A few days ago, I described an observation of a mayoral candidate who apparently doesn’t want to hear your complaint unless you have the solutions already worked out. This I take as disregard for the oath of office, specifically as concerns equal treatment for all.
This Election, Let’s Discuss Remedial Action for DeKalb
The Chronicle has published a letter to the editor that caught my eye. It’s about local candidates and their positions on the issues. The words that they use may change, but the rhetoric is the same. The writer goes on to list the same old, same old: DeKalb-NIU relations, easing of the tax burden, and…
Barb City Action Committee & TIF
There are honest people of good faith who belong to the Barb City Action Committee. There really are. However, it makes good sense to try to tease out the motives for any organized political action, especially one that launched itself out of nowhere and appears to have “shadow” members as well. Recently I donned my…
DeKalb Candidates’ Websites
Here are the websites I’ve collected so far for the candidates running for City of DeKalb offices and District 428 school board positions. Election Day is April 4 (not counting all of your early voting opportunities). DeKalb Mayor: Michael Embrey: Embrey for Mayor Misty Haji-Sheikh: Citizens for Misty Jerry Smith: Jerry for DeKalb DeKalb City…
Letter to the Editor: “Cornerstone” Project
To the Editor: Regarding the Cornerstone DeKalb Project: This project is being considered as a downtown development. Tax increment financing funding is being requested, and the project seems to meet the TIF criteria. I have concerns, which include the following: • Why a 40 percent request for project costs vs. the 25 percent guidelines? •…
Not a Trained Seal
It has come to my attention that I am being misrepresented as playing a role in a local political campaign. I am not working for any candidate. No one has solicited my support. As of today, nobody’s even asked for my vote. Don’t get me wrong. Every once in a while, a bright light manages…
Video of Mayoral Forum from DeKalb County Online
If you missed Monday’s forum for DeKalb mayoral candidates that Kiwanis presented on Monday, click here for video. Thanks, DCO.
NIU Faculty Senate Discusses President Baker’s Performance
The NIU Faculty Senate is examining actions taken by NIU President Doug Baker. A vote of no confidence in his leadership appears possible. Michael J. Haji-Sheikh of NIU’s Department of Electrical Engineering has collected emails regarding the hiring of contractors and affiliate employees of NIU from the beginning of Baker’s tenure. He compiled the most…
Auditors Identified a “Significant Deficiency” in City of DeKalb’s Internal Accounting Controls
City of DeKalb’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, contains a letter to management from the auditors that discusses a “significant deficiency” in DeKalb’s internal accounting controls. The DeKalb city council is set to discuss the report during its Committee of the Whole meeting January 9 at 5…
DeKalb City Manager Oversteps Purchasing Authority Again
Recently I came across this City of DeKalb memo circulated via a council meeting agenda in October: With former Commander Smith’s retirement in June, the City faced an immediate crisis by not having on-call IT personnel who are familiar with the City’s specific computer systems and able to keep them operational at all times. On…