The Belvidere/Boone County Food Pantry recently received $25,000 grant from the City of Rockford Human Services Department.
This is part of a community services block grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Click on the following for more details: Local food pantry receives $25,000 grant
Organization: Belvidere Community Unit School District #100
Type: Administration : Assistant Principal
Posted: 6/29/2010
Available: 8/2/2010
Meehan & Lincoln Elementary Schools
Position DetailsAbout Belvidere Community Unit School District #100
Description:
Need by August 2, 2010 for the 2010-11school year; 10 month administration position. $55,000-$60,000 + TRS.
Qualifications:
Type 75 certificate. Masters degree in Educational Administration.
Application Procedure:
Qualified applicants should apply on line.
Selection Procedure:
If you are selected you will be contacted by phone.
Click on the following for more details on the job: Asst. Elementary School Principal | K12 Jobspot
I thought such things were over with as long as GM=Government Motors.
GM wants to sell the plant to Chicago based JD Norman.
JD Norman is the only potential buyer in this deal. The company has plants in the U.S. and Mexico
The only options for the plant are to have the sale go through, or for GM to close the plant in 2011.
If union workers at GM's Indianapolis stamping plant don't negotiate by the end of business Wednesday, the sale of the plant could be in jeopardy, resulting in its closure.
Click on the following for more details: GM may not be able to sell Indianapolis stamping plant
Shown below is the article from today’s Rockford Register Star regarding phone solicitation by parties representing themselves as the Illinois Sheriff’s Association(ISA).
The very interesting thing is-- just how charitable is the Illinois Sheriff’s Association? Back in 2009 I report on a letter requesting my donation to the ISA signed by Boone County Sheriff, Duane Wirth. See: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2009/02/illinois-sheriff-association-and.html
At that time I reported that the Illinois Charitable Forms for ISA indicates that 52% of the revenue is given as charity 48% is management and fundraising expenses. The more recent such forms (12 months of 2007) is shown below. (also available at: http://www.ilsheriff.org/IL%20Charitable%20Organ.%20Annual%20Report.pdf) Now those numbers have improved to 59.5% of the revenue is given as charity and 40.5% is management and fundraising expenses. 100% of the fundraising is raised by paid professional fundraisers.
Oh yes—our household has received numerous phone calls from individuals representing themselves as the ISA.
Click on the photocopy to enlarge.
Daniel Ambriz, 19, of Belvidere was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member, a Class 2 felony
Click on the following for more details: Belvidere man ID’d as gang member hit with gun charge - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Census Population Estimates
Census 2000
41,786July 1, 2000 Estimate
42,053July 1, 2001 Estimate
43,187July 1, 2002 Estimate
44,508July 1, 2003 Estimate
46,089July 1, 2004 Estimate
47,693July 1, 2005 Estimate
49,455July 1, 2006 Estimate
51,472July 1, 2007 Estimate
53,162July 1, 2008 Estimate
53,892July 1, 2009 Estimate
54,020Belvidere city (Illinois)
Incorporated PlacePercent Change, 2008-2009:
-0.03%Percent Change, 2000-2009:
26.8%Census Population Estimates
Census 2000
20,820July 1, 2000 Estimate
21,200July 1, 2001 Estimate
21,676July 1, 2002 Estimate
22,309July 1, 2003 Estimate
23,006July 1, 2004 Estimate
23,506July 1, 2005 Estimate
24,204July 1, 2006 Estimate
25,203July 1, 2007 Estimate
26,049July 1, 2008 Estimate
26,413July 1, 2009 Estimate
26,406
Click on the following for more details: 2009 population estimates :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Data
First of all, what this is not. This is not the $1,ooo,ooo (currently only $160,000) which the Treasurer/Tax Collector does not know to whom it belongs: [See: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2010/03/mr-treasurer-whose-1000000-is-it.html http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2010/03/accounting-under-freedom-of-information.html ].
But rather this is the reserve account for Tax Sales Indemnity . Whenever a tax delinquent property is purchased the buyer is accessed a fee which is held in a reserve account. If the tax sale proves to be legally defective, the purchaser is compensated from the fund.
Tax sale purchasers pay on average of $14,500 each year into this account and there has been no disbursement from the account for ten years, so the reserve balance is $284,184. [See the photocopy below]
Since the 88th Illinois State Legislature (1993), counties which have Tort Liabilities Funds can pass a county ordinance and pay any claims for defective tax sales from the Tort Liability Account. After such an ordinance, both the reserve for Tax Sales Indemnity ($264,184) and future tax sales indemnity fees ($14,500 per year) can be used by the county’s general funds. It is quite amazing that Boone County would be unaware of the 1993 law change until now.
Well, county official are all ready to vote the ordinance. The money may even be already spent. Depending upon which side of the partisan divide has the votes, the quarter million may plug the budget deficit; pay for overages for construction at the courthouse/administration complexes; prevent lay-offs for the sheriff/jail; or used next year when the State gives the county even less funds?
Click on the photocopy to enlarge:
[public schools] no longer be allowed to transport students to extra-curricular events using large, 15-passenger vans.
a new law would prohibit cities and towns from telling people when they can and can't display political signs in their yards.
Some places have restrictions on what weeks during a year the signs could be displayed. The state will take away that right Thursday, though locals can still put reasonable size restrictions on political yard signs.
Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates, Halls lozenges and Trident gum, three Cadbury brands…Oreo cookies, Milka chocolate, Lacta chocolate, Jacobs coffee, Tang drink mix, Club Social/TUC crackers, Biskuat/Tiger biscuits,
Falling out of the list are Philadelphia cream cheese, Carte Noire coffee and Toblerone chocolate. Philadelphia, the cream cheese brand, loses out.
Kraft picks its top 10 'power' brands to promote in developing markets | Crain's Chicago Business
Madigan's office, which subpoenaed Countrywide in 2008, analyzed statistical data from more than 83,000 Countrywide mortgages in Illinois from 2005 to 2007 and interviewed company employees and borrowers.
It found black and Latino borrowers were three times more likely than white borrowers to receive higher-cost subprime mortgages.
The complaint alleges the company violated the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Illinois Fairness in Lending Act. It names Countrywide Financial Corp., Countrywide Home Loans Inc., and Full Spectrum Lending, Inc., a division of Countrywide.
The lawsuit seeks restitution and civil penalties of $25,000 for each violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act
Click on the following for the complete story: Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press
Recessions are common; depressions are rare. As far as I can tell, there were only two eras in economic history that were widely described as “depressions” at the time: the years of deflation and instability that followed the Panic of 1873 and the years of mass unemployment that followed the financial crisis of 1929-31.
this third depression will be primarily a failure of policy. Around the world — most recently at last weekend’s deeply discouraging G-20 meeting — governments are obsessing about inflation when the real threat is deflation, preaching the need for belt-tightening when the real problem is inadequate spending.
Click on the following for more details: Op-Ed Columnist - The Third Depression - NYTimes.com
reimburses employers who make entry-level jobs available to people between 18 and 21 years old and to parents with children under 18.
60,000 people have applied for work through the program, and as of Thursday, 16,200 had been placed in jobs, Antolin said.
Click on the following for more details: Employment program cuts off new applicants as demand outstrips supply | News-Gazette.com
The following is taken from the Boone County Journal, which is available free of cost at many merchants across the area and at: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-06-25-10.pdf#page=3
The Step No One Wants to Take
Local governmental leaders lead because they are chosen by voters that believe they can best manage the needs of a community. Public governance in a democratic republic must be performed by a chosen few that are
chosen by the masses. Those chosen are elected and/or appointed because they are believed to be competent and able to effect governmental action on matters of public
interest that the people have asked them to execute.
The Boone County Board is led by a chairman that was chosen by compromise. He was elevated after a marathon effort that ran through hours of wrangling before this
man with less than one month of experience on the board was chosen to lead. The same man had years earlier left another public body after those he managed delivered to
him a vote of no confidence. When this man was chosen as chairman of the Boone County Board he told colleagues that he would step down, if that was their decision but no one spoke up as the representatives just went home to reflect on what they had done.
Last week this chairman advanced a slate of nominees to fill vacancies on boards under the guidance of the county board. This is part of what a county board chairman in Illinois does; appoint individuals to serve on public bodies that execute the public’s business. Those vacancies included appointments to a number of boards, but the Boone County
Board of Health aroused the sharpest criticism.
During the time of the chairman’s leadership the county board has been severed, with those opposed to him and his policy on one side and those that favor him and his policy on the other. Neither group seems willing to
interact. Those that oppose the chairman voted to deny some appointments, while those favoring him voted in favor. Both cadres functioned like mocking birds singing
different tunes.
What resulted was that the prior leader of the health department’s executive board was reappointed even after the shabby display last year when members of a search committee seemed to confuse county tax revenue as a personal American Express card to fund a soiree disguised as a job interview, complete with Bombay Sapphire martinis. The same guy that hosted the soiree at Giovanni’s was reappointed by the chairman of the county board to lead the health department for another term and a majority
of the county representatives voted in lockstep to return this man to office. Remarkable.
The ultimate thank-you kiss was planted on the cheek of every Boone County taxpayer when the search committee chose an unqualified candidate to serve as administrator of the health department. The result of this decision was that the county board was forced to hire a mentor to
train the new administrator. This spring the unqualified administrator resigned under a formal list of grievances.
All of this occurred under the leadership of the person that was re-nominated by the county board chairman and reapproved
by his representatives. But those that are opposed to the chairman are equally to blame as they whine without working to bridge the canyon that separates both factions.
If this appointment was not so important it would be laughable. The people that are appointed to serve on the executive board of this vital county department are not
The Boone County Health Department Executive Board is made up of many holding professional titles. One might conclude, because of their titles, these people are
qualified to serve. However, a medical professional led the search committee that hired an unqualified person to serve
as health administrator. A banker was another attendee at the Giovanni’s soiree, a person also served on the Boone County Housing Authority during an extended period in which no one thought to have the financial records audited as required under HUD rules. That must have been another
simple “oversight.”
Finally, others on the executive board must have gone along for the free liquor which identifies the local culture as practiced by many elected and appointed officials here.
With the same person leading the health department, nothing will change and the toxic environment at that agency that many complain of will sustain. Yet, other
members of the executive board of the health department refuse to speak up and their silence is deafening
.
The two co-administrators that lead the department and their staff are performing yeoman’s duty under difficult conditions. It is they in whom residents should find assurance for the valuable services they provide. The coadministrators
and their colleagues are serving the needs
of the community and not those appointed by the chairman of the Boone County Board.
County board members could have improved the work environment at the health department but instead their timidity has made the situation worse, for four more years.
County board members that oppose the chairman should
convene the Boone County Ethics Commission. The Ethics Commission must investigate potential ongoing ethics violations as perpetrated by the executive board of the Boone County Health Department. The county board should also ask why an administrator and their salary
are needed with two highly competent and capable coadministrators that report to the executive board, which also reports to the county board. Why does Boone County
need a high-paid administrator when there are already two leaders that are capably handling the job?
At the least the executive board exhibits an amoral character, as witnessed by their potential violation of the Boone County Code with the illegal use of taxpayer revenue to pay for alcoholic beverages. At the worst, the executive board members on the search committee consciously or unconsciously violated the county code.
Yet, it is bothersome that these alleged acts do not rise to a level that would require investigation, pity. Members of the executive board had earlier rationalized the soiree
was a small favor when measured against the services they provide. That, of course, presumes that the members of
the executive board are in fact performing any service to this community.
Now is not the moment to be timid, but given the sheepish demeanor of county representatives little will likely occur as everyone skips down the lane to that
favorite fishing hole.
cap interest rates charged by consumer finance companies at 99 percent on loans under $4,000 and 36 percent on loans above that amount.
payday loans will be limited to $15.50 for every $100 borrowed over a two-week period. …will not be allowed to issue pay day loans if monthly payments will exceed 25 percent of a person’s gross monthly income.
Click on the following for more details: Law caps payday, car-title loan interest rates - Galesburg, IL - The Register-Mail
Great story—watch there will be some curbs to FOIA’s.
Nearly 600 cases have piled up at the Illinois attorney general’s office from governments and people who want rulings on whether public bodies must release records under the state Freedom of Information Act.
Attorney general backlogged on FOIA rulings - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
they have eliminated all expired leases in which the state was occupying office space on a month-to-month basis….Since early 2009, CMS [Department of Central Management Services] said, it has consolidated, rebid and renegotiated 197 leases across Illinois… will save the state $20 million…CMS said it was paying $66 million a year on holdover leases. In total, the agency said it’s entered 132 new leases costing about $58.7 million
Kirk has largely disappeared from public view since apologizing for misstating his military credentials. He did give a speech Monday but wound up fleeing from reporters afterward when they wanted to ask questions about the issue.
Meanwhile, Giannoulias is sharing the spotlight at fundraisers with Vice President Joe Biden, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and others with ties to Obama. White House
Click on the following for more details: Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press
BP is moving ahead with a controversial and potentially record-setting project to drill two miles under the sea and then six to eight miles horizontally to reach what is believed to be a 100-million-barrel reservoir of oil under federal waters.
BP’s project, called Liberty, has been exempted as regulators have granted it status as an “onshore” project even though it is about three miles off the coast in the Beaufort Sea. The reason: it sits on an artificial island — a 31-acre pile of gravel in about 22 feet of water — built by BP.
Click on the following for more details: BP Is Pursuing Alaska Drilling Some Call Risky - NYTimes.com
Great summary of the public pension issue.
Two sides of Illinois’ pension systems need to be fixed to bring the state out of its retirement funding quagmire: the benefits, which some say are overly generous, and the funding, which is $78 billion in the red.
The first half got a boost last month when Gov. Pat Quinn signed changes applying to most — but not all — of the pension systems in Illinois. But the second, and more urgent, half of reform remains untouched.
The law creates a second pension tier for public workers hired after Jan. 1, 2011. The second tier increases the retirement age from 60 to 67, caps the final salary used to calculate pension payments and trims the annual pension increase to be more in line with inflation.
The constitutional issue
… But a short piece of text called Article 13, Section 5 of the Illinois Constitution is standing in their way.
It’s brief: “Membership in any pension or retirement system of the state, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.”
Click on the following for more details: Pension changes face series of hurdles - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
Due to information revealed during the background investigation, Sheikh Kifah Mustapha's appointment as a volunteer ISP Chaplain has been denied," ISP spokesman Master Sgt. Isaiah Vega said in an e-mail. "Specific details of background investigations are confidential and cannot be discussed."
Click on the following for more details: Pantagraph.com | News from Associated Press
- Governor Pat Quinn recently signed House Bill 6349, sponsored by State Senator John Sullivan (D - Rushville). The legislation requires that, during times of high unemployment in the State, at least 90 percent of workers employed on public works projects be from Illinois.
Click on the following for more details: Governor Pat Quinn signs Sullivan Bill : News : KHQA
Republican Bill Brady joining with an influential black minister Wednesday to support the big box chain's expansion.
. Pat Quinn, who has courted union backing in the governor's race, said Tuesday he was encouraged by the negotiations that could bring more Walmarts to Chicago. The company has said it wants to build dozens of stores in the city."I'm encouraged by the fact that Wal-Mart understands that you have to pay a decent wage to workers, certainly above the minimum wage," he said
had it passed, would have had the board vote on the budget cuts at our October meeting, a full three weeks before the November elections. That way, voters would be able to see exactly how the board members who are seeking re-election manage the taxpayers’ hard-earned tax dollars.
Click on the following for more details: Letter: Accountability to taxpayers | Daily Chronicle
Interesting editorial on the military and politics.
Studies over the last dozen years suggest that "a majority of active-duty officers believe that senior officers should 'insist' on making civilian officers accept their viewpoints"; and 65% of senior officers think it is OK to go public and advocate military policies they believe "are in the best interests of the United States." In contrast, only 29% believe that high-ranking civilians, rather than their military counterparts, "should have the final say on what type of military force to use."
Read the article there are positives and negatives to the Mexican Army’s involvement.
ROSARITO BEACH, Mexico — Saying the Mexican military’s battle against drug gangs has led to a decrease in crime in their communities, civilian authorities paid homage Tuesday to a military general leading the fight in Baja California.
Click on the following for more details: City leaders praise Mexican general - SignOnSanDiego.com
A Federal Bureau of Prisons Job Information Seminar will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. June 23 at Eastland High School, 500 School Drive. Lanark, Ill.
Topics will include information on positions available, basic qualifications and how to prepare for a career with the Department of Justice law-enforcement branch.
Because of federal hiring regulations, the majority of available positions required being hired prior to the applicant’s 37th birthday.
Click on the following for more details: Prison job seminar planned - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard
Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg is questioning the motives of six County Board members whose votes blocked two of his three Board of Health reappointments.
Those people who were opposed are always screaming about open meetings and being transparent, but it was pretty obvious there was a lot of communications between those six people ... done outside of an open meeting,” he said.
Click on the following for more details: 2 Board of Health reappointments blocked - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Mr. Walberg thinks that there are no problems at the Board of Health. Perhaps he need to read the minutes of the Health Department: See below from the March 17 open session portion of the Board of Health Meeting. Basically the entire medical staff submitted a written grievance against Ms. Crawford, who after closed session discussion resigned and was award 90 days severance. Ms Crawford was employed by the department approximately one year.
closed session at 12:10 p.m. for the purpose of
discussing grievances that have been submitted against Stephanie Crawford, the Assistant Administrator, and a disciplinary action appeal. The grievance was submitted by a group consisting of Cristina Cintora, Nancy Reagan, Carmen Rodriguez, Chris McKibben, Siobain Daughenbaugh, Sue Magyar and Ellen Genrich. The other disciplinary action had been submitted separately by Susan
Karras and involved Nancy Reagan.
The Board of Health returned to open session at 1:05 p.m. All staff returned to the open session.Allen requested that Paul Larson update the staff concerning what had transpired.
• Effective immediately Stephanie Crawford has resigned as the Assistant Administrator.
A motion was made by Paul Larson to expunge both Susan Karras and Nancy Reagan’s record…effective immediately. Motion was seconded by Dr. Conder. Motion carried. A motion was made by Paul Larson to update both Susan Karras and Stephanie Crawford’s file to reflect that they resigned their position but would be eligible to be rehired by the Boone County
Department of Health.
A motion was made by Paul Larson to compensate Stephanie[Crawford with a 90 day severance package, paid out in one lump sum. Motion was seconded by George Sprecher. Motion carried.
suburban Chicago woman who says she got sick after eating a Subway sandwich is suing the restaurant and the chain’s parent company.
Forty-six-year-old Alicea Bush-Bailey of Bolingbrook claims Subway failed to prevent an outbreak of salmonella. She filed the lawsuit Monday in Will County court.
97 people got sick after eating at Subway restaurants in 28 counties.
Click on the following for more details: Ill. woman sues Subway over salmonella outbreak - - HealthyRockford.com
Geithner told the Congressional Oversight Panel at a hearing that banks have repaid about 75 percent of the bailout money they received, and the government's investments in aided banks have brought taxpayers $21 billion. He acknowledged there likely will be a partial loss from the rescue of giant insurer American International Group Inc., into which the government plowed $182 billion.
prospects that General Motors and Chrysler will repay the nearly $60 billion in bailout money have improved.
Click on the following for more details: Geithner pressed on bank losses, homeowner aid; says taxpayers recovering bailout investment - chicagotribune.com
WASHINGTON — A federal judge in New Orleans on Tuesday blocked a six-month moratorium on deep-water drilling projects that the Obama administration imposed in response to the vast oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The White House swiftly said the administration would appeal the decision. …
Judge Feldman — a 1983 appointee of former President Ronald Reagan — wrote that the Obama administration had failed to justify the need for the sweeping suspension, which he characterized as “generic, indeed punitive.”…
state of Louisiana filed a brief supporting the lawsuit, arguing that the moratorium would damage its economy.
Click on the following for more details: Judge Blocks Deep-Water Drilling Moratorium - NYTimes.com
President Barack Obama's chief of staff, then a congressman in Illinois, apparently attempted to trade favors with embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to newly disclosed e-mails obtained by The Associated Press.
Click on the following for more details: E-mails indicate Emanuel traded favors with Blagojevich - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register Note this is a multi-part article.
Sen. Dick Durbin and his lobbyist-wife, Loretta, are millionaires.
The couple is worth between $1 million and $1.25 million, according to a Senate annual financial disclosure report he released today.
Read more about their income and assets by clicking on the following: The Durbins are millionaires, disclosure report shows - Chicago Breaking News
Send a resume and letter expressing your interest and qualification to Boone County Board Chairman Bob Walberg, 1212 Logan Ave., Suite 102, Belvidere, IL 61008
Click on the following for more details: 2 seats open on Boone health board - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Illinois’ second, U.S. Senate chair [currently held by Sen. Burris] has been a one-termer for many years.
Mark Kirk and Alexi Giannoulias have done such a splendid job of making each other unelectable that whoever wins will go into office as a lame duck
Schock and Madigan are both young. So far, both have been spotless, nimble politicians. They’re capable of holding the seat for a long, long time. It’s too bad we’ll have to wait six years to see either in the Senate.
Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/The-Short-Timers-96648949.html#ixzz0rEGtw6RR
Click on the following for the full article: Why Neither Kirk Nor Giannoulias Will Make it Past One Term | NBC Chicago
Illinois outpaces California in the cost to insure its bonds.
The price of a five-year credit-default swap to insure Illinois obligations rose 7 basis points to 309.1 basis points today, or $309,100 to protect $10 million of debt, from 302.2 basis points yesterday in New York,
Credit-swap costs for Illinois debt surpassed California’s, the largest U.S. municipal borrower, which saw its default- insurance contracts rise to 299.6 basis points from 298.7 basis points yesterday ..
Standard & Poor’s rates Illinois A+, two levels higher than California. Moody’s Investors Service values both at A1, the fifth-highest. The two states are the lowest-rated by Moody’s.
Illinois sold $300 million in taxable Build America Bonds to Citigroup Inc. today through a competitive offering. Debt maturing in 2035 priced to yield 7.1 percent, 297 basis points over the comparable-maturity Treasury. That is higher than the state’s $700 million negotiated Build America issue in April, when the 25-year debt priced 205 basis points above the benchmark government debt.
County Board of Health
Could be Changing
By Rebecca Osterberg
Since Boone County Board Representative Bob Walberg
(District 1) was appointed chairman, he has expressed his
own style and interpretation of various functions of the
office.
Walberg began the Wednesday night meeting of the
board with appointments to vacancies on county committees
and boards, including: the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA);
Boone County Historical Museum District Board; the
Community Building Complex of Boone County; Boone
County Conservation District; the Boone County Board of
Ethics; and the Boone County Board of Public Health.
Illinois law allows Walberg to appoint his choice to fill
vacancies with the “consent and approval” of the remaining
board members. Walberg has been known to keep his
selections private and only reveal his choice at the full county
board meetings when the selections would be approved.
One applicant for the ZBA was Mark Rhode who was
approved, with county Representative Terri Glass (District
3) voting against the recommendation. Three applicants
were presented for one-year terms on the Boone County
Ethics Commission; Lanette M. Walter, RN, Ray Rhoads,
and Gary G.. Turner.
County Representative Peggy Malone (District 3) asked
if Turner was also on the Boone County Board of Health.
Walberg replied that he is and that moved Glass and Malone
to oppose the recommendation of Turner for the position.
Gail Bennett was chosen for a vacancy on the Historical
Museum District Board, Bill Wolf was nominated for a
vacancy on the Boone County Conservation District Board,
and Kenny Freeman and John E. McMorrow, Jr. would
serve on the Community Building of Belvidere Board.
Glass opposed that move.
With that development, more than a little controversy
erupted when nominees to the Boone County Board of
Health were announced.
Over the last year, the Health Department has had to
manage their selection of a director that was later found
to be unqualified to hold the position. The move by the
board was taken after an extravagant dinner and drinks at
an expensive area dining facility outside Boone County in
Rockford.
After that discovery, the county board was forced to
take steps to make the appointment of Stephanie Seaworth,
RN, function. That step involved changing her title to that
of an assistant administrator while allowing her to attain
the proper certifications to officially hold the position of
administrator. For this step to occur, the state required a
mentor. Ray Empereur was hired to serve as administrator,
leaving Seaworth to handle the day-to-day operations of the
Health Department. Seaworth resigned abruptly early this
year with no official reason given for her departure.
Questions at the time from the Boone County Board
Health and Human Services Committee included asking
why a national search was not undertaken.
According to Dr. Kent Hess, president of the Boone
County Board of Health, the health board’s misinterpretation
of state guidelines was a significant factor in believing
Seaworth was qualified to serve as administrator.
Hess and other board members at the time expressed the
belief that the cost of a national search was not worth the
expense.
When Walberg presented Hess’ nomination to the county
board this week, he first asked for a show of hands from those
who would not consider his appointment. Approximately
half of the board members raised their hands, but some
insisted on a roll-call vote.
“I had hoped to be more discreet,” Walberg said. “If I’d
known the board was going to reject the applicant I would
have withdrawn my recommendation.”
One member of the public, Bill Pysson of Belvidere
asked to speak to the action.
“When I saw the appointments on the agenda this
month,” said Pysson, “I asked to see who the applicants
were. I was refused that information when I asked the
administrator. Walberg said that he wasn’t really going to
recommend him. I think everyone knows that there was
some scandal.” Pysson not only felt the board should
seriously consider the nominees, but was also taken aback
at the refusal of information to the public.
“I think as a member of the public, I have a right to know
what is on the agenda before the meeting,” said Pysson.
The vote concluded in the following manner.
The recommendation of Dr. Kent Hess was approved with
county board Representatives Kathy Hartwig (District 1),
Cathy Ward (District 2); Terri Glass, Kenny Freeman and
Pat Mattison (all District 3) opposing the recommendation.
The nomination of Joseph Frost Sr., DVM, and Ronald
Conder, DDS, failed with the same “No” votes and the
addition of Malone voting against.
The nomination of Kathleen Taylor was approved with
Glass, Hartwig and Mattison casting “No” votes.
At the conclusion of the vote, Peggy Malone asked for a
motion to reconsider her recommendation for Dr. Hess. That
motion was seconded by Hartwig. County Representative
Karl Johnson (District 2) asked Boone County State’s
Attorney Michelle Courier if anyone could second or if they
had to have voted affirmatively. Courier said anyone could
second the motion. The vote to reconsider was denied,
with Glass, Hartwig, Mattison, Malone, Ward and Freeman
voting in favor.
It was clear Malone had erred in her understanding
during the first vote and in an interview following the
meeting she stated that was a mistake.
The effect of the vote, according to Walberg, resulted
in his need to appeal once again to the community for
applicants to the Board of Health. The county board is
required to have one dentist as a member.
Bill Hatfield, who now shares the duties as coadministrator
to the county Health Department with Lisa
Gonzalez, was asked in an interview after the meeting
how he felt the appointments would affect the Health
Department.
“It would be nice if the people who have to work at the
Health Department were asked for their input,” Hatfield
said. Hatfield refused to comment on who was selected for
the positions, but reiterated that the board make-up requires
a dentist and that could be difficult to fill.
Anyone interested in the vacant positions that remain on
the county Board of Health may apply at the Boone County
Administrative Campus on Logan Avenue, Belvidere.
The above article is taken from this week’s Boone County Journal available Free across the area and at: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-06-18-10.pdf#page=3
Taking advantage of a worldwide surge in mining, which makes up about 30% of its heavy-equipment sales, Cat is turning to such shovels to complement its position in large mining trucks. The first shovels will begin rolling off the Aurora assembly line in 2011.
The Aurora facility, which also makes wheel loaders used in mining, employs about 1,200 workers, down from a recent high of about 2,000 before the recession hit.
Click on the following for more details: Caterpillar to build mining shovels in Aurora; Decatur adding capacity | Crain's Chicago Business
Last night I made a public comment to the County Board regarding the right of the citizens of Boone County to know in advance of the proposed appointments by the Chairman of the County Board. The recent advice and consent vote of the County Board regarding appointments to the Boone County Health Board was the specific appointments I questioned. Chairman Walberg refused to state if these appointments would or would not be on the agenda for consideration on June 16. I believe that this is a deliberate breach of the open meetings act which requires 48 hour notifications of meetings and a posted agenda of the major issues of the meetings. Mr. Walberg’s agenda item of “ Appointments” without any other specifics should not be considered appropriate notification.
On June 15 I questioned Mr. Walberg regarding which proposed appointments were on the agenda and asked explicitly if the Health Department appointments would be on the agenda. Mr. Walberg refused to state if they would or would not. This appears not be and isolated instance of refusing to provide the board in advance of proposed motions, discussions and information.
As noted by the email from Ms. Glass [shown below]-- Mr. Walberg appears to consistently provide little or no advance notifications of his proposed appointments to either the public or his fellow board members. Refusing to post the proposed appointments grants the public no opportunity to speak to their individual representatives regarding their concerns in these matters.
TO: Boone County Board & Boone County Board Chairman
FROM: Terri Glass- District 3
DATE: June 16, 2010
RE: Appointments
Illinois State Statute has given county boards much responsibility, one of which is the authority to appointment people and/or community members to serve on various boards and committees. The County Board Chairman must make the appointments but can only do so with the advice and consent of the County Board.
These boards and committees are intended to serve the interests of the community, oversee any budget and/or tax dollars that the entity may receive and establish policies and procedures. The people who are appointed to these committees and boards must be held accountable for their decisions and actions not only to the County Board but to the general public as well.
It is only fitting that the members of the County Board give the applicants and appointments proper consideration. I feel that in order for me, or this County Board, to make educated decisions regarding the appointments certain information must be provided. I, for one, will not be a mechanism for placing a rubber stamp on an appointment.
Effective immediately:
I will vote NO for any and all appointments unless I have, at minimum, the following information:
Copies of all correspondence from ALL persons who express interest in an appointment
A list of the Boards/Committee members currently serving on the applicable board, such list should also include how long each member has served (in their entirety) on such board/committee
This information shall be provided in a timely and reasonable time frame PRIOR to the County Board meeting.
In addition, I propose the following:
The County Board should
Be provided a complete list of the Boards/Committees that require appointments through the County Board.
a. Such list should include current board/committee members and the term expiration dates
b. Such list should also include how long each member has served (in their entirety) on such board/committee
Such list shall be included in its entirety on the County Board website and in the Boone County Illinois Yearbook
Vacancies announced to the media should be included on the County Website
Vacancy announcements should include a brief description of the duties of the board/committee
The building, licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, hasn’t had a formal inspection since 2008. But a courtesy inspection by the agency last month disclosed sanitation problems because of improper drainage in the kennel area. Damage to walls,
ceilings and dog runs also was noted.roughly 50-year-old building wasn’t intended to be a permanent home for the department. The county rented the property long before buying it in 2003
A new building may cost an estimated $350,000.
Boone County mulls whether to fix, rebuild Animal Control - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
An other Kirk statement questioned.
review of public comments that Mr. Kirk has made over the last decade shows that while he may refer to himself as a former teacher, he does not talk about the brevity of his experience: a year in London at a private school and part-time in a nursery school as part of a work-study program while he was a student at Cornell University.
Bill Brady is still favored to become the most obscure big state Governor in the country this fall, as he leads Pat Quinn 34-30 despite 56% of Illinois voters having no opinion about him. But Quinn has reduced what was a 10 point deficit now to 4 points and is looking a little more viable for November than he was back in April.
gives employers tax credits to create temporary jobs that Illinois officials hope might be made permanent.
Gov. Pat Quinn says nearly 11,000 people have gotten federally subsidized jobs in Illinois.
The money for the "Put Illinois to Work" program
Click on the following for more details: Quinn: 10,000 in Illinois get subsidized jobs - Springfield, IL - The State Journal-Register
Kendall County, Ill., a far-flung suburb of Chicago, grew nearly 100% in the last nine years, according to a recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau. The county went from a population of 54,563 on April 1, 2000, to an estimated 104,821 last July 1.
Land prices have come down in the bust to more like $12,000 an acre today.
The fastest growing counties in the United States - Yahoo! Finance
Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Wed, June 16, 2010 -- 11:58 AM ET
-----
BP Agrees to Place About $20 Billion in Escrow for Spill Claims
executive pay under the TARP program. President Obama
demanded the creation of such a fund in his national address about the oil spill Tuesday evening, and met with company executives at the White House on Wednesday.
Here is a transcript of tonight’s speech.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION ON THE BP OIL SPILL
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 15, 2010
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE NATION
ON THE BP OIL SPILL
Oval Office
8:01 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. As we speak, our nation faces a multitude of challenges. At home, our top priority is to recover and rebuild from a recession that has touched the lives of nearly every American. Abroad, our brave men and women in uniform are taking the fight to al Qaeda wherever it exists. And tonight, I’ve returned from a trip to the Gulf Coast to speak with you about the battle we’re waging against an oil spill that is assaulting our shores and our citizens
Click on the following for the full text of the President’s Speech: Radio Chicagoland News & Views: REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE NATION ON THE BP OIL SPILL
Naperville City Council tonight moved closer to placing a measure on the November ballot to limit the number of terms the mayor and council members could serve.
develop a referendum question that would limit all city elected officials to serving three consecutive terms, beginning with officials whom voters elect in April 2013.
Naperville moves closer to term limits - Chicago Breaking News
SPRINGFIELD — Democrat Pat Quinn’s gubernatorial campaign is planning a rally in Bloomington on Wednesday to try to counter former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s appearance for Republican Bill Brady.
Click on the following for more details: Quinn campaign tries to counter Bush event
Extension to reorganize its operations on-campus as well.
Extension, which is linked to a nationwide federal program, is now part of the College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences here. The program has an $85 million budget, of which $65 million is allotted to agriculture-related programs.
committee "recommends that the campus consider constituting Extension as a campus-level activity rather than an activity embedded in ACES, because we feel this would open the door to collaborations that would benefit both the campus and the community, and that would make Extension more effective in achieving its goals."
Click on the following for more details: UI review says Extension might be better off going it alone | News-Gazette.com
The Supreme Court will be handing down a decision this week on a lawsuit filed by Michigan urging the State of Illinois to close Chicago-area shipping locks. The reason for the shut-down: Asian carp.
Click on the following for more details: Carp controversy rages | Crain's Chicago Business
A recent Internet ad that slams GOP nominee for governor Bill Brady for missing hundreds of votes as a state senator might have crossed ethical lines by lifting footage from the General Assembly's website without permission.
Quinn campaign spokeswoman Mica Matsoff acknowledged Tuesday the group didn't seek permission, calling it "an oversight." She said the ad would be taken down and changed. However, it was still on a Democratic Governors Association website as of Tuesday afternoon.
Click on the following for more details: Daily Herald | Quinn campaign says it will take down ad
Republicans make objections to signatures and petitions of Democratic candidate. Nothing matters as long as you win?
The Illinois State Board of Elections made no ruling on an objection filed against Democratic state representative candidate Victoria F. Grizzoffi of Galena, which means at this point her name will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 2 general election
The Illinois House Republican Organization recently filed an objection against Grizzoffi, alleging that her election petitions contained improperly gathered signatures and that she was not designated as a candidate within the proper time period.
Grizzoffi filed her petitions in Springfield in April. The minimum requirement for her to get on the ballot was 500 signatures, and Grizzoffi said she obtained nearly 900 signatures.
No action on objection - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard
Metra probe possible fraud and mismanagement after disclosure that [Executive Director] Pagano improperly took $475,000 in vacation pay
Metra's newly hired internal watchdog is investigating 33 allegations of possible fraud or misconduct at the agency that tipsters have provided over the past two weeks, officials said Friday
The other 22 allegations were received via e-mail and a phone tip hot line set up on May 26.
The tips involve alleged fraud, waste, mismanagement, malfeasance and other abuses
Metra officials also said they are taking further steps to tighten oversight by hiring Chicago accounting firm Blackman Kallick to assess the agency's internal controls and management.
Metra watchdog: 33 allegations are being investigated - chicagotribune.com
I guess my question should be: Does Boone County need to unseal any search warrants?
While many counties unseal search warrant documents as a matter of routine once the related investigation is complete, McHenry County court officials have left them permanently impounded, even after charges have been filed or the case that sparked the search ended.
Bianchi said his office sought the attorney general's opinion on the practice last year after a judge in downstate St. Clair County, ruling in a lawsuit brought by a local newspaper, declared that search warrant documents should be open for public inspection unless doing so would irreparably harm a pending investigation
Daily Herald | McHenry County unseals hundreds of impounded search warrant files
Below is the recent news release from the State’s Attorney for McHenry County concerning his office’s compliance with a Illinois Attorney General Opinion on sealed warrant petitions and orders. I wonder if these records have been opened for Boone County.
Click on the photocopy to enlarge.
a review by the Chicago Sun-Times and the Better Government Association of 36 Chicago area governments that collectively spent more than $7.3 million last year on lobbyists found that:
• The governments' lobbying contracts often go to former elected officials.
• Many of the governmental bodies… have increased spending on lobbyists … in the face of the recession.
• Many of the government-hired lobbyists don't even file reports to show what they've done for the taxpayers. And they're not required to.
Click on the following for more details: The hired guns of Illinois' governmental bodies :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: The Watchdogs
A new state law aims to protect free speech by allowing political campaign signs on residential property at any time.
The legislation, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2011, passed the Illinois General Assembly almost unanimously.
The law brings Illinois into compliance with several court cases, including a 1994 U.S. Supreme Court decision that affirmed that outdoor political yard signs are protected under the First Amendment, which among other things guarantees the freedom of speech, and cannot be prohibited by municipalities.
Click on the following for more details: New law no longer ties yard signs to election season | Daily Chronicle
Will Obama save the cities and counties across the nation? Is there any way the Congress will pass this aid to local government?
President Obama urged reluctant lawmakers Saturday to quickly approve nearly $50 billion in emergency aid to state and local governments, saying the money is needed to avoid "massive layoffs of teachers, police and firefighters" and to support the still-fragile economic recovery.
Read more of this Washington Post Article by clicking on the following: Obama pleads for $50 billion in state, local aid
According to the business analytics company CoreLogic, more than 450,000 of the 2.2 million mortgages in Illinois have negative equity — meaning the homeowners owe more on the house than what it’s worth on the open market.
Illinois ranks 12th on CoreLogic’s list of states with the highest percentage of ‘underwater’ mortgages.
Click on the following for more details: Get Real » One in five Illinois homeowners ‘underwater’
The reports from Winnebago County did not speak of the possible Harvard/McHenry County site.
,McHenry County officials are putting together their own bid for keeping Navistar.
The draw? The former Motorola building in Harvard, now known as the Midwest Corporate Campus.
This week, officials from the Rockford area – including the Winnebago County Board, the city, the Rockford Area EDC, and the Chicago Rockford International Airport – met to discuss bringing Navistar to the Rockford area. Cumpata said Harvard and McHenry County officials reached out to Rockford contacts about collaborating on a Harvard bid.
Click on the following for more details: Northwest Herald | County to make pitch to Navistar
State Rep. Bob Biggins of Elmhurst was one of three Republican lawmakers to support borrowing roughly $3.7 billion last month in order to cover state contributions to retiree pension plans.
Republican House leader Tom Cross of Oswego stripped Biggins of his title of minority spokesman for a House appropriations committee. That title came with a $10,327 pay boost, on top of salary and stipends given for committee assignmen
Cross has repeatedly attacked House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Democrat from Chicago, for unilaterally steering all Democratic votes in the House. The demotions were a rare show of partisan force by the minority leader,
Click on the following for more details: Daily Herald | Biggins demoted for voting with Democrats
The following is taken from the Boone County Journal’s June 11, 2010, Letter to the Editor. The grammar and exact words of the letter are posted.
Dear Editor,
I am Brad Stark and I am running as an Independent for
Boone County Board District 1. Why am I running as an
Independent? The main reason is that I believe that both
major political parties in this county have stopped listening
to the people they represent and have chosen to focus on
their parties power instead. This type of governing does
not serve the people at all. We are seeing record levels of
deficit spending because the people in power do not want to
upset their campaign donors, or make a decision that may
upset someone. This type of leadership is starting to catch
up to those in power. All of the people I have talked to so
far as I gather signatures to get on the ballot have the same
complaint, why can’t the government live within it’s own
means like we have to? That is a good question. Most
of these same people have been experiencing hard times of
one kind or another since 2007. That is when people started
losing jobs, working less hours, or took a lower paying
job to stay a float. The problem for the government is that
these lower revenues are just starting to catch up to them
now. What do they care, they think they can raise our taxes,
make mandates that rule over our daily lives, and at the
local level, lay off the people at the bottom, while keeping
department heads and elected officials pay scale the same or
with a smaller % of increase. How is this any different than
what has happened on Wall St? When Wall St. executives
pull in big salaries and bonuses, the government wants to
demonize them, but when the government does it, it’s fine.
Government officials and the people that work for them
should have had their wages froze at least 2 years ago so
that we wouldn’t be in the position we are in today. The
people of this country are ready to except the new “normal”
of our economy, when will our government except it. I
do not believe they will except it because we keep putting
the power into the hands of our 2 major political parties.
Our system is broken. The bloated government machine
is choking on itself and is heading for a collapse. I believe that Conservative values embracing fiscal responsibility
and limited government can pull us through these tough
times. Currently I am still in need of signatures so that
I can get on the ballot for the Fall General Election. As
an Independent I need at least 389 signatures, compared
to 33 for one party, 22 for another, and 4 for yet another.
If any of the things I have stated agree with you, and you
too are fed up with the current state of affairs, please look
me up. My Facebook group is “Brad Stark for Boone
County Board” or call me, my number is in the book.
Thank you
Brad Stark
Capron, IL
Click here for the original: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-06-11-10.pdf#page=4
Great article—It appears from the discussion that the sheriff is renting out the jail to other counties/government and the county does not even know if the jail is covering the additional costs of these prisoners.
County Deficit
Reaches
$434,000
When it came time for Boone County’s 2010 financial
report for May, County Board Finance Committee Chairman
Karl Johnson (District 2) attempted some levity with, “Ken,
tell us the good news.”
Before he addressed the gravity of the situation, County
Administrator Ken Terrinoni answered “Let’s move on to
the next item. We’re still in a recession that affects your
critical revenues. I don’t see that turning around this fiscal
year. It’s virtually all your taxes, your income tax, your
replacement tax.” Terrinoni recited the litany of revenue
sources that remain depressed. “Your income tax is off the
most,” Terrinoni said.
Committee members asked for Terrinoni’s best estimate
for the current deficit and he replied, “$434,000 is the current
estimate.” He also said, “The transfer that was voted down
by the board is obviously not in the general fund anymore,”
Terrinoni said.
County board Representative Cathy Ward (District 2)
referred to last month’s county board vote denying the
transfer of Jail Bond Funds. Denial of that transfer served
to increase the deficit from almost $234,000 to the new
estimate of $434,000. “Ken if the board chooses can they
put that back in there?” asked Ward.
“I think it can be,” said Terrinoni. “You’d have to check
with the state’s attorney on procedural issues, if that falls
under your rules as a ‘procedural reconsideration.’”
Terrinoni continued by saying that there is another
$150,000 budgeted for transfer from the fund, the final
payment for Fiscal Year 2010. Terrinoni explained that the
county has been trying to decrease the amount of money
transferred in from the Jail Bond Fund for several years.
Addressing the concern of taxpayers and the people that
represent them, Terrinoni offered to come up with a written
plan to sunset the tax.
“I’d be more than willing to write up a proposal,” said
Terrinoni. “In fact, two years ago I did write up a proposal
that did exactly that [by 2018]; the proposal did that. Of
course this recession did change that to some degree.”
“I think [there is] something that gets lost in this
whole process of the money getting utilized,” said Johnson.
“The board at that time failed to realize...they’d need the
money to staff that jail at the same time. It was determined
by the then state’s attorney, that the money could be used to
staff the jail. Then we realized we needed to wean ourselves
off of that.”
County board Chairman Bob Walberg (District 1)
questioned the current capacity of the jail. “Is there another
section we could be operating that would support the jailers
and then we wouldn’t need this money?” asked Walberg.
“There is a section, but there weren’t people
(detainees) so we even ended up laying-off two people
(officers),” said Johnson.
“The issue was whether or not we should keep taking the
additional prisoners; if it was just a break even deal,” said
Ward, who served on the board at that time. “It wasn’t just
additional revenue, it was additional expense. It was passed
by just one vote. The pay for the personnel, even without
the step increases...” Ward said.
The idea of leasing jail space to other municipalities and the federal government has brought in additional revenue. Lt. John Hare, administrator of the county jail has shown marked increases in that revenue stream into the general fund.
At the previous night’s meeting of the county board Public Safety Committee, county board members recalled Hare’s financial report that indicated revenues were up.
“The revenues could not be called income, but just revenue, so we still don’t know where we are at when we are done covering expenses?” asked county Representative Paul Larson
(District 2). “We don’t actually know for sure if it’s a break even situation or not,” said Ward.
Terrinoni reminded the committee that he had offered to bring the numbers in for analysis.
“You’ll need that for your [Fiscal Year 2011] budget anyway,” said Terrinoni. “I don’t think
I am hearing anybody against having me write up a phase-out plan.”
Unanimous consent was offered and Terrinoni was asked to present two repayment
scenarios that included sunset of the Public Safety Sales Tax by 2014, or later by 2018.
“I am hesitant to mention this, but there has been some discussion to add on to the Public
Safety Building...to increase for needed space,” said Larson. “Once this is solved, will we
come back to this? It hasn’t been talked about in a while, but I think it is still needed.”
County Representative Kathy Hartwig (District 1) stated her views. “I would remind
the committee of the promised sunset. It was a previous board who promised this tax would sunset. It was promised the voters that it would sunset in 2018. I think we should ask the voters what they want us to do.”
“We were talking about an advisory referendum at a previous meeting,” said Terrinoni.
“I think it was a local resident who brought that up; Laura Guerin Hunt.”
County Representative Marshall Newhouse (District 1) expressed his own perspective
with, “Having gone to the community with a referendum and to try and do an end run we
would end up in the hot seat.
Ward offered that she understood why Larson brought up the issue. “But, the city is in
trouble for doing this,” said Ward. “We need to make sure what we are doing this in today’s
financial crisis. We have people coming in and crying because they can’t pay their taxes. I
have talked to people who want to know what could happen. I don’t think we’ve really seen
the worst of it yet. We need some type of what if scenario. Otherwise, people are going to lose their jobs and positions who don’t need to. We’ve done this before, what’s the “worst case scenario? Ken, can you write that up for us?”
“I’d be happy to do that, in fact, I’d like to do it at the front end of your process,” said
Terrinoni. “I could do the base line and then the possible worst case and work realistic
numbers on either and compare that with a possible appropriation estimate.”
Larson and Hartwig indicated that to sunset the tax earlier than later could save interest
on the debt. “I think that would affect what date we are going to put a sunset on that Public
Safety Sales Tax,” said Larson.
See the article for yourself at: http://boonecountyjournal.com/news/2010/Boone-County-News-06-11-10.pdf#page=4
Lawyers across the nation have filed nearly 200 lawsuits so far related to the April 20 oil disaster, including death and injury claims for those aboard the rig, claims of damage and economic loss for people whose livelihoods are threatened by the slick, and shareholder suits over BP’s plunging stock. Cases have even been filed on behalf of the oil-coated fish and birds. Lawyers also plan to file a civil racketeering action alleging a corporate conspiracy with the Bush administration.
Click on the following for more details: First the Spill, Then the Lawsuits - NYTimes.com
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush hits Illinois on June 16 and 17 for three fund-raisers for GOP Illinois Governor nominee Bill Brady, the state senator.
funder in Bloomington on June 16; the next day he's the draw at a breakfast in Chicago's Loop and a lunch in Peoria.
Jeb Bush fund-raising in Illinois for Bill Brady governor campaign - Lynn Sweet
Interesting story regarding Developer Bill Brady, now candidate for governor.
2003, the state legislature gave the local government authority to take land for sewers along Curtis Road east of Brady's property. A final vote to enact the law occurred Nov. 4, as Brady was securing options on the land he planned to develop. He voted for it.
Three years later, when the legislature re-authorized the sewer plans, well after Brady began acquiring the land, he again voted in favor of the measure. In 2007, Brady also voted for similar legislation allowing Champaign and other local governments to seize property to build their share of the interchange.
County annual reports must be filed with state no later than July 28, 2010.
Does this make sense? Will both the county and Poplar Grove benefit? The math: 8 hours X 50 weeks = 400 hours. $1,000 X 12 months = $12,000. $ 12,000/400 hours = $30.00 per hour. Will Poplar Grove actually pay this fee; it is behind in paying for special Sheriff’s patrols?
deal allows the Belvidere-Boone County Planning Department to give up to eight hours of weekly planning and zoning time to Poplar Grove at a monthly cost of $1,000 for one year.
Click on the following for more details: Boone planners may help Poplar Grove - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
city would also have to pay its employees involved in the parade and rally overtime if those festivities were held on a Saturday or Sunday.
Click on the following for more details:
Daley: Taxpayers won't be on hook for Hawks rally - Chicago Breaking News
The county board approved a pilot program to put the cameras at 30 suburban intersections along county-run roads. The cameras automatically generate tickets for people who run red lights.
Larson [Mayor of Schaumburg] says the disagreement is over jurisdiction: He says the county's never stepped in to enforce local traffic laws, and shouldn't do so now.
City Room™ - Metro - Red Light Cams Spark Tiff Between Cook County, Suburbs
Project Deliverance, focused on the transportation networks that carry methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana into the United States, with return trips of drug proceeds and weapons….
More than 400 of the arrests were made Wednesday.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement worked on the effort with state and local law enforcement agencies.
Quinn's apparent intention to sign the budget comes after Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, called for Quinn to reject the spending plan lawmakers approved last month. Franks voted against the budget and has said lawmakers should return to Springfield and come up with a comprehensive solution.
"We're not going to do that," Quinn said of Franks' veto request.
Click on the following for more details: Gov. Pat Quinn won't veto Illinois state budget - chicagotribune.com
