ChicagoClout

Posted by at 9:55 PM | Permalink

The rats over at Plumber's Local 130 continue to work with the Office of the Inspector General allowing ditch digger John D'Amico to not show up for work at the City of Chicago. Chicago fires employees that do not show up for work, it is called ghost payrolling. The criminals at the Department of Water Management continue to look the other way as John D'Amico is a no-show at work. Instead, this creep is trying to legalize marijuana in Illinois. When I worked on his crew he was not on the site because he was doing side jobs with his family members and installing fences near his house using taxpayer's water main pipe. Many people are out of work and would like to get a free plumber's license like John D'Amico. Many people would like a 100,000.00 per year no show job at the water department. Instead John D'Amico is downstate voting to allow folks to smoke pot all day. Along with the pot smoking, is free rent, free food, and free money. Most companies have drug testing. Most of the taxpayers are not aware John is making a fortune in the pension retirement game. It is all covered by Michael Madigan, his sugar daddy, and Mayor Daley. If this is leadership in Illinois, we all might want to smoke some pot before the ship sinks. Where in the hell is the Chicago Office of the Inspector General? Out smoking a blunt? Get ready for some mighty big taxes dudecycles.

Posted by at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Posted by at 11:10 PM | Permalink

Rahm Emanuel Objection.pdf Please feel free to use at no charge. If you are a former City of Chicago employee fired for residency, enjoy!

Posted by at 11:14 PM | Permalink

Many people are not aware the City of Chicago, Department of Water Management responds to fires. Lately, the Department sends the Investigator crews. In the old days, the hydrant truck would respond. The Hydrant Truck will soon be working around the clock, seven days a week. If you have clout, this overtime is given to the same caulkers seven days a week. All members of this union pay very high dues. This overtime is not rotated because Plumber's Local 130 does not represent its members. The same guys that get this plush overtime also take overtime year round. James Sullivan at the Plumber's Local 130 should stop playing around with the politicians and take care of his members. What suggestions do you have to get the water department response truck to the site sooner? If we have no water at the site, more people will die. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Looks like Jay Levine of CBS2 shook Jan Schakowsky out of her hidden addenda to support Rahm Emanuel for Mayor of Chicago. It took objections filed by Patrick McDonough and Election Attorney Burt Odelson today. Maybe Jan Schakowsky is really concerned because the North-side Democrats already made the deal to support Rahm. It is no secret the wards that violated the Shakman Decree, used political muscle, corruption, and criminal activities had the deal signed long ago. Most of these ward goons never admit who they support because they cover their bases and are cowards. In a video at the Chicago Columbus Day Parade, Chicago Department of Water Management no-show employee and double dipper, John D'Amico was following Rahm Emanuel around like a lost puppy until the TV cameras showed up. The State Representative and part of the Laurino clan knows the deal was set a long time ago. If you think about it, Jan has no business worrying about the Chicago Mayoral race at all. She is just covering her rear-end when Daley steps down and all the hiring and contract fraud is exposed. Rahm will allow the statute of limitations to expire. Just remember this Chicago Voters; Rahm Emanuel is at a big shot basketball game in California texting to all his friends in the Chicago media business. The rest of the Chicago Mayoral hopefuls were serving Chicago homeless a thanksgiving meal. Rahm is not a resident of the City of Chicago. I also made a formal complaint to the Chicago Office of the Inspector General a few days ago about Rahm. Chicago city workers were fired despite the fact they lived in Chicago in residency claims they could not afford to appeal. We demand the Office of the Inspector General make a ruling as to the law regarding Rahm's residency. Enough city workers have been fired for less, you cannot have it both ways Jan and the OIG. I will have more on the Rahm inside deals soon, not now. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I know it sounds corny from a Chicago Roman Catholic taking a sabbatical, but it did feel great to go back to my roots. I enjoyed my conversation with Reverend Monsignor Michael M. Boland at the Thanksgiving meal for Chicago's homeless. Rev. Boland is the Administrator, President, and CEO of The Catholic Charities. I am happy to report Rev. Boland agreed to appear on Chicago Clout as a guest. I was going to talk about the political results of the Chicago Catholic Church since Richard Daley became mayor. I do not think Daley has done enough positive, in words or actions, to promote or recognize the important work the Catholic Church. I hope the next Mayor of Chicago understands the importance of all religions and shows thanks for the good deeds. Daley decided to get into the religious business with his "Mayor Daley Meals on Wheels" self-promotions with taxpayer money. I enjoyed this Thanksgiving with this man of faith; Rev. Boland inspired me to get closer to my upbringing. Enjoy this picture of Illinois State Senator James T. Meeks and Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland taken November 25, 2010. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 8:30 PM | Permalink

Please enjoy this picture of Senator James Meeks and Gery Chico at the Catholic Charities Thanksgiving 2010 at 721 North LaSalle. Both of these men served the homeless and are also running for Mayor of Chicago. I do not recall Mayor Richard Daley ever humbling himself to serve anyone else besides himself, his family, and friends. One of these two men would make a much better Mayor of Chicago. Both of these men had very civil conversations and Senator James Meeks had a wonderful conversation with Sunny Chico. Both of these candidates agreed to appear on the Chicago Clout T.V. show during this election cycle. A great leader should humble himself to fully understand the plight of the needy, times are not looking very bright in Chicago due to economic hardship. I am just happy to see these men working together for the common good during this Thanksgiving season. God Bless. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 6:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I was happy to see some 2010 mayoral candidates at The Catholic Charities Thanksgiving event at 721 North LaSalle Street in Chicago yesterday. November 25, 2010 was a happy time for many of Chicago's homeless living in the mean streets of Chicago. My entire family enjoyed helping in the spirit of giving. I was very proud of my children and their unselfishness. It really made me feel so much better to be part of this event. Many people are out on the streets due to foreclosures and the reduction of public giving. I think Father Wayne Watts, one of Chicago's own and a reverend at Saint John Berchmans in Logan Square should be honored for all he did at the event. His enthusiasm was evident the entire time. I also had a chat with Wallace "Gator" Bradley and the Reverend James Meeks. James Meeks is running for Mayor of Chicago. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Chicago Clout and MAG's multiple investigations into fraud in Illinois seems to go nowhere. License Fraud, hiring fraud, shakman violations, overtime fraud, union fraud. Ask these two when they are going to do their sworn jobs to uphold the law. Please contact James Sullivan and ask why contractors with no licenses are taking all the work away from union workers? What gives? What kind of protection are Chicago worker's getting fro all that money?

Posted by at 12:21 AM | Permalink

Many Local 130 Plumbers are out of work thanks to the wild good times by James Sullivan of Local 130 and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Local 130 goons are handing out Plumbing Licenses like candy! I wish Lisa Madigan would look into this racket. Plumbers in Illinois are losing their houses and starving to death. Please contact Patrick McDonough if you want more information. Plumbers Local 130 support Rahm for Mayor to continue the scams and rackets destroying Chicago.

Posted by at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The order is complete for the 48Th Ward Aldermanic Candidate list. I was happy to find a total of five candidates. In order of registration these are the following names, Patrick McDonough, Harry Osterman, Steven Cheraska, Jose E. Arteaga, and Philip Bernstein. I was in line at about 4 something and had ticket number 33 the first day of filing petitions. Remember that could change on December 1, 2010. I admit I was waiting for Philip to get on the ballot and I saw his name the last day, what a relief. Philip is going to improve the quality of the debates in the wards. Today, I called Philip and re-invited him over to my place and film a half an hour so people can get to know him better. Philip accepted. Philip is going to ask Michael Volpe again to host. Michael Volpe asked Harry, but Harry has intermediaries and will not return phone calls. I also want to invite Steven and Jose over for a free photo shoot and a half hour video to assist their campaign. The 48Th ward needs change and some debate on the issues a.s.a.p. I had a wonderful one plus hour at Columbia College and videotaped the event. I will post it soon. I spoke to the class on issues facing the City of Chicago and the 48Th Ward. I hope a stooge from the 48Th insiders do not challenge the candidates again, this is an insult to all of us. Let the debates begin, Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Friday November 19, 2010 was not a good day for Chicago's big shot T.V. stars. One news celebrity was in court after speaking his mind to another reporter. I was very upset when I was at Chicago's City Hall and found Chicago Sun-Times newspaper megastar Mark Brown's non caring attitude towards a Chicago Department of Water Management employee's careless parking in the reserved TV news section. I understand Mark Brown may be on a big story, but he should stand up to Water Department brass sneaking these prime parking spots. You should have special reserved parking permits in your window. These are obtained under scrutiny by the Chicago Police Department. Note to all employees, the Jardine plant has a van to bring you back and forth to City Hall. Let's stop receiving unneeded attention from Chicago's media. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 11:11 PM | Permalink

Everyday is a great day for Chicago when Alderman Robert Fioretti is on the job for Chicago's 2nd Ward. Robert Fioretti enjoyed a half hour with Ivan Tomic tonight at Chicago's CAN-TV. I hope all of Chicago watches the hard work by Chicago citizens at Can-TV. Show produced by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tonight was all business for Joe Guzzardo when it comes to his 48Th Ward in Chicago. Joe joined Jay Stone a mayoral candidate, and Patrick McDonough another 48Th friend, into the ward issues. The video will soon be on CAN-TV in Chicago. Thanks Joe! Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 10:02 PM | Permalink

Mayor Daley was very lucky a year ago not to get his tail end in hot water misusing his position to advance causes using the taxpayer's money. Fran Spielman caught Mayor Daley promoting the United Negro College Fund using Chicago City Workers. The problem is simple; City workers are paid to complete work with-in their job description. If you know these workers, they should produce a work product that that is directly related to their department. Taxpayers do not all agree Mayor Daley should steal employees to produce money for his pet causes so he can sit around and get a pat on the back. I am concerned because the Chicago Office of the Inspector General has again allowed this type of fraud to continue. I hope all of these employees are fired for fraud. I hope all the employees placing these posters around on city sites are fired. Just a couple of months ago, several employees were collecting cash with no receipts for this same cause. Ironically, Charles Rangel of the U.S. Congress was using his position to collect funds to promote causes for black folks in his backyard and he is in trouble. I guess you need to be white like Mayor Daley and nothing will happen. I hope Obama helps a brother out. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 9:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

On November 15, 2010, the 49Th Ward held a nice fundraiser for Alderman Joe Moore. The party was at the famous Heartland Café 7000 North Glenwood in Chicago's Northeast side. I was really happy to see Joe and also met with him very early in the morning downtown. I am certain Alderman Moore was very, very, tired from a long day. It was very nice to see all of his loyal supporters. I watched the video of neighbors in the 49Th Ward working together as a team to solve issues. I do not recommend many Chicago Aldermen's return to duty, but I do strongly support Alderman Joe Moore. Pictured with Joe Moore are David, Patrick and Michael McDonough. Photo by Patrick McDonough. Please reelect Alderman Joe Moore.

Posted by at 9:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Progress is being made on required uniforms for Chicago Plumbing Inspectors. I think this is a great idea. My credit to the new Commissioner at the Department of Water Management. I also think these guys should wear badges when they shake contractors down for money. The badges were taken back a while ago. I hope you like my suggestions for these Plumbing Inspectors. I also hope the OIG realizes many employees are made security guards when they cannot perform their duties anymore. When will the IG get their ass down to the water department and find out which guys are not able to climb stairs and inspect plumbing? Separate rules for the clout heavy as usual. Let's get David Hoffman back at the Office of the Inspector General in Chicago now. Photo retouched by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:47 PM | Permalink

Too bad Chicago's Media only respects the amount of money a candidate can pump into their coffers. It is time for change in Chicago. Danny David was always a true gentleman towards me and I enjoyed his hellos at Chicago's CAN-TV. I took this picture at 69 West Washington early this morning. Time to get the debates going and quick. Photo by Patrick mcDonough.

Posted by at 8:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Someday, Daley will wake up on his deathbed and feel regret for shortchanging the black community out of a fair share of his bogus minority set asides. Almost all the construction in the City of Chicago seems to go towards Hispanic Companies. Daley and his personal police, the Office of the Inspector General never check if these workers are paid prevailing wage. Today at Long Street and Addison, this company was saw cutting. This company's name was not on the permit. Rahm is running for mayor of Chicago because he has Obama to cover the criminal activities in Chicago. If the Office of the Inspector General allows Rahm to run for Office of the Mayor of Chicago and not challenge his residency, than we know this office is a joke. Rahm was not in Chicago for two years, had no residence and the OIG fired many people for less. Let's see if the legal system in Chicago is just for rich white folks. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

In addition to Chicago Sun-Times report. In major fires, the City of Chicago Department of Water Management provided needed suport. Two Investigator crews responded today, including Patrick McDonough, Ronald Bober, and Al Treadwell. Job well done! 55 displaced in extra-alarm Rogers Park blaze November 7, 2010 SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE Fifty-five people -- including 21 children-- were displaced after an extra-alarm fire in a Rogers Park apartment building Sunday afternoon. The Red Cross will open a shelter to provide a safe place for the the 34 adults and 21 children who were displaced, according to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. The organization will also provide assistance for food, clothing, seasonal garments and mental health services. The fire was reported at 6655 N. Newgard Ave. in a three-story, 12-unit apartment building at 12:47 p.m., according to Fire Media Affairs spokesman Rich Rosado. The response was raised to a 2-11 alarm at 12:59 p.m., Rosado said. The fire was out at 1:50 p.m. but firefighters on the scene were chasing hotspots, Rosado said. No one was injured and no one needed to be taken to a hospital to be checked out, Rosado said. The fire was on the second and third floors of the building, Rosado said. The building was partially vacant. A 2-11 alarm sends at least eight engines, four trucks, two tower ladders, five battalion chiefs, a district chief, a deputy district chief, a squad company, an ambulance and the Command Van to the scene. Please note, one lady and her daughter provided firefighters, water department investigators, and the homeless folks with sandwiches, paid for out of her own money. This lady that also lives close to the fire, allowed the affected families to use her bathrooms and home. I with they would do a story on her good deeds. We should also thank the Salvation Army and other city agencies for additional support. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Mario Olivella is a member of Plumber's Local 130. The Plumber's Union is run by James Sullivan. It is no secret, politician go to see James Sullivan for money when it is time to get reelected. I need to figure out how James Sullivan can give all that much money legally. Of course, when you control the judges in Chicagoland, you can bend the law to make things happen. Many times, the Plumber's Union hall is used for fund raising, and I hope the union members are reimbursed for the use. When you control the local judges, and they know you control their livelihood, you know you never cross the Plumber's union. For twenty years, Local 130 and Mayor Daley shared the same bed, resulting in massive power for Daley. The membership of Plumber's Local 130 have watched the union become the laughing stock of the industry. Member after member sits at home, praying for a side job to keep the heat and lights on. James Sullivan took another job in the United Association, stockpiling pension after pension. Many people have their jobs with the City of Chicago need to thank and continue to thank the Plumber's Union. Despite the ban on Shakman Laws, the same steel grip continues, leaving the City of Chicago to have incompetent supervision. Many more Plumbing Inspectors remain that need time in jail. Chicago Taxpayers got stuck buying homes and condos with no Plumbing Inspection. How the hell can you inspect anything if you cannot walk? The "Inspection" consisted of a drive by and an envelope exchanged for a signature. Look at all the "suckers" breathing sewer gas from open drains. Look at all the envelopes exchanged for not installing a water service, leaving the old lead for the new homeowners to drink. Is the City of Chicago going to re-inspect these homes? No! Is the City of Chicago still hiring and promoting "Plumbers" that received licenses illegally? Yes. Did the politician's friends that know nothing about Plumbing receiving illegal licenses for their phony minority companies? Yes. Is the Chicago Office of the Inspector General doing anything? No. Is the F.B.I. doing anything? No. Is Patrick Fitzgerald taking interviews and following up on complaints? No. They just busted a bunch of tokens and let the sharks continue business as usual. They also allowed Mario on the City Payroll after he was busted. Despite numerous complaints by members of the Municipal Advocate General, the shut up money continued, months on end. Also in the news, Martin Munoz, a clout heavy hoisting engineer busted by Fran Spielman for clubbing another city worker in front of witnesses, at 39th and Ashland, did not have an easy landing when a guy ran him over on Election Day this week. I will watch in case he files a workman's compensation claim, will you? Yes sir, the tumor heads at the Water Department let him off the hook, over stepping an I. G. investigation. What comes around goes around. I hope the guy that ran Martin over calls Senator Munoz and asks for the investigation to be squashed. Martin took a day off from work to act the clout role and paid the price. The taxes are going to explode next year to make sure these guys get a nice big fat pension. How is a second job looking about now? Enjoy your weekend, Patrick McDonough. 3 1/2 years for "major league bribe-taker" City plumbing inspector took more than $50,000 to look the other way By Andy Grimm, Tribune reporter 7:39 PM CDT, November 5, 2010 Advertisement A City of Chicago plumbing inspector labeled a "major league bribe-taker" by federal prosecutors was sentenced Friday to about 3 ½ years in prison as part of the Operation Crooked Code probe. A federal jury convicted Mario Olivella of bribery and conspiracy in January for taking a $7,000 payoff to overlook substandard plumbing and code violations at a building being converted to condos in the Edgewater neighborhood. In imposing the 41-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Joan Lefkow agreed with prosecutors that in all Olivella pocketed more than $50,000 in bribes to look the other way. Olivella, a supervisory plumbing inspector for the city's Department of Buildings since 1998, could have been given a little more than 4 years in prison under federal guidelines. "Mr. Olivella is a habitual law breaker," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hotaling, who asked the judge to give Olivella a sentence that would "send a message" to City Hall workers. "Mr. Olivella is in the big leagues," Hotaling said. "He is a major league bribe-taker in the city." The probe by the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the city's Office of Inspector General has resulted in charges against 29 individuals. So far, 21 people, 16 of them former city employees, have been convicted. Catherine Romasanta, an "expediter" whose job was to help cut through City Hall red tape, often acted as a middleman in the scheme, splitting bribes from developers and contractors with corrupt building inspectors. Romasanta began cooperating with investigators, recorded numerous payoffs and later testified against Olivella and others. Her sentencing has been delayed numerous times as she waited to testify against additional defendants. Jonathan Davey, a spokesman for the inspector general, said Friday that Olivella had remained on the city payroll and continued to collect pay and benefits even after he was found guilty in January. A spokesman for the city's Buildings Department couldn't be reached Friday for comment on Olivella's status. According to evidence at trial, FBI agents secretly took photographs in 2007 as Olivella watched a Bulls game in a United Center skybox with Beny Garneata, a contractor who was convicted in the probe. Olivella later was seen leaving Garneata's office with an envelope that authorities said was stuffed with $7,000 in return for overlooking plumbing violations at a condo building in the 1600 block of West Granville Avenue. Olivella's attorney, Daniel Herbert, argued that prosecutors overstated what Olivella took in from bribes. Olivella has coached football at his alma mater, Gordon Tech High School, and has served on the school's board of directors, Herbert said. Olivella, 42, spoke briefly to the judge. "I ask that you consider my family," he said. "You were supposed to be upholding the public trust," Lefkow said. Olivella is scheduled to report to prison on Jan. 31. Tribune reporter Ray Gibson contributed to this report. agrimm@tribune.com

Posted by at 9:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Posted by at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

On October 29, 2010. Bernie Stone was sleeping while billions of dollars were switching hands. The 50Th ward voters were never accused of being too bright anyway. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Posted by at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

On Friday October 29, 2010. Thomas Powers P.E., the current Commissioner of the Department of Water Management was grilled by the Chicago Council. Several Aldermen went above the call of duty and were prepared with great questions. I admire Alderman Ed Smith for being prepared and well informed. I noticed John Spatz did an excellent job supporting the new Commissioner. Photo by Patrick McDonough

Posted by at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)