A press from Grafton Township Assessor candidate Al Zielinski:
Al Zielinski
Candidate for Grafton Township Assessor predicts two blizzards in October!
HUNTLEY, IL (October 8, 2012) – Alan Zielinski, candidate for Grafton Township Assessor, is predicting not one, but two blizzards for Sunday, October 21, 2012.
In addition to specifying the precise day, he’s also predicting their exact time and location!
Zielinski’s prediction is for “a blizzard of fuzzy white dogs coinciding with a blizzard of kindness.”
Both will occur at Sammy’s Bar & Grill located on the northeast corner of Route 47 and Coral Street in Huntley between Noon and 4:00 P.M. How can he be so sure? The first blizzard will be provided by Zielinski’s campaign staff of fuzzy white rescue dogs and their rescue pals. Zielinski believes he knows Grafton Township residents well enough that they’ll be providing the second.
Samir Abdullai, owner of Sammy’s, will start the “blizzard of kindness” by offering up to 25 burger plates each hour to anyone needy/hungry enough to request them.
The balance of the meals’ cost is being paid for by Zielinski’s campaign.
All the donors ask is that the requestors be truly needy and residents of Grafton Township.
Both Abdullai and Zielinski believe “Charity begins at home.”
The second blizzard is predicted to intensify because Zielinski is combining this event with a food drive benefitting the Grafton Township Food Pantry.
Each non-perishable item donors bring will qualify as an entry in a raffle for up to three residential appraisals/property assessment appeals. Those carry a value of up to $995 each plus the annual property tax savings owners might receive.
“It’s a unique campaign donation event” Zielinski said.
“Rather than accepting donations, we’re contributing to convey our commitment to one of my campaign promises: helping the hungry.”
With the holidays (and property assessments) looming, please stop by to help the less fortunate and possibly win a valuable appraisal/appeal representation. Even if you don’t win the raffle, you’ll walk away knowing you contributed to a memorable event that benefitted the hungry. Given Sammy’s friendly staff and tasty food, you’ll also be thankful you discovered a wonderful Huntley business worthy of your patronage throughout the year.
Zielinski’s campaign staff wants to convey that research has shown that petting a dog reduces a human’s stress and blood pressure. Combine that with the warm feeling you’ll get from donating and this event could make you a calm and stress-free person.
Learning about Zielinski’s plans for accurate assessments, zero appeals and a Taxpayer Bill of Rights will deepen your peace of mind!
# # #
Please visit www.Al-for-Assessor.com/meetme.html
for more information on this and other events. Thank you!
Interesting promotion Cal.
Zielinski promoting a food pantry in our community is awesome.
Curious . . . are the food donations going to the Grafton Food Pantry OR to the food pantry that Linda started after she ran the Grafton Food Pantry out of the township offices on Vine Street?
If the donations are going to the later, how many residents have been helped by Linda?
The pantry was taken out by the previous administrator and a village trustee helped.
No need to thank me for correct information.
From 4/16/2009 BEFORE Linda took office. Linda wanted the food pantry OUT. Boo Yah!
“There were a couple of disturbing (to me) items placed on the agenda of the Grafton Township Annual Meeting.
Item K. “Should Grafton Township provide space in any future town hall to be constructed on Haligus Road in LITH, IL, for purposes OTHER than the administration of township business?”
AND
Item L. “Should Grafton Township enter into any leases for leasing of space in any of its facilities TO THIRD PARTIES?”
Both of these items pertain to the Food Pantry and were placed on the agenda by newly elected Township Supervisor Linda Moore. Moore has written “I fully support having a food pantry.” Moore goes on to write “Multiple locations have been found at a resonable cost to house the pantry IF THERE IS A NEED FOR IT.” These comments were written by Moore in response to a letter from a concerned food pantry volunteer and was published in the Northwest Herald. Moore does not explain in public her reason for ditching the food pantry or, as township supervisor, what her agenda/vision is. Moore goes on to write “Please contact me to discuss this situation” and “Please contact me if you would like to be part of finding a solution, I will collect your contact information and we will work together to find a solution.”
INTERESTING! First you have a “problem”, then you come up with a “solution”. That “problem” is Moore kicking out the food pantry. Moore asks others for a solution.”
The link:
http://www.huntleyneighbors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95867&highlight=food+pantry
LuvLuv Linda, repeating lies will not make them come true!
Check the minutes of the 2009 Grafton Annual Meeting for Item K and Item L.
Linda wanted the food pantry out of the township offices. End of story.
It would appear that you are more involved than I thought. Running for office are you?
Zoro – the facts (minutes) don’t lie.
Do some research.
Read the minutes.
I ask you, as a supporter of Moore and with all due respect, what has she accomplished during her time in office?
The stop building law suit was before she was elected.
Has there been anything of note during her term in office?
It’s very disturbing to see how visceral and bellicose some in Grafton Township have become, even to the point of missing the point that there are enough people in need that even TWO food pantries couldn’t keep up.
Rather than casting aspersions about events from THREE AND A HALF YEARS AGO, why not concentrate on the real issue TODAY: helping people who can use our help NOW.
In the process, we might get Grafton Township back on its feet as a highly efficient operating agency that uses its tax dollars to benefit its residents versus filling the pockets of lawyers.
Ha, ha ha, aha hahahah ha ha ah ha!!!!
There it is again….
ZERO APPEALS!
Stop it Al, you are making me laugh so hard it hurts.
OH – one more thing…
You are Donating a couple of Assessment Appeals as raffle prizes???
Valued at how much??? $995 each.
You are aware that taxpayers can appeal for FREE right?
And that Mr. Ottley already HELPS ANY GRAFTON RESIDENT that feels they may be over assessed for any reason… FOR FREE right?
So you are charging people for a service that is FREE from the assessors office that you want to run?
Curious, will appeal assistance have a price on it if you take office?
Unless people want to be charged with a crime under 225 ILCS 458/5-5(a), they CANNOT do what is being offered.
McHenry County’s Board of Review rule III(C)3 states: “The best evidence of fair cash value (in lieu of a recent usable sale price of a subject itself) is a professional appraisal…”
Per Illinois statute [ibid.], that can only be provided by a certified appraiser (which the current assessor is not).
Is the current assessor “training” people to appraise so they can provide an appraisal as their appeal evidence?
If not, your comment is completely baseless, irrelevant and even laughable.
The current assessor isn’t being honest with people about the potential pitfalls and their odds of success when appealing on equity.
Appealing and prevailing are two distinctly separate issues.
Here’s a page describing some of the pitfalls:
http://www.assessmentbusters.com/whywewin.html
Should/when they fail in their appeals, he’ll do another dance and blame the Board of Review.
With the incumbent, inaccurate assessments are never his fault.
If the assessor had displayed even a modicum of a work ethic during the past several years of the housing correction, taxpayers wouldn’t be forced to appeal.
Property values didn’t fall off a cliff, they gradually declined.
Therefore, blaming the state’s “three-year rule” doesn’t resolve the issue.
Wasting tax dollars “training” people to compensate for and correct his laziness is not an admirable undertaking.
Finally, this article isn’t about appeals; it’s about helping the less fortunate.
If you have an issue with me doing that, I’d welcome continuing our dialog.
But at least have the courtesy and courage to post under your own name.
Dear Al,
I based my assessment appeal on recent sales of my home’s model.
Are you saying I have done something ILLEGAL?
Because, that is what it sounds like you are implying by your post!
Why are there so many options to base an appeal on?
These options are CLEARLY PRINTED on the appeal form from MCHENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Please note that I have posted under my name and am now concerned that I have done something illegal.
I do not live in Grafton Township, but a neighboring township.
This is what I was directed to base my appeal on by not only MY ASSESOR, but also the COUNTY ASSESSOR.
Have I misunderstood your post, or are you using some sort of scare tactic on residents of Grafton to simply gain a job??
If the latter is true, I find that disgusting and appalling that you would stoop so low!
And, YES, IT IS FREE TO FILE AN APPEAL!(EASY TOO!!)
This is my name as far as you are concerned!
And Seiously???…
People will not commit a crime for filing an appeal.
Are you that arrogant or just that ignorant that you will not or cannot accept this simple fact?
You are again showing how little you know about the job you want.
People file appeals on their own behalf in every township in IL every year.
You don’t need a degree to know that property values are dropping.
You don’t need to appraise anything to file an appeal based on comparable sales, comparable values, or a recent purchase of a property!
Stop twisting and misquoting legal stuff to try an scare people.
You can file an appeal on your own, and it’s no crime for anyone to do so!
It is also no crime for Assessor Ottley to show people how to do it if they want.
As a tax payer, I plan to file an appeal anytime I think I can get a reduction.
It’s FREE for me to do it, and if I win, I will save money on my taxes.
I don’t care who the assessor is at the time.
There will always be averages, and wiggle room when using mass appraisal techniques (as the assessors must use) because there is no way that an assessors office can “professionally appraise 10,000 or 20,000 houses” each and every year.
Zero Appeals – and everytime someone buys a house for less than the assessed value if you were ever in office – do you expect them to wait around for you to appraise their property?
Heck NO – they will file an appeal – because the best indicator of fair cash value is not a hokey appraisal that was manufactured to be just the same exact number as my loan request – but the actual arms length purchase price of the deal between me and the other guy!
Appraisers are always making home values perfectly suited to the mortgage lenders needs – try to deny it, and I will show you every home sold to a family that couldn’t really afford it that is now being forclosed as evidence that the industry was crooked.
You want zero appeals – go run for an assessors position in a township with zero educated tax payers and zero people like you that charge people for something they can do for FREE themselves! In Grafton, we know that we can appeal, and with property values dropping faster than the 3 year averages that assessors use – we will more than likely win!
BTW – giving food to people is great if they need it and are hungry.
I support your efforts there, but giving away a FREE appeal package… makes me laugh almost as hard as Joe Biden at a VP Debate!
“Visceral and bellicose???”
Did you attend last night’s Grafton meeting Cal?
FEN is reporting that Linda has “misplaced” $30-$40K from the township budget.
Linda appeared clueless.
Linda has been paying township bills with money from the General Assistance account!
AL, be careful who you hitch your wagon to (ie cross promotion between you, Linda, and her food pantry). Hitch your wagon to a train wreck and your wagon gets wrecked in the process.
http://www.firstelectricnewspaper.com/2012/10/grafton-trustees-call-for-court-style.html
“People will not commit a crime for filing an appeal.”
Never said they would.
Your first discrepancy.
“You can file an appeal on your own, and it’s no crime for anyone to do so! It is also no crime for Assessor Ottley to show people how to do it if they want.”
Never claimed either of the above.
Your second and third discrepancies.
My post conveyed appealing based on equity has numerous shortcomings and provided the link to the rationale.
“…and everytime someone buys a house for less than the assessed value if you were ever in office – do you expect them to wait around for you to appraise their property?”
Your fourth discrepancy.
There’s no need for an appraisal based on my previously quoted Board of Review rule III(C)3.
My office would, however, have noticed the sale do to my planned monthly MLS and County Recorder screenings.
Because of my work ethic, it’s unlikely the sales price would be very far off from the property’s assessment because assessments are, by law, expected to represent fair cash value.
Therefore, even with sales, if the assessor is doing his job there’s no sound basis to appeal.
“but giving away a FREE appeal package…”
Your fifth discrepancy.
The raffle prizes are for appraisals and appeal packages based on McHenry County’s Board of Review stated best evidence.
Nonetheless, I’m glad my post brought some levity to your life.
The axiom “Simple minds, simple pleasures.” rings perfectly true in your case.
Numerous other wild discrepancies exist in your post but responding further is a waste of my time.
However, your discrepancies clearly convey you will benefit from a remedial reading course.
One last time: this article is about my attempt to help people.
If you have issues with my campaign, please post them to the editor so we can debate those in the proper thread.
Yes, visceral and bellicose.
There have been numerous attempts to politicize my endeavors to feed the hungry and I’ll have none of it.
I will work with anyone who can help put a meal in a hungry child’s mouth.
Let me state that again for emphasis: anyone.
The assessor’s office should remain politically independent.
I requested endorsements from all three candidates for Supervisor and none responded.
Therefore, my “wagon” is tied to no one other than the beleaguered taxpayers of Grafton Township.
They deserve much better than they’ve received.
That fact is vividly conveyed by the first two paragraphs of your article link.
Is that the caliber of “professional” Grafton Township taxpayers deserve?!
The answer is “NO!” and that’s the essence of my campaign: an educated, ethical, experienced and empathetic assessor.
In light of the article, I’ll also toss-in professional and courteous…
“Assessor Bill Ottley called the Grafton Supervisor a liar and trustees charged her Township financial records were a shambles at Thursday’s chaotic monthly Board meeting.
Ottley was so incensed he began berating Supervisor Linda Moore even before the meeting began.”
I can read well enough…
Well enough to read through the lines of your ” Malarkey ”
You twist and tweak like politicians sometimes do.
I am going to enjoy our continued discussions.
AL – Have you seen any record keeping regarding Linda’s “food pantry?” Financials and such?
Who and how many in our community it has it served?
I’m just wondering out loud because Linda can’t perform the duties of her real, full-time job. How is she able to properly run a food pantry?
Repeating at yesterday’s meeting Linda couldn’t account for $30-$40K; she is using the General Assistance account to pay other bills. GA is to be used to help the needy in our township, NOT to pay the township’s cable bill or to buy thousands of more postage stamps.
Just saying.
You say “There have been numerous attempts to politicize my endeavors to feed the hungry and I’ll have none of it.”
But, you are promoting yourself with your Oct. 21st event as you run for office AND collect food that you will turn over to Linda.
I know, you want to feed the hungry.
There may be better options.
Did you ask around at church?
As far as your comments about Mr. Ottley, I’m hoping you never have the chance to walk in Mr. Ottley’s shoes, working in the same building with Linda.
Ever wonder what that must be like?
To Mike St.Ells:
You did nothing illegal.
A careful reading of my post would’ve made that clear.
My post cited specific statutes and Board of Review rules so “implications” were not required.
Your appeal was/should have been made under McHenry County’s Board of Review rule III(C)4; it’s familiar term is “equity appeal.”
Anyone can do that, just like anyone can extract a problem tooth…
However, as my post and reference conveys, prevailing at the hearing is not straightforward.
Most appeals are denied based on McHenry County’s Board of Review rule III(C)2, “insufficient evidence.”
My comment about 225 ILCS 458/5-5(a) dealt with the clarification required by the poster who chose not to read carefully and quote me accurately.
The raffle prizes for our event are appeals based on APPRAISALS.
Those can be made only by someone certified by the state of Illinois.
Further, if an appeal is made under rule III(C)3, the appraiser is required to testify at the hearing:
McHenry County’s Board of Review rule III(C)3(a).
If our 30 years of valuation expertise and winning appeal record can be of value to you, please visit our web site: http://www.AssessmentBusters.com
Regarding the issues facing Grafton Township.
From my previous post:
“I will work with anyone who can help put a meal in a hungry child’s mouth.
Let me state that again for emphasis: anyone.”
Our event’s focus is the Grafton Township hungry.
What if the Grafton Township Pantry fed only 100 people? Only 10 people?
It is still serving the people of Grafton Township.
Our event isn’t about efficiency, it’s about putting food on needy people’s tables for the holidays and beyond.
Below is a verbatim quote from my e-mail regarding this event.
“While there might have been some potential confusion in the past with the Grafton Food Pantry, their recent merger with Huntley’s Faith Community Church resolved that.”
Our 10/21 event at Sammy’s is non-denominational.
My campaign already broached the concept of a similar, faith-based, event with our parish this past Monday.
We’ll be making a similar announcement once we finalize details with St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Our campaign won’t stop at one event to help the hungry so there will be ample opportunity for everyone to contribute at whichever venue they feel most comfortable.
In 40 years of business, I’ve learned to minimize friction and successfully work with all types of personalities.
Unlike the present assessor, I’ve always maintained decorum and a high standard of professionalism.
I often bit my tongue out of respect for the company for whom I worked.
Grafton Township’s taxpayers deserve the same levels of respect and professionalism.
You don’t want to file an appeal based on equity these days, when the county has increased assessments on every property in Grafton.
Interesting that most people that filed an appeal I talked too, said they won last year basing it on comparable sales using Ottleys website…and his staffs help! All of which was FREE!
Filing on equity when properties are assessed equally doesn’t do much good and you may lose, which Al is trying to make you believe is happening to everyone (not true). However, filing on comparable sales when house prices are dropping faster than Newtons apple…that makes for a winning appeal in McHenry County!
No degree, no appraisal, and no $995.00 payable to “Mr. advertising my business and trying to scare people into using his services and voting for him” required!
And by the way…giving a free hamburger to anyone that “asks for it”…sounds an awful lot like you are trying to buy votes with a cheesy burger line! Feed the hungry privately without the press and you earn my respect. Do it as a campaign promotion, and it makes you look like you can’t get any votes otherwise? Perhaps that is the point though? Seriously??? – do it on the down low – let the media say “oh by the way…this is a good guy!” Then I like you more. Promote how much good work you do on your own…makes you look like you are only doing it for votes.
PS Cal – you may want to sell Mr. Z some advertising space, looks like he is promoting his business on your blog!
Guess one has to define “winning.”
If one wants to take guidance from someone who is so ignorant that (s)he doesn’t realize “filing on comparable sales” IS filing on equity, go for it…
Assessment equity is equity however defined, be it “comparable” sales or “comparable” properties.
Looks like remedial reading isn’t the poster’s only fertile ground for education!
Making the heroic assumption there’s even a grain of truth from the inane poster above, (s)he would have taxpayers walk away “winning” by maybe shaving a few thousand off the assessment while leaving perhaps four to five figures of over-assessment still on the table.
As our web site correctly conveys, “Would that “similar enough” property (and therefore yours) really sell for three times the assessed value? Only a certified appraiser can say for sure.”
That’s why assessments aren’t used for mortgages, estates, the IRS or anything other than property tax: appraisals are way more accurate.
The previously-quoted Board rule III(C)(3) says so in such clear language that perhaps even one day the above poster will be able to assimilate it.
Until one organizes their own event(s) to feed the needy, one should keep their counsel to themselves about how others help the less fortunate.
You can help feed anyone you want – but this is clearly a campaign stunt.
And if you look at the appeal filing documentation published by the McHenry County Board of Review – you can appeal on similar assessment values or comparable sales values. Most people will win using sales not the assessments!
You can try to twist and turn the words…but Seriously??? Do you think you are the only one in the world that knows how to win an appeal? And if you get your clients assessments to drop through the floor, where does that tax burden go…to everyone else! If many people appeal and win, then everyone is almost forced toodo so as well, just to keep up. ZERO APPEALS….still think so? Wanna bet a cheeseburger on it?
So I am saying this: “No matter what you say or do, people will appeal the high tax bills, if there is even a hope of a lower tax bill.” Eating noodles and rice everyday is becoming normal for many with all the current expenses. So
I may not speak politician, appraiser, or lawyer lingo – but I do speak TRUTH!
So stop worrying about how well I can read your over bloated and self serving posts, and start worrying about how you can rake in more $995 Grafton Township rip offs from the residents you hope to someday serve!
I refuse to continue mental combat with an unarmed opponent.
As previously stated TWICE, this article is about my attempt to help people.
If feeding the hungry was a “stunt,” why haven’t many more candidates done it?
If you have issues with my campaign, please post them to the editor in a separate thread.
Oh that line is sure to win you some votes.
If you really want to help people explain this:
A typical appraisal costs $200-300. (easy to verify – call a mortgage lender)
The appeal paperwork is FREE.
The help to fill it out is FREE.
The postage costs about $6-10 for a certified mailing.
The copies cost about $5.
So you are charging $995 for something I can get from any appraiser in IL for about $315.
As for you attending the hearing – that is not required by law. Many homeowners submit an appraisal as evidence without ever even going to the hearings. You can also appeal solely on having an appraisal.
So you over charge people 500-600 for what? Your outstanding personality?
Or because you want to represent them in their 15 minute hearing where your opinion is already on paper? So you can collect $500 for your drive time and 15 minutes of watching the Board of Review do their job?
Or is it because like on these blog posts – you just like to hear yourself speak?
Your last error worthy of a comment…
“As for you attending the hearing – that is not required by law.”
Below is McHenry Board rule III(C)(3)(c).
“Except for homestead property, appraisal testimony offered to prove the
valuation asserted may be given only by a preparer of the appraisal whose
signature appears thereon.”
While technically correct, your approach leaves the property owner in a very precarious position of trying to answer the Board’s questions of “Why was that comparable selected?” or “How was that adjustment determined?”, etc.
The Board requires appraisers be present for all other types of properties and numerous very good reasons exist for that requirement.
While people can argue their case pro se in a court of law, that’s not such a great idea either…
Your free education at my expense now ceases.
…and in your own words you admit I am “Technically Correct”
Interesting that you chose to ignore that you are over charging people for stuff they can get for FREE! Or at least at 1/3 of your prices if they want an appraisal.
As for your quote: Of course, only the appraiser that performed the appraisal can defend it… no other appraiser would have done the homework to know if other comps exist. But that is not what we were discussing.
You again are twisting the words/rules to try and show that rule III blah blah blah…says that only the guy that signed it can present it! NOT TRUE – only he can say why he did it the way he did – but the appraisal speaks for itself in the hearing.
It DOES NOT SAY – that the appraiser has to be there or else its a CRIME as you indicated above.
The Board does not expect home owners to be appraisers.
It does not expect them to be lawyers.
It does not expect them to be anything other than concerned citizens looking for a fair shake.
You sir – can twist and shout all you want, and as for your FREE education – I expect that I will someday get a bill for $995, your going rate for information I can get for FREE by reading Assessor Ottleys website and the McHenry Board “How to file an appeal” on the Mchenry County Website. Try to teach me something with some substance and less “Political Malarkey” and I might actually pay attention in class.
But the NEXT time you want to talk half truths – call Linda, between the two of you – we might get one real answer!
So ends this session – Like a home owner appealing on recent sales these days…
I win!
In your trite little world, that’s a memorable victory; savor it because it’s likely one of the few delusions of yours that are harmless.
For the literate readers of this blog, of which there are many, below are a few closing clarifications.
My previous clarifications were crystal-clear to unbiased readers.
The rules/statutes were never “twisted;” to the contrary, they were quoted verbatim with citations provided.
Words were never taken out of context.
Appraisal fees:
Because I’m approved by the Veterans Administration, and nobody gets a better deal than our Veterans, our charges are per the VA fee schedule for Illinois.
“Fee Type: Single Family Residence, $425.00.”
Source: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/fee_timeliness.asp
Click on Illinois.
Value of our raffle:
A direct quote from our press release and this blog’s correct posting of it follows.
“Those carry a value of up to $995 each plus the annual property tax savings owners might receive.”
Please note the “up to” clarification so conveniently overlooked by the pugnacious poster.
(S)he also overlooked the taxpayers’ savings in subsequent years from a true market value, i.e., appraisal appeal.
I never stated an appraisal is the best evidence, merely conveyed the McHenry County Board of Review’s confirmation that it is!
Our appraisal/appeal services range from $595 to $995.
Most subdivision homes are $595.
That leaves $175 for completing the appeal forms, driving to Woodstock, appearing on the taxpayer’s behalf and providing expert witness testimony during the hearing.
Our clients believe that’s a very fair arrangement and provides them a huge return on their investment.
We have yet to encounter a dissatisfied client.
$995 applies only to highly-complex properties.
The potential savings on those parcels almost ensures a less than one year payback.
We hope many of you will come to Sammy’s event this Sunday from Noon to 4 PM for the stated reason: to help feed the hungry.
Thank you!
Mr Zielinski,
Thank you for making things very clear for me.
Your above comments have shed some light, for me, as to the kind of man you are.
As a registered voter in Grafton Township, I will no longer consider you a viable candidate.
Al, it appears your true self is coming through in your responses and you sound a bit harsh (like a jerk), very similar to Joe Walsh. IMHO, this is a real contradiction . . . you say you want to help and feed people, yet it appears you are incapable of being civil. That’s interesting.
Harsh?
Because I called-out a blog bully for what (s)he is?
I’m capable of being extremely civil and usually am.
My last post was purely educational with the exception of the first line.
The first line was there because this exchange was never about “winning.”
That smacked of total selfishness on the part of the pugnacious poster.
It was all about him/her, not the people who need a warm meal.
To that, I took offense because it’s reprehensible.
If someone wants to post under multiple pseudonyms, so be it.
However, his/her lack of full disclosure directly correlates with a complete vacuum of integrity.
As stated above, I’ve come to notice blogs sometimes foster “bullying.”
Continually taking words out of context and/or misquoting are prime examples.
I chose not to be bullied so I responded accurately, with clarity and openly posting my name.
I’m running for office because Grafton Township taxpayers deserve an assessor who doesn’t hire his family and will break more than a bead of sweat making sure everyone’s assessments are current and accurate.
I’m proud of, and stand by, my character; that’s why all my postings are under my real name.
If anyone wants to meet me and discover the person I am firsthand, you know where I’ll be this Sunday afternoon from Noon to 4 PM.
Al, you SAY you can be civil with and work with anyone, but, your comments in this thread tell the truth.
In post after post, you have belittled other posters, constituents in Grafton Township, the ones that you would be working for, should you win.
You have shown yourself to be rude and condescending, and, no, you are not simply telling truths and explaining, you are attempting to bully people into submission who question you (by insulting their intelligence and other scathing remarks, of which you really have no idea – yes, you seem to be the bully on the thread).
It is nice to say you will work with others, but, you have proven in this thread that you need your own sandbox, and, cannot work with others (at least, not with others that have other viewpoints, or, that simply question you).
Very disappointed, in Grafton Township.
“In 40 years of business, I’ve learned to minimize friction and successfully work with all types of personalities.”
But not if they post under an anonymous name.
“Unlike the present assessor, I’ve always maintained decorum and a high standard of professionalism.”
Yes using lines like – trite little world, for the literate readers and pugnacious posters are all examples of professionalism.
“I often bit my tongue out of respect for the company for whom I worked.”
Was this banter an example of you biting you tongue?
“Grafton Township’s taxpayers deserve the same levels of respect and professionalism.”
You are absolutely correct, thank you for pointing that out!!!
Should anyone with an open mind read this thread, I’ll stand by my postings and choice of words.
They’ll quickly see my replies to Seriously???’s eight posts were measured and based on fact
“I’m capable of being extremely civil and usually am.”
I would think someone running for office would be civil ALL of the time, under EVERY circumstance.
Should you win the election, I would hesitate to enter the assessor’s office with a question or for help with an appeal.
My hesitation is based on how you responded here.
It’s one thing to keep going after Assessor Ottley, as you want his job.
It’s another thing to go after those that post here.
IMHO, a public servant needs to keep their attitude (character, as you called it) in check.
t’s becoming clearer and clearer to my why all three candidates for Supervisor would not answer your request for an endorsement.
Unbiased people who read the entire “story” will reach a conclusion with which I’m ok.
They will have no problem entering my office for assistance when I’m elected.
Besides, because I’ll be doing my job, they won’t need to because their assessments will be current, fair and accurate.
I’m not a politician who says what people want to hear.
I’m an ethical, highly-analytical person who relies on facts, sticks-up for himself when attacked and doesn’t hide behind a pseudonym.
….if ONLY the “un-biased” were voting, you’d be in good shape, Mr Zielinski.
The facts are that both the “biased” and “un-biased” are reading this thread.
Do you realize that by saying someone is biased you are, thereby, calling yourself biased? Only the un-biased can look at two scenarios and accept them both for and in spite of their differences.
Are YOU so closed minded that you’d rather debate with a VOTER rather than appeal to their concerns?
You behave as though you’ve already got this job.
I’d suggest you play a little nicer.
You will win no points with the “biased” by making demeaning remarks when challenged in a public forum.
You may stand by your character but you’re posts speak volumes.
I’m basing my vote purely on how you responded to another resident.
Although I care that the office of assessor is run correctly, I also care that everyone is treated with respect regardless of which side of the debate you’re on.
I want someone who is going to be more approachable in this office. I don’t want any more drama and it seems that that’s what we’ll get if you’re elected.
IMO you were extremely condescending toward other posters. A better choice might have been to remove yourself from the conversation rather than engaging in a flame war.
I’m voting for Ottley.
I don’t expect to get everyone’s vote.
Those who will vote for me believe a highly-qualified, hard worker with the best interests of all Grafton Township property owners at heart will provide a better future for their families and businesses.
How many peeps stepped forward for free hamburgers?
How much food was donated to Linda?
Al – for your information… I use a fake name for one reason, and one reason only!
If by some miracle, you WIN the election…
I don’t want you RAISING my assessment and costing me extra money on my taxes every year. You have to admit, that is a risk, and it’s not worth taking.
The day after you lose…look me up, I will be happy to say hello face to face and out in the open.
And as a side note: Why is it that you request I use my real name? When you have many different business names yourself? The FEN article posted today says you use at least three, but after looking, I see many “appraisal business” names that all have you as the only staff member, listed to the same address.
Seems to me the only people that change their business name this much are the storm chasing contractors that the AG shuts down for ripping people off. Is that the type of business person you are? 6 different aliases for your business, yet you complain because for good reason, I have one?
Don’t believe me look it up for yourself people?
Oh – and it looks like you and LINDA MOORE are good friends too? She was working your table and handing out materials at your “feed the hungry” non-political event?
I told you it was a political stunt, and you try to bash me for it! You have been busted, and now the public has you and Linda in the same boat!
You can’t deny that you and she are partnered up in this any longer. It was also interesting that Sammys would not let you and Linda on their property after they learned the truth!
ANYTHING TO SAY NOW?
FUNNY how you say none of the supervisor candidates will support you, but there’s LINDA right smack dab in the middle of your political event!
…YOU LOSE! And I didn’t even have to bust you on this myself…but I was going too!
Because unlike you…I was allowed to eat at Sammys! I may have even said hello to you at your event. Try to remember the people you met now. I may have even said…Seriously??? when you spoke to me… but I won’t tell you if it was really me yet… remember…my taxes might go up? Or worse… Linda might have her attorney sue me for you!
Feel free to try and wiggle out of this…
It might be fun to read…
I won’t respond to the derogatory “peeps” comment.
I treat the needy with more respect.
The turnout was nice.
he most impressive fact was that two families stopped by to see the dogs, learned what we were doing, went home and came back to make significant donations.
Regarding the foolishness, below is an excerpt from my posting on FEN.
“Ms. Moore’s presence was solely as a representative of the Grafton Township Food Pantry.
The Illinois Raffle Law requires a representative be present.
She was, dropped-off the U-Haul trailer used to store the donations, left and returned at 4PM to retrieve the trailer.
Many businesses have different divisions focused on different market segments; we’re no different.
In closing, one final clarification.
While there were attempts behind the scenes to achieve that end, Sammy never “backed-out of the event.”
Call Niko for confirmation.
Misguided people thought that would hurt my campaign but only served to penalize the intended beneficiaries of this event: Huntley’s needy.”
This comment was posted on The Huntley Patch:
4:30 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
Can you believe what a suprise it was when we drove past our office and found Mr. Zielinski’s group campainging outside of our business without permission on Sunday, October 21! Not only did they give a lame excuse about leaving messages to inform us that they were going to use our parking lot, but apparenlty left word in the message to contact them if it was NOT OK. What a big assumption to make! Mr. Zielinski wil NOT be getting our votes as he does not care enough to ask permission to use our lot for his campaining. Can you imagine what else he will not be asking permission for?
http://huntley.patch.com/articles/grafton-township-assessor-candidate-predicts-blizzard-in-october#comments
I sincerely apologize for using the word “peeps”.
I read your webpage description for Sunday’s event and made the mistake of getting caught up in YOUR use of ebonics. “WAASSS UP?” and “DA RULES” immediately caught my attention. My bad! How may burgers were served during your campaign stunt? Is there a tax liability connected to the winners of the $995 assessment raffle?
From Al’s campaign website (Alforassor):
The Infamous Huntley Blizzards of October, 2012
What: The “two infamous Huntley blizzards of October, 2012.”
When: Sunday, October 21, 2012 from Noon to 4 PM.
Where: Sammy’s Bar & Grill, the northeast corner of Route 47 and Coral Street in Huntley.
“WAASS UP?”
Sammy starts the “blizzard of kindness” by offering up to 25 burger plates each hour to anyone needy/hungry enough to request them. The balance of the meals’ cost is being paid for by our campaign. All the two donors ask is that anyone requesting the free meals be truly needy and residents of Grafton Township.
We’re combining this event with a food drive benefitting the Grafton Township Food Pantry. Each non-perishable item donors bring qualifies as an entry in a raffle for up to three residential appraisals/property assessment appeals. Those carry a value of up to $995 each plus the annual property tax savings owners might receive. The more you donate, the better your chances!
“It’s a unique campaign donation event.” Zielinski said. “Rather than accepting donations, we’re contributing to convey our commitment to one of my campaign promises: helping the hungry.”
Please come meet the Zielinski FWD (Fuzzy White Dogs) campaign staff, pet them, lower your blood pressure and stress level, perhaps win a very valuable prize but, most of all, help feed the needy this upcoming holiday season as you count your blessings.
DA RULES
1. Limit of one winning entry per property PIN (Property Identification Number).
2. Minimum of 100 non-perishable items are required for each raffle prize.
3. Winners are limited to Grafton Township residents and will be drawn the week of 10/21/2012.
4. That said, anyone can and is welcome to donate.
5. Entrants will be required to provide their name, address, e-mail address and a phone number.
6. An interior inspection of all improvements on the property will be required.
7. AssessmentBusters.com will work with the property owners to set a mutually agreeable time.
How vitriolic and petty some of you are amazes me.
Does anyone care their property has been mis-assessed for several years taking unwarranted money out of their pockets?
Does anyone care the incumbent has used the office as his personal employment agency for his family?
Ebonics??
“WAASSS UP?” was a play on the Budweiser Super Bowl commercial.
“DA RULES” “DA BEARS” What’s the difference?
The most important part of the above post:
“It’s a unique campaign donation event.” Zielinski said. “Rather than accepting donations, we’re contributing to convey our commitment to one of my campaign promises: helping the hungry.”
That we accomplished and are very proud of it.
Al, did you help yourself and set up in somebody else’s parking lot without getting their permission?
How long HAVE you resided in Grafton?
Do you own or rent a home in Grafton?
Do you own a home in Barrington, Lake Barrington?
Why do your websites show Barrington listed for your contact information?
Bo great question – let me help answer it with a bit of online searching I did, and just one phone call you can quickly find:
Lake County Treasurer and Cuba Township (Barringtons) Assessors Offices show:
Mr. Alan Zielinski is listed as the primary owner and is claiming the General Homestead Exemption this year on his Barrington property address.
Does anyone else know what that means?
This is not looking good.
Al, what you fail to realize is that to most of Grafton Township isn’t petty. They are concerned citizens that are fed up by the bull that they have been dished by those who have been elected into office, namely Linda Moore.
“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” is what is coming to mind right now.
The very people that you insult with your condescending banter are VOTERS, not blog trolls. The fact that you come out swinging instead of sitting back and addressing the concerns and questions of the VOTERS displays your character. Your character is not defined by your statements and your record. It is how you respond to us, the VOTERS in forums such as this.
Will you be attacked, absolutely. However, most politicians have enough sense of mind not to insult anyone…even when they disagree or are trying to get a point accross.
You have displayed a lack of respect for all those who have asked you questions and in the process managed to come off pretty condescending.
I agree with several others. Thank you for sharing your character in who you really are. You will not have my vote.
Sincerely,
An educated-unbiased reader
I’ve been trying to figure out where on earth Al lives? why won’t Al or that Michaelena answer it when they respond to other questions?
So I assume it is ok to run for elected office in Grafton, when your primary residence is elsewhere? Why be so secretive about it?
If Al claimed the exemption in Cuba township, was he lying then? or is he withholding information now?
It means he isn’t a Grafton resident and can’t run for office. Is that correct?
I would hope that Al Zielinski or that woman who posts on his behalf on some sites would address the issue of Al’s residency.
We know that for some portion of the current year, Al considers Lake Barrington his primary residence.
For the “Bob Woodward Wannabes,” some people have more than one residence; just ask the “Snow Birds” in Sun City.
The errant homeowner’s exemption will be rectified at my Lake County Board of Review appeal which was filed over a month ago.
Since making Grafton Township my home in 2011, I have more than enough residency to satisfy the requirement of 60 ILCS 1/55-5 (and incontrovertible evidence to prove it).
A big hint is the orange wristband I’m wearing in the picture above.
I had to be a resident of the township to get it for the Special Meeting and that was April, 2012.
Or…maybe you could have just asked someone you know that works for the township for one…
…and how nice of you to finally remember that there was an errant exemption on your Lake Barrington residence.
and yes…many people own two homes, but they can only claim the exemption on the primary residence.
Al Zielinski says:
10/11/2012 at 11:38 pm
If the assessor had displayed even a modicum of a work ethic during the past several years of the housing correction, taxpayers wouldn’t be forced to appeal.
You have filed an appeal in your old township. Does this mean that assessor has not displayed a modicum of work ethic? Did you seek election in that township?
Al, an April wristband may prove you lived here in April, doesn’t prove you meet the 12 month rule.
How interesting that now you mention that you are changing the Homestead exemption in Cuba Township. seems like quite an oversight for someone who wants to be an assessor.
Yes, some people have more than one residence, they normally aren’t just a few miles apart. hence the term ‘snow birds’.
And you can’t claim both as primary residences.
Earlier post: “Lake County Treasurer and Cuba Township (Barringtons) Assessors Offices show:
Mr. Alan Zielinski is listed as the primary owner and is claiming the General Homestead Exemption this year on his Barrington property address. Al, did you help yourself and set up in somebody else’s parking lot without getting their permission?”
Earlier unanswered post:”How long HAVE you resided in Grafton?
Do you own or rent a home in Grafton?
Do you own a home in Barrington, Lake Barrington?
Why do your websites show Barrington listed for your contact information?”
This guy is beginning to remind me of the former D-158 school board member (RIP) that carried lots of baggage.
He was involved in a traffic accident and was not carrying state mandated auto-insurance coverage.
Orange wristbands prove nothing considering that you could buy those online in advance *IF* you get inside info on what color will be used.
There’s too much lack of transparency from the supervisor’s office over the last four years just with the financials, so why wouldn’t wrist bands be any less questionable.
Roy,
Thank you for giving me a much better picture of just how deep the animosity and mistrust run in this township. I meant that sincerely.
Al, your last post seems delusional (to me) unless you forgot to finish your sentence. I’ll finish it with capital letters:
“Thank you for giving me a much better picture of just how deep the animosity and mistrust tun in this township TOWARDS ME, AL ZIELINSKI.”
Grafton voters are having a problem WITH YOU, AL ZIELINSKI.
This is not spillover from Linda Moore. Your failure to recognize that IT’S YOU is a concern. Poor personal insight? Delusions of Grandeur? I’m not sure of the name of the condition as I’m not really a psychiatrist; I just play one on the internet. You’re probably asking yourself “How could anyone have a problem with me, Al Zielinski? I’m wonderful! I really, really am!”
You have several business websites, offering several types of services. In ALL of them you list a Barrington address, not an address in Grafton township. You claimed a Homeowners Exemption in Barrington. You are telling everyone you live in Grafton and expect us to believe an excuse that “you forgot where you live?” It looks like you failed to get permission to use that parking lot where you held your political stunt over the weekend. You used it anyway. You started your campaign by going after Mr. Ottley then you began to go after various blog posters.
The website from one of your business, Rent a COO, lists
• Results not excuses
• Ethics & core values
• Dynamic leadership
• Broad knowledge
We are reading your excuses.
We are viewing your lack of detail.
There is a huge contradiction between what your say and what you do.
We are not buying what you are selling, Al Zielinski.
http://www.rentacoo.com/
Awesome Al’s not commenting today.
He’s at Jessie White’s getting a driver’s license that has a Grafton address.
My focus remains bringing accurate (and timely) assessments to the taxpayers of Grafton Township.
The well-being of the community is far more consequential than this banter.
Which community?
The one you live in or
the community you seek election in?
anyone else wonder why Al’s Lake Barrington propery entered Pre-Foreclosure in 2010?
http://ilfls.com/free/search_result.php?estate_id=271593
Al Zielinski says: “My focus remains bringing accurate (and timely) assessments to the taxpayers of Grafton Township. The well-being of the community is far more consequential than this banter.”
Then WHY are you STILL engaged in “this banter” on other websites?