Monetary Influences For Electricity and Gambling

Electric and gambling interests have pumped more than $1.3 million combined into the campaign funds of key public officials, according to analysis of reports filed recently with the State Board of Elections. At the same time, these interests are asking legislators to support legislation to grow their bottom line. "With all this money on the table, it's hard for voters interests to be heard," said David Morrison, Deputy Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR), which tabulated the numbers.

The Illinois General Assembly returns for legislative session next week, and among the bills they will consider are proposals to enact so-called "SmartGrid" electricity delivery systems and to expand gambling around the state.

"As regulated industries, both gambling and electric utilities depend on state laws and regulations for their economic viability. Both have a history of using campaign donations to advance their public policy goals," said Morrison.

The Smart Grid proposal would change the way electricity rates are set, allowing companies like Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to charge more to upgrade the transmission system. Electric companies have given $939,680 to officials, candidates, and political parties in 2011. Top donors are Ameren, affiliated companies and employees ($399,188); Commonwealth Edison, its parent company Exelon, related companies and employees ($262,422); and Midwest Generation ($93,450). Top recipients are the Senate Democratic Victory Committee ($89,750), Citizens to Elect Tom Cross ($62,500), and the House Democratic Majority ($45,100).

The gambling proposal would allow for 5 new casinos in the state, including one in the City of Chicago; as well as slot machines at existing race tracks; and gambling positions at O'Hare and Midway airports, the state fair grounds, and other locations. Gambling interests gave $388,000 to candidates and officials in 2011, including $304,300 from racetracks, $68,516 from existing casinos, and $15,100 from other gambling interests. Top recipients include Chicago for Rahm Emanuel ($74,550), the Senate Democratic Victory Fund ($23,700), and Citizens to Elect Tom Cross ($23,050).

ICPR has been tracking campaign money since 1997, and was instrumental in the passage of contribution limits in 2009. Founded by former US Sen. Paul Simon and then-Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra, ICPR works on a bipartisan basis to improve campaign finance, government ethics and voter education. "ICPR will vigilantly monitor how campaign finance influences public policy decisions by elected representatives," said Brian Gladstein, ICPR Executive Director.

The Sunshine Database includes records reported by all statewide officials, legislators, and Cook County officials, as well as elected officials and 2011 candidates for office in the City of Chicago. Once candidates file petitions for the 2012 elections, ICPR will add reports for candidates and challengers in the 2012 elections, in addition to reports for incumbents.

The Sunshine Database is available through ICPR's website, www.ilcampaign.org. The Sunshine Database is now updated with all electronically reported receipts from January 1, 2011 through October 18 at 9 am, and receipts reported on paper through June 30. These include all contributions of $150 or more received by September 30, and all contributions of $1,000 or more received in October. Expenditures, fund balances, and receipts reported on paper will be updated in the coming weeks.

Words of Wisdom

"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate -- look to his character.

 --Noah Webster

Utility Bills May Provide For More Than The Utility

Electric and gambling interests have pumped more than $1.3 million combined into the campaign funds of key public officials, according to analysis of reports filed yesterday with the State Board of Elections. At the same time, these interests are asking legislators to support legislation to grow their bottom line. "With all this money on the table, it's hard for voters interests to be heard," said David Morrison, Deputy Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR), which tabulated the numbers.

The Illinois General Assembly returns for legislative session next week, and among the bills they will consider are proposals to enact so-called "SmartGrid" electricity delivery systems and to expand gambling around the state.

"As regulated industries, both gambling and electric utilities depend on state laws and regulations for their economic viability. Both have a history of using campaign donations to advance their public policy goals," said Morrison.

The Smart Grid proposal would change the way electricity rates are set, allowing companies like Commonwealth Edison and Ameren to charge more to upgrade the transmission system. Electric companies have given $939,680 to officials, candidates, and political parties in 2011. Top donors are Ameren, affiliated companies and employees ($399,188); Commonwealth Edison, its parent company Exelon, related companies and employees ($262,422); and Midwest Generation ($93,450). Top recipients are the Senate Democratic Victory Committee ($89,750), Citizens to Elect Tom Cross ($62,500), and the House Democratic Majority ($45,100).

The gambling proposal would allow for 5 new casinos in the state, including one in the City of Chicago; as well as slot machines at existing race tracks; and gambling positions at O'Hare and Midway airports, the state fair grounds, and other locations. Gambling interests gave $388,000 to candidates and officials in 2011, including $304,300 from racetracks, $68,516 from existing casinos, and $15,100 from other gambling interests. Top recipients include Chicago for Rahm Emanuel ($74,550), the Senate Democratic Victory Fund ($23,700), and Citizens to Elect Tom Cross ($23,050).

ICPR has been tracking campaign money since 1997, and was instrumental in the passage of contribution limits in 2009. Founded by former US Sen. Paul Simon and then-Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra, ICPR works on a bipartisan basis to improve campaign finance, government ethics and voter education. "ICPR will vigilantly monitor how campaign finance influences public policy decisions by elected representatives," said Brian Gladstein, ICPR Executive Director.

The Sunshine Database includes records reported by all statewide officials, legislators, and Cook County officials, as well as elected officials and 2011 candidates for office in the City of Chicago. Once candidates file petitions for the 2012 elections, ICPR will add reports for candidates and challengers in the 2012 elections, in addition to reports for incumbents.

The Sunshine Database is available through ICPR's website, www.ilcampaign.org. The Sunshine Database is now updated with all electronically reported receipts from January 1, 2011 through October 18 at 9 am, and receipts reported on paper through June 30. These include all contributions of $150 or more received by September 30, and all contributions of $1,000 or more received in October. Expenditures, fund balances, and receipts reported on paper will be updated in the coming weeks.

MCC Receives Three-Year Grant To Train Adult Students For Employment

Community College is not just for the “college age” student. Or, perhaps there is no real “college age” student for community colleges.

McHenry County College has recently been awarded a $75,000 yearly grant for three years to provide for a transition program for adult education students.

This transition program is to assist students who read at a 6th grade level or higher to transition successfully from non-credit adult education reading course work to credit programs in Automotive, Administrative Office Skills, and Manufacturing over a three-year period.

The goal of the grant is to help 450 students over a three-year period gain certificates in Automotive, Administrative Office skills and Manufacturing.

In order to achieve the goal of helping 450 students achieve certificates, the College will create a new position called an Integrated Career and Academic Prep System (I-CAPS_) navigator. The position will be responsible for such activities as recruitment, intake, orientation, and test administration for students within the program.

 In addition, the position will oversee the daily operation of the grant, and report to the Dean of Adult Education.

Funding for this position is 100% grant funded through the Accelerating Implementation Opportunities Grant. Once the grant is completed, the position would be eliminated.

The College Board of Trustees approved receipt of this grant at Thursday’s meeting.

Words of Wisdom

"Our properties within our own territories [should not] be taxed or regulated by any power on earth but our own."

 --Thomas Jefferson

New McRide Service Begins Wednesday, February 1

On February 1, McHenry County’s Pilot/Tri-City and the dial-a-ride services in Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Woodstock are being combined into one new service called MCRide. 

This new service will make it easier for suburban to suburban commuters and persons with disabilities to schedule and use dial-a-ride services in McHenry County, improve access to jobs and job related activities, and provide greater mobility to individuals with disabilities.  The new MCRide service was previously known as the “Pilot Program” or “Tri-City Project” and provided over 16,500 trips between February 2010 through October 2011.

The expansion of this project was made possible through Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom grants with the Regional Transportation Authority to encourage greater efficiencies, promote service standardization, and expand rider options for McHenry County residents.

For more information, please contact MCDOT Transportation Planner Brittany Graham at 815-334-4985 or by visiting the MCRide website: http://www.co.mchenry.il.us/departments/dot/Pages/PaceService.aspx.  To schedule a ride, please call 1-800-451-4599. 

Service changes are noted below:

Service in and between Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Woodstock will now be called MCRide.

MCRide is supported by a Job Access Reverse Commute grant to provide transportation to work.

Trip reservations can be made from the day before and up to one hour before the pick-up time.

Service hours are Monday-Friday 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fares will be adjusted to a single distance-based fare structure.

No changes to the McHenry Township Senior Express service.

Eligibility and Service Area

All individuals are eligible for travel to and from the following locations:

• Incorporated areas of the Crystal Lake, McHenry, and Woodstock
• Valley Hi Nursing Home and McHenry County Division of Transportation
• Fox Lake Metra station

Within three-quarters of a mile of:

• Route 120 between Woodstock and McHenry
• Route 14 between Woodstock and Crystal Lake
• Route 31 between the Crystal Lake and McHenry

MCRide is supported by a New Freedom grant.  As such, seniors (60+) and people with disabilities are eligible for trips throughout the above service area as well as to and from locations in:

• Greenwood Township (New Service Area!)
• McHenry Township
• Unincorporated areas of Dorr Township

 Fare Changes

• As of February 1, 2012, riders will pay a base fare for the first five miles plus $0.25 for each additional mile.
• For riders with a disability who require a personal travel assistant, one assistant rides free.
• Individuals 60 years and older are eligible for the senior fare (this is lower than the current 65 years and older).
• Up to two children, 7 years or younger, can ride free per fare paying adult.
• City of McHenry Senior Vouchers will be accepted for trips in the City of McHenry only.
• Transfers will be allowed from the fixed bus routes only (routes 806, 807, and 808 for example).  Transfer cards will no longer be sold on the dial-a-ride service.  Transfers will continue to be sold on the fixed bus routes.
• No Pace passes will be accepted.
• Students without a disability will pay the same fares as the general public.
• Riders in Crystal Lake and McHenry will have fares gradually increased to match current City of Woodstock fares. 

McHenry County's Political Drama

A drama is unfolding in McHenry County that has been ongoing since the 2004 Republican Primary Election for McHenry County State’s Attorney. It could also have been precipitated prior to that date.

It has now reached the point where those who have reportedly been wronged are retaliating.

A lawsuit was recently filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division by Louis, A Bianchi, Joyce A. Synek, Ronald J. Salgado, and Michael J. McCleary against Henry C. Tonigan, III, Thomas K. McQueen, Daniel Jerger, Robert Scigalski, James Reilly, Patrick Hanretty, Richard Stilling, Quest Consultants International, Limited, an Illinois Corporation, Kelleher & Buckley LLC, an Illinois Limited Liability Company, and Unknown Co-Conspirators.

By way of explanation, Jerger, Scigalski, Reilly, Hanretty, Stilling are employees of Quest Consultants, International.

As the complaint explains, the “action is brought pursuant to the First, Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and under Illinois State Law.”

According to the lengthy complaint filed by McHenry County State’s Attorney Louis A. Bianchi, and three of the employees of the State’s Attorney’s Department, including Administrative Assistant to Bianchi, Joyce A. Synek; investigators for the department, Michael J. McCleary and Ronald J. Salgado, defendants Scigalski, Reilly, Hanretty, and Stilling were employees of Quest Consultants, International, retained by Tonigan and McQueen who were appointed by McHenry County as Special State’s Attorneys.  They were to investigate allegations made against Bianchi, Synek, Salgado and McCleary. All investigations were at the expense of McHenry County.

The investigation was precipitated by the 2004 General Election in which Bianchi unseated the incumbent State’s Attorney Gary Pack. The results of that election and following elections are as follows:

2004-MARCH REPUBLICAN PRIMARY-
Glenn Gable			9,738
Louis Bianchi			16,286
Ray Flavin			2,313
2004 MARCH DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
No candidates
2004 NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION
Louis Bianchi- R-- Only candidate			101,948
2008-FEBRUARY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Daniel J. Regna			12,435
Louis Bianchi			16,288
2008 FEBRUARY  DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
no official candidates
2008 NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION
Louis Bianchi - R			79,764
Thomas Cynor - D*			49,248
(*Candidate as result of Democratic March caucus)
2012 MARCH REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
Louis A. Bianchi
2012 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
No Candidate Filed

A complaint has been filed in the United State District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. The plaintiffs include Louis A. Bianchi, Joyce A. Synek, Ronald J. Salgado, and Michael J. McCleary.

The complaint spells out allegations against defendants Henry C. Tonigan, III, Thomas K. McQueen, Daniel Jerger, Robert Scigalski, James Reilly, Patrick Hanretty, Richard Stilling, Quest Consultants International, Limited and Kelleher & Buckley LLC.

If the allegations made by the plaintiffs’ lawsuit are true it presents a sad situation. That is one matter, but as in journalism and all legal allegations, there are at least two sides.

A sizeable amount of money has been paid to investigators Tonigan, McQueen, and Quest Consultants International, employer of Jerger, Scigalski, Reilly, Hanretty and Stilling. All was precipitated by allegations that political work was being done in the State’s Attorney’s office by paid employees, as well as allegations of favoritism given to supposed friends, relatives and supports of the State’s Attorney’s office. 

As it was shown, those mentioned in the allegations were not related to anyone in the State’s Attorney’s office.

McHenry County has been responsible for paying those bills, although there is insurance to cover this.

If the allegations made in the District Court case are true, that it is a sad commentary on what can be expected from individuals supposedly involved in investigative work on behalf of the public. This includes investigators as well as the judiciary.

As a comment from this writer, who has watched McHenry County politics since mid-1960s (with time out for to earn a better living by working in the legal field, and attending Penn State graduate school) things do not seem to have changed too much as to the lengths that disgruntled politics can be taken. Also, we have found that politics can cause the same or similar situations in other parts of the country. 

Personalized One-person Show By MCC Theater Instructor Opens This Weekend

The Black Box Theatre at McHenry County College will present the world premiere of “What Am I Going to Do Now?” by Jay Geller.  This one-person show, written by and featuring Jay Geller, instructor of theatre at McHenry County College, tells the story of one man’s journey through grief and healing. 

In 2000, Jay Geller woke up to discover that his beloved wife, Suzanne, had passed away in her sleep.  This play chronicles his voyage as a single parent of two young girls and his struggle to find a sense of normalcy in his life.  In honest and straightforward detail, Jay divulges how he dealt with his grief, raised his two daughters, ventured into the world of middle-aged dating and finally finding love again.

“What Am I Going to do Now?” is directed by Ian Streicher of Chicago with Annie Rezac of Cary as associate director, set design by Sue Lewis of Crystal Lake, lighting design by Rick Amundsen of Woodstock, original music by Michael Hillstrom of Woodstock, Pete Lilly of Huntley as digital director, Paul Bayer of Crystal Lake as projector director and stage manager Ashley Brown of Cary.

This poignant and humorous production will open at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and continue on Jan. 28 and Feb. 3-4.

Tickets are $5 for all performances.  For reservations call (815) 455-8746 or email jgeller@mchenry.edu.

Words of Wisdom

"Society in every state is a blessing, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer."

--Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776

Sentence Of Over Five Decades For Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography

Louis A. Bianchi, McHenry County State’s Attorney, announces today that John “Jack” Reed, 35, of Cary, was found guilty Wednesday, November 16, 2011, of multiple counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and Child Pornography. 

The defendant was charged with having sexual contact with a female relative over several months.  The victim was a minor at the time of the offenses.  During the trial, the jury was shown four separate videotaped encounters that contained multiple acts of sexual penetration.  Those videotaped images were recovered from the defendant’s laptop computer and were later analyzed by a forensic computer laboratory.  Additionally, the jury heard testimony from two other eye-witnesses to sexual acts between the defendant and the victim.

After approximately three hours of deliberations, the jury found the defendant guilty of ten counts of Criminal Sexual Assault and four counts of Child Pornography.  The Honorable Judge Joseph Condon sentenced Reed to 55 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  This case was investigated by Sergeant Parsons of the Woodstock Police Department and forensic analysis was conducted by Amy Maskiewicz of the Chicago Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Sharyl Eisenstein and Michael Combs.

Small Business Owners Round Table Kicks Off Thursday Evening

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College will begin offering no-cost roundtable discussions every month that feature social networking and how small business owners can utilize this newest outlet to promote their business. The monthly roundtable discussions will kick off at 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry. Future offerings will be held the fourth Wednesday of every month.

This monthly gathering of small business owners is an interactive opportunity to discuss strategies and marketing methods with peers and share what's working on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs. April M. Williams, a social media coach, author and speaker, will facilitate the discussion and will be available to answer questions that may arise.

“Social media is here to stay,” said Kristi Patterson, coordinator of the Illinois Small Business Development Center. “This can be a tremendous way to brainstorm with other small business owners and broaden your network,” she said.

The roundtable discussions are free, but registration is required as seating is limited. For more information or to register, contact the Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or send an email to sbdc@mchenry.edu.

A Taboo Question

This taboo question is sweeping the internet and national media (including New York Times and Huffington Post), prompted by the TV ad that has been running in Primary states.

It's a question that every politician ought to have to answer. When you click on one of the buttons below, we will give you a chance to send a free petition to your Members of Congress asking them to back your position.

Every year, federal immigration policies automatically give permanent work permits to about a million new immigrants at every occupation level.

At the same time, 20 million Americans (including foreign-born U.S. citizens) who want a full-time job are unable to find one.

Some politicians question whether this automatic program should continue to add more immigrant competitors for scarce jobs.

Others say the extra competition from another million immigrants is good for the economy overall, adding vitality and needed skill.

This petition is organized by NumbersUSA, America's largest-member
immigration-reduction organization. We are non-profit and non-partisan

NumbersUSA Action is a non-profit, non-partisan, public policy organization that favors an environmentally sustainable and economically just America. It opposes efforts to use federal immigration policies to force mass U.S. population growth and to depress wages of vulnerable workers.

NumbersUSA Action is pro-environment, pro-worker, pro-liberty and pro-immigrant. Activists in the NumbersUSA Action network are Americans of all races and include many immigrants and the spouses, children and parents of immigrants. Those who need to refer to NumbersUSA Action with a short, descriptive modifier should call it an "immigration-reduction organization."© 2011

NumbersUSA Action, 1601 N Kent St, Suite 1100, Arlington, VA 22209

Check out what is being said about this topic.
NumbersUSA

For Valentine's Day

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The show opens at Raue Center For The Arts on Saturday, February 10 at 8:00 pm with repeat performances on February 11 at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” is the third WSREP production entertaining McHenry County. The company opened their inaugural season with The Rocky Horror Show that received rave reviews. Shaw Media’s Kurt Begalka summed up WSREP in one word: Wow.

 WSREP also recently presented a successful run of David Sedaris’ short story “Santaland Diaries”. Now WSREP is tackling love and all that encompasses.  I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change cuts through the candy-colored crap and delivers a message that’s both hilarious – and honest. This production dissects relationships and admits everything you’ve been secretly thinking. Complete with a four-person ensemble and outstanding live music, WSREP’s take on the celebrated off-Broadway musical is sure to hit some high-notes.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change stars McHenry County locals Christopher Davis, Amy Ferraro, Amanda Flahive and Mark Mahallak. Davis is a recent graduate of St. Olaf College where he doubled majored in music and theatre while also touring internationally with the choir. Some of his favorite roles include Chalres J. Guiteau in Assassins and Frau Gabor in Spring Awakening. Ferraro’s credentials include a degree from ISU’s Theatre Department and an acting fellowship with Steppenwolf Theatre. She has performed all over the greater Chicagoland area, with a recent role as Usherette/Eddie/Dr. Scott in WSREP’s version of The Rocky Horror Show. Flahive holds a BFA in musical theatre from Millikin University. Her recent appearances include her role as Miss Hannigan in Elgin Summer Theatre’s Annie, as well as staring as Magenta in Rocky Horror. Mahallak’s prior work over the last 18 years spans roles as diverse as Winnie the Pooh to Ben Franklin to Otto Frank. He too entertained audiences in Rocky Horror as Riff Raff.

This production is directed by Regina Belt. No stranger to Raue Center, Belt has served on the Raue Board of Directors as both secretary and board member at large. Belt has had four children’s plays published and has directed a multitude of shows at the Woodstock Opera House, MCC and ECC.

Tickets to I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change are $39, $36, and $33. They can be purchased online at WWW.WSREP.ORG, WWW.RAUECENTER.ORG or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. This show is sponsored by Centegra Health System, Countryside Flower Shop and Garden Center and RFP Photography, Inc.

About Williams Street Repertory

Williams Street Repertory (WS Rep) is a 501(c)3 non-profit production company in-house at Raue Center For The Arts.  They are producing theatrical works that deal with contemporary issues that that push the envelope … works that are wickedly awesome and entertain you at the same time! They believe in imagination, creativity, curiosity, artistic quality and having fun at the same time.  For additional information, visit wsrep.org, facebook.com/wsrep and twitter.com/wsrep.

Prairie Ridge Champions

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the Prairie Ridge High School Football team, the Wolves, on winning the Illinois High School Association Class 6A State Championship, the first State championship in the school's 15 year history; and

WHEREAS, The Coach of the Wolves is Chris Schremp; the Assistant Coaches are Joe Terhaar, Andy Petersen, Matt Dunker, Brandon Bender, John Caldarella, Dave Aklinski, Jeff Boldog, Ryan O'Neill, Bill Murphy, Dave Hartl, Bill Lawlor, JoeWheeler, Jonathon Byham, Bryan Peckhart, John Mason, and Todd Budy; the Athletic Director is Patti Hie; and the Athletic Trainer is Mary Miller; and

WHEREAS, The members of the team are:

Kingsley Ebirim,        Nathan Kirchberg      John Borst

Sean Valentine          Nick Margiotta,          John Wachman

Nick Nissen               Nick Serra                  Billy Roediger

Joseph Yeschek        Oliver Kremer            Chase Rea

Sean Folliard             Christian Caldarella Kody Hansen

James Erickson        Corey Barcoft            Tyler Schebel

Connor Greenwald    Andrew Coleman      Jordan Getzelman,

Brett Covers              Travis Tabor              Steve Bashor

Nick Gregory,            Mitchell Todd,            Aaron Repholz

Justin Lindahl             Kyle Barber                Alec Thune

Dan Giffels                 Kerry Kohlbacher      Jake Tuoy

Mitch Mohr                 Nick Lanaski              Corey Peterson

Collin Corcoran         AJ Ott                         Michael Lung

Josh Hrudicka           Connor Kirkpatrick    Erik Odden

Alec Placko               Micah Mushynski       Andrew Lanza

Nick Hartleb               Brad Simms              DJ Singh

Jordan Smith             Brian Siggeman        Ryan Blackwell

Tom Beirau                Hunter Layne             Anthony Rubino

Bennett Tomlin          Dan McAvoy             Joe Van Doorn

Austin Padjen            Jake Walker              Brian Foss,

Michael Trojan           Jon Palsgrove           Taylor Kapalin

Michael Van Bosch   Shane Evans             Tom Evans

Austin Nirva               Brent Anderson,        Brent Eggers

Grant Adamick          Ross Carpenter         Alex Koss,

Ben Kenny                 Colin Leverenz          Chris Dolleton

Ralph Nardi                Michael McCracken

Therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Prairie Ridge High School Football team, the Wolves, on their great season and impressive State tournament;

And be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Chris Schremp and the Prairie Ridge Wolves as a symbol of our respect and esteem. 

Prairie Ridge High School Football Team Honored For Championship

State Representative Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) passed House Resolution 671 congratulating the Prairie Ridge Wolves football team in recognition of their outstanding season,-- winning the Illinois High School Association Class 6A Championship.

Gaffney presented the resolution to the school, athletic department and team members last evening at the District 155 School Board meeting.

“This is an achievement these young men will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Gaffney.  “There are not many accomplishments more coveted in youth sports than winning your state’s football championship. We are all proud of the Wolves and congratulate them on an amazing season.”

House Resolution 671 was adopted by the Illinois House of Representatives on December 12, 2011.

Government At Work

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26

6:30 p.m. – McHenry County College Board of Trustees –

Meeting in the Board Room of the College, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

Following the opening of the meeting, acceptance of agenda and minutes of prior meetings, a time for visitors and presentations allows comments from the public. There is a time limit for each presenter of three minutes.

Board committee reports are presented next including Evaluation and Policies Committee, Facilities and Planning Committee and Finance and Negotiations Committee.

The agenda also calls for setting the Board Retreat date and topics to be covered.

Reports are to be heard regarding the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, Friends of MCC Foundation, and President’s Report.

A presentation is to be made to the Board by Dr. Tony Miksa, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs regarding a new system for employee evaluation.

Following various communications from faculty, adjunct faculty, staff council, student trustee and attorney, approval of the consent agenda is to be considered.

Eleven different reports are included on the agenda including such as financial statements, ratification of vouchers, requests for purchases along with personnel adjustments, requests for retirement and many others necessary to the operation of the college.

A couple board policy revisions are being presented for consideration.

Also the Board is to be requested to approve an agreement with Illinois Green Economy Network, bid solicitation for Building B renovation, supplier selection for building automation system, a request to purchase DCEO Light retrofit

Following various updated information reports regarding resignation, grants, ERP, MCC Branding and the distributed press releases, a closed session is slated. The agenda notes following this a recommendation to issue notice to remedy to non-tenured faculty and acceptance of closed session minutes, with final adjournment to follow.

Words of Wisdom

"Stability in government is essential to national character and to the advantages annexed to it, as well as to that repose and confidence in the minds of the people, which are among the chief blessings of civil society."

--James Madison, Federalist No. 37, 1788

Congressman Manzullo On The President's Speech

“If the President is serious about wanting to help our employers put Americans back to work, he must stop talking about the two things that will keep Americans on the unemployment lines and extend our difficult times – tax increases and excessive government regulations. 

"Employers are not going to create jobs when they could face huge tax increases and unnecessary regulatory burdens in the near future. We need to reduce the cost of doing business in this country and help make our employers more competitive so they can expand and create jobs. My American Jobs Agenda offers solutions that would put our great nation back on the path to prosperity.

“The President also needs to get serious about cutting wasteful Washington spending and shrinking the size of government so we can strengthen our economy and give our employers the confidence they need to invest in their businesses. Today marks the 1,000th day the Senate has gone without passing a budget. That’s unacceptable.

" I strongly encourage the President and Senate Democratic leaders to take a look at a budget I supported last year – the Republican Study Committee budget – that would have cut $9.1 trillion over the next 10 years while strengthening Social Security, saving Medicare, reforming the tax code, and balancing the budget in 9 years. It’s time for Washington to start living within its means and end the massive borrowing from China and other countries that is saddling future generations of Americans with massive debt.”