Pushing for Socialism in Bolingbrook

The Mayor has made the statement loud and clear that he intends to push socialism on the residents.  He wants to buy out the rights to your water, your electric, use your money to purchase businesses in town, and make your money fall into his pockets.  Next will be the gas company and even phone!  He already has deals with donations from the trash and the cable franchise.  He wants to own everything you do and control everything you have through socialism.  He wants to TRACK YOU, TRACK YOUR BEHAVIOR, and CONTROL IT.

Socialism is defined by dictionary.com as

any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

2

a : a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b : a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state

They are using his longevity in office, and political strength to take away the residents rights.  I don't see the difference to living in the Soviet Union!

This time they are placing a ballot position in March about the electric company rights.  Of course the wording is messed up so that nobody will understand it.  The bottom line is to vote, and when you do, vote NO to Socialism tactics. 

Not just that, but they still have not gotten the water thing accomplished.  So you know how much we have spent on research, attorney's and lobbyists for that move?  You can expect your property amounts to be higher taxed for that, not counting the buy out of the company.  I believe that the administration board or managers placed in the new water company will also come with high salaries, tons of clout, and be very corrupt, while lacking knowledge to even run this utility site. 

Now we want to repeat it with the electric company?  Get real!

Take a stand today and fight to stop the increase in taxes and the Socialist Movement from taking over your community.  Just say NO!

Occupy Bolingbrook? Are you the 99%...

A local grass roots effort was launched last month with the slogan,

"Take our 99% to your local governments!" 

Bolingbrook is one of the first stomping grounds for the new Occupy Bolingbrook Grass Root Efforts.  We spoke to the chair yesterday and listed the focus below:

1.  STOP Corporate and Government Greed. (Officials are taking high donations for personal war chests from companies that do business in Bolingbrook.  They are heavily involved in state wide politics involving lobbyists and big business buyouts.  They have fattened their wallets while draining yours.  They give free tax breaks and free land to large corporations, while raising your property and sales tax.)

2.  STOP increasing taxes while decreasing services (Too much bond debt, no plan to pay it off, high paid administrators, cutting lower jobs while giving raises to over paid administrators.,.. Don't forget they raise your taxes, added restaurant taxes, and hotel taxes...  It is still not enough for current out of control spending)

3.  STOP high paid pensions and bloated on the job perks. (They are boosting pay before retirements and adding perks to the high paying salaries.)

4.  STOP donating tax revenue generated by the residents to pet charities

5.  STOP using tax payer money for personal business ventures (like the Golf Club, Airport, and Americana Estates)

The theme I see is that the rich in Bolingbrook are getting richer while the poor and middle class are getting poorer.  From my pocket to yours buddy, and I am not down with that!

The 99% of Bolingbrook are joining together to rally.  For more information, please contact them directly!  Good luck to the movement, we think it is high time that this has come to Bolingbrook.  As a writer, I agree with the issues above and I am sure you will get 99% of Bolingbrook to agree with you too!

Bolingbrook Credit Rating on New Credit Watch

The Village of Bolingbrook which was downgraded to a AA- rating, is now listed on Credit Watch by S&P.  When we contacted them, we were told in part that this is due to the high debt the Village has compared to the income of the village. 

***  CreditWatch highlights an emerging situation which may materially affect the profile of a rated corporation and can be designated as CreditWatch positive, CreditWatch developing or CreditWatch negative. It signals to investors that further analysis is being performed.

Time to vote the spenders in Bolingbrook Village Trustee Board and the Mayor out!

Bolingbrook Vill, IL

Issue: US$41.815 mil GO bnds ser 2007 dtd 12/27/2007due 01/01/2030 2032-2033 2037

Class/ Maturity Date	Rating Type	Ratings	Rating Date	Regulatory Identifiers	Last Credit Rating Action/
2007/ 01-Jan-2030	Standard Credit Rating	AA-/Stable	30-Nov-2011	EX	30-Nov-2011 CreditWatch NM
2007/ 01-Jan-2032	Standard Credit Rating	AA-/Stable	30-Nov-2011	EX	30-Nov-2011 CreditWatch NM
2007/ 01-Jan-2033	Standard Credit Rating	AA-/Stable	30-Nov-2011	EX	30-Nov-2011 CreditWatch NM
2007/ 01-Jan-2037	Standard Credit Rating	AA-/Stable	30-Nov-2011	EX	30-Nov-2011 CreditWatch NM

Updating on Devon Hodges

As Devon moves forward with his basketball career at Bradley University, his lawsuit against VVSD 365u is just launching. 

Last week a lawsuit was filed in Federal Court for "unfathomable abuse, harassment, and even torture" at the hands of Romeoville High Athletic Director and Basketball coaches James Boudoris and Jeffery Bambule. 

The failure of School District Superintendent Jim Mitchem to act to protect this child, coupled with failure to act from the school board chair Steve Quigley forced this family to seek help from the States Attorneys office, police, and a local attorney.  (You can read more under our past stories.)

Bonnie Alicea has been following this story closely and has issued us a comment. "It is a shame that coaches and people in authority would allow this to happen to one of our students on their watch.  They are suppose to protect the children, not become the people we never want our children to meet.  The stalking was extremely obsessive behavior against a minor.  The coaches were never remanded, arrested, questioned by authority, or suspended/ fired for this action and persisted with the action for almost a year!  The administration ignored the situation.  The abuse is unforgivable.  It reminds me of Penn State abuses, kept secret to protect the football club...  I hope this family wins this lawsuit and the people that either ignored the behavior or conducted the behavior are fired. 

I think about what I would do for any child in trouble...  If a car was burning with a child I did not know in the back seat, would I risk my life to save that child?  Yes I would, without a second thought.  So how do so many people turn their back on a child who is claiming abuse and stalking of a teacher?!?

The problem lies with politicians thinking they are educated and skilled in children's best interests.  They have clearly displayed a self interest for their political careers over stopping abuse, harassment, and bullying by one of their own political party members.  It is sickening and a reminder to people not to vote for school board members who are nothing but political science degree politicians.

 I hope that the lawsuit brings this to the attention of the State of IL and Regional Superintendent so that the firings can help parents feel safe to send their children to school again. Shame on the Regionals who have not acted after they saw the Superintendent and school board were INCAPABLE of acting in a child's best interest over their own.  The saddest thing is thinking how many children are suffering from abuse to further someones political agenda in Bolingbrook.  Look at the young black man a few months ago whom lost scholarships so that politically connected people, including Superintendent Mitchem's kid, could get more money.  Where does it end?  My heart weeps for the students in our school system.  They cut the funds for good teachers, pay administration high salaries, and NOBODY could protect this one child."

H.S. Hoops Star Claims Coach Stalked Him

By GLYNIS FARRELL

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CHICAGO (CN) - A high school basketball star claims he suffered "unfathomable abuse, harassment, and even torture" at the hands of the Romeoville High School athletic director and basketball coach, and that the coach stalked him and his family after he transferred to another school.
Devon Hodges sued Valley View Community Unit School District 365U, Romeoville High School athletic director James Boudoris, and its head basketball coach Jeffrey Bambule, in Federal Court.
Hodges says his nightmare began when he transferred from Romeoville to Bolingbrook High School in November 2009. Both schools are part of the Valley View School District, about 35 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.
Hodges claims he "played and displayed tremendous prowess in high school basketball." But he says he "endured unfathomable abuse, harassment, and even torture throughout his high school years, all over basketball and its attendant greed and idolatry which infects and infests high school officials to the hurt of the students."
The complaint does not elucidate its allegation of "torture."
Hodges says the date of his transfer "is when plaintiff's nightmare began, as RHS coaches (including Bambule and Boudoris) desiring to have plaintiff remain playing basketball for RHS, sought to compel that to happen (or else retaliate against plaintiff and his family for transferring to BHS).
"In November 2009, plaintiff began hearing from students at RHS that RHS head basketball coach Bambule was badmouthing him to other people (including students) for having transferred to BHS.
"Also in November, 2009, plaintiff' step-father was informed that defendants Bambule and Boudoris were planning to force plaintiff to return to RHS by beginning an investigation and fabricating a charge that plaintiff did not legally reside in the BHS district."
Among other things, Hodges says, "Bambule and/or Boudoris would drive past plaintiff's home to check on who lived there, and to check on whether plaintiff's home was for sale."
He claims that Bambule "who expressed intent to 'get' (retaliate against) plaintiff for 'leaving' RHS, threatened to call defendant IHSA against plaintiff."
The IHSA is the Illinois High School Association, which is not listed as a defendant in the 11-page complaint.
Hodges says the IHSA did investigate his residency, and his mother provided it with proof of residency.
He adds: "Someone from RHS made harassing prank calls to the plaintiff's family in November 2009, continuing until January 2010, and Bambule harassed plaintiff through third parties (by texting and speaking to such third parties) due to him attending and playing basketball for BHS.
"Bambule
"Plaintiff's mother filed a complaint with defendant Valley View and the Superintendent in November 2009, and defendant IHSA convinced plaintiff's mother to withdraw the complaint by urging that the district would come under scrutiny, and the basketball program would be shut down for 90 days, if she did not withdraw the complaint.
"Plaintiff's mother only agreed to withdraw the complaint on the condition that Bambule and Boudoris would promise to leave plaintiff alone, ceasing from driving or riding past his home, texting and questioning his friends, prank calling, attacking plaintiff's character, and other such acts of harassment.
"Bambule and Boudoris agreed to said conditions, and plaintiff's mother withdrew the complaint in November 2009.
"However, Bambule did not keep his end of the bargain; he continued to badmouth plaintiff, even telling other students that plaintiff is 'stupid' because he had been in special education classes and had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Not only was this information leaked, but plaintiff's family was informed that banners, posters, shirts, etc. were going to be made suggesting plaintiff was stupid, dumb, and in special education, which would be on display for the annual Romeoville and Bolingbrook Boys Rival Game. The posters, banners, and such were being made in the classroom of Bambule."
Hodges says his mom notified a school district investigator, who told her "that there was to be nothing of the sort made at all."
He claims Bambule "continued texting and speaking with friends and acquaintances of plaintiff, digging for information about him and his residency, and badmouthing him."
The complaint continues: "Bambule even stalked plaintiff and his family, showing up at a basketball tournament in Indiana in which plaintiff was a player, having no good reason to be there, and walking past plaintiff while he was in the lay up line.
"The stalking continued as an assistant coach under Bambule (Pat Porter) drove past plaintiff's home unnecessarily on one occasion." (All parentheses in quotations as in complaint.)
Hodges' mother reopened her complaint against Valley View in August 2010, and also spoke with the Will County sheriff and district attorney's office. He says he, his mother and stepfather met on Aug. 12, 2010 with Bambule, Boudoris and the Romeoville High School principal, to discuss the stalking and other incidents. But he says: "The meeting was a sham: the RHS principal refused to acknowledge plaintiff's mother's earlier complaints, and refused to believe that Bambule and Boudoris were guilty of any wrongdoing."
Finally, Hodges says, his mother transferred his guardianship to her husband's grandfather, who lived in Bolingbrook, but the school district "refused to honor this, and forced plaintiff to attend school at RHS, where as expected he was harassed routinely."
Hodges seeks damages for retaliation and constitutional violations. He is represented by Jason Craddock.

Way to look to the Future, Library Board Morons!

Submitted from a resident:

How many years will it take to pay off the library debt?  How many years will the library still be in existence?  Do the numbers add up? 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/can-the-american-library-_n_1096484.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl15%7Csec1_lnk3%7C113415

In the article above, you will see the following:

These days, the library's very existence is a question mark, and they face some of the steepest budget cuts in history. According to a Harris/Reader's Digest Poll from late 2010, nearly 40 percent of American mayors plan to reduce hours, shed employees or make other cutbacks in the coming months, while many county libraries have already eliminated branches entirely.

Who exactly is to blame, the communities or the libraries themselves? And what will be lost if the library fades into obsolescence?

Why did Mayor Roger Claar have a bad year in 2002?

Did he have a bad year, or did the residents?  Ask yourself this question after you read the article.

In 2002, Roger sold our Water to American Water Company.  Now he wants it back.
In 2002 he decided to use the residents tax money to build a Golf Course. It has never made a profit.
In 2002 he decided to build Americana Estates. It has never made a profit.
In 2002 he started attempting to buy the Airport (concluded in 2004). It has never made a profit.
In 2002 he decided to raise his salary from $25K to $97K. (Don't forget those perks!  This past month alone it was thousands in reimbursement to health and dental alone!)

Need we say more about 2002 and the damage of bad decisions?  What was he doing during those years to feel this superior to running up over $100 Mil in debt to the taxpayers?  Did he have a bad year or did we?

Does he realize the mistakes from this year or are we the only one's that see it?

Boggled with Vet comments

We have gotten many emails this week from Vets and Vet families wanting to know why Bolingbrook does not have a Veterans Help Center, location, or office in Bolingbrook.  We have asked this many times over the past four years with NO ANSWER from the administration, mayor or trustees.  We are unsure why we give free rent to the Chamber and organizations like H20 but do not house an office for local vets to seek help, have events in their own place, and work with the boy scouts. 

Please write to your Mayor Roger Claar at BBMAYOR@aol.com and express and interest.

Tree Lighting Event with Childrens activities

Saturday at 3pm, tree lighting starts at 6:30 prompt!  I think it is at the Promenade, but it does not say on the literature!  Have fun!

Water Company Disclosures

http://www.bolingbrook.com//info/pdf/TABLE_OF_CONTENTS.pdf

Can anyone select the links?

Happy Veteran's Day

To all those Veterans, or those with family they have lost or have served, we wish you all a happy celebration for Veteran's Day!

Thanks for fighting for our freedoms!

Polling Results are in

We have plugged in all the answers and have the results posted below.  Please take a look at the results to determine how the other residents feel about these issues.

We would like to thank the 664 households that took the time to answer all the questions and spend the time with us.  We realize that we were not going off of voting lists, but purely regular residents.  Many of them were not aware of issues and we were happy to inform them.  Many of them seemed eager to register to vote or actually vote in the next election.  We encourage all residents looking to run in the next election to take a look at these high issues and form a platform with SOLUTIONS, not just pointing out the issues.  It would appear that the residents want their voice known on these issues.

The results of some residents statements will be appearing shortly.  We will only quote the residents that asked to be quoted.  Although there were many strong feelings about the issues, we could not possibly post them all.

Thanks for all the time!
Sincerely,
The staff of the Watch Dog Group of Bolingbrook

Question 8 Polled

What is the largest issue you wish to see addressed in the next election?  What qualities are you looking for in a candidate for Mayor, Trustee, Township, Library, School Board, etc?

This question will be answered soon....  Getting it all ready for viewing!

Question 7 polled

Households 664

7.  a.  Do you feel your community is safe?
     b.  Do you feel there is enough police on the streets?
     c.  Do you feel the response time for emergencies are efficient?
     d.  Do you feel that Police make reports when called?  Do they follow up with victims and ensure they are working on their case?  Or do you feel like after the Police leave your home, nothing gets done?
     e.  Do you think the code enforcement department needs to be updated, changed, and regulated?

a.  51% said yes, 26%undecided, 23% no
b.  87% stated no
c.  98% unknown
d.  72% unknown, 15% said no, 13% said yes
e.  72% unknown, 21% said yes

Question 6 polled

Households polled 664


a.  Do you feel the schools are doing their job properly educating the children?
   b.   Do you feel that the residents pay too much for administrators and not enough on teachers and students?
    c. Do you think the pensions are problems for all government entities?
   d.   Do you think the school board listens to residents complaints and handles them effectively?
    e.  Do you think the Village board listens to residents complaints and handles them effectively?
   f.  Do you think the Township listens to complaints?  Library?
    g. Do you think all governmental entities abide by the FOIA laws and are transparent?

a. 74% stated no, 14% undecided, 12% yes
b.  98% stated yes
c.  72% stated yes
d. 78% stated no
e.  78% stated no
f.  64% stated no
g.  68% stated no

Question 5 Polled

Total Households polled 664

5.  a. How do you feel about the amount of bond debt that the Village has?
     b. Do you feel that the $300 Mil debt can be paid off without raising taxes again?
     c. Do you think taking over the water services will add more debt to the pile?
     d. Do you think you will save money with the new water service?  If so, where did you hear this from?
     e. Do you feel your property values are overpriced, therefore your taxes are high?

a. 98% claimed it is high debt, while 75% claimed that the debt year to year on the statements were confusing... We found this interesting...
b.  98% stated no
c.  98% states yes
d.  98% stated no
e.  98% stated yes

Fourth Question

Total households polled 664

4.  a. How comfortable are you with the Village and Township donating your tax money to private pet charities?
     b. Would you wish to see them pass an ordinance to stop this spending?
     c. How do you feel that pet charities get free rent at the taxpayer funded Bolingbrook community center?
     d. How do you feel that for profits, like the Chamber, get free rent at the community center?
     e. How do you feel about H20, (Mr. Claar's daughter and wife's organization) getting free rent at the community center and free events at the golf club, plus free advertising from the village?
     f. How do you feel about the library trying to donate to the pet charities with your tax money?
     g. How do you feel about the Township giving free rent to CSC (The Village Clerk's organization), plus both the Township and the Village donating money to that organization with your tax money?

a.  72% stated not comfortable, 20% undecided
b.  72% stated yes
c.  89% stated "did not like this"
d.  89% did not like this
e.  99% did not like this
f. 89% did not like this
g. 79% did not like this

Third Question Polled

Total households 664

3.  a. How comfortable are you with the best bid gets the job in Bolingbrook? 
   b.   Would you change the policy and how?
    c.  Does taking campaign donations from bidders hurt your trust in the administration?
    d.  Should the Mayor and trustees, Township, Library, and Schools announce the conflict of interest during board meetings?

a.  72% said not comfortable, 21% said undecided, 7% said comfortable
b.  Misc answers coming next week
c. 97% said yes
d. 99% said yes

Question 2

Polled 664 households

2.  a. Do you believe that the Mayor position should pay with perks in excess of $250K per year?
     b. Do you think this position should be divided among a part time Mayor, liquor commissioner, and village manager instead to avoid corruption?
    c.  Do you think the Mayor should reject any donation from failing local businesses, so that they can stay open?
    d.  Do you think that the Mayor should reject any donation that comes in during a bidding process from a company involved in the bidding?
    e.  Do you think the Village Attorney position should be open for bidding?
     f. Do you agree with paying over a million a year for the attorney?

a. 98% said no
b. 32% said yes, 36% were undecided, 20% had not thought about it to make a decision, 12% said no
c.  99% said yes
d.  79% said yes
e.  82% said yes
f. 99% said no

Results of Question 1

1.  Are you concerned about the following:
     a. Lack of profits from the golf course, airport, or Americana Estates?
     b. Do you feel that the decision to build these, without a referendum, was right?
     c. Are you looking for a candidate that has solutions to profiting these ventures without using tax payer money?

Polled total:  664 households

a. 84% are concerned about lack of profits.
b. 94% said no it should be on a referendum.  4% claimed it did not matter.  1% claimed it was fine to not be on a referendum.
c.  62% claimed "yes".  30% were undecided.  8% said no.

Comment Sections

It would appear we have had a blip in our commenting sections through our provider.  They are working to restore this feature on past blogs.
Thanks

Polling still continuing

We have had some great results this week and last weekend with our polls.  We are going to run the results next week.  We are also going to run some comments, since residents have asked SPECIFICALLY for their comment to be run.  Stay tuned as all our efforts go into this poll! 

This weekend we are polling!

This weekend a team of us will be walking door to door with a new poll.  We are one year out from when campaigners start to run of r local office.  This poll is for the residents to voice their opinion on what issues they are hoping candidates will be addressing.

1.  Are you concerned about the following:
     Lack of profits from the golf course, airport, or Americana Estates?
     Do you feel that the decision to build these, without a referendum, was right?
     Are you looking for a candidate that has solutions to profiting these ventures without using tax payer money?

2.  Do you believe that the Mayor position should pay with perks in excess of $250K per year?
     Do you think this position should be divided among a part time Mayor, liquor commissioner, and village manager instead to avoid corruption?
     Do you think the Mayor shoudl reject any donation from failing local businesses, so that they can stay open?
     Do you think that the Mayor should reject any donation that comes in during a bidding process from a company involved in the bidding?
     Do you think the Village Attorney position should be open for bidding?
     Do you agree with paying over a million a year for the attorney?

3.  How comfortable are you with the best bid gets the job in Bolingbrook? 
     Would you change the policy and how?
     Does taking campaign donations from bidders hurt your trust in the administration?
     Should the Mayor and trustees, Township, Library, and Schools announce the conflict of interest during board meetings?

4.  How comfortable are you with the Village and Township donating your tax money to private pet charities?
     Would you wish to see them pass an ordinance to stop this spending?
     How do you feel that pet charities get free rent at the taxpayer funded Bolingbrook community center?
     How do you feel that for profits, like the Chamber, get free rent at the community center?
     How do you feel about H20, (Mr. Claar's daughter and wife's organization) getting free rent at the community center and free events at the golf club, plus free advertising from the village?
     How do you feel about the library trying to donate to the pet charities with your tax money?
     How do you feel about the Township giving free rent to CSC (The Village Clerk's organization), plus both the Township and the Village donating money to that organization with your tax money?

5.  How do you feel about the amount of bond debt that the Village has?
     Do you feel that the $300 Mil debt can be paid off without raising taxes again?
     Do you think taking over the water services will add more debt to the pile?
     Do you think you will save money with the new water service?  If so, where did you hear this from?
     Do you feel your property values are overpriced, therefore your taxes are high?
    
6.  Do you feel the schools are doing their job properly educating the children?
     Do you feel that the residents pay too much for administrators and not enough on teachers and students?
     Do you think the pensions are problems for all government entities?
     Do you think the school board listens to residents complaints and handles them effectively?
     Do you think the Village board listens to residents complaints and handles them effectively?
     Do you think the Township listens to complaints?  Library?
     Do you think all governmental entities abide by the FOIA laws and are transparent?

7.  Do you feel your community is safe?
     Do you feel there is enough police on the streets?
     Do you feel the response time for emergencies are efficient?
     Do you feel that Police make reports when called?  Do they follow up with victims and ensure they are working on their case?  Or do you feel like after the Police leave your home, nothing gets done?
     Do you think the code enforcement department needs to be updated, changed, and regulated?
   
8.  What is the largest issue you wish to see addressed in the next election?  What qualities are you looking for in a candidate for Mayor, Trustee, Township, Library, School Board, etc?

Share your answers!

Claar leads Will County Government League as a Temp

Joe Cook, Mayor of Channahon, handed the organization to Roger Claar when he needed a break.  Although Cook claims it is because he is dealing with family health issues, many view this as a time to deal with the IRS.  He has been accused of not paying all his taxes, for four straight years. 

We do not find it a surprise that he would give it to Roger, as Roger was really in control anyhow.  Steve Quigley, the director (and head of the school board) probably won't feel like his reporting of duties would be any different. 

In August, Cook was charged with failing to file tax returns from 2005 to 2008 on income he received as mayor, from a job as a field engineer for Will County and through his private consulting business called Phase One Solutions Inc.

We will be watching Mr. Claar with his transactions between the Village and the Will County Governmental League. 

Poll on the Patch

 A recent poll was run by the Bolingbrook Patch.  Despite the fact that they cater to elected officials and the families of, the poll suggested that a majority of residents are DISSATISFIED with local government officials.  How can a local online new source, that caters to this population, print and show that people are dissatisfied?  Are they NOT afraid of losing their entire fan base?

The reality is that we have run similar polls, with an overwhelming majority not liking the way things are being run.  But do these two polls matter?  Will the elected officials change their ways?  We doubt it.

The truth is, the current elected officials do not know anyone outside their selected circle of friends.  The same friends that tell them that what they are doing is right.  The same friends that are too afraid to tell them that what they are doing is WRONG.  When residents step up to complain, they are called names, instead of being heard.  This leads us to conclude that they are incapable of self insight, change, or even morals.

Their actions speak the same.  Where is the little angel on the shoulder telling them what they are doing is wrong for the greater good?  Where did that little guy go?  It left a long time ago.

Next election, when you see that the current trustees have NO campaign promises, no ability to state they are or will change something the residents don't like, or even promise to stop spending like lushes, then don't vote for them.  It is really that simple.  Don't be a pigeon and believe their lies when they slam the opponents.  Don't be blind to the fact that a rubber stamp board for 20 years is a good thing.  Don't for one minute think they care about you.  Open your eyes and realize that they have done NOTHING for you personally other than raise your taxes, offer less safety, and reduce the education levels for the children.  It is just that simple.

DuPage Republican Party In Chaos

The local Republican Party, ran by Du Page Township Supervisor Bill Mayer has lost most of it's upper level Republicans through death or retirement/ aging issues.  Recruiting to local Republican (strong Tea Party) affiliated individuals are becoming harder and harder.  This location is finding it especially hard to recruit new or better talent because of the issues going on in Congress, Senate, and even locally with corruption, and local officials calling themselves Republican but spending like Socialists. 

While the numbers are dwindling, the masses are flocking to the Will County Independent Party.  The cause they hosed last week was called the "take back your local Government" campaign. 

I attended this event as "press for the BR" and interviewed a few people.  Surprisingly, a few were local Republican's turned Independent due to the local corruption of the Republican Party.  They do not feel they believe in the same values.  For example, a gentleman named Don stated, "I am a real Republican who believes in spending cuts.  Locally the Republicans do not do this so I cannot support them.  I support the Independent Party because they believe in less government, less spending, and more for the people."  Although the party believes in many different issues, this is why Don has chosen to register with this committee.  He believes Nationally he is a Republican, but locally he is a strong Independent. 

I saw many local public names and faces at this event.  Others were here just to see who runs the show, what the platforms are, and what the "take back your local government" is all about.  One lady, Mary, stated that she was sick of the local politicians not listening to the people they "rule" over.  At the age of 31, she has already decided she did not like the pompous attitudes of the local boards and felt that she was not getting the services in the community that she should.  She does not trust the government and feels that it is time for a transition.  She is thinking about running for an office.  The booth's set up were supplied with very informative.  I got to meet Bonnie, George, and many others with the BR, as well as many residents.

Overall, there was approximately 200 people at the event.  The registration table was always busy and the guest speakers were very powerful.  The issues were heartfelt, real, and very moving.  There were young college students there and even retirees. 

I would hate to be in the Republican Party knowing that the future will be turned over to the Independent voices of the community soon.  Had the Republican Party hosted a get-together right now, I believe they might have under 20 show up.  It is a sad day when the inner workings of a political party are shattering. 

New Activities for Families

All we ever hear in Bolingbrook is that "things always stay the same".  This seems to be true of the activities that are planned year after year by the local government.  The Village of Bolingbrook hosts the same parades, carnivals, and events each and every year.  Now the residents are looking for something different.

"I want to be able to go and meet other residents.  I don't want to support a political party, business, or chamber to do this.  I am an average person looking to meet others that have common interests." This is stated by a resident named Marty.  Marty is one of many voicing new concerns over a lack of group activities in the Village.  She feels that the events are too large and too controlled, as well as made to keep people from socializing by size.  For example, she claims that the Village picnic does not encourage anything other than sharing time with your own small group. 

When we asked other residents how often they attend these events, some say they attend with hopes to see change.  Another resident named Matt claims that he stopped going to Great America every year because he was bored that nothing had changed.  This is how he feels about Bolingbrook's parade, 4th of July, and Village picnic. 

We ask that you send your suggestions directly to the Mayor at BBMayor@aol.com 

Let it be heard you want your tax dollars supporting something new.  Let it be heard that you want the politics and the business supports out of this and make it about the other 99% of the population. 

Jay Washington for Mayor of Bolingbrook

Welcome Bolingbrook Readers;

I am officially announcing my intention to run for Mayor of Bolingbrook in April 2013. 

I know I have time to make the final decision, but going on the amount of requests I have received and a strong support team, I have decided that I will run.  I will fund my entire campaign and not take Pay to Play donations. 

There are some factors that can sway my decision between now and then.  First, if Bonnie would like to run, I will support that.  Bonnie is well liked by the residents and she has strong support. 

Second, if Bob decides to run for Mayor, I will not run.  Bob Bowen is very smart, organized, and efficient.  He would make a very good Mayor.  He is fiscally conservative and can re-negotiate Village contracts better than anyone I have ever met before. 

Third, if the current Mayor and departing Trustees step down from office to retire, I will re-think my running options.  I feel that they have been in office so long that they have lost site of the needs of the residents.  Placing a cronie in his spot will only infuriate the locals.  Therefore, if he steps down and let's democracy take place, then I will not run either.

To those considering running for Mayor, I advise you to do your homework.  The next Mayor will have to absorb hundreds of millions in debt that this Mayor has withdrawn.  The residents will demand NO NEW TAXES.  The taxes are already sky high.  So be prepared with a solution, or don't play ball.

To the cronies who will gear up for a strong fight, be prepared that I have already set aside $50K for this run (to support myself, or another) and I will do more if needed.  Also be prepared that I will have enough lawyers to handle your propaganda, media management, and wrong doings.  I won't allow you to play the games you have in the past with candidates.  I will post random camera's to catch and prosecute those stealing political signs, banners, and papers.

So to re-iterate, I will run for office and I will ensure that for once, Bolingbrook will see a well matched fight.  Get ready, here I come!

Thanking the Bolingbrook Report, a letter from a resident

Ten years ago I moved to Bolingbrook.  I moved here because the prices of homes were affordable and so were the taxes.  At that time, I was recently married and wanting to start a life with my spouse.  We did not have children.  As I look back to those easy years, I wish we would have had the Bolingbrook Report back then. 

Over the span of 10 years, I have grown with Bolingbrook.  My career, education, and family has grown.  I am in my mid 30's and finally taking a look around me to decide if I have made the right decisions up until now in life.

I think the best things about getting married and having a family include decisions that are never regretted.  Educational goals are never regretted.  However, the only regret I have is buying my home in Bolingbrook.

Back then my house was worth $250K.  Now it is worth $160K.  I am under water, as most residents.  Therefore, the banks will not refinance me, I cannot sell the house, and I am stuck until I either pay it off or declare bankruptcy/ foreclosure.  When I look at how great my credit is and how hard I have worked towards keeping it good, I don't want to declare anything just to get out of a home that is not worth it.

I started Googling for help on the Internet.  I am sure there are many people like me in this Village.  While Googling, I found your site.  I saw where the taxes are going and what kind of spending the elected officials are authorizing.  I was in shock.

How could it be that in a bad economy, where (maybe half?) of the residents are in my position, could the Mayor and Trustees take out more debt and push that burden on to us?  We are already trying to decide what to do with our home costs.

I looked at the increases in my tax bills from ten years to now, and compared them with other communities.  Your writers had it right, there has been huge increases, yet our services have decreased.  This did not seem right.  Government is about supplying services! 

I started talking to neighbors and found many of them in the same situation.  They feel that we are being over regulated and under serviced.  For example if they pass 3 new ordinances bi-weekly, that is approx. 75 per year, times how many years in office!  How can they even uphold that without intensive labor?  residents don't know what is a law or not a law to live here.  They don't feel that when they call the police, that anything gets accomplished.  Residents are just not happy.

My spouse and I are not happy.  We have found this web site to be a relief, since it mirrors many of our own opinions.  We feel it is about time that the elected officials listen or get out. they do not appear to be in this century, catering to anyone under the age of 50.  Is this because younger people do not vote as much? 

I might be guilty of that.  I do not always vote, but that is because my life is too hectic to remember.  I won't make that mistake again.  I think people my age are waking up and I think there is a new round of voters coming into Bolingbrook.   I call myself a Republican, but I don't see eye to eye with any of the spending going on in this Village.  Does this make them NOT Republican?  It is time for people to speak up. 

The local Republican Committee needs to get involved and replace the dinosaurs.  Let it be known that politicians are there to SERVICE people, not personal wallets.  Otherwise, they give the local party a black eye.  They lose people like me who would have been willing to join the cause.  I won't associate with parties that support these criminals with attitudes.

The sticking point for me this past year was seeing how the local officials (Village and School Board) treated the residents that had good ideas and strong values.  They dismiss them, ignore them, and call them names like child bullies.  They don't listen to the residents and don't care. 

It is why I thank the Bolingbrook Watchdog group and Bolingbrook Report for giving the residents an avenue to be heard and find others that agree with changes needed in Bolingbrook.  Through this avenue, we can bond together as a Village, be heard, and move forward to making a change for our children and our futures. 

Let this be a lesson in civility to the elected officials.  If I was your parent, I would have spanked you a long time ago. 

Finally, I want to say that I think the Republican political group in Bolingbrook running the show needs to come down to the people and see the damage you have caused.  When the housing dropped, that was an issue you did not cause.  Racking up debt, reducing services, and not listening to the people that live here ---  that was all you.

Whose your Daddy?

That's what Roger Claar was expressing from his front box seats at yesterday's Sox game.  He was waiving wildly, while sitting with two blond ladies and one brunette.  The girls, maybe one third his age and looking like paid escorts, seemed to be thrilled to sit in such expensive seats.

It makes you wonder if he got them from the DuPage township Supervisor Bill Mayer this time.  Maybe it was a free offer from a local vendor wanting to win a bid for tax payer funded contracts.

It was no surprise to see that this behavior has not ceased.  He does not care how tax payers or voters see his lavish behavior on the sweat of their hard working backs.  (Pshhh, and he calls himself a Republican).

This is a prime example of a local politician who will bash Obama while spending lavishly.  It is called a HYPOCRITE.

What is worse is that Rick Gouglie, a school board member of VVSD board, was right there with him stuffing his face with everything he could.  I wonder why Rick would have declared last year that he was NOT a part of the Roger Claar crowd, but allow himself to be seen publicly like this partying with him and the paid escorts.  I wonder how his wife feels about this fun time?

What I do know is that there is a lot of cash being thrown around unaccounted for.  I think someone has a shoe box full of money hidden under the bed.  You would have to in order to live this kind of lifestyle!  Lord knows it does no politician good to write off Sox tickets, escorts, beer, hot dogs, and more when all IL residents can see these write off's on the State Campaign Donations web site, right?  Foolish I say!

Resident Brown

Where were you when they did this?

Local Bolingbrook residents have turned a blind eye to what the local government has done to them.  It is just recently that they have started to take notice.  Now, a new web site promised to post elected official information for viewing and open record policy enhancements. 

http://www.openthebooks.com/search/

So we ask the residents where you were when this happened?

Roger C Claar - Bolingbrook

2000 - $25,000.04

2001 - $76,345.81

2002 - $96,978.09

2003- $99,355.49

2004 - $105,736.21

2005 - $116,542.36

2006 - $124.360.93

2007 - $128,092.09

2008 - $136,264.52

2009 - $141,085.25

2010 - $146,255.07

In ten years he went from $25K a year to $146,255 a year.  he also bumped his pay dramatically when he made the bad decisions to build the golf course, buy the airport, and built Americana Estates. 

Is the Psychology behind these actions a "big head" syndrome?  Take advantage of local residents and think your a big dog now?  In three years he went from $25K to $100K.  He took out millions in bond debt that could never be repaid, and nobody ran against him until Bonnie came along.  Is this why he did it all?  There was nobody to stop him?  Tell us your thoughts!

Is Bolingbrook a Ponzi Scheme?

Bolingbrook takes out bonds to pay for bonds.  Bolingbrook takes money from the tax payers to use like personal money for the elected officials.  From stocking liquor bars for their own pleasure and free drinking, to investment properties that fail, but are used as a local hangout for elected officials, to funding large campaign chests. 

Banks and individuals are making a ton on bonds that have interests that keep being pushed off.  They are the one's making all the money here, other then the elected officials.  The flow of money to the Village from tax payers keeps growing, as services are dwindling.  Yet, high paid contractors are getting enough padding to donate to million dollar campaign funds of the elected officials kicking them the gigs.  Everyone is getting rich, except the tax payers who are paying into this.  Now the earnings are less then the payments to the investors, so has this Ponzi Scheme ended or will it continue regardless?

This is the definition of Ponzi Scheme:


A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to separate investors, not from any actual profit earned by the organization, but from their own money or money paid by subsequent investors.

The Ponzi scheme usually entices new investors by offering returns other investments cannot guarantee, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. The perpetuation of the returns that a Ponzi scheme advertises and pays requires an ever-increasing flow of money from investors to keep the scheme going.

The system is destined to collapse because the earnings, if any, are less than the payments to investors.

You tell us... is this a Ponzi Scheme?

Financial Analyst predicts Bolingbrook short term future

A Financial Analyst and resident of  Bolingbrook has been crunching the numbers for the past three months looking into the taxing situation, spending trends, and forecasting.  This is the results we pulled from an interview with him.

At the current rate, without any new debt being added on in Bolingbrook, he has forcasted that the person that is elected to Mayor next year will have a crisis on their hands. 

He further states that this could be the intention of the current elected officials whom are rumored as ready to retire.  The current officials know this crisis is coming and he believes they will flee town.

The crisis is the management of the long term debt that has been spent by the Village.  He claims that the debt is extremely high for the size community and that the taxing rates are already high, yet it is not enough to manage the debt load.  In other words, the debt and taxes are high, yet with all the tax revenue coming in from sales, property, and other taxes, they are still unable to pay down the extreme debt and have been abating it for years.  This means they are delaying paying on the debt at all.

He further predicted that the next Mayor would have to take on the risk of paying these debts.  If they were going to pay down HALF the debt in the next 20 years, they would have to raise property taxes to approx. 11%.  Recently the taxing rate has been moved from .068 to .070.  This means your property (which he said is being over assessed as it is, compared to other Villages in IL and other states) will continue to be assessed higher, even though its value has decreased, and the tax amount on the higher assessed value would be .11 instead of .070.  Whereas, he estimates that to pay down HALF the debt would mean an increase in property tax  and assessment amounting to $3,400 per household per year MORE then what you have paid in this year with an increase of 1.5% per year.  Therefore, an average household that spent $7,000 in taxes this year will soon be hit with a tax bill reflecting $10,400 to pay down only HALF the debt.

What is even scarier, is that he predicts, at the rate of spending the current Mayor and trustees are passing, that this amount is sure to exceed $4,000 per household per year with an increase of 1.5% per year, times the number of years they remain in office.

His prediction is that sales tax would need to be raised again, property tax assessed values and percentages will be raised, and not profiting businesses like the Golf Club would need to be sold off for pennies on the dollar.  he also predicted a drop in Moody's bond rating from AA, to A (which has already happened), to low B ratings over the next 5 years.

He further states that the water company take over will be even more detrimental to taxes, and this takeover can cost thousands more on the shoulders of the residents per year in their taxes.

Overall, he cannot see Bolingbrook sustaining a possible financial positive health in the next three years.  He claims that bankruptcy is not in the Villages best interest, as many government bodies cannot claim them, but he does not see how else to fix this problem.  The residents won't wish to continue paying high taxes for their homes.  They are not getting the basic government services on their tax money.  Nobody will buy a 2,000 sf home with taxes in the $10K per year range. 

His final comment brought a tear to my eye.  He stated, "The smart people with money are all leaving.  The poor and middle class are forced to stay because their homes are underwater.  These people will lose their homes due to having to pay a mortgage under water and high taxes.  They cannot afford this.  On average, you are looking at $2500 a month on housing, not counting other costs.  That is $30K per year, or about half of the annual household incomes of Bolingbrook residents.  Mortgage companies like to use 1/3 when allowing someone to take out a mortgage, because any higher and they cannot pay for food, transportation, utilities, etc. 

What that leaves Bolingbrook with is a great deal of foreclosures with investors turning an eye because taxes will be greater then they can charge for rent and profit. 

Our opinion is that this debt is so high because of bad choices. 
1.  They built a golf course that has lost money every year.
2.  They bought an airport, knowing it was losing money.
3.  They bought real estate, and they KNEW no other community has done this before, and it has lost money.
4.  They bumped up fees for services in order to get kickback to their war chests.
5.  They used high price companies as political favors and favoritism.
6.  They hired family, friends, and associates for high pay.
and many other decisions that have cost us dearly. 

While this forecast is scary, we wish we could offer a solution.  However, this analyst has clearly stated that NO SOLUTION exists.  The current elected officials put so much debt on the table that there is no longer any solution to fix this problem. 

So good luck to the residents and we hope that if you have money, you can find your way out with the least of losses.  If you don't have this kind of money, it is time to start looking to share and rent some rooms in your home!

 

New school assessments starting

Many residents have been asking the school district what they could do to increase test scores for the past few years.  A few months ago, Bonnie Alicea spoke up and gave them a solution.  Bonnie stated that "the teachers could not be held accountable for low test scores because they have not been given the tool to do the job effectively by knowing how to raise the scores."  She had recommended new computerized testing that would allow a teacher to be notify of lacking skill areas and work on the progress of each child and could in turn, show a annual progress of student achievement, reduce testing anxiety, and oversee the growth of a student throughout schooling. 

I mean, is it fair that a teacher gets a boy up two reading levels, but since he is so far behind they penalize that teacher at promotion time when test results arrive?  Absolutely not. 

Bonnie fought for the teachers and for the students, in what she called "a government ran school board who could not focus on test scores and education when they were too busy taking free conference trips and partying".  After asking the board to come up with solutions for two years, she finally offered this as a solution.

Low and behold, the Valley View School District has finally contracted with MAP.  (Northwest Evaluation Association at www.NWEA.org)  This system will start gauging students needs early on in the year, so the teachers can cater to each child and enhance their growth.  Now, the teachers can be held accountable and so can the students.  This is a win/ win for everyone, including parents and administrators.

Bolingbrook is not the first one to begin using a program like this.  The Chicago Public School System has been using it for a few years with great success.

We hope that this is the first step towards properly assessing our children and filling in the gaps of their education.  We also hope that this will allow the teachers to become better at what they do and be able to work towards a merit reward system for ISAT score increases. 

Somehow, I do not feel people will complain so much about the tax issue with schools in 365-U is the scores of the students were high.

Jubilee Event bigger than thought...

No, we are not talking about the event open to the public, we are talking about the party behind the scenes of elected officials who use this event every year to get trashed, make a fool of themselves, and stay as far from the residents as possible (Heaven forbid they show that they are not intelligent or sober when they speak). 

We have heard great stories of the Mayor driving drunk two years ago leaving a child's cancer fundraiser.  He nearly crashed his car and the Police were called.  We have seen on youtube the Mayor drinking like a lush at the Golf Club and having to change his shirt from sloshy spilling.  We know about his alleged DUI in Naperville some years back.  We know about the alleged "party favor's" he use to procure.  Now, another resident (One of hundreds that have complained of this behavior), has writted the following...

A Village worker wrote in..."not only was Roger Claar drunk but he was drunk
for 3 days along with Bill Mayer, Jim Boan, Joe Morelli, and Sandy Swinkunas. No one
paid for any beer but a couple of them brought their own bottles of Rum and
Vodka and tried to hide it but were caught.
 This year was the worst year I have ever seen with these people getting
drunk and offensive, its a shame how they behaved and you should of seen the
mess they left behind every night, but I guess that's what public works has to
do clean up after these assholes!!!"

This behavior is inexcusable and I need to remind the taxpayers that this drinking and clean up was on tax dollars. 

Resident Jose sends a message:  A note to the public officials :  We, the people of Bolingbrook, do not wish to be represented by drunks.  You should be ashamed of yourself.  It is no wonder you were not in any of the pictures or seen with kids.  I guess that is a good thing, because if you would have talked to me or approached my child, I would have decked you for drunk slurring and spitting in my face while wasting my money!  What an insult to the people.  Sober up, stop spending money, and do your damn job right!  Be a part of Bolingbrook, not a part of a secret drunken society in a bat cave.  Talk to the residents and let them tell you how they feel about Bolingbrook and the way you have run it.  Open your damn drunken eyes, if they are not too heavy from hard liquor!

Bolingbrook cancelled meeting and CSC again!

About this time every year, Mr. Claar cancels the Village meeting.  It is speculated that this is due to vacation seasons for the board members.  Whatever the case, there are a few items on the agenda to take a look at.

The main one is the approvals of the Sub recipient Agreement between the Village and Community Service Council of Northern Will County regarding Community Development Block Grant Funds.

CSC wants more of your tax money.

CSC is run by Carol Penning, Village Clerk, Village Employee, and member/ Chair of Bolingbrook's First party Candidates.

It is also run by Bob Kalnicky (Library board member, Bolingbrook Tea Party founder, claiming to run for IL Senate seat in 2012 as a Republican, but does this which shows he is not a Republican).

They already get approx. $80K per year in residents property tax money, plus more from DuPage Township.  It comes out to a hefty sum for residents being smacked with this organization from two taxing bodies.  Just thought the residents should know...  John A.

Should public paid government and taxes mix with religion?

Many people would raise an eye if R. Emanuel opened up city hall for Muslim or any other prayer.  Chicago residents would be paying for clean up and set up of the facility, as well as overseeing the event. 

However, Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar has no shame when he opened the door for a Muslim religious event at the tax payer paid Golf Club. 

One residents wrote in to say the following:
"This means that my tax dollars went to hosting a religious event, one of which was not asked of the public before hand.  I feel like Mr. Claar is using the tax payer building as his own and offering what he should not."  This tax payer is not alone.  We received another complaint just the other day.

"I think hosting a free event at the golf Club is considered favortism.  Bolingbrook residents know that the leader of this organization is well connected.  It falls in line with H20 getting to use the golf club for free too.  However, this is my tax money and I am yelling for it to stop before I take it to the top!  Join with me int he fight to stop the Bolingbrook corrupted officials who spend our money like it is in their own wallets!"

This person had more to say, but we shortened it.  I think the message is loud and clear.
Who are the elected officials to give away our Golf Club for free to a religious organization, when the Gay Community could not use it to get married at when they were offering to pay?  Is it that the Gay community is not politically connected? 

Well it is an outrage.  If one organization can get it for free, then so should they all.  As a tax payer, I say that NO religious organization should be able to use public property without paying for services.  I also think that this falls under discrimination, based on human rights and campaign cash.

Do you support 90/10?

Valley View Mr. Mitchem has been pushing this agenda for far too long.  The new 90/10 is the first thing on his block for the new Superintendent.  90/10 is a new way to grade kids in the classroom.  It places less emphasis on formative assessments and compliance, like homework or class projects, and more on the end result like summative assessments, passing tests or proving mastery of the subject.

Many residents are outraged. 

How does this prepare our youth to enter the workforce?  It teaches them that they do not need to participate in meetings, which can hinder promotions.  It teaches them that they do not need to be prepared for meetings, as long as they can wing it.  It teaches them that the only thing that matters is the ability to RECALL information. 

There is no need to do homework, participate in class, or study.  Heck, even if your recall memory is not functioning that day and you fail, you can re-take it as many times as needed until you pass! 

So the obvious question is what happens when you fail one a few times while the other students are already three tests ahead?  Who knows!  Your child will never finish in time?  But does that matter?  Guess not!

There is so much wrong with this system.  That is why no other schools locally use this approach.  It is time that residents speak up for the children and hope that they listen.  It is not about passing a freaking ISAT test, it is about learning life skills along the way and the ability to succeed when they are pushed from home at the tender age of 18.  At least give them some discipline so they can get through college, for crying out loud!

Thanks,
Jon

Weekend Jubilee Mayor Spotted

Just when Roger Claar thought he could get away with drinking at a children and Village event, residents were on the scene to report it! 

Three residents called/ wrote in about elected officials drinking (on tax payer funded liquor) in the underground "bat cave" during the Jubilee.  The elected officials (through FOIA) have denied that this location exists.  Yet, this bar for elected officials and allies, exists under the stage behind the police department.  It was in full use on Saturday night.

Well low and behold if three different residents spotted the Mayor leaving this bat cave stumbling.  Pictures are not conclusive with stumbling, so we cannot post those photos sent to us, however, three sightings (two of him leaving and stumbling from the bat cave, one heading to his car stumbling at the same time) is too much for residents to handle.

Did the police allow him to drive away?  Was he drunk?  Was it from the tax payer stocked bar in the hidden bat cave?  Did he pay for those beverages, and the beverages of his colleagues?  What about the servers?  Why wasn't he shaking hands with the residents?  Was this budgeted in the expense for the Jubilee?  If so, how much did we budget for?  Was it over $5,000 in liquor loss?  Will this event cause taxes to go up in the village to support this part of the Jubilee?  WE have many questions and we are sure our audience does as well...

Windy City Amusements

"If you let us have our carnival here, we will give you a kick back!" 

 Is this pay to play?  You betcha!

Windy City Amusements donated $1,000 to Roger Claar on 5/5/2011.

They charged you high fees for rides, games, etc.

Who established the prices?

Southern Wine and Sprits donates heavily to keep Golf Course Revenues

Southern Wine and Sprits gets a great deal of money from our tax payer golf club.  They supply the liquor for events.  Many golf clubs use bulk ordering systems to lower costs, while the Bolingbrook Golf Club uses this retail company. 

On April 28 and May 4, Southern Wine and Sprits donated $4000 to Roger Claar, Bolingbrook Mayor's war chest. 

Shoudl a vendor feel obligated to donate to keep a contract?  Should the government official demand that all contract holders with the Village NOT donate, like laws demand?  Do these businesses get the no-bid contracts based on who they know and what they can contribute at war chest time?

Voice your opinions below.

Gad Group Donates for heavy money

The Gad group, which we have featured on here before, donated to the Mayor's war chest recently.  As a direct Village contractor, is this fair?  Voice your opinion below.

Clow Airport

Time and time again we touch base on Clow Airport.  The management company, DePaulo, claims they are profiting. The financials state the opposite.  Numbers get twisted to include, not include depreciation and other things so that the average person cannot understand.  Bottom line, what they take in does not cover what they spend per month.

So why would we leave the management company in there since 2004?  That is 7 years to turn a profit and stop asking residents to take out more bonds to cover expenses and re-building.  The answer is simple.

A management company/ owner/ employee of the residents pays the Mayor money every year to his campaign war chest.  In turn, he gets to keep spending and losing our money.

According to the recent updates on the IL Campaign disclosure web sites, Joseph De Paulo donated ANOTHER $500 on April 28, 2011.

I guess the residents don't care that this management company has run the airport into the ground and allows Joseph to keep his high paying job as long as he continues to donate to the Mayor.

Chamber now using Chamber money to play "tour guide"

Although this is not new to Mike Evans, Chamber of Commerce Bolingbrook Director, it is a new concept to all other Chambers in the area.

Using Chamber fees to take a trip out of the country, and inviting along others, does not fulfill the goals of a Chamber of Commerce.

“The primary aim of the chamber is to protect the interest of the business community as a whole. The chambers of different areas look after the interests of those areas and try to promote commerce, trade and industry. ” http://dailyojo.com/articles/what-does-chamber-of-commerce-do.html

The recent free trip to China, one of many taken by Mike Evans on Chamber dollars, has been nothing more then a free trip and Mike playing tour guide.  In a tough economy, where Chamber fees continue to top the high end, why would your local Chamber not lower the rates so more businesses can join or maintain the membership?  Because they use the money foolishly.

In the past, they have brought NO new business from the Asian continents.  Why would they keep using your money to do this again and again?  You got it!  Free trips.

Do all bloggers deserve "Repect"?

Respect is earned, not given.  That is the motto of the BR. 

by Matthew (web guy for the BR)

It has come to our attention today that some people are upset because we monitor our blog posts. 

While this does not seem fair for "freedom of speech naysayers", it actually benefits them.

Too many local sites have gone under for featuring people who cannot carry on a decent conversation or cannot address controversy respectfully.  One local site, like Topix, has been guilty of that for far too long.  They allow people to post instantly with any name, hide behind that name, and throw stones at glass houses. Other local sites are doing the same.

Our site is proud to host a wide variety of opinions from all residents and non-residents.  What we do not host is swear words, insane ramblings that cannot lead to open discussions, or attacks against our volunteer site.  Like I said earlier, respect is to be earned.  Posting time may vary, but in the end, you get a solid conversation that does not go away.  Parts of it do not disappear, making it impossible to follow the conversation later. 

We take pride in ensuring people cannot hide behind a false name to defame anyone.  It takes leadership and diligence to promote a place where residents can contribute stories and make them available for readers to see without the cost the newspapers would charge them to do so.  It takes strong people, like Jay and Bonnie to encourage the residents to participate in their communities and feel like they have a say, while not having to feel fear for speaking out.  It takes strong leaders to run for office against a 24+ year regime of non-communicative democracy that fails to listen to its constituents needs and stifles freedom of speech.

This site was based off the platform that any and all residents could step forward and tell their story, but be open to bloggers responding, either in agreeing or picking apart the story/disagreeing.  That is the American way.  Bloggers who chose to destroy sites do not gain our respect.  Writers that publish articles on our site, that have not done their research, will be advised before posting a second article.  It is all a check and balance policy to keep the site maintained, well running, and balanced for the good of the Village.

We welcome your responses, but be civil.  Prove your statements when you disagree and if you want to see your words published, earn the respect in each sentence you post. 

For reference, this is the sign in our office, which proudly boasts the following:

“The most important attribute that will most likely determine success or failure as a writer or blogger is the ability to be a good person, …to control their most destructive humans emotions, tell the truth, and do and say what’s right… If you want bloggers to be decent and honourable, you must be decent and honourable.”