“The Bleeper and the Flipper”

Capitol Fax Blog has a question of the day:

“For the sake of argument, let’s say you know somebody who is writing a book about Rod Blagojevich. What title would you suggest?”

I thought you might like to take a look.

And, maybe, even add your suggestion.

As I am writing this, there are 136 suggestions, some of which are quite funny:

  • “The United States of Me”
  • “Hair today…Gone yesterday”
  • “Hot Rod!”
  • “Land of Winkin’”
  • “Kingfish of the Prairie”
  • “Rock the System”
  • “The Taming of the ‘Do”
  • “Disgraceland”
  • “I came, I saw, I failed”
  • “When bad things happen to bad people”
  • “Rod Blagojevich – The Original Self-Service”
  • “Bleeping Golden”
  • “Hair Today, Quinn Tomorrow”
  • “Railroaded – A Hirsute Cowpoke Speaks Out”
  • “A State of Denial”
  • “Bleepin Golden”
  • My journey from Ravenswood to Oxford, Wisconsin!!
  • By Rod (up day) Blagojevich
  • Autobiography– “I, Rod”
  • Biography– “Tainted Gov, from Hard Sell to Hard Time”
  • “Hot Rod in the Land of Lincoln-
  • “How He Drove Us to Drinkin’”
  • “Obama’s Governor”

Or, maybe, it’s just my warped sense of humor that makes them seem funny.

My suggestion is the title of this article.

I admit that it represents wish fulfillment.

My hope has long been that Rod Blagojevich will cut a deal with the Feds, thus becoming the agent of reform that he mouthed when I ran against him and Jim Ryan on the Libertarian Party ticket in the 2002 gubernatorial election.

“Sucker State Governor” might work as a title, too.

Mike Tryon Comments on Pat Quinn’s Ascension to Power

Here is a letter to constituents from Crystal Lake State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Rep. Tryon: Senate Trial Removes Governor from Office

Yesterday, the Illinois Senate took a historic vote to remove Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich from office. After a week-long impeachment trial, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to convict and remove the Governor based on a pattern of abuse of power, as well as federal criminal corruption charges that led to the Governor’s arrest on December 9.

As you know, I have been an outspoken opponent of the Governor and voted for his impeachment in the Illinois House prior to the Senate trial.

With Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald presiding, the Senate heard testimony from FBI agent Daniel Cain regarding the criminal affidavit and the positive voice identification of Governor Blagojevich on the FBI’s recorded phone calls.

The criminal affidavit includes allegations that the Governor attempted to sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President Obama; tried to withhold money for Children’s Memorial Hospital as leverage for a campaign contribution; bribed the Chicago Tribune Company; and orchestrated several pay-to-play schemes. Among the pay-to-play schemes, the Senate also listened to FBI tape recordings of the Governor discussing a possible shakedown of a horse racing official.

The people of Illinois deserve to be served by a leader who is committed to making Illinois better, not getting rich at the taxpayers’ expense. Governor Blagojevich has demonstrated a complete disregard for the rule of the law, and disrespect for the 13 million people who live in Illinois.

Though he did present closing arguments on his behalf, Governor Blagojevich refused to participate in the Senate’s impeachment trial, calling it unfair and biased. Instead, he launched a national media tour to claim his innocence.

The Governor’s television antics were embarrassing.

While claiming the impeachment trial was fixed, he failed to provide any evidence to prove his innocence. The Senate’s vote to remove the Governor from office puts an end to his games and allows the General Assembly to focus on the real issues affecting this state.

As a leading advocate for transparency in state spending, I believe pay-to-play must be eliminated in Illinois once and for all.

This year, I will continue to introduce legislation that will hold public officials accountable for state spending and put Illinois’ check books on public display.

Backdoor deals have no room in Illinois government.

With Blagojevich no longer involved, lawmakers can focus on the budget deficit; paying our bills on time; and helping curb Illinois’ record-high unemployment.

Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn takes over as Governor.

I will keep you posted on issues affecting the state. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (815) 459-6453.

= = = = =
Mike Tryon can be seen in the upper part of the article. Pat Quinn giving his first speech at the bottom.

Mike Tryon Comments on Pat Quinn’s Ascension to Power

Here is a letter to constituents from Crystal Lake State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Rep. Tryon: Senate Trial Removes Governor from Office

Yesterday, the Illinois Senate took a historic vote to remove Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich from office. After a week-long impeachment trial, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to convict and remove the Governor based on a pattern of abuse of power, as well as federal criminal corruption charges that led to the Governor’s arrest on December 9.

As you know, I have been an outspoken opponent of the Governor and voted for his impeachment in the Illinois House prior to the Senate trial.

With Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald presiding, the Senate heard testimony from FBI agent Daniel Cain regarding the criminal affidavit and the positive voice identification of Governor Blagojevich on the FBI’s recorded phone calls.

The criminal affidavit includes allegations that the Governor attempted to sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President Obama; tried to withhold money for Children’s Memorial Hospital as leverage for a campaign contribution; bribed the Chicago Tribune Company; and orchestrated several pay-to-play schemes. Among the pay-to-play schemes, the Senate also listened to FBI tape recordings of the Governor discussing a possible shakedown of a horse racing official.

The people of Illinois deserve to be served by a leader who is committed to making Illinois better, not getting rich at the taxpayers’ expense. Governor Blagojevich has demonstrated a complete disregard for the rule of the law, and disrespect for the 13 million people who live in Illinois.

Though he did present closing arguments on his behalf, Governor Blagojevich refused to participate in the Senate’s impeachment trial, calling it unfair and biased. Instead, he launched a national media tour to claim his innocence.

The Governor’s television antics were embarrassing.

While claiming the impeachment trial was fixed, he failed to provide any evidence to prove his innocence. The Senate’s vote to remove the Governor from office puts an end to his games and allows the General Assembly to focus on the real issues affecting this state.

As a leading advocate for transparency in state spending, I believe pay-to-play must be eliminated in Illinois once and for all.

This year, I will continue to introduce legislation that will hold public officials accountable for state spending and put Illinois’ check books on public display.

Backdoor deals have no room in Illinois government.

With Blagojevich no longer involved, lawmakers can focus on the budget deficit; paying our bills on time; and helping curb Illinois’ record-high unemployment.

Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn takes over as Governor.

I will keep you posted on issues affecting the state. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (815) 459-6453.

= = = = =
Mike Tryon can be seen in the upper part of the article. Pat Quinn giving his first speech at the bottom.

Message of the Day – A Roll Call

Here’s what the Senate tote board showed after the roll of the 59 Illinois state senators had been called.

59-0 in favoring of kicking Governor Rod Blagojevich out of office.

All those Democrats scurrying for cover lest they be thought to agree with the governor’s closing argument:

“Take those four tapes as they are and you, I believe in fairness, will recognize and acknowledge those are conversations relating to the things all of us in politics do in order to run campaigns and try to win elections.”

If true, the problem is a lot bigger than our ex-governor.

McHenry County College Power Elite Nominees

At the Monday-before-last meeting of the McHenry County College’s Committee of the Whole, a sheet of paper was passed out with the names of people MCC President Walt Packard suggested be approached to serve on the euphemistically titled “Engagement Facilitating Team.”

It was one of a number of suggestions made by tax hike specialists Unicom-ARC out of St. Louis. Here is what the MCC board hired the firm to do.

The “Engagement Facilitating Team” is a group whose real purpose is to prepare the way for a college district tax hike referendum.

Here is what President Walt Packard handed out to board members:

Health Care

Denise Eesley, Centegra
Angela McAuley, Centegra Senior VP Women’s Health

Agriculture

Linnea Kooistra
Ken Book
John Pihl
Harry Alten
Mel Von Bergen

Industry

John Cain, Scot Forge
Sandra Pierce, Phoenix Woodworking

Retail/Business

Jim/Cheryl Wormley [Cheryl is the Woodstock Independent’s publisher)
Bob Seegers, Jr.
Mike Splitt
Luke Lohmeyer
Jack Porter

Banking/Finance

Charie Zanck, American Community Bank
Tom Quinn, American Community Bank
Bob Cormier, Jr., Home State Bank
Maggie Rivera, Home State Bank
Steven Slack, Home State Bank

School Districts

Joe Williams, Regional Superintendent’s Office
Ellyn Wreszki, District 200
Jill Hawk, District 155
Dan Bertrand, District 154

Political

Lauri Olson, Richmond Village President
Randy Donley, County Board
Sandra Salgado, County Board
Anna May Miller, County Board
Donna Schaefer, McHenry Township Supervisor
Bob Pierce, Dorr Township Supervisor
Jim Heisler, County Board
Ed Dvorak, County Board
Rich Mack, Ringwood Village President

Governmental Entities

Ron Salgado, State’s Attorney’s Office
Pete Austin, McHenry County Administrator
Wayne Amore, McHenry Fire Chief
Derik Morefield, Deputy City Manager, Woodstock

Not for Profits

Sue Krause, Youth Service Bureau
Jane Farmer, Turning Point
Anna Bicanic Moeller, MCCG
Kate Halma, Community Foundation
Dave Barber, United Way

Taxpayer/Residential

Monic Heydari
Dallas Schmidt
Helen Ruth
Terry Miller
Bob/Rosemary Blazier
John Jung, Jr.

College Educators

Lillian Roy, retired from MCC
Richard Wood, retired from COD [DuPage]
Verne Manke, retired from Harper

I certainly don’t know all of these folks, but none of the names pops off the page as ever having actively opposed a tax hike proposal at a referendum.

Tomorrow – Additions to the “power elite” list by MCC board members.

= = = = =
The McHenry County Board members shown in the small head shots are, from left to right, Sandra Salgado, Anna May Miller, Jim Heisler and Ed Dvorak. McHenry County’s Administrator Pete Austin is just below. At the bottom is former District 47 School Superintendent and former Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Bob Blazier.

Saturday Night Spaghetti Supper to Support “Veterans in Transition”

The following press release has been received from NASA Education. It tells how you could help veterans in need by eating out in McHenry Saturday.

NASA Education sponsors the Veterans Stand Downs at Camp Algonquin each spring and fall.

The organization also runs two Crystal Lake apartment buildings for homeless veterans.

In addition, it has a bus purchased by the Illinois Veterans Affairs Department that take veterans to medical appointments.

“Local Non-Profit Company to Host its Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser to help Veterans who are In Transition”

CRYSTAL LAKE – Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition will benefit form NASA Education’s Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on January 31, 2009 at the VFW Post 4600, locatd at 3002 W. Rt 120 in McHenry.

The admission is $20 per person, ½ price for children 5-10, and free for children under the age of 5. The admission cost includes all you can eat and is also an entry ticket for one of our door prizes. This year some of the choices are listed below, with more coming in every day.

  • Keyless Entry Remote Car Starter – valued at $250, compliments of Vets Total Car Care
  • $100 Gift Certificate to Kyoto’s Japanese Steak and Sushi Bar in Crystal Lake; complements of Mr. and Mrs. Kim
  • A one nights stay and complimentary continental breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Algonquin – est. valued $150.00.
  • 2 – Yard, Spring Clean-Up Services – 2 men, 4 hours, valued at $250 each – compliments of Liberating Solutions

NASA Education has a new contributor this year – Paul G. Yanzel of Big Sky Tickets. Paul has graciously donated concert tickets for

  • Montley Crue, Row G, and
  • Nickleback, Row H – both main floor seating.

All net proceeds of Paul’s business ventures are going towards his dream of starting a company that helps and assists handicap children, as well as disabled veterans. Keep checking his website for additional information www.bigskytickets.com. In addition to concert tickets, he also called upon his friends at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, who has kindly supplied silent auction donations.

Also as a part your evening entertainment we will be having 50/50 raffles and multiple silent auction opportunities, so bring the family for an evening of entertainment, fun and enjoyment.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by the incredible Dave Byron. Those that attended the last Spaghetti Supper can attest that a good time was had by all and his performance was amazing. Dave Byron has been playing guitar and performing for over 30 years, with performances throughout the United States, Europe and Belgium. His blazing speed and pleasing tones captivates audiences of all ages. He has mastered the styles of Jazz, Rock, Metal, Classical, Blues, New Age, Celtic, Spanish & Flamenco. Please visit his website at www.myspace.com/davebyronmusic.

NASA Education Corporation is beginning its new year with a huge start.

We are happy to report that just since the last Stand Down in November, we have all but a couple of our beds occupied and have also been able to provide housing for 3 families, as participants of Project Fresh Start.

The executive director, John Blanchard’s creativity has developed into another successful initiative called Vets Total Car Care – they are located at 8304 Pingree Rd in Lake in the Hills.

As a spin off of Project Fresh Start, we are able to offer those participants who would like to pursue a career in auto mechanics an opportunity to train with an experienced mechanic and gain experience in automotive repair. The lead mechanic oversees all of the tasks performed by the participants and when they are ready, we work with the participant in helping them obtain a job. Vets Total Car Care is able to provide all of the general automotive care, such as brakes, oil changes, new tires, exhaust system maintenance and replacement, as well as, installation of stereos, keyless entry, remote starters and has also partnered with National Interlock Service to install the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) as required by the new laws passed regarding DUI first convictions.

Please visit our continuously growing website at www.vetstotalcarcare.org or call 847-458-4664 for available services. Vets Total Car Care is donating two oil changes and a brake replacement as their contribution to the event.

John has recruited his brother, James, once again to make his incredibly delicious spaghetti.

Then the best part – dessert. We are honored to be serving those delectable pineapple upside down cakes, which have appeared at our Stand Downs over the past couple of years and who now have an owner – the hard labors of Debra Robey and daughter, Danielle Welcher. The recipe is carried down from Debra’s recently departed husband, who also was a veteran and one of our military heroes of the past and so with his cakes, his memory will live on for years to come.

Please tell family and friends and come join us on Saturday night, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and let’s kick off another year in a big way for NASA Education programs for veterans.

National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corporation (NASA Education), a 501(c)(3), non-profit, company was founded in 1999 by John Blanchard. NASA Ed is located in Crystal Lake, McHenry County, gives hope and promise to our military veterans. NASA Education’s primary program, Project Fresh Start, focuses on veterans who are homeless, displaced, disabled or are otherwise in transition to reintegrate them into the workforce with competitive wage jobs. An increase in skill level and income will result in greater self-determination, higher self-esteem and a healthier lifestyle.

Along with reintegration into the workforce, we focus heavily on residential stability so that the veterans can finally get off of the streets and achieve stable, affordable housing.

NASA Education is privately funded and welcomes any monetary contribution or participation in our fundraising events. Please visit our website, www.nasaed.org, for additional ways someone may be of assistance.

Please contact Amy Johnson, at 815-455-5190 or via e-mail

Amy_Johnson@NASAEducation.org for further information or to order tickets in advance. Thank you and I hope to see you all there.

= = = = =

I can vouch for the pineapple upside down cake. It is delicious–just like my mother used to make.

Message of the Day – A Roll Call

Here’s what the Senate tote board showed after the roll of the 59 Illinois state senators had been called.

59-0 in favoring of kicking Governor Rod Blagojevich out of office.

All those Democrats scurrying for cover lest they be thought to agree with the governor’s closing argument:

“Take those four tapes as they are and you, I believe in fairness, will recognize and acknowledge those are conversations relating to the things all of us in politics do in order to run campaigns and try to win elections.”

If true, the problem is a lot bigger than our ex-governor.

McHenry County College Power Elite Nominees

At the Monday-before-last meeting of the McHenry County College’s Committee of the Whole, a sheet of paper was passed out with the names of people MCC President Walt Packard suggested be approached to serve on the euphemistically titled “Engagement Facilitating Team.”

It was one of a number of suggestions made by tax hike specialists Unicom-ARC out of St. Louis. Here is what the MCC board hired the firm to do.

The “Engagement Facilitating Team” is a group whose real purpose is to prepare the way for a college district tax hike referendum.

Here is what President Walt Packard handed out to board members:

Health Care

Denise Eesley, Centegra
Angela McAuley, Centegra Senior VP Women’s Health

Agriculture

Linnea Kooistra
Ken Book
John Pihl
Harry Alten
Mel Von Bergen

Industry

John Cain, Scot Forge
Sandra Pierce, Phoenix Woodworking

Retail/Business

Jim/Cheryl Wormley [Cheryl is the Woodstock Independent’s publisher)
Bob Seegers, Jr.
Mike Splitt
Luke Lohmeyer
Jack Porter

Banking/Finance

Charie Zanck, American Community Bank
Tom Quinn, American Community Bank
Bob Cormier, Jr., Home State Bank
Maggie Rivera, Home State Bank
Steven Slack, Home State Bank

School Districts

Joe Williams, Regional Superintendent’s Office
Ellyn Wreszki, District 200
Jill Hawk, District 155
Dan Bertrand, District 154

Political

Lauri Olson, Richmond Village President
Randy Donley, County Board
Sandra Salgado, County Board
Anna May Miller, County Board
Donna Schaefer, McHenry Township Supervisor
Bob Pierce, Dorr Township Supervisor
Jim Heisler, County Board
Ed Dvorak, County Board
Rich Mack, Ringwood Village President

Governmental Entities

Ron Salgado, State’s Attorney’s Office
Pete Austin, McHenry County Administrator
Wayne Amore, McHenry Fire Chief
Derik Morefield, Deputy City Manager, Woodstock

Not for Profits

Sue Krause, Youth Service Bureau
Jane Farmer, Turning Point
Anna Bicanic Moeller, MCCG
Kate Halma, Community Foundation
Dave Barber, United Way

Taxpayer/Residential

Monic Heydari
Dallas Schmidt
Helen Ruth
Terry Miller
Bob/Rosemary Blazier
John Jung, Jr.

College Educators

Lillian Roy, retired from MCC
Richard Wood, retired from COD [DuPage]
Verne Manke, retired from Harper

I certainly don’t know all of these folks, but none of the names pops off the page as ever having actively opposed a tax hike proposal at a referendum.

Tomorrow – Additions to the “power elite” list by MCC board members.

= = = = =
The McHenry County Board members shown in the small head shots are, from left to right, Sandra Salgado, Anna May Miller, Jim Heisler and Ed Dvorak. McHenry County’s Administrator Pete Austin is just below. At the bottom is former District 47 School Superintendent and former Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Executive Bob Blazier.

Saturday Night Spaghetti Supper to Support “Veterans in Transition”

The following press release has been received from NASA Education. It tells how you could help veterans in need by eating out in McHenry Saturday.

NASA Education sponsors the Veterans Stand Downs at Camp Algonquin each spring and fall.

The organization also runs two Crystal Lake apartment buildings for homeless veterans.

In addition, it has a bus purchased by the Illinois Veterans Affairs Department that take veterans to medical appointments.

“Local Non-Profit Company to Host its Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser to help Veterans who are In Transition”

CRYSTAL LAKE – Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition will benefit form NASA Education’s Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on January 31, 2009 at the VFW Post 4600, locatd at 3002 W. Rt 120 in McHenry.

The admission is $20 per person, ½ price for children 5-10, and free for children under the age of 5. The admission cost includes all you can eat and is also an entry ticket for one of our door prizes. This year some of the choices are listed below, with more coming in every day.

  • Keyless Entry Remote Car Starter – valued at $250, compliments of Vets Total Car Care
  • $100 Gift Certificate to Kyoto’s Japanese Steak and Sushi Bar in Crystal Lake; complements of Mr. and Mrs. Kim
  • A one nights stay and complimentary continental breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Algonquin – est. valued $150.00.
  • 2 – Yard, Spring Clean-Up Services – 2 men, 4 hours, valued at $250 each – compliments of Liberating Solutions

NASA Education has a new contributor this year – Paul G. Yanzel of Big Sky Tickets. Paul has graciously donated concert tickets for

  • Montley Crue, Row G, and
  • Nickleback, Row H – both main floor seating.

All net proceeds of Paul’s business ventures are going towards his dream of starting a company that helps and assists handicap children, as well as disabled veterans. Keep checking his website for additional information www.bigskytickets.com. In addition to concert tickets, he also called upon his friends at Woodstock Harley-Davidson, who has kindly supplied silent auction donations.

Also as a part your evening entertainment we will be having 50/50 raffles and multiple silent auction opportunities, so bring the family for an evening of entertainment, fun and enjoyment.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by the incredible Dave Byron. Those that attended the last Spaghetti Supper can attest that a good time was had by all and his performance was amazing. Dave Byron has been playing guitar and performing for over 30 years, with performances throughout the United States, Europe and Belgium. His blazing speed and pleasing tones captivates audiences of all ages. He has mastered the styles of Jazz, Rock, Metal, Classical, Blues, New Age, Celtic, Spanish & Flamenco. Please visit his website at www.myspace.com/davebyronmusic.

NASA Education Corporation is beginning its new year with a huge start.

We are happy to report that just since the last Stand Down in November, we have all but a couple of our beds occupied and have also been able to provide housing for 3 families, as participants of Project Fresh Start.

The executive director, John Blanchard’s creativity has developed into another successful initiative called Vets Total Car Care – they are located at 8304 Pingree Rd in Lake in the Hills.

As a spin off of Project Fresh Start, we are able to offer those participants who would like to pursue a career in auto mechanics an opportunity to train with an experienced mechanic and gain experience in automotive repair. The lead mechanic oversees all of the tasks performed by the participants and when they are ready, we work with the participant in helping them obtain a job. Vets Total Car Care is able to provide all of the general automotive care, such as brakes, oil changes, new tires, exhaust system maintenance and replacement, as well as, installation of stereos, keyless entry, remote starters and has also partnered with National Interlock Service to install the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) as required by the new laws passed regarding DUI first convictions.

Please visit our continuously growing website at www.vetstotalcarcare.org or call 847-458-4664 for available services. Vets Total Car Care is donating two oil changes and a brake replacement as their contribution to the event.

John has recruited his brother, James, once again to make his incredibly delicious spaghetti.

Then the best part – dessert. We are honored to be serving those delectable pineapple upside down cakes, which have appeared at our Stand Downs over the past couple of years and who now have an owner – the hard labors of Debra Robey and daughter, Danielle Welcher. The recipe is carried down from Debra’s recently departed husband, who also was a veteran and one of our military heroes of the past and so with his cakes, his memory will live on for years to come.

Please tell family and friends and come join us on Saturday night, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and let’s kick off another year in a big way for NASA Education programs for veterans.

National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corporation (NASA Education), a 501(c)(3), non-profit, company was founded in 1999 by John Blanchard. NASA Ed is located in Crystal Lake, McHenry County, gives hope and promise to our military veterans. NASA Education’s primary program, Project Fresh Start, focuses on veterans who are homeless, displaced, disabled or are otherwise in transition to reintegrate them into the workforce with competitive wage jobs. An increase in skill level and income will result in greater self-determination, higher self-esteem and a healthier lifestyle.

Along with reintegration into the workforce, we focus heavily on residential stability so that the veterans can finally get off of the streets and achieve stable, affordable housing.

NASA Education is privately funded and welcomes any monetary contribution or participation in our fundraising events. Please visit our website, www.nasaed.org, for additional ways someone may be of assistance.

Please contact Amy Johnson, at 815-455-5190 or via e-mail

Amy_Johnson@NASAEducation.org for further information or to order tickets in advance. Thank you and I hope to see you all there.

= = = = =

I can vouch for the pineapple upside down cake. It is delicious–just like my mother used to make.

Jim Tobin’s Warning of Higher Income Taxes

Since Rod Blagojevich beat me for governor is 2002 (I got 2% as the Libertarian Party candidate) and Jim Tobin for Lt. Governor, Tobin has been sending out fund raising appeals warning that the income tax was about to pass.

During Blagojevich’s impeachment trial, this envelop arrived with first class postage.

It says,

PATRICK QUINN WILL
SUPPORT STATE
INCOME TAX HIKE!

This time he might be right.

Channel Two’s Mike Flannery, who said he went to school with Quinn, is predicting that Quinn will tell Illinois residents that the state is $4 billion in debt after he takes office.

Isn’t that special?

Rod Blagojevich was telling voters in 2002 that George Ryan had put the state in debt $5 billion. I figured it would take two years to work our way out that problem.

But Blagojevich and his Democratic Party friends spent an extra billion dollars a year expanding health care, putting more money into state aid to education, etc.

So, Illinois–at the end of six years of Democratic Party rule–is still broke.

And, naturally, the Democrats answer is higher taxes…always higher taxes.
Read this story about what Pat Quinn has advocated in 2004.

That makes Tobin’s letter so very, very topical.

Tobin starts his January 26th with this quote,

“It’s a demanding time when we might all have to make sacrifices.”

“Grab your wallet with both hands and hold tight, because unless we move really fast, your state income tax probably will be raised 33% and maybe as high as 67% in the next few weeks.”

While not defending Blagojevich, Tobin stresses,

“The real reason Chicago machine boss and House Speaker Michael Madigan wants to replace Gov. Blagojevich with Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn is to have a governor who supports raising the state income tax.

“What really galls the Illinois political establishment is that Gov. Blagojevich has kept his promise to oppose any increase in the state income tax. That’s why they are so eager to replace him with Lt. Gov. Quinn, who has stated his enthusiasm for a big state income tax hike.”

Tobin’s phone number is 312-427-5128. The email address is ntui@ntui.org. The web site is http://www.ntui.org. NTU’s address is 407 S. Dearborn, Suite 1170, Chicago, IL 60605.

Jim Tobin’s Warning of Higher Income Taxes

Since Rod Blagojevich beat me for governor is 2002 (I got 2% as the Libertarian Party candidate) and Jim Tobin for Lt. Governor, Tobin has been sending out fund raising appeals warning that the income tax was about to pass.

During Blagojevich’s impeachment trial, this envelop arrived with first class postage.

It says,

PATRICK QUINN WILL
SUPPORT STATE
INCOME TAX HIKE!

This time he might be right.

Channel Two’s Mike Flannery, who said he went to school with Quinn, is predicting that Quinn will tell Illinois residents that the state is $4 billion in debt after he takes office.

Isn’t that special?

Rod Blagojevich was telling voters in 2002 that George Ryan had put the state in debt $5 billion. I figured it would take two years to work our way out that problem.

But Blagojevich and his Democratic Party friends spent an extra billion dollars a year expanding health care, putting more money into state aid to education, etc.

So, Illinois–at the end of six years of Democratic Party rule–is still broke.

And, naturally, the Democrats answer is higher taxes…always higher taxes.
Read this story about what Pat Quinn has advocated in 2004.

That makes Tobin’s letter so very, very topical.

Tobin starts his January 26th with this quote,

“It’s a demanding time when we might all have to make sacrifices.”

“Grab your wallet with both hands and hold tight, because unless we move really fast, your state income tax probably will be raised 33% and maybe as high as 67% in the next few weeks.”

While not defending Blagojevich, Tobin stresses,

“The real reason Chicago machine boss and House Speaker Michael Madigan wants to replace Gov. Blagojevich with Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn is to have a governor who supports raising the state income tax.

“What really galls the Illinois political establishment is that Gov. Blagojevich has kept his promise to oppose any increase in the state income tax. That’s why they are so eager to replace him with Lt. Gov. Quinn, who has stated his enthusiasm for a big state income tax hike.”

Tobin’s phone number is 312-427-5128. The email address is ntui@ntui.org. The web site is http://www.ntui.org. NTU’s address is 407 S. Dearborn, Suite 1170, Chicago, IL 60605.

Did You Know the U.S. Attorney Helps Collect Child Support?

I didn’t.

But, today while waiting for the vote on the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich and listening to Channel 9’s DNA paternity show, the following press release from Patrick Fitzgerald arrived.

Fox has also covered the entire proceedings so far. Channels 2, 5 and 7 decided fictional soap operas were more important to air after the Governor’s unsworn closing statement.

I thought some of my readers might find it of interest.

FORMER CHICAGO AREA MAN CONVICTED OF FAILING TO PAY MORE THAN $65,000 IN CHILD SUPPORT ORDERED IN DU PAGE COUNTY

CHICAGO – A former Chicago area man was convicted of failing to pay more than $65,000 in child support over more than a decade in what is believed to be the first such criminal case tried before a jury in Federal Court in Chicago, federal law enforcement officials said today.

The defendant, Maurice Bell, 43, of Avondale, Ariz., and formerly of the Chicago area, was found guilty yesterday of one count of willfully failing to pay child support ordered in Du Page County for his now 13-year-old son, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Lamont Pugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General in Chicago.

Previous child support criminal cases brought in Federal Court here have resulted in guilty pleas, while this is believed to be the first such trial.

Federal authorities said they continue to actively investigate similar cases referred by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in which children and non-paying parents reside in different states and to pursue federal prosecution in appropriate cases.

Bell remains free on bond pending sentencing, which was scheduled for May 6 before U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly. Bell faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to evidence presented at the three-day trial, Bell, who has been regularly employed by various mortgage companies and luxury auto dealers, has never made a voluntary payment under a child support order.

Beginning with an administrative order in 1996 and a court order issued in 1999 in Du Page County, Bell has been obligated to pay $520 a month in child support.

However, between 1996 and 2007, he paid a total of less than $25,000, all of which was garnished from his wages, resulting in an arrearage, plus interest, of $65,319.

Evidence showed that at times during this period, Bell had income in excess of $100,000 a year, and that between 2000 and 2006, he had available funds totaling more than $372,000, including more than $73,000 in gambling winnings.

The testimony of four witnesses – three former girl friends and a golf partner – showed that Bell spent lavishly on luxury cars, clothes, shoes and golf.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shoshana Gillers and Edward Kohler. The Du Page County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the case.

At sentencing, the Court will determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Did You Know the U.S. Attorney Helps Collect Child Support?

I didn’t.

But, today while waiting for the vote on the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich and listening to Channel 9’s DNA paternity show, the following press release from Patrick Fitzgerald arrived.

Fox has also covered the entire proceedings so far. Channels 2, 5 and 7 decided fictional soap operas were more important to air after the Governor’s unsworn closing statement.

I thought some of my readers might find it of interest.

FORMER CHICAGO AREA MAN CONVICTED OF FAILING TO PAY MORE THAN $65,000 IN CHILD SUPPORT ORDERED IN DU PAGE COUNTY

CHICAGO – A former Chicago area man was convicted of failing to pay more than $65,000 in child support over more than a decade in what is believed to be the first such criminal case tried before a jury in Federal Court in Chicago, federal law enforcement officials said today.

The defendant, Maurice Bell, 43, of Avondale, Ariz., and formerly of the Chicago area, was found guilty yesterday of one count of willfully failing to pay child support ordered in Du Page County for his now 13-year-old son, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Lamont Pugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General in Chicago.

Previous child support criminal cases brought in Federal Court here have resulted in guilty pleas, while this is believed to be the first such trial.

Federal authorities said they continue to actively investigate similar cases referred by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in which children and non-paying parents reside in different states and to pursue federal prosecution in appropriate cases.

Bell remains free on bond pending sentencing, which was scheduled for May 6 before U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly. Bell faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to evidence presented at the three-day trial, Bell, who has been regularly employed by various mortgage companies and luxury auto dealers, has never made a voluntary payment under a child support order.

Beginning with an administrative order in 1996 and a court order issued in 1999 in Du Page County, Bell has been obligated to pay $520 a month in child support.

However, between 1996 and 2007, he paid a total of less than $25,000, all of which was garnished from his wages, resulting in an arrearage, plus interest, of $65,319.

Evidence showed that at times during this period, Bell had income in excess of $100,000 a year, and that between 2000 and 2006, he had available funds totaling more than $372,000, including more than $73,000 in gambling winnings.

The testimony of four witnesses – three former girl friends and a golf partner – showed that Bell spent lavishly on luxury cars, clothes, shoes and golf.

The government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shoshana Gillers and Edward Kohler. The Du Page County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the case.

At sentencing, the Court will determine the appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Manzullo Explains “No” Vote on Stimulus Package

Here is 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo’s explanation of why he voted against the Democratic Party’s “economic stimulus” bill. It was received yesterday.

McHenry County’s other federal representative, Melissa Bean, voted for the legislation.

Manzullo Supports Job-Creating Tax
Relief, Opposes Jobless Spending Spree

(WASHINGTON) Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) will vote later today for an alternative economic stimulus bill that focuses on job-creating tax relief that will re-start manufacturing and put Americans back to work. He will oppose the bloated $1.1 trillion Democrat leadership bill chocked full of questionable spending programs that will saddle future generations with massive debt without stimulating our economy or creating jobs.

The vote is expected later this afternoon.

“Americans have had enough of our government’s wasteful spending practices starting with the ineffective $850 billion Wall Street bailout and continuing with this $1.1 trillion non-stimulus spending spree,” Manzullo said.

“Let’s empower Americans to lead the economic recovery by putting more of their money back in their pockets so they can re-invest it in our communities.”

Despite being promoted as a job-creating infrastructure bill, the bill brought by House Democrat leaders sets aside $30 billion – just 4 percent – for road funding.

The State of Illinois is expected to get just $1 billion of that money, which is less than half the normal federal road money allocation to the states.

In fact, the State of Illinois is still sitting on $6.2 billion in federal gas tax monies Congress gave to the state in 2005 because the state has not been able to agree on a capital plan.

And because there is no opportunity to designate the road funding for specific projects, all the money will go to the state, which historically has ignored northern Illinois’ road needs outside of Chicago.

Instead, the Democrat leadership bill is chocked full of hundreds of billions of dollars of spending increases on programs that have nothing to do with stimulating the economy or creating jobs.

Spending increases for these programs should be debated during the normal appropriations process, not as part of an emergency spending bill. Some of the questionable spending in the stimulus bill that doesn’t create jobs includes:

  • $335 million to fight Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
  • $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts.
  • $400 million to study climate change.
  • $650 million dollars for additional coupons for digital TV converter boxes, all made overseas.
  • $1 billion for a post-analysis of the 2010 census.

Manzullo will support an alternative bill that cuts taxes for all working Americans and would create 6.2 million jobs, twice the President’s goal.

With this rate reduction, a working couple could save up to $3,400 a year in taxes they could re-invest into the economy and create jobs. Manzullo also supports significant tax incentives to encourage America’s job-creating small businesses to put Americans back to work; a $7,500 tax credit to encourage Americans to buy a home; and a $5,000 tax credit to encourage Americans to buy a new vehicle.

“The best way to stimulate our economy and put Americans back to work is to let Americans keep more of their hard-earned money so they can re-invest it back into the economy,” Manzullo said.

“Unfortunately, the bill presented to us by House Democrats today spends an enormous amount of money with little job creation, shouldering our children and grandchildren with massive debt in the future.”

Message of the Day – Footprints

It had not snowed much for a fair amount of time when the First United Methodist Church of Crystal Lake’s Cub Scout Pack 158 went to BSA Camp Lakota last weekend.

I was struck by the shadows of the footprints that covered this field.

They were not made by our crew. They were there when we arrived Friday night.

Change the color and it might be mistaken for a beach.

But the footprints were not everywhere.

As you can see from the photo below, they were not on the volley ball court.

“I’ve Got a Front Row Seat and It’s Not For Sale”

The McHenry County Republican Central Committee met last night at the VFW in Woodstock and, according to County GOP Chairman Mike Tryon, for the first time in memory, there was a quorum for a mid-winter meeting.

After giving a power point review of election results, the most dramatic slides of which showed counties carried by George W. Bush in 2004 and by John McCain last fall, Tryon tried to give a report on what is going on it Springfield.

“I don’t even know where to start,” he said, before getting off the best line of the night:

“I’ve got a front row seat
and it’s not for sale.”

Laughter filled the room.

Tryon then gave something of a rebuttal to Governor Rod Blagojevich’s media blitz.

He pointed out that the state constitution does not say those impeached have to have committed a criminal act.

“It just says you have to have cause.”

The Crystal Lake representative suggested that the Governor’s own words on TV:

“I’ve never been able to work with the House,”

talking about expanding health care beyond what was authorized by the General Assembly, for instance, was sufficient cause.

“That’s why you’re getting impeached,” Tryon said.

“The guy doesn’t work with the General Assembly. It finally caught up to him.”

“If the Senate doesn’t remove him, I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed with the Democratic Party,” he added.

Tryon also made a pitch for the annual Lincoln Day Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 7th. The cost is $100 apiece, $175 per couple.

Congressman Mark Kirk and Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna will be guest speakers. Reservations may be made by calling 815-344-4559. Next Tuesday is the deadline.

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In the photo, you see State Rep. Mike Tryon standing, with Vice Chairman Kathy Kuchta and and Ways & Means appointed Vice Chair Blake Hobson sitting below him.

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