Much of the union political passage of power has been done behind closed doors for decades. Plumber’s Local 130 had a tradition of fine leadership; the members were last well served by Gerald M. Sullivan, a true powerhouse and man of distinction. Gerald was seceded by James Sullivan, a sneaky weasel if ever there was one. Many of the membership challenged Jim’s leadership, and then just walked away. I have never seen a greater amount of union trained member’s working for non-union companies until now. To stop this destruction of the union, age barred James Sullivan from further damage. Many union members were expecting business as usual with the anointing of Jim Coyne as Business Manager. If Jim was not challenged, the same ways of doing business at 1400 West Washington might continue. I met with the Integrity Team that is issuing an election against Tim Coyne. I really think this is more of a kick in the ass of the status quo, than an actual anti-Coyne sediment. Plumbers are very pissed off in Chicago. James allowed many unqualified folks to join the union, his school prepped unqualified candidates for the Plumber’s Exam. This lead to the termination of Dean Slawek, a former Chicago Water Department ditch digger. I also contacted Rahm Emanuel’s camp at City Hall, they assured me they are willing to work with the new management team assembled by Chicago Inspector John Swietczak. This is a great opportunity for Plumber’s Local 130 to change direction and get thing right for the membership. I confess I have never seen the members of Local 130 so agitated in front of the union hall tonight. The insider’s click better open their eyes and listen to the issues or they will be left with nothing. I also met some old friends I knew when I was a member, they are voicing the same issues I have but refuse to stop the insanity.
The two leaders and officers of both parties are going to face off May 24, 2012 at Can-Tv in Chicago live. I have invited members of the press and two Aldermen to attend and ask questions. Remember, if you do not show up, I will have a replacement for you. Photo by Patrick McDonough
CLOUT Video explaines current Chicago Political Events
Iran: Threat of Yet Another War; Protest NATO/G8 in Chicago
Afghanistan: the war that wouldn't end Video; Protest NATO/G8
Opposing NATO in Chicago Video with host Andy Thayer
Chicago Clout Awards Mark Holder Employee of the Year
One of the most important long term accomplishments at the City of Chicago Department of Water Management is the safety of the workers. When I first started blowing the whistle on the lack of jobsite safety, the department refused to make the legally required shoring requirements. Chicago Clout made an entry on shoring October 30, 2007. At that time I was happy some progress was made. I was also very upset because the Office of the Inspector General refused to get involved. What greater savings than reducing workman's compensation claims by using common sense? If the Office of the Inspector General sends out their Investigators and make sure there is compliance, the scofflaws will fall into line. The old mentality of, "We will get more work done, and shoring slows down the job" is a myth. I was very happy to know the December 13, 2011 Jardine Safety Plant Shoring meeting was also attended by Irene Caminer, the Director of Legal Services with the Department of Water Management. Many at the meeting talked up about their concerns and also want a safer work environment. It is good to have senior management take safety serious. I again want to congratulate Mark Holder as Chicago Clout's City of Chicago Employee of the Year (2011) for taking a rag tag political safety department and making it a department taxpayers can be proud of. An honorable mention goes to Alice Carter in the same Department that said, "We can't take chances anymore". Put this on the record, Chicago Water Department Employees were given a phone number that records the call, use it. If you are working with a boss that refuses to use shoring, that boss will get ten days off, The Superintendent will get ten days off, (except those politically connected), and the person caught in the unprotected ditch. Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times and I should also get an award for pushing worker safety, but that will not happen. Again, job well done Mark Holder, you have greatly improved the taxpayer's interest. It is no surprise Local 130 never did a single thing to help it's members get safety improvements. Illinois Department of Labor. Story by Patrick McDonough.
More Chicago Police at Suburban Starbucks on City Time
Thanks to Rich Daley and the 11Th Ward Goons, Chicago has a very high unemployment rate. When you have a high unemployment rate, you can count on criminal activities. This Chicago Police Officer was at the Starbucks in the 2600 block of Des Plaines/Rosemont in the Northwest suburbs. I admit when you have a job like a Chicago Cop, you might want to get away from the clout heavy knuckleheads in charge. But just like a U.S. soldier in a warzone, you shouldn’t skip to another country for some peace and quiet. This happened September 24, 2011 at 3:58 p.m. Maybe the cop was getting Rahm Emanuel’s coffee or a latte for Maggie Daley. Cop Car 2523 and License Plate M 169289 Photo by Chicago Clout Inspector General Team b.
Rahm Emanuel takes the keys to Daley's Hired Truck Program
Rich Daley left the Office of Mayor in Chicago like a sick dog. Chicago is a town falling apart at its seams. I guess twenty years of theft; scumbag inside deals will destroy anything. Rahm the reformer took the keys to Mayor Daley’s Hired Truck Program and got her up and running. Rahm will need millions for Barack Obama’s re-election and no better place to get it than the Hired Trucks. Two City of Chicago Department of Water Management trucks idled at the corner of Warwick and Lamon while two Hired Trucks took loads from Union Local 150 Hoisting Engineers on September 19, 2011. For years, Hoisting Engineers put spoil on Hired Trucks while their Union Local 700 Teamsters starved at home. So if you are a Union Local 700 teamster sitting at home, make a stop to the goons’ headquarters in Park Ridge. Ask these goons to attempt to get up and go over to Chicago Construction Sewer sites and get your job back. It is a shame the misuse of minority programs and minority companies. I wish these trucks would haul all the crap out of City Hall starting with Rahm “Ditto” Emanuel. Photo by Patrick McDonough.
Chicago Policewomen scam at Starbucks in Park Ridge yesterday
Two Chicago Policewomen weaseled out of Chicago to enjoy Park Ridge. We all know Chicago Police should stay in the Chicago City Limits in case of an emergency. I waited several times for Chicago Police to attend to an emergency. Many coffee venders are happy the Chicago Cops are out of Edison Park because the Chicago Police still think they are entitled to free coffee. Many Chicago Cops still flash the badge and get free McDonalds in Chicago. These two ladies should be immediately fired for dereliction of duty. A formal complaint was filed with the IPRA complaint Number 1048555. The police SUV number was 8411 and License Plate MP 6194. This happened at 100 South Northwest Highway in Park Ridge September 15, 2011 at 5:40 PM. Maybe they were getting Rahm Emanuel’s coffee. Photo by Patrick McDonough
Chicago Clout at the Chicago Air and Water Show 2011
This is one of many photos I took at the City of Chicago Air and Water Show practice 2011. I used to go to the Jardine Plant as a City of Chicago employee but I think the practice has ended. Now, I hop on my boat, exit Diversey Harbor and get right underneath the aircraft. It is an amazing sight to get so close; the planes skim right over the water. There are many Police and Coast Guard Boats patrolling the area. I have some more photos I am thinking of sharing. Maybe Rahm Emanuel can ride the planes and then declare “Mission Accomplished” with the City Budget soon. Just an idea. Photo by Patrick McDonough