“Let us dare to, read, think, speak and write.” - John Adams, 1765 February 16, 2012
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SCHOOL BOARD KEEPS UNION DRIVERS Meeting On Quarry Canceled LATE DEBBIE HALVORSON VIDEO AND PRESS RELEASE PAGE 14
Board Shows Commonsense Some Lack By John Gabriel - Award Winning Writer
The Valley View School District 365u (Romeoville, IL) conducted a school board meeting on Monday February 13th to consider the matter of outsourcing the school bus operations for that district. Bids were requested and four firms responded. In the final analysis it was not cost that was the primary issue but the safety of the children who ride those buses. The school bus drivers, members of AFSME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL–CIO) contended their safety record was superior to that of the leading carrier. At stake were the jobs of 250 transportation employees who work for the district. The Bugle a local newspaper serving Romeoville and surrounding areas said, “The FMCSA [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration] reports that over the past 24 months Durham has experienced a total of 234 crashes, Supt. Dr. James Mitchem Jr. including one fatality, 133 injuries and 100 tows. A carrier safety rating was also given and listed as conditional, meaning records indicate that the carrier was out of compliance with one or more safety requirements. A carrier safety rating is used to gauge the carrier's compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). A Safety Review is an overview of a motor carrier's knowledge of the FMCSR. An in-depth review of the motor carrier's records is made to check different categories of drivers, vehicles and trips. This review may be limited to specific problems and may include a detailed investigation of a problem area. The compliance status determination is based on FMCSR violations discovered during the review.” Continued on Page 13
Building & Zoning Cancels Meeting By John Gabriel - Award Winning Writer
In our January 12th ,issue we reported that the Romeoville Building and Zoning Board would hold a public meeting at the Romeoville High School on February 14th ,concerning the request of Hanson Material Service to expand its quarrying operations in that village. The 7:00 PM meeting was canceled yesterday after Village Manager Steve Gulden advised that there was a problem with the meeting notification. As a result, the meeting was canceled. Mr. Gulden advised those who did show up for the meeting that it will be rescheduled. He was unable to provide an exact date because he is not certain when the High School auditorium will be available for board use. The issue at hand is whether or not the village ought to approve an application submitted by a local quarry operation, Hanson Material Service, to allow it to expand its operations to 80 acres of land it owns on the west side of Route 53 along Taylor Road. Local residents, including those living some distance away from the existing quarry operations do not want any quarrying west of Route 53. They do not want the company to engage in any additional blasting. They say the current blasting is disruptive, annoying, and does damage to their homes. They fear additional blasting will do significant additional damages to their properties. Hanson may face additional opposition from the Valley View 365u School Board. The board opposed quarry operations in the past when it concluded that the quarrying operations might endanger the health and safety of its students. After a meeting of the school Board on Monday on unrelated matters, some members of the board indicated they might oppose this most recent attempt to expand the operations of Hanson. Continued on Page 13
CAN KOCH BROTHERS MAKE AMERICA A DICTATORSHIP - END DEMOCRACY? SEE PAGE 2 FOR MORE
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TEA PARTY HIJACKED BY KOCH By John Gabriel - Award winning writer
American citizens need not fear being taken over by a foreign nation; our strong defenses make that nearly impossible. We must fear being taken over by subversive big money interests. Their plan is simple: Fund the efforts of honest idealistic people who have strong beliefs in how to preserve the America our forefathers envisioned with the writing of the constitution. Take control of a political party to gain power in Congress to control lawmaking and make it impossible to carry on without financial assistance from the wealthy money worshipers. No political campaign can be successfully carried on without
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goal of the brothers will be the control of the Republican Party itself. Never forget that ants are able to build huge mounds one grain of sand at a time. The effort to prevent the superrich from taking control of a party, then the Congress, and ultimately the United States government, should be a concern for Republicans and for Democrats alike. It should concern both parties because while it is nice to have all that funding, it is really the selling of our political liberty; it is the selling of your own personal freedom. If the Koch brothers give a candidate funding they control him and, of course, how he votes if he is elected. Continued on solutions page
adequate funds. The wealthy power hungry know this. That makes it possible for them to use their money to gain power. Two in particular have used large sums of money to own and to dictate the political policies of the Tea Party. It is no longer a new party with very conservative goals. It is the party of Koch power. Many well-intentioned people have been duped by billionaires David H. Koch and Charles G. Koch who have used their deep-pockets to make it impossible to run Tea Party campaigns without their funding. The person(s) who control the money control the power. The National Republican Party has sensed the takeover of the Tea Party by the Koch brothers and have begun to eye the activities from a safe distance. Obviously, the next
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YOUR VOTE COULD END FREEDOM IF YOU CAST IT FOR A SUPERPAC CANDIDATE! Tammy Duckworth is An American War Hero who served in Iraq as a helicopter pilot. Duckworth was severely wounded in action and lost both her legs while suffering additional injuries to her right arm. Tammy Duckworth continues to serve in the Illinois National Guard and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Her Husband Major Bryan W. Bowlsbey, is also a Veteran of Iraq and he, like Tammy, continues to serve in the Illinois National Guard. After recuperating, she served as Director of Veterans' Affairs for Illinois, and then, as Assistant Secretary of Veterans' Affairs in the Obama Adminstration. Duckworth resigned her office as Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on June 30, 2011 to run for a seat in
heroism, her patriotism, her dedication to her country mean nothing to those who worship the dollar. They want power; power means they wish to control the people who sit in government. By controlling elected officials they hope to rule the United States. Yes, you elect the officials, but big money, the greedy monsters of the business world, lie in the shadows waiting to purchase the votes of those who are elected. You can read on page two how the Koch Brothers have hijacked the Tea Party and are well on their way to taking over the entire Republican Party. They do not want you to have a vote. They want to run the country. Since it is impossible for them to conquer it militarily they will do it with dollars. Tammy, a good American who the 8th Congressional District of Illinois. wishes to continue to serve our nation, Greedy big money interests do not is facing stiff opposition from the Super Pacs, those super rich parties who have want to see Duckworth win. Her
been turned loose by a majority in the United States Supreme Court who are doing whatever they can to assist big money in destroying democracy in this nation. Karl Rove wants Illinois. It is a tall order to win in a state that has historically been a Democratic State but money can influence thoughts, then decisions, and finally all the lies brought to you day after day by big money interests, might persuade you to vote for their candidate. Tammy Duckworth has proven her loyalty. She paid the price of heroism with her legs. She has not given up on the United States of America and she needs your support. Do not be duped, do not be deceived by the super rich who seek only to destroy the middleclass; ignore any candidate they support, and vote for good honest Americans who wish to serve out of patriotism not out of their worship of the money god.
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KOCH IGNORES WARNING THAT DEALS WITH IRAN ARE AGAINST U.S. LAW!
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WHEN MONEY BECOMES A MAN’S GOD NOTHING MATTERS We have become so obsessed with national security we have surrendered many person rights to the government, under the Patriot Act, in an effort to protect ourselves from terrorists. We are put thru searches and inquiries at airports – but – we tolerate it because it is in the best interests of the nation. There are some in the United States who simply do not care about national security. They thumb their noses at United States law and they have not respect whatever for the fact that Iran is a bitter enemy of our country by its doing not ours. There are people so obsessed with money and power they do not care about their country, they do not care about its safety, they do not care about
patriotism – they only care about making more money and developing more power to resist the laws designed for the good of the nation. These are the same people who are seeking to take over the government by secretly buying the votes in Congress so that although you elect the representatives and senators they will tell them how to vote on issue after issue regardless of what maybe for your good or for the benefit of your family. These power hungry devils, they money worshipping heathens intend to destroy your country and your freedoms with your consent! Surreptitiously they will take over your government because you voted for the candidates they handpicked who will
carry out their agenda and do their bidding not yours. Wake up America and do not vote for any candidate who accepts Koch campaign contributions. Please do not sell our freedoms. The video above discusses allegedly illegal dealings with Iran by the Koch brothers. If this is factual it is a national disgrace. These individuals ought to be in prison if they put money ahead of personal loyalty to the United States of America. They must be stopped now before their billions of dollars totally destroy the United States.
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Life After Death? Near Death
Experiences From the moment when we are young and learn of death, whether it be the death of a pet or someone close to us, we tend to view it as a bad thing; the terrible culmination of life as we know it. Perhaps, the end of life in our physical body is not the end. What if it is the beginning of a new episode in living; an episode that is much better, much more fulfilling than anything we have experienced in our physical body. During the 1970’s doctors and scientists became aware of a phenomena that came to be referred to as a “Near Death Experience” or for short an NDE. Patients who either died and who were subsequently revived or those who came very near to dying often related very similar experiences when they recovered and were able to discuss that incident. Many patients related seeing a bright light and being attracted to it. Some doctors and some scientists quickly explained the experience as a reaction taking place in the brain; a type of hallucination, perhaps likened to an experience induced by drugs. They were convinced by their training that it was anything but real. Now, years later, and years after a great deal of research and study has gone on surrounding these experiences, some of those professionals are wondering if it is possible that the brain and the mind are actually
separate entities and whether or not it is possible for the mind to continue having experiences even after the mind, a particular part of the brain, has ceased to function and is in fact dead – clinically and physically. Of course such a declaration reeks of religion and thus many professionals might shy away from any such explanations since science as a rule attempts to delineate between itself and what they see as the fanciful world of religion. On the other hand, there are those such as the brilliant Albert Einstein who did firmly believe in a God, a master creator, but who was apparently unable to attach himself to a single religion. Slowly, science is seeing the foundation upon which the theory of evolution crumbling in favor of organization and order rather than random chance. One reason is the DNA distinction that is telling us now that it is questionable as to whether “humanness” was really accidental or actually the result of something deliberate that occurred. Scientists may come up with some answers as they continue to probe these mysteries. In the meantime, the experiences of those who have experienced the NDE are compelling.
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Easy ways to save on everyday expenses If you use a credit card for purchases, consider one that provides cash back rewards. There are a wide range of programs now available to help people earn cash back when they shop. The BankAmericard Cash Rewards(TM) credit card is an easy-to-use program with a tiered rewards structure, offering 1 percent cash back on every purchase, 2 percent on groceries and 3 percent on gas, to give people more value in the spending categories that matter the most Saving does not have to mean making huge sacrifices. to them. Quarterly maximum on grocery and gas bonus Rather, there are convenient and easy ways to save on rewards may apply. everyday purchases. By making small adjustments, like Lastly, if you do use a credit card, try to pay the doing extra research before making a big purchase, you can balance in full each month or make more than the minimum work toward saving for the future. In addition, by doing payment to help you save money on interest charges. something simple like applying for the right cash rewards By putting a few of these tips in action, you will be credit card, you can earn cash back on purchases that you surprised with how much you can preserve your personal can put back in your wallet. Here are three tips for saving on everyday expenses and making the most of your money: 1. Dare to compare: There are numerous websites that allow you to comparison shop quickly and easily to find the best price before buying. A little research goes a long way, particularly for more expensive items. 2. Buy according to plan: Save money at the grocery store by creating a weekly meal plan and a corresponding shopping list. Adhering to the list will prevent temptations and impulse buys. Search for coupons on products you use and sign up for your supermarket's loyalty program. If it makes sense for your household, shop at warehouse clubs for additional savings, especially on non-perishable products. 3. Stretch the dollar at the pump: Keep your vehicle properly maintained so it runs more efficiently, allowing for better gas mileage and savings. To get the most of your gas tank, make sure that tires are correctly inflated and aligned.
(ARA) - In this uncertain economic climate, consumers are feeling the strain on their personal finances. Now more than ever, it is important to save on everyday expenses - big or small wherever possible.
budget. To learn more, visit bankofamerica.com/solutions.
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Price versus value: When is it worth the upgrade?
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In today's economy, people want to know how they can keep their vehicles on the road for longer periods of time. Frequent maintenance will keep your car in good health, ensuring you get the most out of all those expensive-toreplace parts, according to the Car Care Council. When does it make sense to upgrade to a premium automotive product? (ARA) - In today's economy, people want to know how they can keep their vehicles on the road for longer periods of time. Frequent maintenance will keep your car in good health, ensuring you get the most out of all those expensiveto-replace parts, according to the Car Care Council. When does it make sense to upgrade to a premium automotive product? That's a question that stumps a lot of people when confronted with the wide range of prices for seemingly comparable products. Here are a few tips on common automotive product categories to help you make informed decisions. Gasoline: Engines are designed to use a particular grade/octane of gasoline. While some auto manufacturers specify using a high-octane gasoline, some consumers purchase the higher octane gasoline based on the assumption that it's better for the car. However, there is no benefit in using a higher octane than recommended by the manufacturer. In fact, if you paid 40 cents a gallon extra to purchase super premium gas as opposed to regular, that would cost you an additional $320 a year (assuming 12,000 miles driven and 15 miles per gallon). The bottom line: Don't use a higher octane rating than recommended by the car's manufacturer. Motor oil: Lubrication technology has seen significant improvements over the years. The longer oil life of highperformance synthetic motor oil allows for extended oil drains, saving time and money, and reducing the impact on
the environment. Additionally, some high-performance synthetic oils such as Royal Purple have been reported to improve mileage as much as 3 percent or more. Three percent may not seem like a substantial amount, but it can result in hundreds of dollars in savings over the course of a year. The bottom line: Upgrade to a high-performance synthetic motor oil for extended oil drains and improved fuel economy. Wiper blades: Where you live is the critical factor in determining the value of upgrading to a premium wiper. There is a noticeable performance difference in low-cost wiper blades versus those specifically designed for rainy and snowy climates. Premium wiper blades are considerably sturdier and more durable than low priced blades. The bottom line: Rainy and snowy climates justify spending a few dollars more for premium wiper blades. Oil filters: Inexpensive filters are typically made with the 3,000 mile interval in mind. These filters often use lowquality paper media for filtration and deteriorate rapidly after 3,000 miles. The new generation of high-performance premium oil filters from manufacturers such as K&N, Royal Purple and others allow for extended oil drain intervals. For example, Royal Purple uses a proprietary long-life, microglass media that provides protection for 12,000 miles. It also provides an increased level of protection due to the density of the filtration. You can find out more at www.royalpurple.com.
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Resolve to get the family to snack smarter
(ARA) - This is a great time for families to make a fresh start. Families can now reflect on eating habits and resolve to start the year with a smarter plate. Finding snacks that fit into a new food plan is not easy, and eating between meals is often a reason why families fall short of their promise to eat better. In fact, Americans often turn to decadent treats throughout the day. And with today's busy households, kids just aren't getting adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. So, how can parents face the challenge to improve the family's eating habits while finding treats that everyone will actually want to eat? The good news is snacking can complement any healthy lifestyle plan. Today's families can find success with a more general, practical approach to snacking. Focus on current eating habits and adopt these simple tips now to get ready for a healthier year. Satisfy with healthier options Kids love their sweet treats. But in order to keep fruits and vegetables viable options for snack time, steer toward foods like oranges, tomatoes or baby carrots. Or top cereal or granola with their favorite fruit for added fiber. These are simple, yet delicious, suggestions that everyone will expect as a regular option during snack time over the long term. minerals and fiber. "It's no surprise that kids like sweet snacks, but that doesn't mean they have to satisfy their sweet tooth with empty calories. WhoNu? Nutrition Rich Cookies offer a delicious treat that look and taste just like family favorite cookies while still providing essential nutrition," Bloom says. WhoNu? Cookies are packed with more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals, plus three grams of dietary fiber in every serving. Create a snack center It is easier to choose healthier snacks if your refrigerator and pantry are well-stocked with foods that are tasty and nutritious. When wholesome options are easily accessible in the home, you are more likely to skip the decadent treats. Organize a snack center so kids can grab and go. Parents can track snack options, and kids can have the freedom to make sound eating choices. Be aware of serving size Pay attention to "better for you" snacks that offer the most nutritional value per serving. Also, encourage the family to avoid eating from the bag. Instead, become aware of portion size. Learn more about the family's favorite
snacks by measuring them out and checking the nutrition labels. Eventually, you'll be able to better understand portions and know just how much to serve. Interest them in shopping Shop around and stock your kitchen with a variety of foods. Minimize the number of empty calorie snacks you purchase. Get the entire family involved by allowing the kids to help choose which snacks should fill your shopping cart. Have them create a list of snack items, and use the time to talk about nutrition. Coupled with a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables, snacks can complement any healthy lifestyle plan. Changing old habits can be difficult. But it is an attainable goal. With small and simple changes, a smarter snack resolution is easier than you think. For more smart, easy and family-friendly snack ideas, visit www.whonucookies.com or find WhoNu? Cookies on Facebook to exchange tips with other fans.
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(ARA) - If you're setting a goal for this semester, make it a double: be productive and engaged, all while staying socially connected on campus. Smartphones let you
Get motivated with smartphones do it all, from staying on top of your academic work and never missing a social event to helping to nail down the perfect internship opportunity.
Get more done: With integrated calendars, email and instant message applications, smartphones allow you to keep track of your classes, be in touch with professors, and set up club meetings. Looking to cut down on all those books? Tablets are perfect for note-taking, completing reading assignments and writing papers. Not only can they keep you organized and efficient when you're rushing from class to class, smartphones allow you to maintain your busy social life too. Applications like Foursquare and Poynt for BlackBerry let you share where you are and what you're doing, and chat with friends within the apps. You can even be the talk of the campus by throwing epic parties using music and recipe apps your guests will enjoy. Consolidate: Smartphones combine all of your gadgets into one. In addition to being the ultimate mobile connectivity tool, they serve as cameras, music players, notebooks, gaming devices and your real-time social media source. With new social music services, like BBM Music, you can create and share playlists with friends; discover new music, and comment on your friends' favorite songs. With BlackBerry Tag, you can collaborate even better by sharing contact information, photos, documents, URLs, and other files by tapping one handset against another. Be inspired: Smartphones empower you to achieve your goals. Use the Web browser to search for internship opportunities on the go, network and stay connected with
apps like LinkedIn, and update your resume wherever you are with Docs to Go. When studying abroad, use navigation apps to discover new spots, and share your experiences abroad with family and friends back home. If getting in shape is on your to-do list, smartphones can keep track of miles and workouts, making them the perfect training tools. Follow your passion with challenges like BBM Generation. In the competition, celebs look for the next big thing on college campuses in entrepreneurship, music, sports, fashion, film and pop culture. Competitors use smartphones as a tool to pursue their ambition and show off their innovations.
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(ARA) - Trekking through the mall on holiday shopping excursions, shoveling out the driveway and playing in the snow with the kids - every winter, your feet log some long, chilly hours. For people with health issues like diabetes, foot health is especially important when the weather turns cold, as the disease can affect your body's circulation even more so during the winter months. More than 26 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. If you or a loved one have the disease, it's important to remain vigilant against complications year-round, and especially during the
protected from frostbite by wearing warm socks and proper footwear. * Never walk in the snow in sneakers, dress shoes or sandals. Choose weather appropriate footwear that both fits comfortably and keeps feet dry and warm. You can find a list of footwear that have APMA's Seal of Acceptance by visiting APMA's website. * You probably wouldn't dream of going barefoot outside in the winter, but you shouldn't do it inside, either. Always wear shoes and socks when walking outside, and at least wear socks inside. They afford a needed layer of warmth and protection. The type of hosiery you choose is important, too. Look for products made from breathable materials that won't constrict blood flow, such as CrocsRx footwear. Because moisturizing feet in the dry winter months is also important, foot care products such as AmLactin XL Moisturizing Lotion keep feet and skin healthy while being safe for those with diabetes. * Wash and inspect your feet daily. Perform your selfexam at the same time every day and watch for changes in skin color, sores, swelling, blisters, peeling, cracking or other signs of problem. When you have diabetes, even a minor wound can become a problem, so don't wait to see a podiatrist if you develop an injury that's not healing. * Stay active. Physical activity aids circulation, which is critical for people with diabetes. Don't let the cold weather be your excuse for becoming - or staying - sedentary. Get winter when feet are exposed to cold and remain covered up regular exercise, and don't be afraid to do it outdoors. Just for extended periods. remember to properly protect your feet from moisture and The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) cold while you're outside. offers some podiatrist-approved advice to help those with Keeping feet healthy and pain-free can ensure a happy diabetes maintain good foot health throughout the winter and healthy winter season. If you're unsure of how to months: properly care for your feet during winter, or if you experience * People with diabetes may experience loss of feeling in foot pain or a wound that won't heal, see today's podiatrist the toes and feet, which can be particularly dangerous during immediately. the winter. When walking outside, be sure to keep your feet
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CROSSWORD PUZZLE
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Continued from Page 2 - Koch
It is an easy way to take control of a nation without firing a single bullet! And, while you were the one who helped elect the official your concerns and what you want the candidate are meaningless. He will vote according to his money-worshipping master. No American, Republican, Democrat, or Independent wishes to allow America to be controlled by a handful of super-wealthy individuals who will then be able to become dictators in control of the country because they control the Congress. Big money has gained a foothold in the United States Supreme Court as was seen clearly by the decision to allow unlimited political funding from secret sources. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. appears to be a short on ability and totally controlled by money not democracy. If the signers of the United States Constitution were here to see him in action they might try him and lynch him for treason. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat the takeover of the Tea Party by the Koch brothers ought to disturb you and it ought to be a mutual rallying point for preserving our personal liberty. If people such as the Koch brothers are permitted to continue buying the services of our elected officials we will lose our personal liberty entirely and find ourselves ruled by the likes of a Hitler or worse. The Koch brothers represent a class of people who seem to believe their money gives them privilege. In the eyes of some filthy-rich persons the American political system is little more than a prostitute to be bought and sold at their whim. In their eyes democracy means doing things only in a manner they decide is proper. Americans; Republicans, Democrats, Independents or whatever party they support, must be alerted to this latest threat to our democracy for this is more dangerous than any terrorist threat on our soil. This threat is a threat to destroy the very foundations of our national freedom. It is occurring surreptitiously under the guise of innocent campaign funding while it is in reality the takeover of your country by greedy people whose only god is money and who believe the only freedom there should be is theirs; their freedom to become America’s first dictators. The Kochs must be stopped in their effort to take control of politics and we must absolutely prohibit contributions in secret from foreign governments who decide to meddle in our politics.
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Continued from front page -Zoning Meeting
Proponents of privatizing government services usually argue cost and point to initial savings to the taxpayers. The facts are much different. While the companies’ intentions are usually hidden, they have but a single purpose in mind and that is profit. Low teaser rates are usually presented with veiled discussions of future costs. Those who favor privatizing public services tout lower costs for the services when in fact studies have shown that is usually not the case, the price of the services are higher. In The Public Interest, http://www.inthepublicinterest.org/node/457, has published a report that debunks some of the misinformation concerning privatization. Closer to home one need only look at some projects that have seen the cost to taxpayers individually skyrocket. In Chicago the former mayor Richard Daly privatized the famous Chicago Skyway a bridge connecting Illinois and Indiana. The tolls chased users away. He privatized the parking meters and the rates have escalated to the point that many people will no longer shop in the downtown area or drive to work because of the costs. Ask a resident of Bolingbrook Illinois what he thinks of the water bills he receives for service from their private water supplier. They are far more than the cost of water provided by the government was. Illinois privatized the healthcare of its prison population but the cost some $230 million dollars does not reveal the real costs of pain and suffering caused by the alleged intentional deprivation of care given to the inmates. Businesses are in business to make a profit. Many businesses are run by greedy money-hungry people who will connive or promise virtually anything to “get-a-foot-in-thedoor� after that the sky may be the limit for future costs for the service. Privatization opens the door to corruption and the temptation that fat campaign contributions for elected officials brings. Sometimes actual payoffs are just too enticing to resist. Communities ought to work on finding ways to solve their governmental services problems as opposed to avoiding their responsibilities by the shifting the duties to a private company. In general, the public does not save money but spends more for similar services or in some cases inferior services at a higher cost. This time a governmental agency got it right. They chose to continue to provide the bus service and to continue to employ the bus drivers and other employees in related transportation positions. This was a victory for the community and for the bus drivers who feared losing their jobs.
Village Manager Steve Gulden has steadfastly said the Mayor and the Trustees are opposed to the quarrying of the 80 acres in question. Hanson, however, wants certain village ordinances modified that will favor their company. A village resident, Tomasz Suliga, requested information (FOIA) as to what ordinances Hanson wished modification of and details as to those changes. The Village denied his request. The Hanson mining operations have a time limit to them and it seems it may attempt to extend the time allocated to it for operating the quarrying facility within the village. Manager Gulden did suggest that a request made by Hanson to do some manner of business on an 18 acre site located adjacent to the 80 acres generally known as the Spangler property, might be approved. Residents do not want any expansion of the Hanson operations. They prefer that the current time limit be allowed to take its full course and to then expire according to the existing agreement with the village. The residents have expressed further anger over the fact that Hanson owes over $500 thousand dollars in overdue taxes which it now wishes to pay in installments over a period of 5 years. Some residents say the village ought to be suing Hanson for the back taxes it owes and not considering any expansion of its operations based on its bad faith in the tax matter. The issue is a hot potato for the village since residents have threatened to replace both the mayor and the trustees should they approve any Hanson expansion. Hanson would surely like to begin new quarrying on its westerly parcels of land. Clearly it would cost a great deal of money to purchase land elsewhere and it could face higher taxes in a different location than the rates it was able to negotiate with Romeoville in the past. Residents may now turn to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for help as they are claiming dust created from the mining may be injurious to the health of nearby school children as well as to themselves. This is certainly the most difficult matter to confront Mayor John Noak who is serving his first elected term in office. Before his election he served out the remainder of the term of former Mayor Fred Dewald who resigned. Noak was appointed by the village board to serve that unexpired term.
The Weekly Reporter
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Halvorson Attacks Jackson On Airport
TO VIEW VIDEO GO TO ABC NEWS 7
Video Courtesy of ABC supplied by Debbie Halv orson
Jackson Defends Support of Firm Accused of Trying to Smuggle Gaddafi’s Son To Mexico By: John Gabriel - Award Winning Writer
This week former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson again attacked Jesse Jackson Jr. While Jackson continues to be haunted by a Congressional ethics inquiry Halvorson has now revealed his support for a Canadian company to build the proposed airport that has links to Lybia. The company is allegedly being investigated for attempting to smuggle a son of Mohammar Ghadafi into Mexico. “Growing up I learned you should never put all your eggs in one basket. Unfortunately, that's not the case with Congressman Jackson. Congressm an Jackson has been trying to build a 3rd airport in Will County for 17 years - and he just can't get it
done. In fact, he told the Chicago Tribune that instead of investing money in communities like Harvey or Dolton - he put all his money in to buying land for the airport. Where is the airport today? This week we learned the Canadian company—SNC Lavalin—that Congressman Jackson brought to Illinois to build and finance this airport is in trouble. SNC Lavalin is allegedly involved in a scheme to smuggle Libyan dictator Mohammar Ghadafi’s son into Mexico. Additionally, they actively supported the Ghadafi regime and publicly opposed President Obama’s mission in Libya last year. This is not the kind of company I want doing business in our state. Still, Congressman Jackson said he doesn't see a problem. Watch [the video above] Congressman Jackson has put all of his eggs in one basket - and we still do not have the airport or jobs today. Can we trust him or this company? Our district can't wait any longer to find out.” Some superpacs are attacking Jackson. Halvorson said they are not for her but are rather against Jackson.