DNC Viewing Party Memories

Written by: Maureen Stabile on Sep 1, 2008 4:59 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

On Thursday, August 28, my family and I joined a group of HanDI members and friends for an informal gathering at a private home in Streamwood to watch the final evening of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. This was the first HanDI-related event in the last couple of years for which I played no role in the planning or execution, having resigned the Steering Committee following the birth of my second child in June. OK, I will allow myself to brag just a bit -- I proposed the idea of having a DNC viewing party back in January, when the Steering Committee was planning the year’s activities. Other than that, however, all I had to do was show up and have fun! The host and her "helpers" were terrifically imaginative. Upon arrival, every partygoer made a donation and got a red, white or blue necklace and some Obama swag. The national colors were displayed everywhere -- signs in the yard, bunting, napkins, toothpicks, pinwheel toys, and even a cake with the Obama-Biden logo on the icing! In the house, two televisions were tuned to C-SPAN. Partygoers intent on hearing the speeches huddled around one set in the dining room, while those more inclined to talk to each other gathered in the den.

I will refrain from lengthy commentary on the content of the convention, other than to note that the cynic in me couldn't help but notice what was not included  in the biographical video preceding Obama's speech: his father's country of origin (although Obama did mention his dad's Kenyan nationality in the speech) and the years Obama spent growing up in Indonesia with his stepfather. In other words, they glossed over the stuff that makes Obama seem too "foreign." (Sigh) Also, I was impressed by Al Gore's note in his earlier speech that Abraham Lincoln was elected President when his only prior experience in political office consisted of 8 years in the Illinois legislature, plus a term in Congress -- just like Obama! I think Gore has found his true calling in academia and activism, but maybe there will be a place for him in the Obama administration. Gore for EPA Chairman!

My fellow partygoers gave a favorable reception to Obama's words in the closing speech -- as when David A. responded to a critique of McCain: "Hit 'em right between the eyes!" In her remarks to the assembled guests, HanDI Chairman Trudy Z. spoke with emotion about how Obama's address coincided with the 45th anniversary of MLK's speech during the march on Washington. She encouraged all of us to volunteer for local candidates during this election season -- including judicial candidate and HanDI member Ann Brady, also in attendance. State Senator Mike Noland chimed in that he is organizing local volunteers to go up to Wisconsin (a swing state) every weekend and campaign for Obama; he encouraged those interested to contact his office.

Everyone seemed impressed by the momentous nature of the occasion. More than one person commented that the children present were witnessing history. May they grow up in a world that is better thanks to President Obama and the citizens who elected him.

Cook County Sales Tax Rate

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Mar 7, 2008 1:02 AM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

WSJ:  Second City No More
March 5, 2008; Page A16

Over the weekend, Chicago lifted itself to the top of a tax dishonor roll: The city's cumulative sales-tax rate is now the steepest of any major metropolitan area in America, at 10.25%. That blows past the former valedictorian, Memphis (9.25%), as well as New Orleans (9%), Denver (8.6%), and even New York and Los Angeles. Congratulations.

After five months of budget skirmishing, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the new sales tax, to 1.75% from .75%, by a single vote. That's on top of Illinois's 6.25%, municipal Chicago's 1.25%, and a 1% transportation sales tax for Cook and the collar counties that takes effect later this year.

This is only the latest in a succession of Chicago tax increases: a November 2007 "fee increase" of some $270 million, a January 2008 real estate tax totaling $530 million, not to mention Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's $717 million in proposed tax increases statewide. Supposedly the deal -- Board President Todd Stroger was pushing for an increase twice as high -- will reduce the county's $234 million deficit.

Not so coincidentally, the $426 million that the county optimistically expects to collect each year will also fund somewhere between 700 or 800 new patronage jobs, and maybe more, which were lobbied for by the public-employees unions. A scathing report from a federal court monitor, released Friday, depicts rampant abuse in county hiring practices. Laurence Msall, president of the nonpartisan Chicago Civic Federation, argues that the county already spends its $3 billion budget irresponsibly, pointing to more than $100 million in possible reforms.

Mr. Msall notes dryly that the county is "not only refusing to tighten its belt, it's acting as if it doesn't have to wear a belt." Then again, it'd be business as unusual if patronage were somehow extracted from Chicago's machine politics. Too bad for the city's actual businesses and residents.

Pew Center: Illinois government is among the worst

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Mar 7, 2008 12:54 AM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

Daily Herald: Report says Illinois government is among worst

Associated Press Published: 3/4/2008 12:15 AM

SPRINGFIELD -- A messy state budget picture and constant fighting at the state Capitol have earned Illinois poor marks for governmental management and performance from a public interest watchdog group. The Washington, D.C.-based Pew Center on the States put Illinois near the bottom of its rankings in the report released Monday covering how well the 50 states manage their money, people, information and infrastructure.

Illinois received an overall grade of C, but that's only better than New Hampshire and Rhode Island and tied with six other states in the ratings basement. Illinois also scored worse than the B grades received by each of its five neighboring states.

The governor's office says the report mistakenly focuses more on politics than policy. But an Illinois-based watchdog group praised the report for vindicating its past warnings about an assortment of state government problems.

(Click Read More for the rest of this post)

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IL State Representative 56th District Paul Froehlich perfect “Fully Pro-Life” rating

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Jan 26, 2008 2:29 PM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

State Representative Paul Froehlich has spent the last five years in the Illinois House as a right-wing Republican.

Froehlich is an anti-abortion leader which has earned him the highest praise and endorsement of every right-wing organization in Illinois.  As it should.  After all, Froehlich believes that abortion should be illegal in Illinois and across the country, EVEN for victims of rape and incest.  Froehlich wants abortion to be a criminal act in Illinois. Froehlich supports amending both the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions to outlaw all abortions.  And should a woman want to prevent getting pregnant, Froehlich opposes women obtaining the “morning after pill” or Plan B over the counter.  Paul Froehlich believes that your pharmacist has every right to refuse to fill your prescriptions for birth control if that pharmacist has a “moral objection” to birth control.  Imagine you are a woman in rural southern Illinois and the only pharmacist in town lectures you on the immorality of birth control while refusing to fill your prescription.  You may have to drive 40-50 miles to next pharmacist, who may also have a religious objection to birth control.  Welcome to the world Paul Froehlich would like to legislate for you. 

Paul Froehlich opposes stem cell research to find cures for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and diabetes. 

Paul Froehlich supports the totally discredited right-wing “abstinence only” sexuality education in our schools. The misinformation these “abstinence only” programs promote endangers our children’s health.  No matter, because Paul Froehlich continues to press the right-wing agenda in Springfield.

A few months ago, Paul Froehlich decided to run for re-election---but as a Democrat.  It is now up to good Democrats and Independents to say “NO” to Paul Froehlich in the Democratic Primary on February 5th.  Anyone can vote in any primary election on February 5th.  By doing so, you will make sure that the Illinois General Assembly will be without one anti-abortion leader. And that would be a great thing for the women and families of Illinois.

On January 10, 2008, the Pioneer Press, in strongly opposing Froehlich’s re-election, stated, “The only one who truly stands to benefit from another term in office is Paul Froehlich.”  This editorial could have mentioned all of Froehlich’s right-wing friends who will benefit as well.  To see the anti-abortion endorsements of Froehlich for his perfect “Fully Pro-Life” rating, go to www.icl-life.com. Please note that Paul Froehlich, Mike Huckabee and Alan Keyes have the same perfect “Fully Pro-Life” right-wing ratings.  

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Terry Cosgrove
President & CEO
Personal PAC
203 N. Wabash #310
Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-422-0005
FAX: 312-422-0122

P.S. The U.S. Supreme Court is very close to overturning Roe v. Wade and returning the legality of abortion to state legislatures.  The very last thing we need is right-wing politicians like Paul Froehlich in the Illinois House at a time like this.  

Remember: It's Pro-choice or No Choice!
**************************************************************

Cook County Judicial Candidate Ratings

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Jan 21, 2008 4:45 AM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

By voting for qualified judges, you can help protect our courts.  Please remember that judges make decisions that affect our entire society as well as your well-being.  Each judge makes tens of thousands of decisions that can affect nearly everyone.  By protecting our courts, you are protecting yourself, your family, and your friends. 

Voteforjudges.org website has judicial evaluation results from the bar associations listed below who investigate, interview, and evaluate judicial candidates.

• Asian American Bar Association,
• Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago,
• Chicago Council of Lawyers,
• Cook County Bar Association,
• Decalogue Society of Lawyers,
• Hellenic Bar Association,
• Illinois State Bar Associaton
• Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago,
• Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois, and
• Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

The Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening rate the judicial candidates based on detailed information supplied by the candidates, a background check by trained lawyers/investigators, and interviews of each candidate.  Ratings reflect the Alliance’s opinion of whether candidates have the necessary qualifications for judicial service and are not a reflection of the candidates’ abilities as lawyers.  Candidates who do not participate in the process are found “not recommended” or “not qualified.”

These bar groups may provide the biographies of the judicial candidates and written explanations of the evaluation results on their bar website.

Check out voteforjudges.org website.

NOTE:  Hanover Township will be voting to fill 2 vacancies within the Thirteenth Subcircuit Court (Ryan and Tobin)

Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice sponsors this  judicial voter education effort.

Cook County State's Attorney - Voters beware

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Jan 21, 2008 2:30 AM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

From Jesse Jackson Jr. on State's Attorney race:

"Voters beware. The historic forces who rob taxpayers and call tax opponents "racist" are now gearing up to keep control of […] the office of state's attorney. Voters must note who the Democratic machine is backing for this key post—and then reject him or her. A dinosaurus-erectus with the power to determine right and wrong, with the power to threaten, subpoena and/or indict people on trumped-up charges is more than most homo sapiens in Cook County can stomach."

For many people Cook County State's Attorney is one of those "down ballot" races that they don't pay much attention to. But as Congressman Jackson's words make clear, this is a very important race, Here are the six Democratic candidates for Cook County State's Attorney: 

Anita Alvarez chief deputy for the current Cook County State’s Attorney
http://anitaalvarez2008.com/

Tommy Brewer an attorney in private practice in Evanston
http://webmonster.bluedomino.com/tommybrewer_website/Resume.html

Howard Brookins, Jr. two-term Alderman of the 21st Ward
http://www.brookinsforjustice.com/

Robert J Milan current Cook County First Assistant State’s Attorney
http://www.milan08.com/

Larry Suffredin Cook County board member
http://www.suffredinforstatesattorney.org

Tom Allen, five-term Alderman of the 38th Ward
http://www.alleninourcorner.com

ABC 7 Chicago, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Cook County, have broadcast "The Race For Cook County State's Attorney: The Democratic Candidates Debate."  

This broadcast is available online for viewing whenever you want at:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=5894821

Read more

Attributes of a Great President

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Jan 20, 2008 10:59 PM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

Do the leading candidates for the White House have the qualities and attributes necessary to be an effective president?  This question was a segment on the NBC "Meet The Press" show of August 5, 2007.

Acclaimed presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize winner, Doris Kearns Goodwin has been working on identifying attributes of great presidents.  So far her list is:

• They have withstood adversity.
• They have diverse perspectives around them
• They have a sense of loyalty.
• They are not afraid to admit mistakes.·
• They know how to manage their emotions.
• They can define the goals for the country·
• They know how to relax.

So how do your favorite candidates for president or any candidate measure up to these? 

The full transcript from the ‘Meet the Press’ show can be found on the NBC website @:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20094638/ 

HanDI Primary Endorsements Announced

Written by: Maureen Stabile on Jan 20, 2008 3:57 PM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI) have made the following endorsements for the Democratic primary election of February 5, 2008:

6th Congressional District: Jill Morgenthaler

Cook County Judge, 13th subcircuit, Ryan vacancy: Ann Brady

Cook County Judge, 13th subcircuit, Tobin vacancy: Gary Stanton

Illinois State Representative, 55th District: Broc Montgomery

EARLY VOTING IS HAPPENING NOW THROUGH JANUARY 31 - DETAILS HERE:

http://dfalink.com/event.php?id=26697

ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5.

EVERYONE GET OUT AND VOTE!

Global Warming Field Trip - Think Globally, Act Locally

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Nov 19, 2007 4:49 PM EST

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

Below is an article by Matt Kiefer, staff Writer of the Schaumburg Pioneer Press on Global Warming Locally at Spring Valley Nature Center last week.

Environmental activists urge 'act locally'
(http://www.pioneerlocal.com/schaumburg/news/651232,sc-greenpeace-111507-s1.article)November 15, 2007By MATT KIEFER Staff Writer

About 50 residents gathered at Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg Monday night to talk about global warming and how they can help stop it. The Greenpeace-hosted event took on a standard town hall format -- a panel of local leaders and environmentalists talked about topics such as renewable energy and environmentally friendly building designs while audience members took notes and asked questions. Jim Tang, a scientist who works for the Chicago Botanic Garden, urged the audience to "act locally" and do the little things to help the environment, like riding a bicycle to work or driving a fuel-efficient car. "That's something I try to do myself and then show people they can have an effect on global warming," he said. But for all the advice offered on "green" living, the forum clearly had a larger political message for the individuals in the room: that the most powerful way to effect change is to vote. Greenpeace organizer Kate Ogden said her organization put on the town hall meeting to raise awareness about global warming but also to urge leaders in Congress to support stricter federal pollution regulations. Specifically, Greenpeace is watching U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, D-8th, of Barrington. The global advocacy group is now in the second year of a public campaign known as Project Hot Seat, intended to pressure select members of Congress into supporting environmental legislation. "This town hall forum shows just how committed this community is to finding solutions to global warming," Ogden said. "Now it's up to Rep. Melissa Bean to lead on this issue in Congress and help reverse the effects of global warming." Bean has a record of supporting bills creating incentives for developing fuel-efficient cars and renewable energy sources as well as grants to research pollution controls. But Greenpeace is urging the legislator to go a step further and support the Safe Climate Act, a controversial bill that would impose industry caps on greenhouse gas emissions with the goal of reducing emission levels to 80 percent of 1990-era levels by 2050. Bean's press office declined to comment this week on the Project Hot Seat initiative or the Safe Climate Act legislation. But as far as Crystal Lake resident and environmental activist Stephen Fuller is concerned, it's only a matter of time before the federal government steps in with new greenhouse gas regulations of some kind; some corporations are already preparing for it. "In terms of a timeline, I would say we have about five years for businesses to get used to this before it gets into full swing," said Fuller, who was a panelist at Monday's meeting. Another panelist, Elgin City Councilman David Kaptain, said that there is growing demand for environmentally friendly products and services. As an example, he points out that there have been five certified green building projects started in his community in the past five years. Businesses can look forward to growing into those kinds of niche markets. "I think that one thing you have to do at the end of the day is leave them with hope," Kaptain said.

Do they really think voters are that dumb?

Written by: Trudy Zaja on Oct 26, 2007 11:45 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Hanover Township Democrats & Independents (HanDI)

Do they really think voters are that dumb?By Dennis Byrne | a Chicago-area writer and consultant October 15, 2007 Isn't there some way for fed-up citizens of Illinois, Cook County and Chicago to force their governments into receivership?

After all, when a corporation is as stunningly incompetent as are Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, legislative leaders, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and his toady City Council, creditors can force it into bankruptcy in which a court-appointed trustee straightens out the mess or, if necessary, shuts it down to preserve the remains.

If the city, county or state were corporations, their creditors long ago would have forced their operations out of the hands of the bunglers and turned it over to a court-appointed executive.

So, why shouldn't we citizens and taxpayers have the same right to protect our publicly held assets from Blagojevich, Daley, Stroger and the rest of the clinkers who have so miserably failed to govern in the interests of the governed?

I make this suggestion with tongue only slightly in cheek. Look at the shambles that our "leaders" have given us: A state run by a governor who thinks we should cough up our money for every cockamamie giveaway and tax-increase scheme he hatches. Legislative leaders whose personal animosities have turned the state capital into a preschool playpen. A Cook County government, so wildly mis-, mal- and non-managed by Stroger and his cronies that they want to hit us up with a huge sales tax increase to bail them out.

Now comes Daley with a $293 million bundle of tax, fee and fine increases, including the city's largest-ever property tax increase, to finance an operation stinking with corruption and looting. Daley says blame the aldermen knocking on his "side door" for the goodies. Well, blame whomever; Daley is giving it away to somebody.

His 2008 budget would increase expenditures by more than 5 percent, and over two years by $700 million or 12 percent. Daley laughably suggests that Chicagoans should be happy with the higher taxes because they'll get some new neighborhood libraries. More likely, the taxes will pay for such deplorable decisions as the 10-year labor contracts handed to 33 trade unions representing 8,000 city workers. Building-trade workers will continue to be paid the costly "prevailing wage," while others will get annual raises averaging as much as 4 percent. Just coincidentally, the contracts would guarantee labor peace through the 2016 Olympics, in effect, imposing a hidden Games tax.

This piano-load of new taxes lands on Chicagoans and their visitors as they already are paying some of the nation's highest taxes and fees. That's thanks to the current $5 billion budget that imposed increases of about $75 million in taxes and $11 million in fees. How tempting it is to observe that the people who have driven the city, county and state governments into their worst financial smashup in memory are Democrats, raising the question of whether Democrats are congenitally incapable of governing. Are they mathematically challenged, having been denied the basic adding and subtracting skills by the touchy-feely education they so love? Are they so insecure that they can't say no to anyone who wants a touch of our taxes, because they might be accused of lacking compassion?

Republicans, if they controlled everything, might not do any better (or worse), but that's moot isn't it, because the GOP has aced itself out of every important city, county and state office in sight.

John McCarron, one of the city's most insightful columnists, raised this issue in this space last summer, when things in Springfield looked like they couldn't get worse. Why, he wondered, when Democrats run it all, can't they win the war for their own agenda: "progressive taxation, for equal access to jobs and educational opportunities, for a semblance of social justice."

Good question, and I don't have the answer, having surrendered my liberal allegiances, as I did in my adolescence, years ago. Maybe it's a matter of greed: now that they control the pot of gold, too many hands want to dip into it. Or purity: every "program" or "service" on the agenda must be fully funded.

Or, maybe Daley himself provides the answer when he takes Chicagoans for dopes by saying they "know that if I propose raising taxes it's because we've exhausted every other option ..."

He could be right. Perhaps voters are dumb enough to knowingly elect incompetents. Maybe we don't need a trustee to fix things; maybe just smarter, more responsible voters.

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Dennis Byrne is a Chicago-area writer and consultant. E-mail: http://dennis byrne.blogspot.com more articles in /news/opinionCopyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune