More McHenry County Blog

Here is a pretty comprehensive look at Martire's operation that I put together in late 2003. Illinois Leader used parts of it.

Also helping pull the tax hike bandwagon is the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. The Chicago Sun-Times often gives its executive director, Ralph Martire, columns in its Saturday paper.

Martire, State Senator James Meeks, a man elected as a Democrat who votes with the Democrats and State School Superintendent Robert Schiller met with the board of the Daily Southtown newspaper recently to pitch an income tax hike.

The trio argued that with the Democrats in control of the executive and legislative branches that the time was right for an income tax hike. Quoting Meeks, a Southtown editorial said, "We must give him something to react to."

They pointed to the shortage of state funds for not only education, but also other services and programs. Further, that rich and poor school districts have insufficient revenue. Also, that “the increasing property tax burden has become so onerous that even some of the large business groups that opposed an income tax increase in the past are indicating a willingness to support a change.” Martire made his argument that state finances have to be re-structured because of the existence of a “structural deficit.” By that he means that current taxes and fees are not enough to pay for existing programs, even in good economic times.

Formerly known as the Illinois Tax Accountability Project, Martire’s Center claims to be “a bipartisan think tank committed to ensuring that the Illinois tax system and budget are both fundamentally sound and fair, with a particular focus on the interests of low and moderate income workers.” The Republicans are few and far between, however. Illinois Leader could only identify three board members with Republican connections.

Martire served on the budget advisory board to Governor Rod Blagojevich's transition team, where he acted as chairperson of the state revenue subcommittee. Martire was the principal author of a study that identified tax and fee hikes to address the 2002 budget problems.

His background also includes service as the deputy issues director for Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch in her unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign, and issues director for David Wilhelm in his unsuccessful run for the United States Senate. He ran himself unsuccessfully for the Cook County Board. His prior appointments include serving as a member of both the Cook County State's Attorney's Council on Hate Crimes Prosecution and Cook County Special Task Force on Domestic Violence.

Proposed Multi-Billion Dollar Tax Hikes All “Covered” by Pitch for More Money for Education

Under heading entitled, “Funding Quality Education in Illinois,” [don’t know how to change the color ] is legislative testimony and a position paper outlining the guts of what the group wants.

The group’s tax hiking goals are anything but modest. They want an extra $4 billion for state aid to education. The propose tax increases ranging from $3.5 billion to $7.1 billion.

Belying the name change of the group, only one proposal is made to save money—purchasing pharmaceutical drugs in bulk.

They propose paying for it with either a 33% or a 50% income tax increase for individuals. That would raise $2.5 billion or $3.7 billion. Business would not be ignored. An extra $322-$42 million would be extracted from corporations. Seniors are targeted to pay $140 to $530 million when their pensions are taxed for the first time in Illinois history. Broadening the sales tax to include services, including entertainment, personal and consumer services, could take between $530 million and $2.4 billion out of people’s pockets. Also proposed are tax credits that would be paid in full, regardless of whether individuals paid that much in tax.

Perhaps best indicating the Center’s point of view is the way it refers to tax cuts as “tax expenditures.” “Tax expenditures” are defined as “tax breaks given to private business to promote economic development.” Those who use such language usually assume money belongs to the state, rather than to the taxpayer who earns it, a rather liberal concept.

Graduated Income Tax Sought

First, they want a graduated income tax. They have presented ways to make the state income tax more progressive without passing a constitutional amendment. One example is to provide an income tax credit for the share of real estate taxes that renters pay monthly. Another is increasing the earned income tax credit by four times from 5% of the federal credit to 20%.

They also favor taxing retirement income for the first time in Illinois. By broadening the income tax base, the tax rate would have to be increased less in order to raise the same amount of money. In the pitch for pension taxation, no mention is made of the impact that an exodus of retired people might cause, if the Center got this tax hike wish.

They want to tax services used by wealthier people. Presumably, the internet would taxed. The sales tax would be broadened to include most services. Although, the group says it wants to protect those with lower incomes, the report cites a 1994 Illinois Economic and Fiscal Commission study that estimated an additional $781 million. No deduction is made for whatever exclusions are sought for those at the lower end of the income scale. Putting it mildly, the Center says, “This could have a significant impact on generating revenues for the state.”

Sharing of Taxes from Regional Shopping Centers Sought

The share that local governments now receive of the sales tax would seem to be in danger if the Center could dictate tax policy. “Finally, we should consider revising how the state allocates revenue collected from sales taxes.” It criticizes the current “point-of-sale” way of determining what municipality gets how much and suggests distributing the money based on population. That is the way income tax is now distributed to counties and municipalities.

The group also wants to impose regional real estate taxes to “help promote regional solutions to sprawl.” It proposes property tax sharing of highly taxed properties, such as shopping centers. However, no mention is made of sharing the sales tax generated, which is the primary reason for allowing a regional shopping center in a town.

If the Center got its way, there would apparently be little advantage to having a high sales tax generator in ones city.

For business, the group wants to repeal the single sales tax factor method of calculating corporate income taxes. Repeal is estimated by the group to bring in another $120 million a year. About half would come from “Amoco, Archer Daniels Midland, John Deere, Caterpillar, R.R. Donnelly and Motorola, the group says. Saving this tax break for business was one of the major victories House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) claimed in post-session interviews.

Outline of Tax Swap

Besides increasing the amount going to schools by unspecified billions of dollars, the group wants to cut property taxes by $1.5 to $2 billion. And, the group wants state taxpayers to pay for half of the cost of education. While raising income and sales taxes immediately, the group proposes phasing in property tax cuts “to permit school districts to plan for any changes in the revenue structure.“ In other words, those paying high property taxes would continue doing so during a transitional time, while being forced to pay higher income and sales taxes.

The report also supports equalizing the local tax rates of unit and elementary and high school districts. Currently, tax rate limits on unit school districts are lower than the combination limit on grade and high school districts. That would mean less tax relief in most unit districts than in so-called “dual” districts.

In Cook County, the Center wants to raise taxes on homes and lower them on business. “Since this will cause a shift in tax burden from business to homeowners, it should be phased-in over a period of years,” the recommendation reads. Put in terms a homeowner might be able to understand, one’s property taxes would increase by a little less than a third. The tax sway is touted as cutting one’s tax bill by up to 25%. It appears that Cook County homeowners would not receive much, if any, relief under the Center’s plan.

The Center proposes statewide property tax caps for the first time. Many Downstate county boards have refused to allow referendums on whether tax caps should be imposed.

Democratic Party Liberals Dominate Board of Directors

The members of its Board of Directors help explain why the group is so in favor of tax increases. Take Margaret Blackwshere, for example. She is president of the Illinois AFL-CIO and a former classroom teacher. One of her largest unions is the one that represents state employees. To emphasize the connection, Hank Scheff, the Director of Research and Employee Benefits of the American Federal of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) also serves on the group’s board. Adding to the union-weighting is Carole Travis, the Illinois State Council Director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The Service Employees International Union was the largest Blagojevich contributor in his run for Governor.

Patrick Patt is the group’s treasurer. He is superintendent of the Oak Grove School District in Green Oaks (60048). His biographical sketch on the organization’s web site says, “Mr. Patt has been active in various statewide tax reform and public school finance reform campaigns. Currently active with Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and Common Cause of Illinois.” He is joined by Williamsfield High School teacher Randy Fritz.


Also serving on the board is one of Illinois Democratic Party U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s staff assistants. Kappy Lawler Scates is said to have taught English and Spanish for 26 years in Gallitan County. Scales works with her husband and sons in running Illinois' largest family farm and serves on the board of Illinois Agri-Women. Another board member, William Burns, works for Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), although he is still listed on the organization’s web site as vice president of the Chicago Urban League.

Adding to the liberal Democratic weighting of this group is the board membership of State Senator Barack Obama (D-Chicago), who is a candidate for the democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. Fellow Democratic Party office holder Barbara Brown, the Board’s President was recently elected Circuit Court Clerk in Randolph County. She is a lecturer in political science at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.

Making it clear that this is a Democratic Party front-group is the board membership of David Wilhelm: the man President Bill Clinton selected to head the Democratic National Committee and who previously served as executive director of Citizens for Tax Justice. Wilhelm was often the spokesman for the Blagojevich campaign when Republicans were to be criticized.

Another liberal board member is Willian McNary, President of US Action and Co-Executive Director of Citizen Action/Illinois, the largest consumer watchdog group on health care reform, environmental safety, utility reform, education funding and campaign finance reform. He is joined by Todd Dietterle,
Vice President and Director of the Community Organizing Grant Program at the Woods Fund of Chicago. Dietterle has 20 years of experience in community organizing, issue-oriented citizen lobbies and community development organizations, according to the web site..

Joel Carp, who is Senior Vice President for Community Services and Government Relations of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago is another liberal board member. He has spent his professional career in social work, social planning and advocacy, the group’s publicity says. Balancing him off is Alexander Sharp, Executive Director of Protestants for the Common Good. Formerly served as Vice President for Business and Finance at the University of Chicago and Commissioner of the Department of Public Welfare for the State of Massachusetts.

Token Republicans in Martire’s Group

When Spokesman Martire is introduced on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight hose Phil Ponce refers to the bi-partisan nature of his organization. One of the token Republicans is Paul Wisner, an attorney who served in the administration of Governor Richard Ogilvie (R-Northbrook) as Director of Governor's Office of Human Resources and later as Assistant to the Governor. Wisner contributed $500 to Jim Ryan’s and Joe Birkett’ s campaigns in 2002.

A second is former Daily Herald Reporter Jim Bray, who was targeted for firing by Blagojevich right after he took office. Bray, currently a freelance public relations consultant, formerly served as Chief of Staff to Lieutenant Governor Bob Kustra, and Press Secretary for Governor James R. Thompson. Bran contributed to Bob Kustra in 1994 and Loleta Didrickson in 1996. Former Republican State Rep. Diana Nelson is the third Republican on the Board. She is public relations director for the Union League Club in Chicago. She made 1994 contributions to the House Republican Campaign Committee and State Rep. Eileen Lyons (R-Western Springs).

Dr. Jim Nowlan, who was director of several state departments during the Thompson administration and who was a freshman state representative selected by Governor Ogilvie as his running mate in 1972, is the group’s reserarch director.

www.census.gov/govs/statetax/00staxrank.html

States Ranked By Total Taxes and Per Capita Amount: 2000

Total Tax Per Capital
Rank State Amount
24 Illinois….. 1,834.95

From http://stateandlocalgateway.rockinst.org/fiscal_trends/state_rankings/
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, State University of New York

States Ranked by State and Local Government Total Elementary and Education Expenditures in FY 2000
Rank Amount per capita
14 Illinois 1,332

States Ranked by State Government Total Elementary and Education Expenditures in FY 2000
Rank Amount per capita
42 Illinois 565

States Ranked by Local Government Total Elementary and Education Expenditures in FY 2000
Rank Amount per capita
13 Illinois 1,332

Educational Report Card, American Legislative Exchange Council
http://www.alec.org/meSWFiles/pdf/Education_Report_card.pdf
Illinois

Expenditure per student 1999-2000: 6,149

Percent change in school enrollment 79-80 to 99-00: 8/10 of 1%

Table 1.6 Expenditures Per Pupil Expenditures Per Elementary and Secondary School (Gross Expenditures in Thousands), Real Per Pupil Expenditures (1999-2000)
99-00 89-90 79-80
Real per Pupil Rank Rank Rank
Illinois 6,149 27 23 25

Table 1.11 Average Annual Salary of Instructional Staff in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (99-00)
99-00 99-00 89-90 89-90 79-80 70-80
Constant Constant Constant
Dollars Rank Dollars Rank Dollars Rank
Illinois 49,390 10 46,799 12 44,828 13

From taxfoundation.org/ff/indexanalysis-IL.html
Table 1: HB 750’s Impact on Illinois’ Top Tax Rates and Index Ranking Compared with Neighboring States
State Top Corporate Tax Rate Top Individual Tax Rate Overall Index Ranking
Illinois (with HB 750) 10.5% (up from 7.3%) 5% (up from 3.0%) 38 (up from 23rd)
Indiana 8.5% 3.4% 12
Iowa 12% 8.98% 28
Kentucky 8.25% 6% 44
Missouri 6.25% 6% 11
Wisconsin 7.9% 6.75% 41

Table 2: HB 750's Impact on Illinois' Current Ranking in the State Business Tax Climate Index*
Corporate Income Tax Subindex Individual Income Tax Subindex Sales and Gross Receipts Tax Subindex Overall Index
Original Rank 23 11 42 23
Final Rank 47 18 46 38
Rank Change -24 -7 -4 -15
*Note: No changes to UIT or Fiscal Indexes.Source: Tax Foundation


"The nonpartisan Tax Foundation lists Illinois as the 13th highest state in total tax burden, at 27.9 percent." December 6, 2004 Christian Science...

From taxfoundation.org/statelocal.html
2005
Tax Burdens by State
(Taxes as a Percentage of Income)
Change in
Combined State and Local Adding Federal Taxes to State/Local Taxes Ranking after
Tax Burdens by Rank Changes the Ranking Adding Federal

Illinois 9.8% 30 29.2% 16 14

Illinois Property Taxes: Comparatively High

Illinois is one of the 38 states that collect property taxes at both the state and local levels. As in most states, local governments collect far more. Illinois' localities collected $14,456,662,000 in property taxes in fiscal year 2000, the latest year for which the Census Bureau has published state-by-state data. That amounts to $1,166 per capita in taxes, or if measured as a percentage of income, $37 per $1,000 of income. Illinois' local property taxes are 8th highest in the nation by the per capita measure and 9th highest as a percentage of income.

Illinois’ Individual Income Tax System

Illinois’ personal income tax system consists of a flat 3% rate on Federal Adjusted Gross Income. This rate is the lowest in the nation among the lowest of all states levying personal income taxes. Illinois’ 2002 individual income tax collections were $552 per person (ranked 33rd highest nationally).
50-State Table of Individual Income Tax Rates

Illinois’ Corporate Income Tax System

Illinois’ corporate tax structure consists of a flat rate of 4.8% on all corporate income. Among states levying corporate income taxes, Illinois’ rate ranks 4th lowest. In 2001, corporate tax collections reached $178 per capita, ranking it at 7th nationally.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/corporateincometaxrates.html

From nea.org/edstats/index.html

Table 1. Average Salaries of Public School Teachers, 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(“Average gross salary before deductions…”)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

7 8 Illinois $52,950 2.9% $51,475

Table 2. Enrollment, Fall 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(Increased 0.7% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

5 5 Illinois 2,089,325 0.4 2,081,156

Table 3. Number of Teachers in Public K-12 Schools, Fall 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(Increase 0.6% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

5 5 Illinois 135,814 1.6% 135,659

Table 4. Student-Teacher Ratio in Public K-12 Schools, Fall 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
[Note: Listed from highest to lowest ratio.] (15.7 nationally; increased 0.1% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

21 22 Illinois 15.4 -1.2% 15.6

Table 5. Current Expenditures per Student in Public K-12, Fall 2003-2004 and 2002-2004 (revised)
(Increased 3.6% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

11 10 Illinois $9,839 4.5% $9,414

[Note: Highest Midwestern state: Wisconsin at 13th each year; Minnesota at 17th and 18th.]

Table 6. Current Expenditures ($’000) for Public K-12 Schools, 2003-2004 and 2002-2004 (revised)
(“Money spent operating schools, including salaries, books, heating, and so on;” increased 4.4% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

4 4 Illinois $20,555,931 4.9% $19,592,587

Table 7. Total Expenditures ($’000) for Public K-12 Schools, 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(“Money spent in total for schools, including operating expenses, capital outlay, and interest on school debt;”
increased 4.6% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

4 4 Illinois $24,857,727 5.6% $23,548.725

Table 8. Total Revenues ($’000) for Public K-12 from State Government, 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(“Revenue …schools received from state government”)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

10 10 Illinois $6,885,531 6.7% $6,451,025

Table 9. Total Revenues ($’000) for Public K-12 Schools from Local Government, 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(“Revenue…schools received from local governments.”)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

4 4 Illinois $12,352,497 4.3% $11,839,115

Table 10. Total Revenue Receipts ($’000) for Public K-12, 2003-2004 and 2202-2004 (revised)
(“School districts’ total revenues;” increased 4.9% on the average nationally)

Rank Rank Percent Change
2002-2003 2003-2004 State 2003-2004 from 2003 2002-2003

4 4 Illinois $21,172,788 5.4% $20,093,667

= = =
From NEA nea.org/edstats/images/04rankings.pdf

F-7 Percentage of Revenue for Public K-12 Schools from Local Governments, 2001-2002 (revised)

Rank State Percent

1 D.C. 85.4%
2 Nevada 62.5%
3 Illinois 61.5%

F-8 Percentage of Revenue for Public K-12 Schools from Local Governments, 2002-2003

Rank State Percent
3 Illinois 58.9%

F-9 Percentage of Revenue for Public K-12 Schools from State Governments, 2001-2002 (revised)
Rank State Percent

49 Nevada 31.4%
50 Illinois 31.2%
Note: DC “na”

F-10 Percentage of Revenue for Public K-12 Schools from Local Governments, 2002-2003

Rank State Percent

49 Illinois 32.1%
50 Nevada 26.8%
Note: DC “na”

F-11 Percentage of Revenue for Public K-12 Schools from Federal Government, 2001-2002 (revised)

Rank State Percent

29 Illinois 7.3%

F-12 Percentage of Revenue for Public K-12 Schools from Federal Government, 2003-2003

Rank State Percent

21 Illinois 9%

F-13 Local Public School Revenue as Percentage of Combined State & Local Revenue, 2002-2003

Rank State Percent

3 Illinois 64.7%

AGENDA # 14.2.B (07)
R E S O L U T I O N
AUTHORIZING AN EMERGENCY APPROPRIATION AND BUDGET LINE ITEM TRANSFERS IN THE REVOLVING LOAN FUND FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005 BUDGET

WHEREAS, the County Board of the County of McHenry, Illinois established a revolving loan fund for the purpose of encouraging economic growth and increasing the size of its commercial and industrial base; and

WHEREAS, in December, 2004 a loan was approved and awarded to Contempo Industries, Inc. in the amount of $200,000.00 for the start-up of a new business, which was collateralized by its inventory on hand; and

WHEREAS, on December 1, 2005 Contempo Industries, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for relief in bankruptcy and was working to restructure its working capital to continue operations in bankruptcy; and

WHEREAS, upon review of the collateral agreement and bankruptcy documents filed, the State’s Attorney’s office advised the County that collection of the outstanding principal owed ($177,470.37) was uncertain. Because the collection of the remaining balance is uncertain, an increase to the reserve for doubtful accounts, as required by generally accepted accounting principles, is necessary as of November 30, 2005.
WHEREAS, in order to properly record this reserve in fiscal year 2004-2005, budget line item transfers and an emergency appropriation to the Revolving Loan Fund budget is now required.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of McHenry County, Illinois that an emergency appropriation of $146,033.00 to OCA 100050-6550 (Revolving Loan Fund – Bad Debt Expense) is hereby authorized in the fiscal year 2004-2005 budget with an offsetting entry to OCA 100050-9990 (Revolving Loan Fund – Utilization of Fund Balance) for the purpose of increasing the reserve for doubtful accounts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following budget line item transfers are also hereby authorized in the fiscal year 2004-2005 budget for the purpose of increasing the reserve for doubtful accounts.
FROM:
OCA 100050-4001 Contractual Services $ 5,920
OCA 100050-4010 Audit & Management Services 1,500
OCA 100050-6810 Fund Balance Enhancement 24,018
TO:
OCA 100050-6550 Bad Debt Expense $31,438

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk is hereby requested to distribute a certified copy of this Resolution to the County Auditor; the Deputy County Administrator; the Associate County Administrator-Finance; and the County Administrator.

DATED at Woodstock, Illinois, this twenty-third day of March, A.D., 2006.
_______________________________
KENNETH D. KOEHLER, Chairman
McHenry County Board
ATTEST:
_______________________________
KATHERINE C. SCHULTZ, County Clerk
RevolvingLoanFundEmergApprop3.23.06

http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/Common/CountyBrd/MtgDocs/2006032306ctybd/032306bd14.2b(07).pdf

March 22, 2006

Congratulations to all the winners of the primary elections!

Now that Rod Blagojevich has been nominated by the Democrats and Judy Baar Topinka has been nominated by the Republicans for governor, Illinois citizens are faced with the left wing and the right wing of the same bird, flying the wrong direction.

Once the dust settles and the smoke clears from the primaries, Illinois conservatives are going to be faced with the fact that the two major parties have left them with NO REPRESENTATION. Because of this, it is now time to consider a conservative third party candidate.

For years the two major parties have perpetrated the lie that a third party candidate can’t win. What these two major parties don’t want you to know (especially the Republicans) is that our very own Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency as a third party candidate. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican elected as president of the United States. It spelled the end for the Whig party under circumstances not so dissimilar to what we are facing today between the Republicans and the Democrats – a blurring of the lines to the point of not being able to distinguish the difference.

With Blagojevich (Democrat), Topinka (Republican), and Whitney (Green) as opponents in the November elections, I WILL BE THE ONLY pro-life, pro-family, pro-2nd-Amendment, pro-veteran, anti-corruption, anti-illegal-immigration candidate on the ballot.

If you are unhappy with the results of the primary at any level – local, county, or state – there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with a party that still believes in principles and that our state and U.S. constitutions should be followed. Also, there is still time to decide to run for election in the November elections as a Constitution Party candidate. We start gathering signatures March 28.

Again, congratulations to all the winners of the primary elections! I look forward to seeing many of you while out on the campaign trail over the next 230 days. After that, I look forward to working with the winners of the General Elections to restore trust, confidence and accountability in the government of the state of Illinois.


May God bless American and the state of Illinois
Randall C. Stufflebeam
Gubernatorial Nominee
Constitution Party of Illinois

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

Here's the complete text of Bill Scheurer's press release:

Congressional candidate Bill Scheurer of the Illinois 8th District released the following statement in wake of the Illinois 6th District Democratic primary on 3/21:

Christine Cegelis vs. Democratic Party Machine
By Bill Scheurer

To all my friends who supported Christine Cegelis in the Illinois 6th Congressional District primary race -- my heart goes out to you and your candidate. You carried out a great grassroots campaign -- both, locally and nationwide. You brought out our best. Unfortunately, our best was not enough.

In a mere three months, the D.C. Dems -- with the full party apparatus -- brought in nearly a million dollars, and all their big names, to beat back what Christine and her supporters had built up over three years: a true grassroots, progressive force. The D.C. Dems’ worst nightmare. Or, more accurately, their second worst nightmare.

What do the D.C. Dems fear more than a grassroots progressive primary challenge? A grassroots progressive challenge in the general election. The only thing that can put at risk what they value most -- winning, no matter what.

This is the only way progressives will have real power -- when we are willing to go outside the party, no matter what, to carry our issues and choices to the people. Only when the Democratic Party elite can no longer count on us to fall in line behind their handpicked candidates as “the only game in town” (“the lesser of two evils”), will we ever seize real power to move forward the progressive agenda.

Progressive Democrats of America was one of the groups that most valiantly supported the Cegelis campaign. PDA professes to have an “inside/outside” strategy. Their support for Christine reflected the “inside” part of this strategy. Now, I ask PDA -- is there really an “outside” part of this strategy -- or, is this just a phrase?

Democracy for America also supported Cegelis, to their great credit. Now that the D.C. Dems have showed clearly what they really think of progressives -- eat at the children’s table, kids -- we must decide what to do about it. Will groups like PDA and DFA remain quasi-auxiliaries of the Democratic Party -- running sideshow campaigns in the primary elections? Or, will they become a real force -- holding real chips in the game?

It is time for supporters of social progress and peace to eat at the adults’ table. The only way to do this, is to start running progressive candidates in the general elections.
= = = = =

Bill Scheurer edits The PeaceMajority Report, and is an independent progressive candidate for U.S. Congress in the Illinois 8th District.

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

The amount requested in the Town Fund went from $1,773,350 in 1997 to $2,283,652 in 2000-2001. That’s a 28% increase. But, if McSweeney did not vote for the budget is it fair to tag him with responsibility? If the budget for the year before were used, for which he presumably supported, it would show a 1% increase.

McSweeney served as a Palatine Township Trustee from August of 1995-October of 2000. The Town Fund had a tax rate of 7½ cents in 1996, deceasing to 5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation in 2000. That’s a 33% cut rate, but it is unclear that McSweeney voted for the budget that led to the 5-cent rate. If I read the minutes that McSweeney sent me, he voted against the budget.

(It went up in 1997 to 7.8 cents, then plunged to 5.7 cents in 1998, easing down to 5.2 cents in 1999 before reaching 5 cents in 2000.) The General Assistance Fund decreased steadily from 1.4 cents in 1996 to 9 cents in 2000. In 2000, McSweeney and Township Supervisor David Regner voted against the Town Fund and General Assistance budgets. (All of this tax data and the 2000 February minutes were provided by the McSweeney campaign, but look as if they came from the township office.) The minutes note that outside funds for Youth Services and other grants came from sources other than property taxes. So, tax rates were cut while McSweeney was in office

(The Road Commissioner is pretty much an independent entity. Its tax rate went from 9.7 cents in 1997 up to 10.2 cents in 1998 before dropping to 8.7 cents in 1998 & 1999 and, then, to 8.6 cents in 2000. The amount requested (the levy) increased from $1.13 million in 1997 to $1.34 million in 2000, but, as I mentioned, I don’t think it’s fair to blame the trustees for that.)

Starting with the money not spent on the last tax rate hike election, which tanked over 2-1 (10,502 to 4,002) at the sneakiest of election dates (the 2003 February 25th township primary election) and adding everything revealed collected so far, the tax hikers have over $150,000 available. A lot of that has been spent already, of course.

But, a leader of this merry band of tax hikers says they are $40,000 short of their fundraising goal. I expect a lot of that to show up on the day before or the day of the election or even after the election. Needless to say, McHenry County Blog will attempt to reveal as soon as it is reported to the State Board of Elections. So, they might end up closer to $200,000 than $150,000.

The last time a District 300 referendum was held on a primary election day was in 2002. It was a primary where the Republicans had as hard-fought campaign for the gubernatorial nomination, but a hotter Democratic Party primary, which Rod Blagojevich won.

15,886 people showed up at the polls at the 2002 primary election referendum and a $35 million Working Cash Fund was approved 8-7, a 56% “Yes” vote. In candidate politics, that is considered a landslide.

But the amount on the ballot was chump change compared this year’s request.

The biggest turnout was in 2000 at the presidential general election. Then a total of 30,531 voted on the referendum to borrow $88 million to build Westfield School and increase the tax rate maximum from $2.40 to $2.70 per $100 of A.V. The proposal passed 18,304 to 12,227—almost a 60% voting for approval.

So, let’s assume that $150,000 spent on a campaign to identify every possible “Yes” vote and get them to the polls will result in a larger turnout that the 2002 primary election, when almost 16,000 voted. But, let’s assume that the number of voters will not reach the heights of the 2000 presidential election, even allowing for the people who have moved into the district since then.

Let’s guess that 20,000 people will vote. That’s 1/3 more than voted at the 2002 primary and 2/3 of those who turned out at the 2000 general.

Most folks think this is a close election, so let’s assume the results are 50-50.

If the tax hikers get 10,000 votes, they will have spent (opps, I wrote “paid” the first time) $15 a vote.

In contrast, opponent Jack Roeser has said he is spending $30,000, so his cost would be $3 per vote, if my turnout out guesses are close and this is a close election.

Opps, again. Since there are two referendums that effectively halves the cost for each side. $7.50 per vote for the proponents; $1.50 for the opposition.

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

Fourteen additional defendants have been charged in Canada, Australia and Great Britain in connection with activity in the chat room known as “Kiddypics & Kiddyvids” which was hosted on the Internet through the WinMX software program that also allowed users to engage in “peer-to-peer” file sharing.

“Today’s charges involve the most disturbing of allegations,” Mr. Fitzgerald said. “The victimization of children in the depraved manner described can never be tolerated. We are grateful for the extremely close cooperation between federal, state and local investigators and prosecutors around the country led by the strong efforts of ICE investigators here in Chicago and the international cooperation spearheaded by Canadian authorities. The sort of conduct alleged in today’s charges will continue to draw the attention and energies of federal, state and local law enforcement as it must.”

Ms. Brown, of ICE, said: “Predators who victimize children, among our most vulnerable citizens, must know that we will not rest until they are brought to justice. I cannot describe with words the harm that these crimes inflict on children. Individuals who engage in such conduct should know that they will be fully prosecuted for hurting our children.”

Mr. Fitzgerald also acknowledged the assistance of the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, which operates out of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office. The ICAC assisted in the investigation and arrests of the Illinois defendants. Also assisting in the Illinois portion of the investigation were the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office the Police Departments in Aurora, North Aurora and Bartlett, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the conspiracy indictment, between April 2005 and March 10, 2006, Annoreno, Sweezer and Winebrenner conspired with each other and others to trade images of child pornography through their participation in the “Kiddypics & Kiddyvids” chat room. The indictment lists the screen names of 24 other individuals who participated in the chat room and shared files from computers around the country and around the world. Those other individuals, while not charged in the Chicago indictment, either face pending child pornography charges in the United States or abroad or have already been prosecuted in Canada or England.

The indictment alleges that Annoreno and others agreed to use and did use minors to produce images of child pornography, which were made available to other participants in the chat room, including streaming videos of live molestations. In April 2005, Annoreno allegedly used an infant to produce child pornography, which he transmitted live, via the Internet, to another participant in the chat room using the screen name “Big_Daddy619.” That individual was involved in producing live videos of four minors being molested, according to the indictment. In October 2005, Annoreno allegedly used the same infant to produce a photographic image of child pornography, which he allegedly provided to Holst.

The chat room was maintained by a “host” and various “administrators” selected by the host, each of whom had special privileges, including establishing rules for participants, according to the indictment. The primary host of the chat room was Royal Raymond Weller, aka “G.O.D.,” of Clarksville, Tennessee, who was arrested March 6 on federal child pornography charges in Tenneessee. The indictment alleges that on March 8, 2006, Winebrenner, who was previously an administrator and had received child pornography through the chat room, became the host and assumed responsibility for maintaining accessibility for its participants. Over the next two days, Winebrenner allegedly destroyed evidence that she possessed child pornography on her computer, advised others through an online discussion to destroy any such images, and discussed a contingency plan to continue the chat room in the event she were to be arrested.

The conspiracy count also alleges that on Feb. 11, 2006, Sweezer distributed two video images of child pornography to an individual whom he believed was a participant in the chat room, but who in fact was an ICE agent who had assumed the identity of a chat room participant to conduct the undercover investigation.

Annoreno was arrested on January 8, 2006, and was ordered detained in federal custody. In addition to conspiracy, he was also charged with two counts of manufacturing child pornography and one count of distribution. Sweezer was arrested on March 9 and later released on a secured bond. He was charged with one count each of possessing, receiving and distributing child pornography, as well as conspiracy. Winebrenner was arrested last night in Iowa and is facing one count of conspiracy.

Holst was arrested on January 11 and was released on bond pending further proceedings.

If convicted, the charges brought in the Chicago indictments carry the following maximum penalties on each count: manufacturing child pornography – mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years; distribution and receipt of child pornography – mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years; possession of child pornography – 10 years in prison; and conspiracy – 5 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monika Bickert and Mark Schneider.

The public is reminded that indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

Here are the rest of the 13 clients found on the State Board of Elections data base:

It is reasonably safe to say that it is helping pass the referendum in Skokie financed by the District 69 Referendum Committee. It has paid Unicom Arc $10,828.71 for “consulting” since its 10/21/5 emergence. Much of the financing came from individuals, although development interests made, by far, the largest contributions.

The O’Fallon school bond referendum tax hike committee—Citizens for OTHS--also got help from the nearby St. Louis firm. Its statement of purpose says, “To promote a ‘yes’ vote for a $52.3 million bond proposal to fund the construction of a second high school for the residents of O'Fallon Township High School Dist 203.” It paid the firm $44,047.88 on April 26, 2005. The election was on April 5, 2005. The $56,175 spent came from construction interests, banks, development interests, the teachers’ union and vendors, among others.

Belvidere’s Citizens With a Vision for District 100 paid Unicom Arc paid $64,881.71 last spring. The tax hike committee’s purpose is to “raise awareness to assist passage of school referendum.” The total effort cost $88,000. Clearly, Unicom Arc is a “turn key” operation. A tax hike committee writes it big checks and it takes care of the referendum campaign. The money was raised from homebuilders, their allies and vendors, although there is a fair representation from individuals.

Citizens for North Palos School Dist 117 Schools was formed “to pass (a) referendum for North Palos School Dist 117.” It was formed on Feb. 7, 2005, and went out of existence on April 28th. Unicom Arc got paid $4,007.95 on Feb. 11th for consulting out of a total of $17,820 spent. The committee was financed largely by vendor and the Illinois Education Association (the teachers’ union).

Skokie’s Neighbors for Strong Schools paid Unicom Arc $3,250.88 in the tax hike committee’s effort “to educate and raise awareness of budget shortfalls in the school district and propose solutions.” The campaign cost $8,400.

Wheaton’s Friends of the Schools was also a client of Unicom Arc in 2002 and 2003. This tax hike committee as trying to “pass a referendum on the April 2003 ballot for additions and renovations at both high schools in District 200.” It cost $9,666.69 for consulting services. $541.69 was for “travel - lodging – staff,” the committee’s tax hike committee reported to the State Board of Elections.

Neighbors for COD (College of DuPage) paid the firm $5,400 on October 30, 2002, plus $15,000 more on March 5, 2002.

In 2002, Naperville’s Community Partnership for Education hired the firm. The cost was $38,197.36 for “consulting.” $4,800 from the teachers’ political action committee did not show up until after election day.

$13,426 was the cost of advice for Osewego’s P.A.R.K.S. (People Acting for Recreation Kids to Seniors). It was paid on May 1, 2002.

Unicom got $12,980.18 from Barrington tax hike committee Protect Our Investment in Education. It stated it wanted to ”inform citizens and encourage support of school referenda in District 220.”

Another client was Roselle’s Classrooms for Kids The purpose is obvious in the name of this tax hike committee for school district 108. Unicom received $6,629.94 in this $27,891 campaign.

Back in 2001, one candidate used the St. Louis firm’s advice. It was Paul Vallas. He paid $777.37 in August and September. Sounds like expenses for prospect consultants to fly to Chicago and stay overnight twice.

The Fremont School District 79 tax hike committee (called Bright Futures on the State Board of Elections web site) paid big money to Unicom in 2001. There’s a total of $26, 895.19 in three payments from late March through August, 2001.

Here is the inside: To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

Here's the rest of the mailing to pro-lifers from Republican candidate for governor Jim Oberweis. First is the front page. As usual, click to enlarge any image.Here is the inside left:
Finally, here is Phyllis Schlafly's endorsement letter. (Click to enlarge.)
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

One representative of that majority viewpoint was Cheri Cribbet, who lives on McHenry Avenue. She chastised the board for bringing the matter back for a second vote.

I’m really disappointed you would bring all of this mess…back up again. This is a community of traditional values.

Accepting for purposes of argument a claim made by one supporter than 10% of Crystal Lake is gay, she asked,

Why do you want to be used by outside groups of 10% of our community?

She rejected the Northwest Herald’s claim that “this is a small part” of the Gay Games.

That’s ludicrous! You think they are not going to come and support it? We will have thousands. I happen to live on McHenry Avenue and we definitely don’t need any more traffic.

I see what’s in this for the gay supporter. If they manage to bring this to Crystal Lake, this will be a major win for them.

Following her was former public school administrator Michael Lukens (didn’t catch his hometown or get the spelling of his name). He pointed out that the

Gay Games are estimated to bring $80 million dollars to Chicago. One-half of one percent would be $400,000, he pointed out.I believe business in our community would welcome the additional revenue.

He also estimated (using a 5% figure for the gay population) that

722 of Crystal Lake’s children are gay, that “22.4% of them will attempt suicide” and that the Gay Games would “present a positive image of gay youth in our community.”

Crystal Lake’s Dave Hammelstock (spelling?) was one commenter who asked how the Gay Games could comport with the park district’s mission statement.

This is about outsiders who have a political agenda,
he said while asking how the Games “would provide a safe leisure environment?”

Another, Mary Elger, also addressed the district’s mission statement “to enhance the quality of life in Crystal Lake.” She wanted to know “how this particular event would fit into that mission statement?”

Julie Billemack of Lakewood expressed support of the Gay Games.

We’re boat owners….I think it’s a great opportunity to (enjoy the lake) to the fullest

Deb Hale of Palatine, a member of PFLAG, a gay and lesbian support group, related how her group had participated in the Palatine parade and “run kiddy games.”

Palatine has not sunken into the earth.

Plainfield resident John Larsen, another PFLAG member was also in town for his second meeting within a week.

It’s about the benefits gay people have about coming out and showing gay people are just like anyone else.

Pastor Joel Anderson, leader of the 900-member Harvest Bible Church said,

The games themselves have really set the agenda. My concern relates to those collateral issues that have nothing to do with the event.’ (I was taking his picture and didn’t get much down on paper.)

Anderson suggested “blending love and acceptance of all without confusing it with the acceptance of the behavior.”

He said he has been asked by a reporter what Jesus would say tonight to the board.

I think he would say nothing,

he replied and, then, talked about all of us having sinned and needing forgiveness.

There will be those on both sides who will represent their sides (badly). He pledged to be among those who would intervene, if those calling themselves Christians behaved badly.

“Truth without love is brutality. Love without truth is hypocrisy.”

Anderson spoke of God’s will being done.

We are ready to welcome whatever He has for this community.

David Collins urged,

Leave the values out of it. Acceptance of intolerance. Those are my family values.

If this is setting some kind of a precedent, bring them on—Macho Christians (he had other catchy suggestions)—bring ‘em all on.

Withering in his criticism of Gay Games attendance projects was Paul Guymon:

If nothing else, there would probably be over 100 media at the event…It has the potential for bringing thousands of people into Crystal Lake.

Brittani Smith, who identified herself as a Marian (Catholic) Central student and daughter of a Lakewood Village Trustee, spoke in favor of the Gay Games.

She offered thanks to the park board “for the opportunity to salvage our reputation.”

Smith pooh-poohed any potential problems, saying there were as unlikely as someone having “sex on your lawn.”

Your children all belong to a more accepting generation than your own. Set an example for your children of love and compassion. Do away with all the hate in your heart.

“To the young lady who said we do not have to shield our children. I’m sorry but (that’s what I do), rebutted 3-year resident Lisa Hartel.

If it was strictly about rowing, we wouldn’t see gay signs all over.

I’m very tolerant. A friend sent me an email and I was absolutely outraged at what he saw. He literally threw his coat over his children’s heads (to protect them from the indecency he saw at the Gay Pride Parade).

As a faith-based person, I want you to know I’m praying for you,

she said before asking,

Is it really legal to re-vote this?

I followed Hartel to the microphone and, among other things—all related to the rowing contest and the board’s consideration thereof—asked how they could reconsider the motion that had failed without someone on the prevailing side’s making such a motion.
The lawyer from a top-flight municipal law firm, Glick, etc., gave me what I considered a gobble-de-gook answer. Afterwards, Board President Sullivan and he spent a lot of time conversing before the vote, when they decided to follow Robert’s Rules of Order, which I read out loud. I can’t wait to see any work product the park board attorney produced on the legality to vote a second time without a motion to reconsider.

Terry Leer (spelling?) followed me and announced,

I’m a taxpaying lesbian (with) a right to organize and congregate. She wondered what a traditional family value was and talked of the “absolute nightmares" CABA and the cardboard boat regatta were.

I’ve seen the city annex every conceivable farm parcel,

she added, stepping a bit into city council business.

“Voting ‘No’ on the Gay Games is unconstitutional,” she concluded.

Peter LaBarbera, the executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, cited the advertising on the Gay Games web site by Man’s Country and Steam Works, which he said were 24-hour bath houses.

I don’t think the cardboard regatta would have a bathhouse as a sponsor.

The Gay Games are part of Mayor Daley’s agenda, but it’s not part of your community’s agenda.

LaBarbera’s group is spearheading the gathering of signatures to put an advisory referendum on the ballot asking the state legislature to define marriage as between a man and a women.

Lori Fagan, saying she had lived in Crystal Lake over 13 years, thanked the board for

offering this forum and not shoving this through without hearing our opinion.

I pay taxes, too. There are many more gay people here than who live in Crystal Lake.

If the lake has ever been used by outside groups, you will be risking a law suit. If you discriminate here, you will surely have that lawsuit and in our pockets.

Quoting Martin Luther King on the “arc of justice,” she said, the “eyes of the world are on you. How will you answer them?”

Karen Hopp of Crystal Lake criticized the park board for having no policies on lake use.

If we welcome one group’s request, we have to welcome them all.

She related that the park district was formed 75 years ago to protect the Main Beach.

It was to preserve it for Crystal Lake residents. We don’t have to showcase Crystal Lake to anyone. It showcases itself.

Ann Fredericks of Broadway, a 16-year resident, complained about the quality of the lake.

Let’s stick to the rules and regulations in place to protect the lake.

Twenty-two year gay Jaycee Bob Donolly (probably spelled wrong) said he was a 44-year Crystal Lake resident who had helped out with junior bowling for 21 years.

It upsets me to see the reaction to the rowing (contests).

He talked about the distortions by objectors, e.g., how the whole lake would not be closed and how the park district was not ordering Crystal Lake or Lakewood to do anything.

A member of the board said, “Let the courts decide.” I don’t want my money going for that.

Remember the separation of church and state. I’ve heard a lot of Bible thumping here tonight, but it has nothing to do with what you’re being asked to do here tonight.

Crystal Laker Doren Patton (spelling?) said he had moved from California to Crystal Lake after researching towns throughout the Northwest Suburbs.

One thing I’ve learned is that we don’t have very long summers.

He pointed to problems with prior Gay Games, concluding,

I really hope you have done due diligence. I urge a ‘No’ vote.

Crystal Laker Diana Collins supported the Gay Games, saying she had

moved here six years ago hoping this was a diverse community.

Drawing positive reaction, she said,

You guys host what I call the ‘drunkfest.’ The rowing regatta is on a Sunday. Roads will only be closed a few hours in the morning and the evening.

Southside resident Kathy Pribyl disagreed with Commission Michael Zellman’s statement about human rights being at the core of the issue.

I’m a thirty-year resident and you have brought us out of the woodwork.

I’m a boat owner, too. Holding an event like this will take a day away from us.

If the park district wants to sell the use of our lake to others, is it willing to give us a rebate?

I would appeal to you to keep the best interests of the residents in mind and vote against this.

County Club Additions Property Owners Association resident Diane Searles asked whether the park board would grant a regatta permit to the Polish American Union or an Irish ethnic group (her own).

I don’t think so.

Our beaches and our neighborhoods bear the brunt of your decision.

A McHenry woman whose name I did not catch supported the Games, suggesting

Your son or daughter could come up to you and say gut wrenching words. “Mom, Dad. I have something to tell you. I’m gay.”

Brenda Klockenga said

We are worried about public decency. (I have seen) videos of a sex act being performed on a float (in a Gay Pride Parade) on full public view. If we are going to read the law, we should read all of it.

If it’s all about rowing, why not just talk about rowing?

Criticizing some public official who has had media exposure on the issue, Klockenga added,

I am so disappointed at the comments made about opponents, especially by public officials.

She also suggested that people ought to look at what is on the blogs. (I'll post something mild on a blog about Commissioner Scott Breeden, who said that when he got to his computer at six AM Friday.

I found I had made a terrible, terrible mistake. I made my decision based on the activity on the lake. It’s protecting the people who live near me. I believed you when you said it was about rowing.

It is not about rowing,

he concluded after reading his email.

If you want to see me get upset, threaten me.

Check out the blogs for yourself by clicking here.

Sixty-year resident attorney Jim Bishop led off the comments. A participant of “lake wars,” he said,

All I every heard was the lake was too small. Never before has the lake been closed for an event that takes up the whole lake so the people from outside of the Crystal Lake Park District and our community (can use it).

We have had an ordinance for twenty years to prohibit powerboats…(No other) event closes 20% of the lake.

We don’t give a rat’s (next there was a significant pause) about the social issue. I urge you to vote against this proposal so the residents of this community can use the lake.

Joe Edwards made his second presentation on the Games.

To the board I direct not a request, but a demand that the decency laws are followed in Crystal Lake.

He pointed out that the sexual preference anti-discrimination law said that neither actual nor “perceived” orientation could be discriminated against.

If I chose to take a shower in the female shower, that would be protected.

Just because the law is on the books does not make it a wise law,

Edwards concluded.

Pat Pierce of Crystal Lake put a face on those participating in the Gay Games. She will play softball in Chicago.

We just want to have a chance to participate and meet new people.

First to incite the crowd was Woodstock resident Tim Williams.

My concern for you as a board is that you make the right decision.
He then went on to talk of a fruit found in the south side of the Red Sea. When eaten, “it was filled with sulfur,” he said. “If you bite this, I…

and I didn’t catch the rest, but the park district attorney interrupted, saying,

If people are going to get up and shout out, we are going to have to ask people to leave. We have police officers here.

Sue Nushel (spelling?), an 8-year resident, complimented the crowd on its graciousness.

I stand pro the Games. It’s (use of the lake) is a privilege, but it’s something we can offer with conditions. But, I trust the board and its police. If there are problems, they (will take care of them).

New Darlington Court resident Grant Croll (spelling?), who has just moved from Hawaii, said,

I agree the Gay Games is about more than games. It’s to catch attention.

“It’s not about sexuality. It’s about conduct,” added Croll, who said he had attended two Gay Games. “Overall, it was entertaining.”

Kevin Coles, a Crystal Lake resident since 1991 was brief.

I’m opposed. I think the board has done a lack of due diligence. I would suggest the off-calendar meeting is suspect…

He did not finish his sentence. He just let it hang there.

Dan Diamond, a 22-year resident expressed his opposition.

Under my perception Crystal Lake was owned by the park district, Crystal Lake and Lakewood. To bring a boat to Crystal Lake, you have to be a resident.

If you start breaking those rules, anyone could come and say, "You’ve done it before, (why not do it again)?"

Twenty-year resident Jeff Beebe, from the West End of the lake walked to the microphone wearing a black western hat.

I don’t think it’s a good idea for anybody. I’m against it.

Lakewood resident John Tuohy couldn’t understand why a special meeting should be held because one member

opted not to come to a meeting. I don’t care if he was on vacation or not…It was a done deal last week. But, because one guy who was down in Mexico didn’t like the results, we’ll here tonight.

This is BS!

Wife Martha was next up.

I’m with him.

She wanted to know how a man from Channel Two had gotten her letter to Board President Jerry Sullivan, but got no answer.

I planned a family part that weekend. Now am I supposed to change my plans? Aren’t we residents supposed to have preference?

“The last two individuals must have looked into my pockets,” said George Staziak (spelling?). “I feel the Gay Games are offensive because of the name. They want to be separate and want to be gay. I think it does nothing for the City of Crystal Lake.”

28-year resident Ann Benard said,

I’ve never heard of the lake being loaned out to anyone. What benefit are we going to get from this group?

West End resident Tony Buonauro brought the most laughs of the night.

This is about rowing for God’s sake. It’s not about sex. It’s not about AIDS. It’s not religion. It’s about rowing. My family has lived here since 1946. I was conceived in 1946 when my parents summered here. It’s not about making blacks leave town at 5 PM,

he said to cheers.

Linda Rogen got off one of the most humorous comments,

Who knew there was so much interest in rowing?

One person I didn’t identify said,

You’ve had a lot of time to mull this over. Is it easiest just to vote ‘Yes’ and put it on someone else’s plate?

No way are you going to get three governmental bodies to say, ‘Yes.’

Perhaps the strangest appearance was by an employee of the Illinois Department of Public Health, whose name I did not catch. He was sent in case there were any health questions.

“I’ve never done an infectious disease consult on a rowing contest,” he said.

Resident Charles Biederman (spelling?) proposed an alternative use of the lake the weekend of July 15th and 16th—Family Fest 2006.

He asked that his proposal be considered before a second vote on the Gay Games. His request was ignored.

Also asking about a second vote was Andrew Weld.

I don’t understand. Why will you re-vote? This isn’t Chicago.

After the attorney tried to explain why a second vote was perfectly normal (my characterization), Welk said,

I would like to suggest you keep the vote as is.

As people were leaving Park Place, which was virtually packed with many forced to stand, self-identified street preacher Rick Barnes was handing out “The God Test.” He had previously said that, if the proposal received approval,

I’ll be at the Gay Games not as a participant, but as a street preacher.

The event is intended to promote an agenda. I belong to a Christian Motorcycle Association. We have an agenda.

When he said,

Will you be blameless when you stand before God?

there were catcalls from some.

“See. That’s the hate, the hate I spoke of.”

Here is the rest of the press release.

By some estimates, 21,000 Americans are injured by BB guns each year. Nearly two-thirds of these victims are children. “There’s a famous line from the movie “A Christmas Story” when Ralphie asks for a Red Rider BB gun, everyone, including Santa Claus, tells him he’ll shoot his eye out,” Churchill continued. “While it’s funny in the movie, serious injuries to our children happen every day because of BB guns.”

A number of school districts across Illinois have banned BB guns, pellet guns and gun look-alikes, or toy guns. HB 4391 provides further support to school boards and administrators who have been left to create a mix of policies ranging from suspension to expulsion of students who bring a BB gun to school.

HB 4391 amends the Criminal Code of 1961 by adding the prohibition of bringing or possessing a BB gun on school grounds to the definition of “disorderly conduct.” Should a person be found guilty of endangering the safety of school children by bringing a BB gun on school grounds, they will face a stiff monetary fine as well as the possibility of community service.

While Churchill introduced HB 4391 to provide greater safety on school grounds, he fully recognizes that BB guns are used constructively in a number of ways. “BB guns certainly have their place in society. I know that the Boy Scouts and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, for example, utilize BB guns to teach marksmanship as well as instill a respect for firearms,” Churchill added. “BB guns and weaponry of any kind, though, do not belong on school grounds.”

HB 4391 does provide for an exemption to the prohibition with the prior consent of the chief security officer for the school. “I know that there are some schools in Illinois that have monitored, competitive target shooting clubs that may use BB guns,” Churchill said. “It is not the intention of HB 4391 to remove these highly controlled, worthwhile experiences from the school setting. HB 4391 is intended to provide greater safety to our kids while at school.”

To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.

But, heaven forbid, that any laid-off businessmen should land a job in a school district doing something he knew how to do. That would keep the jobs from going to teachers.

So, the Illinois Education Association got Dick to sponsor the bill, which, in a Democratic Party-controlled state legislature with Democrat Dan Walker as governor, of course, passed into law.

I heard District 300’s finance person Cheryl Crates spend about 5 minutes explaining her background and education to the Algonquin Rotary Club in order (in my opinion) to establish herself as an authority. (No questions were allowed the day of her speech.) She said she had a doctorate, but failed to mention what in. My guess is that it is some variation of a doctorate in education.

The next Wednesday at Rotary, Huntley District 158 School Board member Larry Snow poked numerous holes in the District 300 5-year projections she, I suppose, created. She even admitted Snow was correct about low-balling State Aid to Education figures in the brief question and answer period after Snow offered his alternative perspective on District 300 finances.

She admitted that she had underestimated State Aid to Education (by about $2 million—more than enough to re-instate sports and extracurricular activities, I would add). Early the next week, the administration/board admitted leaving out all state subsidies for the new charter school. A few days later, Allison Smith of the Northwest Herald discovered that the charter school will not open next year, so the start of those subsidies will be delayed, but all still will be received during the five-year period.

But, that state subsidy was missing from the forecasts Crates passed out, as were all of the transition (lag) fees from the projected-to-boom Gilberts.

I wonder if an M.B.A. from anywhere would have underestimated such obvious revenues. Of course, we’ll not see M.B.A.’s running school finances until the Mulcahy law requiring such employees to have a master’s degree in education is repealed.

I do wonder why anyone would be held up to ridicule for thinking that District 300 financial projections with such obvious mistakes might not lead a prudent person to suspect there might be other mistakes…maybe even on the spending side of the ledger.

(While I don’t have a doctorate in anything, I did earn a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan and served in the United State Bureau of the Budget as a civil service employee—a budget examiner—during the Johnson Administration. I also served as McHenry County Treasurer and on numerous appropriations committees during my 16 years in the Illinois General Assembly.)

The grounds claimed would undoubtedly be the new law that passed only with the support of then Republican Crystal Lake State Representative Rosemary Kurtz (the woman who beat me in the 2000 primary). It prohibits discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation. The district attorney read the law, in its entirety, shortly before the vote.

Leaving aside for now the arguments made by those in the audience, here’s what I caught of the comments by the commissioners.

Phelps, who voted, “No,” made it clear that he was not related to the minister of the same name who pickets military funerals saying hateful things about homosexuals, said

I don’t think the Crystal Lake Park District should be a vehicle for the promotion of their agenda. If you want equal access, then stop making your sexual preference relevant.

Following Phelps, Gay Games supporter Reedy observed,

I think this a nice opportunity to further show showcase out lake and the rowing club.

Commenting on the crowd, Zellman added, “We’re kind of lonely a lot.”

He pointed out that the park district does host national and international events like the teen baseball tournament CABA.

“It’s (CABA) not a political event in any way.” Continuing, the second commissioner to vote “Yes,” said,

My main concern is that this is not being promoted as much as an athletic event than as a political event.

I do have concerns about public decency concerns. I expect this event will be very colorful and I’m hopeful, if this does take place, that these people will be extremely respectful of our community.

Breeden, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of Jerry Sullivan, said he was hoping that the discussion would have been about whether the lake was suitable for such a rowing event. He wished they could

ask to have an event, rather than pushing a social agenda.

I find that it’s come down to life style. I just have a very difficult time with the way we were all approached or this event.

The way I found out was in the newspaper. (I learned) that I was a bigot. (Breeden had opened the night’s discussion of the issue expressing his resentment for having been branded a bigot. He said that anyone who knew him and his family would not say that.)

At this point the attorney read the new law, which took effect January 1st.

He seemed to be cautioning that the board’s decision should not come “down to a determination as to whether this is a to be made on the basis of whether it is the gay Olympics or not.”

Phelps immediately explained that his objection was otherwise based (I didn’t catch his words), to which Reedy interjected,

What the difference?

Phelps replied,

That’s a little bit of difference than sexual preference.

Pointing to July 4th and the two weekends of the Gala, Breeden explained, “I have five weekends a year when I can’t leave my house,” which has an “impact on my lifestyle.”

We live here because we enjoy the lake. You’re asking me and my neighbors to give up a weekend. My neighbors and not very happy about that.

The attorney again cautioned,

If the decision is based on sexual orientation, it’s against the law.

Phelps added,

I don’t think anyone objects to having rowing...but we haven’t been talking about rowing tonight.

The parent wearing a PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) button, who drove all the way from Plainfield, concluded the public participation by saying that if the games were rejected,

It’s because of the gay issue…You can make up all the reasons you want, but the majority of the people here are speaking against gay people.

This was read by Pastor Joel Anderson on behalf of the Evangelical ministers' group in Crystal Lake: