willcountyhairspray

Joliet's Senator Moves to Lockport

2005-02-15T20:04:00.000-06:00

Senator A. J. Wilhelmi plans to move his official Senate office out of Joliet Township right after the end of the current General Assembly's session.

We understand that the both locations on the short list are located in Lockport Township.

Senator Wilhelmi's first break from Walsh aparently is a hard pill to swallow for some Joliet Shrooms. Walsh, from Elwood in Jackson Township, decided to keep his official office in Joliet as a symbolic tip o' the hat to the long-held Democrat seat.

With the election of George Mushro as party chairman, Lockport is now ground zero for the Democrat Party. Wilhelmi wants to appear more "accessable" in the area where he may receive the biggest challenge in 2006. (See A.J. Wilhelmi's First Race.)

It's smart politics because the Joliet Democrats are falling fast...and they'll work to keep Wilhelmi in office anyway. When you also consider the fact that political memories are long on memory and short on will power, A. J. can tick the party off now without any long term worry.

From an internal political viewpoint, this move really puts another knife in Dan Vera's bloody body. Vera, a delegate for Howard Dean, is imploding about as fast as his Presidential pick.

Vera's been powerless to keep his chairmanship, his township slate, and now Joliet's Senator.

Then, again, Dean just became the Chairman of the DNC.

The Rock Star...Auditor?

2005-02-11T13:37:00.000-06:00

We can't help but laugh at the attention paid to County Auditor Steve Weber for his borrowed idea to charge room and board to the inmates of the county jail.

Don't get us wrong; we love the idea.

But when was the last time an Auditor made national news?

Ok, when was the last time an auditor made any news?

A limo takes him to Chicago for an interview with Fox News.

This morning, Weber received a standing ovation at the county's Executive Committee meeting.

And Sheriff Toothpick, who needs a good election cycle issue, gets out flanked by a guy who doesn't have an election for four years.

It's official. The 2006 Silly Season has begun.

Hairspray Addiction? Gross!

2005-02-11T13:28:00.000-06:00

"The best micro-regional politics blog in the state." -- Rich Miller

We'd like to thank Rich Miller for the plug this morning.

Rich says he's addicted to Hairspray.

Well, don't come to Will County for treatment.

The medical malpractice issue has doctors leaving left and right, so we don't know if anyone here can help him.

Call Her Judge Bobbi

2005-02-07T16:26:00.000-06:00

Bobbi Petrungaro has been selected as the Associate Judge who will replace Tom Dunn. No word on her assignment, or a date for the swearing-in ceremony.

Developing...

A.J. Wilhelmi's First Race

2005-02-04T10:37:00.000-06:00

We thought appointing A.J. Wilhelmi as the Irishman's replacement demonstrated a level approach to keeping the seat in the hands of Democrats. After all, the seat is due in 2006 for whoever warms the chair.

So, as a purely academic exercise, we did a little chalk talk on A.J.'s first foray into Will County election season. This is only our opinion. No one has tipped us to their intentions.

Now, the chalk talk...

First, we believe that there will be a Democratic Primary.

Tim Brophy and Dale Evans will be contenders from within the Joliet Shrooms. An outsider may be Beth Ann May, unless Chairman Mushroom can keep her in place in Lockport.

Joliet Shrooms are a little jealous of Lockport's luster these days, and would love to reassert themselves as the center of the party.

We predict that Whilhelmi survives the primary, but has to spend money or cut a deal.

Next, the General Election.

This will be a colossal fight between Joliet Shrooms and DuPage Elephants. If the Republicans tap a solid choice from the Bolingbrook area, they have an honest shot of picking off the seat.

Elephants we consider legitimate are Terri Wintermute, Ann Dralle, Bill Mayer, and Steve Quigley. We also expect Paul Siegel, the Wiley E. Coyote of the Republican Party, to fancy himself a Senator. However, Paul would drop out early.

That leaves Roger Claar with the ability to pick the nominee.

We believe His Excellency will hold Terri Wintermute out and back Ann Dralle.

Wintermute already lost a Joliet vs. Bolingbrook fight with Nancy Voots (who has a similar appeal to someone like A.J. Whilhelmi). That means Roger will go to someone who Republicans can support and get behind in a big way. That's not Mayer or Quigley.

Now, we believe Dralle lives out of district, so she'd have to move. But she has the personality to garner broad support, and the connections to raise lots of money. She's also sitting on some spare change too.

Dralle has more political and legislative experience than Whilhelmi, which gives her an advantage on paper. Her friendship will Brent Hassert could get HRO to notice too. Therefore, the fight then comes to Romeoville and Lockport for the final decision.

If the primary is too bitter, Lockport may be unable to deliver for the Democrats. Romeoville, which isn't as Shroom infested as it once was, now has clout. This should motivate the locals into backing one of their own County Board representative.

In a photo finish, Dralle wins.

Now the debate begins.

Considering the Herald News

2005-02-04T09:27:00.000-06:00

We were working on this article yesterday but didn't post it because of all the Airport Hairballs flying around the county...

The Herald News published a column today that John Whiteside wrote before he died. They plan on publishing all seven of his remaining articles in the coming weeks "as we believe John would have wanted it."

Once the newspaper finishes all of the first run material, the soul searching at the Herald News will probably start.

In other words, how will the paper move forward without a featured columnist (or one lurking around in the wings) that will draw daily readers?

As much as we love to pick on the Herald News, you have to admit that years of neglect by owners, lack of editorial vision, union problems, and a near fetish of picking on Republicans will start to come home to roost for the folks on Caterpillar Drive.

The obvious hole is Whiteside. If Randy Chapman hires from within, we think Chuck Pelkie is probably the logical choice. He knows most of the players in town and can turn a good phrase on a hard story. His Evergreen Terrace work clearly demonstrates his ability as an investigative journalist.

Cindy Cain, despite the bellyaches she causes in the county building, would merit consideration too (although several people noted a huge similarity between our campaign finance article on Tuesday and her's on Wednesday).

An outside choice might be Scott Slocum.

We'd move either Ted Slowik or Kim Smith to Courts, and Stewart Warren to Joliet City Hall.

But the problems extend father than franchise coverage.

The Herald News has problems covering the back forty.

We hear that people in Plainfield were complaining about the lack of coverage since Jill Jedlowski left for the Daily Herald. As Cathy Valasco now appears to be covering Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Lockport, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Shorewood and Naperville; we also wonder if there is a hiring freeze in Hollinger International.

Those communities are home to a lot of advertisers you can't afford to alienate. If they begin to believe their communities are after thoughts to a Jolaphopic Paper, the dollars dry up.

If the dollars dry up, then the Big Suits start talking consolidation.

A God of Legislative Acumen

2005-02-04T06:29:00.000-06:00

Our hats are off to the Irishman. In less than four months, he has transformed from a Senator who frequents Farm Bureau Bingo into a God of Legislative Acumen.

No one has demonstrated this level of legislative ability since Moses convinced God to give the Israelites a second chance.

While the General Assembly can't agree that the sky is blue, he solves I-355.

When the Airport languished for 40 years, he moves it forward in 40 days.

He cuts through red tape like the Fightin' Illini cuts down their roundball rivals.

Who the hell knew he was such a good legislator?

We wouldn't be surprised if he pulls a hat trick and gets funding for I-55 expansion next week.

He's worth every penny we paid him for two months while he was simultaneously County Executive, State Senator, and Jackson Township Supervisor. What was it $40K a month?

My God, this is one Democrat who's getting it done for Will County.

You'd almost think this Irishman was named Madigan.

Erin Go Bragh!

El Geraldo Speaks

2005-02-03T17:59:00.000-06:00

For those who wonder what Jerry Weller thinks about the Blagojevich Blitzkrieg today concerning the Will County Airport, you can read El Geraldo's statement by clicking here.

Someone needs to clue in Telly Lovelace that Will County doesn't control the airport anymore. If you want a piece of airport business, Elvis says "Call Jesse."

We're still waiting for statements from the Iron Ring Mayors, Joe Ward, etc. We have a long list. If you're reading this guys, please send us a note.

Oh, and somebody needs to ask the Irishman what transpired in that meeting with Jesse ten days ago. Governor's don't make proclamations like this unless the fix is in...right???

Barack to Naperville?

2005-02-03T17:53:00.000-06:00

Last time the Junior Rock Star from Illinois took time to visit, he paid homage to Chairman Mushroom in Lockport. Now, we hear Barack is planning a second town hall meeting in the collar counties on Monday.

His lunchtime visit will be somewhere in Schillerstrom Country.

Details as they become available.

Ramdom Thoughts on Peotone

2005-02-03T14:59:00.000-06:00

Now that Elvis gave the green light to Jesse, we've got a few questions.

Building the airport will put union employees to work. Will these Locals come from Will or Cook County?
How difficult will it be for the City of Chicago to annex strips of land along I-57?
Does the General Assembly have to re-write the Airport Authority Act to remove Will County as the controlling body? Would local Democrats support or oppose such legislation?
Can the Will County Board refuse to authorize water, roads, or other services to the airport unless the Jackson Airport gaurantees revenue streams?
How much revenue will Will County lose from landing fees?
How is Larry Walsh prepared to recover lost revenue?
What is Jerry Weller's position? Can the President hold FAA approval?

Airport Sell Out

2005-02-03T14:20:00.000-06:00

What deal did the Irishman cut with Jessie?

In his State of the State Address today, Governor Elvis formally endorsed Congressman Jessie Jackson Jr's plan for the Will County Regional Airport.

O'Hare is the nation's busiest airport. It is the economic jewel of Chicago. It is also the economic jewel of our state. But, one of every four flights at O’Hare is delayed. We have to expand O’Hare airport, and nothing should stand in its way.

However, considering the explosive growth in Will County and the South Suburbs, expanding O'Hare isn't enough. We need another airport. And, if we build it, we can create 15,000 jobs in an area of our state that desperately needs jobs.

So I say let's build the Peotone Airport.

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s plan to build the Abraham Lincoln National Airport at Peotone will not compete with O'Hare for needed federal dollars, and during tough fiscal times like these, his plan to use private investment is both a welcome and innovative way to build an airport. I strongly support it. And I hope you do too.

In addition to Congressman Jackson, people like Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Senator Debbie Halvorson have a strong interest in the area. They know better than anyone what this airport means for the economy of Will County and the South Suburbs. I want to submit a plan to the FAA by this spring so people can start working and planes can start flying.

Partelow Calls for Election Commission

2005-02-01T16:41:00.000-06:00

The biggest fights in politics occur over the smallest issues.

A case in point is the behind-the-scenes tussle between the County Clerk and County Republicans over the size of voting precincts in Will County.

The Elephants have been complaining for several years that the number of voters per precinct makes it nearly impossible for their ground troops to work effectively. Imagine how much easier it would be, they say, for a volunteer to cover an area with 500 voters rather than 1,200.

State law calls for precincts to be "split" when there are more than 800 voters.

Easy enough, right? Well, not exactly.

Elephants in larger Republican townships, such as Wheatland and DuPage, think the number means 800 registered voters.

County Clerk Nancy Voots has been quoting an Attorney General's opinion saying splits take place when there are 800 actual votes cast.

Regardless of who's right or not, Will County's average precinct size is 858. It's the highest county average in the state, and 220 over the state average as a whole.

Now General Blackjack Partelow has fired a salvo to remove Voots from the equation.

In a letter to County Board Chairman James Moustis dated January 12th, Partelow calls on the County Board to "have a plan to equalize the size of precincts and access of voters to the electoral process."

His letter details problem areas, "Registered voters average 1,068 in Wheatland; 1,037 in Monee; 1,014 in Plainfield, and 623 in Joliet Township. The problem is obvious."

For those who miss the "obvious" part, the Shrooms have smaller precincts than Elephants when you look at areas of the county each party claims as "back yard."

Partelow believes "the staff in the Clerk's office does an excellent job." However, he says that "it is also apparent to me that with continued growth anticipated for many years in Will County, serious consideration should now be given to the establishment of an Election Commission to administer this critical function."

Voots has stated publicly that she plans to split about 50-55 precincts and consolidate about half-a-dozen smaller precincts later this year.

Whether this move keeps Moustis and the Elephants from exploiting the Nuclear Option of an Election Commission is anyone's guess.

Land Use Strikes Back

2005-02-01T10:03:00.000-06:00

Imagine that your door bell rings while you're hosting a friendly neighborhood get together. When you answer the door, it's not Al from next door, but 10 armor-clad police officers with a search warrant for your kids' computer.

Now imagine you work for the Will County Land Use Department.

How do you break the "It's Not Me!" public relations problem?

A little anonymous blogging courtesy of the Hair Spray.

In Your Jan 18th blog, you wrote, "Last time we saw the former Mikanite, Kuczkowski wasplaying host to the FBI when a swarm of agents swoopedin to Will County for "Operation Overthrow."" Well, he had the day off, and didnt even know what happened until afterward.
Those of us who KNOW Land Use has nothing to fear thought the investigation died with the Trucking Scam wrap up. We'll see.
He's (Grotovsky) been a great boss and I hate to see him go! Democrat that I am.
Just thought it would be interesting for you to know that Will County Executive Larry Walsh came to the Will County Land Use Department on Jan. 27th to meet the employees. He has been there twice since being elected. That is exactly twice more than any previous County Executive had been there to meet the employees and see what they do.

Want to Run County-wide? Pony Up!

2005-02-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

For those who think running for an elected office statewide is a game only for the rich, looks like you can rule out running county-wide too. At least in Will County.

Combined ependitures from candidates who ran for county-wide office in last November's general election topped $968,553, according to filings with the State Board of Election today.

Breaking it down, each of the 9 reporting candidates spent an average of $107,617 just for the honor of insulting each other for the six weeks leading up to November 2nd.

Coroner Pat O'Neil didn't take any chances with challenger Dr. Daniel Beck. O'Neil spent $20,622 on a race he won by about 60-thousand votes.

That's $0.14 per vote.

Circuit Clerk Pam McGurire spend $22,505, or $0.17 per vote, to defeat Cathleen Doran by about 36-thousand votes.

And Republican Laurie McPhillips, who won the open seat for Recorder of Deeds, narrowly defeated Gina Glasgow by 473 votes. McPhillips spent $35,624.

Glasgow reported no expenditures at all.

Dizzy yet? Hold on; the biggest spenders were the biggest losers.

The County Executive's race cost both candidates a combined $410,827, with the Mikanites spending about two-thirds of that sum, or $265,636.

Mikan's campaign was so well funded, in fact, that they paid an Intern $800 per month from July through November to answer phones in their Shorewood headquarters.

The Mikanites lost by 2,959 votes, or 1.3% of the vote.

The State's Attorney's race, on the other hand, was far cheaper in November than it was last March.

In the primary, Tomczak spent an amazing $214,733 to earn 22,314 votes.

That's insane.

Tomczak spent $9.62 and only beat Phil Mock by 7,770 votes.

The margin of victory alone cost $75,000.

The Tomczak Truck Company should have known better than to let Jeff spend like a drunken sailor; every body and their brother knew Phil was softening the beach for Gym Glasgow's landing later in the fall.

There is no way to figure out how much of an in-kind donation Gym Glasgow received from the Chicago media in the week following Donald Tomczak's arrest by the Feds. But it had to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Their exposure enabled Glasgow, who had little cash on hand, to squirrel away his money for one or two mail pieces. Tomczak outspent Glasgow by a total of $207,179 to $54,325.

Tomczak lost by 8,748 votes.

Open for Comment

2005-01-27T17:33:00.000-06:00

Ok, the team decided today to open the Blog for comments by the peanut gallery.

We'll leave this feature running so you can harass us as you wish. But, we'll take it down if folks start to misbehave.

By the way, we'd like some more perspective to round out the site. Some people have already ask to help, so if you'd like to contribute (anonymous, of course), drop us a note at publiusmagnus@yahoo.com.

We're also into free labor as we're free labor already.

Irishman Exercising His Options

2005-01-26T07:24:00.000-06:00

The shoe has started to drop.

Karen Mellon has an article in today's Tribune that says Ron Grotovsky will retire from the Land Use Department Monday.

Good Going, Guys!

2005-01-25T16:08:00.000-06:00

Just got a note from one of the Shrooms in DuPage Township.

Looks like they filed their slate papers on time yesterday.

And they didn't even need a map to the township hall.

No Robe for DeVriendt

2005-01-25T15:52:00.000-06:00

Judy DeVriendt will not be the next Associate Judge in Will County.

The Wise Ones have narrowed their list to two finalists who were not selected for the seat now occupied by Michael Powers.

It's Ben Braun or Bobbi Petrungaro for Tom Dunn's Robe.

Developing...

Whitesides Wake

2005-01-24T13:43:00.000-06:00

Herald News Columnist John Whitesides passed away Saturday after a long fight with cancer.

His wake will be tomorrow from 2-8PM at Dames Funeral Home in Joliet.

His funeral mass will be Wednesday at 9:30AM at St. Raymond's Cathedral.

Gidwitz For Guv

2005-01-24T09:34:00.000-06:00

Ron Gidwitz will name his gubernatorial exploratory committee today.

The Wizard behind the curtain is Glen Hodas. He's the former chairman of the State Board of Education. Last time we saw Ron here in Will County, he was part-owner of Evergreen Terrace.

This is also interesting politically because Hodas is working for Bob Schillerstom, who has been sending mail to every Elephant in the state.

Ok, what's Bob For Illinois doing for now?

Robe Rumors

2005-01-24T07:08:00.000-06:00

The Wise Ones will give once-overs today to the crop of attorneys who want to fill the seat of retiring judge Tom Dunn.

Consensus on the Fourth Floor last week puts the race between two people with connections to Jeff Tomczak.

No, not those kind of connections.

Judy DeVriendt practices with Tomczak's former partner, Steve Haney.

Bobbi Petrungaro was one of Tomczak's top civil attorneys.

Petrungaro has made it to the Final Four twice for the last two vacancies.

If she makes it, this will be DeVriendt's first time in the final cut.

Both are from New Lenox, which begs the question as to who Mike Smith supports. Answer: Probably DeVriendt as Petrungaro is a relative newcomer to party politics.

There is a lot of insider support for Petrungaro, stemming from her work with the Will County Board; but the Wise Ones cherish their independence. Just ask Judge Powers.

Folks will probably know by the end of the week.

As Seen in the Herald News

2005-01-24T07:05:00.000-06:00

"The latest political dirt with not too much mud." -- Herald News

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/city/j24pulse.htm

Thank you for the plug, guys.

We hereby grant you Honorary Hairball status. That makes you "Herald News Hairballers."

...or "Hairballed News."

We'll work on it.

And, for the record, we don't support your message either.

Holdermaniac Gets Slapped

2005-01-22T09:06:00.000-06:00

The Sun-Times and Daily Southtown each have articles on the remarakable battle between the U.S. Attorney Peter Fitzgerand and Federal Judge James Holderman.

The fight stems from a ruling Holderman made that allowed a complaintant in a malpractice case to see information from a Federal Grand Jury that had not been tendered to the criminal defense team.

It's all too technical, but basically a no-no.

Now Captain America and Holdermaniac are on their way to the Appellate Court once Holderman figures out why he shouldn't be substituted.

Judge Holderman, a Joliet native, was appointed by President Reagan in 1985, on the recommendation of Senator Percy. He graduated from the University of Illinois Law School in 1971. From 1972 to 1978, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago, where he was a supervisory prosecutor.

Although Judge Holderman arrived on the bench at a young age, his substantial criminal litigation experience, along with his exposure to civil litigation, allowed him to handle all matters competently from the start.

Judge Holderman is reported to have good legal ability. He understands the issues presented. He conducts trials well, and is able to cut through to the heart of the matter. His written opinions are good. He knows the rules of evidence well, and rules quickly and very capably on evidentiary issues.

The Chicago Council of Lawyers have received several reports, however, that Judge Holderman has exhibited very poor temperament over the past few years. There have been periods where he has been reported to exhibit extreme and inappropriate anger towards attorneys.

Although Judge Holderman appeared to have brought his temper under control for a period of time, attorneys report that the problem appears to be re-emerging. Judge Holderman's temper does not appear to affect the disposition of the cases before him.

Judge Holderman also teaches Intellectual Property at UIC.

Yep, It's the Biggest

2005-01-21T08:02:00.000-06:00

The Plainfield School District is wearing a straight face when they plan to ask voters to approve a $220.5-million referendum this April.

As best as our research can show, the teacher’s union-controlled board is asking for the single largest tax hike ever requested by a school district in the state of Illinois.

Plainfield Township is so tax weary, the “Quarter Billion Dollar Question” stands as much of a chance at passing as Alan Keyes had of defeating Barrack Obama.

It’s too bad the Plainfield GOP hasn’t fielded anyone to run for the school board this time because they’d own the board on election night.

The Plainfield Elephants are making taxes an issue this spring. Chairman Brian McDaniel made it clear during their party caucus that they want to knock off Assessor Ray Barnes, who’s done a poor job.

The Referendum will help. However, you can bet Cross, Petka and McDaniel could vanquish a lot more Plainfield Shrooms if they had access to a deeper bench.

Love The Guys at Jib Jab

2005-01-20T23:36:00.000-06:00

http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/feature/jibjabinaugural.html

Holy $#!^! A $220,500,000 Tax Hike?

2005-01-20T22:23:00.000-06:00

For those of you who didn’t see this week’s edition of the Plainfield Enterprise, you missed a true mafia hit by the editors.

You don't need to know what the authors think about the Plainfield School Board’s proposed quarter of a BILLION dollar referendum because the headline alone will kill it at the ballot box.

They called it the “Biggest Referendum Ever.”

While we can name several school districts that could cover their annual budget with that number, we can’t think of anything that big by another local school district.

If anyone sees Rich Duran Duran, please ask him.

Is Plainfield asking for the biggest school tax hike in Illinois History?

The Deutches' Last STAND

2005-01-20T13:17:00.000-06:00

When an elected official knows a bill will pass, there is more room to vote your beliefs without causing any problems.

Such a civics lesson was on display at today’s County Board meeting.

The folks in District 1 oppose the Will County Airport because it’s literally plopped down in Lee and Mary Ann Gearhart-Deutche’s back yard.

So when the County Board prepared to pass a resolution supporting construction of the airport, every one started arguing what the meaning of “is” is.

Cory Singer and the Deutches believe that passing any resolution supporting any airport means that the county is committed to having one. Well, the county is. So opposing the resolution lets them look good in front of their voters, and the county can move closer to breaking ground at George Ochsenfeld-STAND Memorial Field.

By the way, the FAA should get their first peek at IDOT’s technical report next week.

DuPage Shrooms Need More Light

2005-01-20T11:46:00.000-06:00

From a county perspective, the Shrooms believe the key to long-term success is based in keeping His Excellency busy in his own backyard.

By biting into the GOP Apple that is DuPage Township, Democrats can win more county-wide seats if they depress the Elephant turnout in Bolingbrook.

This is why the Shrooms slated a ticket in DuPage Township this spring.

Last night, their entire ticket paid a visit to the regular meeting of the DuPage Township board to see what’s going on. Show of force stuff.

But it kinda backfired on them.

Apparently, the Future Majority didn’t do their homework.

They asked a few questions that made sense; such as budgets and services.

But they were shocked—shocked—to learn that Naperville and Romeoville have boundaries in DuPage Township.

No one had the heart to mention Woodridge to them.

Chairman Mushroom should send his team to the Clerk’s office to buy a precinct map because this is what happens when you slate transplanted Chicago Democrats.

As least there were no references to Will County as “Downstate.”

Bolingbrook to DEFCON 5

2005-01-20T09:57:00.000-06:00

The fine folks in Bolingbrook are on full alert this week.

1. His Excellency is attending the inauguration.
2. Gym Glasgow is back in the saddle with access to a Grand Jury.

Have a nice day.

The Marble Inside the Can

2005-01-20T09:11:00.000-06:00

We've noticed a recent spike in visits to Will County Hair Spray in the past week or so. This probably is a result of people finding us in one way or another.

Therefore, we decided to crack the door a bit to give you a peak inside because we're sure you want to know who is publishing this website.

Actually, we know you want to know.

As people talk to each other about this site, a lot are unknowingly talking to us. We're playing dumb, too, because it keeps it fun for both readers and authors.

So, here we go...

Publius Magnus is a nom de plume used by a group of contributors. They feed information to one person who authors this blog anonymously; this method provides a consistent and (hopefully) entertaining way to share most things political.

The group is a collective from both sides of the aisle.

There are currently eight people contributing, most live in Will County, and only the writer knows the identity of all eight.

We are not sponsored or operated by a party, candidate, or campaign.

We also have created an email account where you can send us feedback: publiusmagnus@yahoo.com.

Hack away. And thanks for reading.

Louch for Crest Hill?

2005-01-20T08:33:00.000-06:00

The buzz around Lockport yesterday wasn't about the mayoral race between Piazza and Finnen, but what could happen if Jim Louch, Jr. files to run for mayor in Crest Hill.

A Louch campaign could pose a serious challenge for Randich, who has sat in the center seat for about two decades.

Louch is the chairman of the Lockport Republicans, and could easily mobilize a campaign organization in a town that doesn't usually worry about such things. But as more candidates file, the more the odds favor Randich.

So far, only two have filed.

Alderman John Vershay, who filed Monday, is a long shot as he lost to Randich four years ago.

The wildcard will be newcommer Nick Churnovic, who owns Joliet Glass Block. Both he and Louch live in the same ward.

Incumbent Don Randich has not filed his papers yet, perhaps holding out to see if Louch (or someone else) steps into the race.

Tony Ray to Return to WJOL

2005-01-20T08:08:00.000-06:00

For those in Old Joliet who enjoy the cameo appearances by Tony Ray on WJOL, the former morning show host will soon return to the microphone--this time as the permanent host of the afternoon show.

The Ray of Sunshine may close the revolving door for the news-talk station; and give NextMedia something it hasn't seen for a few years: ratings in PM drive time.

Chip Ramsey, a sports fan, never seemed to find his element with news and current affairs. He left last fall for a slot at an upstart sports talker in Wisconsin.

Since then, Isaac Sanken, 1340's news director, has filled the gap. He will return to the news desk and serve as foil for Ray when the new lineup takes effect Monday.

Herald News Hairballs

2005-01-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

Local newspapers hate it when there is more news to cover than their overworked staff can control. Some things just slip through the cracks.

To wit, you didn’t see the following in the Herald News this morning.

His Excellency’s party ticket, Bolingbrook First, is the only one to file so far.

Don’t expect anyone else either.

Tom Finnen and Greg Piazza filed for Mayor in Lockport. People want to know if Greg will hire his brother Peter as the next Chief of Police.

Don Randich is holding his cards in Crest Hill. So far, only John Vershay and newcomer Nick Churnovic have filed. Churnovic’s candidacy spooked Randich enough that The Donald attended the Lockport GOP Caucus last week to seek some support.

Scott Slocum hasn't filed in Channahon for Village Trustee. So far Judy Nash, Chris Papesh and Mark Scaggs have filed for the four year term. James Profit filed for the two year term.

There is no mayoral race in Channahon this cycle.

Scalping Lemont's Nickname

2005-01-19T07:57:00.000-06:00

Despite the fact no one's filed a lawsuit claiming hurt feelings over the fact that Lemont High School calls its teams the Injuns, the school board believes its compelled to save themselves from problems down the road.

Only problem is that they created problems only for themselves.

Someone leaked a Top Ten list to Scott Slocum this morning; the nominees are...

1. Engines
2. Blocks of Limestone
3. Titans
4. Lightning
5. Tornadoes
6. Wolverines
7. Quarry Dogs
8. Lemonters
9. Eagles
10. Quarries

The School Board now has a pickle. Trustee Pam Driscoll fought hard to scalp the Injuns nickname. But at least two groups are having their revenge.

The top two names, Engines and Blocks of Limestone, clearly are raspberries. Rumors have it that the Senior Class is behind Blocks of Limestone.

Prediction 1: School Board re-writes its own selection rules.

Prediction 2: They choose Lemonters.

Preciction 3: Lots of school board candidates will file this week.

Big Bucks in Wayne's World

2005-01-18T23:53:00.000-06:00

The race for Aurora's next mayor officially made the "It List" today.

Comcast decided to accept political advertising from the candidates.

So far, it's the only race they plan to take money from. Comcast will make some money, and the rest of us don't have to endure endless attack ads from some library district somewhere.

Land Use Deputy Director to Challenge Dewald

2005-01-18T23:13:00.000-06:00

The number two guy in the County Land Use Department wants to be Numero Uno in Romeoville.

Steve Kuczkowski filed paperwork to challenge Fred Dewald for Village President this morning.

Last time we saw the former Mikanite, Kuczkowski was playing host to the FBI when a swarm of agents swooped in to Will County for "Operation Overthrow."

The Irishman has yet to exercise his options on any Mikanite, so "Kush" has a job for now.

I guess it's always a good idea to have options.

Someone Get a Shrink

2005-01-18T22:53:00.000-06:00

Several members of the General Assembly stopped by the County Building today to discuss the medical malpractice issue. Or more specifically, why lawyers and doctors hate each other.

Both sides announced that the Governor established a bi-partisan commission to sponsor cage matches around the state between the doctors and lawyers. It will work like the Lincoln-Douglas Debates, only involving speens and billable hours.

No, that wasn't true.

In between nods, however, the dozing public heard some unique items.

Yes, Careen Gordon really did testify that Brent Hassert has the best singing voice in the General Assembly.

Yes, Ron Svara did ask the Democrats and Republicans to have a group hug at the end of the meeting.

And, no, you shouldn't expect any reform this session.

That darn House Rules Committee is being a pain again.

Is there a doctor in the house?

Is It Something We Said?

2005-01-18T22:33:00.000-06:00

It appears as if the Hair Spray has caught the attention of some of the Big Tusks over at the Minority Leader's Office. At least for now, we've got a link on Tom Cross' official blog.

We're not sure what all this means exactly, but from now on I guess we'll have to make sure all of our I's are dotted and our T's are, uh, Crossed.

Thanks for the support.

The Server Didn't Know Stuff...

2005-01-17T23:50:00.000-06:00

The County GOP's webstie got its grove back tonight.

According to the site, they had a DNS server error.

Hate when that happens.

Slater Won't Stand for Retention

2005-01-12T20:26:00.000-06:00

Appellate Judge Kent Slater will not seek retention in 2006.

Slater, who was elected as an Appellate Judge in 1990, will be the first retirement on the 3rd Court of Appeals in a several years.

And the sound you just heard was a starter’s pistol.

While local lawyers are gazing at the new sub-circuit map with starry eyes, look for the Wise Ones to start licking their chops over this new way to boost a pension.

Judges Kinney and White are obvious players for a Will County primary candidate slot. But Judge O’Leary and Senator Ed Petka are also viable options.

This also doesn’t rule out the possibility that a smart academic lawyer like Dick Kavanagh wouldn’t consider a run either.

Stay tumed.

By the way, Slater graduated from Illinois in 1968, and is a 1975 graduate of the John Marshall Law Schoo. He earned his LLM from the University of Virginia Law School in 2001.

In 1984 he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and served two terms. He later became a Circuit Judge in 1988 before joining the Appeals Bench.

Oh, This is Bad

2005-01-12T18:51:00.000-06:00

The Republican website has been on hold for about a month now.

Visitors have seen a message telling the owner to contact his service provider. It's as if no one paid the bill to renew the site or something.

When you visit now, it's not there anymore. It's lost.

Anyone know where Brian McDaniel is these days?

At least he's one Republican we know that can register a website.

Making Moves in Rogerville

2005-01-12T14:21:00.000-06:00

Quick: Where will Democrats make the first move in Will County?

Plainfield? Troy Township? Joliet?

Try Bolingbrook.

For the past nine months, the Shrooms have been developing a township organization in the back yard of Roger Claar Country.

The DuPage Democrats meet monthly, have regular voter registration, and even publish their meeting reminders in the Naperville Sun.

They also had spots in Bolingbrook and Romeoville parades last year.

It’s not the first place you’d think to build, but it is the best strategically.

Demographics are changing in Bolingbrook. It’s more socially liberal than areas like Plainfield or Wheatland Township.

Alan Keyes had the lowest vote totals in Rogerville than from anywhere in Will County. Yeah, His Excellency’s lack of support probably contributed to that number, but don’t attribute that as the sole reason to dismiss the numbers.

Bolingbrook is easy pickin’s.

To wit: the Irishman is creating patronage spots like, well, like a drunken Irishman, to get DuPage Dems on the county payroll.

They are even SLATING a township team for April.

When was the last time that happened?

Ok, when was the last time any Democrat was sighted anywhere in Bolingbrook except for a Chicago couple stopping for a quick lunch at Cheddar’s?

Strategically, though, it makes sense for Chairman Mushroom to build here.

If you can clobber Roger Claar’s ability to throw 25,000 Republican votes into a county-wide election, you can beat people like Joe Mikan and Jeff Tomczak without any help from the U.S. Attorney’s office.

That puts more stress on New Lenox and Frankfort (who don’t have the GOP voting volume) to make up the difference.

Obamarama

2005-01-12T13:48:00.000-06:00

For anyone lost on the significance of Barack Obama’s visit to Lockport yesterday, just remember one work: payback.

The Junior Rock Star from Illinois held his first official town hall in Will County as payback for all the support Democrat Chairman Mushroom provided him in November.

The Shrooms want the Elephants to know who’s the boss in Lockport now (as if Lockport GOP Chairman Jim Louche didn’t know already), especially as the township election draws near.

The tea leaves told a mighty tale yesterday.

First, Walsh’s people want you to think that they are connected at the hip to Obama. Second and third level minions from each camp were hugging and kissing like long lost prom queens.

Heck, second and third level Baby Elephants don’t event talk to each other in this county.

Second, the Barack Brigade will lead the parade for the Democrats as they begin to build their team locally. The Shrooms have clout now, and clout gets you things.

This may be the reason Sheriff Toothpick and other Oh-Sixers paid their respects.

It’s called self-preservation.

Third, it was apparent from the body language that the Elephants have been in control for so long they don’t know anybody on the other side of the aisle.

That’s really bad news.

Someone needs to host a unity breakfast soon, or the Shrooms will start running end-arounds on the Elephants to get things like transportation dollars, airports, school funding, and anything else necessary to turn 2006 into a Real Republican Route.

Merry Christmas Elvis

2005-01-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

While social conservatives are buzzing their little ole' heads off about who voted how on last night's Gay Rights legislation, the whole state seems to have missed the fact that this bill was legislative hardball between Governor Madigan and Governor Elvis.

If loathing was the proper word to describe the relationship between the Speaker and the Governor, then disdain might be the level we moved into after last year's budget battle.

Thanks to last night's torpedo strike, Elvis has a problem.

He can either appease the base or get re-elected.

Signing the Bill into Law will make the Gay and Lesbian wing of the Democrat Party pleased as punch. They'd be only one lawsuit away from judicially legalizing gay marriage in Illinois.

That chain of events would leave the other 99-percent of the State primed for a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage as between a man and woman--the very same type of amendments that passed in every state they've been presented.

On the other hand, the lack of support will juice the liberals in Chicago. Blagojevich has demonstrated his ability to win without Daley's machine, but a primary challenger would still be a bad things for the sitting governor.

Either way, Elvis could be on his way out of the building.

How They Voted (Part II)

2005-01-12T08:43:00.000-06:00

Joe Dunn (R-Naperville), Jack McGure (D-Joliet), and Careene Gordon (D-Morris) were the only local House members to vote in favor of the Senate's Gay Rights Bill last night.

Tom Cross, Brent Hassert, and Rene Kosel, social moderates, stood against it.

Cross took a lot of pressure from conservative constituents yesterday. Several reportedly told the Minority Leader that he'd definately have an opponent in two years if he voted yes.

The threat may have spooked Cross enough to get most of his bloc to vote against the bill as well.

How They Voted (Part I)

2005-01-12T08:33:00.000-06:00

Several Elephants crossed party lines in both chambers to vote in favor of the Senate's Gay Rights Bill last night.

In the Senate, Christine Radogno (R-Orland Park) joined the local Senate Democrats in voting aye. The Iron Elephant, Ed Petka, was the only no.

The Herald News doesn't have an article on-line this morning, but don't expect them to point out that The Irishman cast his last vote in Springfield in favor of the bill.

Thought you'd like to know.

Gay Rights Bill

2005-01-12T08:27:00.000-06:00

The House passed a Senate Bill last night that adds a definition of sexual orientation to the Illinois Human Rights Act. Gay and Lesbian groups are hailing the new descrimination protection bill, which aways the Governor's signature.

It's ironic that a group of people who bristle at being called abnormal are now protected by the very same section of Illinois law that protects the handicapped and mentally defective.

From the People Who Brought You Alan Keyes

2005-01-12T08:25:00.000-06:00

The Illinois Leader has Congressman Ray LaHood running for Governor.

Glasgow Hires Jennifer Cain

2005-01-06T21:35:00.000-06:00

Jennifer Cain has left Lockport East High School for a new job with the Will County State’s Attorney, according to a letter she sent to regional grant partners earlier this week.

The letter does not name her new position only that “by the time you read this, I will have a new job with the Will County State’s Attorney.”

Cain has been a major activist for juvenile causes for years, including involvement in the Workforce Development Board’s resource mapping project. Now, she probably will take on Glasgow’s Juvenile Drug Court program or work with the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Not only is Cain qualified for both positions, she also knows the right people.

Although involved in Democrat politics, she worked to make Phil Mock the Republican nominee for State’s Attorney last March.

Phil is now the First Assistant State’s Attorney under Glasgow.

Marshall Fields Monster Store

2005-01-06T21:21:00.000-06:00

Marshall Fields will build their first stand alone store in a generation in Bolingbrook. It will be 200,000 square feet, which would occupy about ¼ of the Louis Joliet Mall.

The store’s size is comparable with their store on State Street in Chicago. It will be larger than Joliet, Oak Brook and Gurney; and in the top five company-wide.

State of the Claar

2005-01-06T19:20:00.000-06:00

We should pity whoever answers the switchboard at the Village of Bolingbrook on the day Roger Claar delivers his annual State of the Village address.

The average resident probably has no clue of how important this day is to Will County’s political class. So you can imagine some of the questions they have to handle.

“No, sir, the Pope wasn’t in town today. The Mayor’s just makin’ a speech.”

Actually, it wasn’t just a speech. It was a declaration.

His Excellency basically stated to the region that Bolingbrook has arrived.

In short, Bolingbrook may become the next Oak Brook. And nearly 700 people who jammed the Rog-Mahal for lunch heard who’s coming to dinner.

Ikea. Bass Pro Shop. And a Who’s Who of Big Boxes of which other villages wished that just one would locate in their community.

But the most impressive store was the one His Excellency didn’t mention by name; just a little teaser about a store to be built by the folks who make Frango Mints.

So how successful is Roger?

The city of Joliet is 155 years old. Last year they were thrilled when the city’s combined property tax value topped $1-billion. Great news, right?

Bolingbrook did it ten years earlier when the village was only about thirty years old.

Love him or not, he gets the job done.

Republican Web Still Down

2005-01-06T15:14:00.000-06:00

It's been nearly a month now.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

2005-01-06T14:39:00.000-06:00

The Legislative Committee hearings on medical malpractice in Will County are almost over. For the past six months, Chairman Ron Svara has interviewed everyone from trial lawyers to victims.

His next hearing will be on Janaury 18th to quiz the county's Springfield delegation as to what the state can do to solve the problem.

Expect the delegation to express sympathy and offer only hope.

Ironically, the General Assembly will be in session already so there is little chance of actually scheduling such a major bill this year. But that's ok, the Svara Committee doesn't plan on asking its lobbyist to push the issue in Springfield anyway.

Uh, so why are we doing this again?

The Iron Elephant Stays Put

2005-01-06T14:30:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day for Wise One Wannabes to file the necessary paperwork to interview for the open seat on the Will County Bench.

State Sentator Ed Petka is widely expected to run for the a new sub-circuit seat in Plainfield once Madigan desides the time is right to put the Iron Elephant to pasture and opens up that judicial seat.

The former State's Attorney could have a seat on the bench anytime he wants it considering his relationship with the Wise Ones. So far, Electric Ed hasn't filed.

No Death Penalty for Fox?

2004-12-20T08:14:00.000-06:00

Gym Glasgow asked the Lisa Madigan's people to review Truckin' Tomczak's decision to seek the Death Penalty for Kevin Fox. Kevin was arrested for the murder of his daughter, Riley, just prior to the election.

The three year old's death shook Wilmington, and it's got everything to become the next big case.

Small town. Big lawyers. Federal lawsuits. Cute parents. Cuter kid.

You know it's important when Court TV scouts office space in Joliet.

Some on the Fourth Floor think Gym's using this review as cover for his desire to just get the case tried and over with. But if Fox's lawyers are right and the Sheriff's boys did go bad, it wouldn't look good in two years when it's time for re-election and the case is closing down.

Maybe that's why the State's Attorney asked the AG for her thoughts.

The press will walk away with the Death Penalty off the table.

Jack Ryan to Tackle Homer Sun

2004-12-17T22:10:00.000-06:00

The Illinois Leader is reporting that former Senate Nominee Jack Ryan is planning to launch a newpaper in Homer Glen early next year.

Homer Glen currently has a weekly publication from the folks who publish the Herald News, so the market obviously is ripe for a true newspaper presence.

If the new paper was a daily publication, then it has the potential to expand into areas like Lockport and Lemont.

Buckle Your Seatbelts

2004-12-17T11:05:00.000-06:00

The Plainfield Chamber of Commerce will host a debate among the people who want to follow the late Dick Rock as Village President. Mark your calendar for March 29th at Plainfield Central High School.

Although rumors have seventeen dozen hopefuls, only four or five may file the necessary paperwork. Among them are Paul Fay, Jim Waldorf, and Patrick Collins who already sit on the village council. Mayor Pro-Tem Kathy O'Connor is a wild card to file at this point.

Just in Time for Christmas

2004-12-17T07:52:00.000-06:00

The Feds delivered an early Christmas Present to the father of former State's Attorney Jeff Tomczak yesterday.

The feds say the criminal conspiracy was headed by Daley's first deputy water commissioner, Donald S. Tomczak, who had previously been charged with taking bribes. He is now accused of racketeering, just like a mobster.

Here is the ribbon and bow to top it off...

If convicted, Tomczak faces 20 years in prison and the loss of his homes -- a condo on the city's Gold Coast, an apartment building in Bridgeport, a home in suburban Crest Hill and a house in Florida.

The Sun-Times story goes on to talk about people who wore wires, Daley's cooperation with the investigation, and the obligatory sentence about no charges against the son.

If Jeff Tomczak ever writes a book about all this, it might be titled "Screams in the Wilderness."

Tomczak at the Rialto?

2004-12-16T16:42:00.000-06:00

Is recently deposed State's Attorney Jeff Tomczak preparing to open shop in Joliet?

Several have seen Jeff scouting space with a Rialto rep this week.

When we last saw Tomczak as a private attorney, he shared space with Steve Haney at the Rialto Complex at 116 North Chicago.

So what's up with the Tomczak Trucking Company, er law firm?

Is he back with Haney?

No word yet, but we'd expect a highly visible location if they don't reunite.

Kumbiya, My Board, Kumbiya

2004-12-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

Well, there goes the television ratings.

For all the hand wringing since the Elephants and the Irishman last saw each other, you nearly expected today's county board meeting to resemble the next battle between Godzilla and Rodan.

No so.

Harmony, unity and mutual respect abound.

The room smelled sweeter. People's jokes were funnier.

In other words, message received on all sides.

That allowed the board to get down to business.

In between platitudes, that passed the jail bond out of the finance committee, so we're now one step closer to vexing Joliet's reputation as a prison town.

Power Moves

2004-12-16T09:51:00.000-06:00

New Lenox Trustee Annette Bowden wasn't very happy about Tuesday night's appointment of Keith Madsen to fill the void left by new County Commissioner Tom Weigel.

An appointed Trustee herself, Bowden didn't like the fact that Village President Mike Smith asked Weigel to wait before resigning so Smith wouln't have to put the new trustee into the election next April.

Madsen gets to sit out the spring race and run in two years.

This scrum is another chink in the armor for Smith. He wants to run statewide in two years, but some local Elephants believe the Smith and other Mikanites were behind the failed coup on General Blackjack Partelow after the general election.

No one's fessing up, but the general theory comes from the idea that Smith's wife, Laurie, who ran Joe Mikan's unsuccessful re-election campaign, was out of a job after December 1st.

If the suspicions are true, not killing Partelow will surely keep Smith from gaining the local support he needs to run the big race in two years. So Smith is making other moves.

Any soup grapes over Mikan's loss probably became sweeter after Sheriff Toothpick hired Laurie Smith only days after the election.

Now, the Sheriff has an entire campaign staff on staff at the Sheriff's office for his '06 rel-election: Campaign Manager Smith, Field Operations from Pete Piazza (brother to the Lockport mayoral candidate), and local Media Mougel Pat Berry.

Mike Smith may have problems on the home front, but he appears to be setting Kaupas up to be the biggest Elephant in the party. And it's always nice to have friends in high places.

Challenge for Dewald?

2004-12-16T09:45:00.000-06:00

A former Mikanite may have pulled a petition against Romeoville Village President Fred Dewald.

The Party of Fred has a strong ticket slated for the spring with an even distribution from all corners of the village. It also includes a newcomer from the west-side.

Developing...

MoveOn.org Wasn't Big Here Either

2004-12-16T09:20:00.000-06:00

One of the conservative equivalents to the liberal MoveOn.org group is TownHall.com.

These group tries to put local activists together in Meet Ups, which are something akin to ideological safe zones where people can rage against the machine for an evening.

The Joliet Townhall Meetup Group claims 39 members, and two Meet Ups under their belt.

So how many are signed up for the next one on January 4th?

Zero.

It's hard to keep momentum when the next election includes library boards.

Doh! Homer Elephants on Rampage

2004-12-16T08:45:00.000-06:00

With all of the obsessing over the open mayoral seat in Lockport, the local press has largely ignored what may be the most bitter civil war, and that's a good term for it, on next April's ballot.

For more than a year, the Homer Township Republicans have been locked in mortal combat.

The local Elephants are squabbling over everything, and it's so bad that the party opted for a PRIMARY rather than a caucus.

That's a sign that their is no party unity in Homer.

Homer was the last Republican township group to endorse the county-wide ticket for this year's primary election, taking nearly all morning to lend their support to the nominees the entire central committee had endorsed four weeks prior.

Some of the delay was a result of meeting quarterly, rather than meeting once a month.

But that didn't stop factions within the group from challenging each other's committeemen last March.

So now it's come to this.

Fight it out to the death, and dispatch the vanquish.

But it may be a squabble over scraps. Ever since Russ Petrizzo founded the Village of Homer Glen, the folks over at the township have had far less to do.

Then again, the biggest fights in politics are sometimes over the smallest details.

Taxing Stem Cell Research

2004-12-15T06:05:00.000-06:00

Republicans are kicking around an idea to place a tax on stem cell research during the next General Assembly.

With one party rule in Springfield for much of the forseeable future, the Party of Lincoln can't do much about the Party of Madigan. If there is going to be stem cell research in Illinois, conservatives say, then tax it.

Cross' Christmas Cheer

2004-12-15T06:04:00.000-06:00

A big heard of Elephants turned out for Tom Cross' Christmas Party last night at the Tamarack Golf Club. Most of the usual suspects made an appearance, with a heavier concentration of folks from both the Plainfield and Wheatland Township GOP.

Newly appointed judge Mike Powers was making the rounds before darting off to the Wise One's Christmas Party across town. He may be a traveling judge to replace Tom Dunn.

Plainfield Village President candidates Paul Fay and Jim Waldorf were working the crowd. Waldorf worked the room harder; Fay has a larger group.

DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett also stopped by.

What was the biggest topic of conversation?

The Irishman.

Seems like the county board members are gearing up for their first official meeting with the new executive on Thursday morning. There is a universal belief that the first play from scrimmage last week was planned, and they expect another attempt at a power grab.

The Elephants believe it's their meeting, however, and they're sticking together.

Others are worried about the bond issue. This proposed obligation comes on the heals of a request for county departments to return 5% of their budget along with a salary freeze next year.

So why take on more debt when we're strapped, they ask.

In the fun-and-games department...

The second largest cheer was for Plainfield Chamber Director Liz Collins who became a first time grandmother three weeks ago. Her daughter delivered a girl, and Liz just returned from a visit with her family in Ohio.

The biggest cheer; well, singing, started when Dallas Ingemunson and Bill Mayer warmed up the crowd with their interpretation of God Bless America.

Fortunately, no one was seen sporting a lampshade.

Will It Play in Peoria?

2004-12-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

The Tom Cross Connection sent about a dozen troops over to Peoria this morning to observe the recount of the blood bath between Aaron Schrock and Ricca Sloan. Mike Madigan's Machine threw so much mud at the nineteen year old that the kid took out a full page ad in the Peoria Star that depicted Schrock covered with mud.

The caption said, "Hey, Ms. Sloan, can we talk about the issues first?"

Schrock rocked incumbent Sloan by about 200 votes.

Imbittered and defeated in a race with only 20,000 votes cast, Sloan demanded a recount. That's to be expected if Schrock won by a dozen votes or so. But this is so wide of a margin that Madigan's poeple told Sloan to get her own lawyer, because they're through.

If this discovery recount goes nowhere, Tom Cross has the Peoria Wunderkid on his team this spring for Budget Battle 2005.

Congressional Pay Day

2004-12-14T15:00:00.000-06:00

Does anyone find it odd that Jerry Weller was passing out checks around Will County AFTER the election?

Don't candidates do that BEFORE election day?

Well, this is Jerry Weller.

Now that Congress is in hibernation, El Geraldo has a lot of money to spread around. So much he even brought some suits from the Department of Commerce to help him at the Joliet Arsenal.

According to the Herald News, however, Judy Biggert brought home $173,787 more than the Distingushed Son-in-Law from Guatemala.

Judy's redistribution of wealth also includes an allocation for the impoverished Fairmont School District so no child gets left behind.

Question: So who gets the photo op in tomorrow's paper?

Prediction: El Geraldo with a $375,000 check for new rugs and curtains at the Rialto Thearer.

Whatever, Doug

2004-12-14T14:40:00.000-06:00

Doug Ibendahl just issued a press release saying that the Republican Jedi Council has bowed to the pressure of the rank-and-file by scheduling an "open meeting" for disgruntled Republicans before they elect Andy McKenna Supreme Jedi next month.

Yawn.

Look for Ibendahl and his group to be as successful at stopping Andy McKenna as they were stopping Bob Kjellander at the State Convention last year.

Glasgow Bemoaning Digs

2004-12-14T14:16:00.000-06:00

Apparently Gym Glasgow isn't too happy with his office space.

The three term State's Attorney spent his first two terms sharing the second floor of the courthouse with the Circuit Clerk. When Tomczak won in 2000, the county purchased the First Midwest Building on North Chicago Street and moved the prosecutors there.

Gym has had two weeks to kick the tires and doesn't like what he's got.

He says he needs more space. Maybe even a new building.

The city of Joliet has been salivating to get their hands on 121 North Chicago for a few years. They want to build a new office and entertainment space between Harrah's Casino and the Rialto.

The Mikanites had been negotiating with the city, but all is off for now until the Irishman gets around to calling Art Schultz.

Even more problematic is the fact that the Elephants will pass a bond issue out of the finance committee on Thursday to build a new 1,000 bed jail. There will be little cash on hand to get a new Gymnasium for the State's Attorney, but perhaps Sheriff Toothpick can broker a deal for space in his new jail.

Still, there are some on the County Board who think the jail complex may be short-sighted. With all of the land currently available near Laraway Road, they want the county to build a new government campus much like the one DuPage County has in Wheaton.

It's a little more costly at this point but could solve many of the office space issues facing the county in the coming years.

And They're Off!

2004-12-14T10:56:00.000-06:00

The race for the Aurora Municipal Primary is officially underway, and the Kane County Clerk is now on the ballot.

Insiders believe that Jack Cunningham's decision to play ball may shake up the race for the seat being vacated by David Stover. But before you Back Jack, he's off to Iraq on a publicity stunt, er, civic venture, to help the Sovereign People elect their first President.

The folks in Richard Irvin's camp have asked Mr. Cunningham to say hello to a few people Irvin knew when he was deployed with the Army during the First Gulf War. No word on whether or not Irvin's supporters suggested any good restaurants in Fallujah.

So far, five have filed petitions.

There will be a lottery to determine the top spot.

1/2 Richard Irvin/Tom Weisner
3. Angel Hernandez
4. Jack Cunningham
5. Bill Wyatt

Airport Report to FAA

2004-12-14T10:45:00.000-06:00

The FAA will get their first peek at the Will County Regional Airport sometime after the first of the year.

Planners with IDOT are putting the finishing touches on the final draft of a technical report showcasing their vision for the physical layout of George Ochsenfeld-STAND Memorial Field.

The report will include items such as the location of the terminal, what it will look like, runway configuration, and other Martha Stewart Living Cru De’tete no one has seen yet.

But don’t expect a press conference soon. The folks at IDOT want the Feds to see it first as part of their march to the environmental approval that is so more important that anything than Congressman Carpetbagger or the Irishman have in discussion right now.

Expect a public hearing sometime before May flowers bloom.

What's Up in Plainfield?

2004-12-14T08:04:00.000-06:00

When Dick Rock died earlier this year, everyone expected Plainfield to have more mayoral candidates than bank branches on Route 59.

So why is Paul Fay the only declared candidate so far?

DiFiore for Mokena?

2004-12-13T22:57:00.000-06:00

Vince DiFiore is looking to bring some firepower into Mokena to run his bid for Village President next spring. Don't know who yet, but might be a retired officeholder.

Separate Ceremonies?

2004-12-13T22:42:00.000-06:00

The Wise Ones may have to administer oaths to their new associate judges at separate ceremonies next month.

Bob Brumund, who has a sizable client base and a small staff, needs time to wind things down at his firm before donning the robe.

Mike Powers, on the other hand, probably doesn't have that problem at Hinshaw and could be on the bench before the end of the year.

Republican Web Still Down

2004-12-13T15:04:00.000-06:00

Someone call Partelow, please.

Bench Warmers

2004-12-13T13:45:00.000-06:00

There are two new associate judges on the Will County Bench today.

The Wise Ones chose Bob Brumund and Michael Powers, as expected.

Bobbi Petrungaro and Ben Brown were the bridesmaids this time.

For most of the judicial dancing season, insiders felt Brumund would sit on the Bench. He's a partner in Brumund & Jacobs and an icon on the Fourth Floor of the Courthouse.

It didn't hurt that he was hard-wired to four of the five votes necessary to win either. In 2002, Brumund was a major force with the Committee to Keep Four Good Judges (White, Bertani-Tomczak, Kinney, and Haase).

Brumund was also a player with the Republican's ticket in the contested judicial races that same year. So, that's potentially two more votes from Goode and Schoenstedt.

Game, set, match.

Michael Powers also played the right game. He offered his hand in friendship to Bob Livas and Ed Masters when the Wise Ones filled those open Associate seats. He helped both Rodney Lechwar and Bill Holdridge in their retension effort this year, and fought against Mark Key O'Brien.

With these two appointments today, the last eight associates have been men. Coupled with the retirement of Barbara Badger, there isn't much estrogen at 14 West Jefferson.

Judges Bertani, Goode, and O'Leary all know this, and that bodes well for Petrungaro.

Bobbi was the only person in Tomczak's Administration that Gym Glasgow didn't fire outright. Gym wanted to keep her because she's good, and the county board loves her.

If she doesn't get snatched up by a major firm soon, Bobbi will be in a prime position for one of the slots schedule to open next spring. That is, if she doesn't want to run for the New Lenox Sub-Circuit or for a county-wide seat in the near future.

Here Come Da Judges II

2004-12-13T11:57:00.000-06:00

Looks like the Bench will have one old-timer and one new-timer.

Brumund is in. Brown is out.

It's Petrungaro or Powers for the final slot.

From the Republican Senate...

2004-12-13T11:52:00.000-06:00

Last week, Steve McGlynn told several Southern Illinois newspapers that he had the votes to become the new Supreme Jedi of the Republican Party. But apparently he fell victim to a Jedi Mind Trick because he never forced a vote during Friday's Jedi Council meeting in Chicago.

Apparently, the only thing now keeping Andy McKenna from becoming the next party chairman is an allegation that he tried to take his wife to a sex club in New Orleans.

But stranger things have happened.

Here Come Da Judges I

2004-12-13T11:19:00.000-06:00

Chief Judge White will announce the new Associates this afternoon.

Developing...

Judges With No Robes

2004-12-13T10:55:00.000-06:00

Will County's eight Circuit Court Judges have made their selection as to who will fill two vacancies among the Associate Judges.

But no one seems to know who they chose.

It's been a week since the Wise Ones voted, and the Supreme Court has yet to certify the selection. Court Watchers say this is a little unusual.

The short list?

The Wise Ones choose from four finalists, but three names are mentioned widely as having the inside track based upon interviews from the past vacancies.

1. Bob Brumand of Brumand & Jacobs
2. Michael Powers of Hindhaw & Culbertson
3. Bobbi Petrungaro, Chief Council to the Will County Board under Tomczak

Why the delay? Who knows. Justice Kilbride may just be dragging his feet because all three are Republicans.

Regardless of who wears the new Robe, the delay certainly means that whoever was selected can't be sworn by Chief Judge White until after Christmas.

Call it The Department of the Obvious

2004-12-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

Aurora Mayoral candidate Tom Weiser wants to create a task force that identifies gang problems when they first surface.

Earth to Tom; Aurora has one already. They’re called Police.

C'mon Guys! Pay Your Bills!

2004-12-12T14:29:00.000-06:00

I know Jack Partelow is out of town right now, but could someone get a check over to the people who host the Will County Republican's website?

Visitors on Sunday afternoon saw this message:

This domain has temporarily been disabled. To restore the domain, contact your Customer Support.

No wonder local Democrats are feeling confident these days.

Go Get 'Em Herald News!

2004-12-12T13:35:00.000-06:00

The Joliet Herald News has a lament today about the county board’s decision to hire former Executive Joe Mikan as a consultant. They really don’t have a problem with Joe. This editorial is really a Kiss Butt to get on the good side of the new County Executive.

Prior to the election, the Editorial Board never had a problem with patronage when Mikan hired the wife of Editorial Page Manager Nick Reiher to be his press spokeswoman. Walsh’s campaign folks thought it was a naked attempt by the Mikanites to buy their endorsement, but no one ever made it an issue.

I guess Mikan’s new job is only a problem now because Joe has a job that Larry can’t do much about. But Larry can always find a new press spokeswoman.

Musings on McKenna

2004-12-12T11:59:00.000-06:00

Three days prior to last week’s Republican Jedi Council meeting, supporters of Andrew McKenna circulated his seven part plan to re-build the Old Republic.

On the surface McKenna's goals for the State Chairman are worthy, such as defeating Melissa Bean, expanding Republican positions in the General Assembly, and building an organizational foundation for the 2006 statewide ticket.

I find the rest of the document more telling.

McKenna’s platform looks more like a Holiday Thank You Card to the Trade Federation's Finance Committee for their recent endorsement. There is an awful lot of emphasis on money over organization.

Our Party enjoyed great success in raising money during the 2004 cycle, thanks mainly to the generosity of a committed and engaged Finance Committee. We need to build on that success and expand our outreach to more donors [...]

McKenna’s ideas for a better ground game?

Supporting our county chairmen and local organizations with more direct coordination and communication […]

Thanks, Andy. How about a little love for the local committeeman who pounds sand in his precinct during the dead of winter?

Although the Jedi Council didn’t pick the next chairman on Friday, it looks like McKenna’s got most of the votes going into next month’s meeting.

I'm disappointed because several Jedi Knights were pushing for a new Chairman who could build the ground game and not be beholden to Senators and Bureaucrats. McKenna’s emphasis on cash is also telling.

Is the Trade Federation making a power play to usurp the Jedi Council?

Let's hope not. The Jedis need to make sure the old Sith Prophesy that says Republicans are the Party of the Rich isn't fulfilled.

Hunky George Pradel?

2004-12-10T21:08:00.000-06:00

Ok, I like Naperville Mayor George Pradel. He’s a great part-time mayor with a fine professional staff. But under no circumstances would I consider him the Hottest Mayor!

Apparently The Mix (WTMX-FM 101.9) announced the results of a listener poll on Thursday morning. Pradel won.

Personally, I don’t listen to The Mix precisely for this kind of thing. But, when put to the test more people voted for him as Hottest Mayor than voted for him to BE MAYOR.

For those who care, here is the vote tally:

Pradel got 12,139
Hammond Mayor McDermott got 11,828
Lemont’s John Piazza got 10,036.

The only thing we don’t know for sure is whether or not all of Mayor Piazza’s brothers had the radio station’s phone number of speed dial.

Take Tomczak to the Boats!

2004-12-10T20:55:00.001-06:00

Rich Miller had it right today.

Jeff Tomczak is the new poster child for bad luck.

1. Dad gets indited by the Fed
2. Leads to his lightning strike loss to Gym Glasgow
3. Which leads to the dismissal of anyone who looked like a Republican
4. Then leads to the County Board investigates the severence packages
5. Now some pissed off fire bugs sue him for slander

And did I mention his wife?

Question: Anyone got Tomczak’s phone number? I want to be standing next to him the next time he heads to Harrah’s.

The man’s due to hit BIG!

Governmental League Intrigue

2004-12-09T21:57:00.000-06:00

While County Executive Larry Walsh was holding court with Old Joliet at the Chamber of Commerce holiday party, Republican County Board Members were over at the Governmental League party discussing the new Democrat paradigm in county government.

The Elephants are still miffed at the Irishman for his first play from scrimmage during Monday's County Board meeting. Usually these are low key affairs. The Clerk swears in a few people, the Board adopts its rules, and everyone retires to Al's Steakhouse for a filet.

Not this time. The Irishman took on Jim Moustis to see who's in charge. Forget the fact that the board adopted the rules 25-2 naming Moustis as County Board Chairman, the Irishman didn't want Moustis to have that title. A brawl broke out. Usually calm and collected commissioners like Mike Wisniewski jumped in. It was great theater.

So who won?

One commissioner was heard saying, "Twenty beats seven every time."

Vershay for Crest Hill?

2004-12-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

Crest Hill Alderman John Vershay will challenge Mayor for Life Don Randich in April.

This would be a rematch from '01, but a number of insiders want Mayor Randich to call it a career. Vershay may not be the right guy, either, but there are very few people interested in taking over from The Donald right now.

Comcast's Holiday Lobby

2004-12-09T21:40:00.000-06:00

There were several members of Comcast's Governmental Affairs Divsion circulating and perculating at the Governmental League Party tonight. Former Weller for Congress operation manager Chris Brown and his boss were bending ears of friends and foes alike.

Comcast just set another rate hike, but local franchise agreements are coming due all over the county. Comcast wants to make sure Mayors and Aldermen know "Baby needs a new pair of shoes."