YOUR MONEY, THEIR FRIENDS?
posted by kaneblogger at Saturday, May 19, 2007
A Blog for all people in Kane County interested in all things political and for events happening in this great county in Illinois. Opininions expressed on this blog are those of the authors only. Any disputes, factual or otherwise, should be addressed to the bloggers themselves, who are solely responsible for their posts.
930 Comments:
GENEVA – From March to May, the cost of a 911 services consultant contract jumped 38 percent, much to the surprise of officials involved in the selection.
There was no discussion this week when the Kane County Board’s Judicial and Public Safety Committee voted in favor of a $101,000 contract with Winbourne and Costas Inc. of Washington, D.C., for a study of and consulting contract on the county’s 911 services.
In March, the E911 Steering Committee – charged with selecting the consultant – picked Winbourne and Costas out of a field of six applicants. However, the contract they recommended was for $73,280 – a difference of almost $28,000.
This disparity surprised Judicial and Public Safety Chairman James Mitchell, R-North Aurora. Mitchell also is a member of the E911 committee, but was on vacation when the $73,280 contract was approved.
“That’s a question that needs to be answered,” Mitchell said Friday. “I need to ask why and what’s going on before Executive [Committee].”
The contract next goes to the Executive Committee to be put on the full board agenda for approval.
During Thursday’s committee meeting, Mitchell said the contract was negotiated by Chairman Karen McConnaughay, who could not be reached Friday evening.
County staffers said the increase in cost involved an increase in scope.
However, the information given as part of the committee's agenda packet was a photocopy of a technical proposal that Winbourne and Costas submitted Feb. 12.
That was the proposal that originally led to the $73,280 contract.
In other words, the judicial committee voted for a $101,000 contract after reviewing the information that led the 911 steering committee to recommend the $73,000 contract.
Judicial committee member Arlene Shoemaker, D-Aurora, said she might have voted against the contract had she known about the original lower cost.
“I might have because there would have been a discussion on it,” she said. “I did not notice and I don’t think anyone else did either.”
In the proposal both committees saw, Winbourne and Costas compared the requested analysis with similar ones in Florida and Connecticut.
Pembroke Pines, Fla., Fire Chief John Picarello said their contract cost $69,000. Their 911 services cover 151,000 people and 34 square miles.
Tallahassee, Fla., Chief Information Officer Don DeLoach said that city’s contract was for $80,000.
19 May, 2007
Anonymous said...
No discussion?
The Chronicle is the first paper to begin to question board members about passing more and more consulting contracts.
Who is recommending these people? Who are referring these interests?
How many members of the Executive Committee are pulling the strings? And why?
Why are members of the board "not noticing" these descrepancies.
It's only OUR money so it doesn't matter.
The JOIN group started asking questions and they were insulted by McConnaughay and her pals.
McConnaughay and her donors and pals are doing A.O.K. at OUR expense. The taxpayers are getting screwed.
19 May, 2007
The Queen owns the media and brags about it. Where have you been?
19 May, 2007
She has MONEY and the media and her handlers tell her she needs nothing more.
She has used our money to pay for "communications" experts to help her in her next campaign.
Our money helping her campaign. The fleecing of Kane County. Stay tuned.
19 May, 2007
Hey,
The good news is that the Chronicle is starting to report NEWS and is starting to quote board members that are asking valid questions.
19 May, 2007
The papers should ask for the list of Kane County employees, part time employees and consultants.
Bet they won't get it.
19 May, 2007
Jim Mitchell should receive a pat on the back for speaking up.
He probably can't take the B.S. anymore.
19 May, 2007
Thank you Jim Mitchell. Maybe you will start saving us money.
19 May, 2007
If the change in consulting services increased by 38% what does that mean for the other bidders? Was Winbourne the low bidder? Should the project not be re-bid again.
Does that leave any consultant open to give a low bid and then come back in a short time for an increase?
19 May, 2007
Why not?
Voorhis Robertson does it all the time.
The jail project is the biggest mess in county history. It's just the media wants to ignore it.
McCon should be grateful for this.
For NOW.
19 May, 2007
This kind of stunt is indicitive of the way Kmccon runs her "open government".
notice how the steering committee was given one number and that number was recommended to go to the JPS committee.
The mastermind, Kmccon and her "friends" were hoping that no one would notice.
I hope this is discussed at length at Executive. This form of "open" government has got to stop.
Kmccon ran on a platform that touted a transparent government, blah, blah, blah.
That coupled with her bogus education qualifications make for a nice show piece to the public.
Watch out Kmccon, the people are on to you and your non-educated ways.
20 May, 2007
Jim Mitchell does not deserve a pat on the back. He only is saying that right now to save face.
Had he been doing his job as chairman of the JPS, he would have been reading the contracts to determine scope and cost, etc.
He's one of the biggest offenders for the tax and spend form of government in the County.
He goes along with whatever the chairman says and will say anything to 'defend" her and her policies.
20 May, 2007
I guess time will tell what form of responsibility the board will have to taxpayers.
Jim Mitchell hopefully will do the right thing.
And the press should investigate these many incidents and quit taking a weak but charming explanation at face value.
20 May, 2007
this blog should stop the "we care about taxpayers" attitude and be honest.
Change the name from "kaneblog" to
"citizens for ??" whoever their candidate is.
any candidate hiring behind an anonymous blog shows how weak it is from the start
.
.
So who is running for kane chairman?
20 May, 2007
Who knows?
The issue is our taxes and always has been.
20 May, 2007
what you haven't decided yet? Tina or Jim...decisions, decisions.
20 May, 2007
Why so concerned? What does it matter?
You see people that ask the right questions as nothing more than pests. Time will tell.
You appear nervous that there may be some competition?
Citizens have a right to protest the government here that wastes money, pays to play and insults them.
What a short memory the Chairman and her paid defenders have.
Have they checked out the legislation ready to be passed in Springfield? The paper had an article on it today.
Perhaps a nice piece would be to link donors here to contracts over $25,000? If the law passes Kane Co. leadership will have to get more creative in thier fundraising.
90 percent of the CHAIRMAN'S CLUB membership would be gone.
It is all clear and will be made ever so much clearer in the very near future.
21 May, 2007
Tina and Jim....
Whoever you are please run so we can vote for you.
We can't afford the Queen of Kane anymore!!!
LOL
21 May, 2007
Don't underestimate those terrible taxpayers.
Their frustration can be contagious.
Insulting them is alway a good first start.
The story will be so fun to tell.
21 May, 2007
Regarding campaigns.
How many times has a candidate lost with the support of EVERY member of the Kane GOP?
How many times has a candidate paid consultants $40,000 to LOSE?
How do you spell P-E-N-A? A great guy that was taken advantage of by the George Ryanites out here.
From a right wing "nut" up north.
21 May, 2007
Tina and Jim.
Did you know you were campaigning?????
I thought they were working their ass off to pay for the government out here????
After all, why would we want college educated executives overseeing the spending in Kane County?
21 May, 2007
I am a Democrat who can tell you why Pat Perez won the Sheriff's race. The turnout nationally from our party with the addition of two strong hispanic candidates in the general election made the difference.
Can't wait for November again.
21 May, 2007
Who cares about the Sheriff's race. Everyone in the GOP lost.
History will repeat itself with the ticked off voters tired of watching their money being mismanaged like it is.
21 May, 2007
99% of every open seat in the collar counties lost to a Democrat.
The sentiment about the war affected the result along with a strong minority turnout.
21 May, 2007
I'm a Democrat as well and I'll tell you that if you're complaining about your taxes in Kane County - complain to yourself. We've had 30 years of Republican rule in Illinois out of the last 35 years. YOU are responsible for your own mistakes. Kane County has been DOMINATED by Republicans, almost entirely, for at least 92 of the last 100 years. You don't like the growth? Bitch to the mirroe. You don't like the schools - bitch to the mirror. The fact of the matter is you have made OUR beds and we all have to deal with it.
The Dems are TRYING to fix the problems - some of which probably are unfixable at this point. Blame yourself.
21 May, 2007
It's funny. We don't read about any Democrats on the county board speaking out much either.
So much for an alternative.
The Democrats are busy getting union jobs and board of review positions.
21 May, 2007
It will be good to see JOIN not win another campaign. The blind still lead the blind with that group.
22 May, 2007
JOIN truly is a joke. I see the jail is progressing nicely. I bet all of the JOIN residents cannot wait until its completion. Then there will soon be room close to their homes for all of their delinquent kids. I see fences going up in the FF area. With a nice bike path going though the housing area, on public land, many inmates and their families will have a nice place to walk and have a picnic.
22 May, 2007
Good move to insult a community. What are you thinking. It takes a loser to know one.
At least we didn't get a paycheck to lose a race. Or two. Or three.
22 May, 2007
Been gone for a couple of weeks and all this blog does is complain about taxpayers asking questions on spending. You need to get things straight, I think it is Jim MacRunnels. I hope he does run, at least he can run a budget and ask a few questions on spending. Maybe he can hire a consultant...oh that is how the current board chairman runs the county. 321% increase in consultants spending in one YEAR!!
24 May, 2007
McRunnels would love to be challenged on the stuff he is digging up. He will drop files of stuff in front of anyone.
What has come his way so far is the tip of the iceberg.
He now has two phone lines to take all the incoming calls on.
24 May, 2007
Democrats are voting to raise the gas taxes too. This Governor (isn't he a Democrat) is pushing for the LARGEST increase in state history.
Some of the Democrats at the county are feeding from us too and vote yes on every hire and every consulting contract that comes their way.
24 May, 2007
...so MacRunnels is running for Co. Chairman? That should be very interesting.
24 May, 2007
I have heard about four or five people considering running.
He is one I don't know.
24 May, 2007
We do not profess to be so much in the loop but as far at challenges to offices go we have heard of none.
Please attempt to keep the blogs on a civil level.
24 May, 2007
Kane has gone in debt by more than $20 million in the last 2 yrs.! At some point it is going to have to take a hard line, look at DuPage, Cut back 18%, Cook 17% cut back, Kane spending like there is no end.
25 May, 2007
Boy the free speech people and the Better Government Association are going to love it here in Kane County.
Are there any special room rates out here for long stays?
They need someplace close to Fabyan and Kirk Rd.
25 May, 2007
Those employees in the Governor's office are getting their jobs back and projections are that the lawsuit evolving from threats or political inquiries while on the job and at work will cost the state big bucks.
25 May, 2007
Sure McRunnels is so terrible.
He is a taxpayer that has issues about how our money is being blown. He joins SO many others that are fed up with the mess that the county has become.
What grates on some elected officials is that he has the means and the devotion to call attention to it.
26 May, 2007
Can we say ETHICS?
ETHICS violations?
The future will be brighter soon.
Only a couple people in office need to be concerned.
Gratitude should be given to the county employees with the courage to step us despite bullying by the bosses.
26 May, 2007
County Engineer Carl Schoedel said he also will recommend the county board extend rebates to those soon-to-be-exempt charities that were charged fees under the old ordinance. That would include DayOneNetwork, a Batavia-based nonprofit social service agency building a new headquarters in Geneva that was charged $36,559.
HOW MANY WAYS CAN ONE SAY...WORRIED ABOUT OPPONENTS?????
REBATES....PRICELESS.
26 May, 2007
To: "Sure McRunnels is so terrible.
He is a taxpayer that has issues about how our money is being blown... 26 May, 2007"
Why don't you "citizens for" come out once and for all and tell us which one is your candidate for the County Board. Dirty tactics don't work on elections.
Your are a bunch of 2006 election sore losers, everyone knows that.
26 May, 2007
That is funny. The losers crossed over to the Democrats and took money to do it. That will work very effectively against your candidates too.
The big powerhouse campaign consultant lost the last six elections. And some idiots actually paid them for advice.
Losers are those that have the endorsement of every elected official and then can't bring it home. The voters are too smart not to know where their money is going.
How do we say PRIMARY loss?
What a shocker!!!!!! The hysteria that is occuring is too fun to watch.
Priceless.
26 May, 2007
Why are you so interested in who they support.
They don't support self serving politicians that give special deals to their friends.
26 May, 2007
Or a Chairman that has a paid aide that was at a Democrats fundraiser after her candidate lost with the support of EVERY elected official in Kane County.
History has a tendency to sometimes repeat itself.
Those photos are priceless. When the time is right...
26 May, 2007
oh please I want to see them now. Were those photos taken with the same camera that caught Rickert putting up campaign signs on every corner and intersection during working hours?
26 May, 2007
Nope. Nice try though.
Why don't you look way "closer to home" to find out who spilled the beans?
26 May, 2007
Nope. It is your friend that has send in the goons to hassle the degreed professionals doing their jobs.
The college educated sorts really bother you, don't they?
26 May, 2007
Bring out the resumes, past and present please.
26 May, 2007
Were those photos taken with the same camera that caught Rickert putting up campaign signs on every corner and intersection during working hours?
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What a great way to solicit support for your candidate. To bring up old sore subjects that bring pain to people.
We will be sure to let them know they are now on this blog since those most involved have shared the story of how the Chairman called in a huff to blame her for the whole thing after she told her to let people know about it in the first place.
We have been trying to get this person involved in our group for some time. This may be just the incentive they need.
Thanks.
26 May, 2007
I think the person you are talking about is out of town for the weekend.
As for those with an axe to grind look way closer to the family, the neighborhood and the long list of others betrayed.
26 May, 2007
What is the letter that went around the county about some land deal?
Who has a copy? Put it on here.
26 May, 2007
The only JOIN you will be seeing is the regular citizens "joining" to un-elect any elected official supporting pay to players and tax and spenders.
27 May, 2007
Good. We want the GOP to lose more seats. Get them up on that podium. We will have the camera ready.
27 May, 2007
TO: "What is the letter that went around the county about some land deal?
Who has a copy? Put it on here.
26 May, 2007"
--------------------
Another of your tactics McRunnels?
Why do you ask? You wrote it!
27 May, 2007
I wanted to see a copy. I live in Carpentersville and I don't know Jim McRunnels.
I just haven't seen it and I don't know what it is about.
So would someone here inform me?
27 May, 2007
It was about a land transaction that involved numerous appraisals by those hired by the county. The appraisals suggested were all close in scope.
The appraisal by the land owner's firm was much higher than these three. The land owners appraisal firm contributes to a county leader. The lawyer hired by the landowner was the leader's campaign treasurer. The board member that urged the county to make the sale (printed in the paper) was the leaders campaign manager. FULL asking price was paid by taxpayers on the parcel. There is no evidence in any recent or past history where this has been done. The other three parcels at the other corners were sold at a significantly lower price.
27 May, 2007
That letter was faxed into the legal offices in Springfield. Some legislators were passing it around.
Did it say anything about that?
27 May, 2007
Some one on here is blaming McRunnels for the letter?
My question is why don't they ask the county why this happened?
Looks like they are trying to take the focus off the bad issue at hand.
27 May, 2007
The citizens guy has all the public records tracking each point that is made.
He is getting attention in local circles for calling out insider deals. The county is now paying attention because they put up a new website and now talk about consulting contracts before hiring them.
The guy is a hero and the county board gives him ####.
27 May, 2007
hero for some, ?? for others
how long do you think takes to design a website?
long time, so if he found an issue, he can take credit for that issue, but taking credit for other things is just taking advantage.
27 May, 2007
There are websites that have a little information on them and then there are some that are very detailed.
Time will tell which is which. He and his board keep things pretty tight within their group.
People that have worked with him have asked for details but get little information in return.
27 May, 2007
"Hero for some, for others?"
----------------------------------
Probably not those involved consider him a hero. They hoped it would slip through the cracks.
27 May, 2007
MacRunnels - Read your letters
28 May, 2007
Documents back it up.
The question should be why the deal was made in the first place and why these people were put in charge of a campaign to make these deals?
It will be fun to see which government types start to attack the taxpayers and even call more attention to it.
28 May, 2007
Maybe more Republicans will double cross their own candidates like they did in the fall and the Democrats will win another countywide race.
28 May, 2007
there were no Republicans double crossing their own candidates in the fall countywide races.
Those are excuses made up by those who lost...
28 May, 2007
That's funny.
You know it is not true and there are witnesses that have already fessed up to your involvement.
Just let people see your cell phone records from March on. THAT won't happen!!! LOL
Those very close to you admitted it.
And they are VERY credible.
28 May, 2007
there are treatment centers for your denial issues. Seek help.
29 May, 2007
To: "Just let people see your cell phone records from March on. THAT won't happen"
And who that suppose to be?
If you have prove, why don't you give the name of the Republican who helped the Democrats?
again, just excuses
29 May, 2007
YEAH, GIVE UP THE NAMES....INITIALS WILL DO...PURHAPS YOU COULD GET SOME OF THOSE PICTURES OUT TOO.
29 May, 2007
JC, EK, KM, BK, BW, BW those are a few.
29 May, 2007
I think the SPELLING is MacRunnels. Some one must be a little concerned.
29 May, 2007
YEAH, GIVE UP THE NAMES....INITIALS WILL DO...PURHAPS YOU COULD GET SOME OF THOSE PICTURES OUT TOO.
-----------------------------------
THINK BACK. THINK ABOUT SOMEONE YOU LIVE WITH. THINK ABOUT WHAT THEY MAY HAVE TOLD MORE THAN A FEW PEOPLE WHEN THEY WERE OUT ABOUT TOWN. NOTHING IS MORE ACCURATE THAN FAMILY I SAY. REPUBLICAN LEADERS THAT SUPPORT DEMOCRATS JUST MAY GET A SPOONFUL OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE AT SOME POINT IN TIME.
CANDIDATES THAT HIRE THEM SHOULD HAVE THE FULL STORY BEFORE IT GOES TOO FAR DOWN THE ROAD.
29 May, 2007
They were on the phone dialing yesterday and today.
As for initials, none are needed.
Their own family already told quite a few people that told more than a few more.
Whatever. Still not willing to give up the phone records though.
29 May, 2007
Initials....is it EK or EN?
29 May, 2007
I love the way our taxeaters are trying to make a bunch of citizens look like a few.
That is ok. Kane Democrats rule because the GOP here will #### it up by putting the same ole piggies up to the feedbag.
29 May, 2007
What do you call two consultants that haven't won an election? Except for the 200K vs. 4K non story.
The same two that insult JOIN.
Priceless.
30 May, 2007
TO: They were on the phone dialing yesterday and today.
-----------
Are you now taping the phones?
WOW!
30 May, 2007
No. People are just laughing about it after they get off the line.
30 May, 2007
Hear that big sucking sound in Geneva? It is the Chairman's 2nd term going down the flusher!!!
30 May, 2007
To: Hear that big sucking sound in Geneva? It is the Chairman's 2nd term going down the flusher!!!
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yes Jim we all know how you feal, next item
30 May, 2007
I don't think "Jim" is the only one who "feals" that there is a need for change!
31 May, 2007
Fred the Insurance man wants change
31 May, 2007
for what...his $2,000?
31 May, 2007
.
.
we just did, didn't we?
We used to have a republican sheriff, now is a democrat...
There you got your wish
.
.
01 June, 2007
How about some REAL changes....People who are in charge of spending OUR tax dollars...Is it possible to elect people who are truly interested in improving our community??
01 June, 2007
Well the numbers are out for last year spending and the county board has cut back on spending on consultants!!! 2004- $777,000, 2005- $3,600,000, 2006- $3,200,000!!!
01 June, 2007
NO WAY
What changed from 2004 to 2005 that there is an increase of just about $3,000,000 - that's million -in consultant fees?
That makes me sick!!! Is this public record? Do tax payers know about this????????
01 June, 2007
oh no!
We did not know about this, how can this happen?
too much money spent, stop the press!!!!!!!!
01 June, 2007
NO!!!!! To many consultants.
04 June, 2007
I'm starting to think that this jim must to be upset because he was going to get a job if kevin was elected
04 June, 2007
The person you posted about doesn't need a job at the sheriff's department.
He is a FINANCE professional. This is needed at the county.
Williams while on duty came to the assistance of his wife after she had a car accident in a blizzard and was hospitalized.
It must grate on people for not having ulterior motives or wanting anything. The guy can't be bullied or bought. Bothersome, isn't it?
04 June, 2007
I heard he put the "Fine" in "Finance"...but that's a story for another day. LOL
05 June, 2007
When did he add the "Professional" on the title?
3 months ago?
05 June, 2007
The County Board must be reaching now!!!! Jim wanted a job in the sheriff's office? That is a joke. What about a "fine"? More crap. The truth is the Kane County Board is spending more than what is coming in. Ethics is a foreign word to some members on the board.
05 June, 2007
Hey Ellen you need to get your facts straight.
05 June, 2007
Please understand. These are the tactics that they believe work for them.
Maybe by "fine" they are referring to to a fine family man married to his first wife, a fine father, a fine member of his community and church and a fine citizen attempting to call some attention to the tax, spend and support your friends and family policies over at the county begun by the leadership. Add a fine university degree to the equation as well.
Just remember. No one can hide from the facts forever.
05 June, 2007
I DON'T UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE FUSS ABOUT JIM....IT SEEMS IF THE KANE COUNTY BOARD HAS NOTHING TO HIDE THEY WOULD GIVE HIM THE INFO HE WANTS AND HE WOULD GO AWAY. HAS THE COUNTY TRIED THAT APPROACH YET? IF NOT, ONE HAS TO WONDER WHY......
PERHAPS HE SHOULD RUN FOR A SEAT ON THE BOARD. THE PEOPLE SURE COULD USE AN ADVOCATE.
05 June, 2007
perhaps the last poster doesn't understand freedom of information, the man has received evrything he asksfor but isn't convinced that its enough so he keeps coming back. then he takes all the info he receives and with the help of his fearless leader spins it to his liking.
05 June, 2007
NO!!! the county is sitting on several pieces of info and there is no spin, the facts are what the facts are. 321% increase in consultants, $1.4 million more for land sale, donors and non bid contracts...... enough or do you want more?
05 June, 2007
To: 05 June, 2007
Jim and others who didn’t like to lose the sheriff’s election are using DIRTY POLITICS as an excuse to run for office.
I guess they don’t believe on their skills and experience, so they hide behind lies... Sad
05 June, 2007
What lies? DID THE COUNTY SPEND 321% increase on consultants? $1.4 million land sales? Donors and no bid contracts? OUCH!!! the truth hurts.
05 June, 2007
WHAT DOES THE COUNTY BOARD HAVE TO DO WITH THE SHERIFF'S RACE? THAT RACE IS OVER. WHAT DOES POLITICS HAVE TO DO WITH JIM? WHO'S HIS "FEARLESS LEADER"? SEEMS TO ME HE HAS A MIND OF HIS OWN. IN CASE YOU HAVE NO NOTICED.
05 June, 2007
Pull your expando pants up and quit drinking the KM koolaid!
05 June, 2007
bring it on my friend, the truth will set you free.
05 June, 2007
Hope the board is free soon.
05 June, 2007
you guys rock, keep up the good work!
05 June, 2007
Agree, DIRTY POLITICS, that all.
05 June, 2007
Just got a knock on the door from a nice gentleman named Fred Jacobson who is running for County Board #26. Anyone know him?
05 June, 2007
speaking of county employees - http://www.citizensforwogenresignation.com/unanswered.html
05 June, 2007
taken from http://www.citybarbs.com/?p=111
It appears that we have True Believers of Karl Rove in the area around DeKalb. The actions involing Victor Wogen and his puppeteers is right from Karl Rove’s playbook and in keeping with the methods used many places by the hard-nosed conservative Republicans who will go to any lengths to push their extreme right-wing agenda forward. This time DeKalb’s local politics took the hit, which is the greatest loss of all. Voters of the Third Ward feel their rights have been abused regardless of who they voted for in the election. As well they should; their Constitutional rights were mugged and they feel like any victim of an attack would feel.
Since all of the known players behind this fiasco are from outside DeKalb, and since no one with the shadow group–Citizens for a Better Third Ward–has come forward we can probably be assured that there is no one of the Third Ward in the group, and some not even from our city. It’s certainly true of Jon Zahm. Zahm lives in Maple Park and is the founder and chairman of the Kane County Conservative Coalition since July of 2002.
Then there’s Kirkland resident Joe Wiegand’s long standing ties ties to such conservative right-wing Republicans as Chris Lauzen, Oberweiss, and Alan Keyes, formerly of Massachusettes.
Karl Rove’s election-eve red-baiting and false accusation windshield flyers are now infamous. This is an old and tired Republican tactic and it highlights all that is bad about politics without morals. It would be refreshing if Joe Wiegand were capable of being more like the character he travels around the country portraying, Theodore Roosevelt. In 1903 Roosevelt said, ”
There is not in all America a more dangerous trait than the deification of mere smartness unaccompanied by any sense of moral responsibility.
Jon Zahm’s and Joe Wiegand’s unwillingness to identify those who make up this group behind the flyer and probably planning to pull Wogen’s strings for the next four years, exhibits a lack of “moral responsibility.” It also shows that they have much to hide.
Like who is putting up the money. Follow the money trail and it will lead to real estate investors and real estate developers who want to stack the council in their favor. Watch out for this tactic to be repeated in other wards in the future if those who are afraid to show themselves can get other puppets to run.
And to borrow from Mr. Wiegand’s alter ego one more time,
There should be relentless exposure of and attack upon every evil practice, whether in politics, in business,or in social life.
The muckrakers of DeKalb are just beginning their exposure of this “evil practice.”
05 June, 2007
I think this website is awesome. Keep digging whoever is responsible. You're doing an excellent job. If only the papers followed this site, then the truth would be told
05 June, 2007
Dirty politics? C'mon.
Everything is documented. It is only dirty when someone can not dispute the truth and the facts!
And it is there. I'm sure the biggest offenders don't care for the bright light shining on their deals and the reckless spending of OUR money.
05 June, 2007
Jim and others who didn’t like to lose the sheriff’s election are using DIRTY POLITICS as an excuse to run for office.
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KMC and her clan LOST big time. So did the entire GOP.
What is DIRTY POLITICS? The facts are the facts. You are just bothered by them.
05 June, 2007
MacRunnels and his citizens (growing daily) are bothered by the current process. Party association has NOTHING to do with it.
They will talk to anyone that is interested and most of this county could care less about party politics.
06 June, 2007
The information that the public is not getting and that is being delayed is the stuff that the focus will be on in the future.
06 June, 2007
Keep up the good work. does any one know who this jacobson guy is? Who's district is #26?
06 June, 2007
TO:
The information that the public is not getting and that is being delayed is the stuff that the focus will be on in the future.
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Another lie, anybody can get the information anytime if they just ask.
Jim got it right?
06 June, 2007
NO!!! I have requested info on 3/20 and to date still have not recieved it. I dropped off another request today with a CC going to the Attorney Generals Office.
Jim
06 June, 2007
OUCH!!!! the truth hurts.
06 June, 2007
OUCH!!!! the truth hurts.
---------------------------------
No, it doesn't it is another lie.
Oh, poor me, nobody likes me.
I'm just a citizen trying to do some good. Why don’t you like me?
Jim
06 June, 2007
I wish i said the above ....not. I really could care less if this board likes or dislikes me. All I want is good stewardship of the TAX DOLLARS! Not this out of control spending!
06 June, 2007
There are a lot of people who are fed up with the tax and spenders.
And they are quietly talking about it.
06 June, 2007
Shh, don't talk too loud.
This blog is a quit blog.
06 June, 2007
www.citizensforwogenresignation.com
Good reading about a JOIN member involved in the campaign
06 June, 2007
once at the site click on Unanswered Questions
06 June, 2007
District #26 seat is currently held by Jan Carlson.
07 June, 2007
didn't he used to be Circuit Clerk?
07 June, 2007
He has strong support, check his numbers from 2004. But I wish Mr. Jacobson all the best. Is he from ACT?
07 June, 2007
What numbers? Where?
07 June, 2007
What's ACT?
07 June, 2007
If I had tax issues I would spend less time on the blog and more time working!
07 June, 2007
I think he is. What does ACT stand for?
07 June, 2007
www.citizensforwogenresignation.com
A good site.
07 June, 2007
http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2007/06/07/news/local/doc46679a1f2a5ac173100507.txt
Can someone explain to me what this is all about...
is it the dumb leading the dumber over at county??
07 June, 2007
At least a couple of the board members are recognizing the pace at which money is being spent over at the county without much investigation.
It is appalling that the leadership seems to often ignore the committee process to proceed with their own plans.
07 June, 2007
It is appalling at how blind you are!!!! What about the waste at the clerk's office. This county board at least is getting things done.
Also, no comment on the campaigning in DeKalb County? Close to JOIN country. A JOIN member is in HOT water for actions taken there!!!!!!!!!!
This translates to Kane County also. But then again, this is the JOINBLOG, not the kaneblog. Anything the posters at area 51 (FF) want to post, they post. How is our new jail coming. I see the growth. Those large cranes - Did I see a flag flying from one of those cranes with the initials of the developer of FF. Just think about all those families coming to see the inmates, driving through HELL (FF).
Yes, this JOINBLOG is one sided. Easy to throw trash at KM when she is the ONLY chair in recent memory who has had the courage to get anything done. Just look at the past DEM who held that position. Worthless and WEAK> No spine and no work done in the county. Now we have road, bridge and Jail projects going. Better late than never
07 June, 2007
And how much do you get paid from those $1000 contributions?
This is not JOIN blog. True, the citizens at FF were cut out of the process. True the jail is MILLIONS of dollars over the $50 million that KMC said would be the breaking point for moving forward with the project.
True that the county board attorney is involved with conflict of interest issues.
The DEM (?) that you speak of is still wearing the knife in his back that KMC inserted in it after he gave her a prized committee appointment. That person attempted to stop growth and the county lived within its means. He left the position with money in the bank. This administration sees a dollar and spends two. $1.50 of it goes to friends and those who give the big contributions.
The prior poster should get up to the second floor and get their paycheck with the rest of them for defending the indefensible.
08 June, 2007
There is no JOIN member in DeKalb County. They hired a consultant at for a small fee (unlike the big bucks they hand out at the county).
If the consultant was involved in other matters is it JOIN's problem?
If a consultant for the county was involved with an indicted administration should this also be a element of a debate here and elsewhere?
08 June, 2007
KMC..where no consultant is turned away. Low ball your fee and then come back and it will be increased.
Kane County leadership. Where no decision can be made without another study.
LOL
08 June, 2007
Kane County. Where probable defenders of KMC are consultants that are not paying taxes?
Priceless.
08 June, 2007
EN,
No one from Fisher Farms is involved in any activity in DeKalb and you know it.
However, your friend's friends are involved in all sorts of outside activities.
Since you are so anxious to bring such subjects forth you may not be happy with the spotlight heading back toward the county building.
Remember this is all thanks to your misinformation about an entire Geneva neighborhood.
The financials on the jail are a mess and you know it.
08 June, 2007
Mike McCoy for County Board Chairman. Attempted to stop growth.
Kept to a budget. Didn't have $1000 clubs. Called out politicians that have benefitted from insider deals.
Could spot BS and a trader from miles away. Go Aurora and go Mike!
08 June, 2007
It's funny that KMC and her staff think the people don't do their "research" about her friends and associates.
It pays to be over at the government center once in awhile.
08 June, 2007
There goes again, the sore loosers talking.
Can't get over loosing the sheriff election
08 June, 2007
The sheriff's race has nothing to do with the out of control spending in Geneva. Move on Perhaps you need to get over the sheriff's race.
08 June, 2007
Active Concerned Taxpayers (ACT). Key word is TAXPAYER!
08 June, 2007
Denny you want to run for Sheriff in 4 years, this is no way to make friends and influence people.
08 June, 2007
LAST THING HE NEEDS ARE YOUR FIRENDS WITH THEIR "INLUENCE". PAY YOUR TAXES!!
08 June, 2007
What do you mean?
Is Mike McCoy running for County Board Chairman again?
08 June, 2007
Now people are cutting ribbons at churches after giving them a break on impact fees?
Priceless.
Worth a letter to the editor on using churches to promote politicians.
Businesses. Take notice. You can't expand without an enormous fee. You are paying the difference so politicians can cut ribbons for those they give breaks to.
09 June, 2007
Loosing the sheriff's election?
You people lost it first when it was a SURE thing.
Thanks to GWB and the war the state and local levels took it on the chin and it will happen again.
10 June, 2007
By the way the county staff should know that loosing is spelled losing.
Or did a consultant spell that? LOL
10 June, 2007
no, actually it is loooooooooooooooooooooooooosers!!
11 June, 2007
Thought all the o's stand for all the zeros following your consulting contracts.
Both sides are LOSERS but only one side paid thousands of dollars for it.
Who is and who is not paying taxes these days?
We pay ours in KANE county. Ever heard of it or is this just where the billings go?
11 June, 2007
not paying taxes?
HA!
Is that another of your fantasies?
11 June, 2007
Nope. Check out the documentation. It is there.
No fantasy and those involved know it.
11 June, 2007
Rumor has it that a couple of county board members staged a walkout yesterday prior to a short statement made by a citizen.
Whether they agree with a citizen or not should have no bearing on the respect given to them.
Since one of those organizers voted on a contract for his own employer it is ironic he was not there to hear the questions involving the participation in the vote.
If the board members walk out on citizen participation do the citizens have right to do the same?
13 June, 2007
Most cowards can't stand to hear the truth. Some of the board is starting to look over their shoulders. Tax and spend.
13 June, 2007
which board member, and with whom?
13 June, 2007
GOP Chairman McKenna Places Secret Call to Democrats
Efforts by reform Republicans to open-up their State Party have once again been crushed – this time by State Party Chairman Andy McKenna, Jr.
State Senator Chris Lauzen tells The Republican that he sought once again to advance legislation that would give every Illinois Republican a direct vote for his or her own representative to the State Republican Party. In Illinois, the State GOP is comprised of a 19 member State Central Committee – with one member selected from each U.S. Congressional District. Rank-and-file Republicans have become increasingly outraged over the way a rigged system has turned the State GOP over to a dysfunctional crew of Party hacks and Democrat allies.
In 2005, Senator Lauzen championed a good bill that would have restored direct democracy to Republicans. Thanks to Lauzen’s leadership, that bill, SB600, passed unanimously in the State Senate. However, the bill died in the State House when Tom Cross and Skip Saviano worked to prevent even a floor vote.
This time Andy McKenna stepped in himself to betray every Illinois Republican. Just prior to the scheduled close of the regular legislative session in Springfield two weeks ago, Lauzen had the direct election language of SB600 placed into another bill, HB1752. That bill passed out of committee, but before it could get to the floor of the Senate, Andy McKenna called the Democrat sponsor, Terry Link, and demanded that the subject language be removed. Senator Link has confirmed this account.
After repeated calls by Lauzen seeking comment and an explanation, McKenna finally took Lauzen’s phone call yesterday. Lauzen asked McKenna the simple question - did he in fact call the Democrat Terry Link and tell him to remove the proposed direct election language from the bill?
According to Lauzen, McKenna did considerable stuttering and tried to avoid the question. McKenna would only eventually say that he could “neither confirm nor deny” that he had gone behind the backs of Republicans and lobbied the Democrats to kill direct democracy.
Republicans need no more proof. While brave young men and women from our military are standing-up for fledgling democracies oversees, our own GOP Party Chairman has worked behind the scenes to prevent Republicans from having a real voice in their own State Party. Even more disgraceful, McKenna tries to cover-up his cowardly betrayal.
Lauzen tells The Republican, “If Mr. McKenna wants the power to amend bills in Springfield, he should probably run for the State Senate.”
Indeed. But we’ll say more. McKenna should have resigned as Party Chairman a long time ago – but this latest betrayal has to be a career-ender. It’s simply impossible for Republicans to win statewide with someone this dishonest at the helm. McKenna has continued to divisively ignore the concerns and input of the Republican rank-and-file. He is the disgraced puppet of what remains of our Illinois Party’s discredited old guard.
If McKenna still cares anything about the Republican Party, he will resign his post immediately.
13 June, 2007
Looks as if "Senator" Wyatt (emphasis on senator) walked twice yesterday. Once on a vote that would have hurt his employer on increased impact fees and then the staging of the walkout on citizens commentary.
If he had the gutts to vote with the rest of the board he would alienate all his future legislative donors. Stay tuned.
13 June, 2007
Yeah he's learned from the Chairman that the big donations come from the pay to players!!!!!
13 June, 2007
How do the other board members feel about one of their own members leaving and not being there for a major vote.
13 June, 2007
Why doesn't someone FOIA the minutes from the county board meeting and see who voted on the impact fee? Post it here and let everyone share in the fun!
13 June, 2007
Vote on the Impact Fee Ordinance:
Yes: All 23 Board Members Present
No: None
Absent: Noverini, Davoust and Hoscheit
Enjoy!
14 June, 2007
.
Thank you, I don't see Wyatt being absent. Hummm...
I wonder why Jim wrote on "13 June, 2007" that Wyatt was absent.
I'm sure it was not on purpose, maybe he just doesn't know the names of the county members...
.
.
14 June, 2007
I didn't write that Mr Wyatt was absent. You have to find another TAXPAYER to beat on for that.
Jim
14 June, 2007
It was mentioned that he may not have been at his microphone at the time of the vote. If he was the observation by someone in the room was wrong.
Now let's discuss his suggestion to stage a walkout on citizen commentary.
14 June, 2007
Jim was too busy nailing Wyatt on his unethical practices, right Jim? Keep up the good work!
14 June, 2007
ABSENT means he did not attend the meeting. No one posted that.
He's been busy staging walkouts and voting on contracts for his employer and commenting that there is no conflict after he does.
14 June, 2007
ok Jim,
Now I'm confuse,
There are too many issues going around.
Which county board member voted to benefit his employer and who was the employer?
14 June, 2007
Again, I think you need to address your question to another TAXPAYER.
Jim
14 June, 2007
The Jim you want to character assasinate is not the only poster on this blog. In fact I think you would be surprised to find how many people are signed on here regularly.
If there is no concern about the conflict of interest vote why do they seem so interested in it upstairs at the county building?
Heard someone in the state paid a nice fine and was looking at some time in jail for that same infraction.
Of course that would be left to the legal authorities.
14 June, 2007
I never said 'm not interested on conflict of interest and I don't care who answers.
based on other post I assumed some Jim found out about it.
Again, who is the county board member and what is the company
if was not "Jim", then anonymous can answer
14 June, 2007
Bill Wyatt
14 June, 2007
Ask Bill
14 June, 2007
No just check out the minutes and see for yourself. The board is calling Jim the taxpayer citizen a lier. This guy has all the backup information he needs to take the information to the authorities..and that is not necessarily the local newspapers.
Those that have creative resume's and conflicts and a few other very interesting secrets should expect some real news in the near future.
14 June, 2007
I love how this blog operates, they kind of tell you a "SECRET", but not really.
speak complete sentences people.
15 June, 2007
Bill Wyatt works for Patrick Engineering, He sits on the county board, 5/8/07 he voted on resolution #07-187 to award a non bid contract to his employer in the amount of $164,895.00. Enough detail?
15 June, 2007
Why would he have voted?
15 June, 2007
It doesn't matter which opponents the Chairman begs not to run it won't matter.
The entire story will be told enmasse one way or another about leadership and the campaign chairman.
15 June, 2007
again people, what are you talking about?
"It doesn't matter which opponents the Chairman begs not to run it won't matter"
WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
"The entire story will be told enmasse one way or another about leadership and the campaign chairman"
WHAT STORY?
15 June, 2007
Just so you know.....but I'm sure all YOUR facts are straight. Why doesn't someone write a letter to the editor about these pay to play artists? Afraid?
15 June, 2007
I don't see any fear from these people and I hope they have already written their letters!
15 June, 2007
Pay to play with the county clerk. Taxpayer monew gone to waste. Look at the sinecure job someone from JOIN got there.
Also, what ever happened to the Williams supporter who lost their lawsuit and cried like a child?????????
15 June, 2007
oh, i'm sure, i got already two letters from Mr. McRunnels.
good job!
15 June, 2007
Lost a lawsuit and cried?
Was it a Geneva business owner? A Chronicle columnist?
Spill the beans.
16 June, 2007
What story?
The TRUE story. That is all that her paid campaign staff needs to know. Get a shovel. Your digging will not help.
16 June, 2007
Note to Gadfly Jim: Whoops. This kind of makes me question just exactly WHAT ELSE JM is wrong about. I have officially stopped listening to him.
When a conflict of interest really isn’t
Posted Saturday, June 16, 2007
Local gadfly James MacRunnels raised a few issues during the “public comment” portion at the end of Tuesday’s Kane County Board meeting. Among them was the board’s approval last month of a contract with Patrick Engineering for a road improvement project at Plank Road and Route 47. MacRunnels pointed out that Bill Wyatt, an Aurora Republican, voted in favor of the contract.
“Seeing that Mr. Wyatt is employed by Patrick Engineering and the county is going to pay them $164,895 for work with the county, is it ethical?” said MacRunnels, who lives in Elburn.
Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay then adjourned the meeting without responding. Wyatt didn’t respond, either, because he and about half of the county board members left the meeting just as MacRunnels approached the lectern to address them.
What MacRunnels might not have known was that Wyatt left Patrick Engineering in October. He had been a spokesman for the Lisle firm.
“I haven’t worked there since Halloween,” Wyatt said upon learning of MacRunnels’ comments after the meeting. “This is typical of the type of misinformation that Mr. MacRunnels is constantly bombarding people with.”
Over the past few months, MacRunnels has attended county board meetings, admonishing the board for its “continual reliance on paid consultants.”
16 June, 2007
Great. The article calls attention to the fact that the million dollar board walks out on citizens.
If they are law abiding why do our paid elected officials walk out.
A "spokesman" for Patrick Engineering. Name one article where this gentleman is quoted. He admitted he is now no longer working for them. Why?
Seems to me when we in St. Charles were working against the board with STOP we were called "gadflys" too. However it is unfortunate that this county board chairman has apparently forgotten what is is like to be a citizen activist.
Lisa Smith is just miffed because MacRunnels called her out for bringing in a cup of coffee, a nail file and her competitor's paper to read during county board department meetings. LOL.
Someone should post the article today where the chairman and the board want to hire YET another consultant to do more PLANNING.
Can anyone help? I don't know how to post this on here.
16 June, 2007
get out your wallet jim because it seems you have just re-defined the term"pay to pley politics"
16 June, 2007
What is a Gadfly?
16 June, 2007
Mr. McRunnels?
So, I'm sure you have more facts to share with the taxpayers, right?
16 June, 2007
GADFLY:
1 : any of various flies (as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock.
2 : a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
16 June, 2007
And now the definition of “UNHAPPY”
If things don’t go my way (my candidate for sheriff didn’t win), I (Mr. McRunnells) resorted to slander and claimed that “pay to play” activities take place in the Kane County board.
That is the definition for “SAD” as well.
16 June, 2007
Pay to play politics as defined by every newspaper in the country refers to the letting of contracts to campaign contributors. That is being done consistently by the county board.
By the way, in a court of law the it has to be proven that the person incinuating the charge knew beforehand of the inaccuracy of a statement prior to making it and of showing action of malice. Even a lie detector test can denote a lie or not.
Good luck. His attorney (should someone bring a charge) could call half the county board out. Now THAT could be interesting. Since politics is the subject of the charges all conflicts or facts relating to conflicts could be a matter of public record.
How many relatives of board members have been hired both in the county and in relation to county matters or campaign donors?
How many political jobs have been given to county board members?
So who would be the biggest loser? The elected ones or the citizen who is calling attention to reckless spending?
By the way what is the new position held by Mr. Wyatt?
Is he back to the outdoors show?
16 June, 2007
Someone should pay the back taxes they owe the county and get off this blog.
They are always so busy giving everyone else advice and calling the newspapers when campaign volunteers are involved in minor family matters.
Would they call for DUI violations of family members? Would they call for court documents that were "adjusted?" Would they call on having a paid consultant on staff that is tax delinquent?
Interesting questions.
16 June, 2007
OK so Wyatt does not work for Patrick anymore. He was given the job when he was serving as a county board member. He resigned because, by his own admission there was a conflict of interest.
Low and behold, when the chairman heard that someone she did not respect nor could control wanted the soon to be vacant seat miraculously Mr. Wyatt's job was "restructured" so that he could stay.
Did the county attorney represent a client in front of the board of review?
Have consultant fees more that doubled since the chairman's election?
Have campaign contributors been given job and contracts?
Do the published reports and resumes claimed by county leaders exist?
McRunnels is right. This has nothing to do with a sheriff's race. It has to do with the ripping off of the public.
16 June, 2007
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