highest since ’83 - - BusinessRockford.com

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - New law to put more locally grown food on Illinois tables

allows them to pay a premium of up to 10 percent above the lowest bid in order to purchase locally grown goods.

Establishment of local food procurement goals for state agencies to purchase 20 percent of their food locally by 2020. State-funded institutions such as schools would have a goal of 10 percent by 2020.

Click on the following for more of the story:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - New law to put more locally grown food on Illinois tables

Thinking prudently | Daily Chronicle

And where is Boone County—not thinking at all?

The [DeKalb] county board is considering making DeKalb County a “recovery zone,” another program of the stimulus package that would bring $15 million in a different kind of low-interest bonds to the county.

Taxpayers are understandably hesitant to embrace borrowing by local governments. In appearances alone, spending millions during a recession is a tough case to make. But it could also be the financially prudent thing to do, and for that reason local governments should strongly consider using these programs

Click on the following for the entire editorial:  Thinking prudently | Daily Chronicle

McDonald's bringing Dollar Menu to breakfast - Chicago Breaking News

Here is what will be a buck in many cities: 

sausage McMuffin, a sausage biscuit and two hotcakes.

Click here for the rest of the story:  McDonald's bringing Dollar Menu to breakfast - Chicago Breaking News

Woodward to sell Rockton facility to Chemtool-- WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Chemtool purchases building rather than builds in Rockton.

Woodward Governor has announced its plans to sell its Rockton facility to Chemtool Incorporated.

Woodward employees told 13 News they heard about the probable sale earlier in the day on Wednesday. Woodward confirmed the news around 4:00 p.m.

"We are pleased to have located such a beautiful facility for our new corporate headquarters," said James Athans, Chairman, Chemtool Incorporated.

Click on the following for more details:  Woodward to sell Rockton facility - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Daily Herald | Kane County court system looks to salaries to cut budget

Court cost are skyrocketing and at least one court is trying to contain costs.

Chief Judge F. Keith Brown announced Tuesday that his employees will take five unpaid holidays for the remainder of this year to help get his budget to the 5.5 percent reduction mandated by the county board.

Adding to the budget debacle for 2010 will be a 35 percent reduction in state funding for court services, including the various forms of probation. That will result in the loss of about $914,000

on the horizon are the additional costs of treating 17-year-olds convicted of a misdemeanor as juveniles and housing then in the juvenile detention center

Daily Herald | Kane County court system looks to salaries to cut budget

Daily Herald | DuPage County hires 4 lobbying firms

 

lobbyists were responsible for a variety of accomplishments, including securing nearly $1 million for stormwater assistance, $1.2 million in state funding for capital improvement projects, and a $24,000 state grant for jail lighting improvements

Daily Herald | DuPage County hires 4 lobbying firms

Genoa to consider cutting fees | Daily Chronicle

Genoa Park District and School District consider lowering impact fees to jump start new construction 

the park board is willing to reduce its fees by 50 percent through the end of 2010

Our need for EAV outweighs our need for impact fees," Wakeley said. "The temporary loss of impact fees is not as great because it's not a housing boom that will require buying land and building new schools."

Lots in the Oak Creek Estates subdivision are selling for half the price they were two years ago, Hoffman said, and he estimated building costs are down 25 percent. He's hoping the reduction in impact fees might be the nudge someone considering building a new home needs to build it sooner rather than later. When the agreement expires at the end of next year, hopefully building will have resumed a more normal pace, he said.

Click on the following for more details of the story:  Genoa to consider cutting fees | Daily Chronicle

Governments attracted to lower borrowing costs of stimulus bond programs | Daily Chronicle

Well Boone County it sure sounds like the days of revenue from DeKalb County prisoners is limited.  Or at least that is what the DeKalb County Administrator seems to be  saying.

DeKalb County was allocated $15 million in Recovery Zone Bonds that it can issue. Of that, $6 million can be used for public projects and $9 million can be used on privately owned buildings.
County officials are planning to use the recovery bonds to expand the jail and courthouse. Though funding options for both buildings have been studied for about a year, the announcement of the stimulus bond programs really brought the projects into focus, County Administrator Ray Bockman said.

Governments attracted to lower borrowing costs of stimulus bond programs | Daily Chronicle

Federal courthouse takes shape - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Am I missing something here?  $100,225,000/200,000 square feet, that is $500 a square foot.  Granted you have to furnish the building but what a number.  And remember this is Rockford not downtown New York City. 

 

The way the cycle goes, the final amount, the $100,225,000, has been approved by Congress and includes everything,” Wehrle said. “It’s all we have to build this building. That’s the only amount of money we have, and we can’t go over it.”
Unique characteristics
Ground was broken in May 2008, and in November, the massive, 200,000-square-foot, seven-story structure will have exterior walls, windows and a roof and be completely closed off to the outdoors.
At that time, the project will be 65 percent complete and work will shift from placing steel girders, pouring concrete slabs and installing the precast facade to the final phase — an estimated one-year interior build-out.
“A significant step is taking place right now,” Wehrle said. “As soon as the steel frame and slabs are in, things become considerably evolved. Once that exterior skin is in, it will go crazy inside. Everything will go from activity outside the building to inside the building.”
Wehrle has served as project manager on about a dozen federal building projects across the Upper Great Lakes region. Each project brings its own unique characteristics, and Rockford is no exception.
“It’s always interesting to see how the different architects bring their own approach to the projects,” she said. Rockford’s architects, Koetter Kim & Associates of Boston, designed the courthouse to radiate a look and feel of openness, representing the transparency of government and justice.
The theme is then echoed in the project’s Art in Architecture commission, the planting of a two-acre urban orchard featuring blooming crab apple trees scheduled for spring 2011 on the courthouse’s front lawn.
“It’s not your typical Art in Architecture project,” Wehrle said. “It’s not just for visitors to the building. It’s a statement for the community, for everyone to see.”
Counting the days
The timing of the project – in the midst of a severe economic downturn and construction drought — has only added to its significance.
“Because of what’s happening in the construction market, the fact that this project is bringing so many jobs to the area is exciting,” Wehrle said.
At its peak, the project is expected to have as many as 400 workers on-site.
That peak is expected to happen this winter when teams of carpenters, drywall installers, painters, electricians, plumbers and other tradesmen start turning the shell of a building into courtrooms, offices, hallways and public spaces.
Tom Dal Santo, director of the 1,000-member Northern Illinois Building and Trades Association, said he and plenty of others are counting the days until the courthouse project is able to put more local laborers to work.
“There are a decent number of people down there now. What’s good about a project like this is it involves all of the trades,” Dal Santo said. “I wish we had six more going up. I still have 150 to 175 folks not seeing a paycheck.”
Staff writer Corina Curry can be reached at ccurry@rrstar.com or 815-987-1371.
FEDERAL COURTHOUSE TIMELINE
1992: First public hearing to discuss need for new U.S. courthouse
2000: New U.S. courthouse for Rockford authorized by the U.S. Judicial Conference
November 2001: Project receives $4.9 million for site acquisition and design development
November 2003: Project receives another $2 million
November 2005: Project receives $34.5 million in construction funds
December 2007: Project receives $58 million
May 2008: Construction begins
May 2009: Ironworkers complete the building’s structural frame
July 2009: Construction begins on the building’s facade
November 2009: Facade expected to be complete, focus to shift to interior build out
November 2010: Construction to be complete
Early 2011: Tenants will move into the new courthouse
Spring 2011: Art in Architecture project, a two-acre urban orchard, will be installed

---

Read the rest of the story:  Federal courthouse takes shape - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Lawyers Showed Photos of Covert CIA Officers to Guantanamo Bay Detainees - washingtonpost.com

 

Rather than investigate the CIA officials who undertook the torture, they are now investigating the military lawyers who have courageously stepped up to defend these clients in these sham proceedings."

At the courthouse at the prison, a court security officer, who is thought be in contact with CIA officials, can cut off the audio feed to the public gallery if there is any possibility of lawyers or defendants discussing CIA detention.

Lawyers Showed Photos of Covert CIA Officers to Guantanamo Bay Detainees - washingtonpost.com

Op-Ed Contributor - The Greenback Effect - NYTimes.com

 

The United States economy is now out of the emergency room and appears to be on a slow path to recovery. But enormous dosages of monetary medicine continue to be administered and, before long, we will need to deal with their side effects.

[eventually] truly major changes in both taxes and outlays will be required

get our country back on its feet and flourishing — “whatever it takes” still makes sense. Once recovery is gained, however, Congress must end the rise in the debt-to-G.D.P. ratio and keep our growth in obligations in line with our growth in resources.

Read the entire editorial by clicking on the following:  Op-Ed Contributor - The Greenback Effect - NYTimes.com

Half Of US Homeowners Will Be Underwater By 2011

 

Last week, Deutsche Bank analyst Karen Weaver published a report that shook up the "housing is recovering" crowd.  She predicted that, by next year, nearly half of American homeowners with mortgages will be underwater

Before we go into the details, here's a basic refresher on the US housing market:

• There are approximately 110 million households in the U.S.
• About 75.5 million of these are homeowners.
• Approximately 68% of the 76 million, or 51.6 million, have mortgages.
• 14 million U.S. homeowners, 27% of those with mortgages, were underwater at the end of Q1 (DB estimates)
• DB estimates that nearly half of the 52 million mortgagors will be underwater by the end of next year

Click on the following for the link to Ms. Weaver’s web cast and slide presentation:

Half Of US Homeowners Will Be Underwater By 2011

The following is the link Ms. Weaver’s original Reuters article:  http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Housing/idUSTRE5745JP20090805

Citizen panel could guide Kane budget :: Beacon News :: Local News

A different way to do business—can a county board really listen to citizens? 

Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay proposed the idea just about two weeks ago, but has provided few details. McConnaughay said this week that she has asked all County Board members to submit names for consideration, but some board members said not only were they not asked to submit names,

Kane County Finance Director Cheryl Pattelli said late last month that the county could be facing a deficit of $1.6 million if the cuts are made. The deficit could reach $2.68 million by the end of the current fiscal year if those cuts aren't made.

Click on the following for more of the story:  Citizen panel could guide Kane budget :: Beacon News :: Local News

Distressed Kane County fits 'recovery zone' tag :: The Courier News :: Local News

How late will Boone County be. in obtaining this bonding power authority?

Doing so would allow [Kane] county to issue slightly more than $25 million in private-activity, or "Build America," bonds for new development.

Declaring Kane a recovery zone would make it easier for developers to secure financing for new projects through private-activity bonds, Economic Development Director Chris Aiston said. Private-activity revenue bonds are a means of financial assistance for economic development.

The whole point is to make more money more readily available, or at least cheaper to borrow," he said.

These bonds are unlike other kinds of bonds. They do not count against a county's debt limit or credit rating. Furthermore, should a developer or investor on whose behalf the bonds are issued default, the county would not be held liable for repaying the debt.

developers would receive a 45 percent refund on the federal taxes payable on the bond proceeds. The bonds would carry a lower interest rate as well.

 

Read the rest of the story:  Distressed Kane fits 'recovery zone' tag :: The Courier News :: Local News

At Illinois State Fair, Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes trade jabs

Chicago Tribune talks about two primary candidates and does not even mention Jack Franks from Crystal Lake.

Gov. Pat Quinn, elevated to the state's top job when Blagojevich was removed in January, individually thanked statewide Democrats who "believe in cooperation and collaboration," but snubbed his election rival, Comptroller Dan Hynes. Later, Quinn called Hynes a "shrinking violet" who avoids making tough decisions, such as Quinn's call for an income-tax hike.
Hynes said the governor's nomination "must be earned -- not bequeathed or assigned or transferred." He told reporters that voters "need a clean break from the past" and questioned why Quinn -- Blagojevich's former lieutenant governor -- had not reviewed 1,600 state Blagojevich hires making more than $70,000 a year.

To read the whole Tribune article click on the following:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-state-fair-democrats20aug20,0,3109282.story

Over 30% of Chicago homes have upside down mortgages :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business

 

More than 30 percent of single-family homes in the Chicago metropolitan area had mortgages that were greater than the value of the home at the end of June, according to a report from First American CoreLogic.

Click on the following:                                                                                                                            Over 30% of Chicago homes have upside down mortgages :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Business

McD's target of Hardee's smackdown | Crain's Chicago Business

There are no Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr in our area—but if you have almost anywhere else in country these names should be very familiar.

CKE Restaurants Inc., parent of Hardee's and Carl's Jr., is telling the media and customers that McDonald's new Angus burger, launched in July, is a inferior copy cat to Carl's Jr. Black Angus “Six-Dollar Burgers” and Hardee's Angus Thickburger.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:   McD's target of Hardee's smackdown | Crain's Chicago Business

Illinois warned against funding religious groups

The schools named in the article are in the Pantagraph’s immediate area—Bloomington-Normal.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Anti-Defamation League told state officials that they've identified at least 97 religious organizations that would get the money from the capital construction bill signed into law last month.

75,000 for capital improvements to the library at the Chicago Baptist Institute; $100,000 each for renovations at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, St. Ann Catholic School and St. Paul Parish; and $50,000 for a housing project by the Lawndale Christian Development Project.

Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press

Gaming Company Executive’s comments on video poker.

I received this email regarding my posting of the various newspaper articles on video poker in Illinois. I am posting that email in its entirety and hope it may supply more information on this issue.

Under the state’s new capital bill local government can opt out of having video poker gambling in their local communities.  Unincorporated DuPage County has already opted out by a vote of their county board.  The issue can also go to referendum if the local government wishes. 

 

Hi Bill,

Since you've covered this issue recently for the Boone County Watch Dog, I thought you might be interested in this perspective on the video gaming issue that's currently being discussed within Illinois communities. Please call if you have additional questions.

Regards,

Chris Scott
Senior Vice President
Hodge Schindler Integrated Communications
900 N. Franklin Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312.666.6662 (voice)
312.666.1670 (fax)

ICMOA Chief Urges Weighing of Facts Before Banning Video Gaming
MORRIS, Ill. (August 19, 2009) – The leader of the Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association (ICMOA) expressed disappointment at the precipitous handful of local bans prohibiting video gaming under the state’s recently approved legislation permitting it in bars and certain other adult-oriented venues.
“DuPage County’s ban in unincorporated areas, and similar actions by communities like Rosemont and Country Club Hills, seem to be based more on myths about gaming than on rational consideration of the facts,” said Tom Fiedler, president of the ICMOA and owner of Melody Music in Champaign.
He congratulated the Will County Board for its more measured response; it delayed until late fall its consideration of the issue while it weighs the facts.
Video gaming was approved by legislators in July as a means of partially funding a $31 billion public works program. It permits up to five video gambling machines offering games like poker or blackjack at bars and certain restaurants, fraternal and veterans groups and truck stops. The maximum bet is $2; the most a gambler could win on any one hand is $500.
Fiedler said video gaming will alleviate some of the financial pressures facing the state and many of its municipalities, and could generate as much as $300 million a year. “That should be weighed into considerations, especially since other sources of revenue – say, an increase in income taxes – are even more controversial than video gaming,” he said.
Video gaming has been successful as a reliable revenue source in the majority of states where it has been legalized, including New York, Montana and Louisiana, Fiedler noted. It has been repealed in Iowa and South Carolina because of failings in their statutes on age controls. The experiences of all were thoroughly researched by policymakers to ensure best practices were applied to Illinois’ legislation, he added.
“The reality is that video gaming will not be coming to a bar near you for probably another year,” said Fiedler. “During that time, the Illinois Gaming Commission will be developing its plans to oversee video gaming operations and the licensees who install the machines. This group has earned high marks for its ability to regulate other legalized gaming industries in Illinois.
“Local officials have nothing to lose by waiting to see how these plans shape up and researching the pros and cons in the interim. Knee-jerk decisions are not in the best interests of all their constituents,” he said.
Headquartered in Morris, the ICMOA is a 120-member, non-profit organization formed by businesses involved in the coin-operated amusement machine industry in Illinois. For more information, visit www.icmoa.org.
Editors: Please visit http://www.hodgeschindler.com/icmoa.html to view the ICMOA’s “Video Gaming: Myths vs. Realities.”

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Campaign for regional rail reaches halfway point

 

Launched on July 7, the campaign is working to gather signatures of support from 10,000 individuals and 500 businesses by Aug. 31.

The rail coalition has collected approximately 4,600 signatures as of Monday, Aug. 17. It is collecting signatures by directing the public to an electronic petition on its Web site,

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Campaign for regional rail reaches halfway point

Fewer Boone County tax assessments to be mailed - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

We all agree home prices were down in 2008—but wait until you see your assessment.

Supervisor of Assessments Pat Elder said the cost of mailing every property owner an assessment notice was deemed too expensive  “This year we won’t (send a notice) if the change is only because of the multiplier.”

Fewer Boone County tax assessments to be mailed - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

State grant to help pay OT to Belvidere cops - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

The Integrated Mini Grant Enforcement money will be used by the department to pay off-duty Belvidere officers to work overtime in various assignments patrolling high-crash intersections, seat belt enforcement zones at traffic-light and stop-sign intersections, residential speeding patrols and downtown patrols.

State grant to help pay OT to Belvidere cops - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Regional Business Expo 2009 coming Sept. 10

The Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in the Regional Business Expo 2009, along with Chambers of Commerce from Rockford, DeKalb, Freeport, Byron, Greater Beloit, Oregon, The Parks and Winnebago.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Regional Business Expo 2009 coming Sept. 10

County might bond expansions to courthouse, jail through stimulus | Daily Chronicle

I did some look-back on what DeKalb County might do with the public portion of the Recovery Zone Bonds.  [Previously posted here as: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/08/public-hearing-on-countywide-recovery.html ] 

Well Boone County Taxpayers you better get ready-- the 6 figure income from DeKalb prisoners being housed in Boone County maybe in jeopardy. 

DeKalb County pays the jail at Boone County  sufficiently, that over $125,000 in net income is budgeted as annual income by Boone County.  That income will be gone soon if DeKalb can add onto its own jail.

The DeKalb County Board’s Finance Committee made a recommendation to the county board to have that zone include the whole county, with an intention to finance building expansions to both the jail and the courthouse on the county’s Sycamore campus.

County officials have grappled with an overcrowded jail and courthouse for years. In July, the county board authorized administrators to begin working on a capital funding plan for the courthouse and jail, with the idea to sell bonds to finance the new construction

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  County might bond expansions to courthouse, jail through stimulus | Daily Chronicle

Northwest Herald | 28th plaintiff joins cancer lawsuits

28th plaintiff in the McCullom Lake brain cancer lawsuits

The lawsuits blame the cancers on decades of vinyl chloride air and groundwater pollution from neighboring manufacturers Rohm and Haas and Modine.

Modine settled in 2008, denying any culpability but agreeing to pay $1.4 million toward medical monitoring and $100,000 toward property value reimbursement. The 695 residents received vouchers for $2,020 apiece to pursue any screenings their doctors consider appropriate. Centegra Health System agreed earlier this year to offer significant discounts for MRIs funded under the settlement.

Rohm and Haas continues to fight the lawsuits in court.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Northwest Herald | 28th plaintiff joins cancer lawsuits

Northwest Herald | FOIA reform signed

A souped-up Illinois Freedom of Information Act was one of several reform bills signed into law Monday by Gov. Pat Quinn.

The new FOIA shortens the time that governments have to respond to records requests. It also empowers the attorney general’s public access counselor with binding authority to enforce the act, and for the first time imposes civil penalties for governments that willfully violate it.

Northwest Herald | FOIA reform signed

Robert Reich's Blog: Reich wants a public option

 

If Obama tells Senate Democrats he will not sign a healthcare reform bill without a public option, there will be enough votes in the United States Senate for a public option.

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

Orbitz endorses to end Cuban travel ban

The following is an email letter I recently received.

Dear William,
At Orbitz we believe passionately in the power of travel to transform lives. And we believe that people should have the freedom to travel wherever they choose.
Americans today have the right to travel to any country in the world except Cuba. Recently, we launched OpenCuba.org, a campaign that gives people a way to petition U.S. leaders to end the 50-year Cuba travel ban and give all Americans the freedom to travel to Cuba.
159 Congressmen and 29 Senators recently sponsored the bipartisan Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, which seeks to open up travel to Cuba for all U.S. citizens. The opportunity to end the 50-year ban hangs in the balance.
Be part of the movement to give Americans the right to travel wherever they choose by signing the petition.

The momentum behind this issue is growing. A recent Orbitz-Ipsos poll shows that 67% of Americans favor allowing all Americans to travel to Cuba.
Cuban American groups, such as the Cuban American Alliance and the Cuban American Commission for Family Rights, have endorsed OpenCuba.org. Our position on opening up travel to Cuba is aligned with that of Human Rights Watch.
Over 50,000 people have already signed the petition. Seize the moment and join us in urging U.S. leaders to give all Americans the freedom to travel to Cuba:
http://www.OpenCuba.org
We recognize that some of you may have different perspectives on this subject; however, our position on this is premised on two core beliefs:

• People should have the freedom to travel where they choose
• Travel -- and the resulting exchange of ideas between people from different countries -- can be a powerful force for positive change

Thank you for considering our request to join us on this issue.
Barney Harford
President & CEO, Orbitz Worldwide

Colonial BancGroup is shut down by regulators - Kansas City Star

The failure of Colonial is expected to cost the deposit insurance fund an estimated $2.8 billion

Colonial, based in Montgomery, Ala., is the biggest U.S. bank to fail this year.

The failed bank’s 346 branches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Texas will reopen at normal times today as offices of BB&T

Colonial BancGroup is shut down by regulators - Kansas City Star

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Governor signs Rep. Wait’s Tobacco Bill

HB 799 was introduced by State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere). The new law now makes it illegal for minors under the age of 18 to possess any cigar, cigarette, smokeless tobacco, or tobacco in any of its forms.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Governor signs Rep. Wait’s Tobacco Bill

Public hearing on DeKalb’s countywide recovery zone set for Wed. | Daily Chronicle

Where is Boone County with its recovery zone bonds?  McHenry County and Stephenson Counties have passed their resolutions to start their programs.  I have contacted Mayor Brereton who obtained information that Boone County’s allocation is $1,863,000, but no one is certain if county government has started the process.

 

The decision is before the DeKalb County Board because the county was allocated $15 million in Recovery Zone Bonds. Part of the federal stimulus legislation, the borrowed money would serve as a means to finance both governmental and privately-owned building projects at a low interest rate, with the federal government paying 45 percent of the interest.

Click on the following for more details on  DeKalb County proposal:  Public hearing on countywide recovery zone set for Wed. | Daily Chronicle

For details on McHenry County’s Program:  http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/08/11/r_migk8hyjsy2z1vnk_tug/index.xml

http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/06/17/r_bxepvehdskw4niafe6_irw/index.xml

For details on Stephenson County’s Program:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/08/tools-for-development-stephenson-county.html

Belvidere police chief invites you behind the scenes - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Police Chief Series

Oct. 15: Crime in community — The real “CSI,” 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Nov. 19: Crime scene processes, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 28: PRISM system — legal rights for officers when using weapons, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
March 18: Traffic enforcement and handicapped parking issues, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
May 20: Stay safe summer and Belvidere police residential checks, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Call the Boone County Council on Aging, 815-544-9893, to register for the series and get directions.

While the series was designed for the elderly in Boone County, he’s hoping all ages will attend to learn about crime in the city and what officers are doing.
“The public will leave with a very good understanding of what’s happening in our community — that’s my goal,” Noble said. “This will be very hands-on and gives them an up close and personal view of what our department does day in and out.”

Belvidere police chief invites you behind the scenes - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - New merchandise taxing begins Sept. 1

 

These items will be taxed as general merchandise (high rate) instead of being taxed as food and medicine (low rate).

Candy, Personal grooming and hygiene products, Soft drinks

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - New merchandise taxing begins Sept. 1

Reagan statue to be unveiled Saturday at Trail Days in Dixon | Daily Chronicle

The statue, created by artist Don Reed and named “Begins the Trail,” will be unveiled at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 14 at the height of Reagan Trail Days.

Heritage Crossing is a pilot project, part of an overall plan to redevelop and revitalize the 24-square-block area that covers downtown Dixon and the riverfront area. The Dixon Riverfront Commission formed in 1998, and the $4.5 million plaza is the commission’s first major project.

Click on the following:  Reagan statue to be unveiled Saturday at Trail Days in Dixon | Daily Chronicle

Daily Herald | Lakemoor village Board names new police chief

 

Leonard, a 26-year police veteran who worked with the Illinois State Police, will take the position Sept. 1 pending a final background check.

Leonard will be paid an annual salary of $80,000.Leonard will be paid an annual salary of $80,000.

Daily Herald | Lakemoor village Board names new police chief

Daily Herald | Elgin man charged for preaching too loudly

 

An Elgin man has been arrested for preaching the word of God -- too loudly.

He was standing at the northwest corner of National Street and Grove Avenue at 8:35 p.m. Thursday, waving a Bible and shouting religious messages to pedestrians and passing motorists

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  Daily Herald | Elgin man charged for preaching too loudly

World Famous Pizza BYOB license approved | Daily Chronicle

Should Belvidere, Poplar Grove or Boone County have a BYOB license? 

The city’s first Class I liquor license – covering BYOB restaurants – was approved Thursday for World Famous Pizza, 124 E. State St.
The Class I liquor license allows customers to bring in only beer and wine, and customers must order a food item if they bring an alcoholic beverage to the business. The license was created in June by the city council.

World Famous Pizza BYOB license approved | Daily Chronicle

Health care reform too hot for some politicians | Daily Chronicle

More than 200 people showed up to a town hall-style meeting on Saturday hosted by U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo. The congressman was questioned repeatedly by constituents on the health care bill, but there were none of the shout-downs or overt anger that other congressmen are experiencing in their districts.

Click on the following for details regarding other Congressmen:

Health care reform too hot for some politicians | Daily Chronicle

E-Mails From Public Overload House Web Site - NYTimes.com

 

Amid a boisterous debate on health care reform, people flooded members of Congress on Thursday with so many e-mails that they overloaded the House's primary Web site.

E-Mails From Public Overload House Web Site - NYTimes.com

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Boone County Chairman makes third pick for board

After nearly four months of a vacant Boone County board position, board chairman Bob Walberg hopes to come to a resolution at the next full meeting by submitting Paul Larson as his choice.

Larson [bottom photo] has been a resident of District 2 for more than 20 years. With a background in manufacturing and a degree in mechanical engineering, Larson also has his name listed on four patents and is primary inventor of one product.

Read the full story by clicking on the following:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Boone County Chairman makes third pick for board

“Family” PAC's summer cruise on the Chicago River.

Boone County Representative Ron Wait attends Family PAC cruise on Tuesday night.  Oklahoma United States Senator Tom Coburn was in Chicago Tuesday night as the featured speaker for Paul Caprio's Family PAC's annual cruise.

Senator Coburn is affiliated with a religious organization called The Family which has been involved in several recent scandals.^[63]

Senator Coburn lives in one of the Family's dormitories when in Washington, D.C. with Senator John Ensign, another Family member and longtime resident of the C Street Center who recently admitted he had an extra-marital affair with a staffer. The announcement by Ensign of his extramarital affair brought public scrutiny of the Family and its connection to other high ranking politicians including Senator Coburn.^[64]

Senator Coburn, together senior members of the Family, attempted to intervene to end Ensign's affair in February 2008, prior to the affair becoming public, including by meeting with the husband of Ensign's mistress and encouraging Ensign to write a letter to his mistress breaking off the affair.^[63][65][66] Senator Ensign was driven to Federal Express from C Street Center to post the letter, shortly after which Ensign called to tell his mistress to ignore it. ^[63][65][66]

Senator Coburn refuses to speak about his involvement in Ensign's affair or his knowledge of the affair well before it became public on the grounds of alleged "privilege" due to his separate status as a licensed physician in the State of Oklahoma (OB/GYN) and an ordained deacon.^[67]

^{The pictures are courtesy of Cal Skinner at:  http://www.mchenrycountyblog.com/labels/Family%20PAC.html}

^{Much of the text is taken from WIKIPEDIA at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Coburn}

Northwest Herald | Toll authority head resigns

The chairman of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority's board has quit.  John Mitola submitted his resignation on Wednesday but says he'll serve until Gov. Pat Quinn appoints a replacement.

Click on the following:  Northwest Herald | Toll authority head resigns

Tools for development: Stephenson County takes part in recovery zone program - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

Both Stephenson and McHenry Counties are in the Recovery Zone Program, when will Boone County get into the program?

By approving this designation, the county will have access to nearly $9 million in bond funding from the federal stimulus program, which is known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

For example, this bond funding could be used for a major local infrastructure project such as a new village water tower, officials said. Stephenson County will have access to $3,759,000 in economic development bond funding.

The facility bonds permit counties and large municipalities to provide tax-exempt financing for projects that historically would not qualify for industrial revenue bonds. This includes large manufacturing plants, distribution centers, hotels, research parks, and more. Stephenson County will have access to $5,639,000 in facility bond funding.

Stephenson County is one of the first units of government to proceed with the recovery zone bond program. The only other unit to adopt the program so far is Minneapolis, Minn

Click on the following for more details:  Tools for development: Stephenson County takes part in recovery zone program - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

St. Charles reaches agreement with police union :: Beacon News :: Local News

 

The agreement calls for the wage rates for bargaining unit personnel to remain at their current levels through the end of this fiscal year.

This matches the terms of a wage freeze already implemented for non-union employees, as well as the IBEW, Teamster and International Association of Firefighters bargaining units.

The final three years of the contract with police officers calls for wage increases of 3.75 percent for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, 4 percent for 2001-12 and 4.25 percent for 2012-13.

St. Charles reaches agreement with police union :: Beacon News :: Local News

Burlington may add one really nice house :: The Courier News :: Local News

There still are some people with money. 

BURLINGTON — Burlington has been asked to approve construction of one really, really nice place to live — a 12,000-square-foot house with a Japanese garden, a three-hole private golf course, ponds and a turf and sod farm, totaling 52 acres of yard.

And that will just be the owner's summer home.

Click on the following for more information:  Burlington may add one really nice house :: The Courier News :: Local News

Northwest Herald | Cary road bonds move forward

Here is a stimulus program which officials in Boone County know nothing about.  I previously report this on June 10, 2009 at:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/06/northwest-herald-recovery-bonds-clear.html  I talked to numerous Boone County board members and still no one knows the details.  Well maybe taxpayers in McHenry County get something for their high taxes—elected officials with knowledge of the stimulus plan.

– The village of Cary is set to receive $5 million of McHenry County Board economic stimulus bonding power to repave and repair its roads.

The federal government has given the County Board up to $45.8 million in bonding authority to jump-start “shovel-ready” government and private projects.

The federally-backed bonds do not count against the county’s debt limit or leave the county liable if a borrower defaults.

Investors who buy the bonds are entitled to receive a 45 percent refund of the federal taxes payable on them

Illinois received $1.67 billion in bonding authority under the Act, which was divided among all 102 counties and six cities. McHenry County received the sixth largest piece, behind Chicago and Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties.

Click on the following for more details:  Northwest Herald | Cary road bonds move forward

Will Naperville get video poker? Bloggers place their bets :: Naperville Sun :: Lifestyles

 

Unless a county or other local form of government votes to ban them, the machines may be added to locations such as bars and fraternal organizations.

Many towns disapprove of legalized gambling in their communities and are considering such a ban, with Naperville being no exception. Once the chamber of commerce had discussed it, the city was set to consider whether to impose a ban.

The Sun asked users of our Potluck Blog if the machines should be banned in Naperville. The responses generally ranged from "it's none of the government's business" to "I don't want those here,"

Will Naperville get video poker? Bloggers place their bets :: Naperville Sun :: Lifestyles

Greg Hinz Blog | Crain's Chicago Business

The State’s Capital Plan may still be in trouble—the major source of funding may not be allowed by local governments.

revolt against Illinois' new video-poker law is beginning to pick up a remarkable amount of support -- so much support that one key source says it could endanger the revenue stream needed to pay off billions in state infrastructure bonds.

The revolt, which so far has received remarkably little press attention, is led by big counties, which can ban gaming only in [un]incorporated areas. But the pitchforks are starting to come out in municipalities, too. …

First up is the DuPage County Board….in Will County…The board is to hold a committee-of-the-whole hearing on Thursday to begin deliberations.  A similar ban in unincorporated Cook County will be submitted next month….Other sources expect action soon in Lake County….Rosemont, of Emerald Casino fame, last week became the first suburban Chicago municipality to outlaw video gambling….

Revenue from video poker will comprise about 40% of the funds needed to retire billions in state bonds for infrastructure that were authorized by the General Assembly earlier this year

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  Greg Hinz Blog | Crain's Chicago Business

Prohibition of Video Gaming by Political Subdivision

A municipality or county may pass an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the corporate limits of the municipality or unincorporated area of the country, respectively. Video gaming can also be prohibited through a majority vote for the passage of a referendum seeking to ban video gaming in that municipality or county.
Those municipalities and counties which do not prohibit video gaming will be allocated funds monthly by the Department of Revenue. The amount of such funds allocable to each such municipality and county will be in proportion to the tax revenue generated from video gaming within the eligible municipality or county as compared to the tax
revenue generated from video gaming statewide. The funds may be used for any general corporate purpose authorized for that municipality or county.

Video gaming banned in unincorporated DuPage - Chicago Breaking News

So where does Boone County and the City of  Belvidere stand on this issue? 

Board members voted 15-0 to opt out of Illinois' Video Gaming Act, which was approved by legislators last month as part of a plan to fund a large capital improvement bill.

"Of the nine states that have legalized (video gambling), three have rescinded it because video poker was fraught with social costs of addiction,"

Video gaming banned in unincorporated DuPage - Chicago Breaking News

Check’s in the mail for seniors :: The Courier News :: Local News

The program uses $743,000 from the Grand Victoria's taxes paid to the city and has been up and in effect since 1996. The checks are mailed annually to residents age 65 or older who own a home and who complete and file an application with the county in which they live. Qualifying homeowners receive $200, while those living in mobile homes receive $35. According to data from the city, 3,357 checks went out last year to seniors.

Check’s in the mail for seniors :: The Courier News :: Local News

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Curt Newport announces candidacy for Boone County Treasurer

Boone County Treasurer Curtis P. Newport has announced he will run for re-election and seek the Republican Party nomination in the Feb. 2, 2010 primary.

Read the rest of the story by clicking on the following:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Curt Newport announces candidacy for Boone County Treasurer

Daily Herald | West Dundee coupons aim to keep commerce in town

A local government advertizing for its merchants.

Residents can find the discount cards in the upcoming village newsletter, which should hit mailboxes at the end of August.

The business card-sized passes will get residents a 10 percent discount at almost a dozen local restaurants, from chain establishments like McDonald's to downtown locales like Emmett's Tavern, Community Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko said

similar initiatives in Crystal Lake and also the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce.

The program is expected to cost the village no more than $1,000 to print and distribute the cards, Tymoszenko said.

Daily Herald | West Dundee coupons aim to keep commerce in town

Northwest Herald | About half of county municipalities in McHenry County have unionized workforces

Interesting article—particularly the comments. 

Click on the following:  Northwest Herald | About half of county municipalities have unionized workforces

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Belvidere attorney to run for IL Attorney General

David F. Black, an attorney from Belvidere, has announced a second run for Illinois Attorney General on the 2010 Green Party ticket. When he ran in 2006, he received more than 100,000 votes, despite being kept off the ballot by the Democrats until two months before Election Day.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Belvidere attorney to run for IL Attorney General

‘Compromise’ needed to fill Boone County Board vacancy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

“We all need to compromise and work together,” Walberg said after the meeting. “This is the theme I’ve been trying to advance through this process and, hopefully, if people listen to the comments made tonight and take them to heart, we can work toward that compromise.”

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  ‘Compromise’ needed to fill Boone County Board vacancy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

AP ENTERPRISE: Federal tax revenues plummeting - Kansas City Star

 

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  AP ENTERPRISE: Federal tax revenues plummeting - Kansas City Star

Woodstock: Illinois National Guard Delta Company Comes Home

We thank them and their families.  Our prayers  to the five who will not return and their loved ones.

 

South 'burbs show how it's done : SearchChicago Homes : News

 

south suburban group hopes to focus their efforts on communities that are also near transit and the Calumet River. Since there won't be enough funds to help the whole region, putting dollars where people can live near work or transit integrates a lot of good ideas.

So far, so good

The group has been told they made the first cut and are semi-finalists for some Neighborhood Stabilization Program cash, said Janice L. Morrissy, the south suburban housing collaborative's new director of housing initiatives. They should find out by the end of July funds are coming their way.

Click on the following for the rest of the story:  South 'burbs show how it's done : SearchChicago Homes : News

Daily Herald | Aurora approves voluntary layoffs for 37 employees

 

37 nonunion employees who applied before the July 24 deadline.

City treasurer and finance director Brian Caputo has estimated the move will result in a total savings of nearly $4 million in the city's 2010 budget.

The city has nearly 1,100 employees

Of the 37 who applied, 35 were eligible for retirement and all 37 are expected to accept the package.

The consolidation of departments and operations also is being considered, along with the possible elimination of services that are not essential.

Daily Herald | Aurora approves voluntary layoffs for 37 employees

By Year’s End, Benefit Lifeline to End for 1.5 Million Jobless - NYTimes.com

 

emergency extensions already enacted by Congress, laid-off workers in nearly half the states can collect benefits for up to 79 weeks, the longest period since the unemployment insurance program was created in the 1930s

In ordinary times, employers pay into a state insurance fund, and workers who lose jobs draw benefits for up to 26 weeks. During recessions, Congress has often paid for extended coverage for an extra 13 or even 20 weeks.

Currently, people can draw benefits for up to 79 weeks in 24 states and from 46 weeks to 72 weeks in others.

By Year’s End, Benefit Lifeline to End for 1.5 Million Jobless - NYTimes.com

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Dear Editor:

 

Please write to your Congress men and women and tell them we need them to act now, in 2009, and that they should be worried about YOUR bottom line – not the insurance companies.

Click on the following for this letter to the editor:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Dear Editor: