SafeSpeed dumps Omar Maani
Monday, Feb 3, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Press release…
Following reports of his alleged involvement in criminal activity, SafeSpeed, LLC terminated Omar Maani’s ownership interest in and association with the company, Sunday, February 2. Omar Maani did not and will not receive any money from the company as part of this process. The company does not believe Omar Maani should profit in any way from his alleged criminal behavior.
Until the reporting of events related to the federal criminal investigation last week, SafeSpeed did not know about the payment of government funds totaling $70,000 by Mr. Maani to Senator Sandoval and had no knowledge of the government’s use of SafeSpeed to further its investigation. That conduct did not benefit SafeSpeed; in fact, the alleged criminality of Mr. Maani and Senator Sandoval has caused significant harm to SafeSpeed’s business and its reputation. Mr. Maani’s alleged criminal activity was done without the Company’s authority; his alleged criminal actions violate every trust the Company placed in him, and contradict and undercut the company’s important work with local municipalities to promote traffic safety and save lives.
While Mr. Maani held a minority ownership interest in SafeSpeed, he has not been active in the Company’s business’s management or operations for more than a year.
To be clear, Omar Maani’s alleged criminality does not reflect the values and integrity of SafeSpeed and its employees—the people who work hard at the company every day and are invested in its success and integrity.
SafeSpeed applauds the government for rooting out corruption. We stand resolute in our commitment to continue to serve Illinois municipalities with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to the law.
…Adding… Meant to post this and didn’t…
The politically connected red-light camera company at the center of former state Sen. Martin Sandoval’s brazen bribery scheme has been hit along with Sandoval and several suburban officials with a federal racketeering lawsuit.
The lawsuit targets SafeSpeed LLC as well as Cook County Commissioner Jeff Tobolski, his chief of staff Patrick Doherty, former Oakbrook Terrace Mayor Tony Ragucci, Alsip Mayor John Ryan and Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez.
Other defendants include Oakbrook Terrace, former Chicago Deputy Aviation Commissioner Bill Helm, former Justice police chief Robert Gedville, Worth Township Supervisor John O’Sullivan, former state Rep. Michael Carberry, Summit Police Chief John Kosmowski and Bill Mundy, head of public works in Summit.
Finally, the lawsuit names SafeSpeed co-founders Nikki Zollar and Chris Lai, as well as SafeSpeed stakeholders Omar Maani and Khalid “Cliff” Maani.
This is the same plaintiff who is suing because he didn’t get a job at PACE allegedly because of Sandoval. The suit is here.
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Money reports
Monday, Feb 3, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Lynn Sweet…
In the biggest Chicago-area Democratic primary, embattled Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., enters the final weeks of the 3rd Congressional District campaign with more cash-on-hand than chief rivals Marie Newman and Rush Darwish.
And in the major Republican primary in the Chicago region, the willingness of state Sen. Jim Oberweis, R-Sugar Grove, to self-finance his bid — he’s put in $1 million so far — puts him ahead of his key competitors in the seven-way contest for the 14th Congressional District seat held by freshman Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill.
His main competition, state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and Ted Gradel, a Naperville businessman, also made substantial loans to their bids. They each outraised Oberweis in the last quarter of 2019.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., is the Illinois House fundraising champion, and he faces only nominal primary opposition and no Republican opponent. He has stockpiled a stunning $6,895,927 in campaign cash — more than twice than Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., who ranks second with $3,330,558 cash on hand.
* Ted Slowik…
For the three-month period ending Sept. 30, Lipinski reported donations of $176,741, expenses of $191,690 and a balance of $693,088. Newman reported donations of $345,640, expenses of $183,278 and a balance of $514,237. Darwish reported receipts of $210,779, expenses of $83,943 and a balance of $318,113.
* Shia Kapos…
13th District: Democrat Betsy Dirksen Londrigen out-raised incumbent GOP Rep. Rodney Davis in Q4 2019. Londrigan took in $531,090 and is holding $1.14 million heading into a Dem primary against little-known Stefanie Smith. Davis raised $360,937 and has $1.1 million cash on hand. […]
14th District: Democratic Rep. Lauren Underwood raised $878,087 in Q4 and has $1.7 million in the bank. There are three leading GOP candidates in the money race: state Sen. Jim Oberweis raised $726,209 and has $1.1 million COH; Ted Gradel raised $269,650 and has $649,126 COH; and state Sen. Sue Rezin raised $217,074 and has $329,389 COH. Four other GOP candidates lag behind, each holding under $40,000.
6th District: Dem. Rep. Sean Casten has $1.9 million COH after raising $639,054 in Q4 2019. He’s awaiting the outcome of the GOP primary between Jeanne Ives and Jay Kinzler. Ives raised $267,997 in Q4 and has $313,366 COH. Kinzler raised $150,903 and has $145,534 COH.
Thoughts?
…Adding… Press release…
With just 43 days before the Illinois primary, conservative Darren Duncan has shown himself to be the clear frontrunner in the race to replace incumbent Congressman John Shimkus.
As Federal Election Commission fundraising reports were filed Friday, Duncan showed immense strength, even though he had a three month delay on Mary Miller raising money and putting together an operation. Duncan closed the end of the year with over $200,000 cash on hand, while Miller’s campaign showed about $100,000.
Miller has tried to portray herself as a fundraising juggernaut in the initial months of her campaign, but it appears much of her rhetoric was inflated. Of Miller’s roughly $100,000 cash on hand, almost $60,000 of it, more than half, is earmarked for the General Election. That means she can’t touch it without the risk of having to pay it back if she loses the primary.
None of Darren Duncan’s Q4 contributions were earmarked for November, meaning every dollar in his campaign account is accessible before March 17.
Duncan has amassed tens of thousands of views on his first web ad, “He’ll Help Trump,” and will be on the air beginning Tuesday.
Since entering the race, Duncan has put together a district-wide operation and has positioned himself as the conservative candidate who will help Donald Trump pass a conservative agenda in Washington.
A seventh-generation farmer, Duncan was endorsed by former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway and the Rural America Counts PAC, chaired by Arkansas Republican Congressman Rick Crawford. He’ll be rolling out high profile local endorsements in the coming days.
The clock is ticking to March 17 and Darren Duncan has shown himself to be the frontrunner for Congress.
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Somebody’s always gotta be a downer
Monday, Feb 3, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The BGA fact-checks the governor’s State of the State address…
Pritzker said “over the past year, Illinois has reduced its unemployment rate more than all of the top 20 most populated states in the nation — and more than our Midwestern peers.”
Federal data back that up. However, the differences between those states’ reductions are minimal, and Illinois’ unemployment rate remains higher than 12 of the states included in that comparison.
We rate his claim Mostly True.
Read the rest for the details if you so desire.
…Adding… University of Illinois…
The U of I Flash Index began the new year with a slight decline in January, falling to 105.4 from its 105.6 reading in December.
The index remains in the narrow range it has occupied the last 18 months. “This reflects the now-familiar story of both the national and Illinois economies continued growth at a moderate, steady rate,” said University of Illinois economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the monthly index for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs. An index reading above 100 denotes growth.
The recently-released fourth-quarter GDP growth rate shows a return to the near 2 percent level that has seems to be the new norm with 2.1 percent, 2.1 percent, and 2.0 percent registered respectively for the last three quarters. “On a positive note, this is actually good news compared with recession fears raised mid-year in 2019,” Giertz said.
The Illinois employment rate fell to 3.7 percent, the lowest in more than 50 years and only two-tenths of a percentage point above the national level.
Two components of the index, the corporate and individual income tax receipts, declined. Sales tax receipts increased slightly compared with the same month last year after adjusting for inflation. The lower corporate receipts may be a response to strong revenues over the last quarter of 2019.
…Adding… Press release…
State Representatives Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) and Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) issued the following statement today upon the announcement that the Ferrara Candy Company will move into a new 1.6 million-square-foot distribution center in the ChicagoWest Business Center near Interstate 88 by the end of 2020:
“Today’s announcement from Ferrara brings a significant investment of 1,000 new jobs that will boost our local economy in the DeKalb region, with 500 new jobs in the first phase alone. We have both said that creating jobs is one of our top priorities. As part of the bipartisan state budget and capital bill approved by the General Assembly last year, we were able to enact pro-business reforms that will lay the groundwork for thousands of new jobs for years to come. Specifically, these reforms included the creation of the Blue Collar Jobs Act to attract large-scale construction; reinstatement of the Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit to encourage further investments in manufacturing in Illinois; and elimination of the Franchise Tax. Passage of these pro-business reforms made it possible for DeKalb to land Ferrara to the ChicagoWest Business Center, and the capital bill secured the funding necessary to prepare the site for such a large investment.
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[Comments are now open on this post.]
* Tina Sfondeles with the scoop…
Illinois State Police executed a search warrant Wednesday at Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s Capitol offices as they investigate allegations of wrongdoing, including sexual misconduct and stalking, against Jack Franks, a former state representative who now serves as McHenry County Board chairman. […]
The search warrant — obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times via a Freedom of Information Act request — says Illinois State Police justified the search because “probable cause exists for the crimes of criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault, official misconduct, stalking and aggravated battery.”
Police requested personnel, human resources or other files “containing information related to allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct by former Illinois State Representative Jack D. Franks.”
It also asked for “reports or complaints related to sexual misconduct, harassment, stalking or other misconduct by Franks.” […]
The speaker’s office on Friday said a complaint was first received about alleged sexual harassment involving an employee of the speaker’s office and a former state representative on Nov. 19, 2018. Madigan and his chief of staff were notified, and an investigation began. […]
In February 2019, the speaker’s office determined the harassment allegations were “credible,” and the speaker asked Illinois Secretary of State Police to ban Franks from entering the Capitol without an escort, the speaker’s office said.
A month later, the speaker’s office said they received even more information about the allegations, which increased in severity, and based on that, the office called various law enforcement agencies to report “possible criminal conduct.”
There’s lots more, so click here to read the rest. Franks is also openly backing Brian Sager in the 63rd House District Democratic primary against Peter Janko.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Speaker Madigan’s office…
The Office of the Speaker today released information about a complaint involving allegations of sexual harassment. In an effort to protect the alleged victim’s right to privacy, personal information and private details have been redacted.
On November 19, 2018, the Office received a complaint alleging sexual harassment involving an employee and a former Illinois state representative. In accordance with the Office’s policy, Speaker Madigan and the Chief of Staff were immediately notified and an investigation was initiated. Based on the allegations involved in the complaint, Speaker Madigan directed his Counsel to notify the alleged perpetrator that they were prohibited from any contact with employees in the Office and from visiting the Capitol complex. The Office also took immediate action to assess whether the alleged victim was in danger and whether any immediate accommodations were necessary. The alleged victim requested confidentiality and due to unforeseen circumstances could not fully participate in the investigation for a period of time, but ultimately provided information and assisted with the investigation.
In February 2019, the Office determined that the allegations were credible. As a result, the Office of the Speaker took additional steps to protect the alleged victim and requested the Secretary of State Police ban the alleged perpetrator from entering the Capitol Complex without an escort.
In March 2019, the Office received additional information about the allegations. Based on this information and numerous facts discovered during the investigation, the Office initiated contact with various law enforcement agencies to report possible criminal conduct. Speaker Madigan called the Sangamon County State’s Attorney to advise that the Office had information about possible criminal conduct and would fully cooperate with any investigation. Following that call, the Chief Counsel contacted the State’s Attorney and was advised to contact the Illinois State Police. The Chief Counsel and Human Resources Director met with the Illinois State Police to provide information about the allegations. Shortly after this meeting, the Office facilitated a meeting between the State Police and the alleged victim. Additionally, the Office informed Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope and Maggie Hickey, a partner at Schiff Hardin, who was then engaged in an independent investigation of the Office of the Speaker and Office of the Clerk. Simultaneously, the Office contacted the Secretary of State Police to confirm the Capitol Police were aware that the former member should not be allowed in the Capitol Complex without a security escort. In an effort to cooperate with any potential outside investigation, the Office of the Speaker preserved all documents related to the investigation and offered full cooperation.
On January 24, 2020, the Illinois State Police contacted the Office to request the investigatory file. On January 27, 2020, the Chief Counsel contacted the Counsel for the Illinois State Police to offer cooperation and discuss protocol for transmitting the documents. On January 28 and 29, the Chief Counsel made several attempts to contact the State’s Attorney to discuss how the Office could cooperate and transfer any documents; however, there was no response. On January 29, 2020, the Illinois State Police executed a search warrant at the Office to expedite receipt of documents related to the allegations, and documents were immediately provided. In addition, the alleged victim was notified of the search warrant the following day. Because the State Police search warrant was not filed under seal, the nature of the allegations and the name of the accused are now publicly available. The Office of the Speaker has therefore decided to release the information that can be made public surrounding the complaint.
The confidentiality of the complainant involved in this matter has been and continues to be of paramount importance. The Office’s response and actions related to this complaint were made, to the extent possible, in consultation with the complainant and consistent with the complainant’s wishes. In this instance, the alleged victim has requested confidentiality, and the Office will continue to be committed to respecting the complainant’s request for privacy.
For information on crime victim’s assistance please contact the Crime Victims Assistance Line (800-228-3368). For information on sexual assault please contact the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (www.icasa.org or call 217-753-4117).
The following statement is attributable to Speaker Mike Madigan:
“After receiving a report of alleged sexual harassment, my office immediately took steps to protect the alleged victim and conducted an investigation. Based on information received during the investigation and subsequent to it, my office informed the appropriate authorities of the allegations and the investigation, including the Sangamon County State’s Attorney, the Secretary of State Capitol Police, and the Illinois State Police for further review and action. I remain committed to working to protect the victim and will see this matter to its conclusion in order to ensure the victim’s safety. My office has taken significant steps to strengthen the process for filing a complaint of sexual harassment. I remain committed to better protecting employees and ensuring a safe and supportive workplace for all.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) issued the following statement upon learning that the Illinois State Police executed a search warrant Wednesday at Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s Capitol offices investigating allegations of wrongdoing, including sexual misconduct and stalking, against McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks:
“The news that Jack Franks is under investigation because probable cause exists for the crimes of criminal sexual abuse, criminal sexual assault, official misconduct, stalking and aggravated battery, according to the Illinois State Police, goes beyond anything that can be easily dismissed with a blanket denial,” Reick said. “These allegations stem from actions that occurred as far back as 2016, and they demand a complete investigation.”
According to a report in the Chicago Sun Times: “Madigan’s office said it received a complaint in 2018 about alleged sexual harassment by a former state representative, investigated and found the complaint credible. Madigan’s office said appropriate law enforcement agencies were informed the following year.”
“I have to wonder why it is that predatory actions that allegedly occurred as far back as 2016 took until 2018 to be communicated to and investigated by the Speaker’s office, and why it then took until the following year for law enforcement to be informed of them.” Reick said. “Where will this end?”
“Jack Franks has no choice but to immediately resign as the Chairman of the McHenry County Board.” Reick demanded.
“Everything he does in that role going forward will be tainted by the credible allegations of abuse against an innocent victim of what by all accounts is predatory behavior. The people of McHenry County deserve representation that is not tainted by allegations of misconduct of such breathtaking proportions. Until these allegations are fully dealt with, he has no business holding a position of trust. He must immediately resign.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Excerpt from the full search warrant…
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* ABC 7…
When former state senator Martin Sandoval pleaded guilty to bribery charges, and named the red light camera company Safespeed as the source of the dirty money, he caused aftershocks across the political landscape in Illinois.
ABC 7 confronted House Republican Leader Jim Durkin about the $7,500 he’d received from Safespeed.
“I don’t want that money, it will be sent off to a charity in my area, and we will be doing that very soon,” Durkin said. “But in hindsight you don’t know, you expect that people are going to play within the rules, and acting a lawful manner, but I will not accept that tainted money.”
In January 2018, Safespeed made a $5,000 donation to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Raoul said on Thursday, “I haven’t decided what charity yet, but it is my intent to donate the contribution to charity.”
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was evasive on her plans for the $7,500 she’s received from Safespeed.
Go read the rest for Preckwinkle’s answer.
Click here to see all campaign contributions from the company, which should probably start laying low.
…Adding… Leader Durkin’s spokesperson said his committee mailed two checks before the State of the State address to Special Olympics Illinois and The Home 2 Home Project.
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