“Chainsaw Jack” Franks Blames Constituents for Introducing his Com Ed Clear Cut Bill

Not only was State Rep. Jack Franks spanked by the Chicago Tribune Sunday, but Chuck Sweeney, the political columnist for the Rockford Register-Star took negative notice of his Com Ed tree removal legislation, House Bill 3884. After hostile reaction from … Continue reading

Sunday Chicago Tribune Hacks at “Chainsaw Jack” Franks’ Tree Killing Bill

Who could have known that the Chicago Tribune would take on “Chainsaw Jack” Franks and use “Illinois Chain Saw Massacre” in it’s editorial sub-headline? But there it was. A whole editorial aimed at the overreach, no, that’s too mild a … Continue reading

“Chainsaw Jack” Franks Can’t Power Tree Massacre Bill Out of Public Utilities Committee…Yet

Apparently “Chainsaw Jack” Franks didn’t have enough lubricating oil to get his bill (House Bill 3884, email addresses of Public Utility Committee members included in linked story) to allow Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to cut any tree it wanted to … Continue reading

“Chainsaw Jack” Franks’ Com Ed Tree Cutting Bill in Committee at Three, Email Addresses of House Public Utilities Committee Members

State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) is using up a lot of political capital carrying Commonwealth Edison’s chainsaw. He has introduced legislation (House Bill 3884) which will allow electric utilities to chop down any tree within 20 feet of a power … Continue reading

McHenry Blacktop Lumberjacks Target Canopy

Well, they’re not quite lumberjacks, but they’re as close as we come. If you haven’t driven on the road between Crystal Lake and McHenry, you are going to find it a lot more light next time around. The tree canopy … Continue reading