Do you feel that the candidates that run for election in Kane County should use vendors in Kane County for their election materials, if the cost are competitive?
Speaking of country club RINO's. Looks like the announcement of the re-launch of a tax and spend campaign for the chairman is at an invitation only exclusive private corporation.
Taxpayers however will not be in attendance since they are working to continue to pay their taxes.
The Chairman of the Board is going around the county now with some "paperwork" professing to be UNDERBUDGET on the jail and the animal control center?
Long ago the newspapers reported the original costs of both projects. They were both significantly less than they are now.
Both were built far over projections and the animal control center still doesn't have costs because many cities are not signing on due to sky high fees.
Can A.C.T. help us know what those fees are?
As for the underbudget stuff, talk about "fuzzy" math.
Bet the press won't let that pass. At least I hope not.
As a local printer I'm shocked to see that so much money is being spent elsewhere. Kane officials should support Kane co. businesses whenever possible, so that we can afford to pay for their tax increases. Attracting good businesses to Kane co. is one thing, keeping them is much harder.
The facts do speak for themselves. ACTFORKANE seems to be doing a good job so far of providing just the facts without alot of opinion. I'm putting this site in my favorites until I see otherwise.
The Sheriff's office is doing great, but the ACT people still upset because according to them Williams did not get help from the Kane GOP, that is the problem!
Williams attended Perez' swearing in doesn't mean a thing.
He still has to pretend while Jim MacRunnels leads the revenge
It really irks the delinquent and highly paid campaign consultants that citizens have mobilized to begin a real discussion of spending practices in OUR county.
Since the thiry four consultants hired by the county have but one KANE county resident (that happens to be tax delinquent) is no reason to take the panic out on a campaign over long ago.
Kane County, Illinois, the largest county in Speaker Denny Hastert's 14th congressional district, is another local government that can't get its voice heard in our nation's capital.
Last year, County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay, a close Hastert ally, signed up lobbyist David S. Thompson at $138,000 a year plus expenses to lobby the federal government on Kane County's behalf.
Thompson was a "longtime aide" to Denny Hastert. He worked for the speaker from 1993 until heading over to K Street in 2002.
The only thing questioned was $138,000 of OUR money being spent for this.
I hope the media is following this site. They will now see how the county campaign consultants manipulate statements (like the Hastert angle) in thier haste to circumvent full and open disclosure.
I received the fan at the parade too, and finially visited the site. Not only should the county support our local business - the citys should also. THAT IS A NO BRAINER:)
I hope the government offices; Townships, Cities, Villages, County, etc, listens to your great ideas and put restrictions on who they get good and services from.
I don’t care if they do a good job or not, I don’t care about the quality either, all I care is they hire people from within the county or within the city.
Thank you Kaneblog.
Can you come and look at Mayor Weisner please, he has hundreds of consultants and people from Chicago.
Look at the Aurora aldermen and the mayor, they are spending millions of our money on some fiber lines, and they want to HIRE A CONSULTANT friend of Weisner and campaign crony to figure out what they should do with those lines.
They should have think a bout that before they spend our money, it’s outrageous! I hope Jim MacRunnels and his ACT group come and look at all those things here.
Local business support local charities as well - such as schools, homeless shelters, kids sports, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, etc. When you go outside the county for services you also hurt all those charities that would benefit from that business's support. Seems from this site that the only support these polititians care about is political payback. Shame on them.
Williams was with Pat in the Parade? And your point is?
the ACT extreme right wing group is doing the dirty work for him. Walking in the parade with Pat will assure you Williams will not run again for Sheriff? Pleeeeease, even my 5 year old won’t believe that!
Can you assure Williams and MacRunnels never meet for lunch?
So long time friends can't be seen in public together? And I must have missed the line on the property tax that said state of Il portion. You must have a different tax bill. Did you pay yours by the way?
That's the kind of ideas an extreme group like ACT promotes: "The Kane County are getting us out of our homes with those high taxes"
The reality is, that you pay to the Kane County only 5% of the total bill for your property taxes, the same amount the local Library receives.
Don't let anybody scare you with his or her extreme views. It is perfectly fine to question, it is healthy too, but extreme views and vendettas never help the advancement of any governmental office.
Look at the Aurora aldermen and the mayor, they are spending millions of our money on some fiber lines, and they want to HIRE A CONSULTANT friend of Weisner and campaign crony to figure out what they should do with those lines. ==================================
He should talk to board chairwoman McConahay. She hires consultant friends (or friends of friends) all the time. LOL
Whoever wrote this - "The above posting just proves my point, their ONLY purpose is vendetta!!! "
I wrote that posting you are refering to and I am not an act member or have a vendetta. You seem to feel that anyone who wants our tax dollars spent wisely must have a vendetta. That's ridiculous. Try listening to the concerns of the taxpayers rather than attacking them.
I'm a taxpayer and I'm informed. Don't try to change my words, the fact is that my taxes are too high. I agree, but I know all my taxes don't go to the County.
All I'm saying is, it is clear you use anything to attack the county, but again you are trying to change the focus.
You would say anything to blame the county, even if somebody proves you wrong.
If it’s not vendetta, then you are a classic case of UNHAPPINESS.
The County recieves Millions of $ from the state and feds, those funds come from where? The county spent over $3.2 million each of the last two years on consultants. The county has added several people to the payroll of the county for putting out press releases. When is enough enough?
I was at the parade in Elgin and got a flier from this group. I am sick of the money being spent on friends and donors. Throw all of the board out if that is the way they work.
I agree the ACT so much going on inside their group we should not allow anybody from their group to win. All these extreme right-wing groups only cause trouble.
I'm wondering why the ACT group does not report the chairman of the board donated to Kevin Williams campaign and organized a fundraiser for him? Williams received thousand of dollars from that fundraiser.
Why are Kevin Williams and his ACT cronies hiding that?
And if it is an issue that the county chairman supports county board members, then it is on issue she supported and organized a fundraiser for Kevin Williams It is true, I attended and still have the invitation
The past is the past. You politicians never get it.
My taxes are sky high. I have looked at the reports that say that this chairman woman spent all this money out of our county and paid for the campaign of my county board member. No one else gave him money.
All I read about is more and more spending.
I could care less about the campaign history and the rest of it.
For the record, Madam Chairman didnt organize squat in the way of a fundraiser for Kevin Williams ... her name was merely included as a curtesy (something her coffee & rolls girl doesnt know much about) on the host committee for a fundraiser held at the home of one of Speaker Hastert's staff members.
The Chairman played no roll in soliciting funds or anything else on Williams' behalf for this event, the whole event was coordinated by a close personal friend of Williams' that also happens to work on Hastert's campaign staff!
So get your facts straight, and quit trying to rewrite history!
The Chairman also attempt to "bundle" some checks from her pay-to-play cronies and provide them to Williams' campaign, bravo to Kevin for having the courage to return them uncashed.
That makes at least one Kane County politician who isnt willing to be bought!!!
I think the blogger above was not worried about reporting; he simply was asking why do you report ONLY help for funding to a few County board members and failed to report the support for Kevin Williams.
I think it is fair. And I know for a fact that the chairman helped Kevin Williams with fundraiser, but since he lost he goes around complaining that he did not get any help. Yes, it is important.
It has to do with the credibility of the ACT group.
It goes along with the question of going crazy about Consultants and defending Karen Ramey.
I think people has done a good job calling for ACT’s accountability, and every time they expose a LIE the ACT group responds with bulling statements against somebody’s personal life.
Either you are outrage or you are not, make up your mind.
ACT has supplied public record irregardless of party affiliation.
They are tracked to public records.
Once again who cares about the Sheriff's race. McConnaughay supported a candidate that lost in the primary.
Is Ellen Nottke still so upset that her client didn't win that she is taking after Ramey and those that supported Williams in the winning primary?
Since when did someone attack someone's personal life other that the implications that an ACT leader associated with pedophiles!
But I guess that doesn't count?
The only motivation for the tax increasers and out of county spenders is to allow their paid consultant (who pretends to be a poor speller) to continue this silly escapade of attempting to paint a solid citizen's non partisan movement into something it is not.
Why would a countywide candidate give almost $80,000 in consulting/marketing/printing fees against an opponent that spend so little and on a primary with NO party opponent?
Everything started because one of the bloggers above asked why is the ACT group showing the chairman donations to county board members, but not disclosures the monetary support given to Kevin Williams; direct and indirect.
The answer is, because ACT group is Kevin Williams group.
If the Chairman used "In County" vendors for her own private campaign, wouldn't the ACTivists scream bloody murder if they got "regular" county work? Wouldn't participation in a campaign disqualify that company from ever doing business for the county, I mean in the eyes of the ACTivists? If Barsanti used a local printing firm for his campaign and then "awarded" that firm w/ some print job, well, wouldn't Jim report that to us as crooked?
Of course local businesses are better, but as long as you can find products or services cheaper, with better quality, faster turn around, etc. out of the county, you will have businesses and organizations buying out of the county.
You are not realistic, are you telling me you only buy made in USA products? NO!
It is called: Competition, supply and demand.
If you cannot understand those basic principles, you can never manage a company of lead an organization.
and that makes me understand better your discontent for our county leader.
I think you are a Democrat, nothing wrong with that, just a different way of thinking.
But what if your consultant hired from another county has a documented and recorded partnership with a printing firm?
They do not "shop" around for competitive pricing but go right to that firm for "whatever reason."
The proof of your statement will be in the future if the Chairman suddenly decides to do a full about face and order services and materials in the county.
Your argument supports the position that they will not. To continue the pattern of ordering the majority of work outside of the county would be more genuine.
I’m glad we have a chairman who’s business savvy and I want to thank the board for keeping my taxes low regardless of the growth.
I know, you ACT people do not agree with me. But, I actually investigated the facts and I was glad to find out I’m ONLY paying 5% of my property taxes to the county. I still don’t know how we can get so many services with such a little money.
A Chairman who's business savy?? You're joking right???
Please tell us all what the Chairman's business credentials are?
No business degree (or any degree for that mater)? A failed interior design firm?? A struggling family furniture company??? Her husband deciding to close up the family liquor distributorship as a result of another distributor coming in and undercutting the bid to distribute their biggest name products????
When you talk of a Chairman who is business savy, you obviously speak of someone else and not our current Chairman!
Make no mistake ... those out of county George Ryan linked campaign consultants bring the work out of county to "their people" for one reason and one reason only, MONEY!!!
Ever wondered why political novices can run for office and produce many of the same campaign items as the consultant ran campaigns for far less money? (check the D-2's)
Cause the novices aren't dealing with consultants that receive a kickback from "their people" to produce signs, mailings, robo calls, etc.
The current system of bringing work outside the county that's employed by the Chairman's handlers aint supply & demand at work, it's pure outright greed!
YES and those services given by the State are taxes we give to the state. Lot's of them, so if you have complains about the state taxes, go and ask Blago, but of course, since you are a Democrat, you will never accept Blago is going crazy spending our taxes.
I agree with the above post, ONLY 5% of my property taxes go to the county.
This blog is just a bunch of Democrats or RINOs in full campaign season. This is a classic case of candidates with no credentials who want to run for the Chairman’s seat. Very soon they will be announcing their candidate, so obvious.
This site is about showing the spending of OUR TAX dollars inside the county. Either federal, state and local tax money. The funds being spent come to the county to be spent on the good of the county. It seems that some people would like to put smoke up about other topics. The topic is spending of tax dollars with out of county vendors as a rule not an exception.
How would ACT feel about an in county vendor who was hired to do work on a campaign of a county official then received county work from that elected official? Maybe the Director can give us an official opinion. If it's bad, then any in county vendor is punished simply for doing work because they no longer "qualify" for county work. ACT labels you a crony.If it's Ok, then please just shut up.
Jim, here is a real chance to PROVE your non-selective outrage at ANY official who dares to use OUTSIDE COUNTY VENDORS. Let's see this in your next letter. If not, well....your just another windbag.
Here is the break down of the #'s from the SBOE 2006 disclosure reports of Senator Chris Lauzen
Total Expenditures (2006) $154,899
*Out of district dollars spent $72,951 (47%), primarily printing, marketing, communications Out of state dollars spent $29,986 (19%). primarily website, database software Chicago vendors paid $7,718 (04%) phone recording costs
TOTAL $110, 654 THAT'S 71% JIM !!!!!!!!!!!!
spent outside legislative district currently represented. Put up or shut up Jim, Maybe you could sign up to speak in Springfield! I won't hold my breath waiting for a response.
Why not also compare donations from in district/county candidates in regard to out of district/county candidates?
Lauzen has a HUGE in district following with over 800 people at a small ticket picnic while the County Chairman has $750 breakfasts and lunches for out of county interests.
Your associates may have been involved in lobbying interests receiving pay prior to filing.
Be careful with this THREAT because it may just might backfire on you.
Make sure your house is in order before the lawsuit commences.
Seems to be a pattern forming. ===================================
Looks like the county is looking for a scapegoat. They must be digging to try to hang someone before too much attention is being called legitimately on them.
I like Chris Lauzen, but if the ACT group establishes certain criteria for “WRONG DOING” to criticize the county chairman, why the same criteria does not applies to Senator Lauzen?
Is it because the only purpose is to attack the county chairman?
ACT person. I just read your ad from the Sunday paper. As an english teacher may I point out that the word "affect" was incorrectly used in place of the word "effect". ...."consider the affect that the following votes.... This is a common mistake but displays the need for a qualified person to proofread your materials. Also, the phrase "when at all possible" should simply be "whenever". This was a rather clumsy attempt at public persuasion. I give it a C-.
Are the county's communications experts available? One charges about $3000-$4000 (or more) a month and the other ones are on salary.( ACT Freedom of Information forms.)
Maybe the ACT group can give them a small contract too so they can edit their work?
They are taking taxpayers money already.
Or are they too busy working on the county officials campaign's?
Yes, let's fire everyone in the county and let's tell all college students who are in communications to change mayors. Extreme right-wing groups will be on the attack, those kids should be aware.
Per ACT’s definition you have to be an engineer, doctor or scientist to be in the "GOOD" list.
Please put your name on this blog because it will be beneficial to prove you wrong.
Your attempt at political retribution at my expense is pathetic and alarming. If the Chairman of the County Board is endorsing these sort of policies I am disappointed at the type of political "hard ball" which exists at this point in time.
I have checked with the Secretary of States office regularly and am fully compliant.
There are some entities that do not warrant registration for legitimate reasons and others that are promotional that are project related and do not involve Springfield.
However, I HAVE contributed to one campaign for a total over $150 but somehow this contribution is not listed on the Illinois Board of Election report. In fact I mentioned this to a consultant on that campaign and even though they knew this to be the case they did nothing having full knowledge of the oversite.
I suppose I am willing to discuss this all at the same time of the erroneous charges.
I will have my attorney contact the Index Department to inquire about the individual/(s) making these inquiries.
If the individual attempting to damage my professional reputation is willing to give me their name I will be sure to provide the proof to them as well.
..."I have checked with the Secretary of States office regularly and am fully compliant." Karen Ramey.
"Lobbyist registration is required on or before January 31st if the lobbying entity and its exclusive lobbyists are continuing from the previous year; otherwise, lobbying entities and exclusive lobbyists shall register before any service is performed." Jessi White
Yes, let's fire everyone in the county and let's tell all college students who are in communications to change mayors. Extreme right-wing groups will be on the attack, those kids should be aware.
Response: Whaat? ACT is in need of an English teacher. It knows there are several communications maJors being paid by the county. Maybe they would like to proof the material since the taxpayers are employing them already.
This was not a put down to any field of study. Where do you people come up with this stuff?
Someone at the county must be losing it if they are lashing out at individuals like this.
After electronic filing my registration did not go through the internet. I brought in my computer information and I paid in full for the registration in person.
Are you or whomever you represent on such a mission of personal retribution (for whatever reason) that you would post this without checking for full and accurate documentation?
For it IS there.
Should I have Jesse White contact you or would the Director be ok.
What number should they call?
This is why normal voters are so turned off to this sort of ridiculous intimidation when there are more productive matters to deal with at this point in time.
Voters and futurre candidates get discourage with this type of attitude, this ACT group is pathetic; attacking personal matters, using intimidation tactics, etc
I's the last time I visit this stupid site
I can understand questioning expending practices, but ACT now seems to be just looking for attention and momentum
The prior poster does not understand what had happened.
I did not write or incinuate anything negative in regard to the ACT group.
I happen to agree that vendor spending should primarily remain within our own county. We can't promote economic development in Kane County without practicing what we are preaching.
The ACT group are entitled as taxpayers to question the practices of expenditure of tax and local dollars.
The county leadership can decide to continue or change some of its current or past policies.
The ACT group is not the group that was questioning my professional license.
Those inquiries have come from those associated with current county leadership.
I am simply turned off to the practice of personal forms of intimidation in any respect.
WAIT. HOW COME THIS TOOK SO LONG? ACT FOR KANE HAS BEEN ASKING FOR THIS TYPE OF RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR FOR FOUR MONTHS.
THE BOARD MEMBERS QUOTED ARE UP FOR ELECTION. THEY HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THREE TERMS. WHY NOT HAVE DONE THIS THREE YEARS AGO?
THANK YOU ACT FOR KANE COUNTY.
Kane considers more uniform spending plan By Lisa Smith lsmith@dailyherald.com Posted Thursday, July 12, 2007
Kane County officials would need to obtain price estimates from at least three vendors before making most purchases under a proposal reviewed by the county’s finance committee Wednesday.
The 38-page revised procurement ordinance also would establish uniform procedures for hiring consultants.
The changes were proposed as part of a reorganization of the county’s purchasing department. Officials are planning to hire a purchasing director to oversee the process, which used to be controlled by the central services office. A new finance system also is close to launching.
“We’ve talked about this for three or four years. It’s been needed for the last 20 years,” said committee member Jan Carlson, an Elburn Republican.
The proposal also would raise from $10,000 to $15,000 the financial threshold for which competitive bids are required. DuPage County’s threshold also is $15,000.
Emergency purchases in excess of $15,000 could be authorized without bidding in certain situations, such as those that would affect public health and safety, according to the proposal.
In order to employ a consultant, a county official must assert that doing so would be more cost effective than hiring another full-time employee, among other requirements spelled out in the proposed ordinance.
Kane County Board attorney Ken Shepro said the changes “bring some uniformity” to the purchasing process across all county departments.
“Everybody had a different way of procuring services,” Shepro said. The proposed ordinance “creates a more consistent process.”
The finance committee forwarded the measure to the board’s executive committee, which will consider it next month.
I did understand KR’s position. Like her, I am also turned off to the practice of personal forms of intimidation in any respect, which are exactly ACT group’s tactics. KR, I think you have are caught in the middle, thanks to negative and vicious ACT members activities. I don’t understand very well your issue, but I understand that your defense is just a symptom of the big problem: ACT vicious tactics to gain momentum for political purposes. That is very sad.
It is getting HOT because MacRunnels and board are throwing mud left and right to every elected official who exposes the truth or hold them accountable for their slandering.
They even attack people from specific fields like those responsible for communications. I guess I have to be rich to pay a career in medicine or law to be accepted by this extreme right-wing group.
Copying from public recorded documents in regard to county spending. It is shocking but that is not ACT's fault.
Asking for information that every taxpayer is entitle to? Being met with resistance and given little information if any?
ACT is not throwing mud. Just letting taxpayer in on the truth.
It does bother a FEW elected officials that don't want full and open disclosure so now name calling like "far right extreme" is the new attack from the good ole boy network.
Communication is good. However, the best communication should not exist between three or four cronie board members but the ENTIRE board and ALL the Kane taxpayers.
Give us the names of the board members who feel like they don't have access to information. You certainly post anonymously with confidence. Considering this is YOUR BLOG on YOUR WEBSITE Jim, you should at least post using YOUR NAME.
Asking for information that every taxpayer is entitle to? Being met with resistance and given little information if any?
Answer to both statements.
Being given little or no information in response to citizen requests. What is not understandable about this statement. Some requests are over one month late.
This is information the media and the public is entitled to.
If the media requests the county employment list with the sponsors of each employee would that be provided to them? Many close associates of the connected county board crony's have been hired.
ACT has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the changes, Once again, taking credit uh?
Being positive about one little thing doesn’t mean a thing, they are trying to re-establish credibility after many citizens had complained. It is too late to fix anything Jim.
The ACT group’s negativity and vicious intentions were out of control.
I am so glad I'm a private citizen and my wages are not public record, otherwise I would be a CRONY in the ACT group's eyes.
Investing my time and money to get a degree and working overtime is a crime? It seems I should be making the same money as everyone else regardless of my experience and hard work.
Those who call ACT a right-wing group are confuse.
Give us the names of the board members who feel like they don't have access to information. You certainly post anonymously with confidence. Considering this is YOUR BLOG on YOUR WEBSITE Jim, you should at least post using YOUR NAME.
When you vote, the candidate isn't anyone trustworthy or for the people. If they aren't corrupt, they will be. They tell you what you want to hear. They are not held accountable. They all think they are above the law and in most cases they are. Can you say George Ryan? The candidate who is running for office is a piece of **** from the get-go. We the people have to start electing a new candidate challenger every election. We have to stop re-electing these good-for-nothing, non-representing crooks and send the message that they are not going to make a career on office.
Give us the names of the board members who feel like they don't have access to information. You certainly post anonymously with confidence. Considering this is YOUR BLOG on YOUR WEBSITE Jim, you should at least post using YOUR NAME.
I heard the big announcement tomorrow. Press Conference called for 2:45 at the old courthouse. "Carlson to publicly address ACT charges of fiscal malfeasance." Stay tuned.
247 comments:
1 – 200 of 247 Newer› Newest»Yes!!!!
Yes. Do you mean that some people don't?
Are you serious? I am a Kane County business owner and I will not support ANY elected official that did or does not choose to keep or money here.
If they are spending money on vendors from outside of my county I will join in any effort to help that message get out to the public.
I have left my name. How can I help?
Whaat?
How much money went to DuPage County in printing for the top race in this county.
I am printing this out and it checks out on the records at the state too.
A.C.T,Thanks for the information.
If the Chairman is helping people on the board get elected does that mean that they don't have any funding coming from their own area?
How can they be there for us if they are relying on the leaders at the county to pay for their campaigns?
Yes, I feel that County candidates should use county vendors as much as possible. Kane County is very large.
Who are the leaders at the county?
Can A.C.T. give me an opinion?
Who are the board members that don't just follow the money?
I didn't know that board race cost so much.
How come the papers don't write about this stuff?
For some background also check out this blog.
kaneblog.blogspot.com
This blog has been around for some time.
Joe Pena is someone I know and like. It looks like some of the same people that were paid by the chairman were paid by Chief Pena.
If he had kept that money and spent it here he would have done better.
The people in Dundee like Swedish Days. What a great place to spend some summer time.
Joe Pena is a nice man. He got some poor advice and spent money he didn't need to.
I support him for police chief. He was advised not to endorse Kevin Williams when he ran for Sheriff.
He spent way too much money on advice from out of the county.
He didn't need to pay for it.
That is too bad. Good luck to him in his bid for Campton police chief.
I thought that the tax and spenders at the county were saying that only one person is active in the A.C.T. organization.
There were more than eight people handing out fans today.
The board will be announced soon and there will be some surprises!
Thank you for this website.
I can't believe this information.
We need to get more information.
We have signed up and printed out the D'2 information.
We are being bilked.
Enjoyed the parade though.
A printer in Elgin
Is this Kane County or Cook County?
My board member was financed by the county chairman.
And he voted to raise my gas tax.
I can't live here anymore.
I hope someone runs against them next time.
THANK YOU for giving my family the public information to the website for the information on yours.
We just got home from the parade. You are educating the voters and it is about time.
There are no Democrats listed as receiving money for campaigns.
Is that because the county chairman is a Republican or because they will not let anyone else raise money outside of their district?
I am an INDEPENDENT. I am glad that your group is not affiliated with a party but just gives voting and spending information.
We try to do the same thing at the League of Women voters.
Give people information and they can see where their money is going.
I wrote a letter to the editor and it was never published. I just sent it over so that it can be put on this website.
Maybe because I am not a political person that I don't count.
How can you let people know that the letters are not being published?
Two Words.
Thank you.
This unreal, how do these board members sleep at night? I like the website and I'm emailing my friends the site. GO!!!!!
The fans were a great idea. Went to the site and this should be fun.
Throw the bums out.
Buy local! It's a no-brainer.
Unless you are a country club RINO like KMC.
Speaking of country club RINO's.
Looks like the announcement of the re-launch of a tax and spend campaign for the chairman is at an invitation only exclusive private corporation.
Taxpayers however will not be in attendance since they are working to continue to pay their taxes.
We need to take care of Kane county first! How much longer can we afford this Board?
I can't believe this information is true. The county is out of control.
It is good to note that more construction is now going to take place on Kirk and Rt. 56.
Now the LOWEST BIDDERS are being chosen?
When did this start? Just wondering?
Thank you Jim MacRunnels.
That is a first that they are now pretending to be responsible with out tax dollars but it may be too little too late.
The Chairman of the Board is going around the county now with some "paperwork" professing to be UNDERBUDGET on the jail and the animal control center?
Long ago the newspapers reported the original costs of both projects. They were both significantly less than they are now.
Both were built far over projections and the animal control center still doesn't have costs because many cities are not signing on due to sky high fees.
Can A.C.T. help us know what those fees are?
As for the underbudget stuff, talk about "fuzzy" math.
Bet the press won't let that pass. At least I hope not.
I hope everyone read their paper today about the arrests of many gang members in Kane County.
That was a great job done by John Barsanti, Patrick Perez, Chief Powell, Montgomery and the FBI.
Openline Blog focused on Aurora is a good site for information and has the full report.
As a local printer I'm shocked to see that so much money is being spent elsewhere. Kane officials should support Kane co. businesses whenever possible, so that we can afford to pay for their tax increases. Attracting good businesses to Kane co. is one thing, keeping them is much harder.
I'm an independent too, but I don't believe this site is non- partisan.
It is clear it's a group of Republicans upset because their candidate lost the Sheriff election.
I can't believe it.
We should focus on improving the county, not on revenge
The facts do speak for themselves. ACTFORKANE seems to be doing a good job so far of providing just the facts without alot of opinion. I'm putting this site in my favorites until I see otherwise.
No one cares about the Sheriff's race.
The Sheriff's office is busy putting away gang members.
It is all good.
ACT cares about how our money is being spent.
The leadership's paid consultants should be enjoying their weekend and the funds our tax dollars are providing them.
I saw Kevin Williams walking with the Sheriff's office in the Geneva parade.
He attended Perez' swearing in.
Everyone has moved WAY on except for the consultants that are concerned about the disclosure of their billings trying to divert attention to the past.
No wonder why my GOP township chairman wants to honor the county leader next month.
She donated $3800.00 to his campaign and almost paid for the whole thing.
Looks like we know who the leaders on the board may be. Could those be the ones getting the campaign funding?
Is this right?
Keep my tax dollars at HOME!
Disgusting.
The Sheriff's office is doing great, but the ACT people still upset because according to them Williams did not get help from the Kane GOP, that is the problem!
Williams attended Perez' swearing in doesn't mean a thing.
He still has to pretend while Jim MacRunnels leads the revenge
It really irks the delinquent and highly paid campaign consultants that citizens have mobilized to begin a real discussion of spending practices in OUR county.
Since the thiry four consultants hired by the county have but one KANE county resident (that happens to be tax delinquent) is no reason to take the panic out on a campaign over long ago.
You are not fooling anyone out there.
Let's talk about county spending practices.
No one cares about old history anymore.
I want to talk about my tax bill. Those taxes (including Kane County) are forcing my senior parents out of their home.
Kane County, Illinois, the largest county in Speaker Denny Hastert's 14th congressional district, is another local government that can't get its voice heard in our nation's capital.
Last year, County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay, a close Hastert ally, signed up lobbyist David S. Thompson at $138,000 a year plus expenses to lobby the federal government on Kane County's behalf.
Thompson was a "longtime aide" to Denny Hastert. He worked for the speaker from 1993 until heading over to K Street in 2002.
-- Josh Marshall
How many outside the county lobbyists are there?
Hastert has brought project money back but why did we need this lobbyist while Hastert was there?
Nice,
The ACT angry people are attacking Dennis Hastert now, pathetic!
READ. No one attacked Dennis Hastert. It said he is capable of bringing money home HIMSELF.
The only thing questioned was $138,000 of OUR money being spent for this.
I hope the media is following this site. They will now see how the county campaign consultants manipulate statements (like the Hastert angle) in thier haste to circumvent full and open disclosure.
I read about this site in the Herald. Thank you for keeping us informed.
YES! They should use local businesses.
I hope so too the media is following this extreme right wing site
This ACT group have a lot of homework to do, there are dozens of municipalities using services from outside their own area.
I received the fan at the parade too, and finially visited the site. Not only should the county support our local business - the citys should also. THAT IS A NO BRAINER:)
Yes, I agree, forget about Supply and Demand
You guys have something going on here.
I hope the government offices; Townships, Cities, Villages, County, etc, listens to your great ideas and put restrictions on who they get good and services from.
I don’t care if they do a good job or not, I don’t care about the quality either, all I care is they hire people from within the county or within the city.
Thank you Kaneblog.
Can you come and look at Mayor Weisner please, he has hundreds of consultants and people from Chicago.
Look at the Aurora aldermen and the mayor, they are spending millions of our money on some fiber lines, and they want to HIRE A CONSULTANT friend of Weisner and campaign crony to figure out what they should do with those lines.
They should have think a bout that before they spend our money, it’s outrageous!
I hope Jim MacRunnels and his ACT group come and look at all those things here.
and they have consultants coming out of their ears
he literally hired his campaign manager as his chief of staff for about a year!!!!!!!
Take care of Kane County First.
Local business support local charities as well - such as schools, homeless shelters, kids sports, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, etc. When you go outside the county for services you also hurt all those charities that would benefit from that business's support. Seems from this site that the only support these polititians care about is political payback. Shame on them.
Seems from this site that the only support these sore sheriff race supporters care about is political advance and revenge.
Shame on them for not showing the TRUE FACTS.
I am sorry you didn't read the web page before you came on the blog... I think the point is that the county has some issues.
There is always room for improvement
They are showing the TRUE FACTS from recorded documents.
That is why those that have been bilking the system are running scared by attacking them.
Those are the TRUE FACTS.
Looks like the only power ACT wants is for the taxpayers of Kane County.
Great website. Keep it coming.
I got the fan in the parade , and I can't believe this website.
I got the point about the vendors, but can this ACT people focus on other issues?
It seems to me they have a personal vendetta against a group of people.
I didn’t know Williams and his volunteers still sour because they lost the election, I’m glad some of the posts clarified that.
What a bunch of cry babies.
What about all the new taxes? Did you miss that point? As far as the Sheriff's race get over it! Williams was with Pat in the parade.
that's waht i was trying to say,
The ACT group should get over losing the Sherif's race!
Only 5% of the property taxes goes to Kane county, most goes to the state for Blagogevich to commute every day from Chicago to Springfield!
It's the same amount received by Libraries, but I guess the ACT sour grapes won't tell you that.
Williams was with Pat in the Parade?
And your point is?
the ACT extreme right wing group is doing the dirty work for him.
Walking in the parade with Pat will assure you Williams will not run again for Sheriff?
Pleeeeease, even my 5 year old won’t believe that!
Can you assure Williams and MacRunnels never meet for lunch?
Ask them, you’ll be surprise….
So long time friends can't be seen in public together? And I must have missed the line on the property tax that said state of Il portion. You must have a different tax bill. Did you pay yours by the way?
Thanks for the anti ACT commentary Ellen Nottke.
Now go collect your $1000 check from the bosses camapaign.
What’s the matter?
Did somebody push a button?
I couldn't stopped laughing, now I feel I have to apologize to this Notke lady.
I think MacRunnels didn't like like my comment, maybe I'm getting into something here.
FAR RIGHT EXTREME GROUP?
The only extreme is the amount of taxes we pay that are forcing us out of our homes.
The only "right" about it is the group is right to call attention to some of these county people.
You just proved my point (above comment)
That's the kind of ideas an extreme group like ACT promotes:
"The Kane County are getting us out of our homes with those high taxes"
The reality is, that you pay to the Kane County only 5% of the total bill for your property taxes, the same amount the local Library receives.
Don't let anybody scare you with his or her extreme views. It is perfectly fine to question, it is healthy too, but extreme views and vendettas never help the advancement of any governmental office.
Happy 4TH of July!
If you can read your tax bill then PAY IT!!
Wrong again Ellen. Paid only $240 to library, $524 to the county. I guess your fuzzy math didn't work. Again the key word is PAID.
Look at the Aurora aldermen and the mayor, they are spending millions of our money on some fiber lines, and they want to HIRE A CONSULTANT friend of Weisner and campaign crony to figure out what they should do with those lines.
==================================
He should talk to board chairwoman McConahay. She hires consultant friends (or friends of friends) all the time. LOL
EXTREME group?
Please.
The only extreme is that which the county leaders hired protection team will go to defend the indefensible.
Again trying to scare people by making facts look like something else.
The previous post indicated that 5% goes to the county, the post did not give amount.
the ACT group like to change the facts to prove their point.
The amount it's different for every household, but 5% is 5%.
ACT can post away, but people look at their TAX bills. I did and it is true, only 5% goes to the county.
I guess if it's only 5% then let them spend it irresponsibly? I have a better idea, just send it to me.
"MacRunnels extreme right-wing group postings were about “the amount of taxes we pay that are forcing us out of our homes"
But when somebody proved them wrong, they change the subject.
The above posting just proves my point, their ONLY purpose is vendetta!!!
The county will soon see the composition of the board of directors.
They are not far right extreme. This is a label that the tax and spenders like to toss out there when they get caught spending our money needlessly.
They are private business owners and executives and there is nothing "extreme" about them.
Except that they are getting extrememly sick and tired of what they are seeing.
They are NON partisan and so this label is amusing.
And not unexpected coming from those that fear full and open disclosure.
Would you like to continue to deny that people can not afford to live in Kane County anymore.
The current county paid on call hounds (getting EXTREMELY cozy with the tax and spend policies) just don't get it.
Look at the FOR SALE signs out there.
This is why I am so sick of some of these politicians.
They blame the taxpayers when we tell them NO MORE.
Whoever wrote this - "The above posting just proves my point, their ONLY purpose is vendetta!!! "
I wrote that posting you are refering to and I am not an act member or have a vendetta. You seem to feel that anyone who wants our tax dollars spent wisely must have a vendetta. That's ridiculous. Try listening to the concerns of the taxpayers rather than attacking them.
I'm a taxpayer and I'm informed.
Don't try to change my words, the fact is that my taxes are too high. I agree, but I know all my taxes don't go to the County.
All I'm saying is, it is clear you use anything to attack the county, but again you are trying to change the focus.
You would say anything to blame the county, even if somebody proves you wrong.
If it’s not vendetta, then you are a classic case of UNHAPPINESS.
We are unhappy.
We just want to be able to see it spent wisely and not to study things to death.
It looks as if one citizen attending meetings has made the board choose low bid contractors, announce cost of projects etc.
Even the media has noticed the changes. The taxpayers are getting a better deal. Now it just needs to be kept up.
The big question is if this will continue after election season is over?
The County recieves Millions of $ from the state and feds, those funds come from where? The county spent over $3.2 million each of the last two years on consultants. The county has added several people to the payroll of the county for putting out press releases. When is enough enough?
I was at the parade in Elgin and got a flier from this group. I am sick of the money being spent on friends and donors. Throw all of the board out if that is the way they work.
Great site! Was at the parade yesterday and got a flyer. Will tell my friends about the site.
Great work! Have you looked at the schools spending?
I am from Elgin and I am sick of the treatment we get from the county. Is anyone going to run against the Chairman?
I can't believe the way this site changes the facts, I would suggest everyone to ask the latest Kane county audit.
This group must be upset with the chairman for other reasons besides their expendings claims.
It is easy to attack and change the facts.
I hear this group is upset because the chairman did not support in the sheriff primaries their Williams candidate.
Too bad, they could be focusing their efforts on positives things, instead of false attacks.
Don't insult the taxpayers with this nonsense.
You will find soon enough that the board of directors had NOTHING to do with any campaign, Sheriff or otherwise.
The director of ACT got involved because one of the candidates (in his opinion) help to save his wife's life in the midst of a serious car accident.
And I suppose there is something wrong with that too?
Why did the Chairman wait just prior to her election announcement to call for an audit?
Why did she hire an experienced federal spin master?
He volunteered on her campaign and now we are paying for these services.
Are you again trying to take credit for something you did not do?
That is the yearly and common practice and policy.
find a real issue and stop making up LIES and taking credit for things you do not enable.
Her past endorsements all lost too.
Why would anyone care about the impact of her endorsement?
They should have been relieved and it was proven on primary day.
what are you talking about?
Came to the site today after getting a hand out in Elgin. I can't believe the board Chairman is so bold. Is anyone going to run against her?
Yes Jim, you know who is running against her.
One of the memebers of ACT, how predictible.
The insider deals are alarming.
Someone should run.
Who cares who.
I agree the ACT so much going on inside their group we should not allow anybody from their group to win. All these extreme right-wing groups only cause trouble.
I'm in, where do I volunteer.
I'm wondering why the ACT group does not report the chairman of the board donated to Kevin Williams campaign and organized a fundraiser for him?
Williams received thousand of dollars from that fundraiser.
Why are Kevin Williams and his ACT cronies hiding that?
What fundraiser did the Chairman organize? NONE
News flash. The sheriff's race is over.
Let's get back to the topic of Kane County Taxes and the way the board chooses to spend OUR money.
Not over yet, ACT is on the attack.
And if it is an issue that the county chairman supports county board members, then it is on issue she supported and organized a fundraiser for Kevin Williams
It is true, I attended and still have the invitation
Kevin Williams has no personal issue with the Chairman. He is not a part of ACT.
Where are people getting their information?
The ACT board has only one member that was ever involved in "politics" before.
When the board is identified you will know that.
Who on the board of ACT is extreme right wing?
What is the definition of this?
The past is the past. You politicians never get it.
My taxes are sky high. I have looked at the reports that say that this chairman woman spent all this money out of our county and paid for the campaign of my county board member. No one else gave him money.
All I read about is more and more spending.
I could care less about the campaign history and the rest of it.
I care about the motivation because that's how acurate the information is.
I had read enough about this group's LIES that I wonder what's their real motivation.
Noe I know, it has to do with some hurt felings.
Stop the fantasies. It has to do with responsible expenditure of our tax dollars.
Look at the website.
Is the only recourse you have to put people into an organization that they don't belong and make false accusations?
Why are you so fearful of the disclosure of public record and reporting?
That is the question.
For the record, Madam Chairman didnt organize squat in the way of a fundraiser for Kevin Williams ... her name was merely included as a curtesy (something her coffee & rolls girl doesnt know much about) on the host committee for a fundraiser held at the home of one of Speaker Hastert's staff members.
The Chairman played no roll in soliciting funds or anything else on Williams' behalf for this event, the whole event was coordinated by a close personal friend of Williams' that also happens to work on Hastert's campaign staff!
So get your facts straight, and quit trying to rewrite history!
The Chairman also attempt to "bundle" some checks from her pay-to-play cronies and provide them to Williams' campaign, bravo to Kevin for having the courage to return them uncashed.
That makes at least one Kane County politician who isnt willing to be bought!!!
I think the blogger above was not worried about reporting; he simply was asking why do you report ONLY help for funding to a few County board members and failed to report the support for Kevin Williams.
I think it is fair. And I know for a fact that the chairman helped Kevin Williams with fundraiser, but since he lost he goes around complaining that he did not get any help. Yes, it is important.
It has to do with the credibility of the ACT group.
It goes along with the question of going crazy about Consultants and defending Karen Ramey.
I think people has done a good job calling for ACT’s accountability, and every time they expose a LIE the ACT group responds with bulling statements against somebody’s personal life.
Either you are outrage or you are not, make up your mind.
ACT has supplied public record irregardless of party affiliation.
They are tracked to public records.
Once again who cares about the Sheriff's race. McConnaughay supported a candidate that lost in the primary.
Is Ellen Nottke still so upset that her client didn't win that she is taking after Ramey and those that supported Williams in the winning primary?
Since when did someone attack someone's personal life other that the implications that an ACT leader associated with pedophiles!
But I guess that doesn't count?
The only motivation for the tax increasers and out of county spenders is to allow their paid consultant (who pretends to be a poor speller) to continue this silly escapade of attempting to paint a solid citizen's non partisan movement into something it is not.
Ok so someone supported someone in an election.
What does that have to do with my taxes?
Deputy Williams doesn't even belong to the group.
Let us know who is on your board so we can be done with these charges.
Back to the subject at hand.
Barsanti, Perez, Williams and Meadath spend thier campaign money in our county.
McConnaughay spend most of her money everywhere else.
Why? And why do some people on here keep trying to change the subject?
Here is a good question.
Why would a countywide candidate give almost $80,000 in consulting/marketing/printing fees against an opponent that spend so little and on a primary with NO party opponent?
Everything started because one of the bloggers above asked why is the ACT group showing the chairman donations to county board members, but not disclosures the monetary support given to Kevin Williams; direct and indirect.
The answer is, because ACT group is Kevin Williams group.
I'm sick of reading that Williams lost his bid for sheriff, if he’s upset thought luck.
The voters already decided, he should move on with his life.
I have a different question:
Does anybody know what Dennis Wiggins think about all the in-fight of his party?
Is he doing anything about it?
Unbelievable! Again the attacks against Ellen, I thought ACT was worried aboyt taxpayers!
When is the ACT candidate announcing?
We all know what this is about.
Is it Tina?
Note the topic is IN COUNTY vendors.
Go to another site to talk about ancient history and those that assisted with campaigns.
Everyone is long over it short of those that don't want to stay on topic here. In case you didn't notice it is "IN COUNTY VENDORS."
However it is understandable why you choose not to post about it.
Again. What does Kevin Williams have to do with ACT?
Nothing
The director of ACT was upset about his taxes for a long time.
When he asked for a certain piece of information the county attorney told him that he would have to "go find it himself."
So he did.
If the Chairman used "In County" vendors for her own private campaign, wouldn't the ACTivists scream bloody murder if they got "regular" county work? Wouldn't participation in a campaign disqualify that company from ever doing business for the county, I mean in the eyes of the ACTivists? If Barsanti used a local printing firm for his campaign and then "awarded" that firm w/ some print job, well, wouldn't Jim report that to us as crooked?
No.
Any money that builds the economy here in regard to materials is a good thing.
This is LOCAL economic development.
ACT supports local businesses.
Of course local businesses are better, but as long as you can find products or services cheaper, with better quality, faster turn around, etc. out of the county, you will have businesses and organizations buying out of the county.
You are not realistic, are you telling me you only buy made in USA
products? NO!
It is called: Competition, supply and demand.
If you cannot understand those basic principles, you can never manage a company of lead an organization.
and that makes me understand better your discontent for our county leader.
I think you are a Democrat, nothing wrong with that, just a different way of thinking.
But what if your consultant hired from another county has a documented and recorded partnership with a printing firm?
They do not "shop" around for competitive pricing but go right to that firm for "whatever reason."
The proof of your statement will be in the future if the Chairman suddenly decides to do a full about face and order services and materials in the county.
Your argument supports the position that they will not. To continue the pattern of ordering the majority of work outside of the county would be more genuine.
How do you know the county does not shop around?
I’m glad we have a chairman who’s business savvy and I want to thank the board for keeping my taxes low regardless of the growth.
I know, you ACT people do not agree with me. But, I actually investigated the facts and I was glad to find out I’m ONLY paying 5% of my property taxes to the county. I still don’t know how we can get so many services with such a little money.
THANK YOU!
A Chairman who's business savy?? You're joking right???
Please tell us all what the Chairman's business credentials are?
No business degree (or any degree for that mater)? A failed interior design firm?? A struggling family furniture company??? Her husband deciding to close up the family liquor distributorship as a result of another distributor coming in and undercutting the bid to distribute their biggest name products????
When you talk of a Chairman who is business savy, you obviously speak of someone else and not our current Chairman!
Make no mistake ... those out of county George Ryan linked campaign consultants bring the work out of county to "their people" for one reason and one reason only, MONEY!!!
Ever wondered why political novices can run for office and produce many of the same campaign items as the consultant ran campaigns for far less money? (check the D-2's)
Cause the novices aren't dealing with consultants that receive a kickback from "their people" to produce signs, mailings, robo calls, etc.
The current system of bringing work outside the county that's employed by the Chairman's handlers aint supply & demand at work, it's pure outright greed!
Those services are coming from state and federal funds, which come out of the taxpayers pocket!
YES and those services given by the State are taxes we give to the state. Lot's of them, so if you have complains about the state taxes, go and ask Blago, but of course, since you are a Democrat, you will never accept Blago is going crazy spending our taxes.
Let's say, using an airplane to commute?
I agree with the above post, ONLY 5% of my property taxes go to the county.
This blog is just a bunch of Democrats or RINOs in full campaign season.
This is a classic case of candidates with no credentials who want to run for the Chairman’s seat. Very soon they will be announcing their candidate, so obvious.
This site is about showing the spending of OUR TAX dollars inside the county. Either federal, state and local tax money. The funds being spent come to the county to be spent on the good of the county. It seems that some people would like to put smoke up about other topics. The topic is spending of tax dollars with out of county vendors as a rule not an exception.
If someone announces for any offices the voters shall have to compare the credentials of candidates at that point in time.
I think the topic in this blog is to slander specific people they have problem with, that's their only purpose.
Everytime we give FACTs, they reply with a nesty personal attack.
How would ACT feel about an in county vendor who was hired to do work on a campaign of a county official then received county work from that elected official? Maybe the Director can give us an official opinion. If it's bad, then any in county vendor is punished simply for doing work because they no longer "qualify" for county work. ACT labels you a crony.If it's Ok, then please just shut up.
I said it before and I'll say it again: the ACT extreme right-wing group is a self serving group.
And no, the chairman doesn't pay my salary, neither I'm a Democrat.
I just hate nasty, dirty campaigns that only serve those who don't have a chance to win an election for their own merits.
Jim, here is a real chance to PROVE your non-selective outrage at ANY official who dares to use OUTSIDE COUNTY VENDORS. Let's see this in your next letter. If not, well....your just another windbag.
Here is the break down of the #'s from the SBOE 2006 disclosure reports of Senator Chris Lauzen
Total Expenditures (2006) $154,899
*Out of district dollars spent $72,951 (47%), primarily printing, marketing, communications
Out of state dollars spent $29,986 (19%). primarily website, database software
Chicago vendors paid $7,718 (04%) phone recording costs
TOTAL $110, 654
THAT'S 71% JIM !!!!!!!!!!!!
spent outside legislative district currently represented. Put up or shut up Jim, Maybe you could sign up to speak in Springfield! I won't hold my breath waiting for a response.
That is after things are completed in Kane County.
There are Kane County leaders appearing at economic development functions promoting Kane County.
Why not also compare donations from in district/county candidates in regard to out of district/county candidates?
Lauzen has a HUGE in district following with over 800 people at a small ticket picnic while the County Chairman has $750 breakfasts and lunches for out of county interests.
Your associates may have been involved in lobbying interests receiving pay prior to filing.
Be careful with this THREAT because it may just might backfire on you.
Make sure your house is in order before the lawsuit commences.
Seems to be a pattern forming.
Lauzen has a huge in district contribution base. His district members contribute $25 or $50 to his campaigns family by family.
This is in direct contrast to county leaders that rely on large corporations to give them large checks at places like ball parks.
There is no down home feeling there.
Just payin to play. And we don't mean the ball team.
Your associates may have been involved in lobbying interests receiving pay prior to filing.
Be careful with this THREAT because it may just might backfire on you.
Make sure your house is in order before the lawsuit commences.
Seems to be a pattern forming. ===================================
Looks like the county is looking for a scapegoat. They must be digging to try to hang someone before too much attention is being called legitimately on them.
I like Chris Lauzen, but if the ACT group establishes certain criteria for “WRONG DOING” to criticize the county chairman, why the same criteria does not applies to Senator Lauzen?
Is it because the only purpose is to attack the county chairman?
Nope. Same rule applies to all. Keep Kane County money in Kane County.
However Lauzen's district is in two counties, others are not.
Right now keeping the dollars here is about all one group can try to encourage.
Good,
I'm sure ACT will be posting all the out of two counties expenditures and contributions Lauzen has.
The ACT board are from KANE county.
Despite some people being upset about it they will continue to focus on Kane County.
Oh, I thought Lauzen represents part of Kane County. My bad.
Jim, FYI, talking to yourself does not constitute an ACT board of Directors meeting.
That's funny, I'm sure it does.
Thanks for the input Miss Nottke.
How are the live in conditions on the second floor of the county building?
LOL.
It is the joke of the county that you fancy yourself as co-Chairman.
NEWSFLASH
You are not supposed to mix politics and the governing of the county in the taxpayer owned buildings.
Even a stupid citizen (by your description) knows this.
ACT person. I just read your ad from the Sunday paper. As an english teacher may I point out that the word "affect" was incorrectly used in place of the word "effect". ...."consider the affect that the following votes....
This is a common mistake but displays the need for a qualified person to proofread your materials.
Also, the phrase "when at all possible" should simply be "whenever". This was a rather clumsy attempt at public persuasion. I give it a C-.
I read the add as well, I'm not a teacher and I don't even have a degree. I graduated from HIgh School only, but after I read it I was like
Uh? What?
Oh, I give it a C
I thought Ramey was on their payroll?
No way. She is with the old guard.
We appreciate the suggestion.
We were hopeful that the ad professionals may have caught this error.
However the content regarding the donations and contributions were taken right from documents recorded at the state election center.
We don't have handlers that are paid from public and corporate contributors.
We are a group of business people that should have worked with English teachers such as yourself.
With our volunteers joining daily we should have some English teachers on board soon.
We will keep this in mind in future correspondence.
Website B, effect/affect ok!
Kane County GOvernment D-
Regarding editing for ads.
Are the county's communications experts available? One charges about $3000-$4000 (or more) a month and the other ones are on salary.( ACT Freedom of Information forms.)
Maybe the ACT group can give them a small contract too so they can edit their work?
They are taking taxpayers money already.
Or are they too busy working on the county officials campaign's?
(Will this be for free at our expense?)
Kane County Government F.
F for failing to want to inform taxpayers where their money is going.
Thank you ACT.
Do not let these legal "liabilities" bully you out of the process.
Mr. MacRunnels,
Could you post the responses from the county after you asked for information?
I heard it is sketchy information if there is any at all.
I also heard that they didn't respond to some of your requests.
Is that legal?
Ramey?
No.
She was not involved in the McConnaughay campaign.
She wanted to use county vendors and that was not the major part of the plan.
She wouldn't have agreed with spending $190,000 on someone whose opponent spent a little over $1000.
I was a volunteer and saw what went on in that campaign.
The only people really making any money were those from outside Kane County.
ACT should call the media experts at the county first.
Yes, let's fire everyone in the county and let's tell all college students who are in communications to change mayors. Extreme right-wing groups will be on the attack, those kids should be aware.
Per ACT’s definition you have to be an engineer, doctor or scientist to be in the "GOOD" list.
I agree, Ramey wouldn't have agreed with spending $190,000, she just agrees to lobby without a license.
OUCH!
Can you also post all Lauzen's expenses from outside his district?
also post the donations that came outside his district please.
OUCH!
Please put your name on this blog because it will be beneficial to prove you wrong.
Your attempt at political retribution at my expense is pathetic and alarming. If the Chairman of the County Board is endorsing these sort of policies I am disappointed at the type of political "hard ball" which exists at this point in time.
I have checked with the Secretary of States office regularly and am fully compliant.
There are some entities that do not warrant registration for legitimate reasons and others that are promotional that are project related and do not involve Springfield.
However, I HAVE contributed to one campaign for a total over $150 but somehow this contribution is not listed on the Illinois Board of Election report. In fact I mentioned this to a consultant on that campaign and even though they knew this to be the case they did nothing having full knowledge of the oversite.
I suppose I am willing to discuss this all at the same time of the erroneous charges.
I will have my attorney contact the Index Department to inquire about the individual/(s) making these inquiries.
If the individual attempting to damage my professional reputation is willing to give me their name I will be sure to provide the proof to them as well.
Karen Ramey
..."I have checked with the Secretary of States office regularly and am fully compliant."
Karen Ramey.
"Lobbyist registration is required on or before January 31st if the lobbying entity and its exclusive lobbyists are
continuing from the previous year; otherwise, lobbying entities and exclusive lobbyists shall register before any
service is performed."
Jessi White
Yes, let's fire everyone in the county and let's tell all college students who are in communications to change mayors. Extreme right-wing groups will be on the attack, those kids should be aware.
Response: Whaat? ACT is in need of an English teacher. It knows there are several communications maJors being paid by the county. Maybe they would like to proof the material since the taxpayers are employing them already.
This was not a put down to any field of study. Where do you people come up with this stuff?
Someone at the county must be losing it if they are lashing out at individuals like this.
Check again.
After electronic filing my registration did not go through the internet. I brought in my computer information and I paid in full for the registration in person.
Are you or whomever you represent on such a mission of personal retribution (for whatever reason) that you would post this without checking for full and accurate documentation?
For it IS there.
Should I have Jesse White contact you or would the Director be ok.
What number should they call?
This is why normal voters are so turned off to this sort of ridiculous intimidation when there are more productive matters to deal with at this point in time.
Karen Ramey
I agree with Karen Ramey, this is ridiculous
Voters and futurre candidates get discourage with this type of attitude, this ACT group is pathetic; attacking personal matters, using intimidation tactics, etc
I's the last time I visit this stupid site
I can understand questioning expending practices, but ACT now seems to be just looking for attention and momentum
The prior poster does not understand what had happened.
I did not write or incinuate anything negative in regard to the ACT group.
I happen to agree that vendor spending should primarily remain within our own county. We can't promote economic development in Kane County without practicing what we are preaching.
The ACT group are entitled as taxpayers to question the practices of expenditure of tax and local dollars.
The county leadership can decide to continue or change some of its current or past policies.
The ACT group is not the group that was questioning my professional license.
Those inquiries have come from those associated with current county leadership.
I am simply turned off to the practice of personal forms of intimidation in any respect.
It does all an injustice.
Karen Ramey
Sorry.
Incinuate is insinuate. My spellcheck is in falter mode.
KR
WAIT. HOW COME THIS TOOK SO LONG? ACT FOR KANE HAS BEEN ASKING FOR THIS TYPE OF RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR FOR FOUR MONTHS.
THE BOARD MEMBERS QUOTED ARE UP FOR ELECTION. THEY HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THREE TERMS. WHY NOT HAVE DONE THIS THREE YEARS AGO?
THANK YOU ACT FOR KANE COUNTY.
Kane considers more uniform spending plan
By Lisa Smith
lsmith@dailyherald.com
Posted Thursday, July 12, 2007
Kane County officials would need to obtain price estimates from at least three vendors before making most purchases under a proposal reviewed by the county’s finance committee Wednesday.
The 38-page revised procurement ordinance also would establish uniform procedures for hiring consultants.
The changes were proposed as part of a reorganization of the county’s purchasing department. Officials are planning to hire a purchasing director to oversee the process, which used to be controlled by the central services office. A new finance system also is close to launching.
“We’ve talked about this for three or four years. It’s been needed for the last 20 years,” said committee member Jan Carlson, an Elburn Republican.
The proposal also would raise from $10,000 to $15,000 the financial threshold for which competitive bids are required. DuPage County’s threshold also is $15,000.
Emergency purchases in excess of $15,000 could be authorized without bidding in certain situations, such as those that would affect public health and safety, according to the proposal.
In order to employ a consultant, a county official must assert that doing so would be more cost effective than hiring another full-time employee, among other requirements spelled out in the proposed ordinance.
Kane County Board attorney Ken Shepro said the changes “bring some uniformity” to the purchasing process across all county departments.
“Everybody had a different way of procuring services,” Shepro said. The proposed ordinance “creates a more consistent process.”
The finance committee forwarded the measure to the board’s executive committee, which will consider it next month.
JC has finished all his land deals with associates in all county departments already.
This is no skin off his back now.
The pay to players have already made their money.
Voters will see through this transparent (and late) effort at reform.
I did understand KR’s position.
Like her, I am also turned off to the practice of personal forms of intimidation in any respect, which are exactly ACT group’s tactics.
KR, I think you have are caught in the middle, thanks to negative and vicious ACT members activities. I don’t understand very well your issue, but I understand that your defense is just a symptom of the big problem: ACT vicious tactics to gain momentum for political purposes. That is very sad.
It's getting hot and ACT is asking the questions that need to be asked.
Keep it up despite what the paid consultants throw at you citizen MacRunnels and board.
It is getting HOT because MacRunnels and board are throwing mud left and right to every elected official who exposes the truth or hold them accountable for their slandering.
They even attack people from specific fields like those responsible for communications.
I guess I have to be rich to pay a career in medicine or law to be accepted by this extreme right-wing group.
What?!!!
What constitutes throwing "mud."
Copying from public recorded documents in regard to county spending. It is shocking but that is not ACT's fault.
Asking for information that every taxpayer is entitle to? Being met with resistance and given little information if any?
ACT is not throwing mud. Just letting taxpayer in on the truth.
It does bother a FEW elected officials that don't want full and open disclosure so now name calling like "far right extreme" is the new attack from the good ole boy network.
Communication is good. However, the best communication should not exist between three or four cronie board members but the ENTIRE board and ALL the Kane taxpayers.
Hey, the comminications experts have made between $8000 to $12000 thousand dollars a month on the federal end.
They are making over $4000 per month at the county.
I have F.O.I.D.e'd the documents.
Want to see them?
How many taxpayers would like to bring home this kind of dough?
From a Poor person accused of being an "extreme right wing" NUT
Give us the names of the board members who feel like they don't have access to information. You certainly post anonymously with confidence. Considering this is YOUR BLOG on YOUR WEBSITE Jim, you should at least post using YOUR NAME.
I have F.O.I.D.e'd the documents.
Want to see them? Statement 1
Being met with resistance and given little information if any?
statement 2
which is it?
They show up at meetings that have been cancelled.
You really don't think that the cronys of leadership aren't known to the entire board?
Carlson
Jones
Hurlbut
Wyatt
Enough information for you?
Asking for information that every taxpayer is entitle to? Being met with resistance and given little information if any?
Answer to both statements.
Being given little or no information in response to citizen requests. What is not understandable about this statement. Some requests are over one month late.
This is information the media and the public is entitled to.
If the media requests the county employment list with the sponsors of each employee would that be provided to them? Many close associates of the connected county board crony's have been hired.
Boyfriends of family members, spouses etc.
Does the public have a right to know this?
It is possible to be in favor of both ACT and most members of the Kane County Board.
Neither one is 100% negative.
ACT gave credit to the board for lowering the animal control fees from their original projections.
The board should give some credit for ACT for some of the recent changes in policy that may not have been implemented if not for public disclosure.
After almost three years these policies are now being considered.
This is all good.
ACT has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the changes,
Once again, taking credit uh?
Being positive about one little thing doesn’t mean a thing, they are trying to re-establish credibility after many citizens had complained. It is too late to fix anything Jim.
The ACT group’s negativity and vicious intentions were out of control.
I am so glad I'm a private citizen and my wages are not public record, otherwise I would be a CRONY in the ACT group's eyes.
Investing my time and money to get a degree and working overtime is a crime? It seems I should be making the same money as everyone else regardless of my experience and hard work.
Those who call ACT a right-wing group are confuse.
Positive comments from ACT = Damage control
Ask JC about damage control.LOL
Jim: when an elected official is gathering evidence to prove you wrong is not "damage control".
I can see is fun for you, to me is just a way for you to keep them busy while you guys prepare to announce your bid for a county seat.
It should take no time to "gather evidence" in regard to per diem data.
Someone signs off on the per diems.
It should already be part of public record.
And as for the "new" county policies?
Check the public record of just when an approved vendor list was seriously raised as a consideration for work.
It was recently when it was finally pushed through the committee process.
This could have been done in days in the past three years if there was any desire to do so.
Now you say that an active citizen like Jim had nothing to do with this.
We are not poltical (but at least we were not) until our neighbor got us involved in watching what is happening at the county.
We have read about contributors to campaigns and saw this on this site.
The press should do a check of which firms contribute to the Chairman's campaign and then check to see if these people have county contracts.
Our Governor got major media headlines for having only 20% of the contributor base listed for work.
Is there anything here?
Give us the names of the board members who feel like they don't have access to information. You certainly post anonymously with confidence. Considering this is YOUR BLOG on YOUR WEBSITE Jim, you should at least post using YOUR NAME.
When did ACT say that getting a degree and working overtime is bad?
These county leaders are hell bent on creating any lies they can to take the focus off the ole boy network.
Yes, we all know that ACT members are against the media too.
I think the media where the first one to be attacked on Jim's letter.
who's next on your black list besides people with good wages?
The media is paying attention and checking the documentation provided in public record by ACT.
This is the way it should be.
Those on ACT's black list.
Pay to Play Politics and county officials that participate in the practice.
It isn't the fault of the contributors but it is the fault of those that encourage them to contribute.
The media should check all the finance records from 2000.
Much more to come later.
From an Openline Blogger:
When you vote, the candidate isn't anyone trustworthy or for the people. If they aren't corrupt, they will be. They tell you what you want to hear. They are not held accountable. They all think they are above the law and in most cases they are. Can you say George Ryan? The candidate who is running for office is a piece of **** from the get-go. We the people have to start electing a new candidate challenger every election. We have to stop re-electing these good-for-nothing, non-representing crooks and send the message that they are not going to make a career on office.
Jim, keep telling the media what to do...they really like that
Give us the names of the board members who feel like they don't have access to information. You certainly post anonymously with confidence. Considering this is YOUR BLOG on YOUR WEBSITE Jim, you should at least post using YOUR NAME.
I heard the big announcement tomorrow. Press Conference called for 2:45 at the old courthouse.
"Carlson to publicly address ACT charges of fiscal malfeasance." Stay tuned.
Great. A lifelong bureaucrat at the podium.
There will be a bunch of questions to ask him.
Hope he has proof of ACT's statements accusing him of theft at the meeting.
Oh yeah, have him bring his economic interest statement too.
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