Expunging the Illinois House Record: Now for Rep. Stephanie Kifowit and Then for Rep. Jack Franks

This part of Tribune columnist John Kass’ Golden Moutza of the Month piece might interest local readers when put into juxtaposition with with what State Rep. Jack Franks did years ago: “Kifowit the Nitwit deserves a huge moutza!” said Sheila Kelly … Continue reading

Rauner Bans Nepotism, McSweeney Bill Banning of Payment of Legislative Hush Money in Sexual Harassment Cases

A press release from Governor Bruce Rauner: Rauner abolishes 53 inactive boards, commissions; prohibits nepotism in state hiring Cites steps as improvements in ethics, transparency, efficiency CHICAGO — Gov. Bruce Rauner today issued executive orders eliminating 53 boards and commissions … Continue reading

Chicago Aldermen Have Taken Care of Themselves

When I was a freshman State Representative in 1973, State Reps. were paid $17,500. Chicago Aldermen were paid $10,000. Now legislators are paid are paid $67,836, higher if they are a committee chairman or spokesman (which most are). The lowest-paid Chicago … Continue reading

Reick: Remap Decision Bodes Poorly for GOP

State Rep. candidate Steve Reick’s latest post on his web site: Dance Band on the Titanic There’s an old saying that bad news comes in threes. It’s certainly true today for Illinois. First comes the news that Illinois’ insurance rates … Continue reading

Governor to State Reps: Don’t Break the Bank

Here’s a memo from Governor Bruce Rauner’s Office of Management and Budget to the Illinois House of Representatives: To: Members of the Illinois House of Representatives From: Tim Nuding, Director, Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Date: March 3, 2016 … Continue reading

Insull and the ICC

I have previously told of my encounter with Samuel Insull’s secretary on a train ride to Springfield. He told me that Insull got tired of bribing the Illinois General Assembly. Insull decided that creating a Commerce Commission would be cheaper … Continue reading

General Assembly Technology Gains Derision from Woodstock Advocate

Gus Philpott, publisher of Woodstock Advocate, has been watching the General Assembly in action recently. You can, too. Look here. The last days of the session are particularly busy and often run late into the night. And what do visitors … Continue reading

David McSweeney Sworn In as State Representative

I missed the press release below about Dave McSweeney’s having been appointed to succeed appointed State Rep. Kent Gaffney, who replaced State Rep. Mark Beaubien. Apparently, Gaffney decided to give McSweeney something of a head start. Seniority doesn’t mean as … Continue reading

Forbes Ranks Springfield 4th “Most Dangerous U.S. Cities For Women”

A Friend of McHenry County Blog sent the following paragraph from Forbes: “The fourth most dangerous city as ranked by our list is Springfield, Ill., a metro area of 200,000 four hours south of Chicago where the FBI reports 855 … Continue reading

Illinois House Chainsaws Jack Franks

It hasn’t been a good week for Democratic Party State Representative Jack Franks. “Chainsaw Jack” got lots of blowback from his venture into playing gofer for the electric utilities of Illinois. He quickly figured out he did not have the … Continue reading

Nygren-Franks Relationship Goes Both Ways

McHenry County Blog reported on Republican McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren’s involvement with Democrat State Representative Jack Franks’ fund raiser. Apparently the relationship is reciprocal. Over the transom, so to speak, comes the silent auction sign-up sheet below: It is … Continue reading

Illinois Loses a Gentle Leader

Former 1970 Constitutional Convention Delegate, State Representative and State Senator Virginia Macdonald died this week. I learned that when I read the Chicago Tribune’s obituary. During the 1970’s, Ginny sat in front of me all but my first term. She … Continue reading

Illinois Loses a Gentle Leader

Former 1970 Constitutional Convention Delegate, State Representative and State Senator Virginia Macdonald died this week. I learned that when I read the Chicago Tribune’s obituary. During the 1970’s, Ginny sat in front of me all but my first term. She … Continue reading

Humorous Take by Allan Showalter on Carpentersville

Again I have the privilege of pointing you to a funny “One Heck of a Guy” Allan Showalter story. Entitled, Carpentersville Outlaws Joie de Vivre – English Now Lingua Franca In Compromise, Board Agrees To Speak Very LOUDLY and S-l-o-w-l-y … Continue reading