Hinsdale school documents: Suit seeks access to documents by Hinsdale High School District 86 board member

District 86 has repeatedly denied board member Dianne Barrett access to district documents relevant to special education operations. It names District 86 Superintendent Nicholas Wahl and board president Dennis Brennan.

Members of governing bodies are essentially entitled to access anything they need to execute their duties effectively

Click on the following for more details:   Hinsdale school documents: Suit seeks access to documents by Hinsdale High School District 86 board member - chicagotribune.com

Chemtool Hurdles Rising

WIFR Channel 23 reports the following regarding Chemtool, James Athens and the construction unions.

 
Storms is with a local trade union and is referring to Chemtool's President Jim Athens. He feels the company's falling short on pledged commitments to the community.

Athans' dismissing the fact that he's not hiring locally. He says the majority of his current construction workers are from the area except a McHenry County-based concrete company that turned in a better bid. As far as looking elsewhere, he's aware of other sites in Illinois and Indiana but wouldn't give any specifics.

Click on the following for more details:  Chemtool Hurdles Rising

OSHA: 2 Illinois grain bin deaths were preventable

one worker was underage and employees lacked safety equipment,none of the three workers was wearing safety harnesses or had life lines, " a preventable accident and it's just unacceptable."

Click on the following for more details:  OSHA: 2 Illinois grain bin deaths were preventable - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register

Quinn signs new nursing home safety bill

currently has 146 nursing home inspectors in the field and, under the bill, must phase in an additional 71 inspectors by July 2011 to reach the mandated ratio of one inspector for every 500 nursing home beds.

provisions, such as increasing licensing fees and nursing staff levels into the facilities, could be completed by year's end.

more stringent treatment standards for homes that accept residents with serious mental illness.

Click on the following for more details:   Quinn signs new nursing home safety bill - chicagotribune.com

Concordia Lutheran's mission: ‘Survive, thrive’ after bankruptcy

A sign of the times?

MACHESNEY PARK the 58-year-old institution has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Chapter 11 allows Concordia to stay open and restructure its debt. Its largest creditor is JP Morgan Chase Bank at $1.56 million.

Click on he following for more details:  Concordia Lutheran's mission: ‘Survive, thrive’ after bankruptcy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Boone County hurries to rid Animal Control of mice

Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected the center, 1230 S. Appleton Road, on June 15 and cited it for several violations, including missing cover plates for electrical boxes, no documentation of annual inspections for fire extinguishers and an electrical outlet held in place with duct tape.

Click on the following for more details:  Boone County hurries to rid Animal Control of mice - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The Blago Blog

Here it is at last—a blow by blow account of the Governor’s trial and proceedings around the courthouse.  A must view if deliberations ever end.  All courtesy of the Chicago Sun Times.

Click on the following to connect to this blog:  The Blago Blog

Moline seeks TIF pact with school - Quad Cities Online

This article tells a great many things regarding the relationship between local government and school districts.  It “can” be a very different give and take relationship than we have here in Boone County.  Note how Moline inspects school building projects that does not happen in Boone County. 

city paying the school in various ways in return for the district's support for increasing the life of the Moline Place Tax Increment Financing District by 12 years.

Provide free construction inspection services for the renovations at John Deere Middle School and Wilson Middle School in 2010 and 2011 until renovations are complete

Click on the following for more details:  Moline seeks TIF pact with school - Quad Cities Online

Yet another city parking meter fee hike coming soon

20% rate increase, which will bump metered parking up to as much as $5 an hour.

  Of the $771.3 million in lease proceeds that remained as of March 31 this year, $543.9 million is supposed to be spent by the end of the year to fill holes in the city's operating accounts

Yet another city parking meter fee hike coming soon | Greg Hinz | Crain's Chicago Business

'Blago' to testify in Arlington Heights - The Theater Loop

Second City plans to put him on the stand and provide catharsis for all. At the end of the reprise engagement of "Rod Blagojevich Superstar," which begins Aug. 6, the hit Second City musical based on the life and times of the Blagojeviches, actor Joey Bland

Click on he following for more details:  'Blago' to testify in Arlington Heights - The Theater Loop

New CEO Dudley Vows to Fulfill BP’s Commitments in the Gulf

BP to sell $30 billion in assets before 2012 to pay for costs related to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

BP on Tuesday set aside $32.2 billion to deal with the aftermath of the spill, leading to a record second-quarter loss of $17 billion. That compared with a $4.4 billion profit in the period a year ago.

Adam Hunger/Reuters

Robert Dudley is to become BP’s first non-British chief executive at the beginning of October, replacing Tony Hayward.

Click on the following for more details:  Dudley Vows to Fulfill BP’s Commitments in the Gulf - NYTimes.com

Wal-Mart makes its move in race for governor

GOP gubernatorial nominee Bill Brady reported receiving a $50,000 donation from the Arkansas-based discount retailer on June 1 -- right around the time Mr. Brady was loudly urging the Chicago City Council to approve plans for Chicago's second Wal-Mart outlet.

[Greg Hinz] heard that… the governor or top aides recently met with a Wal-Mart exec and that the retailer soon may write another check, this one to the Democratic candidate

Click on the following for more details:  Wal-Mart makes its move in race for governor | Greg Hinz | Crain's Chicago Business

NYT defends publishing leaked military records

 

Several weeks ago, WikiLeaks provided the documents to three publications—The New York Times, London’s The Guardian, and Germany’s Der Spiegel—under an agreement that the newspapers couldn't publish the material until Sunday.

The Times described the archive as offering “an unvarnished, ground-level picture” of the war “that is in many respects more grim than the official portrayal.” The Guardian said the documents present "a devastating portrait of the failing war in Afghanistan,” while Der Spiegel noted the “gloomy picture” on the ground.

Click on the following for more details:  NYT defends publishing leaked military records - Yahoo! News

US condemns massive leak of Afghan war files

The White House denounced a massive leak of secret military files Sunday that allegedly describe how Pakistan's spy service aids the Afghan insurgency, but said the information was no surprise.

Click on the following for more details:  US condemns massive leak of Afghan war files - Yahoo! News

WikiLeaks’ War Diary

Secret no more.

Sunday, July 26 5pm EST.

WikiLeaks today released over 75,000 reports covering the war in Afghanistan.

The Afghan War Diaries an extraordinary secret compendium of over 91,000 reports covering the war in Afghanistan from 2004 to 2010. The reports describe the majority of lethal military actions involving the United States military. They include the number of persons internally stated to be killed, wounded, or detained during each action, together with the precise geographical location of each event, and the military units involved and major weapon systems used.

Click on the following to read these documents:   War Diary

Out of State Dentists to Help Illinois Families

State Representative David E. Miller, who himself is a dentist and the House sponsor of the bill. "They can give their services weather it's a church or a clinic � so instead of going through a whole licensure process they can be able to practice here and provide care for those who need it."

10 day temporary permit is issued by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and is for dentists who are providing voluntary care. The bill was also sponsored by State Senator Pamela Althoff.

Click on the following for more details:  Galesburg Radio 14...WGIL

Kirk Coast Guard rescue: Conflicting details in 1976 lake rescue

More embellishments.

most recent instance, the 50-year-old North Shore congressman told a boating magazine that he stood on his overturned sailboat and watched the sun set, when in fact he was rescued in midafternoon on June 15, 1976.

[in 1976] Wilmette Life, which cited a Coast Guard chief by name, said Kirk was wearing a ski belt flotation device around his waist and was found drifting about 500 yards from the boat. The story said Kirk was in the water for at least 30 minutes before the Coast Guard rescued him at 2:52 p.m.

Click on the following for more details:  Kirk Coast Guard rescue: Conflicting details in 1976 lake rescue - chicagotribune.com

Ford, suppliers rev up hiring to build Explorers at Torrence Avenue plant |

 

1,200 new workers it will need to build the vehicle at its Torrence Avenue assembly plant when it starts production in the fourth quarter. The plant already employs about 1,400.

Another 423 jobs are being added at area suppliers, the company said.

Click on the following for more details:  Ford, suppliers rev up hiring to build Explorers at Torrence Avenue plant | Crain's Chicago Business

Meat with antibiotics off the menu at some hospitals

Swedish Covenant Hospital.  The Chicago-area hospital is one of 300 across the nation that have pledged to improve the quality and sustainability of the food they serve

buying antibiotic-free meats. Administrators say they hope increased demand for those products will reduce the use of antibiotics to treat cattle and other animals, which scientists believe helps pathog

The Republic - Meat with antibiotics off the menu at some hospitals

Fiat Pushes Work Ethic at an Italian Plant

fresh from rescuing Chrysler in the United States, Sergio Marchionne of Fiat is pushing these workers to be more devoted to their jobs, mirroring a larger effort by the government to improve Italy’s competitiveness and reduce its debt through austerity measures

a plant just north of Naples, which produces Alfa Romeos, is in many ways an extreme example of Italy’s woes. The 5,200 employees have been operating the plant at 32 percent capacity for the last two years, since demand collapsed during the economic crisis….Unemployment and growth rates here are among the worst in the country, while productivity has been about 20 percent lower.

After months of tension, 63 percent of the employees voted in June to accept Fiat’s plan, which would penalize employees for abusing sick days, give them shorter lunch breaks and forbid them from striking during periods of high demand

Absenteeism has fallen to about 3 percent from about 30 percent a couple of years ago,

Click on the following for more details:  Fiat Pushes Work Ethic at an Italian Plant - NYTimes.com

Real Estate Prices in Boone County—The graph says it all

Home Value Estimates for 2000 OAKBROOK Dr:  http://www.redfin.com/IL/Belvidere/2000-Oakbrook-Dr-61008/home/28657118

Median House Values

Select a place below for more pricing guidance.

List $
$/Sq. Ft.
Sale/List

61008
$149,900
$93
94.7%

Belvidere
$134,900
$81
94.8%

Boone County
$164,900
$98
95.0%

Appeals court backs special election in Illinois for an interim U.S. senator

This is crazy—only in Illinois—Senator for 8 weeks. 

Illinois voters could end up voting twice for a U.S. senator on the Nov. 2 general election ballot, deciding on an interim replacement who would serve only a few weeks in office while also voting on a new senator to fill a six-year term that begins in January.
The dual-senator vote scenario became more likely Thursday after the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an appeal from state officials who questioned the expense and need

Click on the following for more details:  Appeals court backs special election in Illinois for an interim U.S. senator - chicagotribune.com

Downers Grove police officer charged with misconduct

Downers Grove police officer was arrested Thursday after being accused of using his law enforcement computer to glean license plate information for personal purposes

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | Downers Grove police officer charged with misconduct

Charting Illinois’s fiscal future

The following are some of the highlights of an article by by Richard Mattoon, senior economist and economic advisor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  The complete work is four pages and can be seen at:  http://www.chicagofed.org/digital_assets/publications/chicago_fed_letter/2010/cflaugust2010_277c.pdf

The state of Illinois has been facing a precarious fiscal situation for the past several years. According to the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club, Illinois has accumulated over $120 billion in total indebtedness. This works out to nearly $25,000 per household. Even in the short run, Illinois faces a budget deficit in excess of $11 billion in the next budget year.

reflect the state’s ability to pay off the debt. Under this measure, Illinois had a state and local debt level of over 210% of total taxable resources in 2007, which compares to a level for all U.S. states of roughly 180% during the same year

Illinois’s total liability is nearly 35% of gross state product (GSP), compared with 20% in Indiana, 19% in Wisconsin, and 13% in Iowa.

New York City’s fiscal crisis in the mid-1970s, Proctor explained, the city was essentially placed into receivership. In response, the city had to begin producing four-year rolling budgets that would be monitored and revised on a quarterly basis. This longer horizon introduced more disciplined planning into the budgeting process. Moreover, the city was required to balance its budget on a GAAP ….two-tiered oversight system was created. In the first tier, a control board was established to run city finances; and in the second, an ongoing monitor was set up to ensure that fiscal discipline continue

Richard Dye (IGPA) presented joint work with Nancy Hudspeth and David Merriman on a fiscal model designed to allow multiyear budgeting for Illinois….According to the model, total expenditures are projected to grow at 4.6% per year, while total receipts will grow at 3.5% per year. Without policy changes, this 1% growth gap will lead to significantly larger deficits in the future,

Other Researchers-----

Pensions:    bring the system back into line, costs must be reduced by reducing basic or ancillary plan benefits for current and/or new employees, increasing investment returns, or reducing administrative costs. It might also be possible to identify new funding sources to reduce the size of the gap.

More taxes:  most reasonable options would be to raise the personal income tax rate (given that the 3% flat tax rate in Illinois is lower than in neighboring states) and to consider extending the sales tax to a larger group of personal services.

Chairman Walberg appoints (with board approval) George Sprecher and Andy Malcolm, DDS to County Health Board

At tonight’s board meeting Mr. Walberg took action to fill the two vacant Health Department board seats. 

Before Mr. Walberg’s appointments  were announced to the public, Dr. Dennis Norem addressed the county board.  Dr. Norem was one of the four candidates who submitted their applications before the deadline.  Dr. Malcolm also was of these four candidates. 

Rumor has it, that Mr. Walberg contacted former health board member, George Sprecher, and convinced Mr. Sprecher to consider another appointment.  As note by my Freedom of Information Act request, Mr. Sprecher’s application was apparently not received until after the July 7 the deadline. (See photocopies below)

Top 30 Performing Stocks in Japan Over Past 20 Years – #13 Nihon Dempa Kogyo |

 Feed: Rising Sun of Nihon : Top 30 Performing Stocks in Japan Over Past 20 Years – #13 Nihon Dempa Kogyo

Top 30 Performing Stocks in Japan Over Past 20 Years – #13 Nihon Dempa Kogyo

Click on the following for more details:  Top 30 Performing Stocks in Japan Over Past 20 Years – #13 Nihon Dempa Kogyo | Japanalyst - Japan blogs in English

Start Of High-Speed Rail Track Upgrade Planned

 

$98 million project is a part of $1.1 billion awarded in January by the Obama Administration to improve passenger rail service between Chicago and St. Louis. The improvements are expected to allow trains to operate at up to 110 mph. At that speed, up from 79 mph currently, travel time between the cities would be cut by about 90 minutes, to under four hours.

Click on the following for more details:  Start Of High-Speed Rail Track Upgrade Planned - cbs2chicago.com

Belvidere Township appraiser appointed

Michael St. Angel will succeed John Elder, who is retiring July 31 but will continue to offer his services to the township on a part-time basis.
St. Angel, a resident of Rockford, is a graduate of Rockford College, an Illinois certified residential real-estate appraiser, Illinois commissioned notary of public, member of the Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals and Rockford Area Realtors.

Belvidere Township appraiser appointed - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Homemade bomb goes off inside Woodman's Rockford - WREX.com

ROCKFORD (WREX) - A homemade bomb was set off by someone inside the Woodman's grocery store.

The small explosion was set off in Aisle 10 of the store around midnight.

Rockford Police say the device is known as a "MacGyver Bomb", a homemade explosive device made with liquid materials and metal.

No one was hurt and no arrests have been made. A suspect was captured on a store surveillance camera walking into the store with a bottle in his hand and then leaving the store without a bottle. The camera in Aisle 10 was facing the other direction and did not capture the actual explosion.

Homemade bomb goes off inside Woodman's - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

A rocky road ahead - Freeport, IL

 

first concern will confront the city in August, when employees’ biweekly paychecks will be due during the first week of the month. The city will no longer be able to lean on sales tax revenues (which become available after the tenth of the month) to support these payrolls

next major hurdle will confront the city in October, when employees are poised to receive three paychecks instead of two

The biggest problems, however, could play out in November and December.

Click on the following for more details:  A rocky road ahead - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

Kane courts eye foreclosure alternative

Those discussions could lead to a program similar to the mediation efforts recently announced in Will County….

program is scheduled to begin Aug. 1, said Will County Chief Judge Gerald Kinney, who will run the program with retired judges serving as mediators.

Here's how it would work: Under certain circumstances, a bank representative would be required to sit down with a homeowner and a mediator. With everyone in the same room, perhaps the terms of the loan could be changed. Or the lender might be willing to agree to lower the interest rate or reduce the amount of money owed on the mortgage….homeowners would have to meet certain requirements, such as being employed and still living in the home.

In Will County, the court will increase the current fee to file a foreclosure, $276, to $426. The extra $150 banks pay will be used to fund the program

Click on the following for more details:  Kane courts eye foreclosure alternative :: The Courier News :: Local News

Winnebago County foreclosure filings on pace to shatter 2009 records

filings will shatter last year’s record of 2,199 filings. Foreclosure filings in Winnebago County have increased every year since 2000.

Click on the following for more details:  County foreclosure filings on pace to shatter 2009 records - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Quinn wants to sell property to help make ends meet

under state law, Nayyar [spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, which oversees state property sales] noted, surplus property is required to be offered up by other state agencies or local governments before it is offered to the general public.

Quinn wants to sell property to help make ends meet

Rock Valley College’s Downtown Campus: The Financial Details

Several weeks ago the college announced its decision to place a satellite facility in downtown Rockford—in the Stewart Building.

This will be known as the  Learning and Opportunities Center.  It will  begin this year to address the needs of students who live west of downtown and find it challenging to get to the college’s east-side campus to continue their education.  See more of the story at:  http://www.rrstar.com/carousel/x1353756358/Stewart-Square-to-become-Rock-Valley-College-site

The press releases, newspaper coverage gave no financial details.  The Board of Trustee packet that is posted on the college’s website referenced a lease agreement but did not provide the lease terms.  Based upon a Freedom of Information Act request the following details were obtained:

Almost 11,000 square feet of space is being rented:

The monthly rent is $1.00 per square foot, $12.00 per year.  There is an annual increase in the cost based upon the Consumer Price Index.

It is left to the reader to obtain the other details concerning the lease terms.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Tollway may suspend work on Reagan, Veterans Memorial projects

 

The projects include the Edens Spur, the Veterans Memorial Tollway and the Reagan Memorial Tollway.

Work could stop on some projects as soon as Thursday.

While tollway construction employees are still working, their projects can't move forward because they can't get materials or equipment from striking crews.

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | Tollway may suspend work on Reagan, Veterans Memorial projects

U.S. Health Reform Starts to Take Hold - Yahoo! News

Seniors whose drug costs push them into Medicare's "donut hole" and parents whose children are uninsurable due to pre-existing health conditions are among the first Americans to see tangible effects of the nation's historic health reform law…..law, for example, requires individual and group insurers that cover dependents to extend that coverage to adult children until the age of 26.

Effective Sept. 23, insurers may no longer place lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits. The law also restricts annual limits on coverage.

consumer sentiment appears to be on the upswing. The percentage of Americans with a favorable view of the law jumped 7 percentage points to 48 percent in June, according to the latest polling data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Forty-one percent have an unfavorable outlook.

regulations issued Wednesday now require new private health plans to cover preventive services such as blood pressure tests and cancer screenings with no cost-sharing requirements for consumers

U.S. Health Reform Starts to Take Hold - Yahoo! News

Incarcerated women gave birth in shackles and handcuffs - chicagotribune.com

one of an estimated 50 women who give birth every year while in the custody of the Cook County Jail.
Shackling women during labor is illegal; Illinois became the first state to ban the practice in 1999, and nine other states have followed suit. But more than 20 former jail inmates, including Walton, have filed lawsuits since 2008 against the Cook County sheriff's office

Click on the following for the rest for the story:  Incarcerated women gave birth in shackles and handcuffs - chicagotribune.com

Gov. Quinn slices staff pay after flap over raises | Crain's Chicago Business

 

Quinn will require his staff, state managers and policymakers to take 24 unpaid days off this year, up from 12 days last year, he said. Quinn also plans to take the 24 unpaid days.

"It is something we must do and the governor must set the pace," he said in Chicago. "This budget year we're going to have constant review."

…days off will translate into a 9.2 percent salary….he's given 43 salary increases averaging 11.4 percent to 35 staffers in his office the past 15 months. Many of the increases went to people with new jobs or more duties, but about one-third were simply described as salary adjustments.

Click on the following for more details:  Gov. Quinn slices staff pay after flap over raises | Crain's Chicago Business

GOP sees advantage to blocking finance bill

 

2,300-page legislation is a complicated, far-reaching piece of lawmaking that has unfolded while the public’s attention has been far more fixed on the economy, the Gulf oil spill, even an old-fashioned Russian spy swap.

In that environment, both parties are trying to fashion simple selling points.

The Democrats’ line: The bill reins in big banks and protects consumers.

The Republicans’: The bill is a government overreach and it doesn’t help create jobs.

Republican operatives believe the complexity of the bill gives them an advantage.

Click on the following for more details:  Northwest Herald | GOP sees advantage to blocking finance bill

Supt. Houselog Looks Forward to Continued Role at Belvidere Schools

 Actual cost to the taxpayers for Michael  Houselog Superintendent: School Year 2009-2010 Salary 171,007 Bonus 10,700 - - TRS  18,853 TRS Health 2,948 TRS Early Retirement 1,163 Medical 2,908 – Dental and Health Insurance 13,689 Health Flex 350 Life Insurance 275Auto 2460 Continuing Education 9200  Travel Expense 1150  Grand Total: $234,703  See:  http://www.district100.com/pdfs/09-10_Administrator_Salary_Compensation_Report.pdf     Next year: $11,000 more salary (6.4%)-- $244,703?

Superintendent Houselog landed  a new five-year contract with District 100. [$182,000 per year according to the Channel 23 interviewer, click below] He came three years ago after a stint leading North Boone Schools and during a time when the economy was hot.

in his new contract, he does not get automatic raises. They must be earned through achievement.

Click on the following for more details and to see the Channel 23 interview:  Supt. Looks Forward to Continued Role at Belvidere Schools

Courthouse preliminary plans come in over budget | Daily Chronicle

How much longer will DeKalb send prisoners to the Boone County Jail?

On June 16, the DeKalb County Board approved building a 36,000-square-foot addition to the county courthouse that will expand the existing facility to the north. About $16 million in bonds will be issued to fund the project, with most going to fund the courthouse and about $1.5 million used to start planning for a proposed expansion to the county jail.

Click on the following for more details:  Courthouse preliminary plans come in over budget | Daily Chronicle

State's attorney sending inquiry to DeKalb Public Library Board | Daily Chronicle

the board voted on the purchase agreement during a May 12 meeting in closed session – a violation of the Open Meetings Act, which mandates that the purchase of property be done in open session.

Click on the following for more details:  State's attorney sending inquiry to library board | Daily Chronicle

Not CTA's job to shovel train platforms, state Supreme Court rules | Crain's Chicago Business

Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Chicago Transit Authority has no duty to keep train platforms clear of snow and ice, a decision that could apply to public transportation around the state.

CTA praised the ruling in a statement and said it "always strives to clean its platforms and facilities and will continue to do so.

Click on the following for more details:  Not CTA's job to shovel train platforms, state Supreme Court rules | Crain's Chicago Business

The Business of Giving | Paul Allen commits majority of his wealth to philanthropy | Seattle Times Newspaper

Allen [CEO, Microsoft], who is 57, said today that he plans to leave the majority of his $13 billion estate to philanthropy to continue the work of his foundation and to fund scientific research.

Click on the following for more details:  The Business of Giving | Paul Allen commits majority of his wealth to philanthropy | Seattle Times Newspaper

Loves Park able to cut spending plan by 10% - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

spending plan by 10 percent this year, but officials don’t foresee major cuts to services or staff.

city’s new utility tax, which went into effect in May, was a critical component of a balanced budget.

Loves Park able to cut spending plan by 10% - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Will Chairman Walberg attempt to reappoint Joseph Frost?

The following story is taken from last month’s Register Star regarding the failure to reappoint Dr. Frost to the Boone County Health Board.  Can and will Mr. Walberg re-nominate Dr. Frost?

The reappointment of Board of Health Vice President Joseph Frost failed, 6-6, with Walberg, Danny Anderson, Anthony Dini, Karl Johnson, Paul Larson and Marshall Newhouse voting in favor.

Click on the following for the full story:  2 Board of Health reappointments blocked - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Chairman Walberg has four candidates from which to choose for the two vacant Health Board Seats

The following four names have been obtained under the Freedom of Information Act:  J.M. Frost, DVM; David Jacobson; Andy Malcolm, DDS and Dennis G. Norem, MD.

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

 

'If you can't beat 'em, you eat 'em': Quinn to invest $2 million in Pike County fishing company to help control Asian carp problem

Illinois is investing $2 million in capital funds so Big River Fish in Pearl can expand its facilities and increase production capacity.

China’s consul general in Chicago, Yang Guoqiang, admits to struggling with the bony fish as a youngster until learning to love it later as an adult.
“We have the top quality fish here,” Yang said

Click on the following for more of this story:  Quincy Herald Whig

Board Minutes of the Boone County Board

If you ever want to know how your county board member cast his/her vote on a specific issue—here is a source to see their exact vote.  It took a bit of personal work and even through some board members did not want it –the official minutes of past meeting of the full board are now available.  Oh yes—the state required county boards to do this since 2006 and Boone County still has not done it. 

Click on the following:  Board Minutes of the Boone County Board

Kane Co. Health dept. employees, programs get 30-day reprieve

County board members created a delay in planned layoffs to allow state lawmakers and union officials to find $1.5 million in overdue state payments for services the health department has already provided.

After the meeting, Kuehnert said both the 30-day delay and a line of credit mean nothing if the state is a deadbeat.  "If you're not going to get paid, it all just digs the hole deeper

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | Kane Co. Health dept. employees, programs get 30-day reprieve

Belvidere seeks new ways to lure downtown business

$20,000 for the liquor license, which admittedly if not the highest in the state is one of the highest in the state,” Brereton

The downtown grant program was repealed last month, which was supported by the city’s initial $20,000 liquor license fee. Aldermen pulled the program’s ordinance because of outdated language and confusing terms for applicants. ….The council’s initial talk of axing the program in May was enough for Ken Kolanowski to throw in the towel on opening Kennitt’s Ale House in Belvidere.
He backed out of the 3,500-square-foot space he had been renovating since last fall. He has moved his business into a Marengo property

Click on the following for more details:  Belvidere seeks new ways to lure downtown business - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Boone County’s budget may get second look - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

the board [may] reopen the fiscal year budget, which runs through Nov. 30. The move could help tackle a deficit of about $411,000.

Newhouse requested County Board Chairman Bob Walberg put pressure on department leaders to commit to making cuts themselves, rather than having the board impose them.

County Administrator Ken Terrinoni told the board the county might be short $1.5 million in 2011, with a worst-case scenario of $2 millio

Click on the following for more details:  Boone County’s budget may get second look - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

My answer to Ms. Glass and Mr. Walberg

On July 10, a re-print of Terri Glass’ Letter to the Editor of the Boone County Journal was posted—I am re-posting it and my Freedom of Information Act  request to Chairman Walberg.  I am requesting that Mr. Walberg release the names of all applicants who filed for the two remaining Board of Health seats.  I hope Mr. Walberg will comply, supply the names in a timely manner so Ms. Glass and all of the board will give their advise and consent to two well qualified candidates.

Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to a recently published letter
written by Mr. Bob Walberg. He references a “scheme” by
six county board members. The idea of a “scheme” could
not be further from the truth. Perhaps he is simply confused.
Six people just seemed to see that the Board of Health had
some definitive problems. I, for one, fielded many complaints
from Boone county residents regarding the Boone
County Board of Health. Ironically, Mr. Walberg suggests
that a “scheme” was used by six board members to remove
those Board of Health members: then, by default, there was
a scheme by the other six board members to retain them.
From my June 16, 2010 Memo to the County Board:
“Illinois State Statute has given county boards much responsibility,
one of which is the authority to appointment
people and/or community members to serve on various
boards and committees. The County Board Chairman must
make the appointments but can only do so with the advice
and consent of the County Board.
These boards and committees are intended to serve the
interests of the community, oversee any budget and/or tax
dollars that the entity may receive and establish policies and
procedures. The people who are appointed to these committees
and boards must be held accountable for their decisions
and actions not only to the County Board but to the general
public as well.
It is only fitting that the members of the County Board
give the applicants and appointments proper consideration.
I feel that in order for me, or this County Board, to make
educated decisions regarding the appointments certain information
must be provided. I, for one, will not be a mechanism
for placing a rubber stamp on an appointment.”
In that memo I also indicated that I would vote “no” to
every appointment unless I am provided complete and adequate
information so I may render an educated opinion.
I have been vocal in my opinion on the appointment
process and lack of information. My voting “no” to all appointments
was the direct result of insufficient information
required to make educated decisions on those appointments.
Mr. Walberg states “I always ask members to call me with
questions or concerns when I make appointments.” Perhaps
Mr. Walberg is looking for the consent part of the appointment
process while disregarding the advice part. Case in
point, the filling of the District 2 position approximately one
year ago. This same board indicated that they would not fill
the position without receiving the names of all applicants.
Numerous steps were taken to prevent the dispersion of information
to the County Board in relation to the candidates
for that opening. It appears that asking for advice is one
thing and listening to that advice and furthermore following
that advice is another. I can only speak for myself, but how
can I call with questions or comments when the agenda I
am provided only says appointments and it appears on every
agenda. In addition, there are many times the candidate
information is placed on our desk the day of the County
Board meeting.
The prior practices of opening up the appointment process
not only to the Board but to the community seems to
have been shelved. The law indicates that I am to provide
advice and when applicable my consent. I do apologize to
any candidate that may fall victim, but I simply cannot or
will not vote on any issue or appointment without first having
ample opportunity to review all the information I can.
The people of Boone County deserve that.
Sincerely,
Theresa “Terri” Glass

Click on the photocopy to enlarge: 

 

Quinn wants open primaries for Illinois

Lawmakers can accept or reject the Democratic governor's amendatory veto. If lawmakers do nothing, the bill dies and the current primary system stays in place.

Bills for so-called "open" primaries have been introduced many times before but have gone nowhere.

Northwest Herald | Quinn wants open primaries for Illinois

Illinois Governor Alters an Election Law Bill to Convert Illinois Open Primary Into a Secret Open Primary

eliminates the requirement that a voter publicly declare party affiliation when voting at a primary election. Voting is a sacred right and as long as I am Governor, I will do everything within my power to protect each citizen’s ability to cast a ballot. With my recommendation today, a voter’s partisan preference will no longer be known to others. The decision to cast a primary ballot for one party or another will be strictly a matter of personal choice.

On July 13, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn used the Governor’s authority to amend a bill that the legislature had passed.  In particular, he amended an uncontroversial election bill to set up Voters Pamphlets on the internet.  Quinn amended this bill, HB 4842, so that the bill also switches Illinois from a public open primary to a secret open primary.  Here is the text of the bill as amended, which is 15 pages long.

Most observers believe the legislature will not permit the bill to become law.  If the bill were to become law, it appears to violate the Democratic and Republican Party national bylaws, which don’t recognize presidential primaries if they are secret open primaries (although the national parties have made exceptions for a few states

Click on the following for more details:  Ballot Access News » Blog Archive » Illinois Governor Alters an Election Law Bill to Convert Illinois Open Primary Into a Secret Open Primary

Abuse Took Years to Ignite Belgian Clergy Inquiry - NYTimes.com

Behind an aggressive investigation of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in Belgium that drew condemnation from the pope himself lies a stark family tragedy: the molestation, for years, of a youth by his uncle, the bishop of Bruges; the prelate’s abrupt resignation when a friend of the nephew finally threatened to make the abuse public; and now the grass-roots fury of almost 500 people complaining of abuse by priests.

Click on the following for more details:  Abuse Took Years to Ignite Belgian Clergy Inquiry - NYTimes.com

Layoffs on the way - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

The Freeport Police Department’s staff will likely be reduced from 53 officers to 51 officers in the next two months, Chief Jerry Whitmore confirmed Monday….The union did not accept the city’s request for a pay cut in its new contract, a decision that created the strong possibility for a staff reduction.

The police union’s refusal to accept a wage freeze last year — union members received a 3.35 percent pay increase — led to a reduction of four officers through attrition, reducing the number of officers in Freeport from 57 to 53.

Click on the following for more details:  Layoffs on the way - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

Counties worry about how to deal with cuts to funding for salaries

Proposed cuts to state reimbursements for salaries of public defenders and state's attorneys throughout the state have local county officials concerned about ramifications on upcoming budget planning.

State reimbursements are supposed to pay for two-thirds of these officials' salaries, but Quinn's proposed budget cut $8.5 million from the $14 million line items for state's attorney reimbursements and more than $3 million from the $5.7 million allocated for public defenders

Counties worry about how to deal with cuts to funding for salaries

Giannoulias pulls slightly ahead of Kirk in Ill. Senate race

 

The poll of 500 likely Illinois voters, taken by phone last week, has Giannoulias (currently Illinois state treasurer) with a 40-39 percent lead over Kirk, currently a congressman. That's well within the poll's 4.5 percent margin for error, meaning it's a statistical tie.

Click on the following for more details:  Giannoulias pulls slightly ahead of Kirk in Ill. Senate race

Sales Tax Holiday — Aug. 6-15 — to provide welcome relief in Illinois

Read about how well it worked in other states. 

The tax exemption applies to clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $100. However, computers and computer supplies, PDAs and cameras are not eligible.

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Republican Register: Local News - Sales Tax Holiday — Aug. 6-15 — to provide welcome relief in Illinois

Two manufacturers moving to Hampshire :: The Courier News :: Local News

Rotec Industries Inc., which makes large concrete-handling machinery, has begun moving into one of the former Seigle's/Stock Building Supplies buildings on Industrial Drive.

And last week, the village board approved zoning to allow Dana Molded Products Inc. to build a 130,000-square-foot plant at the northwest corner of Gast and Flannigan roads….making cases for Red Box DVDs, plastic caps, appliance parts and cell phone parts. …expects the new factory to have 80 to 100 workers and anticipates many to be hired locally or to move to the Hampshire area.

Click on the following for more details:  Two manufacturers moving to Hampshire :: The Courier News :: Local News

Daily Herald | Report: BP ponders $12 bil. asset sale to Apache

 

BP PLC declined to comment Sunday on a report that it is in talks about possibly selling $12 billion worth of assets, including a stake in Alaska's Prudhoe Bay oil field, to U.S. oil company Apache Corp.

Sunday Times separately said that ExxonMobil is considering a bid for BP. Citing oil industry sources, the paper said ExxonMobil had approached the Obama administration for clearance to make a takeover offer.

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | Report: BP ponders $12 bil. asset sale to Apache

Overtime cuts key in Illinois prison budget plan

 

Illinois Department of Corrections …that the agency is hiring about 838 new prison guards this fiscal year in order to reduce skyrocketing overtime costs at the agency.

hiring new guards at lower salaries, the agency hopes to reduce overall overtime costs and produce a savings to the cash-strapped state.

Overtime cuts key in prison budget plan

State hopes to hit jackpot Lottery sales and profits

the state is embarking on a new approach for running the lottery. Illinois is going ahead with plans to hire a private management firm to run the lottery for the next decade. It will be the first state in the country to turn its lottery over to a private operator.

billions in ticket sales generating more than $600 million a year for use by state schools.….Some lawmakers have estimated that a private manager could produce an extra $150 million a year in profits

Click on the following for more details:  State hopes to hit jackpot Lottery sales and profits - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com

Ex-Pagano aide is Metra's other million-dollar man :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES r

Many Metra employees are very well paid.

The Sun-Times/BGA examination also found that:

••Despite the down economy, 151 unionized and nonunion Metra employees each made more than $100,000 in 2009 not including retirement contributions and health-benefit costs. Factoring those in, 524 employees -- 18.4 percent of the rail agency's 2,848-member work force –make more than $100,000

••Metra paid nearly $20 million for overtime last year -- amounting to about 11 percent of its nearly $180 million payroll.

••Eleven percent of its employees -- a total of 310 -- made more than $20,000 apiece in overtime pay in 2009. Nearly a quarter of Metra workers -- 685 -- were each paid more than $10,000 for overtime

 

Click on the following for more details:  Ex-Pagano aide is Metra's other million-dollar man :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: The Watchdogs#Comments_Container#Comments_Container#Comments_Container

Lifesaving drugs may be killing health workers | Seattle Times Newspaper

Crump, who died of pancreatic cancer in September at age 55, was one of thousands of health-care workers who on the job was chronically exposed to chemotherapy agents for years before there were even voluntary safety guidelines in place.

Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) does not regulate exposure to these toxins in the workplace, despite multiple studies documenting ongoing contamination and exposures.

Studies as far back as the 1970s have linked increased rates of certain cancers to nurses and physicians.

NIOSH, a division of the CDC, were so concerned, they issued an extensive alert about handling high-risk drugs.

The guidelines, published in 2004, urge strict precautions, including use of impervious chemo gowns, double-gloving, use of sophisticated "closed-system" devices and specialized ventilation hoods, face shields and respirators, "clean rooms" and other precautions.

But the NIOSH guidelines outlined in the alert are voluntary.

Generally speaking, it's the larger academic institutions who have been adopters of CSTDs[closed-system technology devices]

Click on the following for more details:  Local News | Lifesaving drugs may be killing health workers | Seattle Times Newspaper

To the Editor: No respect for constituents | The Rock River Times

 

To the Editor: No respect for constituents

Editor’s note: The following is a letter that was sent to U.S. Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-16), which the writer chose to share with us.

Dear Congressman Manzullo,

On March 22nd, 2010, a day after my 23rd birthday, I participated in three meetings with the staff of my elected representatives. I was in Washington, D.C., for Ecumenical Advocacy Days and there to learn about the undocumented illegal immigrants in this country. Little did I know, I would end up feeling like I had no voice, much like them.

I was treated with class and dignity by my first two appointments (Durbin and Gutierrez), not so much with the third. I am sorry to tell you, but my third meeting was with your staffers. Michele was very nice and seemed open to different opinions. Your other staffer, on the other hand, was not. He frequently checked his phone and texted even as others in my group were talking to him. When we mentioned that immigration reform would create jobs, he rolled his eyes at us. I felt absolutely terrible about myself.

He said you were working on immigration reform, so we asked him how. He said that when we do business with a foreign country such as Japan, you need to get a visa to travel over there or vice versa, and that takes many days. Your assistant said you are working to change that. Well, I believe that is just business as usual. I would like to see you work for the everyday man and woman.

Big business got us into this financial crisis we are suffering through, and is now responsible for the environmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. I had to finance part of the trip from my own pocket because I firmly believe in the cause. I felt very disrespected that your staffer could not treat your own constituents with the dignity and respect that they deserve. I felt marginalized like the people I had come to represent. Some of my friends have been here close to 20 years, and they are still not able to gain citizenship because they came here illegally. To me, they are more important than speeding up visas so business can continue as usual. Thank you for your time.

Chris Benson

Loves Park, Ill.

Click on following for the Rock River Times:  To the Editor: No respect for constituents | The Rock River Times

New law grants more review of denied health claims

New Illinois law effective 7-1-2010 

Consumers can request an external review within four months of getting notice that their insurer has denied a claim or treatment request. …. The external review must be paid for by the insurer and must be completed within 20 business days.

Click on the following for more details:  Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press

Mixed signals from GOP

 

Bill Brady and Mark Kirk, two Republicans running for top Illinois offices, sometimes seem to be running in different directions

Kirk, the party's Senate candidate, questions the judgment of any public official who winds up not paying income taxes. That category includes Kirk's Democratic opponent but also Brady, the GOP nominee for governor.

Kirk, a member of Congress, voted for "cap-and-trade" environmental legislation (but now opposes it), supports abortion rights and stem-cell research and has backed some gun control measures.

Quinn's campaign mocked Brady for not paying income taxes last year, only to find out that Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias is in the same position.

Click on the following for more details:  Mixed signals from GOP

Noteworthy Letters to the Editor

This week’s Boone County Journal has a number of very noteworthy letters.  The paper is available free at many of your local merchants and at:  http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-07-09-10.pdf#page=2

Public Assistance in Belvidere Township:

Editor,
Here is the problem I have with the Belvidere Township
assistance fund. They started the year with $181,000.00
balance. They spent $52,000 and ended the year with a
balance of $195,000.00. Of the $52,000.00 they spent over
$33,000.00 was payroll. Looks like they “assisted’’ about
$22,000.00! They earned $1,926.00 in interest which would
be 3% on $64,000.00 and who is getting 3%? Where is the
money?
I could go through the same math with the Hwy.
Department but it seems nobody cares!
Who is watching the hen house?
R.A. Korslin

Operations at the Boone County Board, Health Board Appointments and Chairman Walberg

Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to a recently published letter
written by Mr. Bob Walberg. He references a “scheme” by
six county board members. The idea of a “scheme” could
not be further from the truth. Perhaps he is simply confused.
Six people just seemed to see that the Board of Health had
some definitive problems. I, for one, fielded many complaints
from Boone county residents regarding the Boone
County Board of Health. Ironically, Mr. Walberg suggests
that a “scheme” was used by six board members to remove
those Board of Health members: then, by default, there was
a scheme by the other six board members to retain them.
From my June 16, 2010 Memo to the County Board:
“Illinois State Statute has given county boards much responsibility,
one of which is the authority to appointment
people and/or community members to serve on various
boards and committees. The County Board Chairman must
make the appointments but can only do so with the advice
and consent of the County Board.
These boards and committees are intended to serve the
interests of the community, oversee any budget and/or tax
dollars that the entity may receive and establish policies and
procedures. The people who are appointed to these committees
and boards must be held accountable for their decisions
and actions not only to the County Board but to the general
public as well.
It is only fitting that the members of the County Board
give the applicants and appointments proper consideration.
I feel that in order for me, or this County Board, to make
educated decisions regarding the appointments certain information
must be provided. I, for one, will not be a mechanism
for placing a rubber stamp on an appointment.”
In that memo I also indicated that I would vote “no” to
every appointment unless I am provided complete and adequate
information so I may render an educated opinion.
I have been vocal in my opinion on the appointment
process and lack of information. My voting “no” to all appointments
was the direct result of insufficient information
required to make educated decisions on those appointments.
Mr. Walberg states “I always ask members to call me with
questions or concerns when I make appointments.” Perhaps
Mr. Walberg is looking for the consent part of the appointment
process while disregarding the advice part. Case in
point, the filling of the District 2 position approximately one
year ago. This same board indicated that they would not fill
the position without receiving the names of all applicants.
Numerous steps were taken to prevent the dispersion of information
to the County Board in relation to the candidates
for that opening. It appears that asking for advice is one
thing and listening to that advice and furthermore following
that advice is another. I can only speak for myself, but how
can I call with questions or comments when the agenda I
am provided only says appointments and it appears on every
agenda. In addition, there are many times the candidate
information is placed on our desk the day of the County
Board meeting.
The prior practices of opening up the appointment process
not only to the Board but to the community seems to
have been shelved. The law indicates that I am to provide
advice and when applicable my consent. I do apologize to
any candidate that may fall victim, but I simply cannot or
will not vote on any issue or appointment without first having
ample opportunity to review all the information I can.
The people of Boone County deserve that.
Sincerely,
Theresa “Terri” Glass

 

Initiation fee for new [Chicago] area club: $125,000 | Golf with Ed Sherman | Crain's Chicago Business

 

new Chicago Highlands in Westchester features an Arthur Hills-designed, links-style course with sweeping views of the skyline.
The club, which opened in May, has a practice area that will be second to none. A huge pool complex is under construction, and plans are in the works for a full-sized ice skating rink and a lavish three-story clubhouse complete with bowling lanes.

….

built his Chicago golf property high on a landfill off of 31st Street in Westchester. An elevated green on the ninth hole stands 95 feet above the parking lot.

Click on the following for more details:  Initiation fee for new area club: $125,000 | Golf with Ed Sherman | Crain's Chicago Business

State's income drops by $2 billion over previous year | News-Gazette.com

Revenue into the state's coffers for the fiscal year that ended last Wednesday dropped a breathtaking $2 billion, or 7 percent, from the year before.

Click on the following for other details:  State's income drops by $2 billion over previous year | News-Gazette.com

Illinois posts answers about health insurance pool

program for people with pre-existing medical problems is likely to be on a first-come, first-served basis. But the race for coverage won't start until next month.

218,000 people might be eligible for a high-risk pool in Illinois, according to a 2008 U.S. Government Accountability Office report. But only about 4,000 to 6,000 people will be enrolled in the program

there's no pre-enrollment or waiting list

department also warns people currently enrolled in a separate Illinois high-risk pool that they shouldn't drop that coverage in hopes of lowering their premiums by joining the new pool. With the new program limited in enrollment, there's no guarantee of getting in.

Click on the following for more details:  Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press

Congressman Don Manzullo - Illinois' 16th Congressional District

Click on the following for Mr. Manzullo’s campaign website:  Congressman Don Manzullo - Illinois' 16th Congressional District

George Gaulrapp For Congress | District 16 United States Representative

Welcome

As the Mayor of the City of Freeport, I am called upon to solve many problems. Thankfully, many of those problems have local solutions and we’ve tackled and solved a great number of them over the five years I have been in office. Everyday more people approach me and say, “Mayor, I really need a job.” There are things we can do locally to bring jobs to northern Illinois; however, the loss of jobs in our area and throughout our country is not a local problem, but a national one. It is one issue that must be addressed by our federal government.
That’s the number one reason why I am running for Congress. We need representation in Washington that understands how critical the loss of jobs – particularly manufacturing jobs – is to our communities. Our working families are feeling the pressure of soaring health care costs, rising grocery prices, and higher prices on just about everything else. We need representation that understands that there is a difference between fair trade and free trade. We won’t be able to bring jobs home to our country if we
are competing on an uneven playing field. As long as we have an import-export imbalance with countries that don’t compete fairly on human rights, fair wages, and the environment, we won’t be successful in bringing jobs back to the United States. I want to make our local corporations more competitive by rewarding them when they retain and keep jobs in the United States. I am committed to investing in a strong and more educated workforce.
I take pride in the open door policy that I’ve maintained during my tenure as Mayor and I pledge to continue that transparency as a US Congressman. No single person has all the answers and I know from experience that a great deal of wisdom, as well as a wealth of ideas, comes from the people I represent as Mayor. Listening to their concerns has definitely made me a better mayor. My pledge to you is that I will work with others to find a solution to our ever growing list of problems. We live in the greatest nation and we can solve any problem as long as we do it together.
George Gaulrapp

 

Click on the following for more of  George Gaulrapp’s Campaign site:  George Gaulrapp For Congress | District 16 United States Representative

Home Page for Ancel Glink

This Chicago law firm [with a local office in Crystal Lake] gives many answers to questions regarding local government and the open meetings act.  There are many free downloads available.  Take a look if you are interested.

 

Click on the following for more details:  Home Page for Ancel Glink

Economy on cruise control in 2010 and 2011

According to participants in the Chicago Fed’s annual Automotive Outlook Symposium, solid economic growth is forecasted for the nation this year and in 2011. Inflation is expected to remain contained, but the unemployment rate is anticipated to remain high. Light vehicle sales are forecasted to improve moderately in 2010 and 2011.

More than 60 economists and analysts from business, academia, and government attended the conference.

Click on the following for the complete report of analysts  in the auto industry:   Chicago Fed Letter - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

What’s new in Chicago?

For more details:  http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-07-03/entertainment/ct-ae-0704-tony-tasset-eye-main-20100702_1_sparta-chicago-loop-alliance-giant-eyeball

Mt. Prospect unhappy with new state sign rule

new state statute that takes away their ability to set time limits on when people can display political signs.

Currently, a Mount Prospect ordinance prohibits residents from keeping the signs on private property two days past an election. The new rule eliminates that time restraint

The rule goes into effect on Jan. 1 and affects only private property. Candidates and their supporters still won't be able to put signs on public property

Click on the following for more details:Daily Herald | Mt. Prospect unhappy with new state sign rule

Chrysler plant expansion confirmed to Belvidere City Council - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

BIG NEWS FOR BELVIDERE 

A senior Chrysler Group official confirmed to aldermen tonight that the automaker intends to add 500,000 square feet to the northwest corner of its Belvidere assembly plant to accommodate a larger body shop.

the project could generate 200,000-plus hours of construction.

Mayor Fred Brereton said he wouldn’t be surprised if the company pulls a building permit before week’s end.
“It’s great news, not just for Belvidere but the entire region,” the mayor said. “What this does for certain is put this plant in even more of a competitive mode to attract expanded usage.”

 

Click on the following for more details:  Chrysler plant expansion confirmed to Belvidere City Council - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

BP approaching SWFs over strategic stake: source | Reuters

 talks with a number of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) including Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar and Singapore, the source told Reuters under condition of anonymity.

Click on the following for more details:  BP approaching SWFs over strategic stake: source | Reuters

McHenry County Ordinance violation system still possible

Peoria and Kane counties have instituted such “administrative adjudication” programs

Supporters say such a program would save the county time and money by allowing [McHenry County] administration to adjudicate building, zoning, stormwater and health-code violations instead of sending them to circuit court

Click on the following for more details:  Northwest Herald | Ordinance violation system still possible

Rock Valley College’s 2010-2011 Budget

The following is taken from the RVC College’s Board of Trustee’s minutes for May:  http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/About/upload/BOT-Packet-062210.pdf

Mr. Sam Overton [Vice President of Administrative Services] reviewed the FY 2011 budget timeline, noting a possible $1 million deficit due to a decline in Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV). Although the state of Illinois is current in its payments, the College’s portion is declining and receipt of future payments is uncertain. Mr. Overton indicated that Administration is reviewing options to reduce expenditures in both FY2010 and FY2011, and the College will budget for zero EAV growth and manage the current tax rate of $0.45. Discussion followed regarding budget reduction ideas including those suggested by RVC faculty and staff at a recent President’s Council meeting.

Oil Companies Reap Billions From Subsidies - NYTimes.com

 

But an examination of the American tax code indicates that oil production is among the most heavily subsidized businesses, with tax breaks available at virtually every stage of the exploration and extraction process.

According to the most recent study by the Congressional Budget Office, released in 2005, capital investments like oil field leases and drilling equipment are taxed at an effective rate of 9 percent, significantly lower than the overall rate of 25 percent for businesses in general and lower than virtually any other industry.

We’re giving tax breaks to highly profitable companies to do what they would be doing anyway,” said Sima J. Gandhi, a policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, a liberal research organization. “That’s not an incentive; that’s a giveaway.”

Click on the following for more details:   Oil Companies Reap Billions From Subsidies - NYTimes.com

The Great Recession at 30 Months - Pew Research Center

based on a Pew Research Center survey of 2,967 adults conducted from May 11 to May 31, 2010, on cellular and landlines telephones and also on a Pew Research analysis of government economic and demographic data.

Great Recession began 30 months ago, they have suffered a spell of unemployment, a cut in pay, a reduction in hours or have become involuntary part-time workers

a new frugality in Americans' spending and borrowing habits; a diminished set of expectations about their retirements and their children's future; and a concern that it will take several years, at a minimum, for their family finances and house values to recover.

This survey is the source of many stories in the media regarding public reaction to the Great Recession, read from the source by clicking on the following:  The Great Recession at 30 Months - Pew Research Center

Oil Spill Whoppers | FactCheck.org

 

We keep track so you don’t have to. Some of the lowlights so far, in no particular order.

• Some Republicans falsely claimed Obama was slowing the cleanup by not waiving the Jones Act, which actually doesn’t apply to the cleanup operations.
• Obama said he issued a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf. Not quite. Much drilling continues.
• A Republican governor keeps saying the spill is the first big blowout in the Gulf, failing to note a 1979 disaster that continued for 10 months, and numerous smaller blowouts.
• A DNC ad claimed that a GOP lawmaker spoke for his party when he said BP deserves an apology. But that apology had already been rejected by other leading Republicans.

Click on the following for more details:  Oil Spill Whoppers | FactCheck.org

Payback Time - Budget in the Red, Illinois Has Stopped Paying Bills - NYTimes.com

Great summary of our situation in Illinois. 

California stood more or less unchallenged as a symbol of the fiscal collapse of states during the recession. Now Illinois has shouldered to the fore, as its dysfunctional political class refuses to pay the state’s bills and refuses to take the painful steps — cuts and tax increases — to close a deficit of at least $12 billion, equal to nearly half the state’s budget.

state’s income tax burden is not terribly high — Illinois ranks in the bottom half of states — and its government is not terribly large.

Click on the following for more details:  Payback Time - Budget in the Red, Illinois Has Stopped Paying Bills - NYTimes.com

Washington oil-spill-response vessels may be needed in the Gulf | Seattle Times Newspaper

 

new federal rule, which took effect earlier this week, aims to get more cleanup equipment to the Gulf by lowering Coast Guard and EPA requirements for cleanup equipment elsewhere.

Washington state law requires the oil industry be able to respond to a worst-case scenario that in some areas could involve a spill of millions of gallons of oil or refined fuels.

15 big vessels known as Responders that are outfitted with skimmers and other equipment. So far, 12 of them, including two from California, are either working in the Gulf or on their way

Click on the following for more details: Local News | Local oil-spill-response vessels may be needed in the Gulf | Seattle Times Newspaper