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!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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.
"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.
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