ChicagoClouttag:,2008:/12008-07-04T02:22:00ZMovable Type 4.1Mayor Daley should help the poor, even if they are not relatedtag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8212008-07-04T02:11:49Z2008-07-04T02:22:00Z Michael McDonough gave some money to a lady that was in need downtown Chicago today. This lady had no friends and family with millions of dollars of profitable contracts with the City of Chicago. This lady had no friends...
Michael McDonough gave some money to a lady that was in need downtown Chicago today. This lady had no friends and family with millions of dollars of profitable contracts with the City of Chicago. This lady had no friends to take Mayor Daley to see the world and stay in the best hotels. Mayor Daley lives like a king and the subjects starve. If this lady was related to Mayor Daley she would be in European palaces with four star services. America was founded by doing the right thing, have we forgotten? If the Chicago economy gets any worse, we all might be in the same boat. Please help the needy in Chicago! Photo by Patrick McDonough. ]]>
Chicago Homeless Need Our Help Nowtag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8202008-07-04T01:18:59Z2008-07-04T01:44:14Z I took Patrick McDonough downtown Chicago today to see problems the Newspapers have hidden. In Chicago, we have many people that do not have a home or bed to sleep in tonight. I hope when you see a person...
I took Patrick McDonough downtown Chicago today to see problems the Newspapers have hidden. In Chicago, we have many people that do not have a home or bed to sleep in tonight. I hope when you see a person beg for some change, you give. Chicago should not have a homeless problem with our high taxes. Chicago should not worry about the Olympics when people starve. Teach your children young to help someone in need. God Bless you this July 4, 2008. Photo by Patrick McDonough. ]]>
Chicago O'Hare Spending out of controltag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8192008-07-02T02:16:12Z2008-07-02T02:21:38Z Photo by Patrick McDonough... Photo by Patrick McDonough]]>
Lofty O'Hare plans
EXPANSION | City pushing forward despite drop in airline traffic
June 30, 2008Recommend (5)
Neither record oil prices, nor airline cutbacks, nor falling O'Hare passenger numbers can keep Rosemarie Andolino from her appointed rounds.
Andolino, the ebullient head of the O'Hare Modernization Program, plans next month to formally ask the feds if the city can spend $200 million in future passenger ticket tax revenue on the design for the second phase of the multibillion-dollar expansion project.
ยป Click to enlarge image Mario Pineda works on a new runway at O'Hare earlier this month. The runway is scheduled to be operational in November.
(Jean Lachat/Sun-Times)
RELATED STORIESMoney for transit: Feds give, state takes away No new station for Bellwood UP rejects Bellwood bid Trains for the big show
She'll ask, even though she suspects cash-strapped United and American airlines won't like the proposal. She thinks the Federal Aviation Administration will OK the city's request anyway, because the expansion must get done. The revenue is generated by a $4.50 ticket tax on each departing passenger.
"The airline problems are not going to prevent us from going forward," Andolino said.
Spokeswomen for United and American say only that they continue to talk with the city. The two airlines control most of O'Hare's gates.
As Chicago moves toward opening a new runway in November, O'Hare traffic is falling. Flights in and out of O'Hare dropped 4.62 percent through May of this year, compared with the same period last year, according to the city's Aviation Department. The airport saw 1.8 million fewer passengers January through May.
Some of that drop is attributable to American's repair troubles this spring, which caused hundreds of cancellations.
But O'Hare traffic is expected to fall even further by 2009, as both United and American slash capacity to deal with oil prices.
The $200 million design cost is the first step toward Phase Two of O'Hare modernization, which will cost another $5 billion on top of the $3.2 billion planned for Phase One. The city wants the second phase, which includes a runway extension and a new western terminal, to be done by 2014. The city says the total improvement plan will be around $15 billion. Opponents put the cost higher.
Airport revenue bonds are funding much of Phase One. Andolino won't speculate on whether O'Hare's airlines will support future airport revenue bond issues for Phase Two. The city will also consider third-party investors, although the city doesn't have any in mind yet, Andolino said.
Joseph Karaganis, a lawyer for suburban communities that oppose the O'Hare expansion, thinks the third-party notion is unrealistic and that the expansion will never happen.
"Does she know a Russian billionaire?" Karaganis scoffed. "Chicago's claim they can fund this stuff without the airlines won't hold water on analysis." He worries that taxpayers could be on the hook for construction funding if airlines can't pay.
Airline industry analyst Mike Boyd agrees with Andolino that despite airline cutbacks, O'Hare expansion is still a good idea.
"You have to constrict a whole lot to get to the point where that extra runway won't be used," Boyd said, noting that O'Hare delays affect flights around the country. "We need as many as you can build."
But Boyd said the city must show airlines that the expansion will bring their operating costs down before they'll put up more money. "They don't want to pay for anything extra they don't need," Boyd said.
The current bonds are stable despite the airline's troubles, said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Joseph Pezzimenti. If airport activity goes down too much, airfield and landing fee rates will go up to meet debt payments.
Pezzimenti said the city still must work to get airline approval to finance Phase Two. "That's the key thing for them to move forward," he said.
Andolino compares airport improvement to investing in a mutual fund -- the market goes up and the market goes down, but over time air traffic will keep growing, so the investment will pay off.
"You buy in for the long haul," Andolino said. Despite the industry's current troubles, people will still want to fly, she said. "You can't get across the ocean in a car."
This is a copy of a real Shakman Settlement check signed by Mayor Daleytag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8172008-06-27T23:50:42Z2008-06-29T05:28:18Z This is a check signed by Mayor Daley for $20,000.00 to a person that had their Shakman rights violated. Make sure you have yours by now. Lots of my friends took what the City offered, I think they deserved...
This is a check signed by Mayor Daley for $20,000.00 to a person that had their Shakman rights violated. Make sure you have yours by now. Lots of my friends took what the City offered, I think they deserved much more. Thank you for signing the check Mayor Daley! It should have come out of your own personal pocket. In Chicago, we pay for the Mayor's sins. Patrick McDonough.]]>
Watch this video by Frank Avila Jr. Learn about Bridgeport Village in Chicago's 11th Wardtag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8162008-06-23T00:45:02Z2008-06-23T00:46:06Z
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Vote for Daley, lose your pension. Chicago is now Broke!tag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8152008-06-23T00:24:37Z2008-06-23T00:36:20ZPlease read this article by Fran Spielman. Looks like Daley has mismanaged the City of Chicago so long, he wants to cut pensions. Working for the public sector is not all fun and games. The problem is Daley's friends working...
Please read this article by Fran Spielman. Looks like Daley has mismanaged the City of Chicago so long, he wants to cut pensions. Working for the public sector is not all fun and games. The problem is Daley's friends working a short amount of time and getting a large pension. Daley has not stopped the practice of people receiving multiple pensions. Mark my words, Daley has a pal or family member that will pop up after the 401 pension is awarded. Millions more for Daley friends and family machine hacks. Daley packed the Unions with his goons and now wants to fill the White House with one of his boys. Who was that goon on Daley's Pension Board with mob ties? Patrick McDonough
Future city workers could lose out on lush pension plan
REFORM | Panel may urge shift to 401(k) to solve cash crisis
June 22, 2008Recommend (10)
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter/fspielman@suntimes.com
The lavish pensions that City Hall has been known for may become a thing of the past for new city employees.
Newly hired employees would shift to the 401(k) plans favored by private industry -- instead of the "defined benefits" enjoyed by their older co-workers -- under a plan being pushed by the head of Mayor Daley's pension reform commission.
Sources said the two-tiered pension system is the painful solution favored by Chicago's former chief financial officer Dana Levenson.
Levenson agreed to co-chair the 32-member pension commission to solve a crisis that threatens to strangle future generations of property taxpayers. The city's four pension funds alone have $10 billion in unfunded liabilities to employees and retirees. If they run out of money, Chicago taxpayers get stuck with the tab.
"I am not going to comment on anything about what we're doing," said Levenson, head of North American Infrastructure for the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Chicago Federation of Labor President Dennis Gannon and Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donahue were equally reluctant to talk about reforms, for fear of violating a confidentiality agreement signed by commission members.
But when the Chicago Sun-Times confronted them about Levenson's idea, they could not remain silent.
"We knew before this commission was even formed that there was a potential desire to have a two-tier pension system for city employees," Donahue said.
"Unions have consistently been against such a plan. It establishes different benefits and creates different classes within your membership."
Gannon agreed that a two-tiered system would make it "very difficult to represent people. ... An employee is an employee -- whether you have 20 years, five years or no years."
Noting that it would cost the city $400 million more each year "to maintain the status quo" of pension benefits, Gannon said he's at least open to the possibility of following the CTA's lead -- by raising the age for new employees to become eligible for a full pension and increasing their pension contributions.
City pensions generally allow employees with at least 34 years of service to retire when they turn 55 at 75 percent of their highest salary. Those kinds of benefits are unheard of in the private sector, which has made the shift to 401(k) plans. City employees do not get Social Security.
"We have to look at where there may be possible savings for the city. If labor can be helpful, we want to address some of those savings," Gannon said, noting that state lawmakers will have the final say.
If union leaders agree to make sacrifices, half of the net proceeds from privatizing Midway Airport could be pumped into the pension funds, under legislation approved by the General Assembly.
Mayor Daley at Northwestern a major failure Friday June 20, 2008tag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8142008-06-22T16:06:04Z2008-06-22T16:31:59Z Protesters lined up outside Ryan Field to protest Mayor Daley at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Patrick Ryan has made millions of Chicago Taxpayers money with his insurance company. Billions of dollars flow from Chicago taxpayers to Mayor Daley's...
Protesters lined up outside Ryan Field to protest Mayor Daley at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Patrick Ryan has made millions of Chicago Taxpayers money with his insurance company. Billions of dollars flow from Chicago taxpayers to Mayor Daley's friends and cronies. This is money that should fuel the Chicago economy on the west and south side of Chicago. Mayor Daley was not welcomed in Evanston at all. The crowd was very chilly to this braggadocios Mayor. Daley told everyone what a big deal he is, making sure the kids knew he is the CEO of Chicago. Daley's speech was gibberish at best and was a sales event for the Chicago Olympics in 2016. Ryan and the Daley family will feast like pigs if that Olympic money maker ever hits Chicago. I hope the public knows Ryan has mighty power at Northwestern and the school's cash king paid Daley back with a commencement speech and lots of free vacations. Did you know Mayor Daley used taxpayer's money to send bomb sniffing dogs to scout out the Ryan Field? As I told you before, the fire at Mayor Daley's summerhouse was a hoax, and the powder sent to the Aldermen was also a hoax. The Chicago press never reported Chicago City Workers protesting outside the event, but the Evanston Police laughed mighty heartily. The two "Mayor Daley" midgets got lots of laughs at Daley's expense. Photo by Patrick McDonough.]]>
chicagotribune.com
Daley finds NU graduates a tough crowd
After complaining about the selection of speaker, some consider his talk 'generic,' one he would give 'anywhere, anytime'
By Dan Mihalopoulos
Tribune reporter
10:47 PM CDT, June 20, 2008
Appearing unfazed by the campus controversy over his selection as commencement speaker, Mayor Richard Daley told Northwestern University graduates Friday evening that he would try "to impart some of what I've learned in pursuing a life's passion of public service."
Some students had complained that Daley's selection as speaker was a letdown after the university's president promised that an "extremely well-known person" would be coming to Evanston to address the Class of 2008.
Hewing closely to a prepared text, Daley made only faint reference to the tempest shortly after stepping up to the podium for his 15-minute speech.
"For those of you who still don't know me very well, I've been for the last 19 years the CEO of the city of Chicago, one of the most culturally rich, economically diverse, globally recognized cities on Earth," said the mayor, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in law. "With that as the foundation, I will do my best."
Graduates gave the mayor's talk mixed reviews.
"It was the most generic speech anybody could come up with," said Laila Chen, a political science graduate who grew up near the mayor's Bridgeport neighborhood. "None of it was directed to us. It was just about him selling himself, the city, the Olympics. He could have given that speech to anyone, anywhere, anytime--and he probably has."
Tyler Brandt, a computing graduate from Berkeley, Calif., said, "He spent a lot of time talking about what he had done and all the things that made him great and not so much time talking to us."
Indeed, it was the kind of talk he often gives to out-of-town visitors or on trips abroad. Daley highlighted his takeover of Chicago's public schools and his efforts to make Chicago "the most environmentally friendly city in the nation." He also spoke of the city's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Daley urged students to volunteer for the Olympic effort and look for other ways to serve the public.
Chelsea Lambert, a mathematics and English literature major from Vero Beach, Fla., may take him at his word. She said she is encouraged to volunteer, perhaps helping "underprivileged adults."
And Saad Qazi, a Chicagoan who received a master's in information systems, said he was happy to hear about the city's Olympic push. "I like Mayor Daley," he said. . "Actually, I came to this ceremony because he was here."
Daley closed by telling the students they can change the world, despite the gloomy outlook of society: "Don't let the cynics and skeptics discourage you. You can make a difference. In fact, we're counting on you."
Mayor Daley's Donkey wins Democratic Nominationtag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8132008-06-20T01:34:43Z2008-06-20T01:40:36Z I fixed up this photo to make it better. I got rid of the mole and fixed the ears. Good luck America. Enjoy this sexy photo of Chicago's Barack Obama. Patrick McDonough.... I fixed up this photo to make it better. I got rid of the mole and fixed the ears. Good luck America. Enjoy this sexy photo of Chicago's Barack Obama. Patrick McDonough.]]>
Mayor "Big Head" Daley speaks at Northwestern University Tomorrowtag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8122008-06-20T00:54:03Z2008-06-20T01:07:37Z Make sure you join us at Northwestern University tomorrow to give Mayor Daley a reminder not everyone loves Mr. Potato Head. We are going to protest several of Mr. Daley's policies that makes all his family very wealthy. We... Make sure you join us at Northwestern University tomorrow to give Mayor Daley a reminder not everyone loves Mr. Potato Head. We are going to protest several of Mr. Daley's policies that makes all his family very wealthy. We are going to remind Mr. Richard Daley there are many poor in the west and south side of Chicago. Want to join us? We hope several people join us for the fun. I hope someone tells the Mayor of Chicago four more Shakman lawsuits will be presented to the Chicago Inspector General and the Law Department tomorrow. Nothing changes in Chicago but higher taxes. Photo improved by Patrick McDonough.]]>
Chicago's Andersonville Clout Restaurant "Ann Sathers"tag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8112008-06-16T03:39:16Z2008-06-16T03:48:18Z Ann Sather's is an excellent restaurant. I enjoy the eggs Benedict best. Do you know the Chicago Alderman that owns this eatery? Do you know the Alderman that he replaced? Clout is a funny thing in Chicago, just try... Ann Sather's is an excellent restaurant. I enjoy the eggs Benedict best. Do you know the Chicago Alderman that owns this eatery? Do you know the Alderman that he replaced? Clout is a funny thing in Chicago, just try and keep it if you can! Photo of Patrick and David McDonough. I would say the 2008 "Midsommarfest" was fun and I had a good time. Andersonville is a great town in and of itself. It was a great way to spend my Father's Day. I hope you spent yours with your family and not gambling at the boat! Patrick McDonough.]]>
Andersonville's "The Monkey Gallery" Store Happy Father's Day Chicagotag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8102008-06-16T02:27:19Z2008-06-16T03:31:41Z I enjoy any store that sells monkeys. Brass monkeys, cloth monkeys, painted monkeys. Every kind of monkey is for sale except a real monkey. This store is located in Andersonville, in Chicago's 48th Ward. Pictured with my children is...
I enjoy any store that sells monkeys. Brass monkeys, cloth monkeys, painted monkeys. Every kind of monkey is for sale except a real monkey. This store is located in Andersonville, in Chicago's 48th Ward. Pictured with my children is Bernie Superfine, the owner, Head Monkey, and Janitor. The Monkey Galley is located at 5238 North Clark Chicago, Illinois 60640. Phone number is 773-738-2248. You can e-mail Bernie at: nerd5050@aol.com He also makes custom made jewelry. Photo by Patrick McDonough]]>
David, Patrick, and Michael McDonough learn bike Safetytag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8092008-06-16T02:05:23Z2008-06-16T02:19:47Z My Children enjoyed the Chicago Andersonville Fest called "Midsommarfest". Yes it is spelled that way. One of the highlights was the lessons learned on bike safety. The two ambassadors from Mayor Daley's Safety in Motion were very professional and... My Children enjoyed the Chicago Andersonville Fest called "Midsommarfest". Yes it is spelled that way. One of the highlights was the lessons learned on bike safety. The two ambassadors from Mayor Daley's Safety in Motion were very professional and courteous. They took the time to teach my kids bike safety. I suggest you take their advice and get helmets for your kids. They suggested Working Bikes on Western Avenue in Chicago. They said the prices are reasonable. My problem with this program is the shameless use of taxpayer's money to promote Mayor Daley. That goon has a big ego for a little guy! Bike safe Chicago! Photo by Patrick McDonough ]]>
Boating at the Chain O' Lakes is not allowed due to High Tidetag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8082008-06-16T01:49:37Z2008-06-16T02:02:46Z June 14, 2008. The Chain O' Lakes in Lake County is an absolute mess. I took my kids to an area that is a launch site off Route 12. The gas pumps are almost under and many people do... June 14, 2008. The Chain O' Lakes in Lake County is an absolute mess. I took my kids to an area that is a launch site off Route 12. The gas pumps are almost under and many people do not have access to their boats. My sons are happy we boat in Wisconsin. The Politics are a disaster in Illinois, and the boating is not much better. We looked to help people sandbagging, but could not find anyone. This is a disaster. Pictured are Patrick, Davis, and Michael McDonough. Photo by Patrick McDonough.
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Patrick D. McDonough 1st Place first photo contesttag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8072008-06-16T00:13:53Z2008-06-16T00:23:10Z Patrick D. McDonough has entered his first professional photo contest. I brought my best pictures. I won best in landscape and best overall. I won over some of the best photographers in Midwest. This was shot with my Nikon...
Patrick D. McDonough has entered his first professional photo contest. I brought my best pictures. I won best in landscape and best overall. I won over some of the best photographers in Midwest. This was shot with my Nikon professional series equipment. It will be published in a journal soon. Not bad for my first professional contest! Photo by Patrick McDonough.]]>
Crooked Code just warming up! "Time to take a bath in a hour"?tag:www.chicagoclout.com,2008://1.8062008-06-14T02:51:03Z2008-06-14T02:54:16ZCity employee gets 15 years in prison for accepting bribes June 13, 2008 BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter A former Chicago Buildings Department supervisor who dismissed citations and lifted stop-work orders in exchange for bribes--then frisked and threatened an...
City employee gets 15 years in prison for accepting bribes
June 13, 2008
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter
A former Chicago Buildings Department supervisor who dismissed citations and lifted stop-work orders in exchange for bribes--then frisked and threatened an underling who wore a wire for the government--was sentenced Friday to 15 months in prison.
Kurt Berger pleaded guilty to accepting a $1,000 bribe for lifting a stop-work order on a South Side building slapped with a series of code violations.
But, his plea agreement acknowledged that Berger and former building inspector David Johnson lifted stop-work orders on troubled buildings three times before that, in exchange for $500 each.
Berger took the most recent bribe, even after Johnson was arrested in connection with the case in December, 2006 and agreed to wear a wire.
After the arrest, Berger called Johnson into Berger's City Hall office, frisked him, warned him to be more careful and threatened to "get" Johnson if the inspector ratted him out, according to the plea agreement. Johnson has pleaded guilty.
Berger's attorney Jeffrey Steinback praised U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow for her "Solomon-like" decision to "split the difference" between the minimum and maximum in federal sentencing guidelines.
But, Steinback insisted that public safety was never compromised by Berger's actions and that he never asked for the money. He simply accepted cash "thank you's" from contractors after the fact.
"All they were doing is the finishing touches. There were no structural changes. No loose wires or any other violations. This was strictly a stop-work order because of an expired permit on a project that was already 90 percent complete. There were no compromises to anyone's safety," Steinback said.
Inspector General David Hoffman countered that calling the bribe a "thank you after the fact minimizes the significance" of what Berger did.
"Kurt Berger was the supervisor over the Troubled Buildings Section. When he dismissed citations by basically removing them from the computer system, he was completely undermining the work other building inspectors had done. That is very significant corrupt conduct," he said.
Michael McDonough gave some money to a lady that was in need downtown Chicago today. This lady had no friends and family with millions of dollars of profitable contracts with the City of Chicago. This lady had no friends to take Mayor Daley to see the world and stay in the best hotels. Mayor Daley lives like a king and the subjects starve. If this lady was related to Mayor Daley she would be in European palaces with four star services. America was founded by doing the right thing, have we forgotten? If the Chicago economy gets any worse, we all might be in the same boat. Please help the needy in Chicago! Photo by Patrick McDonough. ]]>
I took Patrick McDonough downtown Chicago today to see problems the Newspapers have hidden. In Chicago, we have many people that do not have a home or bed to sleep in tonight. I hope when you see a person beg for some change, you give. Chicago should not have a homeless problem with our high taxes. Chicago should not worry about the Olympics when people starve. Teach your children young to help someone in need. God Bless you this July 4, 2008. Photo by Patrick McDonough. ]]>
Photo by Patrick McDonough]]>
Lofty O'Hare plans
EXPANSION | City pushing forward despite drop in airline traffic
June 30, 2008Recommend (5)
Neither record oil prices, nor airline cutbacks, nor falling O'Hare passenger numbers can keep Rosemarie Andolino from her appointed rounds.
Andolino, the ebullient head of the O'Hare Modernization Program, plans next month to formally ask the feds if the city can spend $200 million in future passenger ticket tax revenue on the design for the second phase of the multibillion-dollar expansion project.
ยป Click to enlarge image Mario Pineda works on a new runway at O'Hare earlier this month. The runway is scheduled to be operational in November.
(Jean Lachat/Sun-Times)
RELATED STORIESMoney for transit: Feds give, state takes away No new station for Bellwood UP rejects Bellwood bid Trains for the big show
She'll ask, even though she suspects cash-strapped United and American airlines won't like the proposal. She thinks the Federal Aviation Administration will OK the city's request anyway, because the expansion must get done. The revenue is generated by a $4.50 ticket tax on each departing passenger.
"The airline problems are not going to prevent us from going forward," Andolino said.
Spokeswomen for United and American say only that they continue to talk with the city. The two airlines control most of O'Hare's gates.
As Chicago moves toward opening a new runway in November, O'Hare traffic is falling. Flights in and out of O'Hare dropped 4.62 percent through May of this year, compared with the same period last year, according to the city's Aviation Department. The airport saw 1.8 million fewer passengers January through May.
Some of that drop is attributable to American's repair troubles this spring, which caused hundreds of cancellations.
But O'Hare traffic is expected to fall even further by 2009, as both United and American slash capacity to deal with oil prices.
The $200 million design cost is the first step toward Phase Two of O'Hare modernization, which will cost another $5 billion on top of the $3.2 billion planned for Phase One. The city wants the second phase, which includes a runway extension and a new western terminal, to be done by 2014. The city says the total improvement plan will be around $15 billion. Opponents put the cost higher.
Airport revenue bonds are funding much of Phase One. Andolino won't speculate on whether O'Hare's airlines will support future airport revenue bond issues for Phase Two. The city will also consider third-party investors, although the city doesn't have any in mind yet, Andolino said.
Joseph Karaganis, a lawyer for suburban communities that oppose the O'Hare expansion, thinks the third-party notion is unrealistic and that the expansion will never happen.
"Does she know a Russian billionaire?" Karaganis scoffed. "Chicago's claim they can fund this stuff without the airlines won't hold water on analysis." He worries that taxpayers could be on the hook for construction funding if airlines can't pay.
Airline industry analyst Mike Boyd agrees with Andolino that despite airline cutbacks, O'Hare expansion is still a good idea.
"You have to constrict a whole lot to get to the point where that extra runway won't be used," Boyd said, noting that O'Hare delays affect flights around the country. "We need as many as you can build."
But Boyd said the city must show airlines that the expansion will bring their operating costs down before they'll put up more money. "They don't want to pay for anything extra they don't need," Boyd said.
The current bonds are stable despite the airline's troubles, said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Joseph Pezzimenti. If airport activity goes down too much, airfield and landing fee rates will go up to meet debt payments.
Pezzimenti said the city still must work to get airline approval to finance Phase Two. "That's the key thing for them to move forward," he said.
Andolino compares airport improvement to investing in a mutual fund -- the market goes up and the market goes down, but over time air traffic will keep growing, so the investment will pay off.
"You buy in for the long haul," Andolino said. Despite the industry's current troubles, people will still want to fly, she said. "You can't get across the ocean in a car."
This is a check signed by Mayor Daley for $20,000.00 to a person that had their Shakman rights violated. Make sure you have yours by now. Lots of my friends took what the City offered, I think they deserved much more. Thank you for signing the check Mayor Daley! It should have come out of your own personal pocket. In Chicago, we pay for the Mayor's sins. Patrick McDonough.]]>
Protesters lined up outside Ryan Field to protest Mayor Daley at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Patrick Ryan has made millions of Chicago Taxpayers money with his insurance company. Billions of dollars flow from Chicago taxpayers to Mayor Daley's friends and cronies. This is money that should fuel the Chicago economy on the west and south side of Chicago. Mayor Daley was not welcomed in Evanston at all. The crowd was very chilly to this braggadocios Mayor. Daley told everyone what a big deal he is, making sure the kids knew he is the CEO of Chicago. Daley's speech was gibberish at best and was a sales event for the Chicago Olympics in 2016. Ryan and the Daley family will feast like pigs if that Olympic money maker ever hits Chicago. I hope the public knows Ryan has mighty power at Northwestern and the school's cash king paid Daley back with a commencement speech and lots of free vacations. Did you know Mayor Daley used taxpayer's money to send bomb sniffing dogs to scout out the Ryan Field? As I told you before, the fire at Mayor Daley's summerhouse was a hoax, and the powder sent to the Aldermen was also a hoax. The Chicago press never reported Chicago City Workers protesting outside the event, but the Evanston Police laughed mighty heartily. The two "Mayor Daley" midgets got lots of laughs at Daley's expense. Photo by Patrick McDonough.]]>
chicagotribune.com
Daley finds NU graduates a tough crowd
After complaining about the selection of speaker, some consider his talk 'generic,' one he would give 'anywhere, anytime'
By Dan Mihalopoulos
Tribune reporter
10:47 PM CDT, June 20, 2008
Appearing unfazed by the campus controversy over his selection as commencement speaker, Mayor Richard Daley told Northwestern University graduates Friday evening that he would try "to impart some of what I've learned in pursuing a life's passion of public service."
Some students had complained that Daley's selection as speaker was a letdown after the university's president promised that an "extremely well-known person" would be coming to Evanston to address the Class of 2008.
Hewing closely to a prepared text, Daley made only faint reference to the tempest shortly after stepping up to the podium for his 15-minute speech.
"For those of you who still don't know me very well, I've been for the last 19 years the CEO of the city of Chicago, one of the most culturally rich, economically diverse, globally recognized cities on Earth," said the mayor, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in law. "With that as the foundation, I will do my best."
Graduates gave the mayor's talk mixed reviews.
"It was the most generic speech anybody could come up with," said Laila Chen, a political science graduate who grew up near the mayor's Bridgeport neighborhood. "None of it was directed to us. It was just about him selling himself, the city, the Olympics. He could have given that speech to anyone, anywhere, anytime--and he probably has."
Tyler Brandt, a computing graduate from Berkeley, Calif., said, "He spent a lot of time talking about what he had done and all the things that made him great and not so much time talking to us."
Indeed, it was the kind of talk he often gives to out-of-town visitors or on trips abroad. Daley highlighted his takeover of Chicago's public schools and his efforts to make Chicago "the most environmentally friendly city in the nation." He also spoke of the city's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Daley urged students to volunteer for the Olympic effort and look for other ways to serve the public.
Chelsea Lambert, a mathematics and English literature major from Vero Beach, Fla., may take him at his word. She said she is encouraged to volunteer, perhaps helping "underprivileged adults."
And Saad Qazi, a Chicagoan who received a master's in information systems, said he was happy to hear about the city's Olympic push. "I like Mayor Daley," he said. . "Actually, I came to this ceremony because he was here."
Daley closed by telling the students they can change the world, despite the gloomy outlook of society: "Don't let the cynics and skeptics discourage you. You can make a difference. In fact, we're counting on you."
I fixed up this photo to make it better. I got rid of the mole and fixed the ears. Good luck America. Enjoy this sexy photo of Chicago's Barack Obama. Patrick McDonough.]]>
Make sure you join us at Northwestern University tomorrow to give Mayor Daley a reminder not everyone loves Mr. Potato Head. We are going to protest several of Mr. Daley's policies that makes all his family very wealthy. We are going to remind Mr. Richard Daley there are many poor in the west and south side of Chicago. Want to join us? We hope several people join us for the fun. I hope someone tells the Mayor of Chicago four more Shakman lawsuits will be presented to the Chicago Inspector General and the Law Department tomorrow. Nothing changes in Chicago but higher taxes. Photo improved by Patrick McDonough.]]>
Ann Sather's is an excellent restaurant. I enjoy the eggs Benedict best. Do you know the Chicago Alderman that owns this eatery? Do you know the Alderman that he replaced? Clout is a funny thing in Chicago, just try and keep it if you can! Photo of Patrick and David McDonough. I would say the 2008 "Midsommarfest" was fun and I had a good time. Andersonville is a great town in and of itself. It was a great way to spend my Father's Day. I hope you spent yours with your family and not gambling at the boat! Patrick McDonough.]]>
I enjoy any store that sells monkeys. Brass monkeys, cloth monkeys, painted monkeys. Every kind of monkey is for sale except a real monkey. This store is located in Andersonville, in Chicago's 48th Ward. Pictured with my children is Bernie Superfine, the owner, Head Monkey, and Janitor. The Monkey Galley is located at 5238 North Clark Chicago, Illinois 60640. Phone number is 773-738-2248. You can e-mail Bernie at: nerd5050@aol.com He also makes custom made jewelry. Photo by Patrick McDonough]]>
My Children enjoyed the Chicago Andersonville Fest called "Midsommarfest". Yes it is spelled that way. One of the highlights was the lessons learned on bike safety. The two ambassadors from Mayor Daley's Safety in Motion were very professional and courteous. They took the time to teach my kids bike safety. I suggest you take their advice and get helmets for your kids. They suggested Working Bikes on Western Avenue in Chicago. They said the prices are reasonable. My problem with this program is the shameless use of taxpayer's money to promote Mayor Daley. That goon has a big ego for a little guy! Bike safe Chicago! Photo by Patrick McDonough ]]>
June 14, 2008. The Chain O' Lakes in Lake County is an absolute mess. I took my kids to an area that is a launch site off Route 12. The gas pumps are almost under and many people do not have access to their boats. My sons are happy we boat in Wisconsin. The Politics are a disaster in Illinois, and the boating is not much better. We looked to help people sandbagging, but could not find anyone. This is a disaster. Pictured are Patrick, Davis, and Michael McDonough. Photo by Patrick McDonough.
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Patrick D. McDonough has entered his first professional photo contest. I brought my best pictures. I won best in landscape and best overall. I won over some of the best photographers in Midwest. This was shot with my Nikon professional series equipment. It will be published in a journal soon. Not bad for my first professional contest! Photo by Patrick McDonough.]]>