Pols behaving badly
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Kinda blatant, no?…
State Rep. Monique Davis’ Democratic friends in the Illinois House Tuesday spared her from a tax bill of at least $444,500.
By a 60-54 vote, with Davis voting present, the House entered into the legal dispute between the longtime South Side lawmaker and the Chicago Board of Education over her refusal to pay back rent and leaseholder taxes on her district office, which is in a school-owned building.
The measure would bar taxation on any property owned by a state or local government leased to another state or local government. It makes no mention of Davis, but the bill would essentially undercut a school system lawsuit against Davis.
That provision was tucked in a broader bill that would exempt a Wheeling office used for “disaster preparedness” and owned by the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System from property taxation.
Davis, who occupies a rent-free Chicago Board of Education building as her district office, was sued in 2009 by the school system in a bid to collect seven years of back rent of $75,000 and uncollected leasehold taxes and penalties totaling $444,500.
* Ugh…
A local Democratic contender for a new Illinois House of Representatives seat is facing a domestic battery charge.
Natalie Manley, a Joliet accountant and candidate in the 98th District race, was arrested Tuesday by Joliet police at her home in the 3100 block of Ingalls Avenue.
Police said the arrest stemmed from a dispute Manley had with her 21-year-old daughter. The younger woman reportedly told police she had lost her cell phone and was unable to let her mother know she would be home late.
When the 21-year-old did return to the apartment she shares with Manley at around 2 a.m. Tuesday, police said she was attacked by her mother, who “punched, kicked, knocked her to the ground, struck her in the face [and] hit her with a set of keys.”
* And now onto something a little funny. First, the setup…
With the primaries more than a month in the past, two more Democrats will be on the November ballot.
The leaders of the county Democratic committees nominated Wanda Rohl for the 16th Congressional District and Thomas Boken Jr. for the 90th House District at their meeting Tuesday evening.
Rohl, a hospice worker from outside of Ottawa, will face U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, in the redrawn 14-county district, which includes Lee, Ogle, Bureau and the western half of DeKalb counties.
Kinzinger defeated fellow incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Egan, in the March Republican primary.
A hospice worker sounds like a fairly decent candidate. Good for her. She has no chance, but participation in our democracy is a great thing.
* But here’s the rub. Ms. Rohl’s Facebook page has a couple of links (backup screenshots are here and here in case she takes down the links) to her blog, which is called The Chick in the Chair Perspective.
Here is a post from that blog…
OK… in case you missed it…. this is an adult conversation!
Today on my hour long commute to class I was flipping through radio stations when I heard ” Do women think about other men while they are having sex?”
OK…the radio guy said “sure they do” while his female co hosts where like “oh hell no…we have to concentrate to get to the big O”.. I laughed and thought oh wouldnt that be nice… I miss the big O, but in true reality as a 39 year old, college student who works, and has three kids… thinking about getting to the big O even if I could, is ususally not what is on my mind…
Things I think about during sex…
God I am tired!
Can the kids here us?
This bed makes way to much noise.
OMG the dog just jumped up on the bed…
Did I remember to lock the door.
I have to get up in 4 hours.
What time is it?
OK the cats are fighting in the basement.
I can’t concentrate… I need to turn the TV off.
…blah, blah, blah……
Oh YEAH….. I Love Him.
Sex is great, but really I am at the point I have to schedule an appointment to have sex otherwise I have other things are on my mind.
So now that you have thought about it the question is… What’s on your mind during sex?
The backup screenshot is here.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with a healthy discussion about sex. But, sheesh, man, at least consider deleting this kind of stuff before you jump into a congressional race.
- cermak_rd - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:40 am:
I guess I don’t see a big problem with Ms. Rohl’s posting. It’s real and probably resonates with a great many women like her. Is there really anything wrong with politicians being normal, rounded people? Or is it that we must then contemplate them as normal, well-rounded people?
- JT - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:40 am:
At least she didn’t say she thought about Adam Kinzinger…
- Been There - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:43 am:
===Can the kids here us?===
I agree with cermak that she is just being like any other normal facebook poster. And at least she seems like she will be an honest politician.
But she needs to work on her spelling.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:47 am:
Ah, MF. You’re so very funny. I got news for you, however. The roast is over.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:55 am:
Well, I will say one thing about the post, “the Facebook” and all that social media …
I got a better idea who she is… dunno if I wanted to know that much, but I know.
Think all that can fit on a “palm card”?
- Small Town Liberal - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 11:56 am:
- She has no chance, but participation in our democracy is a great thing. -
Her post at least shows she’s accustomed to endeavors with little likelihood of success…
- Beef_Eater - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:08 pm:
The most shocking thing about Derrick Smith’s troubles is that it didn’t happen to Davis first.
I think plenty of girls are probably thinking about Adam. It is a fairly funny post.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:08 pm:
===What’s on your mind during sex?===
I do think that was Question 28 on the 13th Republican Nominee questionnaire, ahead of;
“Name all the condiments you put on a Vienna Beef Hot Dog …”
and behind;
“Which one of the different movie “Batmam” characters are you most like?”
So maybe the post will come up in a debate.
I think we all might be dismissing her insight … prematurely.
Just … a thought.
- Sue - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:10 pm:
Rich- if this goes through- The Dems should all be thrown out come November- Since that won’t happen someone should at least notify Ms Davis that the relief of her debt is income reportable to the IRS- maybe she is too dumb to know that and Patrick Fitz can indict her for tax evasion
- wordslinger - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:17 pm:
–…someone should at least notify Ms Davis that the relief of her debt is income reportable to the IRS- maybe she is too dumb to know that and Patrick Fitz can indict her for tax evasion.–
Is it her debt? Doesn’t the state pay for district offices? Are you suggesting she’s been submitting rent payments to the comptroller than pocketing the cash? Not sure where you’re going here.
–The measure would bar taxation on any property owned by a state or local government leased to another state or local government. It makes no mention of Davis, but the bill would essentially undercut a school system lawsuit against Davis. –
- Wensicia - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:18 pm:
Why do men react negatively to the idea that women can mentally multitask during sex? The post is fun and shows a sense of humor sadly lacking in many of our doom and gloom candidates.
- Tobor - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:19 pm:
Suppose A.K. is ever this open?
- Shore - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:28 pm:
Tom Cross and Radogno need to go. They’ve been a total non factor in the chicago press at a time when they really should be driving a message and profiting politically off this Springfield Democratic debacle. We hear more about Democratic debauchery than we do House and Senate Republicans doing or saying anything of serious consequence. Most state republicans I think would struggle to identify them in a lineup and radogno always has an ugly scowl when she’s on tv on her face.
- Cheryl44 - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:32 pm:
Where does Rohl think she is–Europe? How dare she not pretend she doesn’t know what sex is.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:32 pm:
===Tom Cross and Radogno need to go.===
New Map. New Mushrooms.
We will see if a Coup can happen.
If either Minority Leader gets “Veto-Proofed” by Cullerton or Madigan, than their Caucuses should remove the Leader, or …
Rodogno and Cross should do the “right” thing and finally step aside.
Tick tock, Christine and Tom … tick tock.
- In_The_Middle - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:53 pm:
What is the bill number for the Davis tax relief? I want to call my legislator to urge them to vote against it.
- Freeman - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:58 pm:
Dr. Ruth is running for Congress?
- The Captain - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 12:59 pm:
I have some questions about the mechanics of the Davis situation. Isn’t the state the one that pays her rent/lease for her district office? So didn’t the House just essentially pass a law so that the state wouldn’t be on the hook for some money that could potentially be owed to Chicago? Am I missing something that somehow allows Davis to benefit personally here?
Also, there’s this, emphasis mine:
So, 7 years X $75,000/yr = $525,000 + penalties + interest = $444,500. Uh, something isn’t right here.
- Yossarian Lives - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 1:06 pm:
I’m with Been There; I’m much more upset by Ms. Rohl’s poor spelling and poor writing than her subject matter.
- In 630 - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 1:44 pm:
From that post it looks like Ms. Rohl is probably at least make-her-friends-laugh funny. Heck, the post could pass for dialog on a middling sitcom. The sense of humor will serve her well in the inevitable drubbing.
I don’t think there’s anything to it outside the bounds of good taste that needs to be purged.
- Huh? - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 1:47 pm:
This davis thing is just another example of pols looking out for pols. Rather than urging davis to do the right thing and pay what is owed, the ga is bending over backwards to create a “clean” slate for a pal who doesn’t want to pay her debts.
Is the bill retroactive?
- The Lavender Caucus - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 1:56 pm:
Sounds like Wanda should have married up.
- Langhorne - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 1:57 pm:
Davis voted present. So that makes it ok. NOT.
- Timmeh - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 2:41 pm:
Campaign Slogan: “Illinois Taxpayers are on my mind during sex.”
- Irish - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 2:42 pm:
I have to admit I am not anywhere near an expert on Rep’s District offices but I thought they got a stipend or budget from which they paid the cost of their offices. If that is correct then it begs the question did Ms. Davis get the money and not use it where it was supposed to be used? Where then did it go? Or didn’t she get the money and it has taken her over seven years to realize it.
Maybe that’s it. After all she did disremember that she didn’t own a statue once.
More behaving badly.
We just got an email that stated that when we sent in our paperwork regarding any changes in our benefits we cannot use state stamps or envelopes or it is considered abuse of state materials. So Springfield folk can hand walk their paperwork over to the insurance guys cubicle at a cost of $20.00/ hr.. Ms. Davis can wash her hands of a debt of about a half million dollars at some group of taxpayer’s expense. But I can’t use a nickel envelope and a $.44 stamp to mail my response to a employer run program. And people wonder where the rank and file employee anger comes from.
Oh, and just a note regarding a post from a couple of days ago. Why do we worry about CMS making decisions about our health insurance premiums? Yesterday May 8th I got a post card mailed to me from CMS informing me that the benefit choice time will start on May 1 and any changes will go into effect on July 1, and we can view the booklet online to make our choices. However members should delay making their choices because the choices have not been finalized yet. And then today we get an email saying the same thing. That’s what I like an agency that is right on top of things.
So all in all I find Ms. Rohl apparently honest and straight talking a breath of fresh air in comparison to the way things are now. You go girl!!!
- Timmeh - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 2:43 pm:
Also for The Captain: it might be $444,500 + 7 years of rent.
- I don't want to live in Teabagistan - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 3:15 pm:
The current law does and does not make sense. If a governmental entity owns a building it is exempt from property taxes. However, if it leases it to a governmental entity, then property taxes have to be paid. At first blush, this doesn’t make sense. However, the idea is that the governmental entity is holding out this property for profit–it will lease to anyone; this lease just happens to be with another government so why should it be exempt.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 3:15 pm:
=…in case she takes down the links) to her blog,…=
A general observation that’s a little off topic: Good for you, Rich, for “keeping ‘archives’ intact.” The use of social media has opened the door for many–including some of our “oh-so-ethical” officials and their staff–to conduct themselves like the Ministry of Truth in Orwell’s 1984.
Not only have they become experts in “double-speak” and “double-think,” but scrubbing their websites on a regular basis is even more dishonorable. If they won’t hold themselves accountable for their silliness, then voters should be willing to help them keep the record straight.
- The REAL Anonymous fka Anonymous - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 3:18 pm:
Sorry, the 3:15 was me. Lost my handle in more than one way.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 4:25 pm:
“But, sheesh, man, at least consider deleting this kind of stuff before you jump into a congressional race.”
Sounds like an ordinary human talking about sex in a tasteful manner, but -OMG- it’s about SEX ! And this woman is only a CANDIDATE at this point. What’s the issue?
Then, “* Kinda blatant, no?…” Well, YES. But these are our ELECTED folks. Now, there’s a problem. No?
“* Kinda blatant, no?…”
- loudmouthone - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 4:55 pm:
OMG! really we are going to make this an issue about someone listening to the radio and hearing it there and then voicing thoughts and opinion on it. who cares? sounds like to me only the right wing nuts do!! we need a change and she is the change we need!
- Skeeter - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 8:42 pm:
Can anybody clarify the real issue about Davis?
Who is supposed to pay for her office space?
Did she benefit or not?
I’ve read a few news articles and all the comments, and I still have no idea if this is shady or if it just sounds shady.
- Dan Bureaucrat - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 8:51 pm:
I don’t know. I’m with Rich on this one. If her posts were witty or astute, then it might be worth it. But it is tired, lame material with poor grammar and spelling, and because of the subject matter, she just looks clueless posting it.
- Just Me - Wednesday, May 9, 12 @ 9:17 pm:
Yeah, Tom and Christine need to go. They need to be replaced by conservative Republicans who refuse to compromise on anything, becuase no major piece of successful piece of legislation ever passed with compromise.
Gimme’ a break. Imagine you’re them. You have a sophisticated computer draw a sophisticated map against you. You’re out spent 5 to 1. The President of the United States is from the majority party and your state and running for re-election. What do you do? Refuse to compromise and surely then you’ll win the next election cycle, right? Makes perfect sense.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 10, 12 @ 6:26 am:
===Yeah, Tom and Christine need to go. They need to be replaced by conservative Republicans who refuse to compromise on anything, becuase no major piece of successful piece of legislation ever passed with compromise.
Gimme’ a break. Imagine you’re them. You have a sophisticated computer draw a sophisticated map against you. You’re out spent 5 to 1. The President of the United States is from the majority party and your state and running for re-election. What do you do? Refuse to compromise and surely then you’ll win the next election cycle, right? Makes perfect sense.===
To each point ….
We do NOT need conservative Republicans who refuse … etc. We need more Republicans who can appeal to greater masses to win more seats. When we run candidates, conservative, moderate, whatever, that can not win in competetive districts, we ALL fail. Nice snark, but not what I rail about. We need 80% friends, and 20% NOT our enemies in a party thirsting to grow, not be dividided by ideology and purity, to remain … the minority party.
Further …
The MAP.
We can thank the “Clarke” Map on all the GOP who just “never got it” that a Brady win was the only thing stopping a ridiculous map that would be impossible to defeat with the current leadership. Cross and Rodogno can NOT beat Madigan and Cullerton with a fair map, let alone a Dem drawn map. Along the lines of the “Clarke” Map and the POTUS from Illinois, how long do you give this “crutch” of a bad map to the poor leadership?
At some point, someone has to wear to jacket for all this … or do we make exuses for the next ten years.
Finally … the Money!
Lobbyist KNOW that Cross and Rodogno have NO game plan to get back a majority. Like your post, the GA GOP have already given in that they have NO shot at winning anything. So … why on would any lobbyist give these to Mopes any money, knowing that the Leaders themselves feel they can’t get it done. Being spent and being out-raised is indeed a leadership issue, not aq conservative or a moderate issue of my party.
To recap…
Map - The Map is the party’s fault because “some” wanted to teach “conservatives” a lesson, that they can’t win, and in doing so, lost the Map. There is a cost to everything.
POTUS - A “crutch” is a crutch is a crutch … get in the districts a do SOMETHING … every district you give up on, you lose, so choose your fights wisely, but win … I think a Minority Leader in ince did that and win with the map against them … think his name is … Michael J. Madigan. Got it?
Money - Leaders show leadership, have a plan, and get others to follow that lead and that plan. Cross and Rodogno do NONE of that, so … why give them ANY money to blow on a plan-less abyss of political gobbily-gook? Madigan got his gavel back with a map against him because he was a leader, he had a plan to show he can get it back, which led to … the money to fulfill his plan and he won. Corss and Rodogno do NONE of that, and lobbyist know it.
- Just Me -
You have EVERY exuse and no answers … just like Cross and Rodogno … that is why its just Cross … just Rodogno … and just a minority party.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, May 10, 12 @ 6:35 am:
To Correct … sorry!
===Being spent and being out-raised is indeed a leadership issue, not a conservative or a moderate issue of my party.===
===I think a Minority Leader in once did that and did win===
Again, sorry …