Month: March 2008

I made earlier posts on Chicago Clout regarding the Shakman Settlement; I hope you take the time to review. I explained prior, there would be many upset workers that thought they would get the $100,000.00 maximum. Many Chicago City Workers deserved the highest amount. More will be posted on the ins and outs of the settlement soon on the Shakman Monitor website, click here: http://www.shakmanmonitor.com/ a posting will be made in a day or two and than in about three weeks to a month, so please keep informed. I am sure many of you will continue to have deep anger and hate, but remember the deal was a pig in a dress from the start. Many workers did not fill out the paperwork correctly, lacked detail, and many employees withheld information as they wanted to avoid retaliation. Some employees were not informed until the last minute. Some employees had access to records and some did not. The bottom line is Noel Brennan had to do the best she could with what she had. The employees that wrote, “Just look at the overtime”, might have meant it was so obvious all she had to do was look at the difference in the paystubs. I think if the settlement names and amounts are revealed, people might attempt to a create a conspiracy. If the same bosses are still in power, and they are, nothing will change. If they wanted to change things, everything should have been presented in a public forum. Let the taxpayers know what they are paying for and why. We need an Accord Forum, we need exposure. I credit Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times for her excellent coverage. And for all the guys that are hurt and crippled from the years of dangerous and dirty work, maybe you should have op-ed out. And that guy with thirty three years, set to get a check for $250.00, I am very sorry for you. And the Aldermen mad at Jay Stone?, shut up you knuckleheads, the settlement should have come out of your fat pockets and Mayor Daley’s. Patrick McDonough.

Fired city worker accused of shoplifting is acquitted
She left store with groceries to get her debit card, a lawyer argued…
By Monique Garcia
9:46 PM CDT, March 28, 2008
A Chicago city employee who was fired from her job in the inspector general's office after being arrested for shoplifting was acquitted Thursday of the charge, her attorney said Friday.
Tracy Buckley, 36, who was an assistant chief investigator, was charged with misdemeanor theft after about $100 worth of merchandise was stolen from a Whole Foods Market, 6020 N. Cicero Ave., in January.
Her attorney, Ron Menaker, said Judge Stuart Katz found Buckley not guilty of the charge Thursday.
Menaker had argued that there was an "innocent explanation" for Buckley's actions. She had inadvertently attempted to leave the store with the merchandise to retrieve her debit card from her vehicle in the parking lot, he said.
Menaker said it was unclear if Buckley would try to get her job back with the office, which investigates misconduct by city workers.
Contacted Friday, Inspector General David Hoffman said he had no comment regarding the case.
mcgarcia@tribune.com
Copyright © 2008, Chicago Tribune
The real question is, will she need to use her pension to pay for a lawyer to get her job back? Watch the moves in this chess match. What if this happened to any non-clout worker?

When I looked back at the photos of the Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Queens, this young women stood out the most. Why? She has a classic Irish look, light skin and black hair. This young lady reminds me of Jackie Kennedy. If you know who she is, tell her to enter the contest again. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

I am asking all off my Chicago Clout fans to make sure you purchase the James Laski book, My Fall From Grace: City Hall to Prison Walls. Please purchase the book from Authorhouse,com, click here: http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~50214.aspx Amazom.com, click here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434362809/ref=cm_rdp_product or shop Barnes and Noble or Borders. In the conversations with Mr. Laski, I hope we will “Connect the Dots” in the Hired Truck Program and address other public issues regarding Chicago Government. The two hosts in the interesting show will be Frank Avila Jr. Attorney and Mick Dumke, a political expert. If you have questions and/or you would like a signed book, please let me know. This is turning out to be an interesting month after all. Patrick McDonough

Please make sure you read this extended post. Todd Lighty and Laurie Cohen expose more of the Clout and Corruption at Chicago City Hall. Ever have the feeling Daley just don't get it. Chicago City hall is broke, flat broke. Time to sell more assets so Daley's pals can live high on the hog. Patrick McDonough Continue reading “Thanks for Saving Duff's duff Mayor Daley”

I was happy to see Tom Durkin, a Business Agent from Plumber’s Local 130, and a co-chair of Plumber’s Local 130’s Politicial Action Task Force. http://www.plumberslu130ua.com/site/section/1/8 Remember, the licensed union plumber protects the drinking water in Chicago. Photo by Patrick McDonough