Rich had a post about the Dolton Casino....
OneMan grew up in Dolton, from birth to my 18th birthday the area that would most likely get a casino was about 2 miles from my house.
However there is a real problem, first 142nd street (the most likely access route from the Bishop Ford) is not a full interchange. So getting to 142nd from the south is a bit of a challenge.
Secondly, there is a 4 track railroad line between 142nd and the river, this track has a lot or rail traffic (there are two rail yards at least partially in town). So at the best, it is going to get in the way of road traffic or will require a bridge over it.
If you look at this map you can get an idea of what is area near the river in Dolton looks like, I am fairly sure that the space to the west of the marina is at least in part a landfill, I am not 100% sure about that but I seem to recall that.
So you have a railroad to deal with as well as some other serious infrastructure stuff to get any site in Dolton to be easy to access.
Also it's a river used for shipping so unless you buy the marina you will likely have to build your own since I dobut you could put a boat in the river and leave enough space for barge traffic.
OneMan
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
A barn fire the kids and I saw today
Now some pictures from the Springfield trip
One Daughter at the desk of a state senator.
Chris Lauzen talking with our group
Have to admit I had to shake Roland's hand.
Tom Cross spoke to our group before speaking to the bigger group.
OneMan
OneMan looks at the gaming bill
Page 30
1 (230 ILCS 5/3.24 new)2 Sec. 3.24. Electronic poker. "Electronic poker" means 3 poker by use of electronic aids, including via the Internet or 4 by other electronic means. "Electronic poker" does not include 5 slot machines.
Will someone explain to me how this would be allowed under federal law? If the feds can regulate interstate and extrastate gaming how can Illinois do this unless it is limited to state residents?
Page 142
Here is where the mimimum bids are defined, I guess my question is. If I am investing $800,000,000 in a license and at least 20 to 100 million in site costs (land, boat, etc) what protection do I have if the state decides to stop letting me operate? Seems to me it would be a bit risky.
However as 142 points out, you can include any amount that you give back to the minority and female owners of the 'dormant' license.
Will someone explain to me how in the world you can only pay back some folks and not run into problems with equal protection and bankrupcy law? All this will accomplish is tying people up in court for a long time in my opinion.
Page 155
h) On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act 8 of the 95th General Assembly, at least 30% of all slot machines 9 and video games of chance purchased by an owners licensee shall 10 be purchased from manufacturers whose manufacturing facilities 11 are located in Illinois. The Board shall review the 12 availability of such slot machines and video games of chance 13 and shall have the discretion to raise or lower the minimum 14 percentage of those slot machines and video games of chance 15 that must be purchased from suppliers whose manufacturing 16 facilities are located in Illinois by rule as it sees fit.
So this will be nice for WMS , but why only for machines, why not for other things a casino needs as well?
Page 177
shall be paid 14 from the State Gaming Fund to Chicago State University.
How about NIU?
OneMan
Page 30
1 (230 ILCS 5/3.24 new)2 Sec. 3.24. Electronic poker. "Electronic poker" means 3 poker by use of electronic aids, including via the Internet or 4 by other electronic means. "Electronic poker" does not include 5 slot machines.
Will someone explain to me how this would be allowed under federal law? If the feds can regulate interstate and extrastate gaming how can Illinois do this unless it is limited to state residents?
Page 142
Here is where the mimimum bids are defined, I guess my question is. If I am investing $800,000,000 in a license and at least 20 to 100 million in site costs (land, boat, etc) what protection do I have if the state decides to stop letting me operate? Seems to me it would be a bit risky.
However as 142 points out, you can include any amount that you give back to the minority and female owners of the 'dormant' license.
Will someone explain to me how in the world you can only pay back some folks and not run into problems with equal protection and bankrupcy law? All this will accomplish is tying people up in court for a long time in my opinion.
Page 155
h) On and after the effective date of this amendatory Act 8 of the 95th General Assembly, at least 30% of all slot machines 9 and video games of chance purchased by an owners licensee shall 10 be purchased from manufacturers whose manufacturing facilities 11 are located in Illinois. The Board shall review the 12 availability of such slot machines and video games of chance 13 and shall have the discretion to raise or lower the minimum 14 percentage of those slot machines and video games of chance 15 that must be purchased from suppliers whose manufacturing 16 facilities are located in Illinois by rule as it sees fit.
So this will be nice for WMS , but why only for machines, why not for other things a casino needs as well?
Page 177
shall be paid 14 from the State Gaming Fund to Chicago State University.
How about NIU?
OneMan
Monday, May 28, 2007
Zorn has some stuff about the video game bill and the million dollar cost.
The sad thing is, some of us realized where this was going over 2 years ago. You can't treat video games differently that media like film, television or music. It didn't take Oliver Wendall Holmes to figure that out.
Lets review the hit parade on the bill
When he was going to announce it in Naperville, then changed the date to get more national media coverage and how the Naperville SD version of why the announcement changed was different than G-Nads.
Glad we wasted $1,000,000 on that.
OneMan
The sad thing is, some of us realized where this was going over 2 years ago. You can't treat video games differently that media like film, television or music. It didn't take Oliver Wendall Holmes to figure that out.
Lets review the hit parade on the bill
When he was going to announce it in Naperville, then changed the date to get more national media coverage and how the Naperville SD version of why the announcement changed was different than G-Nads.
Glad we wasted $1,000,000 on that.
OneMan
Thursday, May 24, 2007
So who wants to be mayor pro-tempore in Aurora. The Beacon has a story about the maneuvers that are going on to determine who gets to be mayor pro-tem for the next two years.
I guess the question is, does the mayor pro-tem get to be mayor if the mayor steps down? If so is this part of the reason why more than one alderman wants the job? I fully expect that Mayor Weisner will finish his term but you have to wonder why three alderman are interested in the pro-tem gig.
Regardless Rick writing in Chris' name for the job was classic....
OneMan
I guess the question is, does the mayor pro-tem get to be mayor if the mayor steps down? If so is this part of the reason why more than one alderman wants the job? I fully expect that Mayor Weisner will finish his term but you have to wonder why three alderman are interested in the pro-tem gig.
Regardless Rick writing in Chris' name for the job was classic....
OneMan
First a nod to the folks at Illinois Reason, yes that's right Illinois Reason. and this coming from the #17 most influential political blog in the state btw. Why because they save me from the need I sometimes feel to respond to stuff on IllinoisReview.
Secondly, I got a letter via snail-mail about a property deal involving Kane County. More than anything else I was kind of curious why I got it, because I am a Republican with an address listed on the county GOP website? Due to the blog?
Thirdly, I am starting to think I should start a new blog, sort of an IllinoisReview type thing that is more focused on fiscal issues and less on social issues.
Finally, I think a candidate from west of Rt 47 in the 14th congressional district (perhaps DeKalb) might have a bit of advantage.
Secondly, I got a letter via snail-mail about a property deal involving Kane County. More than anything else I was kind of curious why I got it, because I am a Republican with an address listed on the county GOP website? Due to the blog?
Thirdly, I am starting to think I should start a new blog, sort of an IllinoisReview type thing that is more focused on fiscal issues and less on social issues.
Finally, I think a candidate from west of Rt 47 in the 14th congressional district (perhaps DeKalb) might have a bit of advantage.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Here is a question...
Would Gov Blagojevich have been better off talking about health care then waiting for
Michael Moore's Sicko to come out, letting it fan some flames then calling a special session on health care?
OneMan
Would Gov Blagojevich have been better off talking about health care then waiting for
Michael Moore's Sicko to come out, letting it fan some flames then calling a special session on health care?
OneMan
Friday, May 18, 2007
I was driving home listening to NPR and they did a story about the MRAP, a vehicle designed to resist damage from IEDs. After the news story there was a short interview segment with Michele Norris related to the MRAP.
At one point Michele Norris asks this question to Nathan Hodge from Jane's Defence Weekly.
Starting at 1:56 she asks "The insurgents or extremists in Iraq.. How would they adapt their tactics so this vehicle would be more vulnerable" He offers an indirect answer in some ways she then follows up with this.
"Beyond the symbolic value. What would the enemy need to do to exploit the weakness or vulnerability or change their tactics so the US military lost a bit of it's advantage using this vehicle?"
I was dumbstruck. Did I just hear a NPR host ask a staff writer from a defence weekly what an enemy might do to reduce the effectiveness of a US military vehicle intended to protect US troops? It sure sounded like that to me.
NPR doesn't have the transcript up yet, but the link above will take you to the audio. Listen and make up your own mind.
OneMan
At one point Michele Norris asks this question to Nathan Hodge from Jane's Defence Weekly.
Starting at 1:56 she asks "The insurgents or extremists in Iraq.. How would they adapt their tactics so this vehicle would be more vulnerable" He offers an indirect answer in some ways she then follows up with this.
"Beyond the symbolic value. What would the enemy need to do to exploit the weakness or vulnerability or change their tactics so the US military lost a bit of it's advantage using this vehicle?"
I was dumbstruck. Did I just hear a NPR host ask a staff writer from a defence weekly what an enemy might do to reduce the effectiveness of a US military vehicle intended to protect US troops? It sure sounded like that to me.
NPR doesn't have the transcript up yet, but the link above will take you to the audio. Listen and make up your own mind.
OneMan
Over at Illinois Review they have some questions for Andy McKenna, you know I am not Andy McKenna but I figured it might be fun to offer up some answers....
I originally had answers for all of the questions, put pulled the ones related to RINOs since I know what RINO stands for but have never heard two people give the same definition of what one is...
-- What are you doing to prompt Illinois Republican Party (IRP) National Committeeman Bob Kjellander to comply with the IRP State Central Committee's (SCC) motion calling for him to resign?
Bob is aware of the IRP's opinion, any additional action will likely just encourage him to remain.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who want the SCC to immediately rescind the action it took against the Republican Assembly of Lake County and to apologize?
I would suggest that if they are not comfortable with the decision of the SCC, the process of electing state central committeemen is set up so that individual elected committeemen vote on who their state central committeeman is. If you do not like the decisions made by the SCC the power to replace those members who disagree with you is in your hands.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who want to return to direct election of SCC members? By their actions, virtually all the SCC members have made it clear that they oppose returning to direct election of SCC members. Why do they oppose returning to direct election of SCC members?
You would have to ask them, I suspect it might be in part the challenges they would face running against well funded candidates in a primary.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who want the IRP to hold a special convention ASAP?
We have regularly scheduled conventions, unless the proper process is followed to compel a special convention (if any such process exists) calling special conventions outside of that process will just lead a precedent that we may end up regretting.
-- Are you encouraging Republican elected officials in Illinois whose offices will be on February 5, 2008 primary ballots who are running again to announce that ASAP?
They are adults and they have their own tactical, logistical and personal reasons for making decisions and/or announcing those decisions on running again. I would encourage all candidates to do it sooner or later, however I see no method that will not harm the party to compel them to do so.
-- Which incumbent Republican elected officials in Illinois whose offices will be on February 5, 2008 primary ballots are not running again?
Heck if I know
-- What are you doing to encourage Republican candidates to run against Bean and Durbin? Who are all the announced and potential Republican candidates for Durbin's and Bean's seats?
We have a guy now running against Durbin and we are open to suggestions. If a strong Illinois conservative is interested we are all ears.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who believe that the IRP should remain neutral in primary races?
Heck if I know what the official party position is on this one, but I agree the IRP should remain primary neutral.
-- What is the IRP's financial condition? How much has the IRP raised so far this year? Who were the major donors and how much did each of them donate? How much has the IRP spent this year - how much has the IRP spent on salaries, rent, etc., this year? What are the IRP's financial assets? What are the IRP's financial liabilities? What is the IRP's net worth?
No idea
-- What exactly did the IRP get for the $41,360 it paid on March 15, 2007 for a telephone poll?
Useful data hopefully.
-- Do you agree that the IRP Executive Director be someone who has demonstrated his/her ability as the Executive Director of the Republican party in another state and has acquired a national reputation for excellence? What are you doing to recruit such an Executive Director? What salary can the IRP afford to pay him/her?
No, I feel the IRP Executive Director should be the most qualified person we can afford, prior experience as a state party director should not be a hard and fast qualifier.
-- What are you doing to encourage Republican presidential candidates to campaign in Illinois?
Well we can invite them. The calculus of presidential primary cycle this time in unique, each candidate is going to make their own decisions on where to dedicate time and resources. They don't need nor do I suspect do they want pressure from state parties.
Again, everyone is welcomed and encouraged. If it will help I will take them to Sizzler on my dime if they come to town.
OneMan
I originally had answers for all of the questions, put pulled the ones related to RINOs since I know what RINO stands for but have never heard two people give the same definition of what one is...
-- What are you doing to prompt Illinois Republican Party (IRP) National Committeeman Bob Kjellander to comply with the IRP State Central Committee's (SCC) motion calling for him to resign?
Bob is aware of the IRP's opinion, any additional action will likely just encourage him to remain.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who want the SCC to immediately rescind the action it took against the Republican Assembly of Lake County and to apologize?
I would suggest that if they are not comfortable with the decision of the SCC, the process of electing state central committeemen is set up so that individual elected committeemen vote on who their state central committeeman is. If you do not like the decisions made by the SCC the power to replace those members who disagree with you is in your hands.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who want to return to direct election of SCC members? By their actions, virtually all the SCC members have made it clear that they oppose returning to direct election of SCC members. Why do they oppose returning to direct election of SCC members?
You would have to ask them, I suspect it might be in part the challenges they would face running against well funded candidates in a primary.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who want the IRP to hold a special convention ASAP?
We have regularly scheduled conventions, unless the proper process is followed to compel a special convention (if any such process exists) calling special conventions outside of that process will just lead a precedent that we may end up regretting.
-- Are you encouraging Republican elected officials in Illinois whose offices will be on February 5, 2008 primary ballots who are running again to announce that ASAP?
They are adults and they have their own tactical, logistical and personal reasons for making decisions and/or announcing those decisions on running again. I would encourage all candidates to do it sooner or later, however I see no method that will not harm the party to compel them to do so.
-- Which incumbent Republican elected officials in Illinois whose offices will be on February 5, 2008 primary ballots are not running again?
Heck if I know
-- What are you doing to encourage Republican candidates to run against Bean and Durbin? Who are all the announced and potential Republican candidates for Durbin's and Bean's seats?
We have a guy now running against Durbin and we are open to suggestions. If a strong Illinois conservative is interested we are all ears.
-- What do you say to those Illinois Republicans who believe that the IRP should remain neutral in primary races?
Heck if I know what the official party position is on this one, but I agree the IRP should remain primary neutral.
-- What is the IRP's financial condition? How much has the IRP raised so far this year? Who were the major donors and how much did each of them donate? How much has the IRP spent this year - how much has the IRP spent on salaries, rent, etc., this year? What are the IRP's financial assets? What are the IRP's financial liabilities? What is the IRP's net worth?
No idea
-- What exactly did the IRP get for the $41,360 it paid on March 15, 2007 for a telephone poll?
Useful data hopefully.
-- Do you agree that the IRP Executive Director be someone who has demonstrated his/her ability as the Executive Director of the Republican party in another state and has acquired a national reputation for excellence? What are you doing to recruit such an Executive Director? What salary can the IRP afford to pay him/her?
No, I feel the IRP Executive Director should be the most qualified person we can afford, prior experience as a state party director should not be a hard and fast qualifier.
-- What are you doing to encourage Republican presidential candidates to campaign in Illinois?
Well we can invite them. The calculus of presidential primary cycle this time in unique, each candidate is going to make their own decisions on where to dedicate time and resources. They don't need nor do I suspect do they want pressure from state parties.
Again, everyone is welcomed and encouraged. If it will help I will take them to Sizzler on my dime if they come to town.
OneMan
Thursday, May 17, 2007
There was a story about of white and male the top staffs of the GOP Presidential candidates are vs how diverse the top staffs of the Democratic candidates are.
Wow, what a surprise, you can same the same thing about the board of the AP.
Wow, what a surprise, you can same the same thing about the board of the AP.
22 members of the AP Board of Directors.19 out of 22 are men.
0 out of 22 are "women of color."
1 out of 22 is a "man of color."
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
It has been entertaining to read the responses to my post about Linda Chapa-LaVia over at Illinoize.
Where do I start.
Her not running if Hastert decides to run again is smart, not dumb, not cowardly, smart.
First, Republican Support.
Why, because Linda is surprising popular among Republicans in parts of the 14th, Republicans that would actively campaign for Hastert for re-election because of who he is and what he has done.
On the other hand if Hastert does not run for re-election. The Republican primary is likely a brutal affair that ends up going negative with some Republicans ending up seriously pissed off. Odds are these pissed off Republicans are going to sit on their hands at best and work against the nominee at worst.
Secondly, the Money.
Hastert has a huge warchest that will remain untouched during the primary if he runs again. This greatly increases her early fundraising needs since he will be able to campaign against her sooner.
A bunch of Republicans including a guy self funding would give her breathing room on fundraising.
Third. She is the Democrats best hope....
Seriously, John Laesch?
Yeah, that's the answer. Nor is the answer some attorney who hasn't run for anything in his life. Sorry don't get me wrong as a Republican I would love for the democrats to run someone like that because they would be easy pickings for any of our guys. Mr. Stein has only lived in the district for a couple of years, so he has no real base locally.
The 14th is basically a conservative area you need a moderate Democrat to have a chance. Global warming isn't the big issue in the 14th and not the issue to build a campaign around for this neck of the woods.
Also she is very good at making that personal connection. You talk to her for a couple of minutes and you feel a bit of a bond, love or hate Sen. Lauzen he is able to do the same thing. I don't know the other dems but I doubt they have that skill in the same way she does.
OneMan
Where do I start.
Her not running if Hastert decides to run again is smart, not dumb, not cowardly, smart.
First, Republican Support.
Why, because Linda is surprising popular among Republicans in parts of the 14th, Republicans that would actively campaign for Hastert for re-election because of who he is and what he has done.
On the other hand if Hastert does not run for re-election. The Republican primary is likely a brutal affair that ends up going negative with some Republicans ending up seriously pissed off. Odds are these pissed off Republicans are going to sit on their hands at best and work against the nominee at worst.
Secondly, the Money.
Hastert has a huge warchest that will remain untouched during the primary if he runs again. This greatly increases her early fundraising needs since he will be able to campaign against her sooner.
A bunch of Republicans including a guy self funding would give her breathing room on fundraising.
Third. She is the Democrats best hope....
Seriously, John Laesch?
Yeah, that's the answer. Nor is the answer some attorney who hasn't run for anything in his life. Sorry don't get me wrong as a Republican I would love for the democrats to run someone like that because they would be easy pickings for any of our guys. Mr. Stein has only lived in the district for a couple of years, so he has no real base locally.
The 14th is basically a conservative area you need a moderate Democrat to have a chance. Global warming isn't the big issue in the 14th and not the issue to build a campaign around for this neck of the woods.
Also she is very good at making that personal connection. You talk to her for a couple of minutes and you feel a bit of a bond, love or hate Sen. Lauzen he is able to do the same thing. I don't know the other dems but I doubt they have that skill in the same way she does.
OneMan
Did anyone in the MSM give Bridget credit for breaking the Linda Chapa LaVia FEC filing thing?
I don't think so...
Let the record reflect OneMan did.
OneMan
I don't think so...
Let the record reflect OneMan did.
OneMan
Showing Brokeback Mountain to 12 year olds. Dumb
Filing a 500K lawsuit over the emotional trama. Dumb
Using it as some sort of example of a gay rights trojan horse. Dumb
Illustrating to the gang at Illinois Reason that not all conservatives feel the same way about this (I know they know that).
Sometimes a nitwit sub is just that, a nitwit sub.
OneMan
Filing a 500K lawsuit over the emotional trama. Dumb
Using it as some sort of example of a gay rights trojan horse. Dumb
Illustrating to the gang at Illinois Reason that not all conservatives feel the same way about this (I know they know that).
Sometimes a nitwit sub is just that, a nitwit sub.
OneMan
Monday, May 14, 2007
Via Bridget in the 6th
There is a new federal committee that filed with the FEC....
Linda Chapa LaVia for congress.
Now things get interesting.
OneMan
There is a new federal committee that filed with the FEC....
Linda Chapa LaVia for congress.
Now things get interesting.
OneMan
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Over at World of Naperville there is a post about the Dandelion Fountain.
I have to admit I have my own memory of that fountain from when I spent a week at North Central College when I was in high school in the middle 80's. A big sign indicating the water in the fountain was recycled. Back then they were on well water and were having a bit of a water shortage.
OneMan
I have to admit I have my own memory of that fountain from when I spent a week at North Central College when I was in high school in the middle 80's. A big sign indicating the water in the fountain was recycled. Back then they were on well water and were having a bit of a water shortage.
OneMan
The Beacon has a piece today about a florist that has been in town for 35 closing shop. It has an some interesting numbers on the decline in the industry over the last 10 years and why.
OneMan
OneMan
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Caught a bit of governor Blagojevich on channel 5 this morning.
He wasn't that convincing, he did manage to toss in a mention that Pat Quinn is in favor of an increase in the income tax.
OneMan
He wasn't that convincing, he did manage to toss in a mention that Pat Quinn is in favor of an increase in the income tax.
OneMan
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Hiram has a blog post about Joe Serra who is planning to run in the 14th as a Democrat.
The more the merrier.
OneMan
The more the merrier.
OneMan
Just keep in mind that the group of men arrested planning to attack Ft. Dix are not the first to plan an attack on that base during wartime.
In 1970 the Weather Underground prepared a device to bomb a NCO dance at Fort Dix. In case you are wondering what became of the members of this group, some of them now teach at UIC on your tax dime.
Update: From the Thursday Sun Times
Hey I agree and do the same thing with former members of groups that sought to kill US Servicemen.
OneMan
In 1970 the Weather Underground prepared a device to bomb a NCO dance at Fort Dix. In case you are wondering what became of the members of this group, some of them now teach at UIC on your tax dime.
Update: From the Thursday Sun Times
Diane McCoy, a parent of a University of Illinois at Chicago freshman, has a message for officials who allowed a convicted felon to work on campus even though they knew he had concealed his past:
Get rid of those who hired -- and rehired -- Thomas J. Morano for a job at the campus garage.
Hey I agree and do the same thing with former members of groups that sought to kill US Servicemen.
OneMan
The Sun Times has a big story about a man convicted of some felonies working at UIC.
I will give the Sun Times a news tip, UIC also has a former member of what could be best described as a terrorist group on their faculty who seems rather unapologetic for what he did with that group to this day....
The difference is he is a member of the faculty
In fact in describing his activities he is quoted here as saying
"I don’t regret setting bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough.”
UIC, at least be consistent.
OneMan
I will give the Sun Times a news tip, UIC also has a former member of what could be best described as a terrorist group on their faculty who seems rather unapologetic for what he did with that group to this day....
The difference is he is a member of the faculty
In fact in describing his activities he is quoted here as saying
"I don’t regret setting bombs. I feel we didn’t do enough.”
UIC, at least be consistent.
OneMan
Monday, May 07, 2007
Yet again, some more in the series why apparently I am a bad Republican.
First from the Daily Clips Summary on Illinois Review.
Aurora to unfurl law to ban motorists' flag-waving - James Kimberly, Sara Olkon, and Rhianna Wisniewski. Follow the link to get some commentary from Illinois Review.
Suffice to say I can really care less if someone wants to fly a flag from a different country during a parade. I have been to Columbus Day Parades, Von Steuben day parades and St. Patrick's Day parades in the city of Chicago. Guess what, they all have had large numbers of foreign flags flying. No one seems to gripe about those.
As a resident of Aurora, I would rather the city focus their resources on people shooting each other.
Next also from Illinois Reivew and Fran Eaton about Library net filtering software.
You know I have to admit usually Fran makes a good point, I may not always agree with it but I can see the logic in it. The parent in me desperately wants to agree with her on this one. However you have library boards for a reason and this is the reason, we don't need the state telling them what they have to do. Also to be frank I think filters give a false sense of security. Does OneMan have a filter on OneDaughter's computer, yes. Is it perfect, no.
Also if we ever had the net go down at home and Mrs. OneMan needed to look something up about ED as it relates to diabetes (a real side effect, so manage your diabetes if you want to have working gear) I would like to think that she would be able to do so without net nanny freaking out.
I remember years ago (has to be about 13 or 14 years ago now, I lived in Naperville at the time) there was an issue in Naperville about the fact the public library had Playboy. It was behind the desk, you had to ask for it.
There was a library board meeting on the subject. I attended the meeting and spoke to the point that the library board shouldn't be deciding if individual materials belonged in the library or not that they should trust their staff to make these decisions. Also a soft standard could lead in time to all sorts of items being removed.
The open forum lasted long into the night with a host of folks speaking including Rob Sherman. When it came down to a vote the board decided not to remove the materials.
It was an interesting night, one other thing stands out in my mind. The real estate agent who argued that playboy in the library would lead to lower property values.
First from the Daily Clips Summary on Illinois Review.
Aurora to unfurl law to ban motorists' flag-waving - James Kimberly, Sara Olkon, and Rhianna Wisniewski. Follow the link to get some commentary from Illinois Review.
Suffice to say I can really care less if someone wants to fly a flag from a different country during a parade. I have been to Columbus Day Parades, Von Steuben day parades and St. Patrick's Day parades in the city of Chicago. Guess what, they all have had large numbers of foreign flags flying. No one seems to gripe about those.
As a resident of Aurora, I would rather the city focus their resources on people shooting each other.
Next also from Illinois Reivew and Fran Eaton about Library net filtering software.
You know I have to admit usually Fran makes a good point, I may not always agree with it but I can see the logic in it. The parent in me desperately wants to agree with her on this one. However you have library boards for a reason and this is the reason, we don't need the state telling them what they have to do. Also to be frank I think filters give a false sense of security. Does OneMan have a filter on OneDaughter's computer, yes. Is it perfect, no.
Also if we ever had the net go down at home and Mrs. OneMan needed to look something up about ED as it relates to diabetes (a real side effect, so manage your diabetes if you want to have working gear) I would like to think that she would be able to do so without net nanny freaking out.
I remember years ago (has to be about 13 or 14 years ago now, I lived in Naperville at the time) there was an issue in Naperville about the fact the public library had Playboy. It was behind the desk, you had to ask for it.
There was a library board meeting on the subject. I attended the meeting and spoke to the point that the library board shouldn't be deciding if individual materials belonged in the library or not that they should trust their staff to make these decisions. Also a soft standard could lead in time to all sorts of items being removed.
The open forum lasted long into the night with a host of folks speaking including Rob Sherman. When it came down to a vote the board decided not to remove the materials.
It was an interesting night, one other thing stands out in my mind. The real estate agent who argued that playboy in the library would lead to lower property values.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Over at Illinoisreview Cal Skinner had a post about Romney making a reference to Fitzgerald (about the prosecution of Scotter Libby).
=== Update ===
It is not obvious that Kjellander is his Illinois chair
=== End O' Update ====
Suffice to say if that's how Romney feels about Fitzgerald I suspect he will have managed to set the bozo bit with some Illinois Republicans. Also with Bob Kjellander being his state chairman if he ends up getting the nomination some Republicans in Illinois are going to lose their minds, it will make the hand wringing over Judy look like amateur hour.
Finally any guy who lists Battlefield Earth as his favorite novel has to give you pause.
FYI OneMan's favorite novels would include: Cat's Cradle, Enders Game, The Hunt for Red October, Red Storm Rising, Slaughterhouse 5 and any Phillip K Dick Reader (I have to admit I don't read much nonfiction).
OneMan
=== Update ===
It is not obvious that Kjellander is his Illinois chair
=== End O' Update ====
Suffice to say if that's how Romney feels about Fitzgerald I suspect he will have managed to set the bozo bit with some Illinois Republicans. Also with Bob Kjellander being his state chairman if he ends up getting the nomination some Republicans in Illinois are going to lose their minds, it will make the hand wringing over Judy look like amateur hour.
Finally any guy who lists Battlefield Earth as his favorite novel has to give you pause.
FYI OneMan's favorite novels would include: Cat's Cradle, Enders Game, The Hunt for Red October, Red Storm Rising, Slaughterhouse 5 and any Phillip K Dick Reader (I have to admit I don't read much nonfiction).
OneMan
There has been much blogged about the Obama MySpace thing for a good summary I recommend you read what Rick had so say (he ran Obama's campaign weblog during his senate run).
I guess for an obvious reason I have a different interest in this than most folks. The big question that comes to my mind is if this will lead to someone filling an FEC complaint? Because it does beg an interesting question in this web age. If you create an Internet 'asset' that gets handed over to a candidate for any reason is that still a donation that needs to be reported and is subject to limits?
I don't know the answer and I suspect some attorney who deals with this sort of law does, if nothing else I suspect at some point someone is going to push the issue with the FEC. For example if the guys who had www.gwbush.com had let the Gore campaign use the URL would that have been a donation?
OneMan
I guess for an obvious reason I have a different interest in this than most folks. The big question that comes to my mind is if this will lead to someone filling an FEC complaint? Because it does beg an interesting question in this web age. If you create an Internet 'asset' that gets handed over to a candidate for any reason is that still a donation that needs to be reported and is subject to limits?
I don't know the answer and I suspect some attorney who deals with this sort of law does, if nothing else I suspect at some point someone is going to push the issue with the FEC. For example if the guys who had www.gwbush.com had let the Gore campaign use the URL would that have been a donation?
OneMan
If you look up Schadenfreude in the dictionary going forward Martha Stewart has been replaced by Paris Hilton.
45 Days in jail, if nothing else we should all learn you don't take advice on if it is OK to drive from your publicist.
Because she is on the simple life, so obviously she knows what is right.
OneMan
45 Days in jail, if nothing else we should all learn you don't take advice on if it is OK to drive from your publicist.
She said that when an officer who stopped her in January made her sign a document stating her license was suspended, she thought he was mistaken and did not actually look at the document.
Because she is on the simple life, so obviously she knows what is right.
OneMan
OneMan sort of had the perfect storm of Republican stuff yesterday.
First I was at a fundraiser for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois Kane County Chapter in Aurora. Good turnout and it was a really nice event, have to admit is was a really fun time. The food was great, they even had someone going from table to table making fresh guacamole.
I then joined a friend at the Kendall County GOP meeting where they named Terry Peshia chairman after Dallas Ingemunson's resignation. I think the Kendall folks are in good hands. No real deep insights from the meeting, besides the old Kendall County courthouse is worth a trip if you like old restored courthouses.
OneMan
First I was at a fundraiser for the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Illinois Kane County Chapter in Aurora. Good turnout and it was a really nice event, have to admit is was a really fun time. The food was great, they even had someone going from table to table making fresh guacamole.
I then joined a friend at the Kendall County GOP meeting where they named Terry Peshia chairman after Dallas Ingemunson's resignation. I think the Kendall folks are in good hands. No real deep insights from the meeting, besides the old Kendall County courthouse is worth a trip if you like old restored courthouses.
OneMan
Hope your recovery is speedy and everything was taken care of Mr. Mayor
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Finally while I am on a Beacon thing tonight I wanted to summarize the last few days of Openline for you
Today -- Beating on the East Aurora School referendum again
Yesterday -- A creative way of working illegal immigrants into a item on a smoking ban.
Monday -- Beating on the East Aurora School referndum
There was this one I have to reproduce because it brings together both the East Aurora Referendum and illegal immigration. Sort of my Caine-Hackman theory
Umm where do I even start with this.... I had something but removed it since I figured it was useless to argue logic like this..
OneMan
Today -- Beating on the East Aurora School referendum again
Yesterday -- A creative way of working illegal immigrants into a item on a smoking ban.
Monday -- Beating on the East Aurora School referndum
There was this one I have to reproduce because it brings together both the East Aurora Referendum and illegal immigration. Sort of my Caine-Hackman theory
The recent second failure to raise property taxes this year for Aurora's East Side residents points up the fact that lifetime residents cannot and should not be expected to foot the bill for public school overcrowding. The burden should fall on the government of this nation for its decades of failure to stem the tide of people freely walking in through America's open back door.
Umm where do I even start with this.... I had something but removed it since I figured it was useless to argue logic like this..
OneMan
The Beacon also had an editorial yesterday about the feud about downtown development. I have to admit they made some good points but I have to take execption to this one
It seems that over time the Beacon isn't comfortable with anyone in city government who challenges the Mayor. For example when they endorsed Alderman Kifowit for re-election they kind of suggested she tone it down a bit. Implying (at least in my mind) that she was sometimes too harsh of a critic of the mayor.
You know alderman who raise their voice are to be commended not condemned would it be a good idea if all of the alderman were like that, no. But we need alderman who are willing to do that. Alderman who are willing to ask tough questions. Part of what make democracy work is when people don't get along.
What finally got this into the Beacon, Alderman Lawrence most likely.
I can sometimes be a bit of a Pollyanna when it comes to local government but I really think both Mayor Weisner and Alderman Lawrence are not motivated by personal gain and have the best interests in the city in mind. They may differ on the how and that is good. Too much buddy-buddy and peacemaking isn't good for the city.
OneMan
In the middle of it all is Alderman Rick Lawrence, a Vantreese advocate and frequent critic of the mayor on many issues. The 4th Ward alderman, who represents the area that includes Vantreese's projects, would best serve this city by trying to play peacemaker instead of fanning the flames.
It seems that over time the Beacon isn't comfortable with anyone in city government who challenges the Mayor. For example when they endorsed Alderman Kifowit for re-election they kind of suggested she tone it down a bit. Implying (at least in my mind) that she was sometimes too harsh of a critic of the mayor.
You know alderman who raise their voice are to be commended not condemned would it be a good idea if all of the alderman were like that, no. But we need alderman who are willing to do that. Alderman who are willing to ask tough questions. Part of what make democracy work is when people don't get along.
What finally got this into the Beacon, Alderman Lawrence most likely.
I can sometimes be a bit of a Pollyanna when it comes to local government but I really think both Mayor Weisner and Alderman Lawrence are not motivated by personal gain and have the best interests in the city in mind. They may differ on the how and that is good. Too much buddy-buddy and peacemaking isn't good for the city.
OneMan
The Beacon a couple of days ago had a story about the second Vantreese project and the various reasons why he has decided to pull out.
I guess the question that comes to mind with all of this is, do we really have so much development in Aurora in general and downtown specifically that in some ways the city shouldn't be bending over backwards to help these guys? I am not saying giving away the farm with subsidies and stuff but working with them in any reasonable way possible to help them move their projects forward.
I am not saying we need to get weak in the knees every time someone wants to do something downtown but at least meet the folks more than half way.
Seriously we need to get over ourselves a bit and get it done.
OneMan
For a bit of a different perspective on the whole thing go here.
I guess the question that comes to mind with all of this is, do we really have so much development in Aurora in general and downtown specifically that in some ways the city shouldn't be bending over backwards to help these guys? I am not saying giving away the farm with subsidies and stuff but working with them in any reasonable way possible to help them move their projects forward.
I am not saying we need to get weak in the knees every time someone wants to do something downtown but at least meet the folks more than half way.
Mr Mayor have you seen downtown? Heck at this point I would suggest that if someone who has already made the kind of investment that Vantreese has made with the current condo project and was looking to make comes to the city and says 'I want you to dress like a clown today', your first question should be 'Like Bozo or Krusty?'But Mayor Tom Weisner said the rules will be bent only so far.
"Vantreese has told me that he won't work with David Dorgan (the city's consultant for downtown redevelopment), he won't work with Sherman Jenkins (the AEDC director). We're not going to make constant exceptions," Weisner said.
Seriously we need to get over ourselves a bit and get it done.
OneMan
For a bit of a different perspective on the whole thing go here.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
From the Onion
From all who know the differance between a a debit and credit and care RIP brother.
OneMan
Herbert F. Kornfeld, 34, was an alleged accounting gang leader considered by law enforcement to be a key player in a series of ongoing office worker turf wars. He was found dead Monday morning in the third-floor copy room of Midstate Office Supply, his employer of 12 years.
From all who know the differance between a a debit and credit and care RIP brother.
OneMan
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