May 27, 2009
"CINDERELLA STORY" IN 36TH WARD: FROM DRIVER TO ALDERMAN
Not even Walt Disney could top this. It's Chicago's very own "Cinderella Story" -- and I'm not writing about Barack Obama's ascent to the White House. In the Northwest Side 36th Ward, where city Zoning Czar Bill Banks has ruled supreme since 1983, the next alderman is going to be Banks' driver: John Rice. Who needs college? Just study the Rules of the Road, and you, too, can grow up to be alderman. Rice, to be fair, is actually on the city payroll as "chief of staff." Banks' departure (he will resign by the end of 2009) has had a seismic impact in the city council, where some senior aldermen are angling to become Zoning Committee chairman. Banks has $837,349 in his 3 campaign accounts, and raised over $300,000 in the past 2 years -- with most of the dough from developers and zoning attorneys. That's power. Pat O'Connor wants the post, as does black Ald. Ike Carrothers. Banks will soon become a zoning lawyer. In 2011, for the first time since the 1970s, the 36th Ward will have a competitive aldermanic race. Rice is beatable. Full Article...
May 20, 2009
COUNTRY'S LURCH TO LIBERALISM CONFOUNDS REPUBLICANS
Get the Republican Party into TARP? Their status as an asset is quickly eroding, as the US stampedes swiftly leftward. Despite corruption at all levels of Illinois, Cook County and Chicago government, and despite imminent tax hikes, Republicans are not relevant...they're not a plausible alternative to dumb Democrats. Here's why: (1) The country has lurched to the left. Government is good -- not a problem. (2) The evaporation of economic wealth has heightened dependency on government. (3) Social issues are trumped by economic issues. (4) Republicans are in a lose/lose situation with Obama. If he succeeds, he's a hero. If he fails, then people will demand even more spending and taxing. (5) Incredibly, Obama is being perceived as a "centrist," with the ultra-liberals and environmentalists becoming the Obama Alternative. And (6) a new era of me-too Republicanism is emerging: don't roll back new programs, just manage them better. That was the GOP mantra from 1934 to 1964. Times are tough for the Republicans, and getting gloomier. Full Article...
May 13, 2009
"MOUNTAINS OF MUCK" WILL ERUPT IN 2010 SENATE RACE
"Just Say No." That's probably wishful thinking, as Democrats Alexi Giannoulias, Jan Schakowsky, Roland Burris and Jesse Jackson Jr. contemplate and/or commence their respective bids for U.S. Senator in 2010. That means Mountains of Muck, as each candidate is flawed and carries the type of baggage that will be emblazoned on every TV screen next January. The primary is 2/2/10. Burris is tainted as a liar and opportunist, is being investigated for perjury, and yet could still win with 30% -- if he gets the black vote. Giannoulias, 33, is a FOB (Friend of Barack), and wants to go to D.C. and support the Obama Agenda; his problems include the $85 million loss in the state treasurer's Bright Start program, and dubious loans from his family bank. Schakowsky is an ardent liberal, and some of her off-the-wall positions (against the Pledge of Allegiance, for allowing flag desecration) as well as her stance for gun control, gay rights, abortion and against school choice, war funding and tax cuts, will not resonate well among Downstaters; plus, her husband's bank fraud will be revisited. Jackson allegedly was contacted about giving a $1 million contribution to Blagojevich. Also in the mix is Chris Kennedy, son of the late Bobby Kennedy. Giannoulias is locking up support from Organized Labor, county chairmen, and state legislators. 70% of the Dem vote comes from Cook County (and 50% from Chicago), with 18% Downstate and 12% in the collar counties. Schakowsky, if she runs, gives up a safe House seat and a shot at the speakership. Blacks are 35-40% of the turnout. Giannoulias is the early favorite. But the muck will be hot and heavy. Full Article...
May 6, 2009
STROGER'S PLIGHT PRECIPITATES THE "TODD PRINCIPLE" OF DYSFUNCTION
Some politicians are remembered for their accomplishments. Others for their venality, stupidity and/or corruption. Cook County Board president Todd Stroger, a verifiable dimwit, will be remembered for expanding and supplementing the "Peter Principle" -- which averted that, in business and government, people rise to their level of incompetence. The "Todd Principle" avers that incompetent people spread mass dysfunction throughout their realm. Without question, thanks to Todd, Cook County's government is dysfunctional. Todd is president because of his DNA. Dad John's stroke enabled him to win the '06 primary over Forrest Claypool with 53.5%; the Toddler was appointed to his dad's nomination, and barely beat Tony Peraica (R) with 52.9%. Polls show Toddler with 21%, and he has two foes in 2010: Claypool and black Ald. Toni Preckwinkle. Claypool is the definite favorite. The "Tony Cole" situation exemplifies Stroger's dysfunction: His cousin, the county CFO, hired a busboy to be her secretary; he had a criminal record; he was promoted. Todd claimed he didn't know about it, and fired both. Is this the way to run county government? Todd insisted on raising the county sales tax by 1%, to generate $380 million in '08. But in '09, Todd asked for $324 million in additional borrowing. Where is this money going? Todd is Toast. After 2010, "dysfunction" will be no more. Full Article...
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