Dillard blasts Quinn over early-release program

Dillard Blasts Quinn Over Prison Early Release Program

What did he know and when did he know it?

(Lisle, IL) - Republican candidate for Governor Kirk Dillard today called on Governor Quinn to come clean and tell the truth about his secret program that released inmates from prison early.  According to a hastily arranged announcement, the Quinn administration acknowledges that 64 former inmates have allegedly committed new crimes, some violent, since the Administration ordered the secret release without notifying victims or law enforcement. New crimes include assault, domestic violence, and firearm possession by a felon.

“I worked with prosecutors, judges, and victims of crime to author Illinois’ truth-in-sentencing law to punish criminals and protect law-abiding Illinoisans,” said Dillard. “The fact that Pat Quinn and his administration authorized a special secret program to release dangerous criminals is a slap in the face to law enforcement and victims of crime. Governor Quinn has abdicated his responsibility to protect the safety of Illinoisans.”

According to published reports, Quinn has repeatedly changed his story about what he knew and when he knew it.  Quinn at first denied knowing about the program but an administration spokeswoman in an AP story later stated that it is “more efficient” to release the inmates after two or three weeks at the Stateville processing center instead of spending money to send them to prison for just a couple of months.

Today, Pat Quinn refused to apologize for the program while his Director of Corrections took the blame for his mistakes. “Instead of taking responsibility for the critical lapse in judgment, Quinn tried to deflect criticism by announcing four recommendations with absolutely no substance,” said Dillard. “It follows a disturbing pattern from Quinn who often creates commissions to “study” problems instead of leading.”  

“The buck stops at the Governor’s desk. He needs to stand up, tell the truth, and take responsibility for his actions instead of creating a scapegoat,” said Dillard. 

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Interview with Bradley Burston of Israel's Haaretz Newspaper

JAN. 2010 -- Interview with Haaretz Columnist Bradley Burston

Haaretz columnist Bradley Burston on Radio Chicagoland 12-20-09 @ Yahoo! Video

Junkas challenges suspected Democratic plat in Feb. 2 Republican Primary in 37th District

JUNKAS CHALLENGES SUSPECTED DEMOCRATIC

 PLANT PRIMARY OPPONENT TO DEBATE

TINLEY PARK, IL, December 21, 2009 – Jeffrey L. Junkas (R-Tinley Park), Republican candidate for State Representative in the 37^th District, today challenged his primary opponent to a debate.

“Today I issued a challenge to my suspected Democratic plant opponent to debate me.  The voters deserve to know the truth about her candidacy and ask questions about the issues surrounding how her petitions were secured,” said Jeffrey Junkas, Republican candidate, State Representative in the 37^th District.  “Any real candidate who believes in their campaign signs and circulates their petitions. My primary opponent not only did neither, but had known Democratic operatives working on her behalf.”

Junkas, 36, is a first-time candidate for public office who independently launched his campaign earlier this summer with the help of family and friends.  Since then, he has met thousands of voters across the district and earned, to date, the endorsements of the House Republican Organization, the Bremen and Frankfort Township Republican organizations and Rich Township Republican committeeman.

“I have been out meeting voters, hearing their concerns and actively campaigning for months.  Meanwhile, my opponent came out of nowhere and has done little to inform voters about her plans for the future of our district or our state.  If she is a genuine candidate, this is a great opportunity for her to prove it,” added Junkas.

“I welcome the chance for voters to hear why I should be elected the next State Representative for the 37^th District.  The time is now for new leaders focused on taxpayers and restoring our state’s economy and reforming our government,” said Junkas.

Junkas is currently the director of public affairs for the Midwest Region of the American Insurance Association – a public policy advocacy organization for property/casualty insurers.  He received a BA in political science and speech communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He resides in Tinley Park with his wife Michelle and their two young children.

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Burris pushes for high speed rail in Midwest

Senator Roland Burris and Fellow Members of the Illinois Delegation Advocate for High Speed Rail in the Midwest

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, United States Senator Roland W. Burris along with his colleagues in the Illinois Delegation sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to advocate for a high speed rail system in the Midwest.

The recently passed FY2010 Omnibus appropriations bill stipulates that the Department of Transportation allocate $10.5 billion in funding for high speed passenger rail in the U.S.  States from across the country will be considered through an application process conducted by the Department of Transportation.  Senator Burris his fellow Illinois Delegation members urged Secretary LaHood to seriously consider the prospect of high speed rail in the Midwest, and highlighted the economic opportunities that would be present if the Midwest was granted these valuable funds.

“I was honored to join my colleagues in supporting the bid for high speed rail here in the Midwest,” said Senator Burris. “High speed rail in Illinois and throughout the Midwest would modernize our transportation infrastructure and spark the creation of much needed jobs throughout the region.”

Below is the letter sent to Secretary LaHood from Senator Burris and the Illinois Delegation:

December 18, 2009

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary

Department of Transportation

Dear Secretary LaHood:

Thank you for your leadership on high speed rail.  With the recent passage of the FY 10 Omnibus appropriations bill, your Department is now in charge of $10.5 billion in funding slated for high speed passenger rail – the largest appropriation for high speed rail in U.S. history.  This funding has the potential to fundamentally reshape our national transportation system.

We believe high speed rail funding will have the greatest impact in Illinois, home to the nation’s largest rail system.  As you consider states’ applications for funding, we encourage you to make a significant investment in Illinois during the first round of high speed rail awards. We recognize there is a strong demand for new and expanded service for intercity high speed passenger rail throughout the country, but we believe the rail corridors in Illinois provide the best opportunity to develop a regionally integrated, nationally significant high speed rail system.

Illinois has spearheaded a regional effort in the Midwest to build an integrated high speed rail network.  These Midwest states have already completed careful planning and made significant investments to modernize our existing passenger rail system.  The Midwest rail system, with Chicago as its hub, could provide 3,000 miles of high speed rail service and serve 90 percent of the 60.3 million people living in its nine-state region.  A significant federal investment into this region could create a rail system that could carry nearly as much traffic as regional air service.

The core of the Midwest system lies in Illinois, with the Chicago to St. Louis route as the high-speed backbone of the network.  New regional routes to the Quad Cities and Rockford will feed into the high speed routes originating in Chicago and terminating in Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis and Madison/Minneapolis.  

The Midwest also offers an opportunity for the federal government to provide both short-term economic stimulus and a sustained source of economic growth in the region.  Federal Railroad Administration studies show the highest level of economic benefit associated with rail investment anywhere in the U.S. outside of the Northeast Corridor is in the Midwest.  A study completed by the Midwest states reinforced the Administration’s findings, showing $1.70 return on every dollar invested in Midwest High Speed Rail.

We believe Illinois offers the greatest opportunity for your Department to enhance mobility, reduce reliance on foreign oil, lessen congestion and provide steady employment in a region hard hit by job loss.    

Thank you for your consideration of our request.  We stand ready to assist you in further developing a world-class intercity passenger rail system.

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Republicans endorse candidate in 5th District

Congressional Candidate (IL 5^th), Ashvin Lad, Receives Endorsements from GOP Leaders

CHICAGO -- Ashvin Lad, Republican candidate in Illinois 5^th, recently received endorsements from several key Republicans within the district. Endorsements include:

·         Hon. Michael McAuliffe, IL State Rep. (20^th District)

·         Hon. Angelo “Skip” Saviano, IL State Rep. (77^th District)

·         Hon. Peter Silvestri, Cook County Commissioner (9^th District) &Village of Elmwood Park President

·         Hon. Bradley A. Stephens, Village of Rosemont President & Leyden Township Republican Committeeman

·         Leyden Township Republican Organization

Ashvin Lad’s focus for the 5^th District in the wake of the downturn in the economy and job market is getting Americans back to work at highly skilled and well-paid positions.  By creating a friendly environment for small businesses to hire with tax relief, creating a more skilled workforce through the promotion of trade schools and community colleges, and tapping the forces of innovation in healthcare, Lad sees his three prong approach as a way to reviving America’s economy and workforce during such difficult times.

Lad’s professional background in the financial services industry and as a biomedical engineer demonstrates his pioneering thinking and problem solving ability to help Americans. Lad developed new programs to provide cost-effective and responsible services saving consumers and businesses money. Lad also worked as a biomedical engineer in the healthcare industry.

Because of Ashvin Lad’s experience, Angelo “Skip” Saviano commented, “He’s the right person for the District, a person that can solve problems.” 

As Ashvin Lad focuses on serving the residents of the 5^th District, Republican leaders have taken note of this new Republican and have offered their support.  Lad himself stated, “If you look at my story and the journey that’s taken me to this point in my life, it’s clear that it is one that resonates among the people of this district.” 

About Ashvin Lad’s campaign for Congress:

Ashvin Lad, a former financial services industry executive, is a Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 5^th congressional district.  A son of Indian immigrants and cancer survivor, Lad’s primary goal is to revive the job market in America.  For more information about Ashvin and his campaign, visit www.ashvinforcongress.com. Interview requests and media inquiries can be directed to Danny Sternfield (contact information above). 

Lupus Educational Seminar Jan. 30

3^rd Annual Empowering Lupus Patients

FREE Lupus Educational Seminar on Chicago’s South Side

December 16, 2009– The Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter (LFAI) will

host a free educational seminar on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 8:30am-until 1:00 pm.  This is the third year for the “Empowering Lupus Patients” seminar, which was created to provide lupus patients with tools to effectively live with the disease.

What:              Empowering Lupus Patients Educational Seminar  

When:              Saturday, January 30, 2010

                        8:30 am-1:00 pm

                        Registration begins at 8:30 am  

Where:             Trinity United Church of Christ Village Center

                        1947 W. 95^th St.

                        Chicago, IL 60643

Cost:                FREE

Like last year’s event, three speakers will present on topics relevant to lupus.  This year’s topics include:

1. Clinical Trails and lupus Drug Development, presented by LFAI Medical Advisory Board Member Dr. Tammy Utset, of the University of Chicago.
2. Medicare and Medicaid, presented by Brenda Delgado from the Centers for Medicare.
3. Resources for Lupus Patients, presented by Mary Dollear, Vice President of the LFAI.

Attendance is free however space is limited.  Register by contacting Sonya at the Lupus Foundation of America, IL Chapter by email at Sonya@lupusil.org or call 312-542-0002.

About Lupus:

Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage to virtually every organ system in the body.  Currently, 65,000 Illinois residents are estimated to live with lupus, an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease for which there presently is no satisfactory treatment or cure.  Lupus strikes mostly young women; however anyone can develop the disease at any age.  Lupus is more common among minorities – a disparity that remains unexplained.

The Illinois Chapter is part of the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) – the nation’s leading nonprofit voluntary health organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing services, support and hope to all people affected by lupus.  The LFA has a nationwide network of nearly 300 chapters, branches and support groups serving individuals with lupus, their families and health professionals.

For more information on lupus and the Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter please contact Sonya Loynachan at 312-542-0002 or at Sonya@lupusil.org.

                        

Forys receives endorsement of IVI-IPO in 17th District Democratic Primary

Democratic Cook County Board Candidate, Victor Forys, Receives the Endorsement of IVI-IPO for 2010 Election

The IVI-IPO endorses Victor Forys for Cook County Board of Commissioners 17^th District signaling Forys is Truly the Reform Candidate Needed for Change

Chicago, December 17, 2009—The Independent Voters of Illinois Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO) today endorsed Victor Forys for the Cook County Board of Commissioners in the 17^th District.  IVI-IPO has been dedicated to promoting good government candidates and reform policy in Illinois since 1944, using voter registration, education and candidate endorsement as a means to fight corruption and the political machinery.   

“I am extremely honored to receive the endorsement of IVI-IPO and the independent voters that they represent,” said Forys.  “Having the endorsement of such a respected organization like IVI-IPO bolsters the message of my campaign - Cook County voters are ready for independent leaders and I’m committed to bringing that to the table.  I’m eager to work with IVI-IPO and create real reform in Cook County.”

IVI-IPO is a not-for-profit, multi-partisan, independent political organization that continues to focus on campaign finance and ethics reform in Illinois.  They continue to work to create a more transparent, open government for Illinois citizens and their endorsements reach hundreds of thousands of Chicagoland voters.

  

In addition to the endorsement of the IVI-IPO, Victor Forys has received the endorsements of United States Congressman Mike Quigley, State Representative John Fritchey, Cook County Commissioner Forrest Claypool, Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin, Metropolitan Water and Management District Commissioner Frank Avila and the Illinois Committee for Honest Government. 

Victor Forys is also a select member of the group Change Cook County which represents like-minded, reform candidates, who are committed to ending patronage, double-dipping, creating sound fiscal management within Cook County and promoting transparency.  Information can be found at www.changecookcounty.com

Please visit us at www.victorforus.com

GOP's Hayes announces Education policy director, Phylicia Lyons

GOP’s HAYES ADDS WEIGHT to EDUCATION POLICY

CHICAGO - December 17, 2009: The following statement was released today by Rev. Isaac C. Hayes, the GOP nominee for Congress in IL-2, and opponent of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) announcing his Education Policy Director, Phylicia Lyons, President of School Choice Illinois:

“Ms. Lyons has been part of the vanguard for School Choice in Illinois,” said Hayes. “Her initiative to start School Choice Illinois, coupled with her expertise in issues concerning American education makes her an invaluable addition to our team.”

For more information, go to:

http://www.isaac4honesty.com

Former Governor Candidate Jim Oberweis Endorses Put-Back with other Civic and Political Leaders Across all Parties

Press Conference to announce this is at State Capitol Blue Room in Springfield, 1pm on Monday, December 14th.

  

PRESS RELEASE: Former Governor Candidate Jim Oberweis Endorses Put-Back with other Civic and Political Leaders Across all Parties

SPRINGFIELD, IL (December 14, 2009) --- Main Street Campaigns announced another round of endorsements for the Put-Back Amendment today including Jim Oberweis, former Republican candidate for Governor and Congress. In addition to Mr. Oberweis, the following individuals have endorsed the Put-Back Amendment:

William “Dock” Walls (Democratic Candidate for Governor), Dan Proft (Republican Candidate for Governor), Randy Stufflebeam (Constitution Party candidate for Governor), Lex Green (Libertarian Candidate for Governor), Dan Kairis (Green Party Candidate for US Congress IL-14), Alton Franklin (Independent Candidate for US Senate), Jim Purcess (former Republican Candidate for US Congress IL-14).

In endorsing the Put-Back Amendment, Oberweis said, “We can all argue about whether 2 year terms or 4 year terms are better and whether term limits should be 8 years or 12 years but we must all agree that term limits and sensible electoral districts are critical in ending the culture of corruption so prevalent in Illinois politics.  This Amendment takes real steps in addressing and potentially solving this problem instead of just arguing about it for many years more.  I hope we can get this on the ballot and let voters make an intelligent decision.”

“I’m delighted to announced such broad-based political support and in particular the support of Jim Oberweis. It is clear to everyone that the status quo is unacceptable and now is the time to bring real reform to put the people back in charge in Springfield,” said John Bambenek, author of the amendment and Main Street Campaigns Political Director.

To date, 45,000 petitions have been downloaded from the Internet, almost 3,000 volunteers have joined the effort and thousands of signatures have poured in from around the state to get the Put-Back Amendment on the ballot November 2, 2010.  Major political and civic leaders will be announcing their support for the Amendment at this press Conference.

Details of the press conference are:

What: Put Back Amendment Press Conference

Who: John Bambenek, Amendment Author

When: 1:00 PM Monday, December 14, 2009

Where: Illinois State Capitol Blue Room

The amendment will feature needed reforms to clean up state government,

including:

•     Term Limits

•     Seven-Day Public Viewing of All Legislation

•     End Gerrymandering

•     Equal Ballot Access

View the amendment at http://www.PutBackAmendment.com.

For more information, and to schedule interviews with Mr. Bambenek contact him at (217) 493-0760 or jcb@putbackamendment.com.

Letters on Stroger and more ...

Mr. Hanania,

I was pleasantly surprised to read your column and see that at least one correspondent in the Chicago area remembers how Bobbie Steele maneuvered herself  (in my opinion) to steal a much larger pension from the citizens of Cook County. I wish you had taken a moment to reach the larger audience and remind everyone how she ran for and won re-election to her county position and subsequently gave it to her son.

I don't even see how it's legal for these 'elected' positions to be handed to family members. Of course she only did what she saw Stroger do. If he indeed did appoint his son to his county board Presidential seat. I, for one, believe he was far too ill to make such a decision and his associates and Todd Stroger's handlers made that decision for an incapacitated Board President. I personally do not think the current Cook County Board President is legally seated, and never has been.

The only disappointment I read in your article was your frequent reference to race. It's a shame when we must calibrate our polls and voting practices to assure a certain race wins a position. How is a 4th, 5th, or 6th generation of American, a "mutt", to ever win elected office if the media focuses only on Whites or African Americans or Latinos?

It is time for all this question of race to be put behind us and the election of truly competent budgeters and leaders to be the focus of our elections. The Citizens of Cook County can no longer afford to allow officials to run for, and win, election based solely upon which voting demographic they are going to squander the most of our Taxpayer dollars on.

Thank you for your reporting,

 J.T.

RAY HANANIA REPLIES

Thanks Jim for the comments. I appreciate them and also your feelings about the issue of race … I was hoping to make the point that stronger says race is an issue but the poll shows that race is in fact not an issue with voters at all and that he isn’t trailing a White candidate but rather two Black candidates undermining his contention that he is the victim of racism. I don’t dislike Stroger because of race. I dislike him because he is a lousy government leader. And as lousy government leaders go, he is among the worst.

Thank you

=== ===

Dear Mr. Hanania

I look forward to your column every week.  You are the brightest most knowledgeable person in the news industry.  Thanks for telling it how it is and writing so people understand what is transpiring.   Your ideas on a Regional Hospital are outstanding! The world needs more people like you that step up to the podium and "DO THE RIGHT THING".  You are an inspiration! 

Sincerely, 

Bridgeview Resident.

=== ===

Dear Ray Hanania

You are an absolute blind clueless uninformed moron who worships a cardboard cutout of Blago and any other person with a D by their name every time you get up in the morning.  Please quit apologizing for crooks.

Mad Conservative Crime Fighter

=== ===

Ray

Nice article in the paper today.  Don't forget Cheney got 4 or 5 deferments from the Vietnam War because he was afraid to serve his country but he is sure quick to pull the trigger when it comes to sending someone else into war.

T.P.

=== ===

Ray, I listen every morning and I respect your honesty. However, your show has become a total arab-american travesty. enough with the arab american crap every day. You are capable of doing a wide variety of topics. The arabs bring most of the problems on themselves. Wherever there are arab muslims in the world thete is terror and devastaion. Any people that murder in the name od alah or God are sick people. Please cut back a little on the arab crap. I know I can listen out if I don't like it but I am afan of yours and WJJG .

A FAN

=== ===

Ray:

Just a quick note to thank you very much for coming to speak to our group "Behind the Headlines" at St. Xavier University. Your comments were both entertaining as well as insightful and informative.  It is quite a feat when you can keep the attention of a group of senior citizens for an entire hour.  I think you succeeded in this with no question.  Our group come from varied backgrounds...... teachers, principals, business people, trades people, law enforcement (me), etc.......One thing we all have in common is to have people come in from all different backgrounds and share their ideas and opinions with us....This, in turn, gives us material to have some very vocal arguments the next time we meet.

Again, thanks very much for coming to visit us.  I'm sure Tom has already expresses that you can come back and visit us anytime.  We'd be glad to have you!

M.S.

=== ===

Dear raghead

"Ray Hanania, spokesman for the Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in the Military, told a Chicago radio show the incident would exacerbate existing prejudice. "It's going to get worse. They are going to go after us," he said."

Well you bastards bring it on yourselves with this type of shit. Do us all a favor, pack up, and take your raghead asses back to the fucking desert where you belong. Americans HATE you, and with good reason

Obed Santos

=== ===

$3.65 million awarded for nine Southwest Suburban/Chicago projects from jobs to education and transportation

News from Congressman Dan Lipinski
3^rd District, Illinois · 1717 Longworth Building, Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5701
6245 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 (312) 886-0481
Homepage:  www.lipinski.house.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 10, 2009
Contact: Nathaniel Zimmer
Email: nathaniel.zimmer@mail.house.gov

Lipinski Secures $3.65 Million for Nine Local Projects that Will Create Jobs,

Aid Law Enforcement, Improve Public Transit, and Promote Education

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) announced his success in obtaining $3.65 million for nine local public safety, transportation, education, health, and technology projects under legislation that passed the House of Representatives today. These worthy projects were awarded funding at Congressman Lipinski’s request and as a direct result of his working over many months to ensure they received priority treatment.
“I’m very pleased to be bringing home this funding, which will benefit everyone from young kids who need somewhere to go after school to commuters who ride Metra to seniors who call 9-1-1 for emergency medical care,” Congressman Lipinski said. “Since the first day I took office, I have been focused on getting things done for the people of the Third District. As this latest round of funding shows, I continue to produce concrete results. All told, I have obtained $160 million in federal money for local projects since 2005.”
Recipients include the municipalities of La Grange, Oak Lawn, La Grange Park, and Hickory Hills; the Valentine Boys & Girls Club of Bridgeport; Saint Xavier University; the Chicago Transit Authority; Metra; and the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition.
“The Saint Xavier University community is grateful to Congressman Lipinski for his dynamic leadership and commitment to higher education, as demonstrated by his efforts to secure federal funding for our Stump Library renovation project,” said Angela Durante, Ph.D., Interim President and Provost of Saint Xavier, which received $750,000 for new technology for its library. “The state-of-the-art technological improvements made possible by this funding will ensure that the Stump Library will continue to be a great benefit to Saint Xavier students and a valuable resource to the wider community.”
“We’re very grateful for what the congressman has done for our community,” said La Grange Park Village President Dr. Jim Discipio, whose community received $75,000 for police equipment that will improve communications with other public safety agencies. “With the economic times being the way they are, to have the Congressman work as hard and diligently as he does is something we should all be thankful for.”
“The Valentine Boys & Girls Club is very appreciative of Congressman Lipinski’s continued support in securing funding for our organization,” said Jeffrey Sadowski, regional director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. “He recognizes the work that we do on a daily basis that essentially keeps kids off the street during the time when they are most vulnerable – after school. With the help of Congressman Lipinski, we are able to provide programs and services that are mission-driven. Thank you, Congressman Lipinski.”
“The Village of Oak Lawn is pleased to have received this funding, which will help provide our first responders with the technology they need to keep our residents safe in case of emergency,” said Mayor Dave Heilmann, whose community received $100,000 for equipment to allow emergency personnel to view safety-camera video from within their vehicles. “I want to thank Congressman Lipinski for all his efforts on our behalf.”
“Now more than ever, my constituents need someone who can stand up for their interests in Washington and deliver vital assistance,” Congressman Lipinski said. “I continue to fight every day to make certain that the federal government helps the hard-working residents of the Third District.”
The following projects will receive funding thanks to Congressman Lipinski:
Saint Xavier University: $750,000 for an array of information technology designed to enhance student learning. Much of the new technology will be located in the new Robert and Mary Rita Stump Library. The money will help pay for a new media center that will stimulate innovation and aid in the development of new applications of technology to teaching; an information commons to support research, library reference services, and instruction; a mobile computer lab that will convert regular classrooms into temporary computer labs; and an online communications system that will provide students with live Web casts, on-demand materials and lectures, distance learning programs, and other tools that will expand the university’s reach. Equipment in the new media center will be used to develop digital literacy programs for students and the community at large. 
La Grange: $700,000 to renovate the Stone Avenue Metra station, which serves an average of nearly 1,000 commuters daily. The Village of La Grange, Metra, and BNSF Railway are collaborating on the project, which includes a careful and historically respectful rehabilitation of the structure, accessibility upgrades, and the addition of a "kiss and ride" area along with improved bicycle facilities. In addition, La Grange will receive $100,000 for a new generation of 9-1-1 call center technology that will allow for the display and answering of calls received in a variety of formats, including text messages and streaming video. The system will also utilize digital mapping to precisely pinpoint the location of a caller.
Oak Lawn: $100,000 for equipment to allow first responders to view safety-camera video from emergency vehicles. This will allow for improved assessment of developing situations, faster emergency responses, and enhanced crime prevention. Cameras are currently in place in Oak Lawn schools, the train station, parking garage, and key intersections.
La Grange Park: $75,000 for police equipment that will improve communications with other public safety agencies in cases requiring joint action. The equipment includes in-car video cameras that can stream to the Cook County Emergency Operations Center, in-car radios with extra channels, interoperable hand-held radios, and associated computer servers.
Hickory Hills: $125,000 for the police department to replace outdated computers, communications equipment, and back-up power supply equipment. Technological improvements to 9-1-1 equipment will enhance the ability of first responders from multiple agencies to coordinate efforts and establish vital radio communications.
Valentine Boys & Girls Club: $150,000 for afterschool programs to combat youth obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. The club will use the money to cover expenses necessary to create a daily fitness regime during afterschool hours for youths between the ages of 6 and 18. Among the club’s recreational offerings will be swim classes, game-room activities, instruction in strength and cardiovascular training, and sports such as basketball, volleyball, football, and floor hockey. In addition, healthy nutrition will be taught in a series of workshops.
Chicago Transit Authority: $1.5 million for preliminary work on the Circle Line, which will run in an arc west of the Loop, connecting all existing CTA lines as it stretches from the Orange Line near Ashland Avenue on the South Side to the existing Pink Line Cermak Branch near 18^th Street and on to the North and Clybourn area on the North Side. A total of $43.8 million has now been earmarked for this multi-billion dollar project.
Illinois Science and Technology Coalition: $150,000 to help the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition to establish the Illinois Nanotechnology Collaborative, which aims to increase commercial applications resulting from nanotechnology research, much of which is financed by the federal government. The INC will develop specific strategies to make it easier for small businesses to share infrastructure and reduce start-up costs, and to access Illinois’ deep nanotechnology research capabilities. This will in turn provide a greater return on federal investments.

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Orland Park Theater troupe hosts auditions for Spring Musical

Orland Park Theatre Troupe To Host Winter Auditions for Spring Musical

“The Music Man” Slated for Sandburg’s Performing Arts Center

      ORLAND PARK, IL – A timeless Broadway classic is coming to the Orland Park stage. The Village of Orland Park Theatre Troupe has secured the performing rights for Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” for its spring production.

     “We invite everyone to audition in January for the show that will be performed at the end of April,” said Executive Producer Irene Buikema, program supervisor for the village’s Recreation Department.  “We’ve always had a great response with people auditioning for our musicals and we’re hoping to reach as many people as possible,” Buikema added.

     “The Music Man” is based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey. Harold Hill, a con man, poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader, selling band instruments and uniforms to naïve townsfolk in River City, Iowa before skipping town with the cash.

“We’ve wanted to perform ‘The Music Man’ for a long time,” said Producer/Director Frann Carnivele-Sidlow. “This is a wonderful show with songs that are familiar to everyone,” she added.

In 1957, the show became a Broadway hit, winning five Tony Awards, including best musical. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for “Best Original Cast Album.” The show’s success was followed by the 1962 film adaptation and Broadway revivals in 1980 and 2000. Robert Preston and Shirley Jones starred in the 1962 film version, along with rising child star Ronny Howard. The Disney Company produced a 2003 television remake starring Matthew Broderick.

Familiar songs from the production include “Seventy-six Trombones,” “Gary, Indiana,” “Wells Fargo Wagon,” “Ya Got Trouble” and the classic re-released by the Beatles, “Til There Was You.”

 “The Chicago area is rich with theatrical talent. We invite everyone to audition in January. This will be our own reprisal of an American classic and we encourage everyone who enjoys community theater to be a part of it,” Carnivele-Sidlow said.

Auditions will be held Sunday, January 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday, January 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Old Orland Park Village Hall, 14413 South Beacon Avenue. Tuesday, January 12 is reserved for call backs only.

Auditions are open to those age seven and older and prior experience is not required. Those trying out must sing sixteen measures of a prepared song from the show, be prepared to read from the script and learn and perform a dance. Dance attire is recommended for auditions and those cast must pay a registration fee.

Performances will be April 30, May 1 and 2 in the Performing Arts Center at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park.

Further information is available with the Orland Park Recreation Department at 708/403-7275.

Dillard Delivers Keynote Address to Illinois Bankers Association

Dillard Delivers Keynote Address to Illinois Bankers Association

(Chicago, IL) – Republican candidate for governor Kirk Dillard called for a spending freeze as he outlined his plan to make Illinois a “Destination Economy” to the Illinois Bankers Association today. He also took a hard line on new programs.

“Specifically, my jobs plan starts with reprioritizing and streamlining state government,” Dillard state. “I’ll do it by freezing spending and living within our means. I will veto any new program unless there’s money to pay for it,” he pledged.

He also committed to funding only critical programs and said he would restore accountability and performance measurements to every state program. “I’ll do it for the taxpaying families of Illinois,” Dillard told the luncheon crowd.

Dillard said his plan to make Illinois a “Destination Economy” would include an expanded vision for banks and financial services.“I want to attract credit card processing centers, insurance company support operations and venture capital firms that can generate some of the funding for high-tech start-ups.”

Additionally, Dillard called for a 5-year Capital plan for roads and bridges that is reviewed each year, as the Civic Federation recommends. “Projects will be evaluated and re-prioritized annually before any funds are committed.”

Dillard also stressed the importance of his track record of reaching out to a wide variety of employers and business groups, including chambers of commerce, the Illinois Manufacturers Association, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois Bankers Association. “I share your concerns and will work with all of you in the banking community and financial services sector to improve our jobs climate,” Dillard said.

Dillard emphasized his experience in the legislature as a state senator and as chief of staff for former Governor Jim Edgar sets him apart from the crowded GOP field.

“Governor is not an entry-level job,” Dillard said. “The problems are too big, the stakes are too high for someone with little or no governmental experience.”

Dillard is the only candidate to have experience in all three branches of government.

First elected State Senator in 1994, he previously served as the Chief of Staff for Governor Jim Edgar who recently announced his support for Dillard. An honors graduate of Western Illinois University and the DePaul University College of Law, Dillard and his wife Stephanie have two daughters.

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Geneva Illinois online at VillageProfile.com

GENEVA, ILLINOIS NOW ONLINE AT THE VILLAGE PROFILE™ COMMUNITY PROFILE NETWORK® WEBSITE

(Geneva, Illinois) - The new community profile published for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce is now online at www.villageprofile.com/illinois/geneva.

The magazine, produced in cooperation with Village Profile™, the nation's leading community/Chamber publisher, was released in print. The Village Profile™ Convergence Publishing Program® provides for thousands of print copies, along with high-tech digital delivery via the publication website at the Community Profile Network®. Here the publication can be downloaded in the form of a NewView eBook® to computer desktops and most wireless devices.

In addition, the searchable mobile business directory can be accessed on-the-go at www.vpmobile.us via smart phones, web-enabled cell phones and most mobile devices.

To take a virtual tour of Geneva and the surrounding area, along with more than 1,400 other communities throughout the U.S., visit the Community Profile Network® website at www.villageprofile.com -- the Internet's largest, most comprehensive community website.

This technologically advanced publication was produced at NO COST to Chambers. As an added bonus, Chambers received enhanced royalties to continue to develop and present programs to help member businesses succeed.

Village Profile™, which observed its 21st anniversary in 2009, was the first Chamber publisher to replicate its community profiles, membership directories and maps online. It introduced multi-platform convergence publishing to the Chamber industry in 2002, with traditional print augmented by publication websites, free NewView eBook® downloads, CDs, and mobile business directories accessible via wireless handhelds.

For publication information please call 800-600-0134 x220, e-mail jcn@villageprofilemail.com, or fill out the following no-obligation RFP.

Walt's Food Centers fined $55,000 by Government for underage child labor

News Release                     

U.S. Department of Labor                                                                    

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs                                                                          

Dec. 3, 2009

Chicago, Ill.                                                                                          

Contact:  Scott Allen or Brad Mitchell

Release Number:  09-1464-CHI                                                          Phone:     312-353-6976

US Labor Department fines Walt’s Food Center $55,000 for child labor violations involving 23 children in 6 grocery stores

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Labor has assessed a total of $55,000 in civil money penalties against Walter Lagestee Inc., doing business as Walt’s Food Center in Illinois and Indiana, for violations of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) following investigations by the department’s Wage and Hour Division.

Wage and Hour Division investigators determined that for a two-year period, Walt’s Food Center grocery store allowed 22 employees under the age of 18 to load or operate paper balers at six of the store locations, and allowed a minor under age 16 to work beyond the hours and times permitted under the FLSA.  The violations were found at the Walt’s Food Centers in Tinley Park, Ill., Frankfort, Ill., Crete, Ill., South Holland, Ill., Homewood, Ill., and in Dyer, Ind.

“Every year, young workers are injured while performing prohibited work,” said Thomas Gauza, director of the Wage and Hour Division’s district office in Chicago.  “Our goal is to foster safer workplaces and prevent injuries that can change the lives of young workers.  Operating paper balers can be exceedingly dangerous and is a violation of federal hazardous orders, established by the secretary of labor, as work prohibited for persons under the age of 18.”

A consent judgment was filed in the U. S. District Court in Chicago ordering that the company pay $55,000 in civil money penalties and that the corporation and its officers are permanently enjoined from future child labor violations.

In fiscal year 2008, the Wage and Hour Division found a total of 4,734 minors illegally employed. The majority of child labor violations occurred when workers under the age of 16 worked too many hours, too late at night, or too early in the morning.  In total, 2,785 minors were employed in violation of the child labor hours standards.  Hazardous Occupation Order (HO) violations were found in 41 percent of the cases with child labor violations.  Violations of HO No. 12 (paper balers) were the most common type of HO violation found. The Wage and Hour Division assessed over $4.2 million in child labor civil money penalties in fiscal year 2008.

For more information on the youth employment laws, visit the Labor Department’s Web site at http://www.youthrules.dol.gov <http://www.youthrules.dol.gov/>  or call the Wage Hour Division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).

# # #

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov <http://www.dol.gov/> .  The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request.  Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.  The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

 END

Republican Candidates debate on WVON, Proft, McKenna, Dillard to attend, others absent

Proft Joins WVON-AM 1690's "Matt and Perri Show" for Live
GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Forum

(Chicago, Illinois) – Tomorrow morning, Thursday, December 3, popular morning radio talk show hosts Matt McGill and Perri Small (“Matt & Perri Show”) will host a live, one hour Republican gubernatorial debate from 7:30-8:30am on WVON-AM 1690 (www.wvon.com).
While all GOP gubernatorial candidates were invited to participate only three of the seven GOP candidates have agreed to participate.
Those confirmed to participate in the debate, according to WVON, which will center on issues important to the African-American community in the Chicago metropolitan region are conservative Republican candidate Dan Proft, State Sen. Kirk Dillard, and Andy McKenna.
“I really appreciate WVON providing this opportunity,” said Proft. “It’s important that African-American residents hear the conservative Republican message and know that there are Republicans actively courting their consideration.”
“My question to African-Americans is a simple one: how is total control of Illinois by Chicago Democrats working out for you?” Proft added. “For too long Democrats have taken the African-American community for granted and Republicans have conceded the African-American vote to the Democrat Party. No more.”
“When it comes to expanding economic opportunity, offering minority children a way out of failing schools through my opportunity scholarship program, and improving the affordability of and accessibility to quality health care, my candidacy has a lot to offer African-American voters,” said Proft.
Proft did express disappointment that most of his competitors chose not to participate in this debate. “Our nominee is going to need to win African-American votes in order to win the general election and make the Republican Party the majority party again in Illinois,” said Proft.

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