McHenry County Blog

Before attending the Wauconda Town Hall Meeting held by Congressman Joe Walsh, I had thought these were local affairs.

After Joe Walsh's Town Hall Meetings and "Joe(s) with Joe," people can get up close and personal with the United States Representative.

Not so.

Congressman Joe Walsh listens to a comment in Barrington on Sunday.

One of the most hostile questions (greeting by boos) at Wauconda was from a man who said he was from Wheaton. That’s not in Walsh’s district. That’s in Peter Roskam’s district.

Joe Walsh replies to a question in Barrington.

Although I shall not be in attendance, since some folks are obviously willing to travel to hear and/or question Walsh, here’s where he will be tonight at his 5th of 10 Town Hall Meeting. Maybe the Palatine Tea Party will let me share what they write about the event.

Monday, August 8th
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Palatine Town Hall
Harper College
1200 W. Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL

Larry Snow

“While Democrats say Teachers ‘Have Kept Their Part of the Deal?’“

is the title of an April 5, 2011, article by former Huntley School District 158 Board member Larry Snow.  (The quote was in the Chicago Tribune Marcy 31, 2011.  It is from Executive Director Dick Ingram of Teachers’ Retirement System.)

The article was published in “The Champion” with this teaser:

“82,981 of 132,502 Illinois Teachers Pay Nothing or Little into Their Pensions“

That’s 63% of all teachers in Illinois.

The State Journal-Register is reporting that State Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D-Orland Park) is promoting a bill where state and local governments would all pay six percent of payroll toward employee pensions.

In a revealing sentence in reporter Chris Wetterich’s article, he writes,

“What’s unclear is how much more employees themselves would have to pay.“

Because no one has done the research except, I believe, the Illinois Education Association and Snow, how much extra teachers would have to pay if their so-called contribution rate was raised from 9.4% to 13.77% is a really good question.

While not covering every school district in Illinois, Snow did research the teachers’ contracts for all of the large school districts (by law all are supposed to be on the internet) in order to find out how much teachers pay in order to get a “full 75 percent pension after working only 27 years.” He points out, “Most adults work for 27 years before they turn age 50.”

As way of background, Snow notes that teachers are not in the Social Security System and, therefore, are not forced to pay Social Security taxes.

“Ordinary workers get hit with a 6.2 percent deduction for Social Security,” Snow writes. “It’s a deduction they have to pay federal and state income taxes on.

“Democrats gave teachers a huge loophole of not paying income taxes on any of their pension deductions” he continues. “This enormous no-tax handout to teachers amounts to billions of dollars each year.”

Snow’s research leads him to this conclusion:

“Over 51,000 of the total 132,502 teachers in Illinois contribute nothing from their K-12 paychecks into their pensions. Illinois law says it is to be 9.4 percent.

“About an additional 32,000 teachers pay little into their pensions. It is 1.81 percent to be precise for these 31,956 teachers.“

How many teachers pay not a dime toward their retirement?

51,025 teachers in 186 school districts pay nothing for retirement benefits.

They “don’t pay a penny into the 9.4 percent called out by Illinois law.

“There are a total of 868 districts in Illinois.

“The pay-zero teachers listed are 39 percent of all teachers in Illinois,” Snow reveals.

No agency in state government seems to keep track of this information.

Not the Downstate Teachers Retirement Fund, which boldly and incorrectly claims,

“Active TRS members are required to contribute 9.4 percent of their creditable earnings each year…”

The State Board of Education doesn’t keep track either.

My guess is that only the Illinois Education Association has a matrix showing what school districts have given what benefits in contract negotiations.

Snow discovered this about Lockport:

“…on page 14 of the Lockport Township HS 205 teachers contract it reads:

1. The Board will pay the current level of retirement contribution to the Teachers Retirement System of Illinois.”
2. It is expressly understood that figures appearing on this salary schedule include a sum equal to the current level of TRS contribution of the base salary of each Teacher which is, in fact, payable to the Teachers’ Retirement System on the Teacher’s behalf.”

“The ISBE report shows this board paying nothing. A Democrat bureaucracy doesn’t check the teachers contracts to see if what is reported, matches what’s in writing.”

And, if legislation is passed requiring 4.37 percentage points more, how long do you think it will take Lockport taxpayers to pick up the difference?

Given that local teachers’ unions pretty much control school boards wherever they are elected (read everywhere but Chicago), my guess is will be on the top of the collective bargaining list.

Do you wonder if Rep. McCarthy knows that?

Is his proposal just a setting up local taxpayers for an even bigger fall?

Five years from now will 39% of teachers still be paying nothing for their pensions?

Even better for teachers is that this pension payment ups their pension payments.

Take a look at the chart below.  Chances are your school district is on it.

Chart of Pension Contributions by 82,981 District Teachers of 132,502 Total Illinois K-12 Teachers

Name of District	No. of Teachers	Percent of Pension Contributed by Teachers
Thornton Twp 205	428	Zero
Proviso 209	281	Zero
Waukegan 60	1,098	Zero
Morton 201	455	Zero
Kankakee 111	348	Zero
Joliet 204	340	Zero
Round Lake 116	387	Zero
Rockford	1,843	Zero
Decatur 61	454	Zero
Crete Monee	340	Zero
Danville 118	382	Zero
Valley View 365	1,068	Zero
Aurora West 129	706	Zero
East Peoria 309	69	Zero
Galesburg	281	Zero
Bremen 228	313	Zero
Freeport	317	Zero
Leyden 212	219	Zero
Elgin U-46	2,332	Zero
Rock Island	388	Zero
Mattoon	225	Zero
Collinsville	394	Zero
Massac 1	143	Zero
Sterling	219	Zero
Belvidere	531	Zero
Quincy	436	Zero
Dixon	179	Zero
West Chicago	248	Zero
Cook County 130	289	Zero
Cicero 99	738	Zero
Joliet 86	617	Zero
Harvey 152	163	Zero
Crystal Lake 155	412	Zero
Crystal Lake 47	564	Zero
Wheeling 21	489	Zero
Champaign 4	717	Zero
United CUSD 304	68	Zero
Riverdale 100	76	Zero
Reed Custer 255	114	Zero
Wilmington 209U	84	Zero
United Township 30	90	Zero
Summit Hill 161	213	Zero
Plainfield	1,695	Zero
Schiller Park 81	98	Zero
Dolton 149	176	Zero
Township 211 Palatine	799	Zero
Ball Chatham 5	248	Zero
Taylorville 3	152	Zero
Williamsville 15	81	Zero
Harrisburg 3	130	Zero
Belleville 201	281	Zero
Dupo 196	76	Zero
O’Fallon 203	145	Zero
O’Fallon 90	207	Zero
Rochester 3A	142	Zero
Pekin 108	248	Zero
Morton 709	175	Zero
New Lenox 122	287	Zero
Frankfort 157	158	Zero
Marion 2	219	Zero
Carterville 5	110	Zero
Kinnikinnick 131	122	Zero
Tolono 7	116	Zero
Mahomet-Seymour 3	161	Zero
Champaign 4	717	Zero
Urbana	346	Zero
Charleston 1	180	Zero
Park Ridge 64	319	Zero
Evanston 202	222	Zero
Maine HSD 207	508	Zero
Arlington Heights 214	753	Zero
Niles 219	350	Zero
Berkeley 87	165	Zero
Berwyn South	263	Zero
Lyons 204	239	Zero
Lemont 113	144	Zero
Palatine 15	713	Zero
Schaumburg 54	1,003	Zero
Oak Lawn 123	203	Zero
Oak Lawn 229	114	Zero
CHSD 230 Orland Park	519	Zero
Argo 217	111	Zero
Homewood 233	174	Zero
Genoa 424	137	Zero
Sycamore 427	231	Zero
Dekalb 428	362	Zero
Lombard 44	216	Zero
Downers Grove 58	277	Zero
Hinsdale 86	296	Zero
Elmhurst 205	538	Zero
Naperville 203	1,063	Zero
Effingham 40	176	Zero
Canton Union 66	175	Zero
Morris 54	61	Zero
Morris 101	50	Zero
Coal City 1	138	Zero
Jersey 100	164	Zero
Central CUSD 301	224	Zero
Kaneland 302	275	Zero
St. Charles 303	880	Zero
Cahokia	298	0.4
Chicago Public Schools	23,219	2
Peoria 150	988	0.4
Springfield	1,105	0.4
Moline 40	461	0.4
Harvard	149	0.87
Dolton 148	236	1.4
Belleville 118	228	0.4
Pekin 303	125	0.4
Hononegah 207	118	0.4
Arlington Heights 59	444	3
Leyden 212	219	0.4
Summit 104	103	0.4
Palos 118	130	0.4
CHSD 219 Orland Park	519	0.4
Bensenville 2	145	1.4
DuPage 88	266	0.4
CHSD 94	122	0.9
CUSD 300	1,189	4.4
Hawthorn 73	253	1.4
Lake Forest 115	132	0.4
Wauconda 118	273	0.4
Johnsburg 12	158	0.4
Cary 26	192	4.9
Woodstock 200	385	1.4
Keeneyville 20	107	0.4
Winnebago 323	117	0.4
LaSalle-Peru Twp. 120	88	0.7
Prairie-Hills 144	187	0.4
Geneva 304	367	Zero
Herscher 2	126	Zero
Manteno 5	160	Zero
Bourbonnais 53	160	Zero
Bradley 61	103	Zero
Bradley Bourbonnais 307	114	Zero
Momence 1	88	Zero
Yorkville 115	329	Zero
Plano 88	154	Zero
Oswego 308	827	Zero
Streator 44	132	Zero
Ottawa 141	140	Zero
Ottawa 140	102	Zero
Glenview 34	343	Zero
Zion 6	177	Zero
Grayslake 46	266	Zero
Elmwood Park 401	181	Zero
Libertyville 70	159	Zero
North Shore 112	374	Zero
HSD 113 Highland Park	249	Zero
Grant 124	91	Zero
Zion-Benton 126	156	Zero
Evanston 65	547	Zero
Grayslake 127	187	Zero
Meridian 15	64	Zero
Mt. Zion 3	133	Zero
Edwardsville 7	480	Zero
Alton 11	467	Zero
Macomb 185	130	Zero
McHenry 15	282	Zero
McHenry 156	158	Zero
Nippersink 2	92	Zero
Columbia 4	111	Zero
Waterloo 5	166	Zero
Hillsboro 3	114	Zero
Meridian 223	113	Zero
Illinois Valley Central 321	139	Zero
Carbondale 165	76	Zero
Carbondale 95	105	Zero
Riverton 14	85	Zero
Auburn 10	90	Zero
Pawnee 11	47	Zero
Panhandle 2	35	Zero
Sullivan 300	75	Zero
Centralia 135	93	Zero
Litchfield 12	83	Zero
Harlem 122	505	Zero
Granite City 9	617	Zero
Princeton 115	86	Zero
Princeton 500	43	Zero
Bond County 2	120	Zero
Duquoin CUSD 300	101	Zero
Rocton 140	102	Zero
Rochelle Twp. HSD 212	71	Zero
Rochelle CCSD 231	131	Zero
Byron 226	127	Zero
Oregon 220	104	Zero
Farmington Central 265	85	Zero
Porta 202	75	Zero
River Bend 2	71	Zero
Red Bud 132	73	Zero
Sparta 140	105	Zero
Southwestern 9	107	Zero
Staunton 6	87	Zero
Gillespie 7	81	Zero
Hamilton County 10	83	Zero
Midwest Central 191	85	Zero
Tuscola 301	86	Zero
West Carroll 314	99	Zero
Oakwood 76	64	Zero
Hoopeston 11	94	Zero
Westville 2	80	Zero
Beardstown 15	98	Zero
El Paso-Gridley 11	99	Zero
Murphysboro 186	137	Zero
Monticello 25	111	Zero
Paris-Union 95	74	Zero
Mt. Vernon Twp. 210	80	Zero
Mt. Vernon 80	109	Zero
Jasper County 1	101	Zero
Steger 194	128	Zero
Calumet City 155	77	Zero
North Boone 200	116	Zero
CCSD 93 Carol Stream	294	Zero
East Maine SD 63	254	Zero
Lockport Township HS 205	205	Zero
Above Teachers Total	82,981

A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office:

TWO SUBURBAN MEN ALLEGEDLY OBTAINED $16 MILLION FROM 300 INVESTORS IN FRAUDULENT REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT SCHEME

CHICAGO — Two businessmen who operated a defunct northwest suburban real estate investment company were charged today with engaging in an alleged investment fraud scheme that obtained more than $16 million from more than 300 investors.

The defendants, Michael Morawski and Frank Constant, were each charged with one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud in a criminal complaint, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The defendants, who operated Michael Franks LLC, and several related business entities in Palatine, allegedly misused money they raised from investors for their own benefit and to make Ponzi-type payments to earlier investors.

Morawski, 53,of Sleepy Hollow, and Constant, 57, of West Dundee, are scheduled to voluntarily appear at 11 a.m. tomorrow before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheila Finnegan in U.S. District Court.

According to the charges, Michael Franks offered investors passive ownership in multi-family residential properties, including apartment building complexes located in Illinois, Texas and Alabama.

Morawski and Constant offered two types of investments to the public:

• in one, they represented that investors’ funds would be used to acquire, improve and operate specific apartment complexes for a period of three to five years, and for the most part, investors were told they would earn between seven and nine percent annually, and potentially more upon the sale of the property;
• in the second, they offered real estate-based “funds” to investors, which were executed using promissory notes, and often offered an annual interest payment of between 8 and 30 percent per year to investors. Through these purported investments, the defendants raised more than $16 million from more than 300 investors between 2006 and 2010.

The charges allege Morawski and Constant, through Michael Franks, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors about the nature of their investments and their use of investor funds.

It alleges that they engaged in a Ponzi-scheme by continually using funds raised from new investors to pay purported returns to earlier investors, all of which they concealed from both new and earlier investors.

In November 2010, Morawski and Constant turned over Michael Franks, its real estate projects and investment funds to a company called Commercial Recovery Assets to act as a private trustee/receiver.

Since then, federal agents learned that many of the real estate properties have gone into foreclosure and the secured lending banks will likely take possession of the properties and any proceeds, leaving investors to lose much, if not all, of the principal they invested in Michael Franks.

The charges allege that certain real estate projects undertaken by Michael Franks performed poorly and failed to generate enough revenue to meet operating expenses.

The defendants began transferring funds from various investments

• to support poorly-performing projects and
• to pay earlier investors with funds raised from new investors, without disclosing this information, the charges add.

At the same time, they allegedly misused investor funds

• to pay employees,
• to make commission payments to individuals who raised new funds, and
• to pay themselves, as well as
• to make payments for Constant’s company car,
• country club payments, and
• to extend loans to certain friends of Morawski.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sunil Harjani.

The investigation falls under the umbrella of the Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, which includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes. For more information on the task force, visit: www.StopFraud.gov.

Each count of mail fraud and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and restitution is mandatory. The Court may also impose a fine totaling twice the loss to any victim or twice the gain to the defendant, whichever is greater. If convicted, however, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

A complaint contains only charges and is 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.

Joe Walsh after walking the Fiesta Days Parade route the first time.

The Energizer Bunny of parades hits the streets in Palatine this Saturday.

Why do I characterize Congressman Joe Walsh that way?

When he finished walking the Fiesta Days Parade in McHenry, perspiration was pouring from his body. He looked exhausted.

But the parade was not over. Entries were still coming down the street from the Metra Station.

“Are you going to do the other side of the street?” I asked.

He took a deep breath and was off to meet the potential constituents that he hadn’t met the first time through the parade route.

COME WALK WITH US IN OUR FIRST PARADE FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

This Saturday, March 12, join Congressman Walsh in “Painting the Town Green” with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade that kicks off at 11:00 AM. We will be marching with the Palatine Township Republican Organization, so bring your family, friends and join us!

Joe Walsh in front of Plum Garden ready for walking the parade route a second time.

The line up starts at 9:30 AM. and will be located at 200 E. Wood Street, Palatine. PTRO is in position 18. Look for Mell in the white truck!

The parade is expected to last around an hour and a half. If you would like to help decorate the truck please be there around 9:30 AM.

The Environmental Defenders were at the end of each McHenry County parade last summer picking up trash. Their annual meeting is Saturday night at McHenry's Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 404 North Green Street at &;30 following a 5:30 potluck supper.

Immediately after the parade, PTRO is hosting a party in the Palatine Room of Emmett’s Tavern and Grill. Come by and say hello to Joe and other elected officials.

Joe looks forward to seeing you, we hope you can join us!

If you have any questions please contact Nicole at 847.849.9508 or email at Nicole@walshforcongress.com.

MCC Political Science and History Instructor Todd Culp takes center stage to discuse his book, "Friends Whose Names I'll Never Know."

Political Science and History Instructor Todd Culp spoke to about 75 people last night at McHenry County College on his new book, “Friends Whose Names I’ll Never Know.”

A press release about the event follows:

STUDENT PEACE GROUP HOSTS MCC
INSTRUCTOR’S BOOK DISCUSSION

[October 20, 2010 Crystal Lake, IL] Approximately 75 people, including a large student presence, gathered in the McHenry County College Conference Center Wednesday night.

The cover of "Friends Whole Names I'll Never Know."

The student organized event featured MCC instructor Todd Culp in a presentation entitled “Friends Whose Names I’ll Never Know.”

The talk focused on Culp’s personal stories about Middle East peacemakers from his recently published book by the same name.

Culp opened the night with a short story from his book in which a student asked him why he only visits the “ugly” places.

His response resonated throughout the night.

Culp has been traveling to the Middle East, specifically Gaza and the West Bank, for the last 17 years.

Culp started his work in the Middle East interviewing the combatants and studying terrorism.

The reason for his frequent trips to Gaza and the West Bank are attributed to the great beauty he witnessed in the acts of courage and selflessness within the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.

He found in these human acts of kindness a greater majesty than in the scenic beauty of a mountain.

The audience sat in rapt silence as they listened to his many stories of Israeli and Palestinian peace activists.

Culp spoke of weekly nonviolent protests where Israelis, Palestinians, and internationals lock arms and sing songs of solidarity which never make the US news.

These happen every Friday night but what is reported in the US press are suicide bombers, although there has been no suicide bombings in the last two years.

Personal photographs were shown of these demonstrations including soldiers firing tear gas and rubber bullets into crowds of unarmed civilians. One photo in particular showed a water cannon died blue which would stain the skin making it easy to find the protesters later.

Enthusiastic history and international relations students asked questions long after the program was scheduled to end ranging in topic from the chance of a two state solution to Culp’s feelings on human nature.

To request Todd Culp as a speaker for your organization or classroom or for more information about MCC’s history department programs, contact Todd Culp at (815) 479-7724 or email him at tculp@mchenry.edu.

Wednesdays night event was sponsored by the MCC Student Peace Action Network. SPAN’s mission is to “promote peace on a local and national level through education and action.”

Monday, November 15th SPAN will show the film “The People Speak” at 7:00 pm in the Conference Center. For more information about this event and others contact SPAN at mccspan@gmail.com.

For information, contact Talia Koronkiewicz, McHenry County College, Coordinator of Student Life

Melissa Bean at her last debate, which was held prior to Labor Day, 2006.

Waldo, who has never attended a candidate's debate. Maybe he's in Bean's bunker.

As you can see from the press release below from Tea Party Palatine, she skipped another debate, staying, as the press release says, “in her Bean Bunker.”

Republican Joe Walsh and Green Party candidate Bill Scheurer attended the Round Lake candidates’ forum.

Where is Waldo?

(Palatine, Illinois) - Illinois Representative Melissa Bean (D) Illinois 8th district will not talk with concerned citizens in the Illinois 8th district.

She can not defend her votes or answer direct questions. She is hiding deep in her Bean Bunker!

On October 9th, 2010, Illinois Representative Melissa Bean (D) Illinois 8th district was a “No” show for a debate at the Civic Center located in Round Lake Beach.

= = = =
Tonight at McHenry County College, will Melissa Bean visit the 2006 site of her last debate?

Or will she remain in “Bean’s bunker.”

There were several questions asked to Melissa Bean’s empty table. The debate was moderated by the Mayor of Round Lake Beach.

Joe Walsh (R), Melissa Bean (D), and Green Party Candidate Bill Scheurer were all invited to debate topics on health care, jobs and the economy.

If you are outraged with Bean hiding and not answering direct questions, contact local media outlets and her local office (847) 517-2927 or DC (202) 225-3711 and vote her out in November!

Demonstrators were enthusiastic at Crystal Lake's TEA Party demonstration on April 15, 2010.

July 4th will see another Tea Party in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake will have another TEA Party demonstration on July 4th from 1-3.

Since Crystal Lake’s parade is Monday, July 5rh, at 1, that won’t be a conflict.

It will be held pretty much where the April 15th event was–across the street from Applebees in front of the old Baker’s Square.

Organizers have sent the following information:

Another Tea Party is brewing in Crystal Lake.One of several Chicago-area Independence Day Tea Parties will be held Sunday, July 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Freedom-loving citizens are invited to bring flags and homemade signs, and come network with like minded people.

A list of speakers is being assembled, and will be highlighted by “Patrick Henry Revisited.” The legendary patriot will appear in full colonial garb and deliver an update to his famous 1775 address to the Second Virginia Assembly.

The peaceful rally will be held on the south side of Route 14 in front of Crystal Court Shopping Center. It is being organized by the McHenry County Tea Party. Additional information can be found here or by calling Laurie Jenner at 847-287-1432.

Palatine TEA Party folks are planning a similar rally for July 3rd. The details follow:

A group of taxpaying citizens dissatisfied with government spending and expansion are planning a Taxed Enough Already (TEA) rally to be held in Palatine, Illinois. This peaceful rally is part of a national movement to increase public awareness of the spending of trillions of dollars which will leave our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a devastating and ruinous debt they must re-pay.

This family-friendly rally encourages all citizens throughout the suburban area who want lower taxes and less government to participate by bringing their American flags, patriotic attire, and signs to display the spirit of the Colonial Patriots of the 1775 Boston Tea Party, which lead to American Independence July 4th, 1776.

Re-affirm your commitment to our Constitution and our freedoms by being part of this energizing event on Saturday, July 3rd, 2:00pm to 4:30pm, at Volunteer Plaza in Palatine at the intersection of N. Northwest Hwy (Route 14) and N. Hicks Road.