Follow the Money: Arce Political Cash, Part II
Remember our earlier post about the politically-connected optical business that received millions in lucrative taxpayer-funded contracts?
Well, it appears that the business owner, Daniel Arce, has utilized his business and the Mexican-American PAC (which he heads) to fill the coffers of some of our “favorite” local politicians:
- Cook County Commissioner Joseph Mario Moreno: $67,550
- Cicero Town President Larry Dominick: $8,900
We highlight Moreno and Dominick because they are both contributors and strong supporters of McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski — who is running, of course, against Commissioner Peraica in the November election.
Dominick’s “Cicero Voter Alliance” has already contributed $5,000 to Tobolski’s campaign, and Cicero’s municipal attorney, the DelGado Law Firm, has ponied up $2,300. Dominick and his allied political groups and contributors are strongly expected to contribute and/or raise significantly more campaign cash as Election Daw draws closer.
For his part, Moreno has contributed $3,250 to Tobolski.
We also note that Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Joe Berrios has also received significant cash ($12,075) from Arce’s business and the PAC. Berrios, who is running for Cook County Assessor, is at the heart of the controversy over the alleged plot to delay Cook County property tax bills until after the November election (as we detail here).
It seems that whenever you follow the money … it never seems to lead to reform.
Red Lights, Cicero and Melrose Park
Interesting story in this morning’s Chicago Tribune about how the company behind the controversial “red light cameras” is seeking business to Berwyn — when they have strong ties to an attorney who is politically connected to the Berwyn mayor.
Please click here to read our earlier post about the major issues with the red light camera program.
But perhaps the most interesting part of this story is this:
Del Galdo also serves as municipal attorney for neighboring Cicero, where his father-in-law is part owner of a controversial towing company contracted to do work for the town.
What a small world, huh?
According to this Forest Park Review story, Del Galdo’s law firm also is involved with politics in Proviso, including in Melrose Park:
During its regular monthly meeting on May 21, the board voted to dump the law firm Odelson and Sterk, and instead, retain the services of Giglio and Del Galdo. Both firms have donated bundles of cash to campaign efforts by board President Chris Welch and Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico, a major backer of Welch and Welch’s political ally, Cook County Recorder of Deeds Eugene Moore.
As we’ve posted before, Cicero Village President Larry Dominick and Melrose Park Village President Ron Serpico will no doubt team up to oppose Tony Peraica.
I think we’re getting a picture of why they want Tony off the County Board: he stands with the taxpayers instead of standing with the political insiders.
Dominick Wants to ‘Smash’ Peraica
All you need to know about this video is this: if Cicero Village President Larry Dominick wants to “smash” Tony Peraica — it’s because Peraica is on the side of the taxpayers. Read more about Mr. Dominick here, here and here.
Yes, Tony supported Dominick’s first campaign back in 2005 because Dominick ran as a reformer, but has turned out to be just another Cook County political insider. Tony chose to stand with the taxpayers instead of the Cicero Mayor. Simple as that.
The Todd and Larry Show…
Cicero Mayor Larry Dominick (who has pledged financial assistance to see Tony Peraica defeated next year), is touting a “Town Hall Meeting” featuring Todd Stroger this Thursday. We urge all taxpayers in Cicero to attend and ask tough questions of both President Stroger and Mayor Dominick.
Following is the promotional graphic from Cicero’s Web site:
Not a Good News Day for the Cicero Town President…
Not a good story for the recently re-elected Town President of Cicero:
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