Today the Chicago Police visited a North District Water Department job site to calm things down. Some alleged rough talking was exchanged between two Chicago Employees. Just a day after a big meeting to explain what needs to be done to report work place verbal fights. After meeting with different departments, I came to a conclusion, you can say anything you wish, until you say it to someone with clout. I asked various officials what can be said, I gave samples, even rude insulting ones, and the response was, “Establish a pattern”. So if you have clout keep acting the same because no pattern will be established, or if you do not have clout, “Shut up and take the abuse”. Nothing ever changes in the North District. When is the Shakman Decree going to be enforced? Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Today the Chicago Department of Water Management followed other departments such as CDOT to get some much needed training on what should be done to get in compliance with the Shakman Decree. The meeting was at 35th and Michigan. City of Chicago Police Headquarters. In attendance was Mara Georges whom took questions, Ron Huberman, John Spatz and Brian Murphy. Tom Talley was in attendance but not allowed to talk, per those in watching closely. Most in attendance were those who received favourable treatment under the old rules under investigation by the Federal Government. John D’Amico asked about Union recommended hiring, and Mara said Unions are a Political Organization. Acting Commissioner Spatz said ” He does not care who the Union recommends”. The bottom line is you cannot violate hiring, firing, discipline, or not disciplining, based on politics. Murphy said, “you have a good job, a good pension, so do not lose your job or pension”. Is that a threat? The City of Chicago wants to keep “Shakman Compliance”. On a positive note, Acting Commissioner Spatz seems to want a “Open Door Policy”. That is a good start, but does he really mean it? Only time will tell. Please note, nobody was writing down notes to make this a legal meeting of record. A very sad state of affairs. The meeting was 1:00 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. a very short time by my standards. Channel 2 News was on the site. Patrick McDonough.

Today Michael Tierney was working on the 4600 block of Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. The Contractor is Reliable a favored contractor for Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago. I can see that Tierney is working for a Clout based company but as a Caulker/Plumber? Tierney was a High ranking Chicago Water Department Employee under Donald Tomczak. City workers thought he would get a Plumber’s Local 130 Business Agent job from his father-in-law, Thomas J. McManus. At least other high ranking retired workers got some sweet spots. Like Rottman and William Chambers. If Mike did you a favor or two, show some class and say “Hello”. Do not forget your friends.

Peek-a-boo I see you….Just when you thought it was safe and Chicago Department of Water Management had “Homeland Security under control”, I found a Chicago Water Truck hidden behind two dumpsters and a parked car. Left Center Left documented Chicago residency laws are a joke. Also, if we care about our drinking water not poisoned by the enemies of the state, lets make sure these trucks are not hidden behind dumpsters in the suburbs by non-union companies that might hire non-documented workers. Call O’Connor and he can show a badge and act like a tough guy. Call the F.B.I. call the C.I.A. Call the Commissioner, what are our trucks doing in the suburbs? Stop putting Chicago lives on the line. Why are they hiding the truck (WSD 788) License Plate (M 89 195) and from whom? What Union Teamster dropped the truck off into the suburbs? Photo by Patrick McDonough.

After a nice Chicago Air and Water Show, I went to the Edison Park Fest. I really enjoyed the bands and considering this is Chicago’s North West Side, the people are really nice. I met with several Chicago City Workers just relaxing and having a nice time. Edison Park is no Andersonville, but the neighborhood is very friendly. I lived above the Emerald Isle in Edison Park years, years, and years ago. Pictured is Sarah, Brigid, Patrick, David, and Michael McDonough. Also a very nice Irish Bear. Photo by Patrick McDonough.

Chicago Department of Water Management had a Picnic today at the Chicago Jardine Water Plant. Since it was overcast the Air Show got off to a slow start. I think the new Commissioner seems more relaxed than the last batch. When I arrived, I had to pull to the side because my I.D. was not ready. Thanks for making my kids I.D. Luci. I registered for this event prior to May 25, 2006. I also donated my services as a photographer since I am published. When I arrived at the plant we were having a nice time and than decided to get pictures with two helicopters in the front of the plant. When we arrived some lady was talking pictures and I asked if I could also. No sooner than I reached for my camera than two people in orange shirts were screaming for me not to take pictures. My son, an eight year old showed the lady other people taking pictures. I put the camera away in a polite manner. Of course I never received any notice from security not to take pictures. I went back with my family to the North side of the plant and upon returning to my picnic area a moron came out of a blue truck screaming at me. He ordered my son to leave and I told my son to stay. This clown did not wish to hear my side of the story, showed me his I.D. and said he let me in the plant. He also said he knew I donated my services to take pictures. I asked why did he not let me know if I was taking pictures or not. I think the lack of professionalism this person showed was a disgrace. The non-union security force on hand was S.P.I. Do they have the background checks I went through? The paranoia the Chicago Water Management showed towards me was in poor taste. This happened at 1:20 p.m. today. I think this dude was Rob O’Connor a brother of a Chicago Alderman. Keep your clout at home, a family picnic should be fun with family pictures to cherish. If anyone thinks the bad guys do not know the layout of the jardine plant, your sadly mistaken. Chicago Union Employees would never disclose information to terrorists, so do not sell that garbage. If you are worried about the “Enemy”, investigate the contractors and contracts, does security not apply with Clout Companies? The 39th and Iron Water Plant is visited by contractors with no I.D. or clearance. Fake non-union cops at Jardine? Photo outside plant by Patrick McDonough. P.S. all public can take pictures there.

The City of Chicago has gang bangers opening up Fire Hydrants. In fact, there are so many left open, millions of gallons of water are wasted. The first response crew is the Hydrant Trucks. Department of Water Management lack of material put Chicago Citizens lives in peril. On the “Day Hydrant Truck” is Caulker-in-Charge Ralph Cortes. In the picture Ralph is showing new Chicago Water Department Laborers the proper procedure repairing a Fire Hydrant. Also in the picture instructing is Patrick McDonough the former Plumber-in-Charge of the Night Hydrant Truck. The Hydrant trucks are short of material making the job almost impossible. Yesterday Ralph was met on the jobsite by Chicago Management to shut off a Hydrant at 2854 West 21st Place. Water shot out of the Hydrant and into basements across the street. Also the Chicago Water Hydrant Program is in shambles due to the lack of manpower. I also blame Management for downing two Night Hydrant Trucks, a political move that is investigated by the State of Illinois. Patrick McDonough testified at a State of Illinois hearing as a expert. Lets get the ball rolling now and protect our Chicago Citizens!

I am happy to report more training for the Chicago Department of Water Management New Laborers. On August 8, 2006 at 3901 South Ashland at the Central Water District, procedures were shown to the Laborers on how we shut down a Fire Hydrant. Also a demonstration was given by the Valve Truck. Two new Laborers turned valves and watched a Fire Hydrant shut down. I am hoping for Shoring Safety for these new Chicago City Employees. These new recruits consisted of 10 workers, one white male, one white female, and eight black employees. I hope they spread these new workers to the North District to balance the race card.

On August 18, 2006, Fran Speilman wrote an explosive article about the continuing Hiring Scandal plaguing Mayor Daley and the Chicago Department of Water Management. Speaking from experience, I have always noted transfers in the Water Department, to be a disciplinary action. What Fran Speilman did not write, was some insider information. The hiring of the last batch of laborers was business as usual. Many Chicago workers were cheated out of a chance of a promotion because of the “Lotto System”. The posting of these jobs were directed to blacks in particular. Many workers complained to the Federal Hiring Monitor Noelle Brennen. The Chicago Water Departments monitor is Susan E. Cox a West Suburban Democratic Club President. In interviews a monitor is present but politically connected bosses conducted the interviews. You know the ones that received promotions under the Mayor Daley Clout System. Some workers complained the new laborers were not tested to see if they could lift the weights required to complete the tasks of construction laborer. One new laborer sits on the job site and does not do the work because she is pregnant, alleged one upset laborer. One laborer was sexually harassed by a supervisor and after refusal of favors was told to “dress for work cause you are going to dig”. Also Tom LaPorte must be kidding when he told the Sun-Times the laborers rotation is policy. Most laborers expect to stay in their district for a lifetime. I think the corruption is so ingrained in Chicago, the only way the end it is to terminate all Management.

August 16, 2006, Fran Spielman wrote an explosive article. “Clout-heavy firm lands huge garbage deal”. To the average person it might be a same ole, “Hired Truck Scandal”, same ole, “Clout on Wheels”, or “Same ole Mayor Daley Corruption”. To many people that are on the inside, Fran Spielman opened a massive can of worms. The transfer stations are where Union employees of the City of Chicago drop off many toxic wastes. Large Vactors, orange peels, and Department of Water Management trucks dump massive amounts of some of the most dangerous waste materials known to man. What Fran Spielman might not know is the medical histories of laborers that deal with the waste on an everyday basis. This needs to be reviewed. The “Safety Precautions” are a joke. Teflon suits? Chicago is a “Tree Hugger Green Bike Riding City”? The smell from this site is not describable- it is the smell of death. This site is at 3901 South Ashland in Chicago, the 11th ward. Photo by Patrick McDonough.