Illinois Sheriff Association and Sheriff Wirth

For years we have been receiving these type of letters signed by Sheriff Wirth asking for money.  My question always has been were is this money going?

 

Well if you want to try to figure out where the money is going here is the Illinois Sheriff’s Association website and their required IRS and Illinois State disclosure forms.  Just click below:

Illinois Sheriff's Association > Information > ISA Financial Reports

The Illinois Charitable Forms indicates that 52% of the revenue is given as charity 48% is management and fundraising expenses.

Quinn: State deficit might exceed $9B in ’10 - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Well here is the number--$9,000,000,000—the State of Illinois’ budget is  out of balance by that amount.

Quinn: State deficit might exceed $9B in ’10 - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Barack Obama | Change We Need | Invite Your Friends to Watch the Video

See what the President thinks was significant about his speech.  It is just over 9 minutes; the whole speech is also available here.

Barack Obama | Change We Need | Invite Your Friends to Watch the Video

Chicago as a high-speed rail hub: Has the time for this idea finally come? | The Skyline

Well here is a good rumor.  Send this to your favorite railroad buff.  It would really be news if it only “could” happen. Remember this is the Chicago Tribune talking.

Chicago as a high-speed rail hub: Has the time for this idea finally come? | The Skyline

Sweeny Report » Manzullo responds to Obama speech

Thought some of you may wish to know Congressman Manzullo’s reaction to the President’s speech to the Congress.  Click on the following to see the actual posting or see the printed version.

Sweeny Report » Manzullo responds to Obama speech

Here’s Congressman Don Manzullo’s take on Obama’s speech.

  “Following weeks of unprecedented spending, it was good to hear President Obama talk tonight about the need for fiscal responsibility as we move our country forward. As our nation recovers, we must quickly end this government spending spree that is heaping massive amounts of debt on our future generations. Unfortunately, Congress plans to pay off our bills by increasing taxes on Americans instead of cutting wasteful spending. These tax hikes – which include the return of the job-killing death tax – will especially hurt our small business owners, who create 70 percent of all new jobs each year. Why in these dire economic times would we intentionally hurt the segment of our economy that has the best chance to put people back to work?

“Instead, the government should tighten its purse strings and cut spending as all Americans are doing in these difficult times. The people I represent are worried and hurting, and I appreciate President Obama’s urgency in trying to return us to prosperity. I will continue to reach out to the President and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do what we can to improve the lives of all Americans.”

The White House - Blog Post - Recovery in Action: Minnesota and Oregon

Well at least two states will have some recovery money on Wednesday.   Take a look what do you think? 

The White House - Blog Post - Recovery in Action: Minnesota and Oregon

Monday, February 23rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm

Recovery in Action: Minnesota and Oregon

The first dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act are going out in just two days -- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 -- in the form of federal support for state medicaid payments.
But the impact is already being felt well beyond that. Just today, Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak announced that he was prepared to swallow hard and make significant cuts to public works and public safety. Thanks to the ARRA, he won't have to:

"Now let’s turn to Police. If the Governor’s cuts were passed on directly to the Police Department, it would have led to the elimination of 57 sworn police officer positions and 19 non sworn employees. We will not have to do that because of two factors. First, working with Chief Dolan, we are proposing elimination of $1.5 million in non personnel costs, including overtime.
"Second the federal Recovery Act’s one time public safety grants arrived just in time. President Obama said he would help cities keep police officers on the job and he has delivered. Because of this funding I will be proposing no personnel cuts in the Police Department. Next time someone asks you what the Recovery Act will do, start by telling them it will keep 57 police officers working on the streets of Minneapolis."

And in Oregon, the funds dedicated to overhauling our energy grid are already spurring investment in green jobs:

"The Bonneville Power Administration will start building a 79-mile, $246 million electrical transmission line this spring along the Columbia River that the agency says will create 700 construction jobs.
"The regional power agency said it is going forward with the project, which has been on hold since 2002, because the stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama raises the BPA's borrowing authority by $3.25 billion. Its current borrowing authority is $4.4 billion.
" 'The recovery package allows expansion plans of this magnitude,' said Steve Wright, the BPA administrator."

Belvidere's budget could include architect - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Well this is the City of Belvidere’s answer to the PSB issue.  The county should be addressing this issue as well.  The county also would have to pay half of the $13,500 to $23,000  costs.  The city’s fiscal year is May 1 to April 30.The county’s fiscal year  is December 1 to November 30.  Click below to see the on-line version of Rockford Register Star.

Belvidere's budget could include architect - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Here is a photocopy of the article in case it no longer is on line.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Village of Poplar Grove prepared for expansive growth

I found this very interesting, particularly the balloon note which the residents will have to pay in 5 years.  Click and see what you think.

The Belvidere Daily Republican. - Village of Poplar Grove prepared for expansive growth

CNN explains the auto sales tax feature of the Stimulus Plan

Well it will not be very much money to most of us.  It is equivalent to deducting the sales tax  from your taxable income.  You will get back the sales tax times your marginal tax rate.  If you are in the 15% marginal tax rate, that is 15 cents on each dollar of sales tax.

Click below for CNN’s article.

Auto sales stimulus cut back - Feb. 12, 2009

What Federal Stimulus will Boone County receive?

On February 13, 2009 Illinois Department of Transportation announced the $693 million projects that were “shovel ready” and “can be on the special letting in early April”.  There is only one project in Boone County --$3,150,000 for resurfacing Route 20 from Farmington Way to McHenry County Border.  Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

What will Republican governors do with the Stimulus Bill?

The Guardian Newspaper from England writes of Republican governors considering to refuse  federal stimulus funds on ideological grounds.  Click to view the Guardian article.

World news Feed Article | World news | guardian.co.uk

In case the link no longer is showing this story, click on the small icons which follow.

Has anyone heard of Midwest Ice Cream?

I have lived in Belvidere for twenty years and never heard of Midwest Ice Cream, Belvidere, Il.  I call the toll free number on the FDA announcement several  times which was busy each time.  Then I call Dean Foods, located at 630 Meadow, Belvidere.  I found out that Midwest Ice Cream LLC was Dean Foods.  My thoughts are:  it is sad what a reputable company has to do to protect its name, reputation and business;  all over a problem which apparently was caused by  some one else.

Looking at the situation from another view, Midwest Ice Cream has always technically been the name of the Belvidere Plant.  Research indicates that Dean allows a great deal of independence to its individual plants and plant managers. Dean markets and operates under many names.  However it is interesting that the name listed  in local phone directories and other  references for the Belvidere facility is Dean Foods.

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

February Update: Beginning FY 2009 Income for Boone County Government Down 7.6%

The shortfall in revenues is growing and is now $98,190 or 7.6% below the projections of $1,297,731.  These numbers compare unfavorably with the  January numbers which were $33,188.78 or 4.27% below December/January projected revenue. See discussion of previous report at: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/01/income-reports-from-county-government.html Two taxes with the largest difference from projections are Personal Property Replacement which is $21,807 short  or 21.67% below projections and  the state income tax which is $38,131 short or 14.43% less than projected.   The running totals reported this February are shown below.  All figures were supplied by the County Administrator, Ken Terrinoni, to the County Finance Subcommittee.  Click on the copy to make it larger.

Here are my calculations:

PSB  141778.05 + 144409.66 +136185.88  =  422373.59                                                                      -5264.73/422373.59 =  -1.24%

CST ¼   87305.69 + 86368.04 + 82929.99 = 256603.72                                                                           -14427.07/256603.72 = –5.62%

Sales 1 %  86644.94 + 92482.07 + 74697.06 =  253824.07                                                               ---18460.87/253824.07 = –7.27%

PerProRep   25695.16 + 74935.62 = 100630.78     -21806.68/100630.78= –21.67%

State Inc  113270.88 + 151027.84 = 264298.72     --38130.75/264298.72 = –14.43%

Total Projections=  422373.59 + 256603.72 + 253824.07 + 100630.78 +264298.72 = 1297730.90

Total Shortfall  = –5264.73 + –14427.07 + –18460.87 + -21806.68 + -38130.75 = $98,190.0    98190/1297730= 7.57%

Boone board delays peaker plant verdict - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

This appeared in the ROCKFORD Register Star on Thursday, February 12, 2009.  Below, I have  cut and pasted the article in case you have trouble reaching the link.

Boone board delays peaker plant verdict - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

By Kevin Haas

RRSTAR.COM

Posted Feb 12, 2009 @ 12:46 AM

---

BELVIDERE —

Boone County Board members delayed a decision Wednesday that could bring a peaker power plant to rural Boone County.
The board voted 9-3 to postpone the decision to its next meeting after some members felt more research was needed into the plant’s effect on property values, among other things.
“We owe it to the property owners around the project, we owe it to the citizens of Boone County ... to make sure we are completely informed and make an educated decision,” said Anthony Dini, board member.
Developers said the delayed vote does not push back their plans to start construction in fall 2010 and bring the plant online by May 2012.
“There’s a lot of work we have to do. We have nine to 12 months of permitting to go forward with,” said Jeff Greig, vice president of Burns & McDonnell, the architectural and engineering firm behind the project.
Power Ventures Group LLC wants to bring a 100-megawatt natural-gas fired peaking power plant to a 20-acre site east of Garden Prairie Road and south of Interstate 90 in eastern Boone County.
The facility is intended to operate during times of high energy demand — especially hot summer days — to provide stable electric power to the region.
The facility is bordered by I-90 to the north, but otherwise surrounded by farmland. Neighbors to the would-be project said the sound and sight of 12 exhaust stacks, which could be as tall as 75 feet, will lower their property values. They also don’t want to see prime agricultural land lost.
It has board members weighing whether the good of creating construction jobs and a higher property-tax base outweighs the loss of farmland.
The facility would employ four to eight people once online but would create about 125 construction jobs at its peak, developers said.
“I understand the country is going through a rough time right now, as is our community, and nation. But what about all the years that my neighbors and I have contributed valuable tax money to our economy? Does that not count for anything?” said Kevin Ernesti, a neighbor who opposes the project. “Farmland is becoming scarcer every day. You can’t make more farmland. What we have is all we will ever have.”
Staff writer Kevin Haas can be reached at 815-544-3452 or khaas@rrstar.com.

Will you be allowed to view the slides from the School District 100’s State of the District Finance Address?

Update:  Permission has been granted. See the posting on District 100 Watchdog:  http://district100watchdog.blogspot.com/2009/02/state-of-district-100-finances-address.html  Dr. Michael Houselog’s exact words from his email are:  “Last night(2-17-2009) the Belvidere School Board approved the minutes of the February 10, 2009 Business Services Meeting. Thus you are granted permission to post that document on your blog.”

 

 

On Tuesday , February 10, 2009  James E. Metz, District 100 Consultant,  and Scott Smith, PMA Financial Network Account Executive,  presented a State of  District Finances to the general public and  the  Employee Associations for District 100.  There were fifteen pages of graphs,  assumptions and findings.  If you were there you could have obtained a copy of the presentation.  I would like to show you this presentation which I have in my possession but I am currently being prevented by PMA’s oral warning.  Please read my letter to District 100 Board.   What do you think?  Should the taxpayers’ be allowed to view these fifteen pages of the presentation?

Below is my letter to the Board of Education, the cover for the presentation, PMA’s Disclaimer to the report, and some web information on PMA’s services.  Click to enlarge the photocopy

 

Don’t Forget about your children and grandchildren—Recycle

Take a look at this new free program from  Best Buy to recycle all your old small appliances and electronics.  Please check your local Best Buy and recycle.

Click on picture to make larger.

Assisted-living center would be a Belvidere first - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Here is the last that the news media has spoken on the  Glen of Belvidere.

Assisted-living center would be a Belvidere first - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

2 off Belvidere School Board ballot - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Here is the latest as to what happen to Ms. Hathaway and myself.

2 off Belvidere School Board ballot - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

The Saga of the Mystery Grant: Discovery of A letter of Understanding

You may wish to review the following earlier stories, to fully appreciate all the facts:

http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/01/mystery-grant.html

http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/01/light-into-sewer.html

http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/01/mystery-grant-is-actually-phoenix.html

http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/01/register-stars-take-on-phoenix-project.html

http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/01/update-on-sewer-grant.html

Even though many board members and the grant writer were not aware of it,  a memorandum of understanding does exist  between Boone County and the Kensington  Group.  I have copies of it below:  Click to enlarge.

 

From what I can gather, if the sewer extension grant is approved the assisted living project will begin before the end of Summer 2009.  That means that a lease agreement for the land must be signed before the digging begins.  While such real estate negotiations can be done in closed session, I believe that the public should know what is the board’s intention.  Will this lease be at fair market value or will it be considered another  financial incentive for the owners of the assisted living facility?  The county board has already pledged $110,000 which is held in two charitable trusts as a donation towards this project.(See photocopy below, click to enlarge)  Are there additional costs to the taxpayers?  What is the worth of the eight acres? At $50,000 an acre that is $400,000?  It is next  to the land fill, does that make it worthless?  With water and sewer, should not the land value be quite high?

Kensington Group also owns and operates Northwoods Nursing Home.  The real estate tax assessment at that institution has been in a appeal status since 2003 and still has not been finally adjudicated.  Is it not reasonable to negotiate a mutually agreed assessment for this facility prior to signing a lease for the land?  Such action is being done in regards to the Peaker Energy Zoning Request, why not here with the lease to the assisted living facility?

Rockford School District #205 dismisses objection to candidacy

This is from today’s Rockford Register Star.  Mr. Salgado requested dismissal for reasons  similar to my request.  (See my request, posting of 2/9/2009 from the District 100 Watchdog---  http://district100watchdog.blogspot.com/2009/02/hearing-date-400-pm-monday-february-9.html   Click on picture to make larger.

Business Cards: Bill Pysson, Candidate for School Board

As many of you know I am running for District 100 School Board and currently being legally challenged for technicalities regarding my paperwork by my opponent, Mr. Powell.  If you are interested in the details concerning this issue (and other school related issues) please view by my other blog:   www.district100watchdog.blogspot.com  

For your convenience I have a business size card which you can give to your friends for viewing the blog.  Please note, I say “Vote April 7”—at this point I only hope that you will have a choice for this board seat between Mr. Powell and  myself.

The card is also a handy reference for this site’s blog address.  Just substitute “boonecounty” for “district100”

To copy, click to obtain a full page of cards and then copy.

Challenged Belvidere School Board candidate granted extension - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Hey,  here is a good summary as to where I am in the challenge to my candidacy for school board.   Take a look.

Challenged Belvidere School Board candidate granted extension - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Big argument between Mayor and Mr. Wise on the Utility Tax and why it was suspended

Hey I don’t have a clue on this one.  See http://belvideresovereignty.wordpress.com/

Let you be the Judge—My Opponent, Mr. Powell, has challenged my petitions to run for the school board.

Below is Mr.Powell’s challenge and the seven pages—78 signatures for my candidacy.  Click to make the copies larger.

There will be an open meeting of the District 100, Electoral Board at Central Office, 1201 Fifth Avenue, Belvidere, Il  61008 at 4:00PM, Monday, February 9, 2009.  Members of the board are: Ted Stenerson, Chairperson, Jeff Ernest, Member and Jerry Kenney, Member.  Mr. Stenersen was my opponent in a school board election, the last time I ran for school board.

 

I don’t want to sway your opinion, but District 100 initially gave me the wrong petition forms.  I find it extremely interesting that one of District 100’s board member is now questioning my petitions.

Bill Pysson—Candidate for District 100 School Board

Here is some information about myself and why I am running.  For the first time in many years voters are being given some choices.  I thank all the challengers.  I ask that you considered myself and the other new faces for these important positions.  Do remember that there is no monetary payment for these positions so everyone who is running is offering to donate a whole bunch of time.

Here is a flyer regarding my candidacy.  You can enlarge it by clicking on it.  Feel free to copy it and give it to your neighbors and friends. Click on the small envelope at the bottom of this posting to email this to your friends.  Check again in a few days and a small poster will be available.

To share information, email us at DistrictWatchdog.

Unemployment Rises from 7.2 % to 7.6%: Employment Drop is large and widespread across Major Industry Sectors

These and other descriptions of this recession are available in the just release figures from the Department of Labor:  See  Commissioner's Statement on the Employment Situation News Release

To share information, email us at Watchdog.

Wise-Brereton Debate On Lincoln’s Birthday

I copied this from: http://belvideresovereignty.wordpress.com/

 

Posted on February 5, 2009 by belvideresovereignty

February 4, 2009

On February 12, 2009 Jim Wise, candidate for mayor of Belvidere Illinois, and Mayor Fred Brereton will conduct a debate at Belvidere Central Middle School.

The debate will begin at 7:30 pm and will conclude at 8:30 pm. Doors will open at 7:00 pm for seating of the audience.

Moderators of this event will be Mr. Eric Wilson and/or Ms. Dani Maxwell of WREX Channel 13.

The debate will be conducted in a style that is in keeping with the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 200 birthday. To celebrate the anniversary of the 16th President of the United State’s birthday, the debate will be conducted in the Lincoln-Douglas style of debate. This allows the debaters to take opposing positions on the agreed upon topics. Ensuring a robust debate and an entertaining evening for those attending this momentous event.

“I look forward to bringing the issues that challenge our community into the open for the public to see. Bringing transparency to our city government which has been absent from our community for several years now.”

“As a candidate for the office of mayor, I offer the opportunity of renewal and the hope for change to the citizens of Belvidere and it is my intent to prove this to them on February 12.”

Questions may be directed to:
Jim Wise at 815-904-9576
Email: james.r.wise@live.com

To share information, email us at Watchdog.

Members of County Board Opposed to Consent Agenda

I have been contacted by Mr. Anthony Dini, Republican, District 2,   and Ms. Terri Glass, Democratic, District 3, regarding their personal opposition and concerns regarding using a “consent agenda” on so many of the matters they vote upon at the full county board meetings.  A consent agenda is a long list of motions which are handled with just one “nay” or “aye” vote by the county board.  A formal statement from Ms. Glass has just been received—it is addressed to Boone County Taxpayers Association and to the residents of Boone County.

---

To: BCTAxpayers
Sent: 2/3/2009 4:29:48 P.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: Fwd: Boone County- Do You smell something? Please forward to Boone County res...

---

From: zebrasnot@hotmail.com
Subj: Boone County- Do You smell something? Please forward to Boone County residents

Last night at the Administrative & Legislative Committee (02-01-2009) there was very heated discussion. The issue revolved around the proposal to change the way the County Board votes on Motions. There are some who are advocating for a consent agenda.
Currently the County Board is provided a Motion list. All of the Motions that the County Board will be voting on are itemized on that list. The list is itemized by committee and the vote coming out of committee is listed  (for example if 2 voted against the motion the list would include the words- Motion passed 3-2).
Currently each motion is made independently and each issue is given floor time for questions and discussion not only from the board but from the public as well. I believe that this method provides the most transparent form of government as community members can hear the actual issues, understand what was done by their elected officials and actually be involved in the process.
There are members on this County Board who feel that if a motion is passed at the committee level then the Board should automatically pass the motion as well. There are members of the Board who feel that the County Board Meeting is NOT the appropriate place for discussion to take place. Yes, you read it right, discussion should NOT take place at the County Board level. Let me elaborate. All discussion should occur at the committee level. If a Board member has a question then he/she should attend the committee meeting. Community members should attend the committee meetings as well.
How are these two issues related.... the proposal is to place all of the Motions on a "CONSENT" agenda and one motion, one second and one vote approves everything.
Here is why I have a problem with this....
1. When does the community get to address and issue on the agenda? Sure, some Board members want to provide a sign in sheet for the community member. They sign in, state their issue and they will be given a few moments at the beginning of the meeting to address their issue. However, this limits the right of the citizen, voter and taxpayer to be fully informed on the issues. Well, maybe that's the way they want it.
What happens when a citizen comes to the meeting and doesn't understand that they have to sign in beforehand?
What happens when a citizen shows up a few minutes late, or has trouble finding a parking spot and walks in after the Motion to approve everything has been made.
2. When does the Board get to address an issue? Sure, they'll tell you that any Board member can pull an item out of the consent agenda for discussion. THe Board should only discuss things at the committee level. THat's what the committees are for, to perform the research and discussion and present the motion to the Board. And how many motions have been re-considered or sent back for further review BECAUSE the committee didn't do the homework or have all of the information.
3. Some argue that the Board meetings run too long. These are also the same people who complain that the committee meetings run too long. So, let me get this straight... they don't want to talk about issues at the board level and they want to rush things through  at the committee level. Exactly, when should the discussion take place then? Oh wait, behind closed doors and in the backroom and in someone's basement maybe?-- ANYWHERE BUT IN THE PUBLIC EYE!
4. The idea of discussing things at different committees and again at the Board is to assure that due diligence has been performed, that all options have been discussed and that everyone is voting on the issues with all of the facts at hand. So, if you can't attend a committee meeting, you could effectively be prevented from asking questions. Although some tried to convince me that the motion to remove doesn't require a second, they didn't convince me that the issue would be openly discussed. Remember, there are many on the Board who feel that the claims shouldn't be questioned.
5. Here are the 4 people who voted, at committee level, to remove your right to read and understand the issues. Karl Johnson, Pat Mattison, Danny Anderson and Brad Rightnowar. I was the lone voice of opposition. Please feel free to contact them and ask them why they voted in this manner. I attached the list of ALL county Board members, their addresses and phone numbers.
6. Maybe I am a little pigheaded and stubborn. But I stubbornly refuse to do anything that even remotely looks as if the County Board is trying to be deceptive. I have no problem adding the Highway department bids or routine interfund transfers or approving the minutes and the agenda. These are monotonous items that are highly regulated and are frequently performed. Adding these to a consent agenda would free up time for discussion on other issues.
Many times I have sat in a County Board prepared to vote a certain way on an issue. Upon hearing the public or other Board member speak I was compelled to change my vote. I firmly believe that this consent agenda takes that away.
You should also know that the County Board voted to change the date of the County Board meeting and move it back one week. This was done to provide adequate time for Board members AND the public to read and understand all of the issues that are going to be voted on. The idea was that by providing more time perhaps we could alleviate some if the unnecessary discussion. (Karl Johnson and Danny Anderson voted NO on moving the meeting date). The new meeting date doesn't start until March and the Board hasn't even had a chance to see if it will work. To see if the meeting flows better. Instead, they want to push through the concept of the consent agenda.
Perhaps it isn't about the consent agenda but its about a hidden agenda.
And a final FYI- one Board member commented that the County Board now has meeting 3 out of 4 weeks per month and this would interfere with vacations.
One board member stated that the way to push through a tax referendum was NOT to educate the public, just try to keep it quiet because the more people know about it he more they oppose it.
Ever attend a meeting... listen to Board members when its over. Typically someone comments on how long or short the meeting was and a pat on the back is given to the one at the table who conducted the shortest meeting.
Geez, I though we were there to do the work of the County not see how fast we could do the work of the County.
Sincerely,
Terri Glass
Boone County Board Vice Chairman
District 3 Representative

Ms. Glass mentioned the names and addresses of county board members;  they are available at: http://www.boonecountyil.org

 

  Below is Mr. Dini’s press release.  Click to enlarge

To share information, email us at Watchdog.

Members of County Board Opposed to Consent Agenda

I have been contacted by Mr. Anthony Dini, Republican, District 2,   and Ms. Terri Glass, Democratic, District 3, regarding their personal opposition and concerns regarding using a “consent agenda” on so many of the matters they vote upon at the full county board meetings.  A consent agenda is a long list of motions which are handled with just one “nay” or “aye” vote by the county board.  A formal statement from Ms. Glass has just been received—it is addressed to Boone County Taxpayers Association and to the residents of Boone County.

---

To: BCTAxpayers
Sent: 2/3/2009 4:29:48 P.M. Central Standard Time
Subj: Fwd: Boone County- Do You smell something? Please forward to Boone County res...

---

From: zebrasnot@hotmail.com
Subj: Boone County- Do You smell something? Please forward to Boone County residents

Last night at the Administrative & Legislative Committee (02-01-2009) there was very heated discussion. The issue revolved around the proposal to change the way the County Board votes on Motions. There are some who are advocating for a consent agenda.
Currently the County Board is provided a Motion list. All of the Motions that the County Board will be voting on are itemized on that list. The list is itemized by committee and the vote coming out of committee is listed  (for example if 2 voted against the motion the list would include the words- Motion passed 3-2).
Currently each motion is made independently and each issue is given floor time for questions and discussion not only from the board but from the public as well. I believe that this method provides the most transparent form of government as community members can hear the actual issues, understand what was done by their elected officials and actually be involved in the process.
There are members on this County Board who feel that if a motion is passed at the committee level then the Board should automatically pass the motion as well. There are members of the Board who feel that the County Board Meeting is NOT the appropriate place for discussion to take place. Yes, you read it right, discussion should NOT take place at the County Board level. Let me elaborate. All discussion should occur at the committee level. If a Board member has a question then he/she should attend the committee meeting. Community members should attend the committee meetings as well.
How are these two issues related.... the proposal is to place all of the Motions on a "CONSENT" agenda and one motion, one second and one vote approves everything.
Here is why I have a problem with this....
1. When does the community get to address and issue on the agenda? Sure, some Board members want to provide a sign in sheet for the community member. They sign in, state their issue and they will be given a few moments at the beginning of the meeting to address their issue. However, this limits the right of the citizen, voter and taxpayer to be fully informed on the issues. Well, maybe that's the way they want it.
What happens when a citizen comes to the meeting and doesn't understand that they have to sign in beforehand?
What happens when a citizen shows up a few minutes late, or has trouble finding a parking spot and walks in after the Motion to approve everything has been made.
2. When does the Board get to address an issue? Sure, they'll tell you that any Board member can pull an item out of the consent agenda for discussion. THe Board should only discuss things at the committee level. THat's what the committees are for, to perform the research and discussion and present the motion to the Board. And how many motions have been re-considered or sent back for further review BECAUSE the committee didn't do the homework or have all of the information.
3. Some argue that the Board meetings run too long. These are also the same people who complain that the committee meetings run too long. So, let me get this straight... they don't want to talk about issues at the board level and they want to rush things through  at the committee level. Exactly, when should the discussion take place then? Oh wait, behind closed doors and in the backroom and in someone's basement maybe?-- ANYWHERE BUT IN THE PUBLIC EYE!
4. The idea of discussing things at different committees and again at the Board is to assure that due diligence has been performed, that all options have been discussed and that everyone is voting on the issues with all of the facts at hand. So, if you can't attend a committee meeting, you could effectively be prevented from asking questions. Although some tried to convince me that the motion to remove doesn't require a second, they didn't convince me that the issue would be openly discussed. Remember, there are many on the Board who feel that the claims shouldn't be questioned.
5. Here are the 4 people who voted, at committee level, to remove your right to read and understand the issues. Karl Johnson, Pat Mattison, Danny Anderson and Brad Rightnowar. I was the lone voice of opposition. Please feel free to contact them and ask them why they voted in this manner. I attached the list of ALL county Board members, their addresses and phone numbers.
6. Maybe I am a little pigheaded and stubborn. But I stubbornly refuse to do anything that even remotely looks as if the County Board is trying to be deceptive. I have no problem adding the Highway department bids or routine interfund transfers or approving the minutes and the agenda. These are monotonous items that are highly regulated and are frequently performed. Adding these to a consent agenda would free up time for discussion on other issues.
Many times I have sat in a County Board prepared to vote a certain way on an issue. Upon hearing the public or other Board member speak I was compelled to change my vote. I firmly believe that this consent agenda takes that away.
You should also know that the County Board voted to change the date of the County Board meeting and move it back one week. This was done to provide adequate time for Board members AND the public to read and understand all of the issues that are going to be voted on. The idea was that by providing more time perhaps we could alleviate some if the unnecessary discussion. (Karl Johnson and Danny Anderson voted NO on moving the meeting date). The new meeting date doesn't start until March and the Board hasn't even had a chance to see if it will work. To see if the meeting flows better. Instead, they want to push through the concept of the consent agenda.
Perhaps it isn't about the consent agenda but its about a hidden agenda.
And a final FYI- one Board member commented that the County Board now has meeting 3 out of 4 weeks per month and this would interfere with vacations.
One board member stated that the way to push through a tax referendum was NOT to educate the public, just try to keep it quiet because the more people know about it he more they oppose it.
Ever attend a meeting... listen to Board members when its over. Typically someone comments on how long or short the meeting was and a pat on the back is given to the one at the table who conducted the shortest meeting.
Geez, I though we were there to do the work of the County not see how fast we could do the work of the County.
Sincerely,
Terri Glass
Boone County Board Vice Chairman
District 3 Representative

Ms. Glass mentioned the names and addresses of county board members;  they are available at: http://www.boonecountyil.org

 

  Below is Mr. Dini’s press release.  Click to enlarge

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Update on Some Labor Statistics—Break- down by state

Unemployment figures by state was released by the Department of Labor on January 27th.  They range from 3.4% for Wyoming to 10.6% for Michigan.  Illinois has the 15th highest at 7.6%.  To see more go to:http://www.bls.gov/web/laumstrk.htm.  If you or a friend is seeking employment perhaps such numbers may help you in your search.  It seems that states which are largely agricultural are doing the best.

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Boone County again debates peaker plant - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Here is an update  on the Peaker Plant by Kevin Haas.  Because this is just a special use permit, a simple majority is all that is required to allow this new use of the property. The full board’s regular meeting is 6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.  Click below to see Mr. Haas’ story.

Boone County again debates peaker plant - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

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Bill Pysson—Candidate for District 100 School Board

Here is some information about myself and why I am running.  For the first time in many years voters are being given some choices.  I thank all the challengers.  I ask that you considered myself and the other new faces for these important positions.  Do remember that there is no monetary payment for these positions so everyone who is running is offering to donate a whole bunch of time.

Here is a pamphlet regarding my candidacy.  You can enlarge it by clicking on it.  Click on the small envelope at the bottom of this posting to email this to your friends.  Check again in a few days and a color version of this ad and a small poster will be available.

 

To share information, email address us at BooneCountyWatchdog.

Bill Pysson—Candidate for District 100 School Board

Here is some information about myself and why I am running.  For the first time in many years voters are being given some choices.  I thank all the challengers.  And ask that you considered myself and the other new faces for this important position.  Do remember that there is no monetary payment for these position so everyone who is running is offering to donate a whole bunch of time.

Here is a pamphlet regarding my candidacy.  You can enlarge it by clicking on it.  Click on the small envelope at the bottom of this posting to email this to your friends.  Check again in a few days and a color version of this ad and a small poster will be available.