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July 31, 2007

Des Plaines's best Alderman Mark Walsten

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Please enjoy this video, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3543211600863473864 Des Plaines has a $300,000.00 no bid contract. Old red face just does not care. Many people are losing their houses to foreclosure. The Des Plaines Journal and Tom "Weasel" Wessel recommended this Alderman. When the elected quit caring, it is all over.

All Local 130 City of Chicago Members

Make sure you post a grievance, on August 1, 2007. According to Mr. G of Local 130, Tom Talley of the Department of Water Management, is allowing Laborers to do the work of Plumbers. This relates to Fire Hydrants. Tom Durkin, Plumbers Local 130 B.A., told Mr. G, the City is not in compliance of the agreement. If you know Tom McManus of Local 130, and retired City Worker, let him know. I have grievances over seven years old, so why bother, now days you should get a receipt. Patrick McDonough

July 30, 2007

Should Politicians Run The Department of Water Management?

The City of Chicago's Department of Water Management has promoted numerous people due to loyalty to certain political armies. My concern is the possible event of cross contamination of the water supply. Chicago has an obligation to protect our water, not play politics. In the event of overtime, sometimes it is needed because we "Protect the Health of the Nation". This quote is on the walls of Plumbers Journeyman's Local 130 in Chicago. Remember, if you see a hazardous situation, or unsafe water conditions in Chicago, contact me. I promise to get your concerns in the right hands. Patrick McDonough.

Union Membership Rules UA Constitution

I am asking every member of the Unions, employed by the City of Chicago to read this important document, learn the laws Union Representatives have taken. Click here: http://www.ua.org/docs/ua_constitution.pdf I am hoping some of our Union brothers learn to obey the pledge you made and stop putting politics above your sworn oath. In the Chicago Department of Water Management, politics must stop. Patrick McDonough.

Weekend Water Sports

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I had another great weekend with my family. I like this photo of Sarah and Katlin. I know, I could have spent my paycheck at the gambling boat as does many Chicago City Workers, but time and money spent on family and friends, is time well spent. I missed church this Sunday, but I am sure God will forgive me. Next weekend, I am having a party for my daughter that is going away to college. I look forward to a great time. Summer will end soon and the court room activities should keep everyone warm all winter. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 28, 2007

Armour Park Square Park Chicago Politics

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In Bridgeport, Shakman Violations continue to be exposed due to the diligence of Chicago Clout Reporters. Chicago Park District Employees keep the 11th Ward Calendar in full view of everyone that visits this park. Armour Park is located at 3309 South Sheilds, and you can call (312) 747-6012 to contact them, ask for your 11th Ward Calendar!!!! I call it political propaganda. John Daley should do something about this. This 11th Ward Political calendar is also in full display during elections. Read this story about the Daley White Mob boyz and park gang-bangers, click here: http://www.chicagoreporter.com/1997/06-97/0697hatecrimes.htm Do you know this famous Chicago Politician? Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 27, 2007

Happiness in Wisconsin Fresh Produce Stands

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Today was a great day with my three sons. We went to a Country Fresh Produce Stand. We also enjoyed the day visiting the many animals. This is a Fresh Produce stand I have gone to for two decades. When you ask for a dozen ears of corn, you get thirteen ears. Some city slicker invented 12 ears as a dozen. It is 4 dollars for the 13 ears of corn. This stand is at Lauderdale Lakes, Wisconsin. Hwy 12, N7922. It is called Cedar Bend Produce. The food is very fresh and tasty. Remember, spend as much time with your kids when they are young. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Time for Mare Daley to start answering questions

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Mare Daley has been very quiet in the last few years. Chicago Newspapers must keep up the tough questions about Mayor Daley and his Mob Connections. "Ties" The Hired Truck Scandal, the Chicago Police Torture under Jon Burge and States Attorney Daley. The HDO, The Hiring Scandal, and the massive amount of high ranking Chicago Employees under Federal Scrutiny. We can go on and on about the phony contracts, minority set asides. When our reporters attempt to ask a fair question, Daley stammers, lies, denies, accuses the reporters. I am sick of the lack of answers, I am sick of the foul barnyard answers. Did Daley know Torres? I think Chicago needs a mayor that can tell the truth for a change. Daley had not held the Catholic Cardinal of Chicago to the fire for the child abuse scandals. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Make sure you tell the truth when you are subpoenaed

Many Chicago Department of Water Management employees, past and present, will have a opportunity soon to give a honest confession of past events. If anyone plans on telling lies, please read the article below. Patrick McDonough.

Secretary of Hired Truck boss charged with perjury
FEDS | Accused of telling grand jury she saw no cash passed

July 27, 2007
BY ABDON M. PALLASCH Legal Affairs Reporter apallasch@suntimes.com
Hired Truck boss Angelo Torres' secretary told a grand jury she never saw cash passed in the office, according to an indictment handed up Thursday.

She was lying and is now charged with one count of perjury, according to the indictment.

Valerie Jones, 40, becomes the 49th person charged in the Hired Truck scandal that has seen 44 people convicted since it began in January 2004.


CAUGHT IN SCANDAL
49 people have been charged in the federal government's investigation of the Hired Truck Program and City Hall hiring.
44 have been convicted, including more than 20 city workers.
1 man who was charged will never go to trial because he died after a freak horseback-riding accident.
The Chicago Sun-Times broke the story in 2004 that the city was spending $40 million a year for clouted and connected truck companies -- some with organized-crime ties -- often to do nothing but sit by and watch as city crews worked.
Jones told the grand jury she never had any contact with the truck companies after she had left the office, that she never saw Torres with an envelope with money in it, and that she only once saw money being passed regarding the program.

In fact, the indictment alleges, Jones had regular contact with one trucking company owner, she did give Torres an envelope with $1,500 from another company owner, and she received several gifts herself from truck company owners, including one who paid a portion of a down payment on her car.

One 2000 memo obtained by the Sun-Times shows Jones told Torres a trucking company owner "shoved a bill into my hand and closed it." That was after the owner offered to take Jones to lunch and she told him, "I already had lunch," the memo says.

The company was suspended from the program three days later.

If convicted, Jones faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Reached at her home, Jones said, "I have no idea about that. I'll have to call my lawyer. Thank you," and hung up.

Jones' former boss, Torres, was the first person charged in the investigation, three days after the Sun-Times began running its series on the program. He pleaded guilty to shaking down trucking contractors for bribes and political contributions and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Mayor Daley has said for the last three years that he does not know who appointed Torres to head the Hired Truck Program. Torres was active in the Hispanic Democratic Organization, which worked for Daley and candidates he supported.


Daley's Department of Water Management 5.7 million in O.T.

Please closely read this fine article and enjoy our massive tax increases. What the article forgot to mention was the massive amount of no-bid contracts to contractors assisting in repairs and service-work. One Union official bragged about his son-in-law making a "Killing" in overtime. Read the article below. Fran Spielman is an outstanding journalist. Patrick McDonough.

Is Daley setting stage for tax hike?
CITY HALL | Budget crunch forces 2nd round of cuts

July 27, 2007
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter fspielman@suntimes.com
Mayor Daley appears to be laying the groundwork for a post-election tax increase -- by ordering a second round of midyear spending cuts to ease a budget crunch tied to the housing slump.
Thursday's 2 percent, across-the-board cut in non-personnel spending comes as year-end audits show Chicago closed the books on 2006 with just $26.8 million in the bank. That's less than half the $57.6 million it had the year before.

"It's not a particularly pretty sign, and it's not what we want. We want our reserves to go up. But, it's reality. ... The housing market is in a slump," said Budget Director Bennett J. Johnson III.

Chief Financial Officer Paul Volpe was asked whether Chicagoans should brace for a post-election tax hike.

"We always turn to management improvements first, but at this point, nothing is off the table. ..," he said.

Two months ago, Daley cut spending by $10 million -- by ordering 3,250 city managers to take one unpaid furlough day, cutting off non-emergency overtime and suspending hiring unrelated to public safety.

This time, the mayor hopes to save $6 million by sparing no city department from the 2 percent cut.

Daley breezed to re-election on a budget that froze the city's property tax levy for a third straight year and held the line on all other taxes and fees.

But that was before a February cold snap billed as the worst in 28 years caused water mains to break, pipes to freeze and the overtime budget to bust.

February overtime for the Department of Water Management alone was $5.7 million, compared with $750,000 the year before. Three February storms cost the Streets and Sanitation Department $4.4 million in February overtime, triple last year's spending.

At the same time overtime costs were going through the roof, the housing market was hitting a wall, depressing related revenues even as taxes on sales, amusements and hotels continued strong growth.

The bad news Chicagoans have come to expect after elections is certain to get even worse next week, when Daley unveils a preliminary 2008 budget with a shortfall in the $100 million-to-$150 million range.

July 23, 2007

Bruce Randazzo, Archie High, and North District Video

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On July 18, 2007, we waited for our Superstar Host Frank Avila. He was tied up in court. So, Patrick McDonough was asked to sit in. Frank Avila is light on the eyes, and Patrick McDonough is heavy on Chinese food. But we want everyone to know, we have lots to say about Chicago Politics, especially the Chicago Department of Water Management. Make sure you see this video, CLICK HERE: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4747279185792980226 Make sure you see this video. Photo By Patrick McDonough

July 22, 2007

When caught redhanded, is Mayor Daley a baby?

Mayor Daley, answer the questions, be a good Catholic.
Are we in the U.S.S.R. Mayor Daley? Read this answer from an American Chicago Mayor when asked about his Mob Buddies: ''I think it's ridiculous,'' fumed the mayor, refusing to answer, barking back at reporters, ''Any other questions?''
See post below from Carol Marin

Question: Where are the answers?
DALEY VS. REPORTERS | Touchy mayor goes on the offensive against the news media

July 22, 2007
BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist
Journalism 101, if it was taught by Mayor Daley, would be a course in tough love, minus the love.
''Journalists don't carry guns . . . no, they carry the ink, the ink,'' railed Daley last Thursday at a City Hall news conference.

Hizzoner has been on a tear, ripping the local news media with the fury of a hurricane hitting the coast.
The mayor can be a bully at times.
Nobody wants to say it in so many words, but every department head at City Hall, certainly his 10 previous chiefs of staff who have been put through the mayoral wringer and spun out City Hall's revolving door, know what it's like to be in the woodshed. When they leave, their tongues have been torn out. Not one has ever publicly spoken of what it's like to work for Daley, understanding that it is best never to talk of he-who-shall-not-be-named.
The mayor's wrath was on full display last week. Part Jack Nicholson, part Richard Nixon, Daley roared like a blast furnace, lashed out like a wounded lion, fulminating when reporters dared to inquire about his relationship to Fred Barbara.
''I think it's ridiculous,'' fumed the mayor, refusing to answer, barking back at reporters, ''Any other questions?''
Barbara is a millionaire many times over thanks to lucrative connections to city waste hauling contracts, his wife's now-defunct trucking firm tied to the city's scandal-scarred Hired Truck program, and his ongoing banking business in partnership with well-connected politicians.
But many years ago, long before he ever golfed or dined with the mayor or contributed thousands of dollars to Daley-backed candidates, Barbara had caught the eye of the feds. They believed he was mobbed up and indicted him in 1982 in a gambling and juice operation. Barbara was acquitted, never convicted of that or any other crime.
Suddenly, last Tuesday, Barbara's name was vaulted back into public view thanks to the massive Family Secrets mob trial playing out at the federal building. Nick Calabrese, aging hit man-turned-government-witness, told a spellbound courtroom about all manner of mob horrors, including how the Chicago Outfit blew up or burned down certain unlucky suburban restaurants. Fred Barbara, according to Calabrese, was a member of one of the mob's bombing crews back in the 1980s. Barbara didn't respond to my phone calls.
The front page Sun-Times headline the next day read, "Hit man: Daley pal in on mob bombing.''
For Daley, the ink hit the fan. The mayor was apoplectic. For two days, he lashed out at reporters.
''You have the power of the pen, you have a lot of power,'' he declared. ''We don't even know who you are.''
And yet he seems to know where we grew up.
''Most of you never grew up in Chicago,'' said the Baron of Bridgeport.
The problem is the mayor thinks everything is unfair these days. Just about any question, let alone criticism, rankles him. City Hall reporters take the brunt of the mayoral battering as the mayor castigates some of them for living in the suburbs, suggesting they don't really know or care about the city he loves.
He wags his finger, reminding the press of its own dirty laundry, like recently convicted Sun-Times press boss Conrad Black and his creepy, crooked right-hand man, David Radler.
''Look at all the scandals you have received as journalists, every day there is another article, I mean, c'mon, every day there's an article,'' said Daley. ''Every day there's someone, you know, doing some misconduct."
And then he lectures us on our cold hearts and callousness.
''You report a gun killing on Page 25," the mayor jabs triumphantly. ''How about that one? Because it's not your son or daughter. They're not poor. You have a lot of power, don't you realize that?''
We do.
Then again, so does the 19-year occupant of the City Hall's fifth floor.
Mayor Daley has a difficult job that he performs with passion and skill. And we in the press are no shrinking violets. We can take the bullying and the bluster.
But at the end of the day, it wouldn't hurt, along with the journalism lecture, to just answer the question.

July 20, 2007

States Attorney Daley Jon Burge Torture Video

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Chicago Clout takes on the difficult issue of torture against the innocent black men in Chicago. Mayor Daley was the States Attorney at the time and overlooked Jon Burge torture allegations. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7025855807424039567 Chicago Taxpayers are paying millions of dollars to these beaten and tortured men. Torture investigations were rigged by Mayor Daley and his cronies. Wallace "Gator" Bradley a "Urban Translator, and Archie High of the Chicago Department of Water Management, discuss discrimination. This show is hosted by Frank Avila, a famous Chicago Attorney. Show is produced by Patrick McDonough. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 19, 2007

Mayor Daley, Why did you fire Steve Collier Video?

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Please see this video, click here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6989562679783073174 John Zander and Maureen Egan terminate former NFL Football Hero and Department of Water Management Worker Steve Collier after finding out he was diagnosed with M.S. Steve hired Attorney Frank Avila to help get his job back. Chicago Clout is a show produced by Patrick McDonough to assist Chicago Employees get a voice. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 16, 2007

Last Sunday was a slice of Heaven

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Last Sunday, I had a great time with Patrick, David, and Michael McDonough, my three sons. It was a boys time with Dad. Patrick is training with his Gator Board Wake-board. I received a call from a trusted friend and advisor. I have a feeling there will be less time for fun coming up soon. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Plumbing Inspector Michael J. McDonough and Judge Martin E. McDonough

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This is my father Chicago Plumbing Inspector Michael J. McDonough Ret. and The Honorable Martin E. McDonough.
Both of these men are great Chicago Political Heavy weights and well respected. Both brothers served the City of Chicago with grace and class. They continue to serve their family and community. I guess the cream always made it to the top in the old days. Now days, a different set of rules. (morals). Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Warn your Children about playing with matches

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Many Chicagoians do not know Chicago provides support for the Chicago Firefighters with the Department of Water Management. The hydrant crew and the Sewer Divisions assisted to get the sewers open and fix the fire hydrants. Read this story by ABC Channel 7 News.
July 13, 2007 - A grandfather who suffered burns to his hands grabbed his grandson and left the building after the child started an extra-alarm fire playing with matches on Friday afternoon on the South Side. The blaze claimed the life of two dogs.
The fire, which broke out about 1 p.m. at 3644 S. Parnell Ave. and spread to 3642 and 3646 S. Parnell Ave., was mostly under control as of 2:25 p.m. after an extra alarm was called "for manpower" about 2 p.m., according to Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford.
The grandfather, who suffered burns on his hands when he tried to put out the fire, which started near some furniture, said he didn't want to be taken to the hospital and crews were treating him on the scene, Langford said. He still may be hospitalized, Langford said.
The man was watching his four- or five-year-old grandson, who was in another room of the 3644 S. Parnell Ave. building, when the fire broke out. The man tried to put the fire out but "it got away from him'' and he "did the right thing'' when he grabbed the boy and ran out of the building so fire crews could take over, Langford said.
The boy. who was not hurt, later told his grandfather that he had been playing with matches.
Another man was being treated on the scene for smoke inhalation because he went inside one of the buildings to try to rescue three dogs, Langford said. Two dogs died on the scene and one was revived.
The building at 3642 has a grocery store and a deli on the first floor and residences on the second.
Also parents should quit smoking for their kids safety. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 15, 2007

John Kass must read Articles

Read these two articles to get a taste of how the Chicago System works. click here http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass11jul11,1,7747208.column?coll=chi-navrailnews-nav and click here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-kass13jul13,1,664723.column?coll=chi-navrailnews-nav These show if the Chicago Press bring attention to problems, problems are solved. Also, the second article is the way Daley and company treat Chicago City workers with no clout. Patrick McDonough

July 13, 2007

Fran Spielman Article in hidden Business Section Again

Read this Article, things stink to high heaven in Daley corrupt and clout infested Building Department.
City puts building fee hike on hold:
July 12, 2007
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter/ fspielman@suntimes.com
Two years ago, the City Council approved new building permit fees -- tied to Mayor Daley's 2006 budget -- that were so high that Trump Tower's tab alone would have jumped from $80,000 to nearly $1 million.
The construction industry raised the roof -- so much so that the Jan. 1, 2006, effective date of the increases was pushed back repeatedly.
On Wednesday, the City Council's Buildings Committee postponed the day of reckoning yet again -- this time, until Jan. 1, 2008.
Even more important, aldermen were assured that the proposed increases will never take effect. Newly appointed Buildings Commissioner Richard Rodriguez plans to propose new rates that allow the city to recoup only the cost of processing permits and conducting inspections.
That wasn't the case with the 2-year-old increases proposed by former Acting Construction and Permits Director Chris Bushell.
According to Buildings Committee Chairman Bernard Stone (50th), Bushell mistakenly copied building permit fees in New York, ignoring the legal limits imposed in Chicago. Now the first deputy in Construction and Permits, Bushell could not be reached for comment.
"We shouldn't be losing money on handling permits. But, at the same time, we're not supposed to be making money."
Rodriguez said, "We're just trying to make it more transparent. There's no reason why taxpayers can't go onto the Web site and calculate their own fees."
Thanks Fran. Patrick McDonough

Chicago Segway Tours are tons of fun

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I recommend a tour that is actually worth the money. I asked everyone that went on this tour if they got their money's worth. Every person had a big smile and had a blast. This is a picture of Kellye McGregor the Office Manager of this professional operation. It cost $70.00 for a three hour tour. This is money well spent, the equipment is in excellent condition, and all safety precautions are observed. Call 312-819-0186 or visit the website, click here, http://www.citysegwaytours.com Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 12, 2007

The Summer House in Now Complete

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I am happy to report the Summer House is now a completed project. In case you have been wondering why I have not been full bore on the Chicago Bad guys, I have been here. I am now ready to get down to business on all the Shakman Violations and we are getting ready to prepare for more shows staring Frank Avila, Jr., an American Hero.
Pictured are my sons. Do you like this house, I am proud of all the work I did to it. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 9, 2007

Chicago's Bosley Park Flooded

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On July 8, 2007, the Chicago Department of Water Management responded to yet another open fire hydrant. All afternoon, we saw kids playing in the streets, and parents that allowed kids to laying in the curbs, to cool down. We need to remove the tires on the Fire Hydrant A.S.A.P. This is Bosley Park, part of the Chicago Park District. Some kids had opened the Fire Hydrants flooding and damaging the park. Neighbors were following me around with video cameras, and demanding why it took so long to turn the fire hydrant off. Some kids were verbally assaulting my crew, but we said nothing back and completed our tasks. We need to make open hydrants a top priority. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Chicago Fire Hydrant left unattended

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Chicago Department of Water Management needs to find who is opening our Chicago fire hydrants. I suspect someone has the special hydrant key, opens the hydrant, and after the kids are done playing, the hydrant is left open, flooding the street. Make sure you call 911 if you see someone opening the Hydrants. Take pictures, write down the licence plates. We cannot waste water in this day and age. In one incident, we were verbally assaulted by some residents that said, "All the money has been spent on downtown". "Where do our kids have to play', said another man. I did not include the swear words. Three lady police officers came to our rescue. The damage was so bad to the fire hydrant, I could not turn it off. On a personal note, I agree with the anger of the south and west side kids that have no operational, safe park. I suggest all the Black and Hispanic parents, bring your kids to the rich areas of the city with nice parks, like Norwood Park, maybe that will get some attention to the parks in the blighted areas. I feel bad for the parents that feel the only option is to open a hydrant. But remember, the policies are determined at the ballot box, who did you vote for? Photo by Patrick McDonough

Fire Hydrant Vandals Flood Cars

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On July 8, 2007, some children from Mayor Daley's 27th and State Projects, opened fire hydrants and splashed water into the cars passing by with open windows, immediately flooding the cars. When attempting to shut down these hydrants, I always attempt to shut down without an incident. This kid pictured, pulled out some "Grills", put them on his front teeth, and sat on the hydrant. I called for the Chicago Police for back-up and the large crowd dispersed. This Chicago fire hydrant need a "Custodian" safety device to stop millions of gallons of wasted water. Work safe, Chicago Department of Water Management. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Four Year Old killed near open Chicago Fire Hydrant

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On July 8, 2007, a young four year old was run over by a SUV. Please read this story, click here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5461888 Thank you ABC 7 Chicago for this important video. Many Chicago Children have been injured by open fire hydrants and the injuries are not reported because they are engaged in illegal activities. I was not surprised that many of the open fire hydrants did not have the "Custodian" devices that make it more difficult to turn the water on. I was part of the additional three crews added to help shut off the the fire hydrants in the central district alone. The City of Chicago Department of Water Management has downed the North and South District Hydrant Trucks, and in sworn testimony insisted the trucks were not needed. (More on this later) The condition on the fire hydrants in Chicago need to be addressed by a competent person. Photo by Patrick McDonough

July 8, 2007

Mayor Daley's Beaches are loaded with filth

Please be careful if you enter Mayor Daley's Chicago Beaches. You could come down with diseases.
CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago officials lifted their beach closures today, after shutting down five city beaches because of high levels of E. coli bacteria found in the water.
So far this summer, there have been at least 14 closings at Chicago beaches. That's compared with only three during the same period last year. The number of advisory alerts, which feature a yellow flag to indicate a higher risk of illness while still allowing beaches to stay open, has risen to 41 this year. That's up from 25 last year.
Two beaches have swimming advisories today.
The four-fold increase this year in Chicago-area Lake Michigan beach closings has city officials and ecological experts puzzled.
A Chicago Park District spokeswoman says high temperatures, a few periods of excessive rain and sea gull waste may have contributed to the problem
Did you ever get the feeling Mayor Daley's "Green" Eco-friendly policy is nothing but hog wash? Patrick McDonough.

Back on the Water Soon.

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"Deep Water", my awesome boat in still under repair. I was happy to spend the day on 7-7-07, with my son Michael and my brother-in-law Steve. We had a wonderful day in Wisconsin, the weather is perfect, the company was first rate. Michael had fun tubing with these beautiful ladies, two of which are in college. I like the shadow effect in this picture. Our 7th annual boat and brat, will happen soon. This will not be called the "North District Boat and Brat anymore, I will call it the, "Water Department Boat and Brat. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Daley to continue privatization as expected

Here is how the new hiring system will work. One of Daley's friends or family is starting a company. Daley will give the "Independent Hiring Contract" to again make sure the "Right Employee" gets the edge. Each department head knows which candidate to promote, (because they are patronage hires themselves), and the system continues as before. Please note: like other companies we will review, if they get caught doing the Mayor's wishes, their contract will have the taxpayers liable. Please tell me what happened to all the promotions posted in the Department of Water Management, nothing became of it. Also, I am concerned because the Shakman Monitors are not posting any cases or progress they are making, why not? This is Taxpayer money, right? This seems like a secret agency doing as they desire. This is Mayor Daley in a nutshell, he is a power freak. Patrick McDonough
City Hall to keep hiring authority, Daley says
By Gary Washburn
Tribune staff reporter
July 8, 2007
Mayor Richard Daley acknowledged Friday that he plans to privatize some hiring functions now performed at City Hall, but he said his administration will continue to make hiring decisions.
The Tribune reported in Friday's editions that the city recently asked companies interested in overseeing some personnel functions to submit their qualifications. The request came as a court-appointed monitor continues to watch personnel decisions to ensure compliance with the federal Shakman decree, which prohibits political hiring for most city positions.
A federal investigation resulted in convictions last year of a senior mayoral aide and several other top officials for their parts in a fraudulent hiring and promotion scheme designed to reward people who performed political work. Meanwhile, as part of a settlement of the Shakman patronage case, the Daley administration has agreed to pay $12 million to people who were passed over for jobs or promotions in favor of candidates with political connections.
"We are looking for [help with] specialized areas -- standardized tests, development of standardized tests, administration and development of testing, employee training and development, executive talent identification and recruitment," Daley said. "That's all."
gwashburn@tribune.com
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune

July 7, 2007

Fast and Furious "Chicago Style"

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On July 6, 2007, I was on my way to a job-site for the Chicago Department of Water Management. This fast and furious race-car driver left his car in the middle of the intersection, and the wheel that fell off remained near the curb. Please do not worry, Mayor Daley's vultures at the Chicago Department of Revenue will tow that car for a hefty fee before you can say "John Daley". This car was in the intersection of 40th and Artisan. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 4, 2007

Happy July 4, 2007

Remember, America was built by heroes that put their life on the line for you and me. Today we celebrate Captain Frank Avila Jr. of the United States Army. Chicago misses Frank Avila while he serves his country unselfishly. We also honor every American Soldier that fights for the rights we take for granted. Happy Birthday Chicago and All America. I salute you and all your family, Patrick McDonough

July 3, 2007

Chicago Department of Water Management Football Hero Fired

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The Green Bay Packers were blessed with Steven Andre Collier. Steve was a former Whitney Young High School Football Hero and went on to college before entering Professional Football. Today I enjoyed a conversation with the 6'7" 342 pound former Offensive tackle. After Steve left the NFL, he ended up with a job with the Chicago Department of Water Management as a Hoisting Engineer. Steve was very happy in the position and never had any desire for a promotion.
While at work on August 21, 2006, Steve was driving a city backhoe and struck a large pothole. He felt numb and went home early. He went to a hospital later and the emergency room could not find anything wrong. Steve returned to work and was sent to the Chicago "City Doctor". After, Steve went to his primary doctor, was ordered into a hospital, and was diagnosed with M.S. (Transverse Myelitis) on August 30, 2006. When Steve got out of the hospital, he gave all the medical forms to Superintendent Breslan and John Zander. According to Steve, Zander said he never got the forms. Mr. Collier went to see employee relations on September 11, 2006, to go on family leave. Maureen Egan "did not believe Steve and told him to get a real medical form", according to Steve. Steve was handed a letter dated September 13, 2006, on the same day, (September 11, 2006), notifying him of his termination. While trying to resolve his situation with Maureen Egan, Steve's time passed to file an appeal with the Personnel Board. This issue is in Federal Court in an EEOC Federal Lawsuit. I think Steve might need to have Mike Ditka and Frank Avila handle this matter instead. On a personal thought, I think the Chicago Taxpayers would have been best treated if Steve Collier and John Zander settled this on the Football Field. It is a real shame that Danny Davis wrote a letter and Steve is in the same boat. I am tempted to do a T.V. show about this man, just stuck in limbo. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

July 2, 2007

USA vs. Santos Update

USA V. SANTOS exonerating evidence turned Into the US Attorney. A post trial review of USA V. SANTOS has established her innocence on all 12 counts.. It includes written material that was illegally withheld by the City of Chicago, which were the time sheets of Laura Gonzalez from June, 1998 -- which reveal that Ms. Gonzalez didn't clock in to work and that she couldn't have been doing political work on city time. The report, with related attachments, was prepared under the Illinois Whistle-blower Reward and Protection Act and the Federal False Claims Act by Mr. Victor M. Crown -- who first began an investigation into the Santos case in 2003. I assure you my friends are pit-bulls and want to get to the truth. More on this soon. It is at a complex stage legally. Patrick McDonough

New Chicago Water Department Boss steps to the Plate

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James LoVerde left after 44 years and 10 months of professional service. Last Friday, James seemed to enjoy all the love the many employees have for James LoVerde. The Central District is now run by Tim Kavanaugh the man pictured on the left. I hope every employee helps this man every way to make this challenging transition. The Central Water District is the one that will make you, or break you. Patrick McDonough,

Mark Brown of Chicago Sun-Times back in Top Form

Please read this article by Mark Brown. Click here: http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/450375,CST-NWS-brown01.article Mark Brown has been a little lax on City Hall, I hope he follows up on more of Mayor Daley's 11th Ward criminal tricks. Thanks again to Chicago Clout's South Side Inspector General. Patrick McDonough,

July 1, 2007

Patrick McDonough's New Ford Cobra

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I made a bid on this car and hope to settle the deal soon. This will be my son Patrick McDonough's car when he turns 18. I hope he drives safe like his father. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Awesome Monster Truck

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Please enjoy this monster truck designed by George Barris. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

McDonough's Sons with Batman and the Batmobile

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I hope you spend time with your children and not waste your time gambling. Batman is very nice and a fellow crime fighter. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Patrick, David, and Michael McDonough with George Barris

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George Barris has a gift from God to design cars. Thanks for allowing my kids in the photo. Patrick McDonough.

The King of Custom Cars

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Please visit this web site, click here: http://www.barris.com/ The most famous cars in the world are designed and built by George Barris. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Must see T.V. Chicago Clout Schedule

We have four shows on the schedule: Chicago Clout on T.V.
Sunday July 1,2007 7:30 p.m. Chicago Employees expose Shakman Violations and Bribes
Friday July 6, 2007 8:30 p.m. U.I.C. employees expose Corruption
Friday July 13, 2007 10:00 p.m. Chicago Employees expose Shakman Violations and Bribes
Wednesday July 18, 2007 11:00 p.m. U.I.C. Employees expose Corruption
All on T.V. 21 CANTV, available in Chicago Cable only. Enjoy.
Thank you to everyone especially Frank Avila Host, and Tony Joyce, master technician.
Patrick McDonough