Sid's Greehouse, one of Chicagoland's largest and most repected specialty retailers, is having its Bolingbrook location bank foreclosed due to plummeting property values and depressed sales caused by Claar's ongoing war of plunder against Bolingbrook citizens.
http://www.sidsonline.com/Brix?pageID=1
"Lagging sales over the last several years along with declining property values on which our loans and credit lines are based are among the factors leading to this difficult decision," reported company president Philip Schaafsma, Sr.
Claar's putridly unethical police department, skyrocketing deficit spending padding the pockets of his buddies, his mindless rubber stamp trustees, and his cronies of his "Roger First Party" on the 365U School Board raising taxes to serve the unions while decimating the quality of education for those they should care about, the students, have sent Bolingbrook property values plummeting and made the Village the foreclosure capital of Will County. Paying hundreds of dollars in property taxes a year per property for a wildly over priced library also contributes to the decimation in property values.
Sid's is just the latest business to fall victim to Claar's war on the citizens and business owners of Bolingbrook and their property values. With 25% of the homes in Bolingbrook empty due to Claar's ghettoizing of Bolingbrook--this is the cause of less and less people in the Village to shop at Sid's or anywhere else.
Bolingbrook will also lose 110 jobs due to Sid's closing. But Claar will just raise taxes again no doubt on those who still have a job and home, and who have not yet evacuated Bolingbrook, to make up for the lost tax revenue from those 110 workers. But as he raises taxes yet further more will leave Bolingbrook with more abandoned/foreclosed homes from this Claar sponsored ongoing death spiral of destruction of property values.
Remember, government produces NOTHING--they only take your money (and in Claar's case pocket it and redistribute it to friends). Claar and his cronies on the Village and School Boards are the ultimate examples of a parasitic government that sucks the life blood out of its host and leaves nothing behind--but a dead corpse, foreclosed properties, destroyed businesses, lost jobs, with only a select few cronies profiting on the backs of the vast majority.
Wake up Bolingbrook citizens and vote out these parasites sucking Bolingbrook, your property value, and your wallet and purses dry!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Keeping an Eye on New Business
As a Watchdog group, we like to follow leads. Sometimes we follow leads but cannot follow them farther until time permits or time passes. However, we like to keep an eye on Village business.
For example, one lead was about a new company called US Flag Now, which has recently been getting money from the Village. They were recently incorporated in Feb of this year through the state of IL. We will be further investigating this business. In the meanwhile, know when you send a lead, it takes time to process.
Don't stop sending them though!
For example, one lead was about a new company called US Flag Now, which has recently been getting money from the Village. They were recently incorporated in Feb of this year through the state of IL. We will be further investigating this business. In the meanwhile, know when you send a lead, it takes time to process.
Don't stop sending them though!
Chamber Legislature Breakfast
We are pleased to announce that taxpayers only had to shell out $20 for someone to attend the Bolingbrook Chamber Legislative Breakfast. We do not disagree that elected officials should attend some meetings, but unless it is important and crucial to business, we no longer agree the over $100 a plate (times how many officials) need to attend these functions. So bravo for this bill only being $20 and thanks for listening to the residents when they demanded high priced meal events be eliminated if not necessary.
Village Attorney Salary for the month
The organization Tressler LLC (Jim Boan is a partner in the firm) $63,847.13 this month for legal fees. How much legal trouble is Bolingbrook in? It would stand to reason that his monthly salary is more than many Bolingbrook residents annual salary.
On top of this, they received an additional $888 for a "engineering" project. Is this the water company that has not been approved yet? How much have we spent in legal fees for an entity not even approved by the State yet?
On top of this, they received an additional $888 for a "engineering" project. Is this the water company that has not been approved yet? How much have we spent in legal fees for an entity not even approved by the State yet?
CSC gets another pay out!
Despite the tens of thousands we give to CSC annually, more was just released. $2,666.56 was paid on or around 07/26/2011.
The CSC is run by Carol Penning (Village Clerk) and other local officials. Why are we giving money to pet charities and why so much?
Once again, contact your reps in Bolingbrook and tell them to STOP spending your tax dollars on their own pet charities!
The CSC is run by Carol Penning (Village Clerk) and other local officials. Why are we giving money to pet charities and why so much?
Once again, contact your reps in Bolingbrook and tell them to STOP spending your tax dollars on their own pet charities!
Gad Group or Gag Group?
According to the Village of Bolingbrook payouts, tax payers paid the Gad Group a whopping $9,900.00 on July 26th for web page and IT services for the month.
Although we have covered this companies political affiliations before, we know of no other company with such special favors in Bolingbrook (minus the attorney). So let's take a look at how they did for the month to receive almost $10G of your tax money.
We went to the Village of Bolingbrook web site and the first thing we looked for was the upcoming events on the main page. I wanted to know what was coming in August. What I found was all old postings from events in June. These are past events, and where are the events for July which is almost over? Is this updated quarterly? Where is the transparency?
This cannot be right! If we paid someone $10G a month to work on this, and they work on it once every two months, is the hourly rate $20G?
Well tax payers, open your eyes to favoritism on your tax dime. Contact your local village to complain and ask it to STOP!
Although we have covered this companies political affiliations before, we know of no other company with such special favors in Bolingbrook (minus the attorney). So let's take a look at how they did for the month to receive almost $10G of your tax money.
We went to the Village of Bolingbrook web site and the first thing we looked for was the upcoming events on the main page. I wanted to know what was coming in August. What I found was all old postings from events in June. These are past events, and where are the events for July which is almost over? Is this updated quarterly? Where is the transparency?
This cannot be right! If we paid someone $10G a month to work on this, and they work on it once every two months, is the hourly rate $20G?
Well tax payers, open your eyes to favoritism on your tax dime. Contact your local village to complain and ask it to STOP!
Social Media Destroys Teen and Adult Futures
Social Media like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter are the norm for teenage generations. However, many are finding that their online activities have cost them a future.
We have polled 10 IL colleges to find out if they view social media prior to acceptance of applications. 8 of the 10 IL colleges we spoke to, both private and public, Google college applicant names before offering admittance.
One counselor stated, "You can tell a great deal about an applicant's maturity level based on their social networking pages and their cell phone answering service." When we asked about the cell, this counselor stated they call with an unknown number so that they can see what the messages are, see how likely they will get a return call, and how long that takes. It makes the difference between offering a place in the school or offering that place to someone else.
Even private colleges do not take all candidates, with requirements getting more tough each year. ACT/SAT scores are evaluated as a criteria as well and for Master's work, other state test scores are relevant.
However, employers are using the same type of discrimination when hiring. Visiting the person's Linked In account can show if the resume was crafted specifically for their job offered, and if so, how many lies were told on the paper they received compared to your online image. Maturity and personal information is gleaned off of popular sites like Google and Facebook as well.
Although they cannot ask (HR law) for your age, if you have young kids, are married, or disability, visiting a social media site is LEGAL. Making a decision based off of what they view is LEGAL.
This is a lesson that all parents should teach children before they allow them to join social media networks.
One more problem with social media is that high schoolers all over Bolingbrook are listing their name, school attending, and picture, making them the target of sexual offenders, kidnappers, and others. It is common for a registered sex offender to state that they found some girl or boy online, knew where to find them in person, knew what they looked like, knew if they had a lot of friends or were lonely, and what the kid was into like cheer leading, football, etc. Once that knowledge was gained, they were able to coerce the victims into their car easier or find time that person was alone.
So start by asking your middle schooler if they have these accounts and monitor them or remove them. Take a look at your own accounts. Remember what you put online will be there for anyone to access.
We have polled 10 IL colleges to find out if they view social media prior to acceptance of applications. 8 of the 10 IL colleges we spoke to, both private and public, Google college applicant names before offering admittance.
One counselor stated, "You can tell a great deal about an applicant's maturity level based on their social networking pages and their cell phone answering service." When we asked about the cell, this counselor stated they call with an unknown number so that they can see what the messages are, see how likely they will get a return call, and how long that takes. It makes the difference between offering a place in the school or offering that place to someone else.
Even private colleges do not take all candidates, with requirements getting more tough each year. ACT/SAT scores are evaluated as a criteria as well and for Master's work, other state test scores are relevant.
However, employers are using the same type of discrimination when hiring. Visiting the person's Linked In account can show if the resume was crafted specifically for their job offered, and if so, how many lies were told on the paper they received compared to your online image. Maturity and personal information is gleaned off of popular sites like Google and Facebook as well.
Although they cannot ask (HR law) for your age, if you have young kids, are married, or disability, visiting a social media site is LEGAL. Making a decision based off of what they view is LEGAL.
This is a lesson that all parents should teach children before they allow them to join social media networks.
One more problem with social media is that high schoolers all over Bolingbrook are listing their name, school attending, and picture, making them the target of sexual offenders, kidnappers, and others. It is common for a registered sex offender to state that they found some girl or boy online, knew where to find them in person, knew what they looked like, knew if they had a lot of friends or were lonely, and what the kid was into like cheer leading, football, etc. Once that knowledge was gained, they were able to coerce the victims into their car easier or find time that person was alone.
So start by asking your middle schooler if they have these accounts and monitor them or remove them. Take a look at your own accounts. Remember what you put online will be there for anyone to access.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Bolingbrook Lobbyists Agenda on your Tax Dollars
When we pay the WCGL with $200K per year, what does it go for? Lobbyists.
Take a look at what you are paying for. On the agenda for the 2011 year, they are paying lobbyists to fight for change in:
Take a look at what you are paying for. On the agenda for the 2011 year, they are paying lobbyists to fight for change in:
"Notification and Publications in Newspapers"
They are looking to eliminate the need to publicise meetings, bids, and other notifications. This means residents will NOT be able to keep tabs on their local governments and how they conduct business
.
Let's hope local Senators do NOT pass this bill! If they sponsor it, let's hope they don't get re-elected. We will continue to cover this agenda.
Hacked
Sorry it has taken so long to write a news story. We have had some technical difficulties. We are back up and running now, so stay tuned for more as we clean things up and move forward!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Why do we pay for school consulting services?
Andy Fran is being paid $12K this week by the village, whom approved the invoices for the bi-weekly period. Last week it was $3,357.00.
This is a large amount of money to be spending on consulting services for schools, when in fact, schools have their own budgets and tax payers funds to use.
So why is it the Village is covering this $15K and not the school system? What about Bolingbrook residents that pay taxes to other school districts (not VVSD)? Now they have to foot this bill for school and village fund cross overs?
Nonsense!
This is a large amount of money to be spending on consulting services for schools, when in fact, schools have their own budgets and tax payers funds to use.
So why is it the Village is covering this $15K and not the school system? What about Bolingbrook residents that pay taxes to other school districts (not VVSD)? Now they have to foot this bill for school and village fund cross overs?
Nonsense!
Tis the season for criminals...
Lately our crime statistics have been jumping in Bolingbrook. Robbery is on the rise, and so are harder crimes. It is time the residents do a good check on open doors, windows, and car belongings.
We understand that power has been out and keeping windows closed would be suffocating. Some helpful tips would include ensuring that windows only remain open in rooms that are occupied. This cuts down crime in homes overnight.
Make sure that valuables in vehicles are tucked away and out of site.
There has been an increase in gang spotting due to the summer months and a typical increase in marijuana running, due to growing season.
These helpful tips are just to remind you that we care about your family and feel the media needs to give spot check reminders when they see an increases in crime. Thank you.
Protect those you love and your belongings by being safe this summer.
We understand that power has been out and keeping windows closed would be suffocating. Some helpful tips would include ensuring that windows only remain open in rooms that are occupied. This cuts down crime in homes overnight.
Make sure that valuables in vehicles are tucked away and out of site.
There has been an increase in gang spotting due to the summer months and a typical increase in marijuana running, due to growing season.
These helpful tips are just to remind you that we care about your family and feel the media needs to give spot check reminders when they see an increases in crime. Thank you.
Protect those you love and your belongings by being safe this summer.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Update on Casson Hale
From Bonnie Alicea
After submitting FOIA's and trying to wrap my head around the information supplied, I decided to submit this story to the BR. As some in Bolingbrook know, I take the students future in Bolingbrook very seriously and was heavily involved in finding out more about the Devon Hodges story. When I heard about Casson and the similarities, I had to reach out to the family and do some investigative work to uncover some more information. This is what I uncovered.
The scholarship committee does not meet in a formal meeting. They review the candidates individually. The members on this committee did NOT include Ms. Pawlowitz.
The committee meets to discuss the students’ general applications and the students’ relative merit to hand out the scholarships that outside organizations ask us to present. The team works to come to a consensus on recipients based on the following criteria:
Grades, Attendance, Personal Statement, Clubs and Activities, Number of outside scholarships received, Outstanding achievement, Discipline, Student Need, and any criteria communicated from the donor
No students are removed from consideration based on any one criterion, and no student receives more than one scholarship. The committee then makes recommendations to the donor who makes the final decision.
Valley View has admitted that "no document exists" when I asked for a list of candidates that applied. They did not make a list of applicants, they only used the applications.
Ms. Pawlowitz was not suppose to be involved in the process. Furthermore, the conflict of interest for both Mr. Mitchem and Ms. Pawlowitz was found in the information below.
Ms. Pawlowitz's daughter received the gold scholarship award for the American Legion, which has no price on it. She received the IL State Scholarship as well, with no price on it. I am assuming these are high amount awards since price was not listed.
Mitchems son received $4,700.00.
Casson was only given $500??? in scholarships.
Ms. Pawlowitz took her own liberty to EXCLUDE Casson from possible scholarship opportunities and did not correct her action until all the awards were awarded.
When Mitchem reviewed the situation and determined what Casson would have received, and offered this amount to Casson, he never got anyone to sign off or review his decision. Only Mitchem determined the amount and settled the issue.
The tragedy of the whole situation is that it has been over a month since the incident, and both Mithem or Ms. Pawlowitz have had any emails, meetings, documents, or supporting evidence to show that Ms. Pawlowitz was disciplined for her actions, that she was removed from the process she was never involved in, or that the process will be changed to eliminate any conflict of interest.
Therefore, I believe that Ms. Pawlowitz and Mr. Mitchem has gotten away with a harsh display of favoritism, fighting to achieve high scholarship amounts in favor of their own children while using a position of power to interfere in the committee's work and process. Whereas I support Casson Hale's family and potential actions against the school board for not overseeing and interfering in this process which was littered with abuse of power, deception, favoritism, and interference in the education potential and future of a student. (I see the same issues with Devon Hodges and the same parties involved.)
The board should have stepped in to oversee the process, knowing there would be a conflict of interest. They should have demanded to review Mr. Mitchem's offer of the award, knowing the child was wronged. There should have been a sign off process. The board should have recommended disciplinary action towards Ms. Pawlowitz and a review of the process and procedure, in order to avoid potential lawsuits in the future. The school attorneys should have scheduled a meeting with the family and posted a public apology. None of this was done.
As for my opinion, I am disgusted that Mr. Mitchem's son took priority on the basketball team while Devon Hodges was kicked off. I am disgusted that his son received more scholarship money than CassonCasson was. I am sure this priority was important to Mr. Mitchem while other students were not. As the Principal and now the Superintendent, it is important to be seen as fair and in all the children's best interest. In his short tenure in his new position, I can honestly say I am not looking forward to his rule there. There has already been too much controversy surrounding his choice of bad decisions,and these are just new one's to add to the list.
I am disgusted by the fact that nothing was done about Pawlowitz deceit and lies, and that all students are subjected to her accusations and mean behavior.
Bottom line, I will continue to report and look out for those that are too young to look out for themselves in Bolingbrook. I will continue to expose the wrong doing of students caught in a vicious cycle of political cronyism, where one future is ruined while another is put on a pedestal. All men, women, and children should be created equal and have all opportunities presented to them. This is American damn it!
After submitting FOIA's and trying to wrap my head around the information supplied, I decided to submit this story to the BR. As some in Bolingbrook know, I take the students future in Bolingbrook very seriously and was heavily involved in finding out more about the Devon Hodges story. When I heard about Casson and the similarities, I had to reach out to the family and do some investigative work to uncover some more information. This is what I uncovered.
The scholarship committee does not meet in a formal meeting. They review the candidates individually. The members on this committee did NOT include Ms. Pawlowitz.
The committee meets to discuss the students’ general applications and the students’ relative merit to hand out the scholarships that outside organizations ask us to present. The team works to come to a consensus on recipients based on the following criteria:
Grades, Attendance, Personal Statement, Clubs and Activities, Number of outside scholarships received, Outstanding achievement, Discipline, Student Need, and any criteria communicated from the donor
No students are removed from consideration based on any one criterion, and no student receives more than one scholarship. The committee then makes recommendations to the donor who makes the final decision.
Valley View has admitted that "no document exists" when I asked for a list of candidates that applied. They did not make a list of applicants, they only used the applications.
Ms. Pawlowitz was not suppose to be involved in the process. Furthermore, the conflict of interest for both Mr. Mitchem and Ms. Pawlowitz was found in the information below.
Ms. Pawlowitz's daughter received the gold scholarship award for the American Legion, which has no price on it. She received the IL State Scholarship as well, with no price on it. I am assuming these are high amount awards since price was not listed.
Mitchems son received $4,700.00.
Casson was only given $500??? in scholarships.
Ms. Pawlowitz took her own liberty to EXCLUDE Casson from possible scholarship opportunities and did not correct her action until all the awards were awarded.
When Mitchem reviewed the situation and determined what Casson would have received, and offered this amount to Casson, he never got anyone to sign off or review his decision. Only Mitchem determined the amount and settled the issue.
The tragedy of the whole situation is that it has been over a month since the incident, and both Mithem or Ms. Pawlowitz have had any emails, meetings, documents, or supporting evidence to show that Ms. Pawlowitz was disciplined for her actions, that she was removed from the process she was never involved in, or that the process will be changed to eliminate any conflict of interest.
Therefore, I believe that Ms. Pawlowitz and Mr. Mitchem has gotten away with a harsh display of favoritism, fighting to achieve high scholarship amounts in favor of their own children while using a position of power to interfere in the committee's work and process. Whereas I support Casson Hale's family and potential actions against the school board for not overseeing and interfering in this process which was littered with abuse of power, deception, favoritism, and interference in the education potential and future of a student. (I see the same issues with Devon Hodges and the same parties involved.)
The board should have stepped in to oversee the process, knowing there would be a conflict of interest. They should have demanded to review Mr. Mitchem's offer of the award, knowing the child was wronged. There should have been a sign off process. The board should have recommended disciplinary action towards Ms. Pawlowitz and a review of the process and procedure, in order to avoid potential lawsuits in the future. The school attorneys should have scheduled a meeting with the family and posted a public apology. None of this was done.
As for my opinion, I am disgusted that Mr. Mitchem's son took priority on the basketball team while Devon Hodges was kicked off. I am disgusted that his son received more scholarship money than CassonCasson was. I am sure this priority was important to Mr. Mitchem while other students were not. As the Principal and now the Superintendent, it is important to be seen as fair and in all the children's best interest. In his short tenure in his new position, I can honestly say I am not looking forward to his rule there. There has already been too much controversy surrounding his choice of bad decisions,and these are just new one's to add to the list.
I am disgusted by the fact that nothing was done about Pawlowitz deceit and lies, and that all students are subjected to her accusations and mean behavior.
Bottom line, I will continue to report and look out for those that are too young to look out for themselves in Bolingbrook. I will continue to expose the wrong doing of students caught in a vicious cycle of political cronyism, where one future is ruined while another is put on a pedestal. All men, women, and children should be created equal and have all opportunities presented to them. This is American damn it!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Water Agency on Quinn's Desk
Will Quinn approve a water agency for Bolingbrook and surrounding suburbs? Will he put in place oversight so that it does not wind up being misused or mishandled on residents dimes?
If this water agency is put in place, who will run and manage it? Should Quinn not be involved in ensuring that it is open and honest government?
We should know soon!
If this water agency is put in place, who will run and manage it? Should Quinn not be involved in ensuring that it is open and honest government?
We should know soon!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Will we see our share?
Was Bolingbrook affected? If so, when will they pursue?
MADIGAN ANNOUNCES $92 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH JPMORGAN CHASE OVER BID-RIGGING SCHEME
Bank to Pay Millions to Illinois Municipalities, Schools and Nonprofits for Illegal Practices
Chicago — Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced a $92 million multistate settlement with JPMorgan Chase & Co. over a scheme to rig bids and engage in anticompetitive practices that defrauded local municipalities, schools, hospitals and prominent nonprofits that purchased municipal bond derivatives from the bank.
“JPMorgan Chase concocted a scheme to enrich themselves by cheating hospitals and schools out of much needed resources,” said Attorney General Madigan. “Today’s settlement will restore funding to agencies throughout Illinois for use as they originally intended – to improve services in their communities.”
Madigan joined 23 states and the District of Columbia in the settlement, which will result in more than $2.2 million in restitution for Illinois municipalities, school districts, hospitals and nonprofits harmed by the bank’s efforts to orchestrate illegal bids for municipal derivatives. JPMC is the third financial institution to settle with the multistate working group in the ongoing municipal bond derivatives investigation. Bank of America and UBS previously settled with the states for $67 million and $90.8 million, respectively.
Today’s agreement centered on allegations that from 2001 to 2005, JPMC conspired with financial institutions and brokers to rig bid prices for municipal derivatives, circumventing the competitive bidding process. In some instances, JPMC and other financial institutions communicated directly with each other, and not through brokers, to fix prices or to fix rates or key terms of these transactions. Brokers also frequently offered JPMC and other financial entities the unfair advantage of reviewing other bids, thus rigging who would win the deal.
Municipalities, schools and other organizations typically issue municipal bonds to fund capital projects. Once bonds are issued, the money is typically placed into accounts to spend as the local entity incurs expenses for the project. Because the money from the bonds does not need to be spent immediately, the entity that issued the bonds typically seeks to invest the money and may also use strategies to manage or transfer the bond’s interest rate risk. These investment accounts and risk management products – which are collectively called “municipal bond derivatives” – are offered by large financial institutions.
Socialism and the "First Party" Mayor and Trustees of Bolingbrook Government
Britannica Online Encyclopedia
socialism, social and economic doctrine that calls for public rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources.
Americanan Estates - Socialism?
Bolingbrook Golf Club - Socialism?
Clow Airport - Socialism?
New Water Commission - Socialism?
Community Center - Socialism?
95th street bridge (Native American artifact land) - Socialism?
Weigh in!
socialism, social and economic doctrine that calls for public rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources.
Americanan Estates - Socialism?
Bolingbrook Golf Club - Socialism?
Clow Airport - Socialism?
New Water Commission - Socialism?
Community Center - Socialism?
95th street bridge (Native American artifact land) - Socialism?
Weigh in!
Final Shuttle Today
It looks like the shuttle will take it's final mission, after 30 years, to space, even though storms threatened it's mission. Stay tuned at around 11:30am EST when the shuttle takes its final tour.
So what is next? Stay tuned as we cover Sir Richard Branson plans to operate the world’s first commercial tourism space line. The billionaire states “It’s going to be a whole new era of spaceship travel, which will bring space travel to a reality for thousands of people instead of a few hundred.”
So what is next? Stay tuned as we cover Sir Richard Branson plans to operate the world’s first commercial tourism space line. The billionaire states “It’s going to be a whole new era of spaceship travel, which will bring space travel to a reality for thousands of people instead of a few hundred.”
Missouri and Indiana Towing the Rope on Legalizing Marijuana
With IN and MO towing the rope on medical marijuana, will IL be able to hold out on this issue much longer? With Wisconsin closing in on the conceal and carry gun laws, IL will be the last one touting this law. Soon, the marijuana law will follow suit.
The state can save millions on legalizing this, and make millions more on the sale of it. With IL being so broke, does it have a choice?
In Missouri, if the state approves the ballot language for the proposed Missouri constitutional amendment, supporters would need to collect enough signatures from registered voters by next May to get the question on the November 2012 ballot. Their measure would decriminalize pot use, possession and small-scale cultivation by Missourians age 21 and older. It would also require the state to issue retail licenses to sell the drug and oversee a medical marijuana program. Sixteen states have medical marijuana programs. Activists are targeting several other states next year.
The state can save millions on legalizing this, and make millions more on the sale of it. With IL being so broke, does it have a choice?
In Missouri, if the state approves the ballot language for the proposed Missouri constitutional amendment, supporters would need to collect enough signatures from registered voters by next May to get the question on the November 2012 ballot. Their measure would decriminalize pot use, possession and small-scale cultivation by Missourians age 21 and older. It would also require the state to issue retail licenses to sell the drug and oversee a medical marijuana program. Sixteen states have medical marijuana programs. Activists are targeting several other states next year.
Pat Quinn Cuts Superintendents High Salaries
Press Release:
Gov. Pat Quinn has taken away the salaries of regional education superintendents but not their duties, a move that raises questions as the new school year approaches.
Lawmakers and school officials want to know who is supposed to inspect schools, check employee backgrounds, certify teachers and do all the other tasks now handled by regional superintendents. The Association of School Administrators says superintendents perform important duties.
But Quinn used his veto power last week to cut all pay for the superintendents and their assistants. He also cut $2 million from their operating budget.
Quinn offered no plan for doing the superintendents' work if they're not paid. He says they should do the work for free, at least for a few months.
The superintendents reject that idea.
Gov. Pat Quinn has taken away the salaries of regional education superintendents but not their duties, a move that raises questions as the new school year approaches.
Lawmakers and school officials want to know who is supposed to inspect schools, check employee backgrounds, certify teachers and do all the other tasks now handled by regional superintendents. The Association of School Administrators says superintendents perform important duties.
But Quinn used his veto power last week to cut all pay for the superintendents and their assistants. He also cut $2 million from their operating budget.
Quinn offered no plan for doing the superintendents' work if they're not paid. He says they should do the work for free, at least for a few months.
The superintendents reject that idea.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Will IL be the next one to save taxpayers money?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-legalizingmarijua,0,2082490.story
The Post-Tribune of Merrillville reports that the General Assembly's criminal law and sentencing policy study committee will examine different angles of the marijuana issue. The committee's first meeting is next week, though it's not clear whether marijuana laws will be discussed then or during future meetings.
"One day, I watched three young kids plead cases on possession of small amounts," Tallian said. "I thought, `Why are we spending all of the time and money to do this?' Frankly, I put marijuana in the same category as alcohol."
Medical marijuana is available in 16 states and the District of Columbia, and 13 states have eliminated certain penalties for small amounts of marijuana.
Tallian said she hopes to arrange for people to speak at the meeting when the marijuana study is on the agenda.
"I've got testimony from all different groups," she said. "They keep calling me wondering when it's going to be. I had them lined up when the bill was in the senate -- medical people, criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement. There are a wide range of people interested in the topic."
Among the state lawmakers who supported the idea of creating a study committee to examine the issue was Republican Rep. Tom Knollman of Liberty, who has multiple sclerosis. Knollman told lawmakers during the legislative session this year that he wished he could legally try the drug to relieve his pain.
Knollman said at the time that he's among the most conservative of state legislators, but hopes he can be a law-abiding citizen and use one of God's plants.
MERRILLVILLE, Ind.—
State lawmakers will soon begin studying whether Indiana should amend its drug laws to decriminalize marijuana, create a medical marijuana program or make other changes. The Post-Tribune of Merrillville reports that the General Assembly's criminal law and sentencing policy study committee will examine different angles of the marijuana issue. The committee's first meeting is next week, though it's not clear whether marijuana laws will be discussed then or during future meetings.
State Sen. Karen Tallian, D- Ogden Dunes, pushed for the study committee and says Indiana has "draconian" marijuana laws.
"One day, I watched three young kids plead cases on possession of small amounts," Tallian said. "I thought, `Why are we spending all of the time and money to do this?' Frankly, I put marijuana in the same category as alcohol."
Medical marijuana is available in 16 states and the District of Columbia, and 13 states have eliminated certain penalties for small amounts of marijuana.
Tallian said she hopes to arrange for people to speak at the meeting when the marijuana study is on the agenda.
"I've got testimony from all different groups," she said. "They keep calling me wondering when it's going to be. I had them lined up when the bill was in the senate -- medical people, criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement. There are a wide range of people interested in the topic."
Among the state lawmakers who supported the idea of creating a study committee to examine the issue was Republican Rep. Tom Knollman of Liberty, who has multiple sclerosis. Knollman told lawmakers during the legislative session this year that he wished he could legally try the drug to relieve his pain.
Knollman said at the time that he's among the most conservative of state legislators, but hopes he can be a law-abiding citizen and use one of God's plants.
Do Seat Belt Save Lives? Should the Government Demand Use?
Wearing seat belts are the new law in IL for back seat passengers. Pat Quinn signed legislation last month enforcing mandatory requirements for back seat passengers to be strapped in or be ticketed. However, many residents are upset because they, or a loved one, has been saved in a car accident by NOT wearing a seat belt. Although we do not disagree that seat belts save lives, we disagree that the government needs to involve themselves in personal decisions of individual choice. A law that is enacted to only harm themselves and not others, is a law that might not be right to enforce.
on http://www.edgarsnyder.com/news/seatbelts/seat-belts-statistics.html, it states "Statistics show that seat belts do save lives. When used correctly, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45%, and risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%. For those riding in the rear of vans and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) during a car crash, rear seat belts are 73% better at preventing fatalities. Keep in mind that victims are not properly restrained in more than one-half of all fatal car accidents. Also, children are likely to be buckled 92% of the time when adults in the car use seat belts, as opposed to 72% of the time when adults are not using them."
Some stories state that seat belt use actually cost lives. Here are two stories...
"I had a friend of mine that was in a Jeep that rolled over off the highway down an embankment. She couldn't get out in time before it burst into flames because of her seat belt. People reported hearing her screaming as she burned to death."
"I had a similar one when I was in high school. I was the passenger in a Ford Mustang with bucket seats. We got T-boned on my side by another car at about 55 mph. The impact threw me into the back seat (somehow, that part I don't remember) and when it was over, I had no injuries, not even a cut. When I saw the car the next day, the passenger door had compressed the seat into about 3-4 inches of space. A seat belt would have been bad news on that day. "
There are even web sites against over regulation of governments. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2210488199 Governments are created to safeguard their citizens from abuse at the hands of other citizens, corporations, aliens and foreign governments. They are not created to save us from ourselves.
The seat belt law represents an unacceptable level of government interference in our daily lives. The collective power of your neighbors determines how you should take care of yourself and then slaps you with fines if you decide to take your own life into your own hands.
So where do you stand?
on http://www.edgarsnyder.com/news/seatbelts/seat-belts-statistics.html, it states "Statistics show that seat belts do save lives. When used correctly, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45%, and risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%. For those riding in the rear of vans and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) during a car crash, rear seat belts are 73% better at preventing fatalities. Keep in mind that victims are not properly restrained in more than one-half of all fatal car accidents. Also, children are likely to be buckled 92% of the time when adults in the car use seat belts, as opposed to 72% of the time when adults are not using them."
Some stories state that seat belt use actually cost lives. Here are two stories...
"I had a friend of mine that was in a Jeep that rolled over off the highway down an embankment. She couldn't get out in time before it burst into flames because of her seat belt. People reported hearing her screaming as she burned to death."
"I had a similar one when I was in high school. I was the passenger in a Ford Mustang with bucket seats. We got T-boned on my side by another car at about 55 mph. The impact threw me into the back seat (somehow, that part I don't remember) and when it was over, I had no injuries, not even a cut. When I saw the car the next day, the passenger door had compressed the seat into about 3-4 inches of space. A seat belt would have been bad news on that day. "
There are even web sites against over regulation of governments. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2210488199 Governments are created to safeguard their citizens from abuse at the hands of other citizens, corporations, aliens and foreign governments. They are not created to save us from ourselves.
The seat belt law represents an unacceptable level of government interference in our daily lives. The collective power of your neighbors determines how you should take care of yourself and then slaps you with fines if you decide to take your own life into your own hands.
So where do you stand?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Guilty or not? Casey Anthony
Casey Anthony has been found not guilty of first-degree murder in the 2008 death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. She was also found not guilty of aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter.
Potter Mania hitting all time high!
July 15th, that is 9 days, 11 hours, 15 minutes until the final Harry Potter movie is released. Kids in Bolingbrook are counting down the days until launch.
JK Rowling has launched a new web site called porrtermore.com to fuel the hype.
This is where you can find your Potter event.
1. Harry Potter Movie Marathon scheduled to take place at Fountaindale Public Library Tuesday, July 12 through Friday, July 15. The free program is open to those 13 years of age and over.
Two movies are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. each day July 12 through July 14, with one shown on July 15 beginning at 1:45 p.m.
The movie schedule is: July 12 — “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” followed immediately by “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”; July 13 — “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” followed by “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”; July 14 — “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” followed by “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”; and July 15 — “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.”
To register in person, go to the library, located at 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, or visit www.fountaindale.org.
2. http://www.fandango.com/harrypotter/movieguide/ For contests, trivia, clips, showtimes, tickets, and more!
3. http://www.universalstudios.com/ to celebrate the end of the Potter movies by visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
JK Rowling has launched a new web site called porrtermore.com to fuel the hype.
This is where you can find your Potter event.
1. Harry Potter Movie Marathon scheduled to take place at Fountaindale Public Library Tuesday, July 12 through Friday, July 15. The free program is open to those 13 years of age and over.
Two movies are scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. each day July 12 through July 14, with one shown on July 15 beginning at 1:45 p.m.
The movie schedule is: July 12 — “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” followed immediately by “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”; July 13 — “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” followed by “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”; July 14 — “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” followed by “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”; and July 15 — “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1.”
To register in person, go to the library, located at 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, or visit www.fountaindale.org.
2. http://www.fandango.com/harrypotter/movieguide/ For contests, trivia, clips, showtimes, tickets, and more!
3. http://www.universalstudios.com/ to celebrate the end of the Potter movies by visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Release of Gun Owner Names? What!
Pat Quinn signed a law last week prohibiting the names of licensed gun owners to be released.
IL State Police cannot release the names of those who hold or have applied for FOID cards.
Lisa Madigan felt the law should not have passed and that the names should be made public.
IL is poised to become the only state that does not allow concealed carry of guns in public, since Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said he would sign a measure giving citizens the right.
IL State Police cannot release the names of those who hold or have applied for FOID cards.
Lisa Madigan felt the law should not have passed and that the names should be made public.
IL is poised to become the only state that does not allow concealed carry of guns in public, since Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said he would sign a measure giving citizens the right.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
E-Readers and IPAD users can download E-reading material now!
The library has Sony E-Readers for check out now. They are now using a service called Overdrive, whih hosts popular fiction and non-fiction e-books. If you have not looked into this yet, but have an Android phone, you can download to your kindle with your library card now.
For details, go to http://www.fountaindale.org/component/content/article/4/287-e-readers-and-content-are-here.html
For details, go to http://www.fountaindale.org/component/content/article/4/287-e-readers-and-content-are-here.html
Brook's Cafe is open
Many people might look at this and say "What is Brook's cafe"? It is the new cafe located inside Fountaindale Library. It serves pastries, coffees, and much more. It is a nice stop when you go, since local retailers like Barnes and Noble brought the concept of coffee house into sales years ago. It is a nice change of pace for Bolingbrook and welcomed!
Park District hiring
The Bolingbrook Park District is hiring! Check out the web site to see what they currently need.
http://www.applitrack.com/bolingbrookparks/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=&all=1
http://www.applitrack.com/bolingbrookparks/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?internaltransferform.Url=&all=1
71 Lots still avail in Americana Estates
In an extreme effort to help fill these properties and bring tax revenue back to the Village, we are posting the availability for your referral to family, friends, and co-workers. Although the web site states homes starting in the $600's, in this economy, the builders might be willing to negotiate. We are basing this on the assumption that the same size home is going for much less in Bolingbrook.
| Lot # | Size | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 2 | 15,845 | AVAILABLE | |
| 3 | 18,047 | AVAILABLE | |
| 4 | 21,435 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 5 | 21,509 | AVAILABLE | |
| 6 | 29,304 | AVAILABLE | |
| 7 | 16,568 | AVAILABLE | |
| 8 | 15,727 | AVAILABLE | |
| 9 | 16,876 | AVAILABLE | |
| 10 | 18,542 | AVAILABLE | |
| 11 | 26,620 | AVAILABLE | |
| 12 | 23,919 | AVAILABLE | |
| 13 | 29,657 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 14 | 16,774 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 15 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 16 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 17 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 18 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 19 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 20 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 21 | 15,000 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 22 | 20,728 | Water | AVAILABLE |
| 23 | 24,229 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 24 | 20,498 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 25 | 15,542 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 26 | 15,000 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 27 | 15,000 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 28 | 15,000 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 29 | 15,000 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 30 | 15,000 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 31 | 15,518 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 32 | 29,075 | Golf Course | AVAILABLE |
| 33 | 17,789 | AVAILABLE | |
| 34 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 35 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 36 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 37 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 38 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 39 | 15,555 | AVAILABLE | |
| 40 | 15,018 | AVAILABLE | |
| 41 | 15,008 | AVAILABLE | |
| 42 | 15,039 | AVAILABLE | |
| 43 | 15,822 | AVAILABLE | |
| 44 | 15,338 | AVAILABLE | |
| 45 | 15,015 | AVAILABLE | |
| 46 | 15,004 | AVAILABLE | |
| 47 | 15,672 | AVAILABLE | |
| 48 | 24,989 | AVAILABLE | |
| 49 | 19,031 | AVAILABLE | |
| 50 | 18,639 | AVAILABLE | |
| 51 | 17,174 | AVAILABLE | |
| 52 | 16,307 | AVAILABLE | |
| 53 | 15,383 | AVAILABLE | |
| 54 | 17,475 | AVAILABLE | |
| 55 | 17,475 | AVAILABLE | |
| 56 | 16,672 | AVAILABLE | |
| 57 | 15,018 | AVAILABLE | |
| 58 | 15,412 | AVAILABLE | |
| 59 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 60 | 16,185 | AVAILABLE | |
| 61 | 19,924 | AVAILABLE | |
| 62 | 15,957 | Water | SOLD |
| 63 | 22,903 | Water View | SOLD |
| 64 | 16,193 | Water View | SOLD |
| 65 | 23,661 | Water View/Park View | SOLD |
| 66 | 22,657 | Water View/Park View | SOLD |
| 67 | 19,431 | Park View | SOLD |
| 68 | 16,411 | SOLD | |
| 69 | 16,411 | SOLD | |
| 70 | 17,655 | SOLD | |
| 71 | 23,145 | SOLD | |
| 72 | 17,062 | SOLD | |
| 73 | 15,481 | SOLD | |
| 74 | 18,364 | SOLD | |
| 75 | 21,395 | SOLD | |
| 76 | 18,482 | SOLD | |
| 77 | 17,300 | SOLD | |
| 78 | 15,069 | SOLD | |
| 79 | 16,800 | SOLD | |
| 80 | 16,800 | SOLD | |
| 81 | 24,536 | SOLD | |
| 82 | 16,909 | SOLD | |
| 83 | 26,975 | SOLD | |
| 84 | 17,963 | SOLD | |
| 85 | 15,000 | SOLD | |
| 86 | 15,000 | SOLD | |
| 87 | 16,103 | SOLD | |
| 88 | 16,578 | SOLD | |
| 89 | 15,086 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 90 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 91 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 92 | 15,159 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 93 | 15,062 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 94 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 95 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 96 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 97 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 98 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 99 | 15,000 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 100 | 17,827 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 101 | 17,762 | Golf Course | SOLD |
| 102 | 25,767 | AVAILABLE | |
| 103 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 104 | 20,281 | SOLD | |
| 105 | 18,133 | SOLD | |
| 106 | 15,000 | SOLD | |
| 107 | 15,000 | SOLD | |
| 108 | 15,000 | SOLD | |
| 109 | 15,000 | SOLD | |
| 110 | 16,830 | SOLD | |
| 111 | 16,830 | AVAILABLE | |
| 112 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 113 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 114 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 115 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 116 | 15,000 | AVAILABLE | |
| 117 | 17,552 | AVAILABLE |
Civil Engineer Scholarship Program
IDOT is awarding up to 20 scholarships to provide $7,000 tuition assistance in pre-engineering and civil engineering programs.
Who is Eligible
- Illinois residents not currently employed by IDOT
- High school graduates or equivalent
- Students admitted to or enrolled full-time in select Illinois pre-engineering and civil engineering programs
- High school and undergraduate students possessing a grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or 3.125 on a 5.0 scale)
- Graduate students possessing a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or 3.75 on a 5.0 scale)
How to Apply for the Awards
- A completed scholarship application
- An official high school or most recent college transcript
- A copy of the enrollment/acceptance letter from college/university (required for high school and transfer students only)
- Response to essay question on application
- Two (2) recommendation letters, one academic and one professional
220 MPH Rail Service Possibility?
One month ago, Pat Quinn partnered with the U of I to study the 220mph Rail Service. This partnership is to study the feasibility of a passenger rail between Chicago, Urbana-Champaign, and beyond.
This study will complement the ongoing construction of the regional 110mph network that will connect Chicago to 40 other cities in the Midwest.
"Governor Quinn and IDOT broke ground last year on the state's signature high-speed line between Chicago and St. Louis. Speeds of 110-mph along parts of the corridor will be reached as early as next year. A completed Midwest network will create over 57,000 jobs, including 24,000 in Illinois. In addition to Chicago-St. Louis, the Obama Administration has provided funding for the Chicago to Iowa City via the Quad Cities and Chicago to Detroit corridors. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation also awarded additional funding to expand the Midwest‟s new equipment fleet with modern, domestically-built locomotives and rail cars". (IDOT)
Can this become a possibility if Quinn stays in office? If a Republicn takes over, will they toss out all the hard work, job opportunities, and other benefits like the Republican Governor Scott in Florida?
Let's hope and pray we all live long enough to see this rail take shape for the future generations.
This study will complement the ongoing construction of the regional 110mph network that will connect Chicago to 40 other cities in the Midwest.
"Governor Quinn and IDOT broke ground last year on the state's signature high-speed line between Chicago and St. Louis. Speeds of 110-mph along parts of the corridor will be reached as early as next year. A completed Midwest network will create over 57,000 jobs, including 24,000 in Illinois. In addition to Chicago-St. Louis, the Obama Administration has provided funding for the Chicago to Iowa City via the Quad Cities and Chicago to Detroit corridors. Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation also awarded additional funding to expand the Midwest‟s new equipment fleet with modern, domestically-built locomotives and rail cars". (IDOT)
Can this become a possibility if Quinn stays in office? If a Republicn takes over, will they toss out all the hard work, job opportunities, and other benefits like the Republican Governor Scott in Florida?
Let's hope and pray we all live long enough to see this rail take shape for the future generations.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Green Party on Infiltrate Bolingbrook
We have seen a Republican Party run virtually unopposed for over 20 years in Bolingbrook. The last two years we have seen the increase of the Independent Party, rising the ranks of political power, gathering money and momentum, as it gains speed and support. Most Independent Parties take years to grow, but in Bolingbrook over 25% have voted Independent in the last two elections spaced over two years. The numbers will only increase, as the population demands officials that are looking out for them, not their party lines. Independents fit that bill perfectly!
The Democrats ran a Trustee in the last election, but this candidate was not readily available or in the news. The Dems have been in Bolingbrook, but as a silent and watching party.
Now the Green Party is coming into Bolingbrook.
What will the current Republican Party do about this? It is too early to see, but the Green Party is backed with lawyers and funds and could cause some issues to the politicians that currently work over the systems with money and law. I guess there won't be the booting of the ballot issues or the stolen sign issues any longer. So how else can they continue to win if these are their only tricks?
The Republican's in Bolingbrook have lashed out over the last two years at all members of the Independent Party. Instead of addressing the issues, they demean the speaker. What will they do when the Green Party, and their numerous supporters, step in and they find that a majority of the population knows the truth about the lavish spending and padding of pockets?
I think the Republican's will flee or retire. That is just my opinion, but it sounds reasonable. I look forward to new regime.
Resident on the west side
The Democrats ran a Trustee in the last election, but this candidate was not readily available or in the news. The Dems have been in Bolingbrook, but as a silent and watching party.
Now the Green Party is coming into Bolingbrook.
What will the current Republican Party do about this? It is too early to see, but the Green Party is backed with lawyers and funds and could cause some issues to the politicians that currently work over the systems with money and law. I guess there won't be the booting of the ballot issues or the stolen sign issues any longer. So how else can they continue to win if these are their only tricks?
The Republican's in Bolingbrook have lashed out over the last two years at all members of the Independent Party. Instead of addressing the issues, they demean the speaker. What will they do when the Green Party, and their numerous supporters, step in and they find that a majority of the population knows the truth about the lavish spending and padding of pockets?
I think the Republican's will flee or retire. That is just my opinion, but it sounds reasonable. I look forward to new regime.
Resident on the west side
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