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Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Rich Miller — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:32:57 -0000

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Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Truthful James — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 06:52:35 -0000

It's not the first full time job that is the true scandal...it is the second job which is handed out, supposedly full time also. But what is expected is that the salary from the second job will be devoted to a large extent to the care and feeding of the party candidates. In the meantime, of course, the double dipper is acquiring a lot of pension points so he can double his pleasure in retirement.

And who do the voters think pays for all this folderol? Or do they think at all?

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Ignatius J. Reily — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 23:36:50 -0000

Hey Anon 10:03

Disgusted eh? Don't you mean a disgrace?

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Anonymous — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 23:03:02 -0000

Is it any wonder downstaters are disgusted by Chicagoland politics?

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Ignatius J. Reily — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 22:49:26 -0000

Hey--can Peraica sing? That would be a plus for those who vote according to likeability. It is said that Ed Burke a real liakable guy if there ever was one can really tickle the keys and that he is also quite the raconteur--sor of like George Burns. I don't think he has much talent for story telling but I heard once that Daley used to play the washboard at parties. Put'em all on Talent Search and do a phone-a-thon vote MC'd by the Iceman. The winner gets crowned by Danny Davis. It might not be more entertaining but it might be more rational than the existing system of selecting leadership. You think?

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Vito Marzullo — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 22:31:25 -0000

The wild card in this cook county board race is Cook County Commissioner Jerry Ã¢â‚¬Å“IcemanÃ¢â‚¬Â Butler. Commissioner Butler for those of you who may not know was the lead singer in the R&B Group The Impressions in the late 50Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s. He is a cool character in Cook County Politics. If Commissioner Bobbie Steele and the Stroger factions donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t come together Jerry Ã¢â‚¬Å“IcemanÃ¢â‚¬Â Butler could be the compromise candidate. Tony Perica is in the best political shape in his life, if the African American pols drop the ball Tony Perica can win. I know some people say Perica is to abrasive, to rough but I think he is saying what the voters want to hear, he resonates populist ideas. BTW one of the best songs ever from Jerry Butler is "For Your Precious Love" If you never heard it check out a mp3, a guy that sings like that canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t be bad.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Ignatius J. Reily — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 22:15:54 -0000

Employment is a contract. In government, patronage is the "quid" and the employment is the "quo". In any other public contract quid pro quo is a crime. With the value of some employment contracts plus benefits, the "quo" is substantial in deed. Carol Marin is confused.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Garp — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 20:17:07 -0000

When the politicians are able to fix job hiring, promotions, overtime and discipline-to say nothing of contracts, they are able to build armies of workers to generate cash and manpower to control elections.

When they are able to control elections, they are able to appoint whomever they choose to be the candidate. They appoint members of their family to promulgate their empires.

It's really not hard to understand but when the feds appear to be on the brink of changing the status quo-do gooders like Carol Marin and others start defending the establishment.

That to me is the most surprising.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Paul Simon — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:34:32 -0000

Where have you gone Forrest Claypool, Cook County turns its lonely eyes to you. Hoo hoo hoo.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

dems in trouble — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 16:01:01 -0000

Todd Stroger will have a tough time in the general. This is prime time for a wealthy dem, rep or indep who case about local government to jump in.

No surprise- you are right. Think about it, all of these nepotism types in gov, what would they be doing if not for government and policts?

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Ravenswood Right Winger — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:54:28 -0000

How about Joe Moore for Chairman? Foie Gras for All!!!

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Prez of the FTPC — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:42:19 -0000

Oh yes, I forgot to say this earlier.

Bill Beavers has [edited by moderator], my friends, and will NEVER EVER play shrinking violet to the so-called reformers. Life just got ugly for the lakefront.

His in-your-face style is just perfect to take on the yuppies. And Stroger was, at this core, a nice country boy who grew into a man who could fight, but was still just a good man. I think Beavers has been a grown man since he was about 9. And he isn't worried about "nice."

The gloves are coming off, the knives (read: shanks) are being drawn and this three ring circus needs a fourth.

I love this game.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Michael Corolone — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:39:13 -0000

This election will pit the entrenched Democratic establishment of Daley,Madigan,Hynes,Sheehan,Dart,Lipinski and there house boy,Todd Stroger and Beavers, against the independent voices of Cook County who have voted with there feet and moved to Suburban Cook.
A vote for Stroger, means less and less services,higher taxes and no moblity for other young black,hispanic and white politician of the Democratic Party of Cook.
As an independent Democrat, I would tell you to vote for Peraica,let him win, and know that in 4 yyears we will beat him, and then our young capatains in the party will have a chance to show there leadership and guideour party into the 21st century.
If I am Meeks,Claypool,Quigly,Dart,Jackson,Maldonado,Flores,Guitterrez, and others I would see this move as being a detriment to my advancement,and I would make sure my district vote totals were low, and hope Peraica wins,so as to open up the field for the young turks of the Party!!!!

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

One Man Can Make A Difference — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:37:28 -0000

I agree with the nepotism notion. To be frank, Alderman Beaver's daughter should not be his Chief of Staff.

This is not only nepotism but an obtrusive conflict of interest and there are no justifications for it.

In addition, Senator Madigan and his daughter Lisa Madigan's positions in the State of Illinois are also conflicts of interest even though they are both elected.

In addition to Senator Madigan having daughter as the Illinois Attorney General, someone who would investigate improprieties in his office and the Office of the Governor, he is also the Chairman of the Governor's campaign while his daughter is currently investigating the Governor and his office for alleged improprieties.

With all the conflicts of interest in this state, how is justice ever to be served when everyone breaks bread together and "attend the same church"?

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Bubs — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:23:24 -0000

Captain America, that just won't happen, so you may have to rethink Peraica.

Peraica is a lot of things, some good, some not as good, but one of those things is an experienced, knowledgeable and insightful Commissioner who studies the problems and issues, and wants fundamental change for the better.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Bubs — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:16:05 -0000

Young Buck,

Simple. Give them a system where you can advance on hard work and merit, and you are allowed to serve the public good, wherever that may lead.

Right now we have a system under which advancement is controlled by nepotism, cronyism and contributions, and you must serve the Machine above all, upon pain of losing your job.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Dem observer — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:11:42 -0000

The word "arrogant" doesn't even begin to descibe this maneuver. It's beyond arrogant. It's breathtaking in its contempt for ordinary voters and taxpayers.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

young buck — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:00:44 -0000

I agree with some of the other posters who are ashamed of the Democratic party for this. The post by No Suprise alludes the greater problem. How do we convince bright and interested young leaders to become involved with local governance when something like this happens? Colleges and law schools are churning out many good students whose ambition to change places like the Juv. Detention Center and the Public Health System for the better, only to be turned away by the stench of this regal administration.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Captain America — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 14:46:37 -0000

Truth really is stranger than fiction.

One can only wish that the suburban and lakefront Democratic Committeman would rise up and unanimously reject this plan. Cook County government needs reform rather than the status quo.

Despite my concerns, I could not vote for Peraica under any circumstances!

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Skippy — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 14:43:39 -0000

This is disgusting. I'm ashamed of my party.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Nice pants — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 14:10:12 -0000

The difference between appoint and anoint is more than 2 p's and an n. As much as I complain about Little Lisa Madigan, etc getting annointed by their daddies, they still won elections.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

no surprise — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:36:16 -0000

There is nothing wrong with appointing family members. If someone wants to run for these offices, nothing is stopping them.

The thing to note is that public office is not coveted by those in the private sector, especially those who are doing quite well for themselves. Government is not attracting the best and brightest. So, though many independents are complaining about nepotism, the truth is, who wants to be on the Cook County Board when you could be a partner at a major law firm or a high ranking executive.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Scat O'Itchy — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:28:17 -0000

Bub, I agree with you last line: Go, Tony. Please go.

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Bubs — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:57:31 -0000

ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. Not to mention an insult to American values.

It makes me think upon all the patriots that died in the Revolution to get us free of a society where birthright ruled, and all the soldiers that died in the Civil War to destroy the quasi-feudal plantation social system of the Old South.

Now we are bringing it back, at the wish of entrenched African-Americans leaders.

Oh, my. Oh, my.

I feel like throwing up, and I'm deeply ashamed of my own government.

GO TONY GO!!!!!

Re: Is Stroger off the ticket?

Nice Suit — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:52:07 -0000

I'm amazed that Beale said the following to the Sun-Times:

"The African-American community came out overwhelmingly in support of John Stroger. He was elected to continue to lead this county. If he feels that someone is strong enough to succeed him in that position, we have to honor that. [House Speaker] Mike Madigan anointed his daughter. [Former Cook County Assessor] Tom Hynes anointed his son. [former Rep.] Bill Lipinski anointed his son. So why can't John Stroger anoint his son?"

How can any legislator look himself in the mirror after saying this kind of stuff? Absolutely ridiculous, even more so because it's true. IL politics is a total sham. If people think their vote means anything, this should prove them otherwise.