There are nearly 100 men and women running for judge this year in Cook County.
Voters in the Cook County Democratic Primary will be asked to choose judges in nine countywide races on February 5. There are also contested vacancies in the 1st, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th and 15th Subcircuits. Two vacancies are up in the 5th and 13th Subcircuits and there are three contested races in the 10th Judicial Subcircuit.How can a voter figure out which candidates are worthy of a vote?
Chicago lawyer Jack Leyhane has been collecting information on the judicial primary and posting it on his blog, For What It’s Worth. There you will find links to candidate websites, statements offered by some of the candidates themselves, and posts that ‘organize the data’ for each contest, providing information about all available bar association ratings and endorsements by newspapers and other groups.
Primary elections are particular important in judicial races. No Republican filed for any countywide Circuit Court vacancy. Only in the 4th, 12th, 13th and 15th Subcircuits are there any Republican candidates at all. Except in these four races, the winners of Tuesday’s primaries are virtually guaranteed to take office in December.
In addition to For What It’s Worth, information about Cook County Circuit Court candidates may be found at http://www.illinoisjudges.net/ and http://www.illinoisvotersguide.org/2008/candidates.php.
Both these sites, sponsored by the Illinois Civil Justice League and the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, respectively, provide information about judicial contests elsewhere in the State as well.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Chicago Reader picks up on Pera media conflict
The Chicago Reader has a more detailed story of the controversy involving Mark Pera's spokesman, Patrick Corcoran, who has been writing bylined news stories about Pera's campaign challenge to U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski in the "Trib Local," (http://www.triblocal.com/) the weekly community tabloid published every Thursday in some 21 suburban communities, many on the Southwest Side and suburbs.
Here's the link to Michael Miner's story:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/hottype/080124/
The story coincidentally comes out the same week I wrote a similar column, appearing this week in the Southwest News-Herald on the same topic. Both of us have deadlines the previous week. And, at the same time, according to the Trib-Local web site, the "news stories" bylined by Patrick Corcoran have been rebranded to relfect what was not reflected in more than 12 past news stories byt he writer, that Pat Corcoran works for the Mark Pera campaign.
Here's the link to my column:
http://swnewsherald.com/news_inside/2008/01/012508cs_rh_shellgame.php
What was missed in the Chicago Reader story is the manipulation of the Corcoran bylined stories by the Pera campaign. Pera has repeatedly asserted that former Congressman Bill Lipinski has been "running" his son Dan's re-election campaign, arguing that is something wrong with that "fact." Pera cited "press accounts," placing the blame for the charge on the news media.
Of course, the only place that made that accusation was in the Trib Local, in a "news story" bylined by Patrick Corcoran.
The Chicago Reader goes into more details about the the Trib Local managing editor, Kyle Leonard, was an editor at the Pioneer Press, the same time Corcoran worked there.
You won't see the downtown mainstream media hammer away at that one!
Ray Hanania
Here's the link to Michael Miner's story:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/hottype/080124/
The story coincidentally comes out the same week I wrote a similar column, appearing this week in the Southwest News-Herald on the same topic. Both of us have deadlines the previous week. And, at the same time, according to the Trib-Local web site, the "news stories" bylined by Patrick Corcoran have been rebranded to relfect what was not reflected in more than 12 past news stories byt he writer, that Pat Corcoran works for the Mark Pera campaign.
Here's the link to my column:
http://swnewsherald.com/news_inside/2008/01/012508cs_rh_shellgame.php
What was missed in the Chicago Reader story is the manipulation of the Corcoran bylined stories by the Pera campaign. Pera has repeatedly asserted that former Congressman Bill Lipinski has been "running" his son Dan's re-election campaign, arguing that is something wrong with that "fact." Pera cited "press accounts," placing the blame for the charge on the news media.
Of course, the only place that made that accusation was in the Trib Local, in a "news story" bylined by Patrick Corcoran.
The Chicago Reader goes into more details about the the Trib Local managing editor, Kyle Leonard, was an editor at the Pioneer Press, the same time Corcoran worked there.
You won't see the downtown mainstream media hammer away at that one!
Ray Hanania
Illinois Civil Justice League issues judicial endorsements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Curt Mercadante
January 25, 2008 (312) 301-9055
Illinois Civil Justice League Issues Judicial Endorsements for February 5 Primary Election
CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Civil Justice League, through JUSTPAC, the organization’s political action committee, has issued its endorsements for circuit court vacancies in the February 5th Primary Election.
“We are proud to endorse these candidates, each of whom has exhibited a commitment to a fair and impartial legal system,” said Ed Murnane, president of ICJL. “The voters should know that casting a vote for these candidates is a vote for honest and common sense – and in favor of a civil justice system that is fair to all sides.”
Following are the circuit court candidates endorsed for the Primary Election:
For Cook County Circuit Court (Montelione Vacancy):Debra Walker (Democrat)For Cook County Circuit Court (Nowicki Vacancy):Michael B. Hyman (Democrat)For 10th Subcircuit (Cook County – Pucinski Vacancy):Eileen O’Neill Burke (Democrat)For 13th Subcircuit (Cook County - Republican Nomination):Margarita Kulys HoffmanFor 1st Circuit (Stewart Vacancy, Republican Nomination):James “Randy” MooreFor 12th Circuit 2nd Subcircuit (New Seat, Republican Nomination):Elizabeth DowFor 18th Circuit (Moy Vacancy, Republican Nomination):Dorothy French
The ICJL and JUSTPAC intend to endorse additional candidates in the 2008 General Election and candidates who are unopposed in the primary were not evaluated for this first endorsement. All candidates for judicial office in Illinois were invited – twice – to respond to the Illinois Civil Justice League’s candidate questionnaire and to provide additional information about themselves and their qualifications.Only candidates who responded were considered for endorsement. All the information provided by the candidates, including their response to the ICJL questionnaire, is available on IllinoisJudges.net. Information about the candidates may be found by following the links to their pages on www.IllinoisJudges.net.
The Illinois Civil Justice League is a coalition of Illinois citizens, small and large businesses, associations, professional societies, not-for-profit organizations and local governments that have joined together to work for fairness in the Illinois civil justice system. Learn more at www.ICJL.org.
# # #
January 25, 2008 (312) 301-9055
Illinois Civil Justice League Issues Judicial Endorsements for February 5 Primary Election
CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Civil Justice League, through JUSTPAC, the organization’s political action committee, has issued its endorsements for circuit court vacancies in the February 5th Primary Election.
“We are proud to endorse these candidates, each of whom has exhibited a commitment to a fair and impartial legal system,” said Ed Murnane, president of ICJL. “The voters should know that casting a vote for these candidates is a vote for honest and common sense – and in favor of a civil justice system that is fair to all sides.”
Following are the circuit court candidates endorsed for the Primary Election:
For Cook County Circuit Court (Montelione Vacancy):Debra Walker (Democrat)For Cook County Circuit Court (Nowicki Vacancy):Michael B. Hyman (Democrat)For 10th Subcircuit (Cook County – Pucinski Vacancy):Eileen O’Neill Burke (Democrat)For 13th Subcircuit (Cook County - Republican Nomination):Margarita Kulys HoffmanFor 1st Circuit (Stewart Vacancy, Republican Nomination):James “Randy” MooreFor 12th Circuit 2nd Subcircuit (New Seat, Republican Nomination):Elizabeth DowFor 18th Circuit (Moy Vacancy, Republican Nomination):Dorothy French
The ICJL and JUSTPAC intend to endorse additional candidates in the 2008 General Election and candidates who are unopposed in the primary were not evaluated for this first endorsement. All candidates for judicial office in Illinois were invited – twice – to respond to the Illinois Civil Justice League’s candidate questionnaire and to provide additional information about themselves and their qualifications.Only candidates who responded were considered for endorsement. All the information provided by the candidates, including their response to the ICJL questionnaire, is available on IllinoisJudges.net. Information about the candidates may be found by following the links to their pages on www.IllinoisJudges.net.
The Illinois Civil Justice League is a coalition of Illinois citizens, small and large businesses, associations, professional societies, not-for-profit organizations and local governments that have joined together to work for fairness in the Illinois civil justice system. Learn more at www.ICJL.org.
# # #
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Radio Chicagoland interviews now uploaded in MP3 format for iPods
I've begun formatting the radio shows and segment interviews from the two hour show in MP3 audio format rather than the old .WMA (Windows Media Format) ... I'll also start upload selected segments to iTunes for download and linking.
The web site is www.RadioChicagoland.com.
The most recent segments and full shows include:
Jan. 23, 2008: Chicago Tribune Columnist John Kass discussing the late Interim Mayor Eugene Sawyer, who was unfairly savaged during his brief two years as mayor. Also Bob Creamer, political activist on his new book "Listen to Your Mother, Standup Straight: How Progressives Can Win." And, Ald. Ed Smith on his campaign for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. And Joe Cesarone, Illinois Campaign manager for Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul.
I sat in for radio host and former Illinois Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka on Tuesday Jan. 22, and interviewed Steve Brown, the legislative aide to Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, discussing the CTA tax, the battle with Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the legislature and more.
Check the shows out.
Ray Hanania
The web site is www.RadioChicagoland.com.
The most recent segments and full shows include:
Jan. 23, 2008: Chicago Tribune Columnist John Kass discussing the late Interim Mayor Eugene Sawyer, who was unfairly savaged during his brief two years as mayor. Also Bob Creamer, political activist on his new book "Listen to Your Mother, Standup Straight: How Progressives Can Win." And, Ald. Ed Smith on his campaign for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. And Joe Cesarone, Illinois Campaign manager for Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul.
I sat in for radio host and former Illinois Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka on Tuesday Jan. 22, and interviewed Steve Brown, the legislative aide to Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, discussing the CTA tax, the battle with Gov. Rod Blagojevich in the legislature and more.
Check the shows out.
Ray Hanania
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Conrad Black and Cloverfield
BOOK REVIEW:
I just finished a "book" on the biggest crook in journalism history, Conrad Black, called "Robber Baron." Don't let the title fool you. It's not a critical look at Black, whose criminal activity in the newspaper business and international politics makes Enron look like a Girl Scout cookie scandal. The book appears to be sympathetic to Black, minimizing what I see as the viciousness of this little man and re-portray him as a possibly sympathetic genius who tried to do good but was backstabbed by his best friends, some of whom happened to be the most anti-Semitic, fascists in the world. (Not to mention his wife, "Super Bitch" Barbara Amiel, whow as once a Communist and Socialist who changed stripes for personal benefit.)
The book is written by George Tombs, who challenges many of Black's critics, and to excuse away Black's crimes. He doesn't spare the journalists who covered Black's career with more professional care and journalistic integrity, slamnming many of them, too.
I was a little too critical of Tombs in an earlier version of this post, but after an email exchange, I realize he may have been simply doing his best to be objective -- and maybe it's my bias against Black (ya thuink? :) ) that drove my interpretation.
So, I have changed. Buy the book and give it a read yourseld. I'd love to hear your views on it. And maybe I won't be so mean in the future when I review other peoples' hard work.
MOVIE REVIEW:
I went to see Cloverfield. Not everyone will like this film, but I loved it. I love science fictiona nd monsters, of course. (Which is one reason I read the book cited above). Cloverfield is filmed in the style of "reality TV." The movie is reflected fromt he perspective of a handheld camera that begins at a going away party for someone, filmed by a friend. Friends are asked at the party to leave the going away party with some parting words. The tape will be given to hima s a going away gift, kind of like the videos taped at weddings for the newsly weds. Of course, it's all done professionally so the timeline of the film can be followed better.
In Cloverfield, somethign explodes and an earthquake like event hits Manhattan, shaking everyone at the party. Of course, they rush to the roof, the leats safe place, to see what happened, and witness something behemouth destroying a building in the distance that explodes in a ball of fire. News reports say Manhattan is under attack. No explanation for the cause, but something huge is destroying the city.
The partygoers all part and a group of friends try to make it over the Brooklyn bridge, after the head of the Statue of Liberty is knock off like a baseball and lands inf ront of their building ... and the Brooklyn Bridge is then destroyed, and four frioends decide to go back to the center where the destruction takes place and the military is in full swing with takes and missiles fighting some unknown beast of sorts. Dumb move.
It is a great science fiction movie. Forget about the claims it is too reminsicent of Sept. 11, 2001. That excuse doesn't hold water any more. Destruction in film is fantasy with a purpose, to off-set the fears of our reality and make us feel more secure.
It was a great movie. Although it would have been even better, and more people int he publci would have loved it, if it had been filmed in a more traditional manner. Maybe combing two formats, handheld camera and conventional filmmaking.
This film should definitely be remade.
Ray Hanania
http://www.radiochicagoland.com/
I just finished a "book" on the biggest crook in journalism history, Conrad Black, called "Robber Baron." Don't let the title fool you. It's not a critical look at Black, whose criminal activity in the newspaper business and international politics makes Enron look like a Girl Scout cookie scandal. The book appears to be sympathetic to Black, minimizing what I see as the viciousness of this little man and re-portray him as a possibly sympathetic genius who tried to do good but was backstabbed by his best friends, some of whom happened to be the most anti-Semitic, fascists in the world. (Not to mention his wife, "Super Bitch" Barbara Amiel, whow as once a Communist and Socialist who changed stripes for personal benefit.)
The book is written by George Tombs, who challenges many of Black's critics, and to excuse away Black's crimes. He doesn't spare the journalists who covered Black's career with more professional care and journalistic integrity, slamnming many of them, too.
I was a little too critical of Tombs in an earlier version of this post, but after an email exchange, I realize he may have been simply doing his best to be objective -- and maybe it's my bias against Black (ya thuink? :) ) that drove my interpretation.
So, I have changed. Buy the book and give it a read yourseld. I'd love to hear your views on it. And maybe I won't be so mean in the future when I review other peoples' hard work.
MOVIE REVIEW:
I went to see Cloverfield. Not everyone will like this film, but I loved it. I love science fictiona nd monsters, of course. (Which is one reason I read the book cited above). Cloverfield is filmed in the style of "reality TV." The movie is reflected fromt he perspective of a handheld camera that begins at a going away party for someone, filmed by a friend. Friends are asked at the party to leave the going away party with some parting words. The tape will be given to hima s a going away gift, kind of like the videos taped at weddings for the newsly weds. Of course, it's all done professionally so the timeline of the film can be followed better.
In Cloverfield, somethign explodes and an earthquake like event hits Manhattan, shaking everyone at the party. Of course, they rush to the roof, the leats safe place, to see what happened, and witness something behemouth destroying a building in the distance that explodes in a ball of fire. News reports say Manhattan is under attack. No explanation for the cause, but something huge is destroying the city.
The partygoers all part and a group of friends try to make it over the Brooklyn bridge, after the head of the Statue of Liberty is knock off like a baseball and lands inf ront of their building ... and the Brooklyn Bridge is then destroyed, and four frioends decide to go back to the center where the destruction takes place and the military is in full swing with takes and missiles fighting some unknown beast of sorts. Dumb move.
It is a great science fiction movie. Forget about the claims it is too reminsicent of Sept. 11, 2001. That excuse doesn't hold water any more. Destruction in film is fantasy with a purpose, to off-set the fears of our reality and make us feel more secure.
It was a great movie. Although it would have been even better, and more people int he publci would have loved it, if it had been filmed in a more traditional manner. Maybe combing two formats, handheld camera and conventional filmmaking.
This film should definitely be remade.
Ray Hanania
http://www.radiochicagoland.com/
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Ron Paul supporters organize "Sign Wave" for Paul Sun Jan. 20
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, January 17, 2008:
In support of presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, Pamela Nachel, an Orland Park resident, has organized a "Sign Wave" event to be held on Sunday, January 20, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at 151st Street & LaGrange Road in Orland Park. Fifty area supporters are expected to attend to raise awareness of the Texas congressman's campaign.
"Dr. Paul is the foremost expert on monetary policy," Nachel says. "He understands the money crunch Americans are feeling due to high taxes and high inflation." She adds that he is also the only presidential candidate who supports the immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq; ending a war that is costing America approximately $275 million per day.
Dr. Paul recently received 6 percent of the vote in the Michigan Primary Election, beating candidates Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson. Ron Paul now places fourth among seven Republican candidates in the national popular vote after a few early primaries. He also placed a strong third last summer in an Illinois Republican Party-sponsored straw poll in Springfield.
Ron Paul has Delegate and Alternate Delegate candidates on the Republican primary ballot in every district in Illinois. Rob Willett, who is one of the Republican delegate candidates running in the 13th Congressional District in support of Ron Paul, will be attending this event on Sunday.
Also attending will be a number of residents from Orland Park, as well as volunteers and supporters of Ron Paul from all around Cook County. Other Ron Paul supporters are driving in from as far away as Lowell, Indiana, in support of his message of Peace, Prosperity and Freedom.
For questions about this press release, please contact:
Rob Willett
(708) 532-0490
OR
Pamela Nachel
312-375-5034 (cell)
===========
RON PAUL 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
OPENS FOUR ADDITIONAL OFFICES IN ILLINOIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lisa Wogan
January 14, 2008 (815) 472-4159
CHICAGO ― The Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Campaign Committee last week opened four additional offices in the state of Illinois . The new field offices - in Downers Grove, Bloomington , Edwardsville and Carbondale – will serve supporters mobilizing to reach voters in advance of the February 5 primary election. Ron Paul has delegate and alternate candidates on the Republican primary ballot in every congressional district in Illinois.
"Backing for Dr. Paul is widespread in Illinois," remarked Dr. Joe Cesarone, Ron Paul 2008 Illinois campaign coordinator. "These offices will function as regional hubs, operating to maximize the dissemination of Ron Paul's unique, resounding message of true limited government and individual freedom.
"Momentum for this campaign began building in Illinois early in 2007," added Cesarone. "We've seen exponential growth in support since that time and anticipate a strong showing February 5."
Ron Paul's Illinois appeal was confirmed in August 2007, when he pulled a strong third, with 19 percent, at the Illinois Republican Party presidential straw poll in Springfield. The next month, he drew 1,500 to a Chicago rally.
The Ron Paul 2008 DuPage County Field Office is located at 5002 Main Street in Downers Grove ; the Central Illinois Field Office, at 1605 South Morrissey, #101, in Bloomington; the Southern Illinois Field Office, at 816 East Main Street in Carbondale; and the Southwestern Illinois Field Office, at 211 E. Vandalia St. in Edwardsville. Grand opening events currently are being scheduled for each location.
Other Ron Paul 2008 Illinois campaign offices are the Suburban Cook County Headquarters in Arlington Heights and the Chicago Headquarters.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Lisa Wogan, Illinois communications coordinator,
(815) 472-5159 or (815) 355-4159 mobile; lisa@ronpaul2008.com.
###
Lisa M. WoganIL Communications CoordinatorRon Paul 2008www.RonPaul2008.com815-472-4159 or 815-355-4159 (mobile)
Thursday, January 17, 2008:
In support of presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul, Pamela Nachel, an Orland Park resident, has organized a "Sign Wave" event to be held on Sunday, January 20, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm at 151st Street & LaGrange Road in Orland Park. Fifty area supporters are expected to attend to raise awareness of the Texas congressman's campaign.
"Dr. Paul is the foremost expert on monetary policy," Nachel says. "He understands the money crunch Americans are feeling due to high taxes and high inflation." She adds that he is also the only presidential candidate who supports the immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq; ending a war that is costing America approximately $275 million per day.
Dr. Paul recently received 6 percent of the vote in the Michigan Primary Election, beating candidates Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson. Ron Paul now places fourth among seven Republican candidates in the national popular vote after a few early primaries. He also placed a strong third last summer in an Illinois Republican Party-sponsored straw poll in Springfield.
Ron Paul has Delegate and Alternate Delegate candidates on the Republican primary ballot in every district in Illinois. Rob Willett, who is one of the Republican delegate candidates running in the 13th Congressional District in support of Ron Paul, will be attending this event on Sunday.
Also attending will be a number of residents from Orland Park, as well as volunteers and supporters of Ron Paul from all around Cook County. Other Ron Paul supporters are driving in from as far away as Lowell, Indiana, in support of his message of Peace, Prosperity and Freedom.
For questions about this press release, please contact:
Rob Willett
(708) 532-0490
OR
Pamela Nachel
312-375-5034 (cell)
===========
RON PAUL 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
OPENS FOUR ADDITIONAL OFFICES IN ILLINOIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lisa Wogan
January 14, 2008 (815) 472-4159
CHICAGO ― The Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Campaign Committee last week opened four additional offices in the state of Illinois . The new field offices - in Downers Grove, Bloomington , Edwardsville and Carbondale – will serve supporters mobilizing to reach voters in advance of the February 5 primary election. Ron Paul has delegate and alternate candidates on the Republican primary ballot in every congressional district in Illinois.
"Backing for Dr. Paul is widespread in Illinois," remarked Dr. Joe Cesarone, Ron Paul 2008 Illinois campaign coordinator. "These offices will function as regional hubs, operating to maximize the dissemination of Ron Paul's unique, resounding message of true limited government and individual freedom.
"Momentum for this campaign began building in Illinois early in 2007," added Cesarone. "We've seen exponential growth in support since that time and anticipate a strong showing February 5."
Ron Paul's Illinois appeal was confirmed in August 2007, when he pulled a strong third, with 19 percent, at the Illinois Republican Party presidential straw poll in Springfield. The next month, he drew 1,500 to a Chicago rally.
The Ron Paul 2008 DuPage County Field Office is located at 5002 Main Street in Downers Grove ; the Central Illinois Field Office, at 1605 South Morrissey, #101, in Bloomington; the Southern Illinois Field Office, at 816 East Main Street in Carbondale; and the Southwestern Illinois Field Office, at 211 E. Vandalia St. in Edwardsville. Grand opening events currently are being scheduled for each location.
Other Ron Paul 2008 Illinois campaign offices are the Suburban Cook County Headquarters in Arlington Heights and the Chicago Headquarters.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Lisa Wogan, Illinois communications coordinator,
(815) 472-5159 or (815) 355-4159 mobile; lisa@ronpaul2008.com.
###
Lisa M. WoganIL Communications CoordinatorRon Paul 2008www.RonPaul2008.com815-472-4159 or 815-355-4159 (mobile)
Monday, January 14, 2008
National Taxpayers United urges fight against CTA tax hikes
Please contact your state senator to say that you oppose House Bill 656 which will increase your sales tax to pay for a broken CTA system. Here is the letter we are sending to all of the state senators. They are voting in the next few days so tell all the people that you know to call your senator as well and show your disproval of any tax increase.
National Taxpayers United of Illinois
407 S. Dearborn, Suite 1170
Chicago, Illinois 60605 (312) 427-5128 FAX (312)427-5139
Web: www.ntui.org Email: ntui@ntui.org
January 14, 2008
Dear Senator,
Please vote “NO” on House Bill 656, which you will consider this week. It is a very bad bill for several reasons.
The CTA is a financial black hole that will not be made viable even with limited concessions by its overpaid union members. The bureaucracy is corrupt and incompetent, and needs to be replaced. Many buses carry less than half-a-dozen riders and the CTA Douglas line unnecessarily duplicates the service of the CTA Congress line on the Eisenhower Expressway. The so-called “doomsday” cuts are necessary and only the beginning of what is needed to restore viability. It will take more than cutting 81 bus routes and 2,400 employees before the CTA can survive.
The proposed $530 million tax hikes will harm the Illinois economy and low-income users. The window-dressing proposal to offer free rides to senior citizens makes no economic sense, and is strictly a media ploy. People over 65 don’t need free rides; only 17 percent are in the poverty range. In contrast, single female families have a poverty rate of 34 percent. The handicapped, students, and those on food stamps are needier—but then; why not offer free rides to everyone? Where do you draw the line?
The free rides for seniors will necessitate a fare increase that truly will hurt the poor under 65, to cover the anticipated shortfall of more than $30 million. The Chicago Tribune reports that 73 percent of those responding to its poll oppose giving senior citizens free rides.
The 200 percent RTA sales tax increase in the collar counties is grossly unfair to the residents of those counties, who use the CTA very little compared to the residents of Cook County, who will be asked to pay 25 percent more.
Furthermore, the huge hike in Chicago’s real estate transfer tax, which would raise it to $10.50 per $1,000, would give Chicago the highest real estate transfer tax of any large city. This is a 40% tax increase and will place a huge burden on not only home buyers, but also home sellers and small business owners in a depressed real-estate market.
I ask you to vote “NO” on HB 656. Chicago residents will be riled over the unconscionable increase in the real estate transfer tax. There very likely will be a political backlash against members of the General Assembly who support HB 656. Please don’t let yourself be duped by greedy union members and Chicago politicians who want to throw more taxpayer dollars at the moribund CTA. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jim Tobin, President
Established in 1976 NTUI is the largest taxpayer organization in Illinois.
National Taxpayers United of Illinois
407 S. Dearborn, Suite 1170
Chicago, Illinois 60605 (312) 427-5128 FAX (312)427-5139
Web: www.ntui.org Email: ntui@ntui.org
January 14, 2008
Dear Senator,
Please vote “NO” on House Bill 656, which you will consider this week. It is a very bad bill for several reasons.
The CTA is a financial black hole that will not be made viable even with limited concessions by its overpaid union members. The bureaucracy is corrupt and incompetent, and needs to be replaced. Many buses carry less than half-a-dozen riders and the CTA Douglas line unnecessarily duplicates the service of the CTA Congress line on the Eisenhower Expressway. The so-called “doomsday” cuts are necessary and only the beginning of what is needed to restore viability. It will take more than cutting 81 bus routes and 2,400 employees before the CTA can survive.
The proposed $530 million tax hikes will harm the Illinois economy and low-income users. The window-dressing proposal to offer free rides to senior citizens makes no economic sense, and is strictly a media ploy. People over 65 don’t need free rides; only 17 percent are in the poverty range. In contrast, single female families have a poverty rate of 34 percent. The handicapped, students, and those on food stamps are needier—but then; why not offer free rides to everyone? Where do you draw the line?
The free rides for seniors will necessitate a fare increase that truly will hurt the poor under 65, to cover the anticipated shortfall of more than $30 million. The Chicago Tribune reports that 73 percent of those responding to its poll oppose giving senior citizens free rides.
The 200 percent RTA sales tax increase in the collar counties is grossly unfair to the residents of those counties, who use the CTA very little compared to the residents of Cook County, who will be asked to pay 25 percent more.
Furthermore, the huge hike in Chicago’s real estate transfer tax, which would raise it to $10.50 per $1,000, would give Chicago the highest real estate transfer tax of any large city. This is a 40% tax increase and will place a huge burden on not only home buyers, but also home sellers and small business owners in a depressed real-estate market.
I ask you to vote “NO” on HB 656. Chicago residents will be riled over the unconscionable increase in the real estate transfer tax. There very likely will be a political backlash against members of the General Assembly who support HB 656. Please don’t let yourself be duped by greedy union members and Chicago politicians who want to throw more taxpayer dollars at the moribund CTA. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jim Tobin, President
Established in 1976 NTUI is the largest taxpayer organization in Illinois.
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