Senator, U.S.
6 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Mark Steven Kirk Republican 1
Alexander "Alexi" Giannoulias Democratic 2
LeAlan M. Jones Green Party 3
Mike Labno Libertarian 4
The Obama presidency has been so extraordinary, this year's congressional election is nothing less than a plebiscite on whether we wish it to continue - so the personal records of the candidates have become relevant.
Do I agree with Obama's attempt to extend health care to the un-insurable and control the financial markets so that they can't again be mainipulated to provide short-term wealth for players and long-term catastrophe for everyone else?
You bet I do - and I'm not buying the bone-headed American fundamentalism that conflates liberty with anarchy.
The job of government is to regulate for the public interest - the job of everyone else is to create, manage, invest, execute etc.
But in any other circumstance, I might be tempted to vote for Mark Kirk who might possibly accomplish more as a moderate Republican than Giannoulias would achieve as a liberal Democrat--- and God knows, the world needs more moderate Republicans
Governor and Lieutenant Governor, State of Illinois
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Bill Brady & Jason Plummer Republican 17
Pat Quinn & Sheila Simon Democratic 18
Rich Whitney & Don W. Crawford Green Party 19
Lex Green & Ed Rutledge Libertarian 20
Scott Lee Cohen & Baxter B. Swilley Independent 22
Illinois has had a bad track record with governors lately - with one in prison and the other fighting hard to stay out. So honesty is a top priority as far as I'm concerned.
Quinn has proven himself to be a public service kind of public servant for many decades.
While, right off the bat, Brady is running an oblique campaign -- i.e. he's running against Obama instead of running for governor of Illinois -- by making "free market opportunities" and private health care issues in the campaign statement linked to the Cook County Clerk's website.
Attorney General, State of Illinois
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Steve Kim Republican 24
Lisa Madigan Democratic 25
David F. Black Green Party 26
Bill Malan Libertarian 27
The primary job of State's Attorney is to keep politicians honest, so I can't imagine anything more foolish than electing the daughter of the state's biggest political boss. Mike Madigan, to do it.
Nor am I impressed by David Black's shopping list of liberal causes (even if I agree with all of them)
So even though I know nothing about Steve Kim, I'm hoping he will do a good job.
Secretary of State, State of Illinois
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Robert Enriquez Republican 30
Jesse White Democratic 31
Josh Hanson Libertarian 32
I don't see why this job should be a life-time tenancy for Jesse White, but neither of his opponents even bothered to put their bio up on the County Clerk's website.
Comptroller, State of Illinois
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Judy Baar Topinka Republican 35
David E. Miller Democratic 36
R. Erika Schafer Green Party 37
Julie Fox Libertarian 38
This one's a tough call for me.
I personally like Judy Baar Topinka, and am glad she's getting back in politics.
But why didn't she put her bio up on the County Clerk website?
And though I have zero patience with Libertarians, I like the fact that Julie Fox touts herself as a CPA for a job that should have one.
But even more, I like that David Miller promises to put the state budget online and make it interactive. So -- he's got my vote.
Treasurer, State of Illinois
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Dan Rutherford Republican 41
Robin Kelly Democratic 42
Scott K. Summers Green Party 43
James Pauly Libertarian 44
I've got to vote for Green candidate sometime -- and none of the other candidates bothered to represent themselves on the County Clerk's website.
Representative, 7th District
2 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Mark M. Weiman Republican 47
Danny K. Davis Democratic 48
Clarence Desmond Clemons Independent 49
Once again, elections for national representatives are a plebicite on Obama, so I've got to vote for the Democrat.
It also helps that Danny Davis is the only one who bothered to put anything up on the County Clerk's website.
State Senator, 4th District
2 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Kimberly A. Lightford Democratic 50
It's really a shame that nobody was willing to run against this life-time incumbent.
State Representative, 7th District
2 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Karen A. Yarbrough Democratic 52
Princess Cynthia Dempsey Independent 53
How can you not vote for a woman named "Princess"?
(reminds of one of the characters in Catch-22: "Major Major")
But I'm voting for Yarbrough, anyway.
Primarily because she has made voucher schools an issue (probably because our local high school district, Provise 90, is a poster-child for shameless political corruption)
But also because the Princess has no respect for English grammar, and comes accross as a frightfully stupid jock. (she plays football and teaches martial art)
Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, MWRD
6 Year Term, Vote For 3
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Paul Chialdikas Republican 55
Jimmy Lee Tillman II Republican 56
Mariyana T. Spyropoulos Democratic 57
Barbara McGowan Democratic 58
Michael A. Alvarez Democratic 59
Diana Horton Green Party 60
John "Jack" Ailey Green Party 61
Nadine Bopp Green Party 62
None of these candidates stand out, so I'll just vote Green.
Who else would you want to get rid of all our shit?
Board President, Cook County
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Roger A. Keats Republican 63
Toni Preckwinkle Democratic 64
Thomas Tresser Green Party 65
At least Stroger isn't running!
Tresser just sees the campaign as a soapbox, and Keats is more concerned with taxes than services.
Clerk, Cook County
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Angel Garcia Republican 66
David D. Orr Democratic 67
Here's a no-brainer.
On the one hand, we have the incumbent who has many innovations to his credit, including the voter info website that is so useful to me.
On the other hand we have the challenger whose website says "Angel Garcia wants make the political process more accessible to his constituents" -- but he won't even take the time to put a bio up on the country clerk's website.
Sheriff, Cook County
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Frederick Collins Republican 68
Thomas J. Dart Democratic 69
Marshall P. Lewis Green Party 70
The Green Party candidate thinks he reminds people of
"Marshal Dillion and Wayatt Earp"
But he reminds me of someone who not only can't spell,
but doesn't even care enough to have someone proof read his text.
While neither Dart nor Collins put any info up on the County Clerk site.
Collins doesn't doesn't show much on his website other than his face, and Dart doesn't even have a website.
So this is a tough race to pick - and maybe I just won't vote on it.
Treasurer, Cook County
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Carol A. Morse Republican 71
Maria Pappas Democratic 72
Here's another race in which I just won't vote.
Neither candidate puts anything up on County Clerk site,
Morse has nothing to say on her website, and Pappas doesn't even have a website.
It's very depressing.
It's as if both candidates believe that the less you know about them, the better chance they have of getting elected.
Assessor, Cook County
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall Republican 73
Joseph Berrios Democratic 74
Robert C. Grota Green Party 75
Forrest Claypool Independent 76
Since Berrios has directed his campaign against Claypool, I'm concluding that Claypool is his closest challenger.
And since Berrios has attacked him by creating two phony Claypool websites , he's totally lost my respect.
Plus -- I'm buying the argument made by all the Chicago newspapers that the Assessor's office has been a major asset in the toolkit of the Cook County Democratic Party.
Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall argues that she is the only candidate with experience in assessing the value of real estate, but that skill is not the most important issue here.
Commissioner, Cook County Board, 1st District
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Earlean Collins Democratic 77
Ronald Lawless Green Party 78
Incumbant Collins has been so invisible, the Chicago actually endorsed Lawless, the Green Party candidate.
And I think I will too.
Collins doesn't even have a website - I get the feeling the she's tired of doing this job, but doesn't have the gumption to quit.
.................................
Regarding the judges:
Here's some recommendations.
There's only one contested seat, and I'll vote for the candidate
who put something on the County Clerk site, Maureen Masterson Pulia
Regarding retention, here's the ones identified as bad apples:
Susan Jeanine McDunn
Dorothy F. Jones
Jeffrey Lawrence
while the Chicago Bar Association adds these two:
Dennis J. Morrissey
William D. O'Neal
(and none of them chose to speak up for themselves on the County Clerk site)
.................................
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of McNulty)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
James R. Epstein Democratic 84
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of O'Malley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Aurelia Marie Pucinski Democratic 85
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of South)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Mary Katherine Rochford Democratic 86
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Berland)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
William H. Hooks Democratic 87
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Bronstein)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Terry MacCarthy Democratic 88
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Dolan)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Susan Kennedy Sullivan Democratic 89
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Hayes)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Raymond W. Mitchell Democratic 90
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Kelley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
John Patrick Callahan, Jr. Democratic 91
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of McCarthy)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Maureen Masterson Pulia Republican 92
Daniel J. Gallagher Democratic 93
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of O'Malley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Thomas V. Lyons Democratic 94
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Riley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Sandra G. Ramos Democratic 95
Judge, Illinois Supreme Court (Retention)
Candidate Name Yes No
Charles E. Freeman 200 201
Thomas R. Fitzgerald 202 203
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Retention)
Candidate Name Yes No
Joseph Gordon 204 205
Shelvin Louise Marie Hall 206 207
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Retention)
Candidate Name Yes No
Sophia H. Hall 208 209
Irwin J. Solganick 210 211
Alexander Patrick White 212 213
Donald J. O'Brien, Jr. 214 215
Vincent Michael Gaughan 216 217
William D. Maddux 218 219
Robert W. Bertucci 220 221
Richard J. Billik, Jr. 222 223
Jennifer Duncan Brice 224 225
Thomas Michael Davy 226 227
David Delgado 228 229
Deborah Mary Dooling 230 231
Timothy C. Evans 232 233
Allen S. Goldberg 234 235
Susan Ruscitti Grussel 236 237
Cheyrl D. Ingram 238 239
Raymond L. Jagielski 240 241
Dorothy F. Jones 242 243
Daniel E. Jordan 244 245
Carol A. Kelly 246 247
Bertina E. Lampkin 248 249
Jeffrey Lawrence 250 251
William Maki 252 253
William D. O'Neal 254 255
Robert J. Quinn 256 257
Leida J. Gonzalez Santiago 258 259
Daniel J. Sullivan 260 261
Sharon Marie Sullivan 262 263
Susan Frances Zwick 264 265
Susan Jeanine McDunn 266 267
James Patrick McCarthy 268 269
Paul P. Biebel, Jr. 270 271
Nancy J. Arnold 272 273
Arnette R. Hubbard 274 275
Thomas L. Hogan 276 277
Nicholas R. Ford 278 279
Charles Patrick Burns 280 281
Thomas P. Fecarotta, Jr. 282 283
Denise Kathleen Filan 284 285
LaQuietta J. Hardy-Campbell 286 287
Nathaniel R. Howse Jr. 288 289
John Patrick Kirby 290 291
Diane Joan Larsen 292 293
Daniel Joseph Lynch 294 295
Kathleen Mary Pantle 296 297
Kevin Michael Sheehan 298 299
Paul Stralka 300 301
John D. Turner, Jr. 302 303
LeRoy K. Martin, Jr. 304 305
Paula Marie Daleo 306 307
Laurence J. Dunford 308 309
Robert Balanoff 310 311
Jeanne R. Cleveland Bernstein 312 313
Kathleen Marie Burke 314 315
Kay Marie Hanlon 316 317
Michelle Jordan 318 319
Thomas J. Kelley 320 321
William J. Kunkle 322 323
Clare Elizabeth McWilliams 324 325
Mary Lane Mikva 326 327
Patrick T. Murphy 328 329
Timothy Patrick Murphy 330 331
Sheryl Ann Pethers 332 333
Jim Ryan 334 335
Edward "Ed" Washington, II 336 337
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Health Care Reform
Having been consistently declined for coverage over the past ten years -- it's rather obvious how I would want my representatives to vote on this one.
There simply is no reason for a private insurer to take an unacceptable risk on anybody unless they have to.
And mandating such coverage seems similar to all the other government mandates that require businesses to provide safe working conditions and safe products -- all stuff that apparently lies outside the wild-west ideology that captivates so many Americans.
The argument that the current program is being precipitously rammed down the country's throat forgets that this issue has been on the table since Clinton's first term when the insurance industry killed it.
In the meantime, Republicans have held both the presidency and majorities in both houses, but no alternative programs were ever approved.
Not that this bill is perfect -- or even could be -- but it's the right step to take at this time.
And much more remains to be done -- beginning with tort reform and finding other incentives for quality performance.
There simply is no reason for a private insurer to take an unacceptable risk on anybody unless they have to.
And mandating such coverage seems similar to all the other government mandates that require businesses to provide safe working conditions and safe products -- all stuff that apparently lies outside the wild-west ideology that captivates so many Americans.
The argument that the current program is being precipitously rammed down the country's throat forgets that this issue has been on the table since Clinton's first term when the insurance industry killed it.
In the meantime, Republicans have held both the presidency and majorities in both houses, but no alternative programs were ever approved.
Not that this bill is perfect -- or even could be -- but it's the right step to take at this time.
And much more remains to be done -- beginning with tort reform and finding other incentives for quality performance.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
At least Hoffman won Suburban Cook County
Robert Marshall (DEM) 3.93% 8,989
David Hoffman (DEM) 40.88% 93,555
Jacob J. Meister (DEM) 1.2% 2,738
Alexi'' Giannoulias 37.45% 85,704
Cheryle Jackson (DEM) 16.54% 37,862
David Hoffman (DEM) 40.88% 93,555
Jacob J. Meister (DEM) 1.2% 2,738
Alexi'' Giannoulias 37.45% 85,704
Cheryle Jackson (DEM) 16.54% 37,862
Saturday, January 23, 2010
2010 - February Primary
US Senate:
Robert Marshall
David Hoffman
Jacob J. Meister
Alexander "Alexi" Giannoulias
Cheryle Jackson
Why didn't Marshall, Jackson, or Meister post information about themselves on the Cook County Clerk's website?
Why didn't Hoffman present his history of public service on his own website?
Why can't either Giannoulias or Hoffman be upfront about their family's wealth?
Why do all of the candidates' websites present so little information - about as much as a cheap bulk mailer?
Why shouldn't we consider the candidates' websites to be exemplary of the transparency that they will or will not show if they ever get elected?
The main issue, in general, is who will be more inclined to serve public rather than private interests (including the candidate's own vanity) - and the first exemplary act should be to drop out of the race if it's apparent that others would make better, stronger candidates.
Goodbye Marshall and Meister.
The main issue, at this moment in time, is who can keep the seat away from the obstructive Republican Party - and how can Blago's former spokesperson have a chance?
Goodbye Jackson
Hoffman seems to be most independent, and intelligent, of the remaining candidates,
so I will vote for him.
(Note: Wikipedia lists all the endorsements for this race, giving us a pretty idea of who is independent)
Governor:
Pat Quinn
Daniel W. Hynes
It's hard not to see Quinn as a mere gadfly - building his career on the phony issue of legislative salaries.
It's just as hard not to see Hynes as a second generation team player for the political class.
I prefer the gadfly.
Lieutenant Governor:
Arthur L. Turner
Terry Link
Rickey R. Hendon
Scott Lee Cohen
Thomas Michael Castillo
Mike Boland
Boland and Turner were the only ones who bothered to put their info the County Clerk's website - and both of them make Patrick Quinn look good. But the Tribune picked Turner - so I'll assume he's the least connected.
Comptroller, State of Illinois
David E. Miller
S. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Clinton A. "Clint" Krislov
Only Krisnamoorthi had anything to say:
"As Comptroller, my priorities would include the following: putting all state contracts online to bring sunshine to our state contracting system; creating a centralized "E-Market" clearinghouse online for all state procurement opportunities to increase participation by small businesses"
So I'll vote for him. (despite his "Bright Start" connection)
Treasurer, State of Illinois
Justin P. Oberman
Robin Kelly
This is a tough one. Normally, I'd vote against a political dynasty - but Justin is the son of a noted independant - so perhaps he would be more inclined to serve the public than his own career ambitions.
Representative, 7th Congressional District
Darlena Williams-Burnett
Jim Ascot
Danny K. Davis
Sharon Denise Dixon
Danny Davis is going to get re-elected --- so what we're really voting for, here, is the runner-up who would have the best chance to take the seat when he finally retires.
Williams-Burnett's political history consistes of nothing but working in the patronage bloated office of the Recorder of Deeds. Jim Ascot is a nice fellow who actually visited my studio ---but that's all I can say for him.
But Sharon Denise Dixon seems to be a firecracker. She should have put something onto the CCC website -- but her own website tells me a story I want to hear: every local politician endorsed the opponent whom she defeated for alderman.
Democratic State Central Committeewoman, 7th Congressional District
Darlena Williams-Burnett
Karen A. Yarbrough
Yikes! Can I vote Republican on this one?
Democratic State Central Committeeman, 7th Congressional District
Danny K. Davis
Edward D. James
Brian K. Henderson
I've got to vote for Henderson, the un-employed PHD Philosopher who lives on food stamps and
bothered to put his info up on the County Clerk's website.
Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, MWRD
6 Year Term, Vote For 3
Stella B. Black
Barbara McGowan
Michael A. Alvarez
Mariyana T. Spyropoulos --- yes
Kathleen Mary O'Reilley ---- yes
Wallace Davis, III
Maureen Kelly
Todd Connor ----yes
Kari K. Steele
(The ones chosen appear to be the most Green - and who else should do such a job?)
Board President, Cook County
Toni Preckwinkle
Terrence J. O'Brien
Dorothy A. Brown
Todd H. Stroger
This is tough one -- since Preckwinkle appears to be both the least connected and the least intelligent. But I've got to vote for her.
Sheriff, Cook County
Thomas J. Dart
Sylvester E. Baker Jr.
All I've got to go on is the Tribune endorsement of Dart.
Assessor, Cook County
Robert Shaw
Joseph Berrios
Raymond A. Figueroa
Another tough one. Berrios is the only one who posted on the County Clerk site -- where he
told us he would help the taxpayer -- but he didn't tell us about that 30 years of experience
he claims to have. Experience doing what ? paying taxes? And .. he writes like a twelve year old.
I've got to go with the Tribune's pick: Figueroa
Commissioner, Cook County Board, 1st District
Earlean Collins
Adekunle "Ade" B. Onayemi
Chris Harris Democratic
Derrick Smith Democratic
I'm picking Onayemi on this one - because I fear the incumbent is a hack, and the others don't have a chance.
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of McNulty)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Arnette R. Hubbard Democratic 131
Ellen L. Flannigan Democratic 132
Jim Ryan Democratic 133
James R. Epstein Democratic 134 --------Tribune pick
Kathleen G. Kennedy Democratic 135
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of O'Malley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Thomas L. Hogan Democratic 137 ------Tribune pick
Pamela E. Hill-Veal Democratic 138
Frank Edward Gardner Democratic 139
Aurelia Marie Pucinski Democratic 140
Don R. Sampen Democratic 141
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of South)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Mary Katherine Rochford Democratic 142 ----- tribune pick
Sebastian T. Patti Democratic 143
Kevin Rogers Democratic 144
William D. O'Neal Democratic 145
Anthony Lynn Burrell Democratic 146
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Berland)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
William H. Hooks Democratic 151 ---- tribune pick
Deidre Baumann Democratic 152
William Burnett Raines Democratic 153
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Bronstein)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Terry MacCarthy Democratic 154 ---Tribune pick
Diann K. Marsalek Democratic 156
Sharon Finegan Patterson Democratic 157
Thomas William Flannigan Democratic 158
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Dolan)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Susan Kennedy Sullivan Democratic 159
Linda J. Pauel Democratic 160 -----Tribune pick
Kevin J. Murphy Democratic 161
Ubi O'Neal Democratic 162
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Hayes)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Raymond W. Mitchell Democratic 163 ---Tribune pick
Bonnie Carol McGrath Democratic 164
Carl B. Boyd Democratic 165
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Kelley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
John Patrick Callahan, Jr. Democratic 166 -Tribune pick
Joanne F. Fehn Democratic 167
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of McCarthy)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Daniel J. Gallagher Democratic 168
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of O'Malley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Thomas V. Lyons Democratic 181
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Riley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Sandra G. Ramos Democratic 183
Russell William Hartigan Democratic 184 ..........Tribune pick
James Michael Bailey Democratic 185
John Patrick Nyhan Democratic 186
Edmund Paul Michalowski Democratic 187
Marvin W. Gray Democratic 188
Tracey J. Stokes Democratic 189
Democratic Township Committeeman, Proviso Township
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Karen A. Yarbrough Democratic 211
P. D. of Forest Park Ref - Increase Limiting Rate Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Park District of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.120% above the limiting rate for park purposes for levy year 2008 and be equal to 0.521% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2009? (1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is $1,713,203.69, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $2,225,883.10. (2) For the 2009 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $12.00. (3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2009 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law). 0 0
From wht I gather -- this increase is to fund the purchase of the old Roos building on Circle Ave - so the park can expand. But does the park really need to be larger? I can't make up my mind on this one.
Robert Marshall
David Hoffman
Jacob J. Meister
Alexander "Alexi" Giannoulias
Cheryle Jackson
Why didn't Marshall, Jackson, or Meister post information about themselves on the Cook County Clerk's website?
Why didn't Hoffman present his history of public service on his own website?
Why can't either Giannoulias or Hoffman be upfront about their family's wealth?
Why do all of the candidates' websites present so little information - about as much as a cheap bulk mailer?
Why shouldn't we consider the candidates' websites to be exemplary of the transparency that they will or will not show if they ever get elected?
The main issue, in general, is who will be more inclined to serve public rather than private interests (including the candidate's own vanity) - and the first exemplary act should be to drop out of the race if it's apparent that others would make better, stronger candidates.
Goodbye Marshall and Meister.
The main issue, at this moment in time, is who can keep the seat away from the obstructive Republican Party - and how can Blago's former spokesperson have a chance?
Goodbye Jackson
Hoffman seems to be most independent, and intelligent, of the remaining candidates,
so I will vote for him.
(Note: Wikipedia lists all the endorsements for this race, giving us a pretty idea of who is independent)
Governor:
Pat Quinn
Daniel W. Hynes
It's hard not to see Quinn as a mere gadfly - building his career on the phony issue of legislative salaries.
It's just as hard not to see Hynes as a second generation team player for the political class.
I prefer the gadfly.
Lieutenant Governor:
Arthur L. Turner
Terry Link
Rickey R. Hendon
Scott Lee Cohen
Thomas Michael Castillo
Mike Boland
Boland and Turner were the only ones who bothered to put their info the County Clerk's website - and both of them make Patrick Quinn look good. But the Tribune picked Turner - so I'll assume he's the least connected.
Comptroller, State of Illinois
David E. Miller
S. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Clinton A. "Clint" Krislov
Only Krisnamoorthi had anything to say:
"As Comptroller, my priorities would include the following: putting all state contracts online to bring sunshine to our state contracting system; creating a centralized "E-Market" clearinghouse online for all state procurement opportunities to increase participation by small businesses"
So I'll vote for him. (despite his "Bright Start" connection)
Treasurer, State of Illinois
Justin P. Oberman
Robin Kelly
This is a tough one. Normally, I'd vote against a political dynasty - but Justin is the son of a noted independant - so perhaps he would be more inclined to serve the public than his own career ambitions.
Representative, 7th Congressional District
Darlena Williams-Burnett
Jim Ascot
Danny K. Davis
Sharon Denise Dixon
Danny Davis is going to get re-elected --- so what we're really voting for, here, is the runner-up who would have the best chance to take the seat when he finally retires.
Williams-Burnett's political history consistes of nothing but working in the patronage bloated office of the Recorder of Deeds. Jim Ascot is a nice fellow who actually visited my studio ---but that's all I can say for him.
But Sharon Denise Dixon seems to be a firecracker. She should have put something onto the CCC website -- but her own website tells me a story I want to hear: every local politician endorsed the opponent whom she defeated for alderman.
Democratic State Central Committeewoman, 7th Congressional District
Darlena Williams-Burnett
Karen A. Yarbrough
Yikes! Can I vote Republican on this one?
Democratic State Central Committeeman, 7th Congressional District
Danny K. Davis
Edward D. James
Brian K. Henderson
I've got to vote for Henderson, the un-employed PHD Philosopher who lives on food stamps and
bothered to put his info up on the County Clerk's website.
Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, MWRD
6 Year Term, Vote For 3
Stella B. Black
Barbara McGowan
Michael A. Alvarez
Mariyana T. Spyropoulos --- yes
Kathleen Mary O'Reilley ---- yes
Wallace Davis, III
Maureen Kelly
Todd Connor ----yes
Kari K. Steele
(The ones chosen appear to be the most Green - and who else should do such a job?)
Board President, Cook County
Toni Preckwinkle
Terrence J. O'Brien
Dorothy A. Brown
Todd H. Stroger
This is tough one -- since Preckwinkle appears to be both the least connected and the least intelligent. But I've got to vote for her.
Sheriff, Cook County
Thomas J. Dart
Sylvester E. Baker Jr.
All I've got to go on is the Tribune endorsement of Dart.
Assessor, Cook County
Robert Shaw
Joseph Berrios
Raymond A. Figueroa
Another tough one. Berrios is the only one who posted on the County Clerk site -- where he
told us he would help the taxpayer -- but he didn't tell us about that 30 years of experience
he claims to have. Experience doing what ? paying taxes? And .. he writes like a twelve year old.
I've got to go with the Tribune's pick: Figueroa
Commissioner, Cook County Board, 1st District
Earlean Collins
Adekunle "Ade" B. Onayemi
Chris Harris Democratic
Derrick Smith Democratic
I'm picking Onayemi on this one - because I fear the incumbent is a hack, and the others don't have a chance.
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of McNulty)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Arnette R. Hubbard Democratic 131
Ellen L. Flannigan Democratic 132
Jim Ryan Democratic 133
James R. Epstein Democratic 134 --------Tribune pick
Kathleen G. Kennedy Democratic 135
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of O'Malley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Thomas L. Hogan Democratic 137 ------Tribune pick
Pamela E. Hill-Veal Democratic 138
Frank Edward Gardner Democratic 139
Aurelia Marie Pucinski Democratic 140
Don R. Sampen Democratic 141
Judge, Illinois Appellate Court, 1st District (Vacancy of South)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Mary Katherine Rochford Democratic 142 ----- tribune pick
Sebastian T. Patti Democratic 143
Kevin Rogers Democratic 144
William D. O'Neal Democratic 145
Anthony Lynn Burrell Democratic 146
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Berland)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
William H. Hooks Democratic 151 ---- tribune pick
Deidre Baumann Democratic 152
William Burnett Raines Democratic 153
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Bronstein)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Terry MacCarthy Democratic 154 ---Tribune pick
Diann K. Marsalek Democratic 156
Sharon Finegan Patterson Democratic 157
Thomas William Flannigan Democratic 158
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Dolan)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Susan Kennedy Sullivan Democratic 159
Linda J. Pauel Democratic 160 -----Tribune pick
Kevin J. Murphy Democratic 161
Ubi O'Neal Democratic 162
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Hayes)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Raymond W. Mitchell Democratic 163 ---Tribune pick
Bonnie Carol McGrath Democratic 164
Carl B. Boyd Democratic 165
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Kelley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
John Patrick Callahan, Jr. Democratic 166 -Tribune pick
Joanne F. Fehn Democratic 167
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of McCarthy)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Daniel J. Gallagher Democratic 168
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of O'Malley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Thomas V. Lyons Democratic 181
Judge, Cook County Judicial Circuit (Vacancy of Riley)
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Sandra G. Ramos Democratic 183
Russell William Hartigan Democratic 184 ..........Tribune pick
James Michael Bailey Democratic 185
John Patrick Nyhan Democratic 186
Edmund Paul Michalowski Democratic 187
Marvin W. Gray Democratic 188
Tracey J. Stokes Democratic 189
Democratic Township Committeeman, Proviso Township
4 Year Term, Vote For 1
Candidate Name Party Ballot #
Karen A. Yarbrough Democratic 211
P. D. of Forest Park Ref - Increase Limiting Rate Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Park District of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, be increased by an additional amount equal to 0.120% above the limiting rate for park purposes for levy year 2008 and be equal to 0.521% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2009? (1) The approximate amount of taxes extendable at the most recently extended limiting rate is $1,713,203.69, and the approximate amount of taxes extendable if the proposition is approved is $2,225,883.10. (2) For the 2009 levy year the approximate amount of the additional tax extendable against property containing a single family residence and having a fair market value at the time of the referendum of $100,000 is estimated to be $12.00. (3) If the proposition is approved, the aggregate extension for 2009 will be determined by the limiting rate set forth in the proposition, rather than the otherwise applicable limiting rate calculated under the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (commonly known as the Property Tax Cap Law). 0 0
From wht I gather -- this increase is to fund the purchase of the old Roos building on Circle Ave - so the park can expand. But does the park really need to be larger? I can't make up my mind on this one.
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