McHenry County Blog

Look at the photos of those mentioned for statewide office in the Chicago Sun-Times analysis of what would happen if Lisa Madigan does not run for re-election.

The attentiion-getting on the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times’ Sunday edition is what will happen in the political arena if Attorney General Lisa Madigan runs for Governor instead of Attorney General.

Note our local worthy State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) is not included.

There is another graphic inside with the story.

Three Democratic Party lawyer-public officials are mentioned as possible replacements for Attorney General Lisa Madigan: State Senator Kwame Raoul, Lt. Gov. Shiela Simon and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. Not mentioned is State Rep. Jack Franks.

One has to go back to 1957 to find the Legislative Digest listing of Sheila Simon’s mother’s bill that was held unconstitutional today by the United States Appellate Court.

That was Jeanne Hurley married Paul Simon and moved from the North Shore to Southern Illinois.

I’ve written the back story before, so won’t repeat in detail how Chicago newspaper reporter Jack Mabley’s Currency Exchange stories led to the West Side Blocksters to convince the good government legislator to sponsor a bill that would help the bad guys for 55 years.

Now take a look at the names of the Illinois House members that didn’t think people should be allowed to video tape and record of policemen doing their jobs :

Besides House Republican Leader Tom Cross, State Reps. representing parts of McHenry County who voted against the reform bill include Kent Gaffney and Tim Schmidt. Democrat Jack Franks was missing from the House floor today. State Rep. Mike Tryon voted in favor of the measure.

The 1957 eavesdropping bill that Sheila Simon’s mother, State Rep. Jeanne Hurley, sponsored has been declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Federal Appeals Court in Chicago.

The story of how Jeanne Hurley was tricked by legislators who wanted to prevent reporters from getting another tape recording such as was given Chicago reporter Jack Mabley about the Currency Exchange bribes to legislators.

Ever heard of Roland Libonati?

He was a state senator while Jeanne Hurley, later Mrs. Paul Simon, was state representative from Evanston.  Libonati later became a member of Congress representing the West Side of Chicago.

I met him in the Springfield train station after session adjourned for the week one day in the 1970′s. He had been visiting old friends, sitting next to Larry DiPrima in the back row where the”Royal Order of the Mushrooms” sat.

At the train station, DiPrima introduced me to Libonati.

After a while he warmed up to me, concluding that this Republican wasn’t a threat and started tell old war stories.

He told of how some non-reformers convinced Jeanne Hurley  to introduce legislation to limit secret tape recording. Here are the two I suppose he was referring to two 1957 bills, House Bills 1210 and 1211 (click to enlarge the Digest listings and look at the list of reformers sponsoring the bill):

The idea came up after Chicago American reporter Jack Mabley had written a series of stories on corruption. Someone taped  legislators talking in their hotel rooms.

“The tapes had been stashed in lockers at the Greyhound bus station. Mabley got the keys anonymously,”

Statehouse reporter Ray Long wrote for the April, 1996, Illinois Issues when he was working for the Associated Press.

Hotel rooms had transoms at that time and the legislature’s verbal history has it that those willing to be bribed left their transoms open so lobbyists could toss money into the room.

Needless to say, Libonati, reportedly a member of the West Side Blocbeholding to the Crime Syndicate,  did not convey that tale.

But he did say that his friends had snookered the woman who married Paul Simon into sponsoring legislation that he and his allies wanted passed.

He laughed as he explained that she thought it was a “good government” bill.

And, perhaps you will laugh at what Long printed about what former Governor and now sometimes lobbyist Jim Thompson told him:

“There’s no question that back decades ago Illinois, like many states, was kind of a wild and woolly place. My guess is today it’s probably about as clean as you can get.”

That was before the George Ryan, Tony Rezko and Rod Blagojevich trials, of course.

And, while we’re talking about eavesdropping, let’s not forget the legislators who voted against loosening the law this year:

Besides House Republican Leader Tom Cross, State Reps. representing parts of McHenry County who voted against the reform bill include Kent Gaffney and Tim Schmidt. Democrat Jack Franks was missing from the House floor today. State Rep. Mike Tryon voted in favor of the measure.

Here’s how the synopsis describes the bill:

“Provides that a person who is not a law enforcement officer nor acting at the direction of a law enforcement officer may record the conversation of a law enforcement officer who is performing a public duty in a public place and any other person who is having a conversation with that law enforcement officer if the conversation is at a volume audible to the unassisted ear of the person who is making the recording.”

I have written how reformer State Rep. Jeanne Hurley got snookered into sponsoring a bill in 1957 to prohibit reporters like Jack Mabley from using tape recordings of legislative corruption.

Hurley married Paul Simon and is Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s mother.

The retired State Representative who told me the story was Roland Libonatii.  After taking a busman’s holiday to the Illinois House Chambers, we were in the Amtrak Station waiting for the train back to Chicago.

Marvelous story of how those close to the Currency Exchange scandal took steps to try to prevent others from getting similar evidence of corruption.

So, now people have cell phones and record everything imaginable, even police making arrests.

And the policemen don’t like being held accountable.

You can see that from this recent YouTube taken by professionals across the street from a Chicago Hospital where a little girl had been taken after having been shot by a gang banger.  (Thanks to Illinois Review for pointing me to it.)

So, why is House Republican Leader Tom Cross leading the way to coverup wrongdoing?

You tell me. I didn’t hear the debate.

Here’s the 45-59-1 roll call vote on House Bill 1944:

Besides House Republican Leader Tom Cross, State Reps. representing parts of McHenry County who voted against the reform bill include Kent Gaffney and Tim Schmidt. Democrat Jack Franks was missing from the House floor today. State Rep. Mike Tryon voted in favor of the measure.

Here’s how the synopsis describes the bill:

“Provides that a person who is not a law enforcement officer nor acting at the direction of a law enforcement officer may record the conversation of a law enforcement officer who is performing a public duty in a public place and any other person who is having a conversation with that law enforcement officer if the conversation is at a volume audible to the unassisted ear of the person who is making the recording.”

A press release from McHenry County College in response to Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon’s report after visiting all such institutions.  The story  her visit to MCC is here.

McHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE DEDICATED TO BUILDING
THE AREA’S FUTURE SKILLED WORKFORCE

Shiela Simon

 [Jan. 24, 2012.Crystal Lake, IL] According to a report issued on January 19, 2012 by Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon to Gov. Pat Quinn and the General Assembly, community colleges have an immediate opportunity to better prepare future employees and close a skills gap by focusing on completion and bringing in the right programs that meet—and anticipate—workforce needs.

As a member of the Illinois Complete College America team, Simon’s goal is to increase the number of state residents who have relevant credentials to 60 percent by 2025.

As indicated in the report, just under 20 percent of all first-time, full-time students enrolled in Illinois community colleges graduate with an associate’s degree within the first three years of enrolling.

McHenry County College’s percentage is already higher than average, awarding associate’s degrees or certificates to 24% of students in three years or less based on 2009-10 graduation rate data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

College officials expect MCC’s completion rates to rise even higher through additional completion efforts and enhanced workforce partnerships.

Vicky Smith

“I am pleased with MCC’s progress toward completing students,” said President Vicky Smith.

“We have increased the number of certificates granted by 69% and the number of associate’s degrees by 43% in the past five years; much of this growth has been seen in our career programs, which reflects our efforts toward preparing a future workforce with the applicable skills they need and employers want.”

In Simon’s report, Illinois Community Colleges: Focus on the Finish, she indicates four key steps that community colleges must take to help their students complete:Improve college readiness – prepare students when they are in high school

1. Improve college readiness – prepare students when they are in high school
2. Provide comprehensive support services
3. Create smooth transfers between high school, community college and four-year college
4. Increase transparency

Each of these steps align with much of the data shared with Simon during her visit to MCC on June 27, 2011, at which time Smith reinforced the College’s commitment to completion, supported by a wealth of initiatives already in place. “MCC has created a climate of student success, both in and outside of the classroom. We are truly focused on helping our students persist and complete a credential, degree or certificate so they can successfully transfer or transition to the workforce.”

Improving College and Career Readiness

The foundation for completion begins at the high school level with MCC’s Dual Credit program. The College has dramatically increased its dual-credit programs from 30 to over 300 students over the past two years. “These programs have grown as a result of strong partnerships with area high schools, and they allow students to earn college credit while in high school—ultimately preparing them to transition more successfully to college-level coursework,” Smith said.

MCC is promoting career clusters and Programs of Study (POS), beginning in eighth grade when students take the ACT EXPLORE test. Many high school students do not believe that high school is relevant or provides a pathway to their dreams. Students who are put on a career pathway show greater persistence and score higher on proficiency tests.

Providing Comprehensive Support Services

The Sage Learning Center has expanded its services to include study skills workshops, Supplemental Instruction and tutoring in additional subjects than those typically offered.  The Sage Learning Center supplements what is covered in certain high enrollment, low success rate classes. We served students providing over 16,000 visits this past year. The success rate of students who voluntarily took advantage of this service was 24% higher than the general student population.

MCC has revised New-Student Orientation to give students the necessary information they will need to be successful and complete their certificate, degree or intent at the College. Student leaders have been incorporated into the program; these students accompany new students throughout their orientation, acting as a guide and resource for any questions they may have. These student leaders keep in touch with new students throughout their first year to make sure they are successful.

New-Student Convocation is the official welcoming ceremony of new students to the College community by the Board, president, administration, faculty and staff. Fall 2011 marked the first new-student convocation at the College. The goal of this event is to convey to students the importance of their educational endeavor and the commitment of MCC to support them in the achievement of this goal, both inside and outside the classroom. By engaging these students as early as possible in their time at MCC, it increases their likelihood of being successful in College and completion.

Creating Smooth Transfers

MCC faculty work steadily with colleagues from in-district high schools to better align curriculum in math and English. This effort resulted from data on high school graduates from 2006-2009 that revealed a high number of graduates from each school were required to take developmental math/English at MCC. The College is working on development of a Summer “Bridge” Program, which will include team teaching with both high school and college instructors to strengthen partnerships and work on curriculum alignment. In addition, MCC team members meet monthly with Directors of Guidance from all area high schools to address MCC-related topics.

In 2011, the AAS in Nursing program received 77 applications for the 27 seats available. The same was true in the previous year. Last year’s graduating class (25 students) all passed the NCLEX licensing exam and obtained jobs as nurses. This is an indication that the College has not met the demand for RNs in the district.

MCC has developed a Nursing Career Bridge Program for area residents who have not typically had success in the education system. The career path begins with basic certified nursing assistant training, advances individuals from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to either Registered Nurse (RN) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) programs. Bridge programming in health care is part of a carefully planned progression of educational steps leading to stackable certificates and further education already in progress at MCC.

MCC has taken a strategic approach to transitioning adult education students into credential programs and/or the workforce. This population typically has monumental barriers to college enrollment, let alone completion. However, through transition activities and contextualized learning opportunities in math and English, MCC is helping these adult learners gain basic skills, in conjunction with technical training:

• LPN-RN Bridge: This course is designated to assist a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) transition into the role of the Registered Nurse (RN). Areas of study include the role of the associate’s degree nurse and the application of the core components of nursing practice to clients experiencing the dysfunctional health patterns.
• ESL-CNA Bridge: There is a need in our county for bilingual CNA’s, but low success rate historically with ESL learners in CNA. Therefore, MCC developed a CNA Bridge to prepare ESL students for success in CNA classes. Two cohorts were offered, one in Fall 2010 and one in Spring 2011.
• 92.5% (37 out of 40 students) successfully completed CNA certificate. An ESL-Automotive Bridge program began in Fall 2011 and will transition adult education students to an automotive credit program.
•  The College Experience (MCC 101) Cohort: This cohort has been specifically designed for adult education students who require specific focus and tools for college success.

Increasing Transparency

In Simon’s report, it is recommended that community colleges report student success rates, also a provision of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. McHenry County College has been publishing this information for several years, which can be found at www.mchenry.edu/StuRight2Know, along with important consumer information about the College, its programs and services.

Smith cited that the completion effort is more complex in a community college environment. Community college students often balance a variety of responsibilities, sometimes combined with personal obligations and financial limitations.

That may explain why enrollment in MCC’s online courses increased by 56% between 2006-2011. Or why enrollment over the past five years for the 25-34 age group has increased by 28%. This data supports MCC’s broader mission–to create an opportunity of higher learning for all individuals in the county, extending beyond traditional students and addressing the needs of those adult learners who seek new skills or stackable careers.

“It can be challenging for some of our students to finish, so we must help each person with their completion based on their individual needs, as well as encourage more district residents to come to MCC to take programs that will help enhance their own job outlook. These are the actions that define McHenry County College as a true community of learners,” stated Smith.

To view the full report from Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, visit http://www2.illinois.gov/ltgov/Documents/CC%20REPORT%20Jan%2019%20FINAL.pdf

Information from McHenry County College about a visit from Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon Monday:

McHenry County College from the northeast.

WHAT: MCC Roundtable Discussion with Lt. Governor Sheila Simon

WHERE: McHenry County College Building B (Employee Dining Room – Room B177C)

WHEN: Monday, June 27, 2011 at 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST

Description: On Monday, June 27, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and her staff will be at McHenry County College. This summer, she is visiting community colleges across the state as part of her efforts to encourage increase in completion rates. We have provided her with answers to the following questions, information which will be available at the discussion:

1. What is MCC doing to increase completion rates?
2. What is MC doing to connect students to the workforce?
3. What data can you share that shows both/either of these efforts are successful?
4. What challenges does MCC face in terms of completion? And how can the state help address those challenges?

MCC employees and students will participate in a roundtable discussion with the Lt. Governor to further address these questions and highlight points of pride that reflect the College’s persistence and student engagement efforts. Following this roundtable, a small team will accompany her on a tour of the campus facilities. Ultimately, the information we provide will contribute to supplemental data given to the Governor and the General Assembly in a year-end report.

The last time I was in the MCC Faculty Dining Room, the last meeting by the St. Louis tax hike consultant was being held.

All are invited to attend and listen to the roundtable discussion focused on completion and persistence efforts at McHenry County College. Thank you.

Maybe I should just re-run this article entitled,

“Manipulating a Reformer,”

about how Jeanne Hurley, future bride of Paul Simon and mother of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, sponsored and co-sponsored House Bill 1210 in 1957 to tighten eavesdropping laws in Illinois.

My source was former State Rep. Roland Libonati. He, some of his Democratic Party pals like Mike Nardulli and I were in the Springfield train station waiting to take Amtrak to Chicago. It must have been hear the end of the session, because the weather was pleasant.

He was telling how those not appreciative of Jack Mabley’s stories about bribery by the currency exchange lobbyist that resulted from tape recordings made by a party unknown and given to the Chicago American reporter.

Visiting Professor William H. Freivogel of the Paul Simon Policy Institute writes of how Illinois’ eavesdropping laws are among the strictest in the country.

Apparently he does not know of the role that his institute’s namesake and his wife had in enacting our state’s eavesdropping laws.

Governor Pat Quinn announced that the favored route to Rockford and on to Galena and Dubuque would run through Belvidere on the track that runs through Huntley and past the Illinois Railroad Museum.

In a Monday Rockford political press conference (as opposed to a governmental press conference) with his newly chosen running mate former Carbondale city councilwoman and failed candidate for mayor Sheila Simon at his side (proving it was a political appearance), Governor Pat Quinn announced that the Amtrak route to Rockford and, then, to Dubuque, Iowa.

So what?

Routes that competed for state government's and Amtrak's favor. The northern-most route running through Huntley, Union and Marengo was announced by Governor Pat Quinn as the favored route Monday. The next problem is convincing Amtrak to pick up passengers in McHenry County. (Click to enlarge map.)

So, that means it will be on the track running through Huntley and Marengo.

Hence, it’s news to McHenry County readers.

The whole route would be from Chicago to Dubuque, but, according to this document no stops are planned for McHenry County.

Galena Train Station seen from the top of the levy across next to Downtown Galena.

People wanting to travel to Galena, where we spent the mid-week at the Eagle Ridge Resort off Route 20, would have to board at Elgin’s Big Timber Road Station.

Huntley Union Pacific train tracks crossing Route 47.

Maybe if Huntley built a station, Amtrak could be enticed to pick up and drop off passengers.

Or maybe the old station at the Illinois Railroad Museum could be used for McHenry County.  That wouldn’t be too close to Elgin and would have plenty of parking.

Downtown Galena, Illinois

After all, a big of the push to get Amtrak service is to get tourists to Galena.

The Eagle Creek Resort already runs buses to Downtown Galena, so it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to assume that the resort would be willing to pick up paying guests at the train station.

And, can’t you imagine the Chicago area folks who have about an hour longer drive to get to Galena than it took us (2 hours and ten minutes from Eagle Ridge to our house without any stops) taking the train out for the weekend.

Suset on April 1, 2010, as seen from the restaurant of the Eagle Ridge Resort.

They might get to the Eagle Ridge Resort just in time to eat dinner in the dining room and see a sunset over the lake like this one we saw on April 1st.

= = = = =

Dick Durbin and Don Manzullo conducted a hearing on Amtrak's running from Chicago to Dubuque in March od 2007.

You can read about the Rockford hearing on the project which U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo conducted here.