***Update 1:30 p.m.: Their lips say no, but the timing feels like there’s some piling on.*** **Update 9:45 a.m.: Here’s the latest put up by RRStar. I do NOT agree that WCFPD has a credibility problem (stated at the end of the article). Instead, I’d argue that any credibility problem is Randy Olson’s alone at…
Category: Goo-goo Files
Lots of Good FOIA and OMA Action in Winnebago Forest Preserve District
*Update 10:45 p.m.: Olson is out as district president! The story is here. But that’s not all! Find bonus Chuck Sweeney here with free shipping!* The Rockford Register Star used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain e-mails to and from Winnebago Forest Preserve district president Randy Olson that trace the process of creating a…
Website Transparency Standouts
The Illinois Policy Institute recently re-tested government website transparency in DuPage County’s York Township and released results last week. Dubbed “The Local Transparency Project,” grades are based on the availability to the public of vital community information such as public meeting schedules, government employee salaries and tax rates. Since the project was launched by the…
Rockford Rejects Collection of Fee for Electrical Aggregation
Rockford Register Star asked the question: When it comes to municipal electrical aggregation, what’s in it for the city? City brokers deal with other municipalities, lands nearly $20 million in savings for area customers, hands over thousands of accounts and gets nothing in return? Rockford’s Central Services Manager Carrie Eklund says that’s exactly what the…
Winnebago Forest Preserve Power Struggle Continues
In a continuation of this story, Winnebago Forest Preserve District president Randy Olson has created and staffed a public safety job without the approval — and indeed in defiance of — a majority of the board. And, it appears the move might even be legal: Olson’s authorization of the hire is a rare move in…
Winnebago Forest Preserve Board Smacks Down Perceived Abuses by Its President
Four Winnebago Forest Preserve Board commissioners — a majority — are accusing the board president of misusing a closed session meeting in an attempt to create a new position. Chuck Sweeney examines the letter the commissioners sent to board president Randy Olson: First, it says, “We believe the Board was placed in jeopardy by using…
Lyons Township and the Very Large Accrued Leave Payout
Apparently this became a story when an employee of the Better Government Association looked up a salary at Open the Books, an online database of Illinois public employee and government financial information. Open the Books is a project of For the Good of Illinois, a good-government organization founded by former gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski. Vive…
Hat Tip to the City of DeKalb
I meant to say something sooner but have been distracted by personal events this week. Last week a candidates’ forum was held at the DeKalb Municipal Building and it was televised — a first on both counts, I think. Though involved as a member of the board of the new League of Women Voters of…
The Case for a Graduated Income Tax in Illinois
The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability just released a report called “The Case for Creating a Graduated Income Tax in Illinois” (PDF). Changing from a flat tax to a graduated state income tax structure would take an amendment to the Illinois Constitution. Now would be a good time to ask state representatives/candidates if they…
New Bill Would Require Local Governments in Illinois to Place More Documents Online
Illinois Sen. Dan Duffy has filed this month SB3392, a bill that would require local governments with websites to post much more than many currently do. New requirements under the proposed legislation include putting online information regarding employee compensation, bids and contracts, which are documents typically sought under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).…