Sosnowski wins debut award for Random Acts of Statesmanship | DeKalb County Online

DeKalb County Online is pleased to announce that Joe Sosnowski, Illinois state representative for the 69th District, which covers Boone County, eastern Winnebago County and northern DeKalb County, has been selected by our Editorial Board as the inaugural recipient of our Random Acts of Statesmanship Award.

A common saying throughout the 6,963 local units of government in Illinois is “what is pork to one is a treasure to another.” Illinois is one of the top “pork” producing states in the union and has the debt to prove it. Sosnowski is that rare politician with the backbone to call it pork. It takes a backbone for a politician to become a statesman.

When a local unit of government sees the dangling carrot of state or federal funding it seems like they can get talked into anything. So when the Rockford city council was pitched an idea to build the Lyford Street bus station with federal matching funds — proposed at about 97 percent of the Lyford Street station’s cost paid with federal money, including $3.7 million from federal stimulus spending.

Rockford’s Lyford Street bus transfer station became the first Illinois transit project completed with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act when it opened its doors on May 23, 2012.

But a WTVO 17 Eyewitness News investigation has found that three years after it was built at a cost of $8.1 million dollars the station is barely used.

Sosnowski was on the Rockford City Council when the controversial project was proposed. He asked to see feasibility study information and planning and saw there was just very little of it. That raised a lot of red flags about the feasibility of the proposal actually working and he voted against the project.

It was not a popular vote. Longtime Rockford Register Star (and Rockford Journal before that) columnist suggested Sosnowski was just being a grumpy old man. Federal money used for a local project is always a good thing. Right? The proof is in the pudding and after watching no one use the bus station for three years Sweeny has changed his mind. Pork is pork is pork is pork.

In exchange for the “free” federal money Rockford taxpayers must cover another $12,000 to operate the Lyford Street Station each month.

“If they just would have slowed the process down a little bit more to look at different possibilities [and] to have a true study, to evaluate their future needs, I think we would have been in a different situation today,” said Sosnowski.

Sosnowski served as DeKalb’s 7th ward alderman from 1999 – 2003. He is a 1999 graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Political Science.

We miss him.

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Editors’ note: Random Acts of Statesmanship will be awarded sporadically on an as earned basis. Decisions of the DeKalb County Online editorial board are not final. Like Sweeny, we reserve the right to change our minds.

Sosnowski wins debut award for Random Acts of Statesmanship | DeKalb County Online

Legal Action by FDIC maybe part of the reason DeKalb County Treasurer left so suddenly after his 2012 election.

As shown by the two documents that follow, Mark Todd  was appointed(February 2011) County Treasurer when Christine Johnson filled the Illinois Senate District seat.   The former bank vice-president  ran unopposed in the November 2012 General Election as a Republican and resigned in December 2012 effective February 2013.

 

Mark Todd Quits County Treasurer Position

December 26, 2012 - Gov Watch - 2 comments

Apparently county board Chairman Jeff Metzger announced that DeKalb County Treasurer Mark Todd quit to pursue a job in Hawaii. That’s according to a news release sent to the Daily Chronicle. According to his Facebook page his wife got a great job there back in October.

I’d take a better job in Hawaii. What an opportunity!

But the warm sunny skies and grass skirts of our 50th state didn’t influence this rant against the great injustice of it all. The press release should have come from Todd and it should have been posted on the County Treasurer’s website for all those that just voted in the election three weeks ago.

For this voter who filled in Todd’s slot on my ballot the Chronicle report read like a “wham bam thank you ma’am” letter direct from someplace near Honolulu.

“While the statutes do not provide specific qualifications for the office of county treasurer, I plan to develop criteria to evaluate candidates interested in this post so that the county is assured of getting a highly qualified individual to manage the treasurer’s office,” Metzger said in the news release.

Todd’s resignation will be effective Feb. 8 [2013], if the news release was accurate. He was appointed DeKalb County Treasurer back in February 2011. Long serving Christine Johnson left to fill the Illinois Senate District 35 seat vacated by Brad Burzynski’s retirement. He rain unopposed in the November 2012 election.

It would be more courteous, in my opinion, if elected officials shared their job pursuits with the public before election day instead of three weeks after. Especially in this job market. Had Todd announced his Hawaii intentions earlier who knows how many highly qualified candidates might have applied for the voters to choose from. Instead the deal will be done among party bosses or among those most connected. Maybe that’s what Metzger meant when he said that leading Republicans would step up and say why they wanted him for the county board chair. He won the seat by unanimous vote of the Democrats (plus his lone Republican vote).

Metzger will appoint the new DeKalb County Treasurer some time in the next 60 days (from Feb. 8).  Evidently, state statutes require the appointment go to someone of the same political party as the vacating incumbent. Mark Todd was a Republican.

Feb 8. Why that date? Severance pay? Severance agreement?

Fair questions.

Above is from:  Mark Todd Quits County Treasurer Position | DeKalb County Online

 

 

Mr. Todd was Vice-President of Farmers and Traders State Bank, Shabbona which was closed by the FDIC in June 2012. (see  document below). 

First State Bank, Mendota, Illinois, Assumes All of the Deposits of Farmers and Traders State Bank, Shabbona, Illinois

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2012

Media Contact:
LaJuan Williams-Young
Office: 202-898-3876
Email: lwilliams-young@fdic.gov

Farmers and Traders State Bank, Shabbona, Illinois, was closed today by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as receiver. To protect the depositors, the FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with First State Bank, Mendota, Illinois, to assume all of the deposits of Farmers and Traders State Bank.

The two branches of Farmers and Traders State Bank will reopen on Saturday as branches of First State Bank. Depositors of Farmers and Traders State Bank will automatically become depositors of First State Bank. Deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC, so there is no need for customers to change their banking relationship in order to retain their deposit insurance coverage up to applicable limits. Customers of Farmers and Traders State Bank should continue to use their existing branch until they receive notice from First State Bank that it has completed systems changes to allow other First State Bank branches to process their accounts as well.

This evening and over the weekend, depositors of Farmers and Traders State Bank can access their money by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.

As of March 31, 2012, Farmers and Traders State Bank had approximately $43.1 million in total assets and $42.3 million in total deposits. In addition to assuming all of the deposits, First State Bank agreed to purchase essentially all of the failed bank's assets.

Customers with questions about today's transaction should call the FDIC toll-free at 1-800-640-2607. The phone number will be operational this evening until 9:00 p.m., Central Daylight Time (CDT); on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., CDT; on Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m., CDT; on Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., CDT; and thereafter from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., CDT. Interested parties also can visit the FDIC's Web site at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/ftsb.html.

The FDIC estimates that the cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be $8.9 million. Compared to other alternatives, First State Bank's acquisition was the least costly resolution for the FDIC's DIF. Farmers and Traders State Bank is the 27th FDIC-insured institution to fail in the nation this year, and the second in Illinois. The last FDIC-insured institution closed in the state was Premier Bank, Wilmette, on March 23, 2012.

# # #

Above is from:  https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2012/pr12066.html

 

In December 2014 the following legal action was finalized by the FDIC. . As shown by the legal order, Mr. Todd is prohibited from bank ownership or conducting the affairs of a financial institution.

 

Above is from:  https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2015/pr15011a.html?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

 

 

 

The above is the attachment from:  https://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2015/pr15011a.html?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Bloggers in McHenry County asking many questions regarding a motorcycle

This mink-condition 2012 police motorcycle showed up on the Harley-Davis, Woodstock website.  And then disappeared when questions were being asked by blogger—McHenry County Secrets--http://www.mchenrycountysecrets.com/  

In case you cannot make out the lettering; it says: “McHenry County Conservation District POLICE”.  And the vehicle has seven miles on the odometer. Did this ever belong to this governmental agency?  If so, why was it never used?

 

 

 

 

 

It is pretty certain that this story is not over with. Keep turned to:  http://www.mchenrycountysecrets.com/ (shown below)   or Cal Skinner’s McHenry County Blog:  http://mchenrycountyblog.com/  (also shown below).

 

Former McHenry County Coroner Indicted in Bizarre Baby Remains Coverup | Huntley, IL Patch

Former McHenry County Coroner Indicted in Bizarre Baby Remains Coverup

Marlene Lantz failed to dispose of an infant's body properly for many, many years, prosecutors allege.

By Dennis Robaugh (Patch National Staff) February 27, 2015 at 10:00am

 

McHenry County’s former coroner held onto the remains of dead baby for two decades and then lied and falsified forms to cover up her actions, according to an indictment unveiled Thursday.

Marlene Lantz, who served for 24 years, was arrested and posted a $1,000 bond Thursday. She faces two felony counts of official misconduct and one felony count of forgery.

Reports the Northwest Herald:

According to the indictment, from March 13, 1992, until Lantz left office on Nov. 30, 2012, she failed to dispose of the body of “Baby Reinert,” also known as “Baby Doe.” As part of her official duties, Lantz should have buried the remains, cremated them or donated them to science, the indictment says.

The indictment also says Lantz signed a death certificate saying the baby was buried and that the identity of the mother was unknown, and she did so knowing that such information was false.

Lantz served from 1988 to 2012. Why she may have done this as yet is unclear. Authorities are not discussing the evidence.

Above is taken from:  Former McHenry County Coroner Indicted in Bizarre Baby Remains Coverup | Huntley, IL Patch

 

The actual indictment papers are  available at Cal Skinner’s McHenry County Blog at:  http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2015/02/27/lantz-indictment/

 

McHenry County Secrets  says:

Lantz held the death “Inquest” into the now deceased former Metro Board member Phil Pagano’s death in absolute record time. Why? What was the hurry?

Why did Lantz “hide” the recently found child’s body for over fifteen years? Then, lie about its disposal?

Above is from:  http://www.mchenrycountysecrets.com/keith-nygren/former-mchenry-county-coroner-marlene-lantz-i-n-d-i-c-t-e-d/

Cal Skinner’s Blog obtains a list of all vehicles used by McHenry County Government including its Sheriff’s Department

Two postings enumerate all vehicles and which departments uses them.

The first posting is:  http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2015/02/20/purpose-of-mchenry-county-vehicles/

and is shown in part below:

The second posting has McHenry County Sheriff’s Department.  It is shown below and is available at:  http://mchenrycountyblog.com/2015/02/27/sheriffs-vehicles/

 

Boone County panel probed for possible Open Meetings Act violation - News - Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL

To read earlier postings on this subject see:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/02/did-boone-countys-ad-hoc-committee.html or to see BCJ’s editorial go to:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/02/bcj-editorial-on-boone-county-ad-hoc.html

By Ben Stanley
Rockford Register Star
Posted Feb. 26, 2015 at 12:06 PM
Updated Feb 26, 2015 at 8:22 PM

BELVIDERE — The Illinois attorney general's office is investigating an ad hoc committee in Boone County for possible violation of the Open Meetings Act.

The Boarding and Breeding Ordinance Advisory Committee, which is reviewing possible changes to regulations governing boarding and breeding kennels, secretly met Jan. 14 under instructions from a County Board member.

"Please remember this is an advisory ad hoc committee, which means we do not have to post public agendas or open our meeting up for the public to attend," Boone County Board member Denny Ellingson wrote in a Jan. 7 email, which the Rockford Register Star obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

"Please do not tell others about where or when these meetings are set for, so that we can meet without interference. When we get our work done, the public will get a chance to review our thoughts and decisions as our proposed ordinances will back through the ZSA and the PZB before the County Board gets a chance to adopt them."

The meeting was carried out behind closed doors. The Open Meetings Act says citizens have the right to attend the meetings of public legislative, executive, administrative and advisory bodies and should be given advance notice of those meetings.

Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier said it's unclear whether the committee falls under the regulation of the Open Meetings Act.

"It’s a gray area as to whether or not they should be subject to it," she said. "This is not the County Board members (meeting) or members that were entirely appointed by the County Board."

The committee has seven members — a veterinarian, two animal-welfare advocates, two community residents, one breeder and one kennel operator — and only one, Ellingson, is an elected official. Committee members joined at the request of County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, which further blurs the lines.

For the committee to have violated the Open Meetings Act, the attorney general's office would have to determine that the committee qualifies as a "public body," which state statute defines as "all legislative, executive, administrative or advisory bodies of the state, counties, townships, cities, villages, incorporated towns, school districts and all other municipal corporations, boards, bureaus, committees or commissions of this state, and any subsidiary bodies of any of the foregoing including but not limited to committees and subcommittees which are supported in whole or in part by tax revenue, or which expend tax revenue."

Courier received complaints after the meeting that an Open Meetings violation may have occurred. She said Ellingson didn't ask her for legal advice before the meeting convened. "So it was my recommendation (to the committee) simply to publish the agenda, and they’ve been doing it since."

If the committee is found in violation, the attorney general's office can issue either an informal opinion, which is a nonbinding recommendation to correct practices, or a formal opinion, which could include fines and other punishments.  ….

- Read  more by going to: http://www.rrstar.com/article/20150226/NEWS/150229528/0/SEARCH#sthash.7V6HGoJl.dpuf

A Tale of Two Midwestern States and Their Wealthy Governors | John A. Tures

 

Minnesota and Illinois share a common region, a similar economy, and even the same athletic conference (the Big 10). They both have billionaire governors. One launched a series of progressive policies, with great results for the business climate in the state, a stark contrast to the anti-working class agenda of the other.

Mark Dayton, Minnesota's billionaire governor, was elected in two years that were bad for Democrats: 2010 and 2014. As Carl Gibson, writing for the Huffington Post points out, he did adopt a progressive agenda. He raised taxes on the wealthy, increased the minimum wage (his predecessor tried to keep waiters and waitresses from earning anything other than tips) and created a budget deficit. Dayton's results included a drop in unemployment, a budget surplus, and a better environment for business.

CNBC ranked Minnesota as having the third best economy for doing business (behind two other progressive states, Hawaii and Vermont). The rest of the top ten list for business is made up of other progressive states, like Washington and Oregon, New England states, as well as three prairie states (like the Dakotas and Nebraska) with GOP governors. CNBC's report for Minnesota reads:

The North Star State has something to offer almost everyone. Enjoy the natural beauty of the North Woods or the cosmopolitan sophistication of the Twin Cities. And everyone, it seems, is "Minnesota Nice"--so much so that the crime rate is among the nation's lowest. The home of the famed Mayo Clinic is one of America's healthiest states, and the environment is among the cleanest. But if you're not a fan of winter, beware. With an average annual temperature of just 41.2 degrees Fahrenheit, Minnesota is one of America's coldest states. But they'll tell you -- nicely -- that they know how to adapt.

And there's not much Dayton can about the temperature. But Minnesota is fifth in quality of life among the fifty states.

Meanwhile, Illinois is being led by another billionaire, Bruce Rauner, who seeks to increase sales taxes on all services, except for those associated with Rauner's type of business, as well as cut taxes for the wealthy. He is also cutting just about every government agency. It's probably too unfair to rate Rauner, since he's only been in office a month or so. But he does seem to be adopting the Scott Walker agenda step-by-step, so how's Wisconsin doing?

According to CNBC's 2012 survey, Wisconsin's not doing too badly in the second year of the Walker Administration, at 17th, still well behind Minnesota. But a closer look at the data shows the Dairy State might take a tumble. A lot of that ranking comes from Wisconsin being tenth in education (the second highest score for the state). As Walker goes after his state's schools and colleges, that number is likely to fall as state education funding is decimated.

Illinois was doing better than expected on the CNBC business climate (26th, despite all of the state budget struggles), with a decent 17th ranking in education (of the state's better scores). But Rauner's following the Walker model, and cutting that too. But hey, folks in Rauner's income bracket can expect to get three-quarters of a million dollars back a year based on his economic model, according to Robert Creamer with Huffington Post.

It's about time the voters of these states realize that what's good for one business person isn't always good for the entire business climate of the state, and the workers, start-ups, and the quality of life for its residents.

--

John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga. He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu.

A Tale of Two Midwestern States and Their Wealthy Governors | John A. Tures

Mayors hit cuts in Rauner plan

 

By Bob Rakow and Jack Murray

Orland Park would see a loss of $3 million in state funds under Gov. Rauner’s proposed budget, a group of Chicago area mayors said last week.

Local mayors oppose Gov. Rauner’s first budget plan unveiled last Wednesday as they contemplate the cuts it proposes in the share of state income tax funds Illinois disburses to cities and villages.

               The governor’s call to reduce those funds by 50 percent would cost localities nearly $50 per resident, according to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, which is chaired by Orland Park Mayor Daniel McLaughlin. Thus, Orland Park with a population of 60,000 would see its annual local share cut by about $3 million, the mayors group said in a statement on its website.

“The Caucus’ member mayors from 273 municipalities in the Chicago metropolitan area are very concerned about how this $600 million cut will affect their abilities to provide essential services to their residents,” the statement added.

“I’m not sure Governor Rauner understands the effect this proposal will have on local governments,” Mayor McLaughlin said in the group’s statement. “Our annual budgets have already been adopted. Communities are counting on their share of the income tax to pay for local services. Reducing revenues will force communities to have to make further decisions to lay off police officers and firefighters, end repairs to critical infrastructure and cut other key services. These are real decisions that will impact the everyday lives of our citizens.”

To the north of Palos-Orland, the six communities of Worth, Palos Hills, Chicago Ridge, Oak Lawn, Hickory Hills and Evergreen Park could combine to lose $6 million a year if Rauner’s proposal becomes reality and that has some of their mayors fuming.

In Oak Lawn, Mayor Sandra Bury is concerned but added she would welcome an opportunity to show what the cuts could do to her community and towns all across the state.

“I would like to invite him to Oak Lawn anytime,” Bury said last week in reaction to Rauner’s proposed 50 percent cutback in towns’ annual share of state income tax revenue.

She thinks he should see her town as it would serve as a model for him to check out.

Bury would like to open the village’s books to the newly-elected governor and explain that Oak Lawn and other communities throughout the southwest suburbs cannot afford such a significant revenue hit.

She’d also like to point out that Oak Lawn—like most other towns—does not have cash reserves on hand for a rainy day.

If approved, Rauner’s cuts would mean an estimated $2.7 million annual revenue loss for Oak Lawn, Bury said. It’s a figure the mayor has a tough time grasping. Indeed, the village would have few options to make up the loss.

“You either layoff or raise taxes. It’s wrong,” Bury said.

At a time when Oak Lawn and other communities are already making budget cuts to fully fund employee pensions, a significant revenue reduction from the state is the last thing they need, Bury said.

McLaughlin and Bury are not alone in their displeasure with Rauner’s plan.

Palos Hills Mayor Gerald R. Bennett said the proposal is unnecessary.

“All they’re doing is putting (the burden) on the backs of local residents,” said Bennett, president of the Southwest Conference of Mayors. “They’re going to bankrupt local governments.”

Palos Hills and other communities such as neighboring Hickory Hills already operate with fewer employees in key departments such as public works than they did just a few years ago, Bennett said.

Additional reductions in manpower would make it extremely difficult to provide basic services to residents. Additionally, towns would have a tough time avoiding cuts to the public safety, he said.

“It will bankrupt us. The fight is on, I guess,” Bennett said.

Evergreen Park could lose approximately $500,000 annually if Rauner’s proposal becomes a reality. “I hope he doesn’t fix (the state’s financial problems) on the back of local governments,” said Evergreen Park Mayor Jim Sexton. “We can’t afford to pay other people’s bills.”

Worth Mayor Mary Werner said she’s uncertain how her community would absorb additional revenue losses, which would also equate to about $500,000 under Rauner’s plan.“That would be a huge loss. We’ve already made major cuts,” Werner said, referring to numerous staff reductions made within the past five years.

“I understand the state of Illinois is a horrible, horrible financial state,” Werner said. She added that municipalities are required by law to approve a balanced budget while the state is remedy its budget woes on the backs of municipalities.

“We’ve been making sacrifices for years,” Werner said. “At the local level, we’re all doing a good job living within our means.”

Hickory Hills Mayor Mike Howley agreed. He said his city relies on the utility tax to help balance the annual budget. The city has put off capital improvement projects such as street and sewer work to help make ends meet.

Chicago Ridge Mayor Chuck Tokar echoed the feelings of his mayoral colleagues.“That’s a big chunk of change,” Tokar said. “I wasn’t expecting [Rauner] to say that. I can’t replace $600,000, $700,000.” Tokar admitted that that his town is fortunate to draw sales taxes from a regional shopping mall, but that revenue stream would never replace the state’s money, he said.

At least one local elected official said he agreed with Rauner’s plan.

“I would say there’s always room for cuts,” said Palos Hills Alderman Al Pasek. He added that smaller communities should consider merging if they can no longer go it alone. But mayor and many aldermen

Above is from:  Mayors hit cuts in Rauner plan

The Illinois budget: Averting doomsday | The Economist

 

Bruce Rauner is trying to fix the finances of America’s worst-run state

Feb 28th 2015 | CHICAGO | From the print edition

 

 

 

THE Scott Walker model of tough-it-out conservatism (see article) may be proving most influential in a neighbouring state. The new Republican governor of next-door Illinois, Bruce Rauner, has just signed an executive order ending mandatory union fees for state workers who do not want to join a union or support its agenda. And on February 18th, as part of his $31.5 billion budget plan, Mr Rauner proposed savings of $6.7 billion in state spending on health care for the poor, pensions for public workers, local government and universities. His aim, he said, was to present a budget that “lives within our means—without raising taxes or relying on irresponsible borrowing”.

Illinois has overspent and borrowed recklessly for years, and is now in the biggest fiscal mess of any state in the country. It has the most underfunded retirement system of any state, amounting to $111 billion in unfunded pension liabilities, as well as the highest pension burden relative to state revenue. Its credit rating is the lowest of all the states, which means dramatically higher borrowing costs. “Drastic measures are needed,” says Christopher Mooney of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois, Chicago, who thinks the governor’s “doomsday budget” was meant to get people’s attention.

Yet unlike Mr Walker, who can count on support from a Republican majority in both houses of the Wisconsin legislature, Mr Rauner faces a veto-proof majority of Democrats in both houses. “This budget is not politically viable,” says David Merriman of the University of Illinois. In particular, he adds, the big cuts in pension benefits and in the Medicaid programme, which handles health-care costs for the poor, will never get through. Mr Rauner hopes to save $2.9 billion by moving all state workers into the less generous pension plan that legislators approved in 2010 for state employees hired after January 1st 2011. And he wants to slash spending on Medicaid, which has already been squeezed, by a whopping $1.5 billion.

The governor’s pension reform is different from the overhaul passed in 2013 by lawmakers under Pat Quinn, his Democratic predecessor, which would have reduced annual increases in pension payments, raised the retirement age and capped pensionable salaries. A circuit judge struck down the Quinn reform, saying it violated the state constitution. The case is now before the Illinois Supreme Court, which is expected to rule the same way. The Rauner camp claims that his pension proposal can withstand court challenges, but most experts expect it too to run into legal trouble.

In the next few months the governor will have to negotiate with legislators to craft a budget that all sides can live with. If he wants to balance the books he will have to raise taxes, however unpopular that may make him with his Republican base. Supporters of Mr Rauner’s tough course say that small-scale pension reforms and tax increases simply won’t be enough to solve Illinois’s gargantuan problems, and would make the governor a lame duck.

The Civic Federation, a budget watchdog, suggests even sterner measures. They include getting rid of the tax exemption for retirement income, excluding Social Security payments and pension income of less than $50,000 a year. Mr Rauner should also tax 32 professional services that are currently untaxed, says the federation, and repeal the state’s sales-tax exemption for food and non-prescription drugs until the $6.4 billion backlog of unpaid bills is gone.

After years of mismanagement, Illinoisans are keen on change. A Gallup poll last year found that one in four of them believes their state is the worst to live in; about half of them said they would leave if they could. Only 28% of respondents said they trusted their government, compared with 60% nationally: fair enough, in a state where four of the last seven governors have ended up in jail. If the new governor turns Illinois round, as he promises, he will be a hero, says Mr Mooney. At this point, that is a very big “if” indeed.

Above is from:  The Illinois budget: Averting doomsday | The Economist

California Republicans -- evolve or die - LA Times

Republicans in a blue states need to understand.

California Republicans under Reagan led a national revolution. Now they must lead their own evolution.

Delegates to the California Republican Party state convention that begins Friday in Sacramento should be asking themselves just two questions: Why can't they find an electable U.S. Senate candidate and how do they revive a state party that's become irrelevant?

This state went from red to blue because the California GOP lost its Reaganesque compass and, alarmingly, a willingness to discern between moral absolutes and generational evolution. Ronald Reagan brilliantly never let himself be the captive or defender of the status quo or party orthodoxy. He embraced broad principles and found ways to solve problems without selling out.

Voters, popes, presidents and even some elders have evolved. The state party has not and seems to be perversely proud of it. Political parties are meant to win elections, not be martyrs to lost causes of bygone eras.

 

New leader of the state Senate Kevin de León made waves last fall for both the lavish “inaugural” bash he threw himself and for the speech he gave there. “Isn't it time we shatter the great American myth about pulling oneself up by the bootstraps?” the Democrat...

New leader of the state Senate Kevin de León made waves last fall for both the lavish “inaugural” bash he threw himself and for the speech he gave there. “Isn't it time we shatter the great American myth about pulling oneself up by the bootstraps?” the Democrat... ( Pete Peterson )

For the first time in 24 years there's an open U.S. Senate seat in California, and the party should be ashamed it has no viable candidates. The problem is “us” not “them.” What are some of the changes the state party needs to make to return California to a truly two-party state?

8

Immigration: Quit whining. President Obama masterfully outsmarted the GOP. No one should be more sensitive to the implications than California Republicans but they're still clueless. In 1994, I wrote an op-ed in this paper warning that by voting for Proposition 187, the party risked becoming the “anti-immigrant” party, alienating Latinos. Since Gov. Pete Wilson's reelection that year, cynically on the back of 187, there has not been a GOP governor or U.S. senator (Arnold Schwarzenegger was a faux-GOP anomaly).

Today, the party does not have a single statewide office holder. Now, another generation of Latinos is reminded that the GOP divides families, seeks to deny education and social services to children and believes in absurd mass or self-deportation of 3 million hardworking souls in our state. Even if the GOP wins battle against Obama's executive orders, the party loses voters, especially here in California.

Voters, popes, presidents and even some elders have evolved. The state party has not and seems to be perversely proud of it.- 

Same-sex marriage: Get over it. Regardless of what the U.S. Supreme Court does, same-sex marriage is here to stay. California families are as diverse as its people. Stop alienating gays, lesbians, their families, friends and younger Californians. Even the Mormon Church supports LGBT anti-discrimination laws. Yet the state GOP's politically anachronistic and offensive platform still opposes them. It is on the wrong side of civil rights history.

The GOP loathes the “nanny state” but it is all too happy to be the “nanny party.”

Are there no courageous state Republican leaders to say we are better then this? The silence, especially among civil libertarians, is deafening, disappointing and cowardly.

Small government: The excesses and scandals of GOP big spenders makes it indistinguishable from the Democrats. Reclaim the Reagan doctrine that, however noble the goal, big government is inherently a threat to individual liberty. That includes the failed over-regulating administrations of Schwarzenegger and “too big to fail” budget-busting George W. Bush.

Inclusion: I was campaign manager and chief of staff to Bob Dornan, one of Congress' most conservative members in a swing Democratic district in the heart of largely Latino central Orange County. In his first election we were told to “not waste time and money” going after the black and Latino vote. We ignored that advice and Dornan won his marginally Democrat seat with 40% of the Latino vote in three successive elections. With year-round outreach and tangible deliverables, it still can be done. The GOP must court minority voters with substantive programs, not solely with targeted mail and condescending “Viva” campaign committees.

Opportunity society: If white children were largely products of single-parent families and had drop-out and youth incarceration rates similar to those of today's young African Americans, you can bet we'd have a serious strategy. The party of Lincoln should be vigorously working to reverse this alarming growth of an underclass in which so much young talent is lost and opportunity denied.

This is where the state GOP can act by creating a nonprofit foundation to teach, train, place and give back through non-government means to those who need help the most and probably dislike the GOP even more. Call them Ronald Reagan Centers.

Go where the party is not wanted. In places such as Chico, Oakland, Stockton, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Compton and Indio, make a sustained commitment to the most challenged neighborhoods with at-risk youths and families. These Reagan Centers would be focused on small business, pre- and postnatal care, ESL, job placement, computer skills, public-private partnerships, HIV/AIDS and public healthcare, etc. This is a necessary, unorthodox commitment to people with whom the state GOP needs to rebuild allegiances.

Republicans in California under Reagan led a national revolution. Now they must lead their own evolution.

This lost competitive opportunity for the Barbara Boxer Senate seat must be a wake-up call — not for capitulation of principle but for the courage to push for realistic change. Otherwise, these biennial GOP conventions will remain insular social clubs instead of calls to action for what was once the nation's most influential state political party.

Brian O'Leary Bennett, a former member of the state executive committee of the California Republican Party and five-time GOP national convention delegate, has been a conservative activist for nearly 40 years.

California Republicans -- evolve or die - LA Times

Commentary: Rauner’s minimum wage plan just more of the same from GOP | The Rock River Times

 

 

 

Commentary: Rauner’s minimum wage plan just more of the same from GOP

February 25, 2015

By Gregory John Campbell
Guest Columnist

Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s policy recommendation for increasing the minimum wage in Illinois to $10 per hour over a seven year period is insulting and demeaning to the very workers it proposes to benefit, because no family or worker can live on such a meager wage now, let alone in seven years, coming from a man whose political role is to cement elite privilege over common poverty in Illinois.

Somali Republicans, like Gov. Rauner, have as their sole motives the enhancement of power and acquisition of property over others, because they lack humanity, being what this citizen characterizes as “object beings,” not human beings.

Object beings exist to purchase, own or possess material objects, wealth and power only, treating others in the same manner—as objects to own or property to dispense with—as so much flotsam on the water or cattle in a pen. Accordingly, object beings are not moral in motivation or behavior because they lack the human capacity to be so, and cannot be trusted to serve those who are in any private or public venue.

But what they can be trusted to do is diminish the humanity in our state and nation to secure their personal property, economic privilege and political power over any persons or principles preventing them from doing so, like the social contract morally existing between “the people” and their elected representatives.

But Gov. Rauner is first and foremost a corporate businessman, before he is a human being or a public servant, because business, not public service or humanity, is his range of awareness, and he lacks consideration in dealing with others.

And so it’s to be expected Gov. Rauner would want more prison guards in our state, because he knows his policies are going to impoverish countless more in achieving “fiscal balance”; and because he also knows that desperate people do desperate things when living on the street and starving.

Like all Somali capitalists, endless greed and the lust for power are the only principals behind the Somali reality of Republican politics they use, to abolish the upward middle class mobility our nation once stood for, because their sole intent is to impound as much wealth and power from the middle class as they can through their Somali economic policies and practices. The Koch brothers personify this fiscal “free rape-it” ideological inhumanity precisely.

Today’s Somali Republicans are like the Robber Barons of the late 19th century, and should be understood as the fiscal plunderers who will kill the father, rape the mother, sell the son and keep the daughter to accomplish what they want in Springfield or Washington as political Genghis Khan’s.

And if you think this statement harsh, think of the millions who’ve lost their jobs or homes through Somali (corporate) foreclosure, offshoring and outsourcing, because without these their lives and families have been plundered.

The Illinois pension problem is the result of both political parties failing to meet the fiduciary requirements they pledged they would, to responsible citizen contributors who did, over a 40 year period. And so the Governor will complete the further pauperization of state pensioners by blaming them for policy shortfalls Somali politicians like himself, Democrat and Republican, intended or permitted.

Accordingly, Somali Republicans are skillful at laying-off workers, cutting benefits and social programs and ruining lives because they’re intrinsically Hobbesian, believing men to be more evil than good, like themselves. Such human self-contempt must turn outward then, to disguise what their conscience would never permit if they had one—that they’re not only anti-labor, anti-union and anti-American, they’re also anti-human and Christian.

Above is from:  Commentary: Rauner’s minimum wage plan just more of the same from GOP | The Rock River Times

Local Papers Oppose Rep Sosnowski’s legislation on public notices

 

 

 

 

Meet John Doe: Keep public notices in print | The Rock River Times

By Paul Gorski
Columnist

According to “Sosnowski calls for public notices to be pulled from papers” by Shane Nicholson, State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford/Belvidere) wants to “end the publication of public and government notices in newspapers.”

I strongly oppose that ill-advised plan. Public, especially government, notices of meetings, hearings and other important events should be posted in local newspapers as it is in the public interest to do so. We cannot have a free, open, deliberative government unless we know when our public bodies are meeting to discuss important issues.

As Nicholson’s article points out, many governments do not properly post public notices online, and the public does not appear to go to the sites that have these notices. One sure way of hiding or burying a public notice is to publish it only online.

One benefit of having notices posted in newspapers is that each newspaper prints public notices in a consistent manner; readers do not have to learn how to navigate the newspaper to find the notices, like they might have to do with a variety of different government websites.

Sosnowski states his plan is “Just trying to move us into the 20th century. Internet has been around for a while. Maybe next year we can work on the 21st.” I do not buy that argument at all. By that reasoning, people should stop buying printed Bibles and read the good book on their Kindles. While some people may prefer an e-reading device for this use, I’m pretty sure printed Bible sales are still strong. I am also fairly certain that most churches prefer printed Bibles. Get important information out in as many ways as you can.

People are divided on how they consume news and information. Many people still read print newspapers and books; other read the same content on websites. Others only frequent social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook. More and more people are using their smartphones and tablets as their primary Internet-access device, and many government websites are not mobile friendly. You might save money on printing costs, but then pay big bucks for updating your website, and then be forced to pay staff to monitor, post, and reply to posts on social media outlets.

Sosnowski’s plan to stop printing public notices in newspapers is shortsighted. Newspapers provide a standard, portable format for sharing government information. If budgets allow, post the same information on websites and social media. Sharing public information on more, rather than fewer, media outlets is in the public interest and critical to encouraging the public to engage government.

Paul Gorski (paul@paulgorski.com) is a Cherry Valley Township resident who also authors the Tech-Friendly column seen in this newspaper.

The above is from:  Meet John Doe: Keep public notices in print | The Rock River Times

Editorial:

News Coverage:

 

Boone County: Water testing Open House, March 12 | The Rock River Times

The Boone County Health Department will be having an informational Open House as well as reduced rates for the testing of water samples for nitrates and coliform bacteria during National Groundwater Awareness Week March 8-14.

The Open House will be held at the Boone County Health Department, 1204 Logan Avenue, Belvidere on Thursday, March 12 from 4-6 p.m.

Those attending the open house can participate in drawings to win a free analysis of their well water and also pick up water testing kits to use themselves.

The Health Department is also offering reduced rates for well water testing for private well owners during the entire month of March with prices reduced to $35 from $45 normally.

Water samples must be collected on a Monday or Wednesday and brought to the Boone County Health Department that same day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. with the results being ready in three working days.

Boone County Health Department is open from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on water testing call 815-433-2951 ext. 2 or email info@boonehealth.org

Boone County: Water testing Open House, March 12 | The Rock River Times

April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election Absentee by Mail Application | Boone County, Illinois

April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election Absentee by Mail Application

Home › April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election Absentee by Mail Application

For the April 7, 215, Consolidated Election, the Boone County Clerk's Office is now accepting applications to vote absentee by mail.  If you wish to vote by mail click on the attachment below and return to the Boone County Clerk's Office at 1212 Logan Ave, Suite 103, Belvidere, IL 61008.  The last day applications are being accepted is April 2, 2015.  If you have any questions please contact the County Clerk's Office at (815) 544-3103.

Application for Absentee Ballot 2015_04_07.pdf
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April 7, 2015 Consolidated Election Absentee by Mail Application | Boone County, Illinois

Mainstream Renewable Powers reaction to the “revised” text amendment

Mainstream’s attorney believes the revision does not change the illegality of the proposed text amendment.

Mainstream’s reaction to the initial text amendment proposal is available at:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/01/mainstream-details-their-opposition-to.html

The revision is available at:  http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2015/02/planning-staff-continues-to-recommends.html

April 7 School Board Election

HERE ARE THE DISTRICT 100 CANDIDATES

Registered voters living within the boundaries of the Belvidere School District will be asked to elect three individuals to the Board of Education at the April 7, 2015 election.  This page has been established to provide basic information about the function and responsibilities of the Board of Education and to introduce you to candidates running for the three seats.

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April 7, 2015 Election

On April 7 voters will be asked to select one individual from Belvidere Township and two individuals from the remaining congressional townships to fill three 4-year terms on the Board of Education.  The following names will appear on the ballot:

Belvidere Township (Vote for 1):

Allison Reid-Niemeic

Michael Rathbun

Frank Marks

Remaining Congressional Townships (Vote for 2):

Holly A. Houk

Lynette Danzl-Tauer

Heather Sell-Wick

Kelly Galluzzo

Information above and below is taken from District 100 website and is accessible by clicking on the following: April School Board Election

Belvidere Township (Vote for 1):

Remaining Congressional Townships (Vote for 2):

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