A major copper theft was reported out of the City of Chicago Department of Water Management facilities located at 4900 West Sunnyside. Chicago Clout first reported this theft a couple of weeks ago. A pin point theft located $5000.00 dollars in copper used for water services for Chicago’s over taxed residents. For over a decade, I have reported rolls of copper walking out the door and into District Foreman’s side job trucks. Many City Workers were installing water services on the side stealing this valuable metal. In fact, the Office of the Inspector General looked the other way despite police knocking at the front door of crooks. One brash side job included a retire sewer foreman’s personal residence. Witnesses that were on the side job come forward and nothing was done. Pictures taken and sent to the Inspector General were round files. (For the record, The Vroustouris Days) The same Employees are still in the news and regulars for Workman’s Compensation Benefits. The fact the crooks knew exactly which trucks to break into is very telling. The fact that no pumps, tools, or other valuable items went missing is troubling. Not long ago, I was on the phone with Tom LaPorte, the spokesman for the DOWM, he knew nothing about these thefts. I also asked if it was true that Dwayne Hightower busted two high power political laborers staying at home during the workday. Tom Laporte again knew nothing. He said he will look into these allegations. Many City of Chicago Laborers want to know why some 1092 laborers get to take pickup trucks despite the fact they lack the seniority. Some laborers complained laborer sub Forman are paid to run crews but drive the pick-up trucks instead. None of these laborers are subject to random drug testing despite a liability issue, the city waits until they run over someone. Our greatest concern right now is the lack of competent Management at the North District, the lack of non-union management is causing many problems. There is no General Superintendent to oversee Union Employees with political ties. The Inspector General needs to do something now. It is time to fire the folks running the circus. Rahm Emanuel, do the job you were hired to do. Photo by Patrick McDonough
Chicago Fire Hydrants operations flawed, situation critical
I do not remember how many times I have urged the Chicago Media, the Chicago Department of Water Management, and The Chicago Fire Department, to step up the urgent and critical need to make Chicago Fire Hydrants ready and working. Winter is fast approaching and every second counts when a family is in a burning house. I spoke with a high ranking Fire Department official that asked me to again put the torch on the department’s ass to make the fire hydrants in full operational condition. This fire hydrant is one of many in an industrial section with an entire block of missing working hydrants. I think the Office of the Inspector General should find out why thousands of fire hydrants are out of service, hard to operate, or not draining. Chicago Clout wishes to again thank CBS2 Chicago Michele Youngerman and David Savini for making the public aware. There are solutions and one was solved years ago in the Central District by me; simply lead the mechanical nozzles into the hydrant. The Chicago Water Department does not listen to the folks with the answers. The big push in the department seems to be promoting friends and family. The big push is the bogus sewer lining contract and reinstall the rainblockers. Stupid is as stupid does. Also, we need to look into the “insider” copper theft this weekend in the Water Department. Another Plumber was also caught stealing copper not long ago and fired. I have asked for surveillance cameras in every Water Department location. I also want cameras at every swipe location. I will keep you informed as things go along. The Department of Water Management refuses to protect the safety of the drinking Water in Chicago. Time to fire more people now. Photo by Patrick McDonough.
Chicago City Plumbers ordered to show valid Plumbing License Today
Today City of Chicago Plumbers were ordered to show a valid Plumbing License. The supervisory staff was not ordered to show a license because some have not bought theirs yet. Please make sure you ask the Chicago License Board on the acceptable methods, cash or politics, to obtain the current license. If you want a Valid Plumbers License in Chicago, we can show you the various methods. Lake County now has a non-union plumbing school and for dirt cheap, you can also get a Plumbing License. I asked an officer of Local 130 and they said they knew nothing about this school. Many members of Plumbers Local 130 are now working for non-union plumbing companies. I hate to say I told you so, but the Chicago Plumbers Union needs new leadership now!
Rahm Emanuel and Basketball's brightest Chicago Star Funny Video
Major Water and Sewer Issues in Western Logan Square Homeowner's Video
Dave Savini and CBS 2 Investigates Hail damage companies Video
Harry "Hairy" Osterman and 48Th Ward Video with Rahm Emanuel Picture
Shakman Settlement Victims get Federal Relief thanks to Clout Busters
Many City of Chicago employees were victims of the Mayor Daley patronage machine. A landmark settlement for millions of dollars was distributed to many city workers. Many city employees were afraid of retaliation and did not file for relief from the Federal Monitor. After intense negation with the Internal Revenue Service, we can get you thousands of dollars back in overpaid taxes. Chicago taxed the money as if it was income and it should have been a tax-free settlement. If you or someone you know received a Shakman Settlement, contact Chicago Clout so you can get your big refund and interest. Mayor Daley left a big pile for Rahm Emanuel to clean up, it never ends. Just ask Bruce Randazzo what it is like having a few extra thousand in your pocket. Photo by Patrick McDonough
Diversey Harbor Jams with Special Music Summer Tour 2011 Today
Today was a very important day for Emery Joe Yost of the Chicago Park District and Patrick McDonough of Chicago Clout and an employee of the Department of Water Management. It took about a couple of months to get everything prepared for an awesome music video to promote awareness about special needs. I want to make a special shout out to Adam Koleno, General Manager of Master Craft Boats of Chicago, Michael’s Ultimate Detailing & Design, and Jim and Jen Milligan of Fox lake Propeller. The level of work in preparation was beyond our imagination. I wanted the boat to shine perfect and hum like Rolls for this shoot and it did. The Folks at Exclusive Automotive sound work was dynamite, the boat rocked loud. Special Thanks to all the moms that brought the guys to the Diversey Harbor Yacht Club and all the folks that were so supportive. I cannot wait to get this video out but we want to make it right. We are also going to add video taken at other shows this year. Thank you to all helpers at the video shoots today including my sons and friends. Thanks to all the folks at the Chicago park District for making a super day to remember. We are working on making a much larger boat available in the future so we can make this a regular event in Chicago. Feel free to join us. Learn Video, Learn photography, Learn music, and Learn compassion. Photo by Patrick McDonough.
Chicago Clout awards another college bound student
Today was another great day for Chicago Clout. For many years Chicago Clout has awarded thousands of dollars for college bound students. Today Stephanie enjoyed a boat ride and got her brand new Sony laptop computer. The funds are awards by the Patrick McDonough Trust and Chicago Clout revenue. Stephanie will also receive additional income to smooth out the bumps for the next four years. You can recommend the son or daughter of any current City of Chicago employee or any young person in need. Next week we are having a “Special Music for Special People” fundraiser. Photo by Patrick McDonough