It’s Chicago we’re talking about, but it bodes well for the very similar DeKalb Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests made by our local dailies, does it not? March 5, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) — The Illinois Attorney General’s office says the Mayor’s office must turn over job applications for the two vacant Alderman positions. The…
One Reason to Leave the Proposed $45 Million Bond Issue to the Voters
County of DeKalb, 2004-2008: Jail! Jail! Jail! Jail! County of DeKalb, 2009-10: No, wait! Courthouse! Then jail.
City-County Budget Comparison: Information Technology & Services
County of DeKalb 9 groups of elected offices (County Board, County Clerk, etc.) 9 appointed boards & commissions 18 departments 552 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions (approx.) 2010 budget for Information Management: $1,004,400* (PDF p. 6) 2010 budgeted regular compensation for IM: $542,000 2010 budgeted overtime for IM: $14,000 Number of IM employees: 10 City of…
Wherein I Narrowly Escape Having to Force Myself into a Dirndl
When I was running for mayor, a voter tracked me down on Election Day to ask this: “If you were mayor, would you be willing to make a public statement saying that your administration would not tolerate discrimination?” “Of course,” I responded. “What else?” Turned out, that was all. Really? Yes. The voter explained that…
‘Stop the Mega-Dump’ Website is Up
…and can be found at http://stopthemega-dump.org QuestionsView Results
County Board Gagged Over Mega-Dump
Read the press release from Stop DeKalb County Mega-Dump group and see the e-mail that forbids County Board members from contacts with constituents about the landfill application at DeKalb County Online.
Request for Assistance: Letter to Illinois PIRG about the Mega-Dump
The following letter about the proposed county mega-dump is addressed to the Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). I swiped it off of Facebook; speaking of which, the Stop the DeKalb County Mega-Dump Group on FB has grown to 453 members and 9 officers in little more than a week. On to the letter…
City Committees & the Culture of Mediocrity
Fourth Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher has been guiding a BYOB license proposal through the city’s legislative process. Here is what he reported at his website about last Tuesday’s Liquor Commission meeting. One member of the Commission asked the GM of the Haru of Japan sushi restaurant (who was at the meeting for liquor license approval)…
Help Wanted, Alderman
The help wanted sign is up, in Chicago. Former Alderman Manny Flores resigned to be head of the Illinois Commerce Commission (good luck to him) and former Alderman Ike Carothers resigned . . . that is a long story. Anyway, there are requirements for anyone wanting to replace them. Take a look, and do it…
Let’s Talk About TIF
The Sweet Home Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is proposing an ordinance that would require the City of Chicago to dedicate 20% of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds toward affordable housing each year. Hmmm. Should DeKalb have such an ordinance? How about for job training? Why or why not? Bonus: YouTube: “Let’s Talk About TIF”…