ChicagoClout

Mara seemed in a good mood after the Shakman Decree meeting today. Mara's spokes person looked very pregnant. Well the Chicago Taxpayers picked up the tab for more illegal activity. Mara skipped the hangman noose after certifying the City of Chicago was in compliance of the Shakman Decree all these years. Why is Mara so happy? Thank you to Michael "Mike" Shakman for taking my phone call today. I thanked him for helping the Chicago City Worker. I also helped Channel 2 News get some footage of Mara and her posse leaving court. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 7:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Thank you to Chicago Department of Water Management Employees Patrick McDonough, Bruce Randazzo, and Frank Anton, noting objections during the Shakman Meeting in Federal Court today. Judge Anderson listened to everything we had to say. The AP also met with us after we voiced concerns on ongoing Shakman violations. Judge Anderson invited us to get involved, and we will continue to talk up for the thousands of Chicago Workers afraid to voice their opinion. Do we live in Communist Russia? Photo by Patrick McDonough

Federal judge approves plan to end Chicago patronage hiring

By MIKE ROBINSON
AP Legal Affairs Writer
Published May 31, 2007, 2:36 PM CDT
CHICAGO -- A federal judge on Thursday approved a sweeping blueprint for ending the century-old practice of hiring Chicago city employees based on political clout, admitting it might not work but expressing hope.

"I actually have hope, rooted in a lot of efforts over the last several years, that things will actually change," Judge Wayne R. Andersen told attorneys, some of whom have been bickering for three decades over Chicago's time-honored but illegal system of filling city payroll jobs.

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Andersen's approval of the plan, signed by Mayor Richard M. Daley on April 11, had been expected and came as a formality.

Under the plan, the city agreed to establish a $12 million fund administered by a court-appointed monitor to compensate victims of unfair hiring practices. It empowers the city's inspector general, currently former federal prosecutor David Hoffman, to investigate any violations.

The court-appointed monitor, attorney Noel Brennan, will continue to oversee city hiring and report her findings to the judge.

The city may ask the court after 2008 to terminate the plan and Corporation Counsel Mara Georges said it intends to make such a request.

All the same, Georges told Andersen that the agreement represents "a fair and reasonable resolution to many, many years of conflict."

At the heart of the dispute is the age-old, political machine-style practice of reserving city payroll jobs for political appointees.

Most patronage hiring is banned under a 30-year-old federal court decree in a lawsuit filed by attorney Michael Shakman -- who was beaten in a race for delegate to the 1970 Illinois Constitutional Convention and blamed his defeat on an army of campaign workers on the city payroll.

Critics of the system maintain that insurgent candidates can rarely win against an army of campaign workers who have city jobs but whose real work is to assure the election of the mayor and his political allies.

Four city workers were on hand to grumble that the blueprint for change fails to go far enough.

Bruce Randazzo, 50, an employee of the city department of water management, told Andersen that "there has been so much corruption, and if the monitor is terminated in a year and a half they're going to go right back to where they were."

Andersen assured the employees that the city can't unilaterally scuttle the blueprint but must first win court approval to terminate it. He told the city workers, who plainly remained disgruntled, that the best course for them would be to "get involved" in efforts to bring reform.

"Of course," Andersen said slyly, drawing on his own political background, "I can tell you that as a Republican growing up in Chicago I learned that getting involved is not always the same as winning."
That brought a roar from the spectators.
The patronage system has been at the heart of Chicago politics since the 19th Century. It used to mean assuring city jobs to doorbell-ringing, favor-doing precinct captains who got out the vote for their ward committeemen.
That system was banned by the Shakman decree, although it has been obvious for decades that politically connected candidates still were getting hired in large numbers, regardless of court restrictions.
Four former city employees, including Robert Sorich, widely known as Daley's patronage chief, are currently appealing their convictions in a federal trial on charges involving a scheme to flout the restrictions.
The federal investigation showed that the system has changed since Daley took office and that much of the patronage has been centralized in key city departments rather than being doled out to ward committeemen.
Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press

Posted by at 7:11 PM | Permalink

I went to many Memorial Day Parades in Chicago and the Suburbs. Mayor Daley was crying like a baby as Fitzgerald skates around Mob Boyz. Many of the people that join the armed forces serve our country for the highest purpose, they do not serve to pad the resume. I heard many politicians try to get some traction by talking about some soldier that died serving his country. I listened to story after story about a Mom or Dad tell noble stories about their son's life before they died in war. Many parents tried to justify with stories their son told them to reassure them everything will be o.k. Mom and Dad, your sons will be sent to the front lines and die, keep them home. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Make darn sure you read this article ducked in the business section of the Chicago Sun-Times. It was written by Fran Spielman, click here: http://www.suntimes.com/business/399667,CST-FIN-merge24.article Than read this future tidbit about Father Phleger of St. Sabina's helping city workers get promoted. Divine Intervention!

Irma Jasso-Rodriguez began her career with the Building Department as a building inspector in March 1993 and worked as an inspector until December 1997. She was then promoted to Supervisor of Central District where she worked from December 1997 until June 2003 when she was promoted to Chief of the Central and West District. Irma is the first woman to be promoted to Chief in the Department of Buildings and the only Chief in charge of two districts, Also in the year she has held the position she has developed an inspectors guide that is used by all City of Chicago Building Inspectors. We salute Irma for raising the bar! Gooooo... Irma.
KEVIN BUSH
In the offices of the technical bureaus at Ogden, Kevin Bush has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Technical Bureau, who recently served as the Chief Plumbing Inspector. Away from work, Kevin serves as an assistant coach for the Hales Franciscan High School basketball team Making Coach Bush very proud, the Hales Franciscan Spartans brought home the 2003 State Class A Championship, the first Chicago area team to win a Class A title since 1985 against Mount Carroll. In addition to coaching the Hales Franciscan Spartans, he also heads up a summer program for disadvantaged teens at St Sabina Church called Fermri Basketball, Kevin is still basking in the glory of winning not only the 2003 State Championship but also bringing home the 2004 Nike National Invitational
Championship for the Ferrari basketball team, held in : Orlando, Florida Way to go Coach Bush!
Please get to know these superstars Chicago Employees!!! Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The victim received some cash, lots of cash, and did not show up to court. I think it smells like a bribe and settlement. We need to force this lady to pay for all the grief she cost the taxpayers. Cook County's justice system is not a matter of integrity, but a matter of "How much". How Devine! Frank Coconate lost another round on this , money buys "Justice" in Chicago.

Sex-abuse case against Chicago cop is dropped

By Carlos Sadovi
Tribune staff reporter
Published May 23, 2007
Cook County prosecutors on Tuesday dropped sexual-abuse charges against a Chicago Police sergeant after the alleged victim in the case failed to testify.

The trial for Gerald Breimon, 38, accused of fondling a 25-year-old woman after a 2003 traffic stop, was set to begin when prosecutors announced they were dropping charges of sexual abuse and official misconduct.

Cook County Criminal Court Judge Dennis Porter granted a request by Breimon's lawyer, Michael Gillespie, to return to the officer the four guns he was required to turn over as the condition of his bail. The $50,000 bail was also returned.

Had Breimon, a 13-year veteran and the son of a former assistant deputy police superintendent, been convicted of the charges he could have faced up to 15 years in prison, Gillespie said.

"I'm glad it's over, " said Breimon, who was stripped of his police powers but remained with the department.

"We've been telling the court that we've been ready for trial for the last six months. He's denied that he ever did anything wrong. We're just happy that he can go on with his life," Gillespie said.Gillespie said they will look into having the Police Department return him to active status.

Police have said that Breimon approached the woman on Sept. 23, 2002, in the 3600 block of North Marshfield Avenue as she walked to her car, which was illegally parked in an alley.

He allegedly told her not to drive her car because she had been drinking, but she came back to her car later and drove away. He followed and pulled her over in the 1800 block of West Addison Street. Breimon allegedly ordered her out of the car and groped her under the pretense of a search, police said. He then ordered her to follow him to a nearby parking lot, where he groped her again before letting her go, according to police.

He allegedly photographed the woman at that point, according to a police report, which indicated that the department's Internal Affairs Department investigated the case before charges were filed.

Assistant Cook County State's Atty. David Navarro said the charges were dropped because the woman, who has since moved out of state, refused to cooperate with prosecutors. According to court documents, prosecutors interviewed the woman but did not put her before a grand jury in the case.

"We don't have a victim," Navarro said.

The woman filed a federal civil lawsuit against the city and Breimon that was eventually settled, according to court documents. Jennifer Hoyle, a spokeswoman with the city's Law Department, said the city reached a $10,000 settlement with the woman. The woman also settled separately with Breimon, but that amount was not disclosed, Hoyle said.

According to court papers filed May 14, Breimon's lawyers said that in a signed affidavit the woman claimed the charges were brought because of "a misunderstanding of police procedures and how she came to understand Breimon's actions were not of a sexual nature ... in short, she recanted her original statements and accusations against Breimon."

------------

csadovi@tribune.com

Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

Posted by at 8:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Last week, the Chicago Department of Water Management decided to take upon itself to attempt to make plumbing repairs to the facility at 3901 South Ashland. Some sewer workers broke open a trench drain and started making repairs to a system in dire straights. Of course you need a licenced plumber and a licensed plumbing contractor to make the repairs. You need to make sure you use the right materials, make sure there is correct pipe sizing, and make sure the taxpayers are not shortchanged. When the pipe size is too small there will be more back-ups. Some of the waste going into the sewer should be intercepted first. We need to display permits before work begins. We need to find out who is allowing work like this illegal installation to continue. Remember sewer workers are allowed to work on piping five (5) foot past the foundation. Caulkers are not Plumbers and should not perform work that requires a Licensed Plumber. A Plumbing Inspector from the City of Chicago was dispatched yesterday to investigate the violations. Major amounts of Taxpayers money was wasted on this improper installation. Photo by Patrick McDonough after work to protect the heath of the Chicago Worker.

Posted by at 8:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Michael Tadin swore off public funded trucking after his fun and games with Mayor Daley's Hired Truck Scandal. Tadin had several companies fronting with different names and had non-union workers. To this day, the Chicago Teamsters need to make sure everyone of almost 300 employees of Tadin are union. Tadin has had numerous sweetheart deals thanks to Mayor Daley. Tadin is into Waste Removal/Transfer with Waste Management ( Hello Feds!!!) Today they continue with Walsh Construction in the Dan Ryan Repairs. Tadin was spotted with additional pieces of equipment on the State funded construction project. The Inspections by the State are at best lousy and the only trucking company that got busted was a Chicago black owned enterprise. (Owned by a former Chicago Bear) Tadin made millions in a shady manner, low paying his workers. Mayor Daley, how did your pal Tadin get back on the State Payroll. John Daley could also help us with that question. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:26 PM | Permalink

Every morning I watch a Chicago High rise complex slowly destroyed. I kept taking pictures for quite some time as the building at 37th and the Dan Ryan Expressway is slowly hit again and again with the wrecking ball. These are very well built buildings, but if you really think Daley want Negroes on prime Chicago property, you need your head examined. The 11th Ward is becoming very prime property and white folk do not want to see Negroes around their million dollar homes near the slaughter houses in Bridgeport. The exception might be the low income housing at Wentworth Gardens. Many of the Negroes in that development I talked to told me there is an unwritten rule, "Do Not Cross Under the Railroad Tracks just west of the Wentworth Gardens". "We stay here", said another Negro. Maybe one day, Mayor Daley's Bridgeport will start to respect Black Persons as equals. Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:57 PM | Permalink

Today, I spent a great day in Wind Lake with my three sons. We had the honor of Safety training and tips from Rob Robins, a firefighter, EMT, and Dive Team member. In smaller towns, a firefighter must wear more hats, so we salute Rob Robins. We had a closeup look at all the many boats, trucks, and ambulances used to save lives. I learned about heart attacks, and God knows we have had more than our fair share at the Chicago Department of Water Management. Remember, spend time with your children in constructive learning events, and less time gambling and drinking. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I am happy to spend time with my sons walking down the paths of the Cook County Forest Preserves. When I was taking photographs for Forrest Claypool primary campaign for democrat board president, I was surprised at the poor condition of many of the preserves in Chicago. Lots of work needs to be done to make park areas safe and beautiful. I hope all of Chicago Clout Fans take the time to take your children on a pleasant walk many times this summer. The paths are in o.k. condition. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 3:31 PM | Permalink

On the front page of Chicago Sun-Times was a picture of John Polishak, a Chicago Department of Water Management Caulker, in the Brown's Chicken Massacre Jury. "Hang-em high Polishak" wanted the death penalty.
Gravel theft charges dropped against 2 city workers
Chicago Sun-Times, Jun 22, 2001 by FRAN SPIELMAN
A judge has dismissed misdemeanor theft charges against two laborers for the Chicago Water Department, ruling that there was no evidence they knew that the load of gravel they dumped in the driveway of one of the workers belonged to the city.
The surprise ruling by Circuit Judge Mark Ballard marks the latest in a series of legal setbacks for city Inspector General Alexander Vroustouris, whose investigative tactics have been under fire by Chicago aldermen.
Earlier this year, Chicago taxpayers paid an electrician assigned to O'Hare Airport $232,000 in back pay-the equivalent of nearly four years' salary-after a judge overturned a residency case put together by the inspector general's office.
Now Ballard has ruled in favor of John Polishak, a $29.65-an-hour caulker, and Robert Depietro, a $23.35-an-hour laborer.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported in March that Polishak and Depietro had been placed on administrative leave after allegedly driving off with a private contractor's leased truck and dumping up to a ton of city-owned gravel in Depietro's driveway. The incident was videotaped by city investigators, who had staked out Depietro's home in the 4800 block of North Montclare. And the inspector general allegedly found that Polishak altered time sheets to cover up the dumping.
I cannot believe John Poliskak did not have a conflict sitting on this jury. I mean, John was falsely accused by the Chicago Inspector General, right? On a personal level, John is a very hard worker and almost paranoid of losing his job again. I must say those Chicago Department of Water Management employees sure get in the newspaper quite a bit, don't they? Chicago Clout Patrick McDonough.

Please watch Channel 7 Chicago News, click here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5318719 Click here for Channel 2 News version http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_137155324.html John is a Caulker

Posted by at 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today, One of the top leaders of Chicago's Immigration and March 10 Movement is Jorge Mujica Murias. I have enjoyed my conversation with him and his commitment to this powerful attempt to improve rights of Immigrants. Jorge is a humble and determined leader. He is on the front line during a rally to help a young lady that is separated from family in Mexico. Remember, Mexicans in Chicago have turned 26th street into a major money maker for Chicago. Sales Taxes are generated everyday in Chicago Mexican Communities. Politicians know that. My only suggestion to the Mexican-American population, make sure all of you are registered to vote. Please read this article, click here: http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/391816,CST-NWS-immi18.article Jorge Mujica also knows Frank Avila Jr., a famous Chicago Lawyer and political activist for the Hispanic Community. Photo by Patrick McDonough. Chicago Clout.

Posted by at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Today, in Chicago's Little Village at 26th and Albany, a young mother was crying because her husband was sent back to Mexico. A large crowd was at the rally so everyone is made aware of her horrible situation. A Catholic priest said many prayers and singers sang song after song. This was a very sad event, I hope this Immigration Issue is settled fairly and equitably. Please read this article, click here: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/391815,CST-NWS-family18.article Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 6:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Please read this article about Chicago Taxicab Issues, click here: http://www.suntimes.com/business/386768,CST-FIN-resign16.article and understand how Mayor Daley has a revolving door with multiple conflict of Interest issues. This is not good Government. Also, If you look around Chicago's 11th Ward, you will find construction that is paid for with Chicago Taxpayer dollars. The Daley Boyz are smart to steer construction and jobs all up and down Pershing Road. (39th Street) Many large facilities pour millions of dollars from workers into the local 11th ward economy. Streets and Sanitation, Water Management, Police..... on and on it goes. You can also control hiring and control the workforce. (AKA MONEY) Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/389746,CST-NWS-daley17.article
Would you allow this rat to have a Casino, run by his family, for the benefit of Chicago? Daley says the Chicago Government would get approximately 85% of the profit. This Casino is a false promise to people that can least afford to gamble. This Casino in Chicago would empower the 11th Ward beyond belief. This Casino would be run by Daley and the Mob, one and the same. Fight any Casio proposal in Chicago. The gambling in Chicago has ruined enough lives and marriages. When was the last time the Daley Administration was on T.V. announcing a major bust and arrests for members of the Chicago Mob? Patrick McDonough.

More on this from Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times, click here:

Posted by at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Please read this article, click here: http://suntimes.com/news/metro/384485,CST-NWS-hare14.article Years ago they said we are nuts. Well Chicago, enjoy paying for the Daley Elite and Contractors Pals of the Daley Family. I have never seen anyone get away with such lies and failures, except maybe George Bush. Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Look at this sign in the Cook County Forest Preserves in Chicago-land. Todd Stroger needs to employ more Union Tradesman. The Layoffs of front line workers repair these signs. Cook County does not need more high paid consultants and more high paid managers. Let us get off our rear-ends and clean up the Chicago Area Forest Preserves Now. The Forest Preserves are a disgrace. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I got this Cute Toy Poodle Dog for David during his stay at the Hospital this weekend. When I talk about Clout and Politics, I hope it never enters a Surgical Room. My God, could you imagine if a doctor doing the surgery said I hope thing go well, but if it does not, I am related to Daley. I always recommend Advocate Lutheran Hospitals in the Chicago-land area, they are the best. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Thanks everyone, David had a long hospital stay with complications. He got out today. Watching a sick child especially when he is yours is a humbling experience, Thanks for the phone calls. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 5:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had this story a long time ago. Mayor Daley does not patrol the white neighborhoods the way he patrols the poor neighborhoods. If you notice the Revenues trucks, they are some of the only Chicago City Trucks with-out Mayor Daley's name on the sides. The Chicago Newspaper Reporters need to review the Tow Companies that are located in the suburbs. Also look into the Chicago Outfit-Mayor Daley Clout Ties. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Special Thanks to our South Side Investigator for this Tip !!! We will call you Deep "C". Please enjoy this article Dated May 12, 2007 by Natasha Korecki (A Stone Fox, I met her at the Sorich Trial) of the Chicago Sun-Times. I applied for these promotions many times, I guess I was too honest for the job. Plumbers Union, what do you know? Please read this article. Two more city inspectors charged with corruption
BUILDINGS DEPT. | Investigation might not be over

May 12, 2007
BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter nkorecki@suntimes.com
Two more city inspectors were charged in an ongoing investigation into corruption in the city's Buildings Department.
To date, 10 city inspectors have been charged in various corruption cases on state and federal levels.
Federal indictments announced Friday charged two additional city inspectors, including plumbing inspector Eric Reyes, who is accused of lying to federal authorities about whether he asked another person to create a phony letter of intent. Letters of intent are supposed to ensure that a listed contractor is properly licensed.
Building inspector David Johnson was also charged with conspiring with a contractor and another unnamed individual to take bribes in return for fixing building permits or code problems.
The unnamed co-conspirator in Johnson's indictment was a supervising building inspector.
The fact that the person was named as a co-conspirator but not charged could be a sign the probe continues to expand.

Note: I will be getting more information on the Shakman Deal as soon as it makes more sense. Ever get the feeling the FEDS are tightening the noose and have figured out the Chicago Political Game. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Posted by at 8:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Yesterday on May 18, 2007, the North District was visited by the Illinois Department of Labor. Investigators from the State were checking for Shoring in Ditches. Today, May 11, 2007, the State Inspectors were investigating the Central District. Every Foreman was warned ahead of time. Shoring is almost never used and the rules are not enforced. Now, Department of Water Management want to enforce the rules on digging next to trees unless their is an exception, Clouted People that do not want the tree removed. Are you starting to understand the way things are? Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Please read this ,click here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0705091171may10,1,1523150.story?coll=chi-newslocal-hed This Chicago Plumbing Inspector had a storied past at the old Chicago Water Department, of course, these are the type that get promoted on a regular basis. Maybe he could help us all figure out the many bribes the different divisions were taking on a regular basis. Some Chicago Plumbing Inspectors could not even get out of their car because they were so obese. The problems with the phony plumbing inspections are major in Chicago. I hope Plumber's Local 130 can shed some light on this problem, especially with the tapper's truck and the faxed paperwork. Old Donald had a special concern with the Tappers. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Family of Mayor Daley is a nice gig if you can get it. Please read this article from Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times great writer. Click here: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/379180,CST-NWS-nephew10.article In a nut shell my friends, millions will be pocketed by insiders of the 11th ward and the Daley clan if Olympics land. The Olympics are the quick version of gambling, "Gaming" as the suckers call it. Daley wants family on the inside if the Olympics hit Chicago, period. The man covers his boyz financial interests, feds or no feds. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Today on 26th street around Kostner, I saw this lady selling flowers and prepackaged bears with hearts. In fact, numerous vendors were selling various items so Mexicans would keep Mother's Day honored. Most Americans will enjoy Mother's Day Sunday May 13, 2007. Happy Mother's Day to all my Mexican friends. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Congratulations to Fast Eddie Vrdolak for evading the U.S. States Attorney for so long. I guess if you still need to work a hustle at 70 years old, you are some type of loser. You got caught because Levine talked. So Ed, be a hero and give up the Daley Boys and all the City of Chicago political hustles. John Cass said it best, "The Combine is both democrats and republicans in Illinois". Think he will do some time or pull a "Governor Ryan". This should have every Chicago politician holding their breath, Patrick McDonough

Click here for ABC Channel 7 version: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5292040

Posted by at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Please read this article about the corruption at Chicago UIC campus. Please click here: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/376739,CST-NWS-UIC09.article This story is about one of John Daley's guys that got a pass even though he was arrested 9 times. Why did Thomas J. Morano get busted for his criminal past? I bet it was because a guy that was an acting foreman decided not to take a proposed settlement on a discrimination lawsuit. John Daley should call the Chicago Sun-Times and correct the error that Morano lives in Chinatown, he lives on Lowe Street in the 11th Ward. Just so you know, the UIC wanted to shut this down, but Frank Avila, Angelo Fato, and Patrick McDonough were in the background, putting gas on the fire. John Daley, What Do You Know? This story will expose the contracting and the Hiring and promotion scams at UIC. I hope the Union explain how the Chicago O'Hare Fired Workers ended up working at UIC. Please dig in like an Alabama tick, our Chicago F.B.I. This one is for you Roger!!! Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 7:28 PM | Permalink

Chicago Police Forensic Services gather evidence long after Chicago Media Outlets are done covering an assignment. May 8, 2007, a major bank robbery happened in Chicago's Little Village Neighborhood. I am happy the gunman decided to give up. The day after the robbery, much of the evidence needs to be put in order for court. I hope you know the Chicago Police Forensic Services work around the clock to make sure all the evidence is in order and a needed conviction of a gunman will keep bad guys off the street. Thank You Chicago Police. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Chicago Little Village Community had a terrible Bank Robbery on May 8, 2007. Officer Gage is one of the Chicago Police Officers that put his life on the line May 8, 2007, to make sure the lives of Chicago Citizens are protected. Every day, I watch Chicago's brave officers put up with some terrible situations. Thank You Chicago Police for you expert work, and staying cool and calm. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Please watch this Chicago Channel 2 News Special about Fire Hydrants. Click here: http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_127221813.html I have harped about the conditions of several Fire Hydrants and testified at a State of Illinois hearing. I will take some time to get this b.s. straightened out. It is the result of privatizing and no checks and balances. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I am happy to report, many Chicago Department of Water Management and Streets and Sanitation are keeping the Chicago Tribune reporters, Laurie Cohen and Todd Lighty fully informed of the current political climate in Chicago. Please make sure you read this atricle, click here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0705070063may07,1,7753674.story?coll=chi-news-hed I hope all Chicago City Workers keep their nose to the grindstone and keep informing the Newspapers until we have a safe and secure workplace with no more retatliation. Way to go Ramond C. On the Front page of the Chicago Tribune!! Nice picture. Patrick McDonough.

TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE

Election Day work absences fall in city
By Laurie Cohen and Todd Lighty
Tribune staff reporters
Published May 7, 2007
As federal investigations into City Hall cause fundamental shifts in politics and hiring in Chicago, thousands of city workers decided to show up for work on Election Day in February rather than get out the vote.
Four years ago, more than one of every three workers in those city departments targeted by prosecutors were absent from their jobs on Election Day, according to newly released city records analyzed by the Tribune.
City workers clocked in on Election Day
May 7, 2007
But on Feb. 27, the absentee rate plummeted by almost half, to 18 percent from 34 percent.
City Hall long has contended that workers took off voluntarily on Election Day for their own political reasons. But the new figures show that pressure to do political work has faded under federal scrutiny, suggesting that many workers formerly campaigned to boost their job prospects.
"I am not doing it [any]more," said Ramon Caraballo, a laborer in the Water Management Department who said he took off on Election Day four years ago to work for Ald. William J. P. Banks (36th), a Daley supporter. "Before, they could do favors for you," but now "there is nothing you can get out of it."
City officials said this week that they could not explain the dramatic drop in absenteeism. "We have no insight of why that has occurred," said Brian Steele, a city spokesman. "The decision to be at work or away from the office is the personal decision of the employee and not something we are concerned with."
Michael Shakman, a Chicago attorney who has fought political hiring, said the big drop in absenteeism shows that the mayor's lieutenants were told not to get out the troops on Election Day. "It's obvious that there was an old-style political patronage operation under way in 2003, and it's obvious that something has changed," Shakman said.
Some workers are still taking time off to campaign, records indicate. Though far fewer employees missed work this Election Day than in 2003, the number of absences still exceeded the average for February.
The Feb. 27 election was the first municipal election since federal agents swept into city offices in spring of 2005, seizing personnel files and a computer hard drive with a list of politically connected job-seekers. Prosecutors later alleged that City Hall officials handed out jobs, promotions and overtime work to those who campaigned for Daley and his allies.
The mayor's former patronage chief, Robert Sorich, was convicted for his role in a scheme to rig interviews and falsify documents. Daley's former Streets and Sanitation commissioner, Al Sanchez, faces similar charges.
Before the federal criminal probe, Daley and his aides insisted that the city had never violated a decades-old civil court decree banning most political hiring. The mayor has since pledged to revamp the personnel system and agreed to pay up to $12 million to people who lost out on jobs or promotions in favor of clout-heavy applicants.
The scrutiny on political hiring led to a "dramatic decrease" in the number of city workers who signed on for the February election, said Jerry Morrison, executive director of the state council of the Service Employees International Union. The SEIU worked to weaken the mayor's grip on the City Council by opposing incumbent aldermen in many of the city's 50 wards.
Daley easily won re-election in February, but three aldermen were defeated and 11 others were forced to face runoffs last month. Morrison said the lack of city campaign workers had an impact but probably mattered less than labor's money, organization and manpower.
In past campaigns, city employees spent weekends and evenings before an election ringing doorbells and passing out fliers and took off on Election Day to staff polling places. Prosecutors focused on five departments -- Streets and Sanitation, Water Management, Transportation, Aviation and General Services -- in which the mayor's office allegedly dictated that jobs and promotions be awarded to political workers.
In those departments, 3,555 workers, or 34 percent of the total 10,356, missed work on Feb. 25, 2003, the day of that year's municipal election, according to records obtained under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. The number covers absences for all reasons, including vacation and sick leave. The monthly Chicago Reporter previously found that many city workers were absent on Election Day 2003.
City employees typically get 13 to 25 vacation days a year and one personal day. Excluding Election Day, an average of 10 percent of the work force in those departments was absent on weekdays in February 2003 and 2007.
In Streets and Sanitation, for example, almost 36 percent of all employees were not at work on Election Day in 2003. Weekday absences, excluding Election Day, averaged 9 percent that month.
For all five departments, Election Day 2003 was one of the leading days for workers to not be hauling garbage, fixing water main leaks and filling potholes. The day ranked in the top five for days off during the prior year.
More Streets and Sanitation workers took off on Feb.25, 2003 -- 1,372 -- than on the days after Thanksgiving, the 4th of July and Christmas in 2002. Election Day ranked second for absences only to March 19, 2002, the day of the state primary election. Absences were third-highest on Nov. 5, 2002, the day of the general election.
James Sprandel, a truck driver who retired from Streets and Sanitation in 2004, said that on Election Day employees could use a personal or vacation day, or just take the day off with no pay. He said workers were almost guaranteed to make up the lost money in overtime.
TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE
Election Day work absences fall in city
By Laurie Cohen and Todd Lighty
Tribune staff reporters
Published May 7, 2007
Sprandel said the wards would be staffed with skeleton crews on Election Day. "Garbage, we could take care of that some other time," he said. "We had to take care of the votes."
Sprandel once belonged to a political group led by Daniel Katalinic, a former Streets and Sanitation official. Katalinic and Donald Tomczak, the former No. 2 in the water department who had his own political army, were sent to prison for their roles in the hiring scheme.
City workers clocked in on Election Day
May 7, 2007
This year, the climate in the five departments appeared to be less friendly toward politics. Two weeks before the election, the Inspector General's office accused a city supervisor of collecting nominating signatures for Daley's re-election campaign on city time and urged employees to report attempts to pressure them to do political work. The supervisor was found not guilty last month by a judge.
A memo sent to water department workers before the election stated that "no employees can be forced to participate in a political campaign, including donations of time and money."
There were far fewer absences on Election Day this year, records show. A total of 1,566 workers in the five departments, or 18 percent of the total, missed work on Feb. 27, 2007.
In Streets and Sanitation, 677 workers, or 20 percent, took off on Election Day 2007. Unlike in 2003, employees were more likely to miss work on the day after Thanksgiving and the day after Christmas in 2006.
For the other four departments targeted in the federal investigation, this year's Election Day did not even rank in the top five for days missed the prior year.
A truck driver in Streets and Sanitation, who declined to be identified, said he did political work in 2003 but not this year. Supervisors and even aldermen did not bother to ask city workers to campaign, he said.
"I came in to work on Election Day this year, and looked around and said, 'Hey, everybody's here.' Everybody's afraid," the driver said.
lcohen@tribune.com
tlighty@tribune.com

Posted by at 5:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Please make sure you read this article that shows the overtime that can be made if you are on the "right" crew and or shift. During this last winter, Chicago city workers made quite a bit of money in extra overtime. Thank you to Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times for shedding light on this subject. I am still hoping Fran can take a closer look at the private contractors that cleaned up during this last winter $$$$$. Many of the Plumbers were retired ex-Water Department employees. Tom McMannus (Plumber's Local 130) told me one person in particular made a fortune. We will dig into those and many other issues at our upcoming federal trial. I really believe if the Chicago newspapers and the Inspector General woulf take a closer look at the Chicago Department of Water Management, they would find more buried bones. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Please enjoy this Article from the Daily South Town. Click here: http://www.dailysouthtown.com/news/366024,dst_ethics_501.article article Commissioner Beavers, aka "The Hog with the Big Nuts", just got over a good ass whupping by Jesse Jackson Jr., started in on Commissioner Tony Peraica.
As I understand it, Tony Peraica got additional space for his campaign headquarters because the landlord had extra space he did not need. Now we are going to have a very costly political war between Beavers and Peraica. My understanding is Beavers might need to raise $150,000.00 to cover his free political office space. I think this fight needs to be covered closely because the laws are violated in Chicago on a regular basis. I took this photo at the LaGrange Village Hall May 5, 2007. This is the monthly meeting of the Republican Organization of Lyons Township. If I had any suggestion to the Republican Party in Illinois, the first one would be to start recruiting the young voters. On a personal note, Tony make sure you take this issue to court, we need the expose the many ethic violations in Illinois. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"It Pays Lousy to be Mayor Daley's Hired Truck Patsy!!!
Metro briefs
May 4, 2007
HIRED TRUCK: The Chicago Sun-Times
'Quarters' Boyle loses appeal
An appeals court upheld a seven-year prison term Thursday for Hired Truck figure John "Quarters" Boyle, who was sentenced in 2005 for taking $200,000 in bribes and urging witnesses to shred evidence and lie to the FBI. Boyle said his sentence was too harsh, especially considering he pleaded guilty. A three-judge panel said the sentence was proper, noting that Boyle "proudly admitted and repeatedly boasted in open court that he would not rat on his friends." Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tomczak bid to cut prison term rejected
Judge doesn't buy alcoholism excuse
By Matt O'Connor
Tribune staff reporter
Published May 4, 2007
A federal judge has rebuffed a disgraced former high-ranking city official who is hoping to qualify for an alcohol treatment program that could bring a significant cut in his prison term.
Donald Tomczak contended he had kept his alcohol abuse from court officials to avoid embarrassment for himself and relatives, including his son, Jeff, former Will County state's attorney.
In a court filing he authored from a federal prison camp, Tomczak, 72, sought to have court records changed to show that he had become dependent on alcohol and been under a doctor's care for the problem since 2004.
But U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan shot down the request earlier this week.
If Tomczak successfully completed the alcohol treatment program, his nearly 4-year prison term could have been cut by up to 1 year, according to U.S. Bureau of Prisons policy.
A Bureau of Prisons spokeswoman in Washington said the fact that a defendant's alleged alcohol abuse isn't mentioned in a probation report doesn't mean he would necessarily be rejected from the treatment program.
The approval process "may take a little longer," Felicia Ponce said Thursday.
Tomczak, once the top deputy in the Water Management Department, pleaded guilty in 2005 to commanding a political army of patronage workers and taking almost $400,000 in payoffs from companies that wanted business from the city's corrupt Hired Truck Program.
He began serving his sentence in February at the federal prison camp in Oxford, Wis.
In his filing, Tomczak said he works as an orderly in the prison camp library and described himself as a model inmate.
Tomczak said he didn't confide to probation officials about his alcohol abuse to avoid notoriety for his son, who he said was then seeking re-election for state's attorney.
However, the son lost re-election in 2004, months before Tomczak pleaded guilty to racketeering and a probation report would have been prepared.
The probation report is also kept sealed from public view, though certain of its details can be made public at sentencing.
In pleading guilty, Tomczak admitted he had used city workers in 2000 to campaign on behalf of his son when he successfully ran for Will County state's attorney. Jeff Tomczak lost office in 2004 amid allegations that the Chicago political machine had influenced his first election.
Tomczak's sentence could have been substantially longer than 4 years, but he won a break because he cooperated with federal law enforcement. Last year he testified for the prosecution at the corruption trial of Mayor Richard Daley's former patronage chief and three other former city officials.
mo' connor@tribune.com
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

Posted by at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

City supervisor is found not guilty of politicking on the job
Published May 4, 2007
A city supervisor charged with passing nominating petitions for Mayor Richard Daley's re-election campaign on city time has been found not guilty by a Cook County judge.
Lester Cioch, a $39.65-an-hour assistant foreman of sewer cleaning and precinct captain for the 32nd Ward Democratic Organization, was charged shortly before the February municipal election with violating state and city ethics laws that prohibit public employees from doing political work while on the clock.
At a bench trial April 20 before Cook County Circuit Judge William O'Malley, prosecutors played Cioch's taped confession and co-workers testified that he asked them to sign petitions on city property during work.
In finding Cioch not guilty of the misdemeanor charges, O'Malley said prosecutors had been unable to find the petitions Cioch had circulated. Daley's campaign had said the petitions were not submitted to election officials.
The judge also questioned whether the state law applied to city workers, said John Gorman, a spokesman for Cook County State's Atty. Richard Devine.
Cioch is on paid administrative leave while city officials review his employment status.
I will comment on this at a later time. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Many Chicago Citizens have no concept how hard Chicago Reporters work to get the truth. Mayor Daley, Mara Georges, cannot get past Chicago's best reporters. Fran Speilman, Gary Washburn, to name just a few. These reporters try to keep our government honest. See this video, click here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5268553# Thank you ABC Chicago Channel 7 News. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 8:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Mayor Daley, why would you send a tow truck with a black driver, to tow and impound autos in the Hispanic Community? Mayor Daley, you fire employees that do not live in the City of Chicago for residency violations, but you hire suburban companies to tow and impound Chicago Citizens Autos. Why are you sending Chicago Taxpayer's money out to the suburban areas Mayor Daley? That must mean, you want Chicago City Workers to live in Chicago to do your electioneering, but the suburban companies that pay millions into your political war-chest can operate businesses anywhere they wish? Look in the Central District of Chicago Mayor Daley, thousands of buildings stand abandoned with no businesses producing taxes for Chicago, make those suburban companies move into Chicago Daley. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Mayor Daley uses City of Chicago Signs on his "Hired Truck Tow Trucks". This is the exact same deal as the Hired Truck Scandal because, the Drivers and companies are non-union. The companies are "Minority Set aside" and short change the drivers of benefits like health and life insurance. Set aside companies pay workers a lousy wage, not prevailing wages. Take jobs away from City of Chicago Residents that need to pay for Mayor Daley's outrageous taxes. Why have the Chicago Union leadership failed to stop this practice? Did the Chicago branch of the F.B.I. not investigate this yet? Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Mayor Daley gave a song and dance speech at a rally for Chicago's Hispanic community May 1, 2007. Many Hispanics marched so they might become American Citizens. I hope Hispanic voters marching in the Parade did not leave their cars parked on 26th street a Chicago Hispanic stronghold. Mayor Daley's Department of Revenue was booting and towing like a bunch of drunk sailors on leave. People at the parade were told to take the bus. I have written many times the poor receive an unfair share of tickets because the rich neighborhoods do not have cops patrolling and writing tickets for any minor infraction. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 6:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Tonight, I enjoyed a fundraiser named "A Tribute to Leadership Reception with Tony". I was to honor Tony Peraica, an outstanding Commissioner of Cook County. It was at Pescatore 3400 North River Road Franklin Park, Illinois. The event was well attended with high profile types such as Frank Avila. Please make sure to visit Tony Peraica's website, click here: http://www.joinperaica.com I am Commissioner Peraica's personal photographer, a great honor. Salman Aftab is going to run for Chicago's 50th Ward Republican Committeeman, I wish him good luck. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)