The bill HB1716 awaiting Pat Quinn's approvals, based on reducing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA's), will not affect the Bolingbrook Report.
We have attorneys ready to ensure that Bolingbrook elected officials process our requests and the requests of our resident contributors.
The bill states that "requests made by news media shall not be considered "commercial purpose" when the principle purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information concerning news and current or passing events, for articles of opinion or features of interest to the public.
It further states that news media means a newspaper, or news service, or other periodical issued at regular intervals, whether in print or electronic format.
We do not fall under "Recurrent Requester" because we have not requested excessive documents. They cannot charge for the requests because it is noted that our site is not considered a "cpmmercial request".
Any of our writers should be aware that if the bill passes, the FOIA request needs to contain the language that it is requested for a waiver or reduction of fees since it is in the public's best interest and the purpose is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety, and welfare or the legal rights of the general public and is not for the principal purpose or commercial benefit.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Lobbying Money and Water Company
Yes, let's start the calculator to determine what the new water agency will cost us.
Start with the lobbying firm that helped pass the Senate Bill on our behalf. Now we form the Northern Will County Joint Action Water Agency.
Cost to date on the lobbying is $36,000.00
Now let's get take into consideration for the costs for research and leg work, planning, attorneys, etc.
This amount will not hit your water bill, this will hit your taxes.
Therefore, you might still have American Water, and Bolingbrook is charging you for the research to take it over.
Sample water bill $10.00
Sample tax bill $1500.00
Now, Sample water bill $10.00
Sample tax bill $1600.00
When we actually take over the water, there is no guarantee that the water bill will NOT go up. The Mayor has remained silent for this. However, since it could be a local tax paying entity soon, the numbers can shift from your water bill to your tax bill.
Example:
Sample water bill $8.00
Sample tax bill $1800.00
Nobody would be the wiser to see the taxes go up as long as the Mayor and trustees make it look like the water bill goes down, right?
Wrong. People are watching and waiting. We want to know who will be in charge of this organization and what are the total costs to bring in the water. What bonds will be taken out. Who will get paid the big bucks. In finality, there are no guarantees that this will bring DOWN the water bill because you are already spending the difference in just the research alone. That will need to be paid back.
The final result is more politics, less service, more padding of pockets, and less cash in tax payers. Until Mr. Claar and the Trustees can publically announce that it will allow for a reduction in water fees and no additional taxes, I am not buying into this scandal.
Start with the lobbying firm that helped pass the Senate Bill on our behalf. Now we form the Northern Will County Joint Action Water Agency.
Cost to date on the lobbying is $36,000.00
Now let's get take into consideration for the costs for research and leg work, planning, attorneys, etc.
This amount will not hit your water bill, this will hit your taxes.
Therefore, you might still have American Water, and Bolingbrook is charging you for the research to take it over.
Sample water bill $10.00
Sample tax bill $1500.00
Now, Sample water bill $10.00
Sample tax bill $1600.00
When we actually take over the water, there is no guarantee that the water bill will NOT go up. The Mayor has remained silent for this. However, since it could be a local tax paying entity soon, the numbers can shift from your water bill to your tax bill.
Example:
Sample water bill $8.00
Sample tax bill $1800.00
Nobody would be the wiser to see the taxes go up as long as the Mayor and trustees make it look like the water bill goes down, right?
Wrong. People are watching and waiting. We want to know who will be in charge of this organization and what are the total costs to bring in the water. What bonds will be taken out. Who will get paid the big bucks. In finality, there are no guarantees that this will bring DOWN the water bill because you are already spending the difference in just the research alone. That will need to be paid back.
The final result is more politics, less service, more padding of pockets, and less cash in tax payers. Until Mr. Claar and the Trustees can publically announce that it will allow for a reduction in water fees and no additional taxes, I am not buying into this scandal.
Crime Alert for Bolingbrook Residents
Wanted
Dangerous Man in Bolingbrook
5'8-5'10
130-150 lbs
Wanted for breaking into a home near Lily Cache and Weber, where he put a knife to a 20 year old's throat and attempted to kidnap her. The mother intercepted and was injured and the man fled.
If you know this man, please contact: Bolingbrook Crime Stoppers at www,bolingbrookcrimestoppers.org
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tonight's Board Meeting
Take a look at the bills being passed tonight and ask the elected officials why this resolution was posted as follows:
Resolution authorizing support of DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Tell us what this means. What is this going to cost. What does it include. What is the purpose. Inquiring minds want to know.
While your at it, tell us why your needing to pay a lobbying $35K this year. What are you lobbying for? Last time we did something like this we wound up with red light camera's. Are they coming back? Oh please, tell us this time what we are spending our tax dollars on for getting a law changed that will NOT benefit the residents...
Oh, one more... resolution 11R-023 is for more construction at Clow Airport. Can you tell us the ROI on this? I am sure you have thought this through...
And in finality, what are we doing on the prevailing wage ordinance? Is this to confirm that you get your raises this year in a bad economy? Or to secure your perks?
Resolution authorizing support of DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Tell us what this means. What is this going to cost. What does it include. What is the purpose. Inquiring minds want to know.
While your at it, tell us why your needing to pay a lobbying $35K this year. What are you lobbying for? Last time we did something like this we wound up with red light camera's. Are they coming back? Oh please, tell us this time what we are spending our tax dollars on for getting a law changed that will NOT benefit the residents...
Oh, one more... resolution 11R-023 is for more construction at Clow Airport. Can you tell us the ROI on this? I am sure you have thought this through...
And in finality, what are we doing on the prevailing wage ordinance? Is this to confirm that you get your raises this year in a bad economy? Or to secure your perks?
Military Deaths
Let it be known that as of today, June 14, 2011 there has been 4,460 US Military Deaths in the Iraq war.
Our hearts go out to the soldiers families.
Our hearts go out to the soldiers families.
IL State Police Profiling
Illinois state police are defending their record on searching minority drivers during traffic stops according to the American Civil Liberties Union. They filed an official complaint because state police consistently ask minority drivers to allow a search of their cars more often than they ask white drivers. The ACLU says these "consent searches" should be investigated by the Justice Department.
The state police responded on Tuesday that they do searches of minority drivers much less often than local police do.
The ACLU says state police fail to address the basic complaint -- that black and Hispanic drivers are treated differently than white drivers.
The state police responded on Tuesday that they do searches of minority drivers much less often than local police do.
The ACLU says state police fail to address the basic complaint -- that black and Hispanic drivers are treated differently than white drivers.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Skinny B's are Evil!
Are skinny people evil or are they just hungry? Some say that people with extra weight are easy going and have more humor compared to their skinny counterparts. Is the link to evil really crankiness from hunger?
Could this be the reason why some men seek heavier women when they want to put down roots and stay awhile? Take a look at some recent statistics and "weigh" in!
Select the button "comment" below.
Could this be the reason why some men seek heavier women when they want to put down roots and stay awhile? Take a look at some recent statistics and "weigh" in!
Select the button "comment" below.
I Cite the Village Board for Code Enforcement Violations.
I do hereby declare the Village of Bolingbrook board members (Mayor and trustees) each receive a citation for improper lawn care. I would like to put a lien on Trustee and Mayor's homes if they do not pay it. Since I am a taxpayer, and this is the treatment the rest of us get, I think it should be the same for them.
So you want to know what I am babbling on about?
As residents, you would expect your community to not sacrifice services to the residents since the taxes are so high. I mean, other states and towns do not contribute as much in taxes as Bolingbrook, IL does. For example, in FL, TX, AZ, IN and others most cities, villages, and towns pay under $3K per year in property taxes, low sales tax, low gas tax, but still have top notch Police, Fire, Ambulance, and lawn care.
So we wonder who is in charge of the lawn care in Bolingbrook and why has it been so neglected this summer? For example, if you drive down Boughton Road (and many others) you will see the medians with a foot deep of weeds and tall grass. Had this been in my yard, I would have been surely cited by code enforcement.
Yet we are paying the bills for this, aren't we trustees? So who is responsible for the lack of care? Did we not pay them, did we not negotiate enough because of mis-spending, or is it the company that needs to lose the contract? Regardless of which one, the Trustees and Mayor are to blame for no service.
Therefore, I am citing you each with code enforcement violations of improper law care. Please pay this money into the Village taxing bodies as a reimbursement for charging us for lawn care that was never supplied.
From:
An angry resident who feels his village looks like shit.
So you want to know what I am babbling on about?
As residents, you would expect your community to not sacrifice services to the residents since the taxes are so high. I mean, other states and towns do not contribute as much in taxes as Bolingbrook, IL does. For example, in FL, TX, AZ, IN and others most cities, villages, and towns pay under $3K per year in property taxes, low sales tax, low gas tax, but still have top notch Police, Fire, Ambulance, and lawn care.
So we wonder who is in charge of the lawn care in Bolingbrook and why has it been so neglected this summer? For example, if you drive down Boughton Road (and many others) you will see the medians with a foot deep of weeds and tall grass. Had this been in my yard, I would have been surely cited by code enforcement.
Yet we are paying the bills for this, aren't we trustees? So who is responsible for the lack of care? Did we not pay them, did we not negotiate enough because of mis-spending, or is it the company that needs to lose the contract? Regardless of which one, the Trustees and Mayor are to blame for no service.
Therefore, I am citing you each with code enforcement violations of improper law care. Please pay this money into the Village taxing bodies as a reimbursement for charging us for lawn care that was never supplied.
From:
An angry resident who feels his village looks like shit.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Shift in Mortgage Thinking for “30-something” Year Olds
By Bonnie Alicea
There seems to be a growing trend amongst “thirty - something” aged Bolingbrook residents. Some say thirty is the new twenty, and couples are choosing to have children in the 30’s while establishing careers in the 20’s.
After polling residents, I found that many have shifted the “old school” thoughts of buying a large house and fancy vehicles, to buying smaller homes and practical vehicles. This allows them to put more money aside for higher education for themselves/children and for retirement, sacrificing luxury for priorities.
This could be sparked by the current economic conditions, tax and gas increases, job stability, or plummeting real estate. Some of these residents are taking advantage of the housing bust and buying smaller homes with cash. I heard the expression “cash is King” on many occasions during this poll. This gives these thirty something residents at least 30 more years to plan and save for college costs which are rising, and retirement costs which are estimated to diminish by lack of funds in Social Security in 2036.
It would appear that this shift in priority can benefit the future of Bolingbrook by establishing more stability of neighbors, lower future foreclosure rates, more local expendable income and a more educated future population. I look forward to seeing this shift and encourage the “twenty something” year olds to watch and learn!
Can younger generations survive the workforce with only social media etiquette?
By Bonnie Alicea
Do we equip our teens to communicate, socialize, and behave correctly in a time where social media outlets like texting, IM, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and internet gaming has taken social etiquette out of the question? We need to ask ourselves, as parents of the next generation to enter the workforce, if our kids can communicate effectively in the workplace.
As a Fortune 1 corporate consultant, one of my pet peeves is scheduling an important meeting and watching the younger generations show up late, open their laptop, type all meeting long on IM or work, while never truly hearing what is happening in the room around them. They don’t participate in the meetings. I find this behavior rude, offensive, and counterproductive to the teams’ accomplishments, goals, and success rates.
I find the demand for my services in the corporate world growing largely due to the fact that I establish rules for my team. Time is money. I set the tone of the meetings. I make all team members sign a waiver before any project, and if they do not uphold the waiver, I release them from my team. This clause contains the following: “When you arrive at my meetings, please turn off your laptops, put away your cell phones, and be ready to discuss an important issue”.
So what can we do to change this behavior in teens facing the growing “instant access” issues? Turn off the phone / computer at dinner and have a discussion about life, events, and people. Encourage interactions outside the virtual world and teach teens human interaction skills. Remember, these teens have to make a living and right now they are not cutting it in a workplace where creative ideas, synergy, and cooperation are required.
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