Welcome to the Bolingbrook Report Blog Site

Welcome to the Bolingbrook Report. The BR has been operating as the local hottest news source since April 2009. Always controversial, and always on the scene, the Brook Report has over 80,000 hits and counting! The BR is an online electronic news source ran by volunteers and residents of Bolingbrook.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween in Bolingbrook

Please take the proper precautions when sending your children out trick or treating.

1.  Always go in a group of people.
2.  Check the candy before your children consume it.
3.  Bring a flashlight for the walk.
4.  Stay out of the streets, as many people get hit by cars on this day. 
5.  Keep your children warm, as it is going to be a cold day.
6.  Only knock on doors that have their porch lights on.
7.  Talk with your teens about NOT stealing or smashing pumpkins.  Police will be on full alert for Halloween.
 In finality, remember to have fun!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Claar Vs. Alicea

The last election was fraught with peril as Claar battled Bonnie for his seat.  Many residents remember that a young lady in the community stepped up to fight Roger for his position, and as a write in candidate with two last names, still took 27% of the vote.  There was a great deal at stake in this election, as Roger was not fully vested for his retirement until next year.  If he lost, he stood to lose big money in retirement.

Because of this, the election was bitter and nasty.  People yanked down Bonnie's signs, banners, and did whatever they could to target her personally.  Bitter feelings persisted after the election, with Roger and Trustee Lawler publicly accusing Bonnie of contributing to a school board members death.  Bonnie took action, accusing the organization of unfair election processes, and filing lawsuits for that and for defamation.  Her first lawsuits stated that she was illegally kicked off the ballot.  She claimed conflict of interest and demanded a move of venue when she found out her electoral board whom decides if she remained on the ballot, were in fact, her opponents on the ballot.  It was the same team running against her on Roger's slate.  Then she filed a motion for defamation for calling her a murderer, with no just cause.

Roger is fighting the lawsuits, hiding behind tort law, stating anything that happens during meetings are immune to prosecution.  He can call anyone names (even murderer), bash them (defamation), boot them off the ballot (illegally), and bully anyone that chooses to run against his people or himself.  As he does this, he wins and the residents lose.  He keeps his stronghold and his pay, plus his contributions.  Nobody can run for a fair election in Bolingbrook ensuring the residents will not be able to get him out of office, and the residents have to fork over the sum of $27K in legal defense fees, thus far. 

What could Roger have done differently?  Maybe not use board meeting time to bash political opponents.  Maybe issue a public apology or retraction, as initially demanded by Bonnie.  Bonnie stated, "All I asked for was an immediate retraction".  Now Roger's bad business decision is costing the Village money.  He could have accepted the fact that his position was not guaranteed in life, and elections are a typical course of action.  As a politician, you realize you need to do right by the people to get re-elected and if you do not, someone will step up to run against you.  Many people think that if Bonnie was on the ballot, she would have won.

How many lawsuits does the Village currently have against them for this same type of thing?  What has this cost the taxpayers for the duration of the past 20 years of bullying tactics to maintain his job?  How will this election cycle be different?  As the residents watch this election, some questions come to mind.

1.  Will Roger use the same bully tactics to illegally boot people off the ballot?  Residents are watching to see if he will risk another costly lawsuit or just let democracy play out.
2.   Are more people running this time in order to sue the Village for his consistent misdeeds?
3.  Will the people finally vote Roger's people out for bullying tactics and to dismantle the stronghold?
4.  Will Bonnie actually run and get on the ballot?  If booted off the ballot, will she have legal representation to sue the Village again, in order to slap the village with a consequence for their actions again?
5.  Who will be willing to step out and challenge someones petition locally this year, when Bonnie slapped a lawsuit on the last pawn who did this?
6.  Did Bonnie's actions pave the way to reform in Bolingbrook?  Will it make a difference?

The residents are hoping so.  They are "sick" about what Roger did to Bonnie last year and are pushing to see her succeed this time around.  If she had 27% of the voted last year, her numbers have probably gone up by now with the support about what he did to her.  She is truly a fighter and is paving the way for others to be able to step up and run an election.

Bonnie has been knocking on doors and telling her story.  She is getting ready to launch a new campaign this year. The tactics they used last year were not acceptable to the residents, and her numbers in the last election showed that.  By using bully tactics in an election process, residents were upset enough to vote against Roger.  The more signs they destroyed, the more they defamed her, and the way they kicked her off the ballot, enraged people to come out to vote.  We are hoping to see this flourish in her favor this year. 

What has happened to Bonnie in the last year since she ran against Roger?  Since she challenged the Mayor for his position, he publicly announced to Bolingbrook that she was a contributing factor to someones death.  Someone she never met and did not know.  She filed suit.  If you surf her name on the Internet, they have continued to hold grudges against her, talking about her appearance to continue the battle against her in the public.  Is this suppose to happen to someone just because they decide to run for an office in order to make a positive change in the community?  Should this have continued for a year and a half AFTER an election?  Roger has not put a stop to it, so his people continue.  Most people would have stuck their head in the sand and cried.  Bonnie stood up taller and kept her fight going.  What they do not realize is that the more bad things that they do to her, the stronger she fights back.    We cannot wait to see what they will do to her in this election.  She is not a rookie anymore, she knows where to go to for help and has teams of people working behind her.  She is determined and ready for the fight.

Last week she showed up at one of our doors for signatures.  When asked about the upcoming election, she smiled and stated, "I am ready for the fight!  Bring it on!  There is nothing they can do to me that they have not already done.  I don't care what Roger's people say about me.  Their votes do not matter to me.  They will always be Roger's lackeys.  I care about the people of Bolingbrook, the people who are being taxed high, the people who are being taken advantage of through pay to play rewards fattening the administrations pockets.  I care about the crime rates, the losing ventures, and holding the Trustees accountable for their votes, including the 100% YES votes they have had in their tenure as a Bolingbrook trustee.  I care that that has put Bolingbrook in over $300Mil in debt to our future generations.  I fight for the people, for a government of the people, by the people and for the people." 

When asked what she plans on doing differently this year, she smiled and said that "only time will tell, but that she has a great game plan!"

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

What is the first thing Bonnie would do?

from Bonnie Alicea 10/26/2010

What would be the first thing you would do as Trustee?

Answer:  Leverage my strengths by ensuring that current Village functions (parade, carnivals, fests) offered to the residents are no longer money losing ventures for the residents.  Currently many of them are losing money due to poor accountability and planning.  This past year we cut funds from the parade, fireworks, and other local activities, even though we raised sales taxes and property taxes.  The taxpayers got less for their money.  Leadership was lacking and so were a proper strategy, game plan, and accountability into each event.  We cut money, instead of finding ways to profit from these events.

We want the residents to come out to the events and enjoy them. We would like to have these events for the sake of a good community gathering place.  To continue them, known losses for these events need to be placed into accountable hands and marketing needs to be done to ensure that those costs and additional costs can be brought into the activities.  Funding like Corporate Sponsorships, low bid vendors, outsourcing potential losses, and bidding wars are a few ways to accomplish this.  If these events made money, instead of losing money, the taxpayers could see this positively affect the dollar amount on taxes each year.  I think there is much that can be gained in focusing our attention to ideas like profiting from losses of losing ventures, instead of making cuts.  All it takes is accountability and creativity. 

As a trustee, I feel the same about losing businesses like the Golf Course.  In accountable and creative hands, I believe we can turn a profit and lower taxes.  This would be my first focus as a Trustee, since I have the knowledge and expertise in these areas to make a difference and lower taxes.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Cedra Exposed!

With the race closing in, we ask ourselves... who is Cedra Crenshaw.  We don't really know her.  Here is more information the Brook report has uncovered.

Cedra applied for her IL Licensure for Real Estate in 2002 and held that license until 2009. (8/23/2002-04/30/2009)
_
The license was applied for and maintained at a residents in Crest Hill in 2002.
Cedra purchased her home in Bolingbrook in 2000. 
Why did she use a Crest Hill address for her professional licensure two years later? 

Furthermore, this address was not in ownership of Mrs. Crenshaw in 2002.  The owners of this specific home purchased it in 2000 from investors. 

Also, why did she not change the address with the annual re-newel's for 7 straight years?  This is what the official word from the state is about this issue:

TITLE 68: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER VIII: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
SUBCHAPTER b: PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
PART 1450 REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT OF 2000
SECTION 1450.110 CHANGE OF INFORMATION




Section 1450.110  Change of Information

a)         It is the responsibility of each licensee to immediately notify the Division of any change of name, address, or office location.

So this appears to be a lady whom applied for professional licensure under false terms and continued those false terms for 7 years.  This is fraudulent and in violation of IL State laws.  We await her response to these allegations brought forth against her to determine why she was doing real estate under a falsified license and why she did not tell the public about her real estate ventures. 

Cedra Crenshaw and lies on Experience

Cedra Crenshaw's campaign has been fraught with problems.

It started with her stating she was an accountant and a stay at home mother.  We verified she was a mother, but could find no public proof of her being an accountant.  There was no public accountant paperwork registered with the State of Illinois.  Cedra back peddled and claimed it was so many years ago, back before she had children.  She has refused to say for how long she held a job, right out of college.  In our opinion, she holds and accounting degree, but is not an actual accountant.

Now we find out that this is not her background and experience.  The MLSNI and State of Illinois shows she has been holding her realtor certifications for the past 7 years, until 2009.  She has been a realtor.  Well, why has that not been publicized?  Why use a degree to say your an accountant but not show that you actually do real estate? 

She also stated she was a Tea Party person, but accepted Will County Republican Chair Dick Kavinaugh's help to get on the ballot and full Republican support.

This is highly deceptive practices.  It is eluding the truth.  Now it comes into question if she is a stay at home mom, since she is practicing real estate.  If she lied this much on her credentials alone, who would vote for her?

Halloween Hours

Trick or Treat Hours are scheduled from 4-7pm in Bolingbrook. 
The City of Naperville has no ordinance determining Halloween hours for children.
The Village of Downers Grove will hold trick or treating beginning at noon on Halloween.
Lisle:Saturday, October 30    noon - 3 p.m. Downtown Lisle Merchants
Sunday, October 31      3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Lisle Neighborhoods

Why does Bolingbrook have such limited hours on a Sunday, and right during dinner?  Is it because we do not have enough Police to control the situation anymore?  Is it because our streets are not as safe?  You be the judge. 


If you wish your kids to have more then three hours of trick or treating time, take them to Naperville, Downers Grove, or Lisle. 

Truck Stop Expansion

An amazing this has occurred recently. But is is amazing or can it be called deception?

At a recent meeting, Trustee Leroy Brown and Trustee Morales voted "no" to the expansion of the truck stop. 

Trustee Brown has voted "yes" to all votes since 1993.  That is 7 and a half years of votes, times two votes a month = approx. 168 votes of yes without a "no" vote.  Now that he is up for re-election and people running for office against him have placed this on their literature, he has voted no.  Coincidence?  We think not.  Deception?  Definitely!

Mr. Morales has also voted "no" for the first time since taking office.    Coincidence?  We think not.  Deception?  Definitely!

These are two of the three candidates about to lose their seats at the upcoming April election.  One of the main reasons they will lose their seats is because they have voted "YES" to all bills passed, running Bolingbrook debt upwards of $300 Million Dollars and costing taxpayers more money then necessary with high homeowners taxes, high sales taxes, high stamp taxes, red light camera fees, high hotel taxes, high gas tax, high prepared food tax, high liquor and tobacco tax. and any other way they can get more money out of the residents and visitors.

Sorry boys, it is a little too late!  Let the contenders knock you down for what you caused, and voting on a business expansion does not cut the fact you have voted YES to every expense Roger wanted.  The residents wont forget you voted in the Golf Club, Airport, Americana Estates, and other ventures that are draining us!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Bonnie on the Record about Ken Cygan

from Bonnie Alicea over the phone

It has come to my attention that Mr. Ken Cygan is using mud slinging tactics to slander me, even though the election is over 5 months away, electioneering is not even started, and he is not even on the ballot yet.  I wanted to address this immediately, so that the residents do not need to see mudslinging during our local election.  Nobody wants to see mudslinging.  Just tell the residents what your education and experience are and what your willing to do for them.  There is no need to bash someone else, especially when you don't know that other person. 

A few weeks ago I threw my name in the hat to run for trustee after many residents asked me to.  During this time, another candidate Mr. Ken Cygan also threw his name in the hat.  For some reason, Mr. Cygan decided to start an early bashing campaign, and has decided to attack me and the local news organizations that have endorsed me.  Instead of pointing out what could be changed in the Village, or the problems that the current trustees have caused the residents, he has launched a full fledged personal attack. 

While he states that he does not support the media or myself, he uses my Mayoral platform from 2009 as his current platform. He has virtually "stolen" my info that I have spent years researching, understanding, and fighting, in order to call it his own and appear knowledgeable.  He stole this from both the local watch dog group web sites, one of which I contributed to, both in time, money, and efforts.  He did not contribute one minute or one penny to the gathering, interpreting, or monetary efforts of this work.  Technically, since it was, and is copyrighted, his platform is considered copyright infringement against me.

Now, on his web site he has posted the following:
"Many people have informed me that the political group “Bolingbrook Report”, affiliated with Bonnie Alicea, has written verbiage that is highly biased towards its Trustee Candidate, Ms. Alicea. Purportedly, their members have used the BB report website and various blogs to attack my character and distort my experience."

The Bolingbrook Report is not affiliated with me, they endorse me.  They are not biased for me, they are endorsing me because I have earned their trust, tenacity, hard work, have a higher education, higher experience, and more dedication then Ken Cygan.  I have given the Brook Report hundreds of hours of volunteer work and jeopardized my family and home to run in the election last year. 

Ken accuses the BR members in participating on the various blogs and there is no proof to show this. He claims that they attack or distort Ken's information.  They have no reason to disseminate wrong information, as Ken has disseminated his own information and local bloggers have attacked it for the issues they have found.  Why would they go onto these sites when they have access to their own?  The BR did not have to do anything for the residents to see through his facade. 

Last week I spent my time talking to residents about what I can do for Bolingbrook.  I spent my time fighting for transparency in the Village.  Ken spent his time crafting this lie against me.  I have been the most transparent candidate that Bolingbrook has ever seen.  I have also been the most honest and dedicated to the cause.  I refuse to fight with Ken and will continue my promise to run a clean campaign.  This is about running for a job/ position, it is not personal.  This is why I believe this needed to be addressed before the actual election cycle began in a few months.

Monday, October 18, 2010

No Excuse Voting

Under a new law known as “No Excuse Voting”, registered Illinois voters may visit an Early Voting Center in their community to vote in advance of the November 2 General Election. And unlike traditional requests for an absentee ballot, NO EXCUSE IS NEEDED. Walk in and vote.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Letter forwarded to us about FOIA Transparency

Karen,
 
I am sorry to bother you, but I think it is important that we resolve a regular problem in Bolingbrook transparency. 
 
I received my FOIA on Friday, and the file was sent in Photoshop.  Not only can I not open it, but I am wondering why it was sent from a software program that is used to "doctor" and "alter" documents. 
 
 Furthermore, how many residents are getting their FOIA in this manner?  Do you know the cost to purchase this version of Photoshop is $699.00 plus tax?  Is it expected that the residents must purchase this software to view their FOIA's?  Is it reasonable for the residents to assume that each document they receive is doctored?  This is the third time this has happened to me this year.  How do we build trust in the local government and the FOIA laws when we think that our responses are altered and doctored?
 
 I know I have had this issue in the past and asked kindly to have this resolved.  Can you please send me my FOIA in a readable format.  Can you also let me know what steps will be taken to ensure that the FOIA laws in Bolingbrook are being followed to fix this problem?  I look forward to your response.
 
Thanks,
Bonnie Alicea

Trustee's Running (Cygan Vs. Alicea)

When people ask why we support certain individuals, it is because we spend time looking at their qualifications.  This is the side by side qualifications of Bonnie Alicea and Ken Cygan.  You decide whom you want to be your next Trustee!

Bonnie Alicea
Ken Cygan
Education:
 Phd abd Industrial Organizational Psychology
MA in Industrial Organizational Psychology
BA in Applied Behavioral Science
Education:
BA Degree in Management Major in Organizational Development 
Experience:
15 year Management Consultant “Fortune 10” and private business owner.
Experience:
12 year Management Consultant “Fortune 500”
Resident:  32 years
Resident:  6 years
Participation in local politics:
Ran for Mayor 2009
Attended board meetings to fight for Transparency and made a difference,
Founder of BolingbrookMayor.com which is now The Brook Report.  Founded to be the first watch dog group in Bolingbrook!
Participation in local politics:
Web site claims he participates in local watch dog groups.  The Brook Report denies any involvement and so does the Number Crunchers.
Opposition:
Unwavering Independent voting mind
Opposition:
"He is not running to be a YES-MAN or a NO-MAN", thus straddling the fence and voting with the majority on the board.
Platform: 
Transparency, Stop Frivolous Spending, Stop corruption and hold Trustees and Mayor accountable for their actions.

*  Bonnie offers solutions.
Platform:
His platform was Bonnie’s last year platform.  Now it has changed to be:
Leading with integrity (Which he has already disproved), Increasing transparency (Bonnie has already done), and Ensuring effective fiscal public services (What about all other fiscal responsibilities?)
*  Ken offers problems but no solutions.
Golf Course issue:
Bonnie sees the drain on the residents for this $32 Million business decision.  She sees poor management of this business in the high labor and high COGS.  The leak must be stopped!
Golf Course Issue:
Ken’s web site states:  “Purchases of a Golf Course and Airport act as a symbol of Bolingbrook’s rise as one of the gems of the west suburbs.”
Business Growth:
Bonnie would work with local property owners and developers to attract good businesses by incentives, fair pricing, and fair taxation.
Business Growth:
 “Ken would create an environment that encourages business growth which would also result in more jobs for residents. “  How would he do this?  Where are the facts?
For Residents:
Bonnie would work hard to reduce the “Welcome to Bolingbrook” tax assessed on people re-locating to Bolingbrook.  This tax is the highest, second to Chicago.  Bonnie would cut budgets to ensure taxes were lowered.  Bonnie would increase safety and work hard to beautify the Village.  She would work hard to lower the local sales taxes so residents can shop in their community again. This would retain residents.
For Residents:
Create incentives for Bolingbrook residents who decide to remain in the village instead of moving to other west suburbs”.  What type of incentives, what kind of encouragement?”
Police, Fire, Dispatch, Ambulance, and Public Works:
Bonnie stands firm in re-allocating Village budgets to expand the above services.  More funding for the above service means safer communities, safer schools, faster EMT response times, and cleaner neighborhoods.  She knows the Village budget and knows where to cut to make these things happen. 
Police, Fire, Dispatch, Ambulance, and Public Works:
No cuts in police officers, 911 operators, or paramedic services
Village Budgets:
Bonnie wants to stop the frivolous spending.  She wants to stop pay to play on tax dollars,and  stop spending on things the residents do not need.  She wants to act on the high bonds which lead to increased taxes.  She wants to stop the financial leak of the losing business ventures.
Village Budgets:
Maintain conservative cash flow reserves


Both candidates want Transparency.  Bonnie has fought for it at numerous village board meetings and was the leading cause of the Village posting the financials and even meeting minutes on the Village web site for the residents to view.  Ken has not done anything to increase transparency.  Bonnie submits FOIA's, Ken does not do the research.  We will follow this issue to see if there will be changes.

Ken Cygan, retract or be liable

The CFBB, former company of the Brook Report, is calling Trustee Candidate Ken Cygan to retract his defamatory statements or be the subject of a lawsuit. 

Ken Cygan who is running for Trustee in 2011 has posted and spoken defamatory statements regarding the CFBB and has not validated these statements with any facts.  He has been speaking at residents homes in Bolingbrook hurling accusations against the CFBB for their political position in Bolingbrook and has wrongfully accused this organization for slander against him.  Be aware when he shows up at your door, that you DO NOT have to sign his petition.

His web site states "
"I have been equally disappointed with the tactics of political interest groups such as Citizens for a Better Bolingbrook (CFBB). Members from this group have regularly addressed the Village Board with unfounded accusations and have been disrespectful to the Board on numerous occasions. As a matter of fact, a spokesperson for the group had to be escorted by police during a Village Board meeting for not adhering to the rules.

Unfortunately, there have been members, purportedly from CFBB, that have launched a slanderous campaign against me, attacking my character and distorting my experience. While I expected that this group would resist anyone who would consider a run for Trustee, it is a shame that such political interest groups must use the tactics of slander, bias, and lies to promote their agenda. I think it’s safe to say that any candidate affiliated with CFBB will not be respected by the residents as someone who can respectfully and effectively work with the Board and represent the needs of Bolingbrook’s residents."

The CFBB is alleging that they have not even existed for 7 months now.  They closed their doors in March.  The CFBB attorneys state that during this time in business, all members that have addressed the board have done so with facts in hand.  None of the members have been escorted out for BREAKING rules.  Had Mr. Cygan researched the issues, he would have found them to be accurate.  It is not the CFBB fault that this man does not research his statements. 

The CFBB does not involve themselves in slanderous campaigns against their opposition.  "We do not participate in online forums."  The CFBB did not promote any lies against him.  All candidates that the Brook Report or CFBB support sign the fair campaign acts and stick with them. 

Matt from the former CFBB has this comment, "This is a Republicans way to slander and defame good candidates that work hard at contributing to change.  All candidates we sponsor run as Independent candidates, with no affiliation to the corrupt Republican party or any other party.  We chose to sponsor them because they will not stoop to running nasty campaigns or tolerate people that do.  We support them because we have met them, they are highly skilled, talented, and educated individuals that work hard at donating their time to change the corrupt IL political arena, including Bolingbrooks. Their views are not our views, and our views are not their views.  We support them because they are the best people for the job. We will not support Ken and this upsets him.  This is why he has lashed out against the CFBB.  We will not support him because he lacks the integrity and honesty we expect in the individuals that we stick our necks out for, as you see above.  Voting for him is not voting for change.  He is the same as the current administration.  His experience and education lack our standards.  In no way does that make him a bad person, he is just not our best candidate. "

It appears that Mr. Cygan is really just looking to attack other candidates and run a dirty election.  Vote NO to Ken Cygan.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Bolingbrook Report hits 50,000 hits milestone

Congratulations to the Bolingbrook Report for 50,000 hits since 2009!

Bolingbrook Suing American Water

What do we think about this lawsuit?

Since they did not approach AM Water to reach an amicable agreement before filing the lawsuit, we think the lawsuit is WRONG.  All this is about is making our Village attorney more money.  They could have saved the taxpayers a great deal of money had they approached Am Water and sat down with them to work out these details in advance. 

The Village Attorneys office makes approx. $900,000 a year from taxpayers.  This will undoubtedly raise this by about $100K and will put him at a Million dollars a year.  He is probably the one that suggested the lawsuit to the Mayor, wanting to line his own pockets.  The taxpayers will see their taxes go up, to accommodate this fee. 

I would have gladly lent Mr. Claar my cell phone to make this call. 

County Elections Getting Harsh

Did you know that in the Will County Races, only Bolingbrook appears to have democrat signs removed from personal property? 

It is not happening in any other Will County Village or city. 

Did you know that a few opposing candidates in these elections actually live in Bolingbrook?

Is this a coincidence? 

Mr. Kwiat and Maripat Oliver both reside in Bolingbrook and are running against the Democratic parties in these elections.

Is someone in Bolingbrook trying to "fix" the Bolingbrook voting polls but not any other community?  You be the judge...  post your responses below.

Cedra Crenshaw's View are... well... out there

By Heidi

Did anyone get the campaign literature in their mailbox today about Cedra?

If you did not, let me recap it for you. 

Cedra calls public schools "Indoctrination centers" and support cutting educational funding, leading to larger class sizes, teacher layoffs, and leaving students less prepared for the future.

Crenshaw supports allowing big corporations to give money directly to politicians to influence elections.

Cedra supports cutting funds for local towns and cities, which will cause local property taxes to skyrocket and force cuts in schools and local police and fire departments.

Her ideas are reckless, irresponsible, and divisive, and they'd be downright dangerous for Illinois if she were elected.

Proof listed on the bottom left of the postcard. 

Bonnie answers questions about her employment

from Bonnie Alicea

What experience do you have that would make you qualified to be a Village Trustee?

     Most candidates will tout their time serving on boards and their voting records as the reason to vote them into a Trustee position.  I have sat on boards as well, researched the issues before passing votes, and can show that I have never been a rubber stamp member.  I personally think that sitting on boards do not make you a qualified person for office, showing what you can do for the Village is what makes you qualified. 

     Other candidates will tell you what they see wrong.  Not many can point to EXACTLY how to change what is wrong, or show examples of things they have done on the job to fix those problems.  I can, and I intend to tell the residents, that solving these problems are my specialty.

     I have a unique set of skills in my employment history.  I have been interviewed by the Brook Report about my past and won't bore you with these details.  I want to point out what I have been doing over the last five years of my life, and the impact I have made for so many people.  With these examples, you will see that I act on problems, not just talk about them.

     For the past five years +, I have been devoted to changing the lives of millions of people.  I have taken contracts that can better lives and companies, not just my pocket book.  I believe in Corporate change to make the lives better of Millions of Americans.  Here is my story...

     Shortly after graduating from college with my Master's Degree, but before I started my Doctorate Degree, I realized that I had a unique skill set.  I had worked with a great deal of low wage workers throughout my career and saw their struggles.  Homes were lost, food was scarce, and health insurance was nearly impossible to keep, unless it was state funded with low care quality.  Many of these low wage workers worked in more stressful jobs with more physical labor than those with higher paying jobs.  Many were Generation Y, who were being taken advantage of due to their youth.  Even more were minority, whom were treated like slaves in some companies.  I believed that everyone was equal and I could not bear to see low wage workers being treated shamefully when they were no different from you or I.  The way they were treated was based solely on their salary amounts.
    
      I came to realize that anyone, with any level of education, could go from rich to poor, middle class to poverty, just from a loss of a job.  I witnessed executives losing jobs and resorting to low wage jobs, just to feed their families. I realized anyone in the U.S. can falter and be stuck at a low wage job.  Low wage jobs affect children's health, nutrition, and even emotional well being. 

    I wanted to make a difference and I began writing my dissertation.  My dissertation, called "Motivating and Retaining Low Wage Workers", put me in touch with some of the largest companies in the U.S.  My research forged the way to new opportunities for these companies and to helping low wage workers achieve better and more consistent work life balance and on the job growth.  I came up with a cycle of "happy employees means happy profits", and have done guest speaking many times on the subject to the world's top employers.  I have been working in the Fortune 100 for over 5 years now as an Organizational Development Analyst, Trainer, and Change Management Expert.

    A synapses of one contract I held was with Walmart.  Walmart is the "Fortune 1" company with 1.5 Million employees.  Many of their employees earn under $10 per hour.  I joined the team to assist in the establishment of training, job descriptions, routines, offering better service, consistent jobs, and making their jobs easier and safer.  They began to have a better opportunity for growth and stability in their jobs, and the company profited from this.  My efforts impacted the livelihoods of over 1.5 Million employees, their spouses, and their children.  It also impacted stakeholders, CEO's, and shareholders profits.

    Another contract I had taken was with BP during the oil crisis in the gulf.  People were losing their jobs in the South and the business was going through major changes during the crisis.  BP employs 80,300 employees nationally.  Customer service representatives were being slaughtered on the phone, emails and mail poured in from across the country, and during all this BP was consolidating, laying off, and moving offices across the county.  The company was in a state of disrepair.  My efforts to assist with the changes and help them get through this time was a high priority.  BP risked losing so much money that they could have closed their doors, putting 80K people out of work, devastating the already high unemployment numbers and families involved.  This would have also hit the trading community and many people that invest in stocks for their retirement. 

    My track record of saving jobs in a poor economy while cutting costs for organizations has put me in a high bracket of "the most sought after consultants" in the U.S.   I am usually brought into a situation that needs someone strong and experienced, and can get things done.  I believe there is a balance, where both the company and the employees can exist in a win-win situation. I also believe that all work is noble work and it does not matter what your pay rate is. 

     As a professor, I instill this in every student that takes my courses.  This is the same reason I am running for trustee.  Bolingbook workers are being cut, many have to shoulder the work of two other employees due to the cuts.  Some work different hours then they did before the cuts.  They are not secure in their employment, as Bolingbrook's high debt will surely lead to more layoffs next year.  Bolingbrook is still neck deep in debt without anyone on the board offering solutions to resolve this annual problem.  Bolingbrook has cut their services to the community.  Bolingbrook is just like BP in the middle of the oil spill.  Someone has to come in and plug the leak.  Someone has to help the workers (Police, Fire, service) while re-growing the business (Village, golf course, airport, Americana Estates).  I believe that someone is me.  I can use my skills to make Bolingbrook a better place to live for the tax payers, the workers, and the future.

 Frankly, I hold the same views of many other residents.  I am tired of the local officials stating that they don't know what to do while the oil (money) keeps leaking.  My message to them is "If you don't know how to address it, and address it quickly, then step down and let the experts do this." 

To the residents, I bring real solutions to the table and real experience to back it up.   Vote for me and vote to stop the leak. Stop the frivilous spending, stop the corruption, stop the lack of transparency, stop the rubber stamp board from authorizing leaking money, and hold people accountable for their actions.  Just like the CEO from BP stepping down, it is time for the people of Bolingbrook who caused the leak, to be held accountable for their actions and step down.  Voter them out and vote for change!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Mr. Mike Evans, who is paying for this?

Mr. Evans, School Board,

We know you collect a meager salary for running the Chamber of Commerce.  We know you do not make anything on the board.  We know you have a 6 month old baby girl, so your wife had time off of work.  We are curious as to how much you are making elsewhere and where your getting your money? Business owners might even warn you that the IRS looks into spending vs. earning when pursuing criminal charges. Are the allegations about your lavish trips true?  Who is paying for or has paid for these trips?   

A local resident has reported that in the last month you have been living the high life in Vegas and in China.  How do you respond to this?  Where did you get the funds?

Proof we found on your facebook site.



Mike, what the heck are you doing in China!?!
October 7 at 9:21pm · Comment · Like

Mike Evans Palace Museum....surreal...that's the only way to describe the experience.

Mike Evans Off to walk the Great Wall after the Ming Tombs! can't believe I'm actually in China!
October 7 at 9:14pm via Facebook for BlackBerry · Comment · Like


Mike Evans Vegas!!
September 19 at 11:57am via Facebook for BlackBerry · Comment · Like

Mike Evans Rooftop...some call it Moon...we call it how we do.....

Mobile Uploads
September 19 at 2:16am via Facebook for BlackBerry® smartphones · Comment · Like · Share

Mike Evans Ok so you know how we do....limo from the airport, tour of the strip....Suite at the Palms....dinner at Nove...VIP all the way....we miss our little girl, but I love my wife....so its great to have this well deserved time away....oh wait got to run pre-dinner champagne is at the door!!
September 18 at 11:11pm via Facebook for BlackBerry · Comment · Like
2 people like this.


Mike Evans Sin City...such a mutual respect!

Wayne Kwiat LIES yet again!

Wayne Kwiat, running for Judgeship of Will County, has been bragging that the BBA supports his run for candidacy.  This has never been so wrong.

*  Allegations arose this year about Wayne bouncing the check he gave them for $75 for his dinner at the last event. 

Now, we receive official word from this organization.

PRESS RELEASE
October 13, 2010

The Black Bar Association of Will County Will Not Endorse any Candidates
The Black Bar Association of Will County (BBA) is a non-partisan association and does not endorse candidates for elected office. 
It has come to the attention of the BBA that several candidates preparing for the upcoming election have included endorsement language referencing our association in campaign materials.  BBA, established in December 2007, has worked diligently to carry out its mission “To Seek Justice.”  The association, in advocating for justice, hosted a candidate forum to encourage citizens to learn more about those individuals seeking office.  Additionally, individual association members have volunteered for various campaigns.  Moreover, several BBA members past and present serve in elected office.  Notwithstanding our commitment to service in the political process, it has been and continues to be the policy and practice of this association to abstain from endorsing any candidates.
We encourage our members to vote, as is the responsibility of all citizens, but as an association remains non-partisan. To that end, BBA requests any candidate who has listed this association in any manner contradictory to its non-endorsement policy to immediately remove all such references.  This request includes removal of BBA endorsement language from all social media or networking websites as well as printed campaign materials.
Thanks to all candidates for taking the time to serve the community and for helping make Will County a better place to live, work and grow.
Sincerely,
Masah SamForay
Masah SamForay
President
Black Bar Association of Will County

What is Bonnie's Affiliation to the BR?

from Bonnie

Weekly Question:  Bonnie, what is your affiliation to the Brook Report?

Answer:

In Early 2009 I started a web site called "BolingbrookMayor.com".  During the elections for my Mayoral run in 2009 I met some wonderful supports who asked if they could take control of the web site after the elections.  Since the web site had generated much interest, was bought and paid for, and the web designer devoted his time to my campaign, I allowed the site to be transferred immediately after the elections.

Although the web site has changed numerous hands throughout the last year and a half, it has always served the initial purpose.  The intent for the initial purpose was to give the residents a voice. 

People ask me all the time if I believe and support the Bolingbrook Report.  This is how I feel about the BR.
The BR and I share the same philosophy on freedom of speech, democracy, and getting residents to participate in local elections by having knowledge to do so.  It was created to cause a great deal of controversy, since people with such strong opinions create local involvement.  For example, if they post an opinion that is strongly right or strongly wrong, the effect is the same.  Neighbors, friends, bar buddies, husbands, wife's, etc. can be involved in heated discussions to support or oppose the BR's position.  This creates community talk, which in turn creates public interest.

I think the BR has been very successful at creating this talk, bringing together people in the community, and in the process, keeping an eye on the government of Bolingbrook, which all governments should have.

Since it works in so many different ways, and has always been receptive of me, I believe in the BR.

Some people ask me about the credibility of the site.  I don't always agree with what they post, or how they post it, but who am I am to argue?  I am not the one out there doing all the hard work and writing multiple stories a day for free.  I am not going to squash their freedom of speech. 

So why would I post stories on the site, some ask?  The local papers cannot post information about anyone running for office against Mr. Claar.  He chooses what papers to pay for local ads, such as meeting notices and Village advertising.  If they print these stories, he could pull their funding. The Brook Report allows my postings in support of my mayoral run and future runs for office.  I appreciate any advertisement.

More questions answered soon!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Education Vs. Experience

From Jon A. resident of Bolingbrook

During the upcoming elections in November, one of the key points with opposing candidates is to review experience and education.

There has been a clearly defined expectation about what education buys you without experience.  As a residents, I wanted to write my feelings about that.

As a business owner I look to hire educated individuals.  I check on their education and ensure that they hold the degrees the candidates state they hold.  I value the degree for two reasons.  I value that they have started and completed a task such as a four year degree.  I also value that while completing the task, they took with that the knowledge that they needed to do so.

Many colleges do not offer on the job training.  A four year degree in English does not teach  you how to write a novel, it only gives you the skills to do so.  With this in mind, I look for years of experience on the job to supplement the position and know that I am hiring the right people for the job.

In my corporate world, terminology changes.  For example, it is easy for me to say let's park this issue, while a non-corporate person would raise an eyebrow at me and ask what that means.  When I say that the non-corporate person and I are having a "disconnect", they don't get that either.  This shows that on the job knowledge is important for our fields.

When I began to look at the candidates for the November election, I saw one glaring problem.  Many of the candidates did not have the background for the jobs they were essentially applying for.  I would not hire a florist to be my car repair man, and I would not hire a non-governmental/ non-corporate worker to sit in my senate seat and represent me, knowing they do not know the language needed to do, or understand the job.

So to my surprise, one local candidate Cedra Crenshaw went to college to be an accountant but has not held a job.  I call this "holding an accounting degree".  How can she possibly understand how to work a 12 hour day, as most these positions require?  How can she understand business etiquette with this group of politicians?  I am not sure why she would run for such a high position.  If she wants experience, I am sure her local school board could use some good mom's.

Another candidate MariPat Oliver is running on the platform that she is a mom.  Did I miss something again?  I must have a disconnect with these individuals.  Had I been hiring for these jobs personally, their resume would have been thrown right in the trash and I would have interviewed people with skills that closely match the job description.

A third candidate running for office has a unique twist.  He is the "copy boy" running for CEO.  Mr. Kwiat, traffic ticket attorney running for Judgeship.  He has a damaged record, to say the least, and his sight is held high.  Good for him, but maybe working his way up to secretary might be a better idea.  He does not speak the language or hold the respect needed to be a Judge.  Once again, a resume I would trash.

None of these candidates would have even made my interview process...

However, AJ Wilhelmi, Emily McKasey, and Carmen Goodman would have been on my "Outlook" for an interview immediately. 

Please look at these openings as positions to be filled, not popularity contests.  If you ever have a heart attack, do you want your doctor to have been voted in by the people because they are popular?  Would you rather your doctor have experience and education to hold his position?  Politicians are the same way, they are teh children's future.

Mr. Kwiat for Judge? Are you kidding?

From a local resident to Mr. Kwiat;

Mr. Wayne, I am writing you this letter and using the Bolingbrook Report to deliver it.  I am doing this for two reasons.  The first reason is that you do not spend time in your Bolingbrook address at Kwait Law Firm, as you rented it out to a realtor but kept your sign up.  The second reason I am doing this is because you would try to keep me silent.  Silent is not my strong point and election season is upon you.

I am writing today to point out something you did years ago that changed the course of my life.  I wanted to share this story with the residents. 

When I was younger I played with your kids and thought your wife Jan was a doll.  (This I found out later was your second wife and previous secretary).  My parents supported you as a friend and associate to run for office in Bolingbrook, with then aspiring Mayor Roger Claar.  They held fundraisers for you in our home and supported your efforts.  They involved themselves with belief in you and your morals. 

A few years passed and their business was wrongfully sued.  (In this day and age a suit like this would be thrown out of court).  They spent money and hired you as their lawyer and trusted friend to make this lawsuit disappear. They wondered why it was not thrown out of court and why it was going on for years. 

A little too late they found out it was because you were failing to show up at the court dates, or to represent them, but still collecting their money.  The case almost cost them millions, as it was nearing judgement when they found out.  They wound up settling out of court for a great deal of money, on their own without representation. 

This money they had to pay for settlement was mine and my sisters college funds, my parents retirement funds, and everything they had worked hard for.

Needless to say, as I pay my school loans each month and help my parents to survive, I think of you.

I know I am not the only story like this in town.  I know I am not the only person/ family you burned.  I know you have lied to the government before and you lied again recently about your position with the Will County offices and with your tenure in support of the Unions. 

I write this letter to tell people what kind of person you are and to let you know that the many people you hurt in life might find a way to hurt you back for it.  It is called Karma.  I think this is the time that others in Bolingbrook should step up and write those letters to the Brook Report as well about what he has done to them.  People need to know why someone like Wayne does not deserve to hold a moral position as Judge.

As for Wayne, you know who I am and you know how to find me.  If you don't know who I am, them I rest my case about the above statement.  An apology to my parents or myself would have gone a long way over the course of the years this happened.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Another shooting this month in Bolingbrook

We recently wrote and article about a man being shot on Flagstaff.  This man did not survive. 
About a week later, we have another shooting.  When will we get information about these shootings? 
What happened to the man that was recently found deceased at the skate park?

Article in the Chicago Tribune:

Police are investigating shots fired early Wednesday morning in the 400 block of Salem Square on the east side of the village.
No one was injured when shots were fired into the front door, family room and a front bedroom of a residence around 5 a.m. Wednesday, according to a police report.
Four people were in the home at the time of the shooting.
Police have no offender information, and no other details about the incident were released.

Meijers Allegations

A few months back we were following a story of a local resident who was falsely arrested and accused of theft at a local Meijer store.  Her name was splashed in the media and her reputation falsely ruined.

She was arrested by a Bolingbrook Police Officer, even thought he police officer did not obtain any proof of why he was arresting her.

The issue has been resolved in courts as follows:
1.  Meijers could not produce ANY video to show this lady shoplifted, even though they lied and told the officer they had this.
2.  Meijer did not have any item taken from her paid cart that was not listed on her receipt.
3.  The harassing male employees, that made her go to the bathroom with the door open and them present, did not appear in the courts.
4.  Meijers never formally apologized to this person or others that this has happened to.
5.  She was found not guilty, all counts dismissed, and Meijers will have to pay her legal fees.

This type of harassment in local stores must stop.  Think twice before you use the self-scan options and demand someone that works there scans your purchases.  It might save their company money to do self scan, but they are not doing you any favors in return.

Quote of the day

"If you only talk to people that think and believe as you do, how do you expect to learn anything new?  Debating is a valuable tool."

Bonnie's Election


from Bonnie Alicea:

"I might not be the only candidate running for Trustee against the current Trustees in office.  I might not even be the first choice picked to be a trustee.  But the one thing I am, is honest.  I speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in, even if it means standing alone."
Today I have entered into a contract with the Brook Report to submit my views for the residents.  I am not a journalist, but I am a candidate for election to Trustee in Bolingbrook.  I support the Bolingbrook Report for demanding transparency in candidates, as I have wanted transparency in my public officials as well.
Other candidates are being offered the choice to do this, and with this, we hope to accomplish a more fair election process.  Let the residents be informed of who their candidate is, what they stand for, and use their own voice when choosing their candidate.
You can rest assure that my views and statements will all be posted with the title from Bonnie Alicea, as posted above. This way the residents can differentiate between the Brook Report views and my own views. The Brook Report has some very strong views on local politics.  I have my own views and would like to be heard as the individual that I am.  
I will answer one public question a week on this blog.  Please submit the question to the Bolingbrook Report email address.  I intend to answer as many questions as possible, to dispel any myths about me that are out there, and to support my platform.   There has been a great deal of inaccurate and misleading information posted and spoken of me in the last two years, and it is time for the truth to come out. 
I am also calling all candidates to do the same.  I think all candidates should post their qualifications and platform, if they want to support transparency. 
Thanks for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to a fun and clean election run!

Kool-Aid Drinkers


This picture was featured on this weeks Bolingbrook Bugle Newspapers.

Did you know that Bolingbrook is almost 100% Republican run? 
Did you know that Bolingbrook elections are a mere 5 months away?
Are you registered to vote?

Did you know that non-Republican local candidates are attacked by the current administration "Kool-Aid drinkers" by the use of propaganda and their credentials are attacked, even when valid?  The last candidate was so severely attacked that they harassed her place of employments, and publicly called her a "Murderer".  They had people trying to break into her home, all because she stepped forward to use her Constitutional Rights to run for office and make Bolingbrook more transparent.

Take these crazy people out of office and vote for the candidate that is willing to make the difference.   Vote for the candidate that puts their neck on the block for the better good of the community and sacrifices their lives to crazy Republicans to do so.

The current administration tout that people don't care and don't come out to elections.  That is why they still have all their power.  Let's make this year different.  Show the current Republicans in office: 

"The majority isn't silent.  The government is deaf."

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Evans Off the Hook?

Mike Evans, School Board member has been attacking people left and right at the board meetings.  As Roger Claar's godson, we thought he would be a little more refined.  However, in his term on the board, he has done many wrong things, including consistently voting for Taxpayers funds to go to his organization.  This is breaking IL Ethics laws.

We were prepared to raise a good race against him in the school board run this year, however, he has yet to pick up his packet to run for office.  Does this mean he is finally leaving the School Board?

Congrats Mike if you decided not to run.  If this is true, we will be able to stop writing about you!

Cedra

This week Cedra took her time and energy from campaigning to sling mud at AJ Wilhelmi in recent attacks against him before the election.  Running against a high mud slinging opponent, AJ has stepped up to not sling mud back and be an honorable person.  This takes a highly patient and respectable politician to do this, in spite of the amount of mud she has dug to sling.

Everyone missteps, but it is mudslingers that can find each person's misstep in life.  However, we cannot get over the fact that Wilhelmi is still the better candidate. 

He is more educated, more experienced, and has DONE something to help the county.  Whereas, Cedra cannot disprove that and can only mud sling.  Where is her proof of what she has done?  What has she done in her own community, neighborhood, even her own block?  She is too busy bashing to tell us, so we will probably never know.

One thing everyone knows is that it is easy to sit behind a computer and mud sling as a troll.  It is harder to go out and make a difference.  If she can find that balance, she might actually be competition.  Remember, this is not a Prom Queen competition to decide who we like as a person.  This is about who can do the job. Vote Wilhelmi!

Local Nov. election candidates to speak Thursday

As seen on the Chicago Tribune:

State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi, D-Joliet, and his opponent in the Nov. 2 election Republican Cedra Crenshaw of Bolingbrook, in addition to Illinois General Assembly  Republican candidate Maripat Oliver of Bolingbrook are scheduled to attend a candidate forum in Romeoville on Thursday.

Oliver’s opponent, Democratic Rep. Emily McAsey of Lockport, has not yet confirmed she will attend the event, hosted by the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce, according to her campaign office.
Candidates who attend will get two minutes to address the audience. Time to meet the candidates will be scheduled before the presentations.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Lukancic Middle School Auditorium, 725 Normantown Road in Romeoville.
Candidates running for Regional Superintendent of Schools and U.S. Representative in the 13th district are also expected to attend.
For information contact the chamber at 815-886-2076.

Our question is
1.  Why is Kwiat and Goodman not going head to head in a debate for this?
2.  Is Cedra going to use her 2 minutes to mud sling, or tell people what she can do?
3.  Will Marypat show her inexperience, or will she be coached?

We shall see!

Trustee Morales Run for Trustee?

Mr Trustee Morales has been the subject of controversy on the Bolingbrook Village Board.  From lavish dinners on tax payer dollars, calling residents names when they speak up at the board meetings, being publicly caught in many lies, and never justifying his rude and pompous behavior has labeled Mr. Morales the first to be booted off Claar's board in the next election. 

Rumor has it that Mr. Claar has been interviewing potential candidates to run against, or in place of, his own man Morales.

Morales first term started when he was placed on the board to fill a vacancy.  During his ten year tenure he has not voted "NO" to any vote.  Knowing we would use this against him, the Virgin "NO" speaker, finally voted "NO" this month, for the first time in 10 years!  Maybe it is because he is mad at Roger for trying to replace him.

Last year the CFBB addressed how Mr. Morales could be involved in the over ten jobs / community service organizations at a time that he claimed to be a part of, and still could be effective at any of them.  Mr. Morales blew a gasket at this, but never answered the question.  We soon found out from a heated Village Board meeting that Mr. Morales could not be effective, when he showed the CFBB that he was not reading the $2- $4 Million Dollar bills he was passing before he passed them.

Another board meeting he called one resident a "liar" and demanded proof to the allegations during a board meeting.  The next morning, proof was on our site!  Whoops to Morales and his honesty problems.

We could speak of many times we have loved to hate Mr. Morales.  He is not a very likable person, has not had a stable career, and has missed MANY board meeting over the last year. He has not shown us one thing over the last 10 years that he has done for the residents.  He has not even announced his candidacy, his platform, or his resume.  You will probably never hear a campaign promise out of him, as he would surely break it.  If Donald Trump were here, he would go to the board meeting and say "Your fired!"

Our saying for Mr. Morales tenure on the board is:

"The problem with political jokes is that very often they get elected."

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Should Leroy Brown re-run for Trustee?

The Brook Report has given many reasons why Leroy should not re-run for Trustee.   Some of the allegations included working for two publicly funded governmental agencies (Village of Bolingbrook and VVSD School's) which some can say is double dipping, and others might say he has been given the VVSD position by clout.  Either way, his salary at the school district increased by 30$K in three years, from $50K to 80$K.  This is a big raise, where most people in the area are losing jobs or are satisfied with a 1-3% annual raise.  The school board has been cutting services to the students (Special Education, sports, and even text books).  They are doing this while Leroy takes a 10 - 20% raise annually. 

We think that Leroy is making enough as a VVSD security officer and will get a suitable pension for his services soon.  We think Leroy has done some great things for the Village in the past, but cannot think of anything he has done recently to continue his campaign.  Pursuing a Trustee position again could twist his years of good service into something truly ugly.  Sometimes knowing when to bow out makes a good man.

For example, last year Bonnie Alicea attended the board meeting and addressed a question to Leroy concerning the renters ordinance (the ordinance states that any tenant with consistent criminal activity will have to be evicted).  She asked why he had not addressed this issue in lieu of the gang and drug problems in town, and they were not pursuing this ordinance, as her own block had renters that were imprisoned for these activities. 

Leroy claimed that the Police all knew and pursued this ordinance, however, Police officer Mr. Mitchem (son of principal Mr. Mitchem of BHS) told Bonnie to her face that there was no law about this, when responding to her call about a neighbor selling guns.  When she addressed this, the very next board meeting stated that 90+ calls to her block were "typical" for a Bolingbrook block per year.  Thus Leroy tried to justify the security risk for residents with words like "typical".  This did not bode well for the residents. 

Later in the year Leroy held speaking events where residents could come voice their opinions and ideas about crime.  As the lead speaker and coordinator, we found that taking these steps were courageous.  When we followed up with asking him about the outcome and what they implemented from this, there was no answer.  We do not think anything came of these meetings, hence wasted time from residents.

It is one thing to service the residents and do what you can to help, but it is another to state your helping but have nothing to show the proof of that. 

A few years back people were getting robbed at gun point and forced to ATM's.  Chief McGury finally ratted the administration out to the papers, as he felt the residents needed to know the threat to protect themselves.  People were getting hurt.  McGury moved on from his job after that.  Leroy was the Deputy Mayor at the time and one of the "security" people on the board that did not advise the Mayor to release this information to the public.  Many people were hurt.

Recently there has been a rash of murders and attempted murders in Bolingbrook.  Just a few weeks ago a man was shot blocks away from Leroy's house.  The Village has yet to release a statement regarding what the outcome of that shooting was.  Was the person caught?  Was it gang related, drug related, random?  There has been homes being robbed lately too, while the residents were at home.  Why is this not for front of the news?  We look to Leroy, who is the Mayors Deputy, the Mayor's security advisor, the Mayor's confidant. Is it more important to risk lives in order to be ranked the top 43rd community?  (This dropped 9 points by the way this year over last).

Trustees are suppose to be public servants.  A famous quote applies here... 
"The mistake a lot of politicians make is in forgetting they've been appointed and thinking they've been anointed. "
-- Claude D. Pepper

Monday, October 4, 2010

Official Statement

"I, Bonnie Alicea, will be running for the position of Trustee in Bolingbrook, IL (April 2011) election.  In doing so, I hope I can continue to make a difference in the community.  I want to thank the Brook Report for educating the residents in the last year and a half and I look forward to contributing articles throughout the election season.

 For the residents, please register to vote and pay close attention to the information you receive during this intense election.  As with my last run, I am assured by local politicians that it will be riddled with political slander, falsities, and mis-information.  I am prepared to run a clean and honest election, but others might not be.  You will not hear me criticize my opponents, discuss their worthiness, or use propaganda against them.  I am running my campaign with nothing but my promise to the residents.  This promise is to be a "Trustee that votes for the best interest of the people."

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Sponsoring a Candidate

The Brook Report is still looking into candidates for the upcoming April election, to see which candidate they will support.  We will be sending out a bio information page to the candidates and will post their answers on this site for review.  Look towards the end of October to see this information available for viewing. 

Our bio on our candidate will be featured later next week!  Stay tuned....