Status of the Plote Case

 

This has been going on since 2014.  Are the “good olde boys” hoping that their states attorney candidate will drop the case?  Is Plote trying to  delay it until then? As it stands now, the March 30 Primary will occur before the next hearing.

 

2014CH170 PLOTE CONSTRUCTION, INCLast Search  | Information  | Dispositions  | History  | Payments  | Fines & Fees

Date
Entry
Judge

Entered Under: PLOTE CONSTRUCTION, INC

02/10/2016
Status hearing set for 04/11/2016 at 1:30 in courtroom 2. Hearing set for 05/09/2016 at 1:30 in courtroom 2.
UNASSIGNED

02/08/2016
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Defs. Def files in open court Defendant's First Request to Admit. SA requests time to review and respond. Case comes on for entry of proposed agreed order. Argument heard. Item 2 in the proposed order is modified and approved by both parties. Court enters the Order of Adjudication Indirect Civil Contempt as modified. Case is cont to 4-11-16 at 1:30 p.m. for status and to 5-9-16 at 1:30 p.m. for hearing. ORDER OF ADJUDICATION INDIRECT CIVIL CONTEMPT Defendant's First Request to Admit ORDER
PJN

01/27/2016
Status hearing set for 02/08/2016 at 1:30 in courtroom 2.
UNASSIGNED

01/25/2016
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on for Pl's Motion to Strike Defendant's Affirmative Defense to Petition for Rule to Show Cause-Indirect Civil Contempt. Arguments heard. Court enters a Memorandum of Judgment regarding Pl's petition for RTSC. Court finds that Pl has shown prima facie evidence of contempt and there was no evidence presented by Def of any legal justification for the conducting of these activities outside the prescribed times or of Def's inability to comply with the prescribed times as ordered by the court. Case is cont'd to 2/8/16 at 1:30 for possible entry of agreed order. MEMORANDUM OF DECISION
PJN

12/08/2015
Motion hearing set for 01/25/2016 at 1:30 in courtroom 2.
UNASSIGNED

12/04/2015
Notice of Motion Boone County's Motion to Strike Defendant's Affirmative Defense to Petition for Rule to Show Cause-Indirect Civil Contempt
UNASSIGNED

11/23/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on for decision on Pl's petition for RTSC and Def's motion for leave to file affirmative defenses. Argument heard. Def granted leave to file affirmative defenses. Pl to file a written response within 10 days or by 12-4-15. Case cont to 1-25-16 at 1:30 p.m. for hearing. ORDER
PJN

11/02/2015
Notice of Motion Motion for Leave to File an Affirmative Defense
UNASSIGNED

10/26/2015
Decision set for 11/23/2015 at 1:30 in courtroom 2.
UNASSIGNED

10/26/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on Pl's Motion for RTSC and Def's Motion to Strike. Argument heard. Pl calls Drew Bliss from the Boone County Building Dept. Sworn testimony taken. Def calls David Zumbrunn from Beverly Materials/ Plote Construction (Belvidere Quarry). Sworn testimony taken. Based on testimony, Def's motion is heard and denied. Court's decision on Pl's petition for RTSC is continued to 11-23-15 at 1:30 p.m. ORDER
PJN

10/15/2015
Notice of Service
UNASSIGNED

08/21/2015
Motion hearing set for 10/26/2015 at 1:30 in courtroom 2.
UNASSIGNED

08/21/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on for status. Case cont to 10-26-15 at 1:30 p.m. for hearing on Def's Motion to Strike and Pl's Petition for Rule to Show Cause. ORDER
PJN

08/17/2015
Status hearing set for 08/21/2015 at 3:00 in courtroom 2.
UNASSIGNED

08/17/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on for hearing. Pl and Def both request that the Judge recuse himself from this case. Judge Tobin recuses himself and reassigns this case to Judge Nicolosi. Case cont to 8-21-15 at 3:00 p.m. for status. ORDER REASSIGNMENT ORDER
CRT

07/28/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for def/Plote Contr. Judge Tobin discloses to the Parties that he had contact with the County Chairman about this case, and told him he could not talk about a pending case. Parties are given time to consider if they would like Judge Tobin to withdraw from the case. No further ruling will be made until parties decide on this matter. Case is continued to 08-17-15 at 8:45 a.m. ORDER Status hearing set for 8/17/2015 at 08:45 in courtroom 1.
CRT

07/22/2015
Notice of Filing Boone County's Response To Defendant's Motion To Strike
UNASSIGNED

07/17/2015
Notice of Filing Motion to Strike Petition for Rule to Show Cause - Indirect Civil Contempt
UNASSIGNED

07/07/2015
SA/Courier pres for pl. Def/Plote Construction not pres, having requested time to respond to the Petition for RTSC. Ct orders that def/Plote Construction is given 7 days to answer the pl's Petition for RTSC. Pl is given 7 days thereafter to respond. Case is con't to 7-28-15 at 10:00 am for hrg. (See Order.) ORDER Petition hearing set for 7/28/2015 at 10:00 in courtroom 1.
CRT

06/24/2015
Notice of Motion Petition for Rule to Show Cause Indirect Civil Contempt
JHY

06/24/2015
Petition hearing set for 7/07/2015 at 09:00 in courtroom 1.
UNASSIGNED

06/12/2015
Notice of Change of Firm and Address
UNASSIGNED

06/02/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Def, Plote Constr. Case comes on for status. Written discovery to be exchanged. Case cont 60 days to 8-17-15 at 8:45 a.m. for status.
CRT

05/26/2015
MEMORANDUM OF DECISION
CRT

05/12/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. By agreement, case cont to 6-2-15 at 9:00 a.m. for status on decision on Pl's motion to dismiss. ORDER
CRT

04/14/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Def. Case comes on Def's Motion to Reconsider, Pl's Request to Admit and Pl's Motion to Dismiss Affirmative Defense-Counterclaim. Def's Motion to Reconsider is heard and denied. Pl's Motion to Dismiss-Argument heard. Court takes it under advisement and will issue a written decision in 14 days. Pl's Request to Admit-Argument heard. Case cont to 5-12-15 at 9:00 a.m.
CRT

03/31/2015
Amended Notice of Motion
UNASSIGNED

03/27/2015
Plaintiff's Response to Defendant's Objections and Responses to the Request to Admit
UNASSIGNED

03/11/2015
Notice of Filing Defendant's Response to the County's Motion to Dismiss Affirmative Defense and Counterclaim
UNASSIGNED

03/09/2015
Notice of Filing Defendant's Objections and Responses to Request to Admit
UNASSIGNED

02/12/2015
Notice of Filing Motion to Dismiss Affirmative Defense & Counterclaim Notice of Filing Request to Admit Notice of Filing Boone county's Response to Motion for Reconsideration
UNASSIGNED

01/21/2015
Notice of Filing Verification
UNASSIGNED

01/15/2015
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Def, Plote Construction Case comes on for status on pleadings, discover and Def's motion to reconsider. Pl shall respond to the Def's Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaim within 30 days and the Def shall file verification within that time. Pl shall respond to the Motion for Reconsideration within 30 days and the Def shall respond within 14 days thereafter. Case cont to 4-14-15 at 9:00 a.m. ORDER
CRT

12/22/2014
Notice of Filing Answer to Verified Complaint for Preliminary and Permanent Injunction for Violations of the Boone County Zoning Ordinance, Affirmative Defense and Counterclaim for Declaratory Judgment $100.00 Motion for Reconsideration
UNASSIGNED

11/24/2014
MEMORANDUM OF DECISION
CRT

11/13/2014
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Fuller pres for Def, Plote Construction Case comes on Pl's Motion for Summary Judgment and Def's Motion to Dismiss. Pl's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order/Injunction is granted. Def's 619 Motion is denied. Court to enter a memorandum of decision in 7 days and Def has 28 days thereafter to respond. Case cont to 1-15-15 at 9:00 a.m. for status.
CRT

10/24/2014
Notice of Filing Affidavit of Christopher Kennebeck Affidavit of David Zumbrunn
UNASSIGNED

10/22/2014
Notice of Filing Reply of Plote Construction Inc. to Boone County's Reponse to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss
UNASSIGNED

10/09/2014
Notice of Filing Boone County's Response to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss
UNASSIGNED

09/18/2014
SA Courier pres for Pl. Atty Warren Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on Def's motion to dismiss. Pl's response to motion/memorandum is due on or before 10-9-14. Def to reply to response on or before 10-23-14. Case cont to 11-13-14 at 1:30 p.m. for oral argument. BRIEF SCHEDULING ORDER
CRT

09/08/2014
Notice of Motion
UNASSIGNED

08/29/2014
REASSIGNMENT OF JUDGE (Case reassigned to Judge Tobin) Notice
CRT

08/29/2014
SA Michelle Courier pres for Pl. Atty Warren Fuller pres for Defs. Case comes on State's Motion for Substitution. Motion granted as a matter of right and referred to Presiding Circuit Judge Robert Tobin for reassignment. Case cont for status to 9-18-14 at 1:30 p.m. ORDER FOR SUBSTITUTION OF JUDGE
JHY

08/29/2014
Appearance (Atty Warren Fuller for Def's/Plote Construction, Belvidere Materials, LLC & Chicago Title Land Trust Co) 139.00 Appearance (Atty Andrew Fuller for Def's/Plote Construction, Belvidere Materials, LLC & Chicago Title Land Trust Co) Notice of Motion Combined Motion to Dismiss Verified Complaint for Preliminary and Permanent Injunction for Violations of the Boone County Zoning Ordinance and to Deny Plaintiff's Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunctive Relief Prusuant to Section 2-619 (a)(9) of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure and to Enforce Settlement Agreement Status hearing reset to 09/18/2014 at 1:30 in courtroom 1.
UNASSIGNED

08/26/2014
Motion/substitute set for 08/29/2014 at 9:00 in courtroom 3.
UNASSIGNED

08/25/2014
Motion hearing set for 08/29/2014 at 9:00 in courtroom 3. Notice of Motion Motion for Temporary Restraining order and Preliminary Injunctive Relief Notice of Motion Motion for Substitution of Judge
UNASSIGNED

08/21/2014
Verified Complaint for Preliminary and Permanent Injunction for Violations of the Boone County Zoning Ordinance Case Management Conference Notice Summons Issued and Returned to Atty for Service Case mgt conf reset to 02/20/2015 at 9:00 in courtroom 3.

Hearings

Type
Date
Time
Judge
Location

10 - Motion hearing
08/29/2014
9:00 A.M.
YOUNG  
3 

82 - Motion/substitute
08/29/2014
9:00 A.M.
YOUNG  
3 

35 - Status hearing
09/18/2014
1:30 P.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
11/13/2014
1:30 P.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
11/13/2014
2:13 P.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
01/15/2015
9:00 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
04/14/2015
9:00 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
05/12/2015
9:00 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
06/02/2015
9:00 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

23 - Petition hearing
07/07/2015
9:00 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

23 - Petition hearing
07/28/2015
10:00 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
08/17/2015
8:45 A.M.
TOBIN  
1 

35 - Status hearing
08/21/2015
3:00 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2 

10 - Motion hearing
10/26/2015
1:30 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2 

115 - Decision
11/23/2015
1:30 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2 

10 - Motion hearing
01/25/2016
1:30 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2 

35 - Status hearing
02/08/2016
1:30 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2

35 - Status hearing
04/11/2016
1:30 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2

9 - Hearing
05/09/2016
1:30 P.M.
NICOLOSI  
2

Fixing both Flint and its water pipes

 

The Monitor's View

Fixing both Flint and its water pipes

 

Trust in governance

The water-pollution tragedy in Flint deserves quick solutions but the city’s citizens, led by a new mayor, are also rightly looking at rebuilding the trust necessary to improve democratic governance.

By the Monitor's Editorial Board February 7, 2016

When a water crisis hit the Michigan city of Flint in 2014, residents at first sought to blame those in government. Who allowed toxic lead to flow out of city faucets? By 2016, the finger-pointing at the bureaucratic bungling over a new water supply had become an issue in the presidential campaign. Lawsuits were filed. Many heads rolled, from local government to the federal level. Some officials, especially Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, still remain answerable – for both the cause and a solution.

Fixes are steadily being put in place to ensure clean water in Flint. But the city has also begun to tackle a deeper issue: How to restore trust between its 95,000 residents and their elected leaders.

For all the bad decisions made about water in Flint, democracy itself failed. In 2002, local governance in the city had become so broken that the state imposed emergency management. This awkward arrangement tested the norms of civic accountability. Lines of responsibility broke down. At one point in 2013, it was unclear who should make decisions about a new water source – the city council or the state-appointed manager.

Flint voters are now starting to turn their accusing fingers at themselves. A community struggling with a host of problems is seeking to renew the bonds of citizenship necessary to elect responsible leaders.

One official trying to heal Flint’s civic disunity is a new mayor, Karen Weaver. Elected last fall, she says the underlying issue in the water woes is that “trust has been broken and damaged.” To restore trust within the community, Mayor Weaver has appointed a task force made up of a retired brigadier general and other advisers. And since January, she has held a series of “town hall” meetings.

At a public gathering last week, Ms. Weaver used a biblical analogy to describe her hope for the city this way: “With the faith of a mustard seed saying to this mountain – and the water crisis is our mountain – ‘get up and get out of our way’.”

“We will rise up and we will fly again. Nothing will get in our way,” she added.

Because of the crisis, Flint has become a testing ground for all Americans on ways to fix the so-called “trust deficit” in government. In the United States, that deficit has widened over the past half century. It is reflected in the latest polls that show a large majority of Americans believe Congress to be “out of touch” and corrupt. Americans even doubt themselves. Public confidence that the people as a whole can make good judgments on issues has dropped from 83 percent in 1974 to 57 percent last year, according to Gallup polls.

Despite this trend, what is easily forgotten is that the “trust deficit” runs both ways. Voters are ultimately responsible for those they elect. Big money and special interests do not stand a chance if voters use their power at the ballot box, demand better candidates, and get involved in politics and government bodies.

This truth is reflected in the fact that public trust in local government remains far higher – at about 72 percent – than in state or federal government. Citizens can more easily make a difference in local races. Cities and towns have a tighter web of neighborly ties than a state or an entire country. Preserving the close bonds of a local community usually remain as important as fixing its problems.

What can reverse the “trust deficit”? A 2013 survey by the University of Michigan gives a hint. Instead of assuming government must earn the trust of citizens, the pollsters asked local leaders in Michigan how much they trust their citizens. Here is what they found:

When citizens are mostly interested in just complaining, only 39 percent of local leaders express trust in their citizens. When citizens are seen as engaged in government only for themselves, the trust drops to 11 percent. But when citizens are interested in finding solutions or are seen as engaged for the benefit of the community overall, more than 70 percent of local leaders say they trust their citizens. And these figures hold true for big cities and small towns.

The conclusion from the survey: “... local leaders are looking for their citizens to live up to the democratic ideals of responsible citizenship in terms of engaging for the greater good, working toward positive outcomes, and being well-informed in order to help produce those positive outcomes.”

Or as John Kennedy said at his 1961 Inaugural Address: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

The trust deficit, in other words, melts away when individual citizens are involved in government with constructive discourse and for the greater good. Roads are fixed, schools improve – and water runs clean.

As Flint tries to restore its qualities of citizenship, the rest of the US should cheer it on. Americans can learn again what it takes to make a community whole after a tragedy – whether it is in fixing a basic utility like water or in nurturing the bonds of democratic governance.

ABOVE IS FROM:  http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2016/0207/Fixing-both-Flint-and-its-water-pipes?cmpid=ema:nws:Commentary%2520Weekly%2520%2802-11-2016%29&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0211_2016_Newsletter:Commentary&utm_term=Commentary_OpEd

Connecting the Cash: Dunkin vs. Stratton

Connecting the Cash: Dunkin vs. Stratton

It's looking like a Super PAC vs. Union matchup in one of the most closely watched primary races of this election cycle, which has already seen over $1.4 Million in spending.

The battle is for the 5th State House District, where Democratic incumbent Ken Dunkin is facing a challenge from Juliana Stratton, the former Executive Director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council. Dunkin made news last year when he missed a crucial vote to override a gubernatorial veto, and again when he voted no to restore funding for childcare subsidies. Stratton, who has been endorsed by Democrat power players such as Karen Lewis, Toni Preckwinkle, and Secretary of State Jesse White, is expected to make a strong challenge with significant financial support from organized labor.

Ken Dunkin's interesting year has won him financial support from donors and committees traditionally aligned with Governor Rauner and the Republican party. Dunkin started 2016 with $226,000 in his campaign committee, but has since received a $500,000

donation

(an amount believed to be a record for a single donation to a General Assembly race) from the Illinois Opportunity Project, a 501(c)4 organization led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft.

In addition to the funds contributed directly to Dunkin's campaign committee, a Super PAC is independently spending money supporting him.

IllinoisGO was seeded with $9 million in April of 2015 by just five donors. As an independent expenditure committee (Super PAC), IllinoisGO is prohibited by law from coordinating with any candidate, but can spend unlimited funds in support or opposition to whomever they choose. So far, IllinoisGO has spent a total of $338,000 on field work, mailings and television ads on behalf of the Dunkin campaign.

Funds Supporting Ken Dunkin

x

Funds available on 12/31/15 quarterly report
$225,829

Donations since 1/1/16*
$506,500

Funds spent by IllinoisGO
$338,000

Total Current Supporting Funds

$1,070,329

Stratton's campaign got a much later start and is playing catch-up in the fundraising department. She began the year with $70,000 in the bank, largely from organized labor donations. She has since raised over $318,000 more including almost $140,000 from AFSCME, $100,000 from SEIU and $50,000 from the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. So far no independent expenditure committees have spent money on her behalf, although IllinoisGO has spent $36,000 on ads against her.

Funds Supporting Juliana Stratton

x

Funds available on 12/31/15 quarterly report

$70,587

Donations since 1/1/16*
$318,700

Total Current Supporting Funds

$389,287

This race will likely be the most expensive legislative primary this year and may break spending records for the most expensive General Assembly race in Illinois history. 

*Donations since 1/1/16 includes only contributions over $1,000 per State Board of Elections reporting requirements.

Data sourced from Illinois Sunshine and the Illinois State Board of Elections. Research provided by Scott Kennedy of Illinois Election Data.

 

Dem Dunkin talks after missing key vote in Springfield

 

By Charles Thomas

Thursday, September 10, 2015

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) --

State Representative Ken Dunkin missed a key vote to override IL Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of a labor bill. Democrats concerned that his independence could be contagious, especially among African-American lawmakers.
"It's incumbent upon black legislators to take the lead," IL State Rep. Dunkin said.

In his 12 years as a state lawmaker, Dunkin, a democrat, has never felt this kind of political heat. Last week he angered House Speaker Michael Madigan, Illinois' most powerful Democrat, by not showing up for the vote. Madigan was left short of the 71 votes needed to override Republican Governor Bruce Rauner's veto of a bill that would have removed Rauner from negotiations with state worker unions.
"Had Mr. Dunkin been here, there would have been 71 democrats voting to override," Madigan said on September 3, 2015.

"He's this omnipotent Speaker that controls and runs all. Why should I wear the jacket?" Dunkin said.
Political consultant and blogger Maze Jackson says the Dunkin defection changes the power paradigm in Springfield.
"When one guy breaks off the plantation it's got to make a lot of people in Springfield nervous, real nervous," Jackson said.
Governor Rauner says he did not ask Dunkin to miss the override vote, but admitted he and the South Side democrat talk frequently.
"He and I share a passion around economic empowerment, especially in the black community," Rauner said.
"If this governor wants to work with me, I'm working with him," Dunkin said.
Dunkin--a former Legislative Black Caucus chairman--says he is looking for common ground where Governor Rauner's "turnaround agenda" intersects with what says should be a turnaround agenda for the state's struggling African-American community.
"Today is the time that we have to take charge of our own destiny here," Dunkin said.

Above is from:  http://abc7chicago.com/politics/dem-dunkin-talks-after-missing-key-vote-in-springfield/978095/

Winnebago County receives back pay from State of Illinois

  Did Boone County also get the money?  Is Boone County also suing?

UPDATE:   As noted in the United Counties Counsels of Illinois memo shown below, Boone County and the other counties will also be seeing the payment soon. It appears that the suit by Winnebago may have freed all the money.

Winnebago County receives back pay from State of Illinois

By Mark Mayhew

Posted: Feb 11, 2016 9:49 AM CST

ROCKFORD (WREX) -

Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen says the county has received $152,000 in back payments from the state of Illinois.

The county filed a civil lawsuit against the Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Comptroller for salary reimbursements.

The county sought to recover statutorily required payments from the State towards reimbursements of the salaries of the County Supervisor, Public Defender, and State's Attorney.

Winnebago County will seek to have the lawsuit dismissed without prejudice with leave to refile if that State falls behind on payment obligations in the future.

Above is from:  http://www.wrex.com/story/31197916/2016/02/11/winnebago-county-receives-back-pay-from-state-of-illinois

Pritchards Perspective 2/1/16

 

February 1, 2016 - Gov Watch, Representative Robert Pritchard - no comments

Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.

February 1, 2016

In This Issue:
‘State of the State’ Worth Reading
Push for Public-Private Partnership
Empty Promise of Partial Funding for Higher Education
Legislature Joins in Recognizing DeKalb
Townships Respond to Task Force Report
Education Council Meets Thursday
Park Districts Recognize Outstanding Legislators

‘State of the State’ Worth Reading

If you missed the Governor’s annual State of the State address on Wednesday, it’s worth reading. Carefully. You can do so here. Sure he reiterated his turn around reforms, but there was a conciliatory tone asking all government branches and sides to work together–to compromise.
He stated that, “to achieve a grand compromise, we must cast partisanship and ideology aside. We must break from the politics of the past and do what is right for the long term future of our state.” The Governor repeated words and ideas from President Obama’s recent State of the Union address. While the President has faced roadblocks from a Republican led legislature, so the Governor has been blocked by a Democrat led General Assembly.
Perhaps there is divine providence in President Obama’s planned visit to Springfield in a few weeks. Might his popularity in Illinois melt the frozen gridlock for compromise on Illinois’ policies that will change the direction of our state? That’s my prayer.
The Governor highlighted accomplishments—yes, there are accomplishments– from this past year. As I have been saying for years, reducing waste in government operations and bureaucracy will save significant dollars. The Governor said we have achieved savings of $700 million so far.
Progress was also made in increasing state support for education, the bipartisan effort of eliminating the $1.6 billion dollar deficit from the FY2015 budget, reforming the economic development program—EDGE– to eliminate special deals, and successful labor contracts negotiated with 17 government unions.
I was especially attracted to the initiatives outlined in the speech that could transform the state:

• He listed 10 long-term goals with a focus on education including creating a Cabinet on Children and Youth so we can better align our health and human services with our cradle to career education initiatives.
• Remodeling the state’s human services by shifting the focus to prevention and public health rather than the volume of services; being proactive instead of reactive.
• Criminal justice and police reforms to reduce the state’s prison population and target underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior
• Reforming the state’s procurement system to maintain ethical standards while streamlining the bureaucracy and offering greater flexibility to agencies.
• Creating the new Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) to consolidate the state’s information technology functions into a single agency. Until now each agency has developed its own technology solutions which have created a patchwork of systems that were often redundant, outdated, unable to share information with other agencies, and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This new agency will be able to make state government more efficient and accountable while saving taxpayer money.

I was struck by the tone and ideas in the speech. The Governor indicated ways to achieve spending reductions not by ending services to the most vulnerable, but by improving services, efficiencies and collaborations. I hope his proposals will be given fair consideration by citizens and the legislature.

Push for Public-Private Partnership

In another effort to make Illinois government faster and more responsive, Governor Rauner again reiterated plans to turn the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) into a public-private partnership to boost economic development efforts. He announced that his administration and the DCEO will work to organize a newly formed private, non-profit organization that will focus exclusively on increasing Illinois’ competitiveness for job creation and investment.
The Illinois Business and Economic Development Corporation, filed articles of incorporation last week as a non-profit and will focus on sales, marketing and exceptional customer service. The corporation will maintain strict standards of transparency and accountability while also being able to get around the red tape that often hampers the DCEO.
The DCEO will maintain key functions, including federal program administration and final authority and oversight of all state grants and incentives negotiated by the public-private corporation.

Empty Promise of Partial Funding for Higher Education

The House and Senate approved an amendment to Senate Bill 2043 last week that “funds” community colleges and grants for low-income college students, but fails to provide any money. Supporters claimed the Comptroller could just prioritize paying colleges ahead of paying other bills which would mean further delays in paying bills for child care, schools, medical care, services for senior citizens, and the homeless.
State revenue is anticipated to be $32 billion this year and spending through court orders, consent decrees and appropriations already well exceeds that amount. SB2043 would just add $721 million to the list of $7 billion of unpaid bills. The legislature has a constitutional mandate to pass a balanced budget based on reasonable estimates of revenue and spending. This bill continues years of just playing games and giving empty promises.
I spoke in the debate for funding all of our higher education institutions and providing a funding source. House Bill 4539, filed by Rep. Brady on the same day as the amendment to SB2043, does just that and could have provided a vehicle for compromise and real solution to the current problems.
Funding for higher education and many human services awaiting payments could be provided by giving the governor limited emergency authority (HB4521) to set spending priorities and use available other state funds. Such emergency powers were granted to Governor Rauner in March and to previous governors. While I don’t like this funding solution, it is better than just adding to the state’s debts.

Legislature Joins in Recognizing DeKalb

I took advantage of a break in the legislative debate this week to point out the City of DeKalb has made the semi-finals of America’s Best Communities. You can view my comments here. Local leaders in every town and city can review the plans of the 15 communities in the semi-finals and develop their own roadmaps for revitalization. Congratulations DeKalb!

Townships Respond to Task Force Report

The Township Officials of Illinois (TOI) organization does not feel that consolidating townships will improve efficiency or reduce costs. The group was quick to respond to the report issued by the State Task Force on Local Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandates last month. The report included 27 recommendations to help lower local taxes and streamline Illinois’ nearly 7,000 units of local government.
According to TOI, townships have had a smaller increase in taxation than any other type of government over the past 20 years. They further note that as the size of local governments increase, so does spending and borrowing per capita. They observe that wage rates also increase as the unit of government gets larger.
An updated study on local government efficiency and size commissioned by TOI will be released soon. In the meantime, the group urges legislators to review the task force recommendations cautiously.

Education Council Meets Thursday

I hope you will join my Education Advisory Council meeting this Thursday at the County Outreach Building on Annie Glidden Road in DeKalb at 6:30 p.m. Your feedback on various issues being discussed in Springfield will help me better represent the views of this area. Please RSVP your attendance to my office by phone (815-748-3494) or by e-mail (bob@PritchardStateRep.com).

Park Districts Recognize Outstanding Legislators

The Illinois Association of Park Districts singles out four legislators each year for their concern about preserving the natural environment, support for improving the quality of community life, and response to park district issues. I was honored to join Representative Sente, Senator Radogno and Senator Tom Cullerton in accepting the award over the weekend. My involvement with park districts began early in life when I took swimming lessons at the Sycamore Park Pool. Growing up in the country, I developed an appreciation for nature, open space, and the freedom to bike and hike which I wanted to share with others through community parks.Serving on various boards I saw how park districts and recreation programs added immensely to the quality of life for communities, engaged youth and encouraged healthy life styles. They also protected and preserved open space and our natural surroundings. I saw how parks were a part of the attraction that brought new residents to communities.

DeKalb and Sycamore Park representatives- Jason Mangum, Dan Gibble, Ann Tucker, and Phil Young

It was Mary and my pleasure to join staff and board members of the Sycamore and DeKalb Park Districts at the awards luncheon and hear about their exciting programs for this year. Sycamore is making great progress in their facilities expansion.
I will be traveling the district this week to see if the groundhog saw his shadow. Stop me for conversation.

Bob
District Office 815-748-3494 or E-Mail to bob@pritchardstaterep

About Robert-W.-Pritchard---IL-House-70th-District

Robert W. Pritchard (R-Hinckley) is the Illinois State Representative for the 70th district, serving the residents of DeKalb County and portions of Ogle and LaSalle Counties. Pritchard, affectionately known as Bob, has been serving in the Illinois House since 2003. Biography Bob was born February 2, 1945. He grew up on a farm outside Hinckley, Illinois where growing corn and soybeans instilled in him hard work and a sense of dedication. Bob and his family continue to their hard work by farming. He is married to his wife Mary, Associate Dean at Northern Illinois University, and has two grown sons, Matthew and Gregory. Education Bob majored in communications from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) earning both his bachelors and masters degree. Bob’s passion for farming and his education in communication gave him the unique opportunity to enjoy working in both fields. Professional Life Beginning as a Radio and TV broadcaster for a local area stations, Bob delivered the farming updates and local weather reports. Bob took advantage of his skills and has worked for universities as well as filled marketing, public relations, and community relation roles at DeKalb Genetics Corporation and Monsanto. Community Leader Before becoming a member of the Illinois House of Representatives Bob was an energetic and busy contributor to the communities of DeKalb County. Getting his hands dirty in all parts of local government, Bob served on the Hinckley-Big Rock Board of Education. Bob was never far from his roots in the farming community, and was elected to a leadership position for the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. He also served as chairman for the DeKalb County Board. Legislative History Bob has diligently worked for the betterment on a wide gamut of issues from early childhood and education, healthcare, conservation and the environment, job creation, and protecting the manufacturing industry. The values of hard work and dedication that were instilled in Bob from his years of farming are reflected in his mentality of representing his constituents.

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Belvidere's school board votes to have new superintendent start April 18

 

By Susan Vela
Staff writer

Posted Feb. 9, 2016 at 10:21 PM
Updated Feb 9, 2016 at 11:10 PM

BELVIDERE — The Belvidere School Board voted 7-0 Monday to have new Superintendent Daniel Woestman start sooner rather than later.

They approved a contract addendum that will have the veteran educator take control of the approximately 8,200-student school system on April 18 rather than July 1.

Woestman will receive prorated pay based on a three-year contract with a beginning annual salary of $175,000.

Woestman oversees strategic planning for the Rockford School District. He is a former English teacher and Hononegah High School assistant principal.

Belvidere schools have lost about 500 students since 2011. About half of the student population is considered low income. The district’s graduation rate was 83 percent last school year, compared to the state's 86 percent rate.

Susan Vela: 815-987-1369; svela@rrstar.com; @susanvela

Above is from:  http://www.rrstar.com/article/20160209/NEWS/160209503/0/SEARCH

You don’t smash the engine to make a car go faster

 

Editorial: Hey, Governor, it ain't workin'

You don’t smash the engine to make a car go faster, yet that is what Gov. Bruce Rauner is doing to Chicago, the engine of Illinois.

For more than a year, Gov. Rauner has been inflicting permanent damage on one of America’s great cities — and so too, then, on the entire State of Illinois — by holding the city hostage to a rigid “turnaround” agenda that is going nowhere. Rauner charged into office promising dramatic pro-business, anti-union reforms, but he’s fast shaping up as one of the least successful and most politically inept governors in the state’s history.

It is easy to say “a pox on both your houses,” as we have in the past, laying blame equally on the governor and the Democratic leaders of the state Legislature, especially House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. And certainly, as President Obama said in his speech to the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday, there is a need across the political spectrum for “civility and compromise.”

But increasingly, with respect to Gov. Rauner, that is a false equivalency.

Both Democratic and Republican leaders over decades are to blame for the financial mess Illinois finds itself in, failing to sufficiently fund pensions and cutting overly generous deals with public employee unions. Nobody has clean hands. But Rauner’s performance as governor lies at the heart of the problem now. His largely inflexible demands are unrealistic and his coercive tactics ineffectual. His harsh rhetoric has made constructive compromise — the heart and soul of politics if not the private equity business — all the more difficult.

The irony here is that Rauner is championing some good stuff for which he might possibly, over time, cobble together bipartisan support. We’re with him on the need to reform the way legislative maps are drawn to make elections more competitive. We see merit in term limits for legislators. There’s a good argument that Illinois could go further in reforming its worker’s comp laws.

But Rauner came to Springfield and demanded it all, right away. Without even a nod to political realities, he front-loaded his entire agenda into the first year of his four-year term. And we’re troubled by his seeming obsession with curtailing the power of unions; is it so complete that he cannot see that he will never get a right-to-work law through the General Assembly?

This is Illinois, where Democrats control the Legislature — and more than a few Republicans stand with the unions, too. This is not Wisconsin, where Republican Gov. Scott Walker, one of Rauner’s role models, works with a compliant Republican legislature.

Bruce Rauner governs as if he were still a CEO dictating to underlings. It ain’t workin’.

Chicago, frankly, can’t take much more of this. Businesses are leaving or declining to set up shop here, wary of the uncertainties surrounding schools, higher education, taxes and public services. Even as the economy improves elsewhere across the nation, Chicago is losing or missing out on new jobs in every sector, from construction to white collar. Three weeks ago, as now widely lamented, General Electric took a pass on moving its headquarters to Chicago because, as one executive put it, “It seemed too big a risk.”

Our city’s safety net of basic social services is being shredded by a state budget impasse that is eight months old. Children, the poor, the elderly and the disabled are being harmed. And it’s bad for business. People like to live and work in a place that demonstrates a commitment to basic human decency.

When Lutheran Social Services must shut down 30 programs serving almost 5,000 people because the state won’t pay its bills, that’s not basic human decency.

Twice now Rauner has done damage to efforts by Chicago Public Schools to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars at a reasonable rate — money desperately needed to keep the schools open while CPS attempts to resolve its long-term financial problems.

In late January, the governor announced the state would “take over” the city’s public schools, sending a message to Wall Street that CPS was a risky mess. CPS put off its efforts to borrow.

A week later, when CPS again was negotiating a bond issue, Rauner again made a show of calling for a state takeover of the schools, which has zero chance of happening.

What was the damage from the governor’s grenade? Instead of borrowing $875 million, CPS scaled back the bond issue to $725 million. And instead of getting the 7.75 percent rate offered the week before, CPS was forced to borrow at a far more expensive rate of 8.5 percent.

Rauner’s frequent suggestion that CPS declare bankruptcy is in itself casually clueless. Bankruptcy can be a smart move in the private sector, but less so in the public sector. Bankruptcy would not necessarily save CPS significant money and, more to the point, families with options would bolt for the suburbs. No parent wants to send a child to a bankrupt school.

The fair assumption is that Rauner’s real motivation is to push the schools into bankruptcy to break the teachers’ union. If so, he will fail. But he is driving folks not entirely sympathetic to unions — folks such as Madigan — further into their corner.

Rauner’s grenades may not be intentional. Maybe he’s just a rookie pol goofing up. That would explain why the governor two weeks ago stepped to the microphones and announced that he and Senate President John Cullerton had come to agreement on a big pension reform plan. The two men had in fact agreed to a deal, but not exactly the one described by the governor, forcing Cullerton to shoot him down by press release. So much for trust, the bread and butter of politics.

Exacerbating Rauner’s inability to get anything done has been his penchant for ripping political opponents in personal terms. Most recently, he has said Mayor Rahm Emanuel “caved” when negotiating a deal with the Chicago Teachers Union, and he has said he’s “very disappointed” in how the mayor has handled a white-hot police misconduct scandal. Rauner added that he would sign legislation allowing Chicagoans to recall their mayor.

That would be the very definition of throwing a supposed friend under a bus.

Bruce Rauner is a governor now, not a CEO, in a politically divided state. He can’t tell everybody what to do. The only road forward is through compromise.

Gov. Rauner had better figure that out before it’s too late. Chicago, the engine of Illinois, needs fixing, not a beating.

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Above is from:  http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/7/71/1317696/editorial-60