ChicagoClout

The City of Chicago Taxpayers paid for a slew of high price lawyers investigating allegations of improprieties by the Chicago Department of Water Management employees in the North District. One employee was Paul Hansen, the son of Bernard Hansen, a retired Chicago Alderman, now a registered lobbyist in Chicago for a up and coming bank. Paul Hansen sure moved up the chain of command mighty quickly prior to the FEDS moving in on Shakman Violations in Chicago. Yesterday, Paul Hansen gave a big huggly snuggly to a high ranking Water official that just experienced an unfortunate loss of a family member yesterday. At least one interview was held in Donald Tomsczak's old office which was quite ironic. I am concerned said one source; Mayor Daley should only have us talking to lawyers employed by the City. This bill should be a whopper, but due to Chicago record high gas prices, Chicago taxpayers will pick up the tab one way or another. Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As many of you know (oops, you do not) Alderman Banks is on vacation for two weeks. I asked if Alderman Banks asks for favors on behalf of caulkers in the Chicago Department of Water Management's North District. I also asked if they ever violated the Shakman decree. I am happy to say they responded, "they abide by the Shakman Decree explicitly". Mike S. stop asking for favors or they will report you! Get your tools and do your job! More on this later! Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 7:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Over one year ago, a member of Chicago's Building Department was nearly at the end of his rope. Michael McGann and I have a mutual friend, Michael J. McDonough, my father. Mr. McGann has more information on the massive fraud at the building department than anyone I have ever met. After several conversations, I knew Michael's revelations were beyond my limited resources. I asked Frank Avila, Jr. to meet with us, and funny enough a meeting was right across the street from Chicago's City Hall. I was trying to get a foothold into the "Facing" scams that included Chicago Department of Water Management, Chicago Building Department, and various Chicago Department that looked a blind eye to the building explosion in Chicago. Simply put, a building is completely remodeled with no permit, including massive buildings. After all the work in the building is completed, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, structural, and drywall is completed, a permit is applied for a minor repairs to the front of the building, new windows, tuck-pointing, and doors. Cash changed hands like a Las Vegas Brothel. This has cheated taxpayers out of millions of dollars in revenue. The Yuppies in Chicago bought properties that have been shortchanged in every manner possible. When I called for inspections nothing was done. When I called a reporter to investigate this scam, nothing was done. Thanks to Michael McGann and Frank Avila, a new level of professionalism was brought to our new organization. Michael McGann was punished for his whistle-blowing activities. Mario Olivella, the very boss that tried to undermine Michael credibility was just indicted. I am looking forward to Mr. McGann's upcoming hearing at the Chicago Department of Human Resources, Monday June 9, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. I look forward to Frank Avila asking Mario and the Boca Raton Las Vegas Boyz questions they might not want to answer. I am going to video tape the event for your pleasure. On a personal note, Michael McGann has brought a new level of professionalism to our fight to give the Chicago taxpayers a square deal. The hundreds of pages of evidence should make even Mayor Daley squirm. We have many more surprises for you soon. Mayor Daley has promoted people with gambling problems and they in return have promoted those with the same bad habits. Remember this my whistleblower friends, contact us at chicagoclout@gmail.com you might be entitled to reward money. My highest regard to the Chicago Inspector General, you are heroes. I see the leaks have been removed. I also look forward to the officials at Journeymans' Plumbers Local 130 and the Bureau of Licensing help us with this mess; let's not hide on the sidelines! Make sure you call Alderman Banks and let him know his plumbing inspector replacements just interviewed to replace these bums.Right W**** and M*** and D***? Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Chicago Clout has pictures of most of the famous politicians, judges, and lawyers in Chicagoland. One young lady has made the honor to grace our website as I know she is a future leader in the Chicago Law Community. Audrey Avila has graduated from Chicago-Kent, class of 2008 with her Juris Doctor Degree. With all the Chicago City Workers that get in hot water, I hope Audrey will join Frank Avila Jr. at his Downtown Law practice. (I pray she does) Audrey is the daughter of Commissioner Frank Avila (MWRDGC) and Sherry Avila a famous Irish singer. I look forward to watch Audrey in court fighting for justice. Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Please hang in there until we get Chicago Clout fixed up. We have a new webmaster and we have many advertisers. I hope you support WBBM Channel 2 News in Chicago. I did not have them advertise prior because of the possible conflict of interest. Dave Savini is one of Chicago's top Investigators and working with him was a pleasure. People have died in fires from the lack of any water in the Fire Hydrant. I have had lawyers contact me for more information. The funds from this website will go towards our new webmaster and the improvement of video equipment. We will also give a large sum for legal assistance to Municipal Workers that are in a bind. Please hang in there with us. We are also preparing a donate section so you can help us help others. Lawyers such as Frank Avila, Ivan Tomic, Russ Stewart, and Loevy and Loevy, have helped with fees for those less lucky. Fees for legal review and research have been funded out of Victor Crown and my pocket. I hope you donate because you might need this service in the future. Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

James D'Amico, brother of State Rep. John "Hired Trucks" D'Amico and nephew of the Laurino Clan, enjoys a cigarette while getting out the vote. The States Attorney was called because the D'Amico boys get mighty close to the entrance doors during the elections. I am glad to see Todd Stroger picked a smoker to handle medicial issues for the County. Aunty Laurino must be proud of her Clout boys. Exhale James D'Amico. Please read the extended post, click below! Photo by Patrick McDonough. Cronyism is the star of Stroger's hiring show May 20, 2008 The front page news Monday was Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's hiring of two men with criminal records. We have no quarrel with Stroger on that. Both men paid their dues more than a decade ago, and neither was convicted of a hanging offense -- one admitted to involvement in a club fight, the other to making threatening phone calls. America is about second chances, and Cook County government should be no different. More practically, if you impose a ban on hiring people who made dumb mistakes when they were young, you eliminate a lot of good possible hires. But this is not a story about redemption, a tale to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. This is a story about clout. Both men -- James D'Amico and Myron Colvin -- are the brothers of state lawmakers. One of them, state Rep. Marlow Colvin, is also Stroger's best friend. Yes, taxpayers, what we have is yet another episode in the "Todd Stroger Friends and Family Show." Regular readers of this page may be growing tired of the show, as are we, but just try to move on. The "Todd Stroger Friends and Family Show" is like one of those cable TV shows that always pops up. No matter what channel you turn to, there it is. Sort of like "Law and Order," except the good guys don't always win. When Chicago Sun-Times reporter Steve Patterson asked for the resumes of the two men last week, the Stroger administration wouldn't cough them up. That was just the latest instance of the administration's refusing to provide resumes. In effect, the Stroger administration is telling taxpayers: Really, these are good, qualified hires. Just trust us. If only we could. Stroger spokesman Eugene Mullins gave the usual response that his boss could hire whomever he wanted to fill the two vacancies, because the jobs don't fall under a court decree banning patronage hiring. True enough, but doing what's technically legal is not the same as doing what's right. Stroger supporters can point to as many other politicians as they like who hire friends and family and question why the Stroger administration takes so many knocks. Stroger, though, gets the attention because he has seemingly perfected cronyism in such a short time in office. We would love nothing more than to never write about this again. But this looks like one show destined to go on forever.

Posted by at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Make sure you read about the D'Amico family. I will have more on this later. Maybe they thought I forgot about the Kilbourn and Elston Election Day miracle! It is a Sokol Community Center visit by the States Attorney during election day that brings back those dreams! County clout for ex-cons 'FRIENDS AND FAMILY' | Stroger hands jobs to 2 brothers of lawmakers May 19, 2008Recommend (50) BY STEVE PATTERSON Staff Reporter/spatterson@suntimes.com Both have criminal records and both are brothers of state legislators. Now, both have been personally hired by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. James D'Amico (left) and Myron Colvin, both brothers of lawmakers and both with a criminal past, were recently hired by Todd Stroger. (Courtesy) RELATED STORIES More Metro & Tri-State headlines Cook County Employees James D'Amico Clout connection: Brother of state Rep. John D'Amico Job: Director of facilities management Salary: $127,000 Criminal record: Pleaded guilty in 1996 to making threatening calls Myron Colvin Clout connection: Brother of state Rep. Marlow Colvin Job: Grant writer in county's POET job training program Salary: $56,609 Criminal record: Pleaded guilty to assault charge James D'Amico is the county's new $127,000-a-year director of facilities management, responsible for the upkeep of county buildings. He's the brother of state Rep. John D'Amico (D-Chicago) and nephew of Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th). Myron Colvin is a $56,609-a-year grant writer in the county's scandal-plagued job training program known as POET. He's the brother of state Rep. Marlow Colvin (D-Chicago), Stroger's best friend. Rep. Colvin spent 21 years working for the county, and now his wife and two brothers are on Stroger's payroll. Stroger spokesman Eugene Mullins stood by the two hires, saying each man is extremely qualified, though he didn't respond to a request for their resumes. Mullins says both filled vacancies Stroger is empowered to fill with whomever he chooses. But a critic says Stroger's choices are signs of patronage hiring patterns that have seen the board president hire or promote many of those closest to him. "This is more evidence that the 'Friends and Family' hiring plan is in full swing," said Jay Stewart of the Better Government Association, adding, "It is clear that he isn't going to reach beyond his inner circle" to fill top jobs. "Anybody who we hire, [critics] seem to have a problem with," Mullins replied. D'Amico has been a county employee for 24 years and most recently served as county facility management's deputy director. In 1996, he pleaded guilty to making threatening phone calls in the heat of a political race. That came in the midst of a massive federal ghost-payrolling investigation at City Hall that involved his family and saw several convictions. He has had no legal troubles since, chalking it up as "being young" -- and he gets high marks from colleagues. Colvin, meanwhile, initially said he didn't remember being arrested, despite weapons and assault charges on his record. After several questions, he admitted to pleading guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in 1989 after a club fight. He, too, chalked it up to "youth." Colvin, a DePaul University graduate, has had no other legal troubles. Pointing to a recent county ordinance urging contractors to give second chances to ex-convicts, and a similar federal bill, Mullins said, "This is just an example of how President Stroger leads by example

Posted by at 8:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Angelo Fata has his cup overflowing with the City of Chicago and Teamsters Local 726 disputes. First Angelo and a group of very talented friends attempted to replace the current leadership at Teamsters Local 726. A major investigation is in progress and the vote results are now disputed in federal court. A fellow Chicago employee allegedly sexually assaulted Angelo. This action was sustained to be a violation of the City of Chicago Policy on Sexual Harassment. Andra Gomberg, a Sexual Harassment Officer ruled in Angelo's favor. Also, John "Jack" Hurley was on City of Chicago property, assaulted Angelo just prior to an upcoming election. I am a witness to the assault by the Union official. In both cases witnesses were present and came forward. The City of Chicago Department of Water Management has many cases of workplace policy violations. Angelo A. Fata has the good fortune of becoming the client of Frank Avila Jr. A major lawsuit is underway. Some employees at the Chicago Department of Water Management think the old way of business will continue, sneaking out of trouble by calling an Alderman and waiting for a Statue of Limitations to expire. Hold your breath if you are mad, treat your co-worker with respect. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 5:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The City of Chicago is erupting in violence and we demand solutions now, Mayor `Dick Tater` Daley and Jody ` Eyeballs` Weis are going to purchase weapons like machine guns and war wagons to quell the violence. Millions will be spent on "experts" and consultants. The Governor of Illinois is now getting into the act. Remember, Chicago Clout warned Chicago about the impending doom long ago. Patrick McDonough, a plumber for the Department of Water Management works on the west side of Chicago, saw the trend of violence early on. I was happy to hear from Reverend James Allen, an emerging leader that has solutions to the problems in the street. I am hoping Frank Avila, the host of Chicago Clout will make time for a Can-Tv show soon. The Daley Administration needs to sit down with Reverend Allen and assist him with his desire for a peaceful end to the violence in Chicago's streets. I am not happy with the continued failures of this administration. Contact my Westside friend and help with a peaceful strategy. Mayor Daley want the guns off the streets, I suggest finding out who is supplying the drugs first and let's get some good jobs for the kids. Please help: Revered James D. Allen Folks and People Nations (Strategy for Peace) 773-378-6775 or SEACInternational@teamfca.com Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 9:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Joe Moore is a Chicago alderman that put up a fight to save ducks that are forced fed food to expand their livers. This rude and crude practice is shameful. Imagine an 11th ward hillbilly like Daley stuffing Foie Gras past those mangy teeth while passing out millions to his friends. I want people to know, this is a sin. God's animals were put on this earth for a reason. Just like dog fighting, animal cruelty should not be allowed. Someone should tell that phony Daley to go back to the 11th Ward and eat at those 39th street eateries. You can put a suit on a redneck, but a hillbilly is a hillbilly. Alderman Joe Moore is a hero that fought for what is right. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

On May 11, 2008 our fellow brother at the Department of Water Management, Sam P. Gerambia died without warning. I think Sam looked at the world from a different viewpoint than many of us. Sam had a wife and two children. Sam was a Caulker and member of Journeymans' Plumber's Local 130. U.A. I hope someone in the North District starts a fund for Sam's wife and children. John Spatz should make this worthy cause go forward. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I have to give credit where credit is due, nice job Chicago Office of the Inspector General. Chicago Teamsters got a big second chance when the Hired Truck Scandal hit. Many part time employees, (seasonal) at the Chicago O'Hare Airport are now full time employees. Many of the MTD drivers knew of the upcoming drug test thanks to their boss. If you think HDO is still not a force with the drivers you are sadly mistaken. Much of Chicago Licensing agencies are still very corrupt, people are allowed to take tests that are not legally qualified. Mayor Daley's Chicago Building Department needs an overhaul as corruption continues. Someone tell those guys to stop taking bribes and insist the work completed for taxpayers is done correctly. Make sure you read Fran Spielman's article below. Patrick McDonough City's drug testing chief fired for errors 'VERY SERIOUS REPORT' | Left 800 truck drivers off list of employees who receive random checks May 11, 2008 BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter fspielman@suntimes.com The longtime chief of the City of Chicago's drug testing program is being fired for inadvertently excluding more than 800 truck drivers from the pool of city employees who must undergo random tests for alcohol and drugs. Russell Baggett, a $68,328-a-year project coordinator in the city's newly created Office of Compliance, is also accused of violating federal regulations by allowing employees who failed to show up for work on the day of their random tests to skip them. More than 800 truck drivers with commercial driver's licenses were left out of the testing pool because of Baggett's alleged oversights, sources said. They said there was no evidence Baggett played favorites or got anything in return. But his decision to alert supervisors -- or liaisons from participating departments -- one day before random testing had the potential to get back to the designated employees. Such warning might have allowed city workers leery of testing to take the day off. 'Appropriate action' vowed Anthony Boswell, the Denver attorney hired to run the Office of Compliance, said he considers the inspector general's report so serious that he immediately removed Baggett from control of the drug testing program and has started termination proceedings against him. He said he has also ordered a sweeping outside audit. Asked whether public safety was placed in jeopardy because of Baggett's alleged oversights, Boswell said, "It's pretty clear there was that potential. Absolutely. It was a very serious report. It puts people on the road at risk, and we're taking it very seriously. "We will take appropriate action. ... We've already spoken with a number of experts to look into our program and what we need to do to make sure the protocol complies with all applicable law." Baggett could not be reached for comment. He is a 14-year city employee who worked in the Human Resources Department before shifting to the Office of Compliance when Mayor Daley created that office to oversee city hiring and other regulatory issues. The move was widely viewed as an end-run around the inspector general. 'Sensitive area' Inspector General David Hoffman launched the investigation of the city's drug testing program in response to a tip long before the Office of Compliance was created. Transportation expert Joseph Schweiterman, director of DePaul University's Chaddick Institute, said he considers the alleged infractions in the city's drug- and alcohol-testing program "more than a routine oversight." "Given the licenses-for-bribes scandal, this is a sensitive area," Schweiterman said. "Policies need to be beyond reproach. Federal funding is at stake when programs run afoul. "The federal government requires random drug testing because transportation safety is so easily compromised. Employees have to be tested to protect other motorists from poor decision-making and impaired driving." At the least, the city could face fines for violating testing mandates. Federal transportation grants come with strings attached. Drug testing regulations must be followed to the letter. The city tests for alcohol and drugs four times a year, after choosing randomly from a pool that's supposed to include all eligible employees.

Posted by at 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A former city of Chicago Employee was carried away by ambulance from the Department of Human Resources at Chicago City Hall today. Many people have no concept of the stress involved in attempting to get your job back. Politics played a part in this man's termination. Many families lose homes, savings, and pensions from losing a job. This man was in a hospital fighting for his life earlier in the day. I hope Mayor Daley looks into the fate of Gary S******. Mayor Daley looked the other way when his son was involved in a Sewer Scandal, maybe he should look out for a young man that refused to take a drug test for moral and ethical reasons. Some people refuse to take a drug test because they know how the City of Chicago is run under Daley. It would be a shame if the person that made the accusations against Gary proved to be in a position he should not have been in. I hope this man will return to work after a fair trial. Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 7:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Many City of Chicago Employees were ordered today to sign documents, proving they received the Memorandum explaining when they will receive their settlement checks from the City of Chicago. You will need to download Adobe Reader to read the attachment. With-in moments of Patrick McDonough reading the document, he was assaulted by a co-worker. The vicious assault included comments peppered with terms such as "Asshole", "Put that on your website", everyone got their job from politics, Asshole"! The worker assumed a posture of a pending beating. I do not understand why someone would make threats with numerous witnesses. I cannot tell you how difficult it has been working for the City of Chicago when there is still people that do not want to change. It has carried a large toll to be retaliated against day after day while helping change the working conditions of the non-clouted worker. Please contact me if you are subject to retaliation. Click on the PDF file below. Patrick McDonough Shakman Memorandum.pdf

Posted by at 5:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Please make sure you watch the videos produced by Chicago Clout to address the issues facing families with autism. Frank Avila hosted Issue Forum: Autism. Many Chicago families need a network to help get through the ups and down autism can cause. Special thanks to Tony Joyce for show production. Pops and Bill, thanks. Make sure you watch these shows... Friday May 9, 2008 11:00 p.m. CAN-TV 21; Saturday May 24, 2008 6:30 p.m. CAN-TV 21; Saturday May 31, 2008 6:00 p.m. CAN-TV 21. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I read Mr. James J. Laski's book in its entirety. I was very happy with the book as it really tells us the life of a Chicago Political Heavyweight. I was honored James J. Laski agreed to do a show. I suggest every Chicago Taxpayer read his book. This is my impression of the book, James J. Laski trusted his friends with his heart and soul. The rats that sold him out have made a permanent scar on him he may never get over. I saw him as a average south side guy that still might like a beer, but hopefully will never touch a cigarette again. James J. Laski's book should be enjoyed, slowly. Watch Mr. Laski with host Frank Avila Tuesday May 6, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. and Tuesday May 20, 2008 10:30 p.m., both shows are on CAN-TV Channel 21. James Laski might have left a big part of the book missing, the part about putting his family back together again. I was wondering who proofread his book and I look forward to another show with Mr. Laski. Story by Patrick McDonough, Photo by Michael McGann.

Posted by at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)