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* The Lens…
New Orleans City Councilwoman Helena Moreno has sent a subpoena to a senior member of Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration on Monday demanding he hand over a wide array of documents and appear before the council for questioning related to a potential multimillion-dollar “smart cities” project and contract-fixing allegations regarding a Chicago-based consultant called Ignite Cities. […]
Moreno has previously complained about the lack of public information and the administration’s refusal to share details about the project — a sprawling plan that includes creating a “city-directed” but privately run internet service to compete with existing internet providers like Cox Communications and AT&T. The project would also install thousands of “smart” devices throughout the city to collect data that the city could use to improve services and sell to private companies. […]
The subpoena also comes days after Ignite Cities became embroiled in another controversy in Chicago that sheds new light onto the contract-fixing allegations in New Orleans, and pokes big a hole in the Cantrell administration’s central justification for dismissing those allegations. […]
The reporting from Illinois TV station WCIA-TV centered on Ignite Cities’ managing director, Reyahd Kazmi, and his wife, City Clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia. The station reported on emails from Valencia, a public official, showing how she used her position to advance government projects that involved Kazmi and Ignite Cities.
Vitally, the report revealed that Kazmi is also a registered lobbyist for IKE Smart Cities — a WiFi kiosk manufacturer that, unlike Ignite Cities, is an official member of the Smart+Connected NOLA consortium that would be responsible for installing dozens of kiosks around New Orleans. Kazmi was also present at the recent “WiFi for All” events in New Orleans to promote the smart cities project. […]
In her subpoena, one category of documents that Moreno requested in her subpoena is “any and all communications with George Burciaga, Anna Valencia and Reyahd Kazmi.”
I fully admit that I’m not quite understanding this yet. But it sure does look like Valencia has been providing help to her husband’s business through her city office, which wouldn’t be good.
* Meanwhile, we’ve talked about how the People’s Coalition Map crowd has been hammering away at the Chicago United Map group for its Madigan connections. Well…
Supporters of the Chicago United Map today called on the political committee supporting the “People’s Coalition Map” to return a $10,000 contribution Victor Reyes’ law firm made to the political committee supporting the Latino Caucus-backed map that flies in the face of City of Chicago ethics rules.
The law firm, Reyes Kurson, was hired to advise the Latino Caucus in the city remap process and is headed by attorney and lobbyist Victor Reyes. Reyes is named as “Lawyer A” in the federal criminal indictment case against former House Speaker Michael Madigan and Reyes Kurson is named as “Law Firm A” in the indictment. Reyes’ firm has billed the city nearly $150,000 for work on the remap from the end of May to the end of November, according to a recent media report.
An advisory opinion issued by the City of Chicago Board of Ethics in Feb. 2022 found that the city’s Governmental Ethics Ordinance limits certain contributors, including those “seeking to do business with the City,” to $1,500 in political contributions per calendar year to a candidate or the “candidate’s authorized political committees.” The Reyes Kurson contribution to the Chicago Coalition Map to Redistrict Chicago may be in violation of this ethics rule.
The Chicago United Map is supported by the majority of the Chicago City Council. Supporters of the Chicago United Map are calling on the Chicago Coalition Map to Redistrict Chicago to return the campaign contribution immediately.
* Irvin…
J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats did nothing to clean out corruption in government prior to adjourning session last Friday, even as it was announced the very same day that a state legislator was being investigated by the federal authorities for misusing campaign funds and that former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis was charged for taking bribes in return for favorable ordinance rulings on the City’s Zoning Committee.
The Deferred Prosecution Agreement between Solis and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that was unveiled yesterday showed he had been wearing a wire since December 2018 in his cooperation with the feds, which ultimately resulted in the takedown of former House Speaker Mike Madigan. Solis is being arraigned in federal court this morning.
“J.B. Pritzker’s record when it comes to cleaning out corruption in government is nothing but words and no actions,” said Irvin for Illinois spokesperson Eleni Demertizis. “Pritzker’s continued denial of his connection to Madigan and his criminal enterprise goes hand in hand with his refusal to enact meaningful ethics reform that would prevent any further corruption and misuse taxpayer dollars.”
* Casten…
Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) announced he has been endorsed by the NRDC Action Fund. This endorsement comes on the heels of the League of Conservation Voters endorsing Rep. Casten and adds to the growing list of pro-environmental groups backing him over his opponent in his re-election campaign.
“It’s never been more important for lawmakers to help lower energy costs for American families by standing up to the fossil fuel industry and securing a clean energy future,” said Kevin S. Curtis, executive director of the NRDC Action Fund. “We’re proud to support Congressman Sean Casten because he is in the thick of that fight, working to build a better future for his constituents by growing clean energy jobs, cutting fossil fuels pollution and working to solve the climate crisis.”
“I have spent my entire life working to combat the climate crisis,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “The evidence is overwhelmingly clear - this is the greatest existential threat we face as a species. I’m proud to be endorsed by the NRDC Action Fund as we continue our work together to create clean energy jobs and pass a livable planet on to our children and grandchildren.”
Since coming to Congress, Rep. Casten has passed critical legislation to address the climate crisis. In December, President Biden signed into law legislation from Rep. Casten to reduce the carbon footprint of the federal government. Rep. Casten has also passed legislation to invest in clean energy storage technologies and protect the US financial system from the devastating impacts of the climate crisis.
* Foster…
Today, scientist and businessman Bill Foster announced that his re-election campaign raised over $620,000 in the first quarter of 2022. Foster currently has $4.59 million cash on hand, a clear sign of the strong and broad-based support for his campaign.
“I am so grateful for everyone who has supported our campaign,” Foster said. “When I left my career in physics to run for public office, I didn’t know if we would succeed but I was humbled by the widespread and grassroots support for my campaign. I continue to be honored by everyone who chooses to support me and I look forward to serving the new Illinois’ 11th District next Congress as the only PhD physicist in Congress.”
* Pekau…
Mayor of Orland Park and 6th Congressional District candidate Keith Pekau released his first official campaign video and digital video ad, which focuses on how politicians like Marie Newman, Sean Casten, Nancy Pelosi, and Kim Foxx have put special interests, party politics, and extreme far-left agendas ahead of doing what’s best for the people they’re supposed to represent, and how he will put people over politics in the 6th District.
View Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QmNnuGtldw
Video Script:
Politicians like Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx are letting violent criminals run free, putting our families’ safety at risk. I didn’t put my life on the line to defend our country in the Air Force, including three tours in Iraq, so families would feel unsafe in their homes. Here in Orland Park, we’re fighting back. We’ve reduced crime to the lowest rate in 27 years and we’re rated the safest city in Illinois.Our economy is struggling. Workers are especially hurting in Illinois, where unemployment remains among the highest in the nation. As a successful small business owner, I will fight to bring economic growth and prosperity back to our country, especially right here in the 6th District. That’s what we’ve done here in Orland Park, where our businesses are thriving and creating good-paying jobs for our residents.
But with the highest inflation since 1980, working families are struggling to keep up. Gas, groceries, utilities, and even eating at restaurants costs more now. This is because Washington politicians keep spending and printing money like drunken sailors. It needs to stop. I’ve led by example in Orland Park. I’ve cut spending, paid down debt, and lowered taxes.
While the other Republican candidates talk about solving challenges like crime, inflation, and the economy, I’ve actually done it. This is the common sense leadership we need to take on the failed far-left politics of Marie Newman and Sean Casten. Join me and let’s put people over politics.
* Lightfoot…
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s political operation announced its fundraising efforts will be chaired by civic leaders Laura and Brooke Skinner Ricketts, Charles Smith and Sam Sanchez.
“I am grateful to these four incredible civic leaders for believing in this campaign, and for being willing to step up and lead this effort,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Charles, Brooke, Laura and Sam have spent this pandemic doing all that they can to help Chicagoans in communities across the city. I’m humbled to have their support.”
“From refocusing more than $1.4 billion in public investment into our historically underserved South and West Side neighborhoods through the INVEST South/West program, to raising the minimum wage to $15 for hundreds of thousands of Chicago workers, Mayor Lightfoot has stayed focused on her mission of equity and opportunity for every Chicagoan,” said Smith. “That’s why Brooke, Laura, Sam and I are already hard at work, and we’re confident that we will have all the resources we need to ensure Mayor Lightfoot can continue her crucial work to guide our city back onto solid ground following this unprecedented time.”
In the first quarter of 2022, the campaign had its strongest fundraising quarter since her election, raising more than $800,000, and reporting more than $1.7 million in cash on hand.
* Politico…
Abdelnasser Rashid raised nearly $115,000 in less than three weeks of his campaign for state representative in the 21st District. Rashid is also first out of the box with a timely digital ad targeting incumbent Rep. Mike Zalewski for legislation he introduced that would allow cities to raise the gas tax. […]
— Republican Kathy Salvi has been endorsed by the Republicans of Wheeling Township in her bid for the U.S. Senate. […]
— Kina Collins has been endorsed by the Sunrise Movement, a grassroots network of youth climate advocates, in her bid for the 7th Congressional House seat.
— Fernando “Sergio” Mojica, a former Chicago Public School principal, has been endorsed by state Rep. Lamont Robinson, Equality Illinois co-founder Art Johnston, and former Midwest Regional Director at Lambda Legal Jim Bennett. Mojica is running to replace retiring Rep. Greg Harris in the Illinois 13th District. Full list
Rashid’s total included a $25K loan from a retired relative. Zalewski has not been reporting many large contributions, but he had $338K on-hand at the end of last year.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 11:55 am
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Previous Post: Study points to “surprising regressivity” of grocery tax exemptions, but millions of Illinoisans will still be paying some grocery taxes during temporary repeal
Next Post: Yet another post-session roundup
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I wonder if Irwin would like Pritzker to crack down on pay to play in municipal politics.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 12:17 pm
Maybe we have another choice in primary as Greg Bishop reported that Beverly Miles won a challenge to her petitions by Pritzker.
His interview with her went well. Looking forward to hearing less about Irvin and Pritzker and more about Candidate Miles.
Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 12:29 pm
===Looking forward to hearing less about Irvin and Pritzker and more about Candidate Miles.===
If Griffin decides to fund or aid Miles in a primary, the only “real” times we’ll hear about Miles is the occasion earned media fascinations… and on election day when Miles gets… well… a lot less votes than Pritzker.
Would be a lil interesting if Griffin ran, like $1 million, in ads for Miles… first week of June… a mil is like $19.63 for most of us, even after adjusting for this new inflation
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 12:34 pm
Can we get rid of this kazmi fellow? He seems to be a thorn in our and his wife’s side.
Go slime somewhere else.
Comment by He's not even from here. Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:00 pm
So does anyone know what the ward map referendum ballots will look like, at all?
Comment by Lake Villa Township Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:03 pm
This Valencia story is going to hit the fan in May and it’s going to be late and Alexi will be on the Dem ticket. If you think the coordinated campaign is dysfunctional now just wait to see if anyone is going to want to go to the Rock Island County Labor Day Picnic and share the stage with Alexi.
If GOP was smart they’d have prioritized SOS this year and have a bench for 2026 to take on an open gov seat, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:10 pm
So how is it possible that Valencia and her husband aren’t under federal investigation and indicted? Just asking for a friend. Also, could someone please FOIA the conversations between this council member from NOLA and the Giannoulias campaign. Certainly smells funny.
Seriously. Valencia and Giannoulias are the best our bench had to offer? Sheesh.
Comment by ;) Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:22 pm
Almost the weekend, spot on.
Comment by ;) Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:24 pm
@;) David Moore is also in the race if they appeal to you.
Comment by Lake Villa Township Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:26 pm
“J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats did nothing to clean out corruption in government … .”
IF Irvin is serious about the issue, he’ll call on John Milhiser to pledge, before the election, to change SoS from a Merit Commission to a Civil Service Commission, and further agree to comply with Rutan and Veteran’s Preference.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:55 pm
“If GOP was smart”
And if frogs had wings…
In all seriousness, there’s a reason the ILGOP is in the position they are. And it’s not because they are making what would be considered smart long-term moves.
Their situation of today, is simply a result of the poor long term planning of 5 years ago. I see no reason their situation will be any different 5 years from now.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 1:58 pm
Are we sure that Valencia’s husband hasn’t been working with Alexi? /s
He can’t be this dumb or does he genuinely believe he hasn’t done anything wrong?
Comment by DissapointedVoter Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 2:15 pm
== If GOP was smart they’d have prioritized SOS this year and have a bench for 2026 to take on an open gov seat, Rome wasn’t built in a day.==
TBF, Milhiser is a top notch recruit, probably the best one on the Griffin slate.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 2:19 pm
Pekau on the surface looks good but if his opponents do any oppo research they might find a few fibs.
1. He didn’t lower taxes he in fact raised fees on the water and recreational complexes.
2. As for lowering the crime rate that’s a stretch. What he didn’t say was he’s had the police writing tickets for misdemeanors instead of charging people who get caught stealing at the mall. Just last 2 weeks ago his own trustees talked about how bad the gun issues are in Orland Park. One trustee said they get reports on it every Friday. Right after that comment those reports became a FOIA report and the village denied them saying it’s classified.
3. The village is also denying all FOIA concerning the allegations against him involving bid rigging with his former company.
Comment by Long time Independent Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 2:20 pm
“…will be chaired by civic leaders Laura and Brooke Skinner Ricketts, Charles Smith and Sam Sanchez.”
Laura and Brooke are great, but they’re not the ones you turn to if you want them to raise six or seven figured. This is not an impressive group for a Mayor in trouble.
Comment by New Day Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 2:31 pm
==the village denied them==
Denial claims under Section 7 of the FIOA act are pretty much the national pastime of municipalities and especially their police departments.
I hope whoever filed that FOIA knows how to handle the next steps, and submit the villages response as a ‘request for review’ to the Attorney General Office.
I’ve never had a claimed exemption stand as valid in a FOIA, after a request for review from the AG office.
One of my favorite ones was the local police department trying to claim an exemption on their activities with 1033/LESO program, while at the same time in another location their own data was publicly posted on the Federal D.o.D. website as participating in the 1033/LESO program with itemized amounts listed.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 3:06 pm
=TBF, Milhiser is a top notch recruit, probably the best one on the Griffin slate=
Who? I know who obviously, but when is Griffin going to start giving him money?
Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 3:33 pm
==Who? I know who obviously, but when is Griffin going to start giving him money? ==
That is, indeed, a weird turn of events.
Why, it’s almost as if the entire Griffin Slate is just about his weirdo billionaire beef with Pritzker (Banned punctuation). But that couldn’t be, that surely couldn’t be.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 4:09 pm
=== “J.B. Pritzker’s record when it comes to cleaning out corruption in government is nothing but words and no actions,” said Irvin for Illinois spokesperson Eleni Demertizis. “Pritzker’s continued denial of his connection to Madigan and his criminal enterprise goes hand in hand with his refusal to enact meaningful ethics reform that would prevent any further corruption and misuse taxpayer dollars.”===
I grabbed this, two wholly different thoughts, no connector…
===“J.B. Pritzker’s record when it comes to cleaning out corruption in government is nothing but words and no actions,” ===
When did Pritzker become the USA? This is projection to a want of a connection… so… we see how that link is tried…
===“Pritzker’s continued denial of his connection to Madigan and his criminal enterprise goes hand in hand with his refusal to enact meaningful ethics reform that would prevent any further corruption and misuse taxpayer dollars.”===
Two critical things of truth;
* The USA said Pritzker had no involvement in any investigation.
* What piece of legislation passed and was sent to Pritzker to sign, veto, etc?
Gotta do better, there’s a whole quote from the USA…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 13, 22 @ 4:35 pm