Where were the other politicians?
As Tony helped fire up the crowd at yesterday’s Chicago Tea Party, a common question was asked: where were all the other politicians?
I mean, there were 400 grassroots activisits … TV news cameras … what could’ve kept the politicians away?
Could it have been the message of lower taxes and limited government? But wouldn’t that message have been a no-brainer for at least a Republican elected official?
Perhaps it’s no surprise these principles are in short supply.
While some criticize Tony as a “loud mouth” … it seems he’s one of the only leaders willing to speak out when it counts.
Tea Party, Chicago Style
KADNER: ‘Fast Eddie a Disgrace’
Phil Kadner hits it on the head with this article:
“Fast Eddie” Vrdolyak, who spent much of his life undermining the public’s confidence in government, has done it again.
Vrdolyak, a former power on the Chicago City Council and former chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party, was fined $50,000 and sentenced to five years’ probation in a real estate scam that could’ve sent him to a federal prison for more than three years.
In taverns throughout the 10th Ward folks had to be hoisting beers Thursday night, laughing and shouting, “Eddie’s done it again.”
That’s the real problem with guys like Vrdolyak. They become heroes to Chicagoans. They’re so smart, so slick, that even when they get caught red-handed or on an FBI wire, they manage to come out smelling like a rose.
The mopes of the world are the honest guys, the ones who don’t cut deals behind closed doors and play by the rules. They don’t get elected to nothing, don’t get any city contracts and, should they ever be in need of a government job, can’t find one.
Feigenholtz campaign sign in Rahm Emanuel’s front yard
While White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel has not publicly endorsed any 5th District candidates, a sign for candidate Sara Fiegenholtz is displayed at his Chicago residence.
The Chicago Tribune reports that President Obama’s new chief of staff Rahm Emanuel hasn’t endorsed anybody in the race to succeed him in the 5th Congressional District - the sign in his yard might be very telling:
…a campaign sign for candidate Sara Feigenholtz appeared on the lawn of his Lakeview neighborhood home today.
Emanuel spokeswoman Sarah Feinberg said she was unaware of Emanuel’s, or his wife’s, public endorsement of Feigenholtz and would have to investigate the issue further.
Emanuel has declined to comment on the race altogether.
Both Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, are registered to vote at the address where the Feigenholtz sign is currently displayed. It is their primary residence, with county records showing they claim a homeowner’s exemption on their property tax bill.
Dominick wins Cicero Town President 2-1, Accused of Voter Intimidation
Incumbent Cicero Town President Larry Dominick won re-election yesterday with 64 percent of the vote.
Incumbent Cicero Town President Larry Dominick easily won re-election Tuesday with 64 percent of the vote, a 2-1 margin, according to unofficial Cook County results.
Dominick was challenged by Cicero Police Officer Roberto Garcia, who says Dominick has become an “iron-fisted” leader that won re-election using similar tactics Cicero leaders have used for years, going back to the days of Al Capone.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Cook County Clerk David Orr called in sheriff’s police to remove armed guards Dominick hired to stand inside Cicero polling locations.
“It’s voter intimidation when off-duty armed police officers show up in polling places,” Orr spokeswoman Courtney Greve said. “They had no authorization to be in the polling places. We have a crew of sheriff’s officers on call. They had to come to remove the off-duty officers hired by Dominick’s campaign.”
After Dominick’s overwhelming victory, Garcia replied “I think it’s just the intimidation factor. People believe that someone knows how they vote. They fear the inspectors will come to their house the next day.”
And some voters agreed that the armed guards at polling places intimidated them.
Cicero poll worker and witness Veronica Soto commented “One of the people actually came in here and told our maintenance worker that they went inside the polling place, and she was very upset because they told her that she needed to vote for a certain individual which was Larry Dominick.”
Illinois Policy Institute’s Transparency Pledge
IPI is asking all elected officials and candidates to sign on to their transparency pledge.
Numerous individuals wanting to open up government to the voters are signing on to the pledge. The time to make those in office accountable and all revenue and expenditure data available to the taxpayers is now.
A pdf version of the pledge can be found here. More information on the “Open Illinois” project can be found here.
Keep in mind those pledging their support for transparency and always work to make sure they stay true to a government that works for you - the taxpayer, the citizen.
Sen. Dick Durbin calls for Burris’ resignation
While meeting with Sen. Roland Burris for nearly an hour this morning, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin suggested that the Blagojevich-appointed Senator should consider resigning. To this, Burris answered “I will not resign.”
Durbin is the latest in a long list of politicians, colleagues, newspapers and professional organizations now calling for Burris’ resignation.
According to Durbin, he also advised Burris not to run for re-election in 2010, as he would not support the campaign. During the meeting, Durbin abandoned any pretense of support for Burris following his evolving explanation of contact with then-Governor Blagojevich and his attempt to raise money for the now-impeached governor.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Burris is now also facing inquiries from the Senate Ethics Committee and the Sangamon County state’s attorney.
Burris, voting on the Senate floor today, left the meeting through a side door and was trapped by reporters while waiting for an elevator. Burris would not make any comment about his discussion with Sen. Durbin, exept to say that it was “a good meeting.”
Chicago Tea Party? Count us in … this Friday
Filed under: Corruption, Mayor Daley, Reform, Spending, Taxes, Todd Stroger, Uncategorized
Date: Friday, February 27.
Time: 11:00 AM Central Time.
Start: Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St..
End: Michigan Ave Bridge (Tribune Tower).
Speakers include Tony Peraica and more speakers TBA.
So you’re saying there’s no corruption … oh, wait
From today’s Sun-Times:
Asked whether there is an ethical cloud hanging over O’Hare, the mayor said…
“No. [Not] so far. We don’t know yet.”
Gee, Mr. Mayor. That gives us a lot of confidence as we’re set to hand you $20 billion for this boondoggle.
Millions Spent on Workers at “Phantom” County Jail
Next time you hear the insiders accuse Commissioner Peraica of overstating the problem of waste, fraud and abuse within Cook County government - tell them to watch this video:
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