Spill's economic fallout called long term - Business - MiamiHerald.com

 

In Louisiana, so far the only known coastal victim of the gusher's oil, tourists and seafood wholesalers spend about $1.5 billion a year, according to government figures. Mississippi and Alabama rely on tourism and seafood for at least $5 billion.

Moody's noted that personal income jumped nearly 10 percent in Alaska in 1989 after the Exxon Valdez spill.

But ultimately the spill cost Alaska about $2.8 billion in economic activity, thanks in part to the severe damage to the Pacific herring fishery.

The Moody's report saves some of its grimmest hypotheticals for Florida, which has yet to be linked with any oil from the Deepwater well.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/28/1652092_p2/spills-economic-fallout-called.html#ixzz0pUJVnrl0

Click on the following for more details:   Spill's economic fallout called long term - Business - MiamiHerald.com

BP wants Houston judge with oil ties to hear spill cases | McClatchy

 

Facing more than 100 lawsuits after its Gulf of Mexico oil spill killed 11 workers and threatened four coastal states, oil giant BP is asking the courts to place every pre-trial issue in the hands of a single federal judge in Houston.

That judge, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes, has traveled the world giving lectures on ethics for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a professional association and research group that works with BP and other oil companies. The organization pays his travel expenses.

Hughes has also collected royalties from several energy companies, including ConocoPhillips and Devon Energy, from investments in mineral rights, his financial disclosure forms show.

Click on the following for more details:  BP wants Houston judge with oil ties to hear spill cases | McClatchy

Groundwork laid for oil suit | news-press.com | The News-Press

 

BP has paid out more than $2 million to Floridians for individual lost-income claims, and kept most of the cases open for future payment. That's on top of the $50 million it gave the state for emergency preparations and a tourism promotion campaign.

Fred Levin, a Pensacola attorney who assembled the state's team of private lawyers that won a $14 billion settlement from the tobacco companies, said the BP effort could dwarf that effort. Finding the right experts on a county-by-county basis who can evaluate and determine economic damages will be a massive undertaking, he said.

Finding a legal team capable of bankrolling up-front case preparation will be difficult, if not impossible, Levin said….

"A lawsuit can't stop the oil and BP is not going to run out of money," Levin said. "It's going to be an expensive undertaking. Tobacco is going to be a pittance compared to this."

Click on the following for more details:  Groundwork laid for oil suit | news-press.com | The News-Press

BP Oil Spill Fuels Legal Marketing Machines - ClickZ

By Anna Maria Virzi, ClickZ, May 21, 2010

Great article concerning the advertizing/marketing by “legal advisors” for law suits against British Petroleum.  Get ready to see a flood of such advertizing especially in the Gulf States.

Personal injury and civil litigation attorneys - known for using in-your-face advertising tactics - are seeing gold in the black crude oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion last month.

Click on the following for more details:  BP Oil Spill Fuels Legal Marketing Machines - ClickZ

Daily Herald | E-mails detail past problems in tollway, Wilton partnership

Has anyone taken a look at the Oasis at Belvidere lately?  There maybe many problems there as well as in the 6 county area.

The tollway tried numerous times to get a look at Wilton's books, but the company denied access. By mid-2008, Wilton owed the agency about $1.4 million

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | E-mails detail past problems in tollway, Wilton partnership

Bill offering tax credits to boost biotech startups clears Illinois Legislature | Crain's Chicago Business

would take effect Jan. 1. It grants a 25% state tax credit to investors in early-stage tech firms.

Boosters of the state’s technology and biomedical sectors said the measure is critical to keep Illinois competitive when vying to retain or attract promising young companies. Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio all offer tax credits to so-called angel investors, who seed start-up firms in their earliest stages.

Bill offering tax credits to boost biotech startups clears Illinois Legislature | Crain's Chicago Business

IndustryWeek : OSHA Fines NDK Crystals $510,000 Following Explosion That Killed Bystander

 

The employer knowingly operated high pressure vessels even after being warned of the potential for a catastrophic failure due to material design and fabrication defects," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels, in a news release.

Click on the following for more details:  IndustryWeek : OSHA Fines NDK Crystals $510,000 Following Explosion That Killed Bystander

Winnebago County Board freezes 3 salaries, some bonuses cut

 

The sheriff’s annual salary is $114,395, and the clerk and treasurer are both paid $81,868. Their salaries — which were initially supposed to be adjusted with an annual cost-of-living increase — will remain the same for the next four years.
“I really wasn’t surprised how it went,” said Tom Owens, R-1. “You really only had one person pushing it.”

Click on the following for more details:  Winnebago County Board freezes 3 salaries, some bonuses cut - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Government levies $510,000 in fines against NDK Crystal - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

We are aware of the citations issued by OSHA,” Hennessy said. “NDK strongly disagrees with OSHA’s initial determinations. The facts will show we responded in a responsible manner and will not support OSHAs initial findings. NDK is looking forward to presenting the pertinent facts and getting the citations rescinded.”
The company has 15 business days to respond to the government’s claims.

Click on the following for more details:  Government levies $510,000 in fines against NDK Crystal - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Press Release: US Labor Department's OSHA issues NDK Crystals egregious willful and serious citations following investigation into explosion that killed bystander Belvedere, Ill., crystal manufacturer fined $510,000

 

The Labor Department spelled  Belvidere incorrectly but the fines may still stick.

 

BELVEDERE, Ill. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited NDK Crystals Inc. in Belvedere with fines of $510,000 for alleged egregious willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards following an explosion at the company's crystal manufacturing building that took the life of a truck driver parked at a nearby service station. Workers at this facility were exposed to hazards that created a dangerous environment.
"The employer knowingly operated high pressure vessels even after being warned of the potential for a catastrophic failure due to material design and fabrication defects," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "This simply is unacceptable, and OSHA will use the full extent of the law to ensure the company is held accountable for its actions."
Following its investigation, OSHA cited NDK Crystals with seven willful and five serious violations. The willful violations, one for each of seven individual high pressure vessels, involved the company's continued operation of these high quality quartz production vessels even though it knew the vessels were susceptible to explosion and catastrophic failure as a result of defective design and fabrication. Willful violations are those committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for legal requirements, or plain indifference to employee safety and health.
The serious violations include failing to evaluate the building for a catastrophic event; failing to have an emergency evacuation program; failing to implement a hazard communication program; and a lack of personal protective equipment assessment and training certification. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. To report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-6742.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

This article is taken from:  2010 - 05/27/2010 - US Labor Department's OSHA issues NDK Crystals egregious willful and serious citations following investigation into explosion that killed bystander Belvedere, Ill., crystal manufacturer fined $510,000

OSHA issues fines to NDK Crystals for explosion - 13 WTHR

 

OSHA on Thursday announced fines of $510,000 against NDK for failing to evaluate the building for a catastrophic event and failing to have an emergency evacuation program, among other violations.

Click on the following for more details:  OSHA issues fines to NDK Crystals for explosion - 13 WTHR

Boone County explores annexation of land with Poplar Grove

 

issue was introduced by Marshall Newhouse at last Wednesday’s meeting under the agenda item of Roads and Capital Improvements. Newhouse said the idea was proposed by Poplar Grove Mayor Brad Rightnowar, who suggested the county consider entering into an annexation agreement with Poplar Grove for development of the property. Newhouse stressed that there was no specific development or buyer at this point, but that looking down the road, Rightnowar thought this might be an idea worth exploring.

item was on the agenda for discussion only (and not up for formal action), but asked if he could get a consensus from the board to see if further discussions would be productive. Six members – Cathy Ward, Kathy Hartwig, Mattison, Ken Freeman, Peggy Malone and Glass – raised their hands indicating they aren’t interested in further discussions

Click on the following for more details:  The Belvidere Daily Republican. - County explores annexation of land with Poplar Grove

Quinn says lawmakers ‘pretty close’ on budget

Gov. Pat Quinn said Saturday that lawmakers are “pretty close” to passing a new state budget, but offered no explanation for his optimism or even why he now backs a budget that rejects his top legislative priority: a tax increase.

After May 31, passing a budget would require a super-majority, meaning the Democratic majority would need some Republican votes to take action. The most important date is June 30, when the current budget expires.

 

Click on the following for more details:  Quinn says lawmakers ‘pretty close’ on budget - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

Metra CEO Phil Pagano Commits Suicide | NBC Chicago

 

Embattled Metra CEO Phil Pagano committed suicide Friday morning, just hours before the agency's board was to meet to discuss his future.

Pagano stood on the tracks in unincorporated Crystal Lake for about five to 10 seconds before the train hit him at around 8 a.m., the train's conductor said, adding that he made eye contact with Pagano before the impact.  There were 24 passengers aboard the train.

"The engineer made a statement to us that he simply saw a person standing in between the rails of the track, looking at the train," said McHenry County Sheriff  Keith Nygren.

Nygren said Pagano left a note indicating his intentions, and reports said investigators found his wallet and a copy of Metra's guidlines on how to handle a stoppage due to a suicide.  

Board members were visibly shaken by the news.

"This is a sad day for Metra," said Jack Partelow, a Metra board member, when asked about reports.

Pagano was placed on administrative leave last week after it was discovered he took an unauthorized $56,000 bonus. The Cook County States Attorney's office said it had launched a criminal probe as well.

Pagano, who has run the agency for 20 years, is paid $269,625 to run the commuter rail service. But sources say he gave himself an extra $56,000 last year. Metra employees don't get bonuses, spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said.

The Metra board hired a lawyer to investigate the alleged misappropriation. Senator Dick Durbin called for a federal investigation into the bonus. 

Click on the following for more details:  Metra CEO Phil Pagano Commits Suicide | NBC Chicago

“Tax meant for streets "– Chuck Popp’s Letter to Editor

As the former city attorney for Belvidere when the utility tax was adopted, I must dispute the contention of my good friend Mayor Brereton that the money collected was a “rainy day fund.”

Click on the following for the rest of the letter:   Tax meant for streets - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Top U.S. Conservative Group Honors Rep. Manzullo -

 

Manzullo, who is annually recognized by the group, received a 96 percent rating from the ACU (American Conservative Union)  on votes he took in Congress in 2009. Manzullo maintains a 95.92 percent lifetime rating with the organization.

Top U.S. Conservative Group Honors Rep. Manzullo - Inbox - Yahoo! Mail

Fee bill that would spare State Police cuts passes House - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

House voted 117-0 for Senate Bill 3695 today, which would double the fees charged in court for administrative processing and place the proceeds in the State Police Operations Assistance Fund. The measure now heads to the Senate.

Fee bill that would spare State Police cuts passes House - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

2011 presents long-term budget challenges for City of DeKalb | Daily Chronicle

The undesignated, unreserved fund balance is expected to be just $50,000 at the end of Fiscal Year 2011, which runs July 1 through June 30, 2011. …

It’s supposed to be at 25 percent of what’s spent on an annual basis – about $7 million of the $28.2 million budgeted.
The fund balance will be at 0.18 percent under current financial projections.

The city’s plan to cut 25-30 workers was also discussed.
Though the voluntary separations and layoffs are expected to save millions, the upfront costs – like paying out accrued vacation time and other benefits – could be more than $1 million, Espiritu said.
To cover these upfront costs, it is proposed to extend debt another 20 years, which would free up about $1.4 million the next fiscal year for the buyouts and layoffs, along with pursuing capital projects.

Click on the following for more details:   2011 presents long-term budget challenges in DeKalb | Daily Chronicle

Cutting labor costs – Stephenson County, Freeport, IL

 

most courthouse employees work an estimated seven hours a day, five days a week, officials say. Blum said his proposal is to reduce the schedule to four days a week, but increase the hours worked to eight hours a day. This would minimize the impact to employees, and ensure they still qualify for benefits, Blum said.

“It would only reduce the employee work week by three hours,” Blum said.

Making such a change would reduce the county’s labor costs by 9 percent, saving anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000….

County Board approved a 2009-2010 general fund budget with a roughly $400,000 deficit late last year. If you couple the existing deficit with the negative cash flow, the county may be looking at a deficit in the range of $800,000 for the fiscal year 2010-2011 budget, Blum said.

Cutting labor costs - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

Chicago CFO Taking Orders From Daley Increases Taxpayers’ Costs -

 

two-decade tradition of shunning open bidding for Chicago’s long-term debt, selling $2 billion in bonds through private negotiations with banks. Arranging competitive auctions instead would save taxpayers millions of dollars, according to internal documents and a review of bond sales by the country’s third-largest municipality.

Efforts to introduce competition fail because the city and its aldermen want to reward those who support public officials and politically connected charities, said a former investment banker in Chicago.

Click on the following for more details:  Chicago CFO Taking Orders From Daley Increases Taxpayers’ Costs - Bloomberg.com

24 look to lead Boone County Health Department

Twenty-four people from across the country have applied for the $78,000-a-year job.

[Chairman, Dr.]  Hess expressed his stance against adding members and his belief in smaller committees, even if that means blocking out some board members from picking the next administrator. A candidate’s confidentiality needs to be a priority and if candidates request total anonymity, a smaller committee could honor that versus a larger group which could slip up and reveal the names, thus jeopardizing the search process, Hess said.
“(I’ve) gone through this two times in the last three years,” he said. “I just don’t want something to implode.”

[Selection subcommittee member, Gary Turner, differs with Dr. Hess]

“I’m looking for stability and whatever it takes to get the best person,” Turner said, after the meeting. “We got into problems the last time we selected somebody and I’d like to get someone who will stay for a long time. I had in mind to get more input from more people.”

Click on the following for more details: 

24 look to lead Boone County Health Department - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Lawsuits target police vehicle seizures :: The Courier News

Police seizures of autos questioned in court.  Has anything changed in Boone County?  Why is Kane County’s States Attorney approach so different?

Both suits deal with essentially the same concepts: What is the proper procedure to seize someone's car? What rights do the car owners deserve?

"We're not trying to stop them from seizing cars," said Thomas Peters, the attorney in both cases. "Any government agency could still seize the car, but you have to give them a hearing."

Until those cases are resolved, Barsanti is proceeding with caution. For more than a year, he has ordered all Kane County police departments to stop seizing cars.

"Before we go rushing to start seizing and forfeiting vehicles again, let's see what the federal court is saying," Barsanti said. "If we don't (stop), in my view, what we're doing is possibly incurring further damages."

Click on the following for more details:  Lawsuits target police vehicle seizures :: The Courier News :: Local News

State owes millions to Twin City[Bloomington-Normal] companies

 

When Bloomington dentists John and Stacey Van Scoyoc treat patients who are covered by State Farm’s Cigna dental plan, their practice electronically files the claim and often gets payment within two weeks.

But for a patient on the state’s CompDent dental plan, such as an Illinois State University employee, that wait becomes four months,

state is seven months behind on its rent for a Department of Human Services Office of Rehabilitation Services site at 207 S. Prospect Road, Bloomington

State owes millions to Twin City companies

Illinois is $4.4B behind in bills, expected to rack up another $1B by June

 

The backlog of 200,000 bills is forcing the state to spend more on emergency purchases to buy items and services needed for daily state operations because officials are scrambling rather than seeking out the lowest bidder.

Forecasters predict the financial problems facing state government could linger throughout the next 19 months. The $4.4 billion backlog is projected to hit $5.5 billion in June.

Click on the following for more details:  Illinois is $4.4B behind in bills, expected to rack up another $1B by June

Activists rally in Chicago, across country, for immigration reform

This newspaper reports various marches across the country. 

Activists said outrage over Arizona's controversial immigration law "awakened a sleeping giant" Saturday as rallies demanding federal immigration reform kicked off in cities, including Chicago, across the country.

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | Activists rally in Chicago, across country, for immigration reform