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You gotta love the Sun-Times -- God help us all if it goes out of business.
On page seven of today's edition the shameless matter-of-fact corruption of everyday life in Chicago is clearly laid out for anyone to see.
On the right side of the page is a small article by Tim Novak about the $29,000-a-year property tax break that Board of Review commissioners Joe Berrios, Brendhan Houlihan and Larry Rogers gave to Michael Tadin. If you recall, Tadin's the City Hall insider whose trucking company picked up several million dollars in contracts from the notorious Hired Truck program. (By the way, so much for Berrios being the only impediment to reform on that three-person board.) By lowering the assessment on Tadin's Gold Coast mansion, Berrios, Houhlihan and Rogers gave him about $90,000 in property tax savings until the next reassessment in 2009, which the rest of us suckers have to absorb. Thanks, fellas.
To the left of the Tadin story is an update by Novak on the Park Grill (PDF)--aka the "clout cafe"--which is run by Matthew O'Malley, who fathered a child by Laura Foxgrover, the Park District concessions czarina who helped give him the rights to run the only restaurant in Millennium Park. (Personally, it's my favorite scandal of the Daley years). Bottom line on the update: the restaurant's bringing in about $12 million a year and still not paying any property taxes, thanks to the sweetheart deal it got from the Park District.
Finally, on the bottom of the page is a list put together by Chris Fusco of who in Tony Rezko's empire of pals, aides, and relatives gave what to Barack Obama's senate campaign.
But don't worry, people. What do Daley's lackies and flaks always tell us? Oh, yes -- it's worse in Detroit.
For the Daley Organized Crime crew. Detroit's Mayor at least likes woman.
So, since the suck-ass hacks find their usual monikers are well known, they actually think that, by posting under the names of others, they won't be recognized.
Sorry, Charlie, your stench precedes you.
"...as precedent has established, reason is encouraged but not expected."
Right on the money, as usual.
(773) 478-7799
Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
TTY:
(773) 478-2066
Fax:
(773) 478-3949
Mail:
City of Chicago Inspector General's Office
P.O. Box 2996
Iris Martinez will lose for Senate
Deb Mell will take the Hispanic house seat
Francisco Avila will lose for re-election to Maryanne Spyroplous and Diane Jones
Jose Berrios will lose to John Paul Deratany
HISPANICS WILL BE PUT BACK 10 YEARS
ALL HISPANICS WILL LOSE
(119) Ralph Capparelli -incumbent-
(120) Mary O’Connor
(121) Patricia Mulligan
(122) Frank Coconate
Applying the HAVE NO DOUBT, VOTE INCUMBENTS OUT, ballot name listing formula in this case and the result will be Frank Coconate gets elected.
Some will say this example proves the undesirable outcome of applying the HAVE NO DOUBT, VOTE INCUMBENTS OUT strategy.
Others will say this example proves the very desirable outcomes possible.
As voters, we think we deserve the respect of those who seek elected office.
As citizens, we have yet to actually earn that respect.
Incumbents have no inherent respect for the citizens they purport to represent.
The only thing coming close to respect that they do feel is the fear of not being reelected.
For incumbents to feel this fear, they must experience the reality of failing to be reelected, something that they far too rarely actually have to fear.
The HAVE NO DOUBT, VOTE INCUMBENTS OUT strategy will, if applied, restore that sense of fear to those who seek election to public offices.
That sense of fear is the only reliable motivator the 'professional' politicians respond to.
Put the fear of extinction into these 'pros' and 'see how they run'.
These so called liberals and poverty pimp Uncle Toms like Jackson are hurting Hispanics.
Come into a Republican party with a real man like John McCain.
"5 DIVERT CAMPAIGN FUNDS TO HELP PAY LEGAL EXPENSES." Chicago Tribune. Ray Gibson and Rick Pearson. 08/01/1996. below
-Joe Berrios is one of five politicians to announce that he used campaign funds to pay legal fees for criminal charges against him.
"Plan would bring Board of Review out of shadows." Chicago Sun-Times. 3/26/2007. below
-Plans to limit campaign contributions from tax attorneys is meet with luke-warm reception from Board of Review Commissioners, including Joseph Berrios.
"Here's one race guaranteed to hit you right in the wallet: Of all." Chicago Sun-Times. 10/25/2006. of Review and an effort by ma
"City claims victory in tax-hike fray." Chicago Sun-Times. 03/13/2007. below
-Joe Berrios voted against raising the Sears Tower’s assessed market. BUT JOSEPH BERRIOS did lower the assessed value of buildings associated with political heavy hitters like Madgan and Burke.
"Put a spotlight on tax appeals." Chicago Tribune. 10/25/2006. below
-The Tribune is critical of Joe Berrios and Murphy for not making any real effort to bring transparency to the Board of Review. They endorse the candidate running against Murphy.
"Appeal season open at review board." Chicago Sun-Times. Larry Finley. 09/15/2006. below
-An explanation of the tax review process along with numbers and statistics regarding past reviews.
"Day without pay? Some pols say no way; Devine, Pappas, even some who voted for plan keep every dime." Chicago Sun-Times. Steve Patterson. 01/23/2005. below:
-Joe Berrios is one politician who declines to give up a day’s pay in an effort to address the budget deficit.
"Brother helps Dolton mayor get tax break; 'No written ethics rules' prohibited action: spokesman." Chicago Sun-Times. Kristen McQueary. 01/08/2005. below
-Robert Shaw, a political ally of Joe Berrios, signed off on a large tax break for his brother, the mayor of Dalton.
"Pro-am participation a nice perk for a few politicians." Copley News Service. Bernard Schoenburg. 09/02/2003. below
-Joe Berrios receives VIP treatment at a professional golf outing from people with whom he is professionally and politically connected.
"How a political insider hit the housing trifecta." Chicago Sun-Times. Tim Novak. 12/23/2001. below
-Leo Louchios, top aid to Sec of State Jesse White, is under criticism for receiving favors in acquiring property, building a house, and then having drastically reduced property taxes. The Board of Review, lead by Shaw and Joe Berrios, are seen as part of the problem.
"County Board of Review fires 2 workers." Chicago Sun-Times. Tim Novak. 11/28/2001. below
-Two Board of Review employees, one employed by Jospeh Berrios, are investigated and fired for illegally using their positions to reduce their own taxes.
"Clout still goes a long way in Cook County." Chicago Sun-Times. Mark Brown. 11/27/2001. below
-Two Board of Review members are catching heat for using questionable and possibly illegal practices to lower their own taxes, including Joe Berrios. Incident is shining a light on the importance of political clout and connections with the Board in general.
"PLAYING THE PROPERTY TAX GAME." Chicago Sun-Times. Tim Novak. 10/28/2001. below
-Politicians are often afforded major tax breaks on appeal in Cook County while other people in the same neighborhoods see their taxes rise significantly... friends of Joe Berrios.
"Cook Democrats take on GOP over new tax review board." Chicago Sun-Times. Mark Brown. below
-Joe Berrios leads a challenge against new electoral maps for Board of Review elections.
"Master of Deception." Chicago Sun-Times. Steve Neal. 02/14/1996. below
-Documents close connections, especially political, between State Rep Santiago and Joe Berrios. The end result is more than suspicious circumstances in the ghost employee scandal rocking the Cook County Treasurer’s Dept.
"JUDGE NULLIFIES CHANGES ON TAX APPEALS IN COOK." Chicago Tribune. Andrew Fegelman. 10/24/1995. below
-An effort by the GOP to dismiss the sitting Board of Appeal in mid-session is declared unconstitutional. However, the reasons for the desired change resonate with many citizens given the Board’s unfavorable status... Joe Berrios being the most corrupt.
"Records: Berrios took $53,000 from campaign." Telegraph Herald. 09/19/1995. below
-Joe Berrios is accused of pocketing almost $53,000 in campaign funds without properly disclosing what for.
"Miguel
February 1st - 11:04 a.m.
Old Gringo and the Machine and the Evanston ward bosses are going to make sure ALL Latinos lose.
Iris Martinez will lose for Senate
Deb Mell will take the Hispanic house seat
Francisco Avila will lose for re-election to Maryanne Spyroplous and Diane Jones
Jose Berrios will lose to John Paul Deratany
HISPANICS WILL BE PUT BACK 10 YEARS
ALL HISPANICS WILL LOSE"
Berrios and Martinez and Puerto Rico and automatic US citizens.
I am sure the Mexican Americans are AMERICANS and US Citizens.
That is a very racist statement Orion. You are disgraceful.
So, who isn't 'corrupt'?
News Flash, susie-q, they all are, including the ones you tout for, and, including you.
Whether black, white or brown, everyone seems to be only interested in gaining elected office to dole out the taxpayers' dollars to their patronage minions and themselves.
Just what is to be expected from the dinosaurs we recognize as our incumbent office holders and their 'supporters'.
Try fucking them all.
HAVE NO DOUBT, VOTE INCUMBENTS OUT
"....The One Above Is...."
Nicely phrased.
Whatcha gonna do, when they come for you.......?
At least this time you got your name right, you kiss-ass.
3 words:
Peraica hates Daley.
3 more words:
Peraica hates Stroger.
So, do you really think that there are MORE citizens who love Daley and Stroger, than hate them?
Do you really think that there are MORE citizens receiving our tax dollars than are paying taxes?
Do you really think that there are MORE citizens working for the city, county and for businesses that have contracts with the city and county, then there are citizens who are both NOT working for the city, county and for businesses that have contracts with the city and county, and ARE paying outrageously high taxes?
Do you really think that there are MORE citizens living in this city and county who LIKE corrupted, wasteful, greedy, dishonest, incompetent crooks picking their pockets, than there are citizens living in this city and county who DESPISE said crooks?
Do you really think that the taxpaying citizens of this city and county DON'T want a State's Attorney who will investigate, indict, prosecute to conviction and seek long term incarceration, all those deserving of same, said deserving souls inhabiting and infesting our city and county governments?
Is that what you really think?
That Claypool, the one who knew all about the Stroger family's scam and 'decided 'not to run' for the very office you're suggesting he's now fit for?
Don't you really mean to say 'anybody, please Gid, ANYBODY but Tony Peraica!!!!
As in, Peraica will rip a bunch of rascally thieves new bung holes, regardless of whether or not he succeeds in being elected the next County State's Attorney.
Hell, if anything, you shitheads should prefer that he be elected the State's Attorney over his being elected the next Cook County Board's President.
I'll let you rocket scientists figure out why.
Scintillating prose.
You have a gift.
Save it for the judge.
"Oh, There's corruption DUH!!!, WE must stop it."
Who is this "...WE..." you refer to?
Certainly not you.
Certainly not the very corrupted incumbents.
Certainly not anyone you know.
"....THE GOOD LORD NOT ST.TONY PERAICA OR ST.FRANK COCONUTTY WILL BE THE FINAL JUDGE."
So, you suggest we, the taxpaying voters, should wait for Judgment Day to arrive, and meekly accept being fleeced in the meantime.
That attitude is to be expected, from the vermin who want to pass themselves off as wolves.
You boys and girls have only the teeth we voters give you.
HAVE NO DOUBT, VOTE INCUMBENTS OUT
HAVE NO DOUBT, GET BENT & SUCK THE ANAL SARCOMAS.
Thanks, again, Bernie, you're still a feisty one, even with the diaper on.