Collins leaving US Attorney’s office
Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
This is gonna create a huge hole in that office.
Patrick Collins, a star prosecutor whose efforts led to the convictions of former Gov. George Ryan and Mayor Daley’s former patronage chief, Robert Sorich, is leaving the U.S. attorney’s office in Chicago after 12 years.
Collins is joining the Chicago office of Perkins Coie, a law firm based in Seattle. He will be a partner in the firm.
He was the lead prosecutor in Ryan’s six-month trial. Ryan is now appealing his conviction.
Collins did the heavy lifting. Fitzgerald gets the credit for all the high profile convictions, but Collins did a whole lot of the work.
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Question of the day
Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
A column today by my good pal Phil Kadner at the Daily Southtown highlights a big problem with passing any sort of education funding reform.
The column starts off by noting that Rep. Lou Lang wants to end the property tax in Illinois (a topic we’ve discussed before). Lang tells Kadner, however, that he can’t support a tax swap because…
“I think that bill would harm the schools in my district, which is wealthier than many other districts,” Lang said. “So I couldn’t vote for it as it is currently written.”
I noted that the bill has a “hold harmless” provision, meaning no school district would lose money.
“Yes,” Lang conceded, “but the Legislature could ignore that provision four years from now and change the way the funds are distributed. I don’t think you can trust the Legislature.”
Lang ought to know. He’s been a member of the House of Representatives since 1987.
Lang makes a good point about not trusting the GA, but that’s not what I’m interested in discussing.
Lots of legislators strictly “vote their districts” on just about everything, which makes passing bills for the entire state impossible. It’s often a healthy check and balance, but it can get out of hand (like when members reflexively vote against anything that might benefit another region, even if it won’t cost their own residents a dime).
To the question: What do you think of Lang’s reasoning in this instance? Forget about whether or not you support or oppose a tax swap, and try to discuss this district vs. statewide mentality. Is it out of hand? Is it mostly a positive? Etc.
And, please, this is not about whether Lou Lang is a good guy or a bad guy. It’s about a position. Let’s keep personalities out of it and focus on the subject at hand.
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Another legacy Democrat tries to move up
Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
Subscribers know that I’ve been keeping an eye on the Carbondale mayor’s race because Paul Simon’s daughter Sheila is running and may eventually use the job as a springboard for legislative or even statewide office.
Simon finished strong in the primary this week, thumping incumbent Brad Cole and two other contestants with 54 percent of the vote, to Cole’s 38 percent, in a low-turnout race. Mayor Cole is also seen as an important member of the Republican “bench” and he’s being backed by House GOP Leader Tom Cross.
The Tribune has a brief story today…
For a non-partisan election, the race has already captured the attention of both parties and state political buffs.
Democrats, hoping to capitalize on the political name of Simon’s father, have backed Simon by holding fundraisers as far away as Chicago. They see a chance to put a potential statewide player in office in what has traditionally been Republican country. […]
Still, political analysts say the Simon legacy brings formidable political cachet. Simon, a law school professor, helped run some of her father’s campaigns for the Senate and the presidency.
“Never underestimate the family thing,” Chicago political analyst Paul Green said. “The Simon name is a golden name statewide and especially in southern Illinois. Anyone running against it is bound for a rough ride.”
Some are already touting Simon as a possible statewide contender. But how many more of these legacy Democrats can Illinois accept? I’m not sure. Your musings are appreciated.
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Reading the tea leaves *** Updated x1 ***
Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
So, where exactly is Senate President Emil Jones on reimposing the electric utility rate freeze? And what does he intend to do about Ameren’s skyrocketing rates?
* Bloomington Pantagraph…
The top Democrat in the Illinois Senate again doused hopes Wednesday that the General Assembly might somehow roll back huge electric rate increases. […]
“I know one thing for certain: If you freeze your rates for a year you’re still going to have that cliff to fall off a year from now. You’ve got to quit playing games with this particular issue,” said Jones. […]
“I don’t pay too much attention to the House. They play to the cheers of the crowd rather than doing the responsible thing. We intend to do the responsible thing over here,” he told reporters.
* St. Louis Post-Dispatch…
But there have been indications that [Senate President Jones] is softening that stance in the face of public outrage over the power bills. Jones spokeswoman Cindy Davidsmeyer said Wednesday that Jones remains “personally opposed” to freezing utility rates, but added: “He certainly realizes that, especially in Ameren territory, there is a very serious problem downstate.”
The question becomes, if he’s “personally opposed,” will that mean he won’t block an attempt to roll back Ameren’s rates?
Then again, even if he does accede to that demand, House Speaker Madigan will likely amend the bill to include ComEd and lob it right back across the Statehouse hall.
Meanwhile…
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is getting behind legislation that would enable voters to oust members of the Illinois Commerce Commission, the state’s utility regulator. Under House Bill 1916, commission members would have to stand for retention or recall on the ballot at the first general election after they were appointed and confirmed.
Thoughts?
*** UPDATE *** Jim Muir’s Southern Illinoisan column today is written as a letter to Emil Jones…
During the past four weeks I know of three small businesses that have closed specifically because of the electric rate increase. While that might not mean much to folks who live in a large metropolitan area, in a rural area like Southern Illinois the loss of any business is devastating and the trickle-down effect is even more devastating. The latest closure is a daycare center where the electric bill went from $800 in January to $2,300 in February. […]
Even to a small town newspaper hack like me it’s not a great leap to perceive that maybe, just maybe, those hundreds of thousands of dollars are the reason for your stubborn and wrongheaded refusal to call this legislation for a vote in the Senate. As we’re often told, perception is everything and from what I hear coming from other corners of the state the belief that you’re in cahoots with the electric companies is gaining momentum these days. But you have a chance to prove that perception wrong along with a rare opportunity that many people never get - the opportunity to correct a wrong and make it right.
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Local Elections Roundup *** Updated x1 ***
Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson
* Does Natarus’s loss affect real estate?
Because of “aldermanic privilege,” the long-standing say over zoning that City Council members have in the wards they represent, Reilly can arm-twist design concessions from developers. His influence will be felt in such projects as the proposed 150-story lakefront “spire” by Santiago Calatrava and coming changes in the Loop’s Block 37.
* Natarus looks back on long career; defends record
* Natarus claims negative ads sunk his campaign
* Eric Zorn: Chicago duller without Natarus
But from everything he’s shown us, Reilly is unlikely to launch into windy soliloquies about “dog doo,” muse about why “Asian people, for someone reason or other, have a knack for numbers and figures,” issue a call for strip joints to post prices for “all services rendered” or otherwise serve as one of our town’s unofficial colorful characters, as he has for most of his 36 years in office.
* Daley downplays Election Day wins for labor
If union leaders were sending a message to City Hall about who will fill the political vacuum, Mayor Daley didn’t hear it. That’s even after labor spent more than $2 million, sent 20 mailings in some wards and put 2,000 pairs of boots on the ground on Election Day.
* Mark Brown: Voters seem happy with Daley, but will it last 4 more years?
* Cochran wins City Council seat in 20th ward
* Tidbits on city election results
* Editorial: Good election for unions, bad one for turnout
* Southwest side sets the turnout bar on election day
* One vote winner still cautious in 4th ward
* Kristin McQueary: Jackson on Sandi’s win, in own words
* Editorial: Too busy to vote? Too bad for you
* St. Charles mayoral candidates face run off
*** UPDATE *** Davlin won all 10 wards in practice run vs. Strom
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Morning Shorts
Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson
* Legislators say state official lying about drivers
* Mary Mitchell: A cougar gets played in silk PJ scandal
Even if Wertz were a man and Estes were a woman, this would be a salacious scandal.
It’s even juicier because Wertz is being portrayed as a “cougar” — a powerful older woman who goes after younger men.
* Daley denies report that CTA’s Kruesi is headed out
* Illinois named #1 in the nation in regulating child care
* Agreement requires state to provide motorized wheelchairs in Illinois nursing homes
* Editorial: Cook County budget a step in the right direction, but toughest road ahead
Now the question is whether the elected officials will view this year’s battle as a starting point or as a one-time-only nod to responsible government. Budget talks for 2008 will begin before the end of summer. There already have been whispers around the county building that this year’s minimal cuts will be cited as the cause of declining services and justification for major tax increases next February.
* Tax board member supports 7% Expanded Homeowner’s Exemption
* Proposal of public financing of judicial races moves forward
* HPV vaccine mandate moves out of Senate committee
* Campaign reform activists still waiting on Governor
* Jones proposing universal screenings for postpartum mood disorders proposed
* Cross introduces three new bills targeting domestic violence
* Tougher teen drivinglaws set for full Senate vote
* Legislation to go after salvia plant
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Question of the day
Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
First, the setup…
Even though his drunken driving killed four people, Randy Visor faces no special penalties for driving with his license revoked.
But under a new Illinois House bill, the 34-year-old Aurora man could have been charged with a felony, because his license was revoked for committing reckless homicide.
Visor spent four years in prison after he was convicted in the 1997 drunken-driving crash that took the lives of four people, including three Waubonsie Valley High School students.
In March 2006, Batavia police apprehended him for driving with a revoked license. Under current law, he was charged with a misdemeanor, just like any other people caught driving while their license is revoked.
Rep. Joe Dunn, a Republican who represents the far east side of Aurora and Naperville, now is sponsoring a bill that would upgrade the charge of driving on a revoked license based on a reckless homicide from a misdemeanor to felony. On the first violation, the bill would prohibit reinstating an offender’s driving privileges for at least three years. By the third violation, an offender would have his license revoked for life.
I would assume you support this bill, so that’s not the question. Here’s the question: What other changes to DUI laws could you support? Or do we have enough? Explain
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WATB
Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
I noticed something last night while doing a bit of instant analysis on the Chicago city council races.
* Brendan Reilly stomped Burton Natarus by nine points, but Natarus refused to concede.
* Sandi Jackson creamed Darcel Beavers by almost 15 25 points, yet Beavers also refused to concede.
* And Ald. Aurenda Troutman was absolutely steamrolled, losing by 30 points, yet she, too, refused to concede. Troutman even claimed there was some sort of evil conspiracy in the counting that somehow deprived her of a victory.
I’m wondering what you think of all this. Are these aldermen just isolated nutballs, are they just so arrogant that they couldn’t imagine ever losing, or do they have no respect for the voters’ wishes? Or is it something else?
We have a couple of other local election threads here, so let’s try to stick to the topic at hand. I really am curious what you make of these clowns (or “buffoons,” as the case may be.)
And, please, don’t try to claim that there weren’t enough results in last night for the three to realize what had happened to them. The Natarus race was over by 8 o’clock, as were the other two contests.
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Rate rage roundup - The morning after
Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - Posted by Rich Miller
* We’ll start our coverage with today’s Tribune story…
Lawmakers, school officials and mayors lashed out at utility companies Tuesday in a rare public hearing before the full House, saying skyrocketing electricity bills are forcing consumers to choose between food, medicine and heat.
“I can’t begin to describe the crisis and calamity going on,” said Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion), sitting by a bundle of constituents’ bills 2 feet high. “The scales of justice in this state are out of whack.” […]
The hearing unleashed pent-up rage over bills that began arriving in consumer mailboxes about the time House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones reached a stalemate over how to address one of the biggest pocketbook issues the two Chicago Democrats have faced in years.
* Meanwhile, ComEd claimed they don’t have a rate problem up north, and blatantly threw Ameren under the bus…
“Yes, there’s a serious issue in the state of Illinois,†Clark said. “But it’s not all over Illinois and 75 percent of the customer base in Illinois is not having that problem. Now do we need to address the situation in southern Illinois? Absolutely.â€
* Sun-Times…
Madigan said he’s “still very hopeful” that the Senate will support another freeze, even though Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) stymied a similar plan in January.
Ameren and ComEd executives have said another freeze would wreak financial havoc on their companies.
* Madigan called the ICC-imposed “reverse power auction” nothing more than a fix…
“That auction is nothing more than a fix,†Madigan said. “It’s a fix for Exelon and other large power producers that can produce power at costs so low that when you compare the cost of producing the power against the price set by the reverse clock auction, there’s enough spread (that) the financial houses from New York have become buyers and sellers of power in Illinois. That’s not right.â€
* And Ameren offered up a “compromise“…
The president of Ameren’s Illinois utilities, facing a roomful of angry state lawmakers Tuesday, vowed one-time partial refunds to Illinoisans who have been socked with unusually high power bills this month — a $20 million gambit apparently designed to persuade the Legislature not to re-regulate electric rates.
* But as I told you last night, when I was the first to run a brief piece on the Ameren proposal, the Speaker turned thumbs down, claiming the Ameren offer (which totaled $35 million) was insufficient.
* Lawmakers comment on electric rate hikes
* Outlining the program options offered by ComEd
* And a Daily Herald semi-blogger registered his complaints.
Making the management of the proceedings even more questionable was the fact that it was 7:30 p.m. before the Ameren CEO took the witness stand to explain why some of his company’s customers are seeing power bill increases of 200 to 300 percent and tell lawmakers what he planned to do about it. Scott Cisel, the Ameren CEO, outlined an 8-point plan of customer relief only to have it largely dismissed by downstate members who openly accuse the company of lying to them about the effects of rate hikes.
But by then, Mayor Daley was being declared the winner of yet another term in Chicago and across the state, media attention was turning to key local races, particularly downstate where there aren’t the resources in many media markets to cover both the hearing and the elections. And, unlike the hearing, the elections were producing results Tuesday night.
At nearly 11 p.m., ComEd’s CEO still had not testified or taken questions.
* Soundclips from committee of the whole hearing [Madigan’s full statement will be posted later this morning in the subscriber-only section]
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Local Elections Roundup
Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson
[Note: View Rich Miller’s commentary from last night on some of the aldermanic races, plus links to other stories by clicking here.]
* Reilly headed to City Council
* Rounding up other aldermanic races
* Mark Brown: Jackson’s win shocks political dynasty’s boss ‘hog’
* Night of upsets
If it was a bad day for incumbents, it was a good day for the unions that targeted them for opposing the failed big-box ordinance that would have required large retailers to pay their workers more.
“I don’t know how you spin this other than a very big night for organized labor,” said Jerry Morrison, executive director of the Service Employee International Union’s State Council, predicting that Daley will face a more independent Council. “This is a new day dawning, brother.”
* Incumbents struggle all election night
* Tough fights throughout the city
* Corruption hurts Troutman, Daley gets away unscathed
* Kristen McQueary: Some up some down in election
* Embattled Troutman (CBS2 video clip) ousted, and other aldermanic victims
* Rugai reelected to fifth term
* Upstart topples Natarus (CBS2 video clip), unions help many in northside
* Race summaries in the 10th, 14th, 18th , 23rd
* Expectedly low primary turnout numbers
* Incumbent Davlin pleased with results, far ahead of Strom
* Zion mayor trounces challengers
* No surprises in southwest suburbs
* Naperville mayor wins big in primary
* Mayors ahead big in Naperville and Zion
* Incumbent mayors win in Elgin and Hoffman Estates
* This was the easy part, says Daley
* Daley cruises to historic election victory
* Sun-Times Editorial: Daley has his work cut out for him
* Tribune Editorial: Chicagoans voting on Chicago with Daley
* Editorial: Victory comes much too easy for Daley
* Neil Steinberg: A vote for Daley in spirit
* DeValle keeps Clerk’s office
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Morning Shorts
Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - Posted by Paul Richardson
* HPV vaccine too pricey for many
For medical practices, however, sales tax and federal excise tax can increase the cost to almost $140 a dose. And then there is the cost of refrigerated storage, insurance and the time it takes to administer the vaccine.
* Bill aims to drop 5% sales tax from textbook sales
* Amtrack struggling to run trains on time
* Dan Hynes: Illinois poised to lead on stem cell research
It will allow the state to strengthen its international standing in the field of medical research and claim its place as the preeminent location of stem cell research in the Midwest. And it will spur the creation of thousands of new jobs and tens of millions of dollars in private sector investment.
* 2 admit fake minority venture in $49 million County contract bid
The contract called for 30 percent minority participation in the deal. Siemens said Faustech Industries was a minority business that had a joint venture in the deal. Prosecutors say it was a sham: The companies arranged to pay Faustech a flat fee of $500,000.
* More jobs cut in latest county budget figures, up to 1,700 occupied positions
* Stroger’s office defends healthcare cuts
* Lawmakers decry $70,000 of fomer state worker as chauffeur:
Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, wanted to know “how many more do we have in a position making a lot of money for doing a job that may not need to be done in the first place.”
Mautino sits on the appropriations committee of the House that reviews state agencies involved in public safety. He said he will question each of the agencies to see if they have people in similar positions.
* Rezko trial put off for a year, bond restrictions stay
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