More Evidence That Real Reason for Home Rule Is More Tax Revenue

Home Rule is mainly about getting more money into municipal coffers. Another example of this is found in a Rockford Register-Star column by writer Chuck Sweeney: “There’s a related hope that the state’s lawmakers will allow Rockford, a nonhome-rule city, … Continue reading

Susan Handelsman Urges Opposition to Legislative Extension of Woodstock Downtown TIF District

Woodstock’s Susan Handelsman, now a candidate for the District 200 School Board, urges readers to contact to their llinois legislators and Governor Bruce Rauner in opposition to the General Assembly’s extension of the alreay 23-year Tax Increment Financing District is … Continue reading

Tobin Releases Woodstock Salaries & Pensions

A press release from Jim Tobin: Woodstock Seeks to Reach Further Into Taxpayers’ Pockets Woodstock—Taxpayers United of America (TUA) today released the results of their updated analysis of salaries and pensions for Woodstock municipal government employees. “Woodstock government bureaucrats are … Continue reading

Municipal League Seeks Automatic Home Rule for 5,000 Person Villages

Found on Capitol Fax is the following legislative goal of the Illinois Municipal League: Expansion of Home Rule Eligibility Municipal leaders across the state support expanding home rule eligibility to include communities of 5,000 residents and above. The current Illinois … Continue reading

Scott Gessert Urges Boycott of Woodstock’s Special Census So Council Can’t Raise Taxes without a Referendum

During the last Woodstock City Council election, Scott Gessert ran for City Council. He didn’t succeed, but has retained an interest in city affairs, especially the special U.S. Census. Gessert has called on residents who don’t want the City of … Continue reading

What Can Be Done about Massage Parlors that Are Really Houses of Prostitution?

Readers of McHenry County Blog know that message parlors in Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Woodstock and McHenry have had employees arrested for prostitution. The arrests of middle aged Asia women started making press in July of 2010: 7-31-10 Waiting for Gedot … Continue reading

Bleacher Neighbors Delighted at Judge Michael Chmiel’s Decision in Favor of Home Rule

In a twenty-one page decision, McHenry County Circuit Judge Michael Chmiel ruled against Crystal Lake High School District 155 in the suits brought by neighbors on Amberwood Drive and the City of Crystal Lake. Reacting to the decision, delivered while State’s … Continue reading

Crystal Lake South High School v. City Bleacher Fight Makes Front Page of Tribune

It’s hard to miss the Crystal Lake South High School bleachers on the front page of the Chicago Tribune today. Kim Gruba of Amberwood Drive is standing in her family room with the bleachers dominating the big window. She says … Continue reading

CL South Bleacher Case Brings Question: “What’s the Difference Between a Football Field and a NASCAR track?”

The arguments have been made. The case has gone to Judge Michael Chmiel. And people will have to wait about a month and a half to learn which side will appeal. Make no mistake that this is an important case. … Continue reading