The entire Regular Democratric Organization is a joke!
How could any self-respecting or saavy white ethnic (Hynes, Madigan, Daley, et al), african american (Beevers, Carothers, D. Brown, et al) or latino (Ricardo Munoz, Solis, et al) want their name attached to this mess...I think its safe to say that ALL COMMITTEEMEN's VOTES/ENDORSEMENTS will be aired-in-public and this will undoubtedly have negative impact on all involved.
Also, who does Jesse Jackson & Co think they are in pushing Bobbie Steele...c'mon, since when did he become "queen-maker" ....Claypool should get the nod.
This is ridiculous!
newswatcher
· 3 years ago
It is hard to imagine that, if this is indeed Stroger's signature, that he has had the capacity to carry on the sorts of conversations with Ald. Beavers, his own son, et al. over the last few months, accede to this transfer of power idea, or let alone "run County government" through his executive aid. The final act of the Stroger saga is just a Shakespearean charicature of Black politics in Cook County and Stroger's entire career in general - he has been a stand-in for the white powers-that-be his entire career, and we see this played out tragically, comically, in his final days by those grubbing for power around him.
Snidely Whiplash
· 3 years ago
Clearly, that is not Mr. Stroger's "signature." No one has seen or heard from this man. Interestingly, no Withdrawal of Candidacy form (which must be notarized) was presented to Cook County Clerk David Orr. Yet, Orr is accepting a typed letter with an illegible signature as Stroger's withdrawal of candidacy. What??? Will Orr do his job, or will he do the Ward bosses' bidding since he needs there approval in order to be reslated for his own position? I guess that's already been answered.
Ya know, Boss Hogg may have ruled Hazard County, but at least they had the Duke Boys there to keep him a bit more "honest." We ain't got no Dukes in Cook County, obviously. This county is more corrupt and undemocratic than the worst of rural backwaters. Patrick Fitzgerald (or SOMEBODY, PLEASE!!!) has to get in here and reinstall democracy.
BTW, I'm getting very nervous over the new "pencil and paper" ballots coming out. Remember the primary, with all the ballots being "stored" in unofficial places, with no "official" supervision. No way anyone could use the eraser end of a no. 2 pencil to remove a "bad" vote and pencil-in a good one, right?
The freaking army oughta be fighting for democracy in Cook County, not in some Middle East backwater that doesn't want it!
Wumpus
· 3 years ago
Keep Storger on the Ballot!
Skeeter
· 3 years ago
I'm not sure what the big deal is about the signature, and frankly, some of the comments above are pretty offensive.
Are they actually claiming that motor skills are directly related to the ability to process information? Are they claiming that because he cannot write, he cannot think?
He has problems controlling his hands. That is a shocker, isn't it? A victim of a serious stroke has a loss of motor function. Huge news.
The man wanted to be President of the Cook County Board, not centerfielder for the White Sox.
The story about Todd Stroger is legitimate. The questions about John Stroger's mental status post-stroke are legitimate. How he signs his name is irrelevant.
Scat O'Itchy
· 3 years ago
Skeeter, thank you for putting this into perspective. My Mom suffered a stroke and lost her ability to use her hands skillfully. She is still very sharp mentally.
What I find suspect is that most of the Stroger bashers on this blog probably don't even live in Cook County! The other three who may live here are Peraica stooges with the exception of Mike Manzo, Peraica's Cheif of Hacks, who lives in Oak Brook, DuPage County, Illinois.
Anonymous
· 3 years ago
Skeeter,
I get where you're coming from, but don't forget the comments weeks ago about his still-amazingly strong handshake (right-hand), and other comments that his right side was 'pretty-much fine'. There's a whole lot of bamboozling going on here.
Ron Burgundy
· 3 years ago
You would have to agree that his apparent lack of motor skills raises even more serious questions about his mental capacity. We simply don't know if he has his faculties at this point because the public hasn't seen or heard from him since March. I think it's past the point that we take his family's and supporters' word for it, based on that signature.
Wumpus
· 3 years ago
Skeeter, perhaps the cloud of mystery that has been in place over his health since the man suffered the stroke. Scat O'itchy, I am sure you have seen your mom since the stroke to verify her sharp mental abilities. I am not saying that we should demand Stroger the Elder go on TV and perform with the Jesse White Tumblers, but I do not really trust the word of Todd Stroger (trying to take dad's position on the crook county board) or Beavers (trying to take Sr. Stroger's commisioner seat and give his daughter his alderman seat). You can take the word of the two who have the most to gain, but I will not.
It is not the comments on here that are most offensive, but the way the democrats/Storger family allies are behaving in this cover-up/power grab that is.
Cook County Resident
VanillaMan
· 3 years ago
How sick is it that we are reading Democrats willing to have a $3 Billion governmental body run by a guy who should be in a nursing home?
Sure! Lets all pretend that everything is a-OK and he is just resting for a while! Let's all pretend that we don't need Cook County leadership while he is resting! Let's all pretend that what he did wasn't all that important, or that NO ONE else could possibly do it!
It's sick! It looks more like a movie, "A Year At John's", instead of, "A Weekend At Bernies".
What are these people's concept of government? They are treating Cook County like it is some kind of kingdom, not the largest freakin' county in Illinois, if not the US.
Can someone please go over there and take control of our government please?
Not like he's playing center field for the White Sox! As if it were that simple!
Randall Sherman, Secretary/Tre
· 3 years ago
I was under the impression that a statement of withdrawl from an election campaign required the candidate's signature to be notarized (to assure against fraud or forgery). I do not see the signature accompanied by a statement of notarization.
Bondi Girl
· 3 years ago
The stakes are pretty high for the Committeemen at this point...their constituents will be watching how they negotiate these tricky times...some of them are running for re-election in their State legislative districts this fall and what they do/ who they support, and why will have an effect in their re-election outcomes...the real powerbrokers in this State are Rich Daley and Mike Madigan...don't ever forget it and don't think for a moment jokers like Beavers are calling the shots...they are justelaborate finger and puppets and talking heads...
Bondi Girl
· 3 years ago
The stakes are pretty high for the Committeemen at this point...their constituents will be watching how they negotiate these tricky times...some of them are running for re-election in their State legislative districts this fall and what they do/ who they support, and why will have an effect in their re-election outcomes...the real powerbrokers in this State are Rich Daley and Mike Madigan...don't ever forget it and don't think for a moment jokers like Beavers are calling the shots...they are just elaborate finger puppets and talking heads...
PalosParkBob
· 3 years ago
The fact that he hasn't had a notarized signature for a withdrawal of candidacy form, and that the press and any interested commissioner has been denied access to him, makes it clear that the problems with President Stroger are most likely severe.
If he could speak or reason clearly, there would have been cameras recording a message to the people of Cook County from him (on a "good" day)over the last three months.
The simple facts are these: 1. He has been in no condition to address his constituents since the stroke, even on his "good" days. 2. Junior and Beavers would have had his signature notarized and the proper forms completed for the withdrawal of his candidacy had he been in any condition to understand what he was signing and was able to "make his mark" in front of the notary. That a notary could not be found to witness and take responsibility for this, even in the corrupt world of Cook County politics, is extemely telling. 3. If President Stroger was mentally clear and communicatively coherent at any time, access to the press would have been granted, perhaps on very short notice, at that time.
No other government in this nation would be able to get away with this sort of sham. Democrats run this state, and racial politics currently runs the Democratic Party.
It's a shame that there's no oppostion party in Illinois to give voters an alternative to this mess.
Truthful James
· 3 years ago
Hey, Bondi Girl.
I have been swimming at that loverly Australian Beach outside Sydney.
All I can add to tie into the current discussion, with the coyotes hanging around waiting for a final piece of this good but dying man is: Serfs Up.
What a shame that his tenure in the County Chair will be shadowed by the sight of the sausage making now going on.
Roger
· 3 years ago
Todd sure is enjoying the spotlight isn't he? I'm wondering why no one else is carrying the story from Fox 32 last night that told of how Todd was soliciting Cook County employees in the northern part of the County to give to his golf out...that's a long way from the south side...this whole thing stinks.
Chick McGann
· 3 years ago
I am amazed at how many people care about the form and substance of a resignation and withdrawl letter. Why do you care how he signed his name? John Stroger is stepping down due to his stroke. Simple as that. Who cares if his letter was notorized? You people wring your hands over the silliest things!
Truthful James
· 3 years ago
Chick mcGann --
That's just what is the problem. There are legal niceties which join us all togetehr. One of them is the requirement that documents be notarized in many instances. Family or those with an interest in the document can not notarize.
One can only gather that they did not want a notary in the room, for one reason or another.
Skeeter
· 3 years ago
The response here has been amazing.
Cook County Republicans should be embarrassed by the ignorance shown here.
In a stroke victim, there is no necessary connection between handwriting and reasoning. That is reality. Unless you have some science to the contrary, the conversation should end here.
Rich Miller's comment is absolutely wrong. The signature says nothing other than "John Stroger signed this."
The comments about notary publics were entertaining though. Apparently, people here believe that all notary publics have such honor and dignity that they would refuse to be a part of a badly penned signature. It almost sounds like a Monty Python bit -- The Honor And Dignity of Today's Notary Public."
Of course, if Tony Peraica was my candidate, I too would be up in arms about the signature. It is far better for Republicans to talk about Stroger's signature than about Tony "Ban All Abortion, But Other Than That I Don't Have Any Plans At All" Peraica.
Truthful James
· 3 years ago
Ah, Skeeter
The Notary's responsibility is ONLY to verify that the the signature was done in his sight and by the person identified as the signatory.
He does not do handwriting analysis.
The signature only implies that John Stroger signed it. The notary is there to say "Indeed he did." It obviates any legal problems.
All of your stuff is blarney.
One can notarize an X as a signature.
But you had to twist the argument to the Republican candidate in November. Are we that scared of him?
Abe
· 3 years ago
This is much ado about nothing...anyone see Claypool lately?
Chick McGann
· 3 years ago
Truthful James:
The only thing I am afraid of is seeing Tony's mug on TV with his "deese, dems and doe's" manner of speaking.
Tony's is a case study when the least popular kid in school grows up and finds an outlet for his revenge. Unfortunately, I didn't go to school with him, yet I have to suffer this terrible payback.
When the new Board is sworn in this December, we will be spared once again as Tony doesn't have a prayer at winning the presidency and he will lose to Bill Gomolinski in the 16th District!
Skeeter
· 3 years ago
TJ:
Sure Tony Peraica scares me. I freely admit that.
That man running Cook County? The man who has no plans at all to cut the size of government, has no plan to weed out corruption, and has nothing at all to add other than "no abortion"?
Yes, somebody that incompetent in a position of power scares me.
Truthful James
· 3 years ago
Interesting, Rich,
I answer Skeeter and pose a question to him and Chick McGann pops up answering me. Same person?
Chick McGann
· 3 years ago
Truthful Jimmy:
Sorry for butting in on your dialogue with Skeeter. I didn't know I couldn't add my two cents.
Levois
· 3 years ago
I kind of wonder if Stroger knew what he was signing. I wonder about the letter anyway. This is just a bad situation all the way around.
Wumpus
· 3 years ago
Skeet, Peracia talks of cutting corruption and waste. You ssem to be a staunch Stroger supporter, what has he done to address any concerns of yours? I guess you will sit this election out then.
Middle of the Road
· 3 years ago
Tony Peraica has gained considerable free publicity during this ordeal. He also was a Croation orphan who worked as a janitor during law school. A self made man. Tony just needs to be the alternative candidate to the DEM machine and watch what he says. People in non city areas are fed up with this scandal and might put Tony over the top. If you are paying property taxes in Winnetka would you vote for Todd Stroger?
Snidely Whiplash
· 3 years ago
Ok, I'm going to say this one last time: In order for a candidate to withdraw from the ballot, he must complete an official Withdrawal of Candidacy form, and submit it before the withdrawal deadline with his NOTARIZED affixed. That is the LAW!
Stop trying to turn this into some anti-stroke victim discussion. The people puppeteering Stroger have not followed the law, and likely don't want a notary in there because the notary would likely see that he doesn't understand what it is and will refuse to notarize his "signature." The veil of secrecy these people have shrouded Stroger in can lead one to no other conclusion.
My God, no wonder they get away with "electing" their kids all the time. Don't people THINK anymore???
Snidely Whiplash
· 3 years ago
And whoever this Skeeter person is, he or she is obviously a Democratic hack spreading misinformation (the Machine's best friend).
Bubs
· 3 years ago
This snobby, putrid criticism of Peraica is demeaning to the authors. Tony Peraica is a successful self-made man who started with absolutely nothing as a young immmigrant in this country. "Dems and dos", huh? He didn't get to go to Harvard or Yale. He was too busy working.
There is not a harder working Commissioner than Tony Peraica. He always has the facts, even when the facts are unpleasant, and embarassing for some.
Peraica has been the only clear voice of reform on the GOP side of the aisle. The so-called "Republicans" that oppose him in the west suburbs have strong ties to Machine Democrats, common financial ties with Democrats, or very good personal reasons to not see the Machine's boat rocked. Peraica, at times alone, has refused to knuckle under, and has demanded reform. He will make an excellent Board President, who will usher in a refreshing new era of good government.
Yes, he will be controversial. Any man trying to do the right thing in opposition to entrenched corrupt interests will stir "controversy," if only because of the power of those who want no change. Just ask Mr. Smith about when he went to Washington.
Niles Township
· 3 years ago
I feel bad for John looking at his signature, but that doesn't mean I would be for Todd. The Stroger era is over. Danny Davis would be a decent choice. How about someone out of left field like Pat Quinn or Jesse White?
Skeeter
· 3 years ago
SW:
Are you claiming that my statement that strokes can impact motor skills without impacting reasoning ability is "misinformation"?
Please tell me that "Snidely" made the last point as a joke. I cannot believe that anybody could be that ignorant. Do some basic research.
For all of you obsessed with the "notary public" issue: Do you all think that there are only three notaries in Chicago? Do you really think that notarization would be an unbearable burden?
I suspect one of two things:
1. Either the entire page was not displayed above; or
2. Oversight.
You all claim that there is this vast conspiracy, but then also want us to believe that none of those involved in this vast enterprise either are, or have access to, a notary stamp. Of course, you all thought Alan Keyes was the man to beat Sen. Obama, so I am far from shocked by the lack of intelligent analysis.
Like I said above, though. When your candidate is Tony "No Abortion But No Other Plans" Peraica, you have to take issues where you find them. Talking about John Stroger's signature sure beats talking about Tony Peraica's non-existent plans to cut the size of county government.
Snidely Whiplash
· 3 years ago
Pat Quinn or Jesse White? Neither has experience. White had some County experience, but really, Recorder of Deeds??? Now he supervises the issuance of drivers' licenses. This is a circus. The focus should be on someone who has the knowledge, experience and courage to take the bull by the horns and do the right thing over there. Get rid of the do-nothing hacks. Balance the budget. Distribute services correctly and fairly. Stop chasing away business by taxing anything of value. Any machine democrat is going to simply preserve the status quo. I can't wait to hear another Bobbie Steele argument. She was Stroger's biggest supporter on the board. Has anyone forgotten that this is John Stroger's mess, and that she's directly complicit in it??? Claypool should be named interim president, and replace Stroger on the ballot. We know what chance that has of happening though, don't we? About as much chance as Eskimoes cornering the market on Coppertone!
Chick McGann
· 3 years ago
Bubs:
You say: "The so-called “Republicans†that oppose him in the west suburbs have strong ties to Machine Democrats, common financial ties with Democrats, or very good personal reasons to not see the Machine’s boat rocked"
Where's the proof in that? Other than Ronnie Serpico, who is supporting Tony in the 16th District, Republican or Democrat? Tony is despised for being Tony, not for some reform banner he picked up when he realized he couldn't win in the suburbs as a Democrat.
Ashur Odishoo
· 3 years ago
The real question that troubles me is if the law was broken at any point. I have been hearing rumors that John Stroger is and has been a vegetable. We know Beavers lies at will and I suspect Todd is easily manipulated by Beavers.
My concern is whether this is an illegal scheme hatched by Whigham, Beavers, and the Toddler to make a power grab for the $3B county budget.
I think people who are not elected are controlling too much of this process. There needs to be an investigation.
Ashur Odishoo Candidate State Representative 11th District
Yellow Dog Democrat
· 3 years ago
I believe this letter is a statement of John Stroger's resignation from his current office, and while state law may require that the signature be notorized (or it atleast would've been a good idea), I think the law regarding Withdrawal of Candidacy for re-election is moot.
By the way, it sound as though Claypool, Quigley and Sufferiden have lined up behind Republican Carl Hansen to finish Stroger's term. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Bubs
· 3 years ago
Chick:
Read Kristin McQueary's recent columns on Maureen Murphy. It's just a starter course for you.
Bubs
· 3 years ago
Chick:
I hope this link works. If not, it's McQueary's June 4, 2006 column the Daily Southtown about Murphy entitled "Sleeping with the Enemy." Murphy has been nearly fanatical in opposing Peraica in the 16th. Wonder why, wonder why.
Nice article, to be sure. But what about the scores of other Republicans that loathe Tony? Can you name five (5) credible Republicans from the 16th District that support, let alone, tolerate Tony?
Bubs
· 3 years ago
He was re-elected Lyons Township Commiteeman this March, despite the combined best efforts of Democrats like you and Maureen to unseat him.
insider
· 3 years ago
By the way, it sound as though Claypool, Quigley and Sufferiden have lined up behind Republican Carl Hansen to finish Stroger’s term. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Do you have a shred of proof for this?
Chick McGann
· 3 years ago
Bubs:
A sitting commissioner sqeaks by with a 95 vote plurality. Again, I ask you, can you name five (5) credible elected Republicans from the 16th District that support, let alone, tolerate Tony?
I put "elected" in there because you seem to know the answer to this question as well as I do. There isn't five. There isn't one.
And, for the record, Bubs, I am a life-long Republican living in the 16th District. I have never voted for a Democrat but will in November when Tony loses to an unknown Bill Gomolinski. Trust me on this.
Establishment Republican
· 3 years ago
There always seem to be people here (and always under pseudonyms) that lay in wait for no other reason than to bash Tony Peraica on here.
If they waste that much energy on doing so, he must really frighten them that he might be elected President of the Cook County Board.
Keep it up Tony!
Lifelong 16th
· 3 years ago
The man must have upset a lot of apples out of a lot of carts. What about Bush's plurality over Gore as a percentage of total? Republicans plus Democrtas plus eny equals Republicrats.
Niles Township
· 3 years ago
While I was a Claypool guy, state law prohibits him from being the nominee in the fall. He could be the interim, but I don't see him wanted that fight for all of a few months. Both White (County Recorder) and Quinn (County Board of Tax Appeals) have more county experience than Toddie boy.
Skeeter
· 3 years ago
Establishment:
Right. It is all a conspiracy. It is my fault that Peraica has no plan other than "no abortion."
It is my fault that Peraica has no plan to weed out corruption.
It is my fault that Peraica is against privatizing county government services.
It is all gigantic progressive blogger conspiracy.
Republicans nominated a guy with no ideas. He has done nothing to stop the growth of government. He has done nothing to stop spending. He has done nothing to get rid of corruption. But Republicans nominated him anyway. Take responsibility for that.
Republicans saw a race that could be won, and in typical Cook County GOP fashion, nominated the worst possible candidate.
Stop blaming everybody else for the failures of your party.
doubtful
· 3 years ago
I don't think anyone means to offend stroke victims in general. They're just filling in the gaps that Stroger and his camp have left.
The only contact with the public since his stroke is this signature, and it doesn't look good so people are going to assume the worst.
The persistant silence lends credibility to the worst case scenario.
cermak_rd
· 3 years ago
Skeeter,
Now, now he's not all about no abortion...didn't he also oppose the gay games? Well, I think he came out against them after he was for them anyway.
My Ma despises Peraica because of his support for the Bojovics.
I just don't want someone who would foist his morality off on me.
PalosParkBob
· 3 years ago
Skeeter and Chick:
Take the doo-doo out of your ears and actually listen to what Tony's been saying about cutting corruption in Cook County Government.
He's gone on the record that he'll get rid of $70K+ payrollers like Palos Dem comitteeman and scandal figure Dan Simone, who's currently the most highly paid "park bench inspector" in the nation.
I'd love to put a GPS tracker on him and find out where he spends his work hours.
Worse yet, there's hundreds, if not thousands, of guys like him on the payroll driving up taxes and creating deficits in the county government.
A President can get rid of these guys, a political minority commissioner can't.
He also has stated that he wants criminal background checks on all county employees in a position to steal money from the taxpayers, which a number of Dem County appointees have been found to do recently.
The results of that action would make the deficit, and need for tax increases, disappear overnight once they're discharged fromm their "featherbed" jobs.
The Cook County patronage cesspool needs to be cleansed, and Tony is the only one who's shown the cajones to do it.
If you think Junior, Bobbie, Daley, and Beavers aren't only in it for the patronage bucks and clout, you're dreaming.
Not one of them can present a single credential for improving efficiency of government service, effective mangement, cost cutting while improving service, and displaying any managerial skills or effective team building so necessary in saving the snake pit that is Cook County Government.
Claypool has accomplished clean up at the Park District, and is the best chance for getting elected and really reforming Cook County Government. Dem racial politics has excluded him as a candidate, however, so Tony's the next best thing.
One other guy to keep an eye on is Hizzoners new chief of staff. This guy is a real hard charger and a butt kicker, and sharp as a tack.
Anyone in County Government who would hire this guy as a "clean up" manager would certainly get my vote.
"Que clases de comemierrrrrrda
· 3 years ago
That a term in spanish to describe Stroger hack squad and those Democratic shills dressed up in Republican clothing in the 16th district!!! The Hispanic community will stand with Peraica through thick and thin, because hispanic admire a Man who is not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and working hard to better his life and his family's life! Commissioner Peraica has also improved the 16th district for all the residents and could do much more if he had like minded reformers in Cook County Goverment than the majority of the hacks that are there!!! The hispanic community is tired of being used by the Black democrats, who have promised the world and not even given a few crumbs from the table. Peraica is an immigrant who have achieved the American Dream and has given more to America and to his community, than most Americans have given in there liftime!! "Riba smri od glave a ne od repa" is a croatian saying that states the fish stinks from the head and not the tail.This best describes what is going on in Cook County Goverment, and we need someone who can clean it up for all future generations of Cook County,so we don't collaps like Detroit did and other places across america did because "the insiders"were to bust looking out for themselves instead of looking out for all the residents!! I guess all I can say to Mr. Peraica's detractors is,to honestly look in ther mirror and decide for yourselves ,who would you trust to take care of your family if you could'nt, Todd Stroger and Beavers or Tony Peraica ? If you had a son, who would you like him to be, Todd Stroger or be a man like Tony Peraica ?
Snidely Whiplash
· 3 years ago
Five R's in the 16th who support Peraica:
John Sinde Jim Durkin Larry Dominick Rich Pellegrino Kathy Ryan
Where's my prize?
Wayne A. Thorp, CFA
· 3 years ago
Mr. Claypool is probably too excited about "being re-elected," as is stated at his official County Web site. The problem with this, however, is that all Mr. Claypool won in the March primary was the nomination to be the Democratic candidate for 12th District Commissioner in the November election. His arrogance (or ignorance) is a slap in the face to voters in his district.
Ignatius J. Reily
· 3 years ago
Notary Seal? Remember what ol' Tom Sawyer wrote [with just a few edits for laughs] about the seal:
The King turned to [Tod], and said kindly--"My poor boy, how was it that you could remember where I hid the Seal when I could not remember it myself?"
"Ah, my King, that was easy, since I used it divers days."
"Used it--yet could not explain where it was?"
"I did not know it was THAT they wanted. They did not describe it, your Majesty."
"Then how used you it?"
The red blood began to steal up into [Tod's] cheeks, and he dropped his eyes and was silent.
"Speak up, good lad, and fear nothing," said the King. "How used you the Great Seal of [Cook County]?"
[Tod] stammered a moment, in a pathetic confusion, then got it out--
"To crack nuts with!"
Poor child, the avalanche of laughter that greeted this nearly swept him off his feet.
Bubs
· 3 years ago
Chick:
Here's another McQueary article on Maureen Murphy's "Republican" activities. As I said, she is an outspoken Peraica opponent in the GOP.
Tony's opponents in the west suburbs don't want him tearing up their nice, comfy pea patch.
Hmmmmm
· 3 years ago
Well, I dont' think that John Sinde is in the 16th District any more
He's over at Queen of Heaven over in Gorman's District
No Prize, Do not collect Go, Do not collect $500
Truthful James
· 3 years ago
Ignatius --
Of course you meant Mark Twain rather than Tom Sawyer. You, sir, are halfway to becoming a wit.
Notaries have stamps these days as an alternative to seals.
Ignatius J. Reily
· 3 years ago
Truthful James-
I think we both mean Samuel Clemmens. At anyrate wether patrinome or nome de plume, I slipped in favor of his nome de guerre.
Patrick C. Kansoer
· 3 years ago
"By the way, it sound as though Claypool, Quigley and Sufferiden have lined up behind Republican Carl Hansen to finish Stroger’s term. Dumb, dumb, dumb." I would be surprised if Suffredin lined up anywhere on any issue. He is a long-time party hack in "reformer's" clothing (one of his first patronage jobs was as a Cook County Forest Preserve attorney appointed by his then political sponsor Cal Sutker). It doesn't surprise me that he would back someone who has no clue about county finances, after all he was the attorney for Illinois Action when Jan Schakowsky's hubby Dick Creamer was kiting millions in checks.
Ignatius J. Reily
· 3 years ago
Sad
Chick McGann
· 3 years ago
Snidely:
John Sinde is dead, just like Peraica's chances.
Jim Durkin is the only relavant elected official you mention.
Larry Dominick, whoo hooo! The Mayor of CICERO backs Tony!
Rich Pellegrino, Indian Head Park, where's that?
Kathy Ryan?!?! She's so low on the totem pole, she carries Mike Manzo's bags.
All Comments
How could any self-respecting or saavy white ethnic (Hynes, Madigan, Daley, et al), african american (Beevers, Carothers, D. Brown, et al) or latino (Ricardo Munoz, Solis, et al) want their name attached to this mess...I think its safe to say that ALL COMMITTEEMEN's VOTES/ENDORSEMENTS will be aired-in-public and this will undoubtedly have negative impact on all involved.
Also, who does Jesse Jackson & Co think they are in pushing Bobbie Steele...c'mon, since when did he become "queen-maker" ....Claypool should get the nod.
This is ridiculous!
Ya know, Boss Hogg may have ruled Hazard County, but at least they had the Duke Boys there to keep him a bit more "honest." We ain't got no Dukes in Cook County, obviously. This county is more corrupt and undemocratic than the worst of rural backwaters. Patrick Fitzgerald (or SOMEBODY, PLEASE!!!) has to get in here and reinstall democracy.
BTW, I'm getting very nervous over the new "pencil and paper" ballots coming out. Remember the primary, with all the ballots being "stored" in unofficial places, with no "official" supervision. No way anyone could use the eraser end of a no. 2 pencil to remove a "bad" vote and pencil-in a good one, right?
The freaking army oughta be fighting for democracy in Cook County, not in some Middle East backwater that doesn't want it!
Are they actually claiming that motor skills are directly related to the ability to process information? Are they claiming that because he cannot write, he cannot think?
He has problems controlling his hands. That is a shocker, isn't it? A victim of a serious stroke has a loss of motor function. Huge news.
The man wanted to be President of the Cook County Board, not centerfielder for the White Sox.
The story about Todd Stroger is legitimate. The questions about John Stroger's mental status post-stroke are legitimate. How he signs his name is irrelevant.
What I find suspect is that most of the Stroger bashers on this blog probably don't even live in Cook County! The other three who may live here are Peraica stooges with the exception of Mike Manzo, Peraica's Cheif of Hacks, who lives in Oak Brook, DuPage County, Illinois.
I get where you're coming from, but don't forget the comments weeks ago about his still-amazingly strong handshake (right-hand), and other comments that his right side was 'pretty-much fine'. There's a whole lot of bamboozling going on here.
It is not the comments on here that are most offensive, but the way the democrats/Storger family allies are behaving in this cover-up/power grab that is.
Cook County Resident
Sure! Lets all pretend that everything is a-OK and he is just resting for a while! Let's all pretend that we don't need Cook County leadership while he is resting! Let's all pretend that what he did wasn't all that important, or that NO ONE else could possibly do it!
It's sick! It looks more like a movie, "A Year At John's", instead of, "A Weekend At Bernies".
What are these people's concept of government? They are treating Cook County like it is some kind of kingdom, not the largest freakin' county in Illinois, if not the US.
Can someone please go over there and take control of our government please?
Not like he's playing center field for the White Sox! As if it were that simple!
If he could speak or reason clearly, there would have been cameras recording a message to the people of Cook County from him (on a "good" day)over the last three months.
The simple facts are these:
1. He has been in no condition to address his constituents since the stroke, even on his "good" days.
2. Junior and Beavers would have had his signature notarized and the proper forms completed for the withdrawal of his candidacy had he been in any condition to understand what he was signing and was able to "make his mark" in front of the notary. That a notary could not be found to witness and take responsibility for this, even in the corrupt world of Cook County politics, is extemely telling.
3. If President Stroger was mentally clear and communicatively coherent at any time, access to the press would have been granted, perhaps on very short notice, at that time.
No other government in this nation would be able to get away with this sort of sham. Democrats run this state, and racial politics currently runs the Democratic Party.
It's a shame that there's no oppostion party in Illinois to give voters an alternative to this mess.
I have been swimming at that loverly Australian Beach outside Sydney.
All I can add to tie into the current discussion, with the coyotes hanging around waiting for a final piece of this good but dying man is: Serfs Up.
What a shame that his tenure in the County Chair will be shadowed by the sight of the sausage making now going on.
That's just what is the problem. There are legal niceties which join us all togetehr. One of them is the requirement that documents be notarized in many instances. Family or those with an interest in the document can not notarize.
One can only gather that they did not want a notary in the room, for one reason or another.
Cook County Republicans should be embarrassed by the ignorance shown here.
In a stroke victim, there is no necessary connection between handwriting and reasoning. That is reality. Unless you have some science to the contrary, the conversation should end here.
Rich Miller's comment is absolutely wrong. The signature says nothing other than "John Stroger signed this."
The comments about notary publics were entertaining though. Apparently, people here believe that all notary publics have such honor and dignity that they would refuse to be a part of a badly penned signature. It almost sounds like a Monty Python bit -- The Honor And Dignity of Today's Notary Public."
Of course, if Tony Peraica was my candidate, I too would be up in arms about the signature. It is far better for Republicans to talk about Stroger's signature than about Tony "Ban All Abortion, But Other Than That I Don't Have Any Plans At All" Peraica.
The Notary's responsibility is ONLY to verify that the the signature was done in his sight and by the person identified as the signatory.
He does not do handwriting analysis.
The signature only implies that John Stroger signed it. The notary is there to say "Indeed he did." It obviates any legal problems.
All of your stuff is blarney.
One can notarize an X as a signature.
But you had to twist the argument to the Republican candidate in November. Are we that scared of him?
The only thing I am afraid of is seeing Tony's mug on TV with his "deese, dems and doe's" manner of speaking.
Tony's is a case study when the least popular kid in school grows up and finds an outlet for his revenge. Unfortunately, I didn't go to school with him, yet I have to suffer this terrible payback.
When the new Board is sworn in this December, we will be spared once again as Tony doesn't have a prayer at winning the presidency and he will lose to Bill Gomolinski in the 16th District!
Sure Tony Peraica scares me. I freely admit that.
That man running Cook County? The man who has no plans at all to cut the size of government, has no plan to weed out corruption, and has nothing at all to add other than "no abortion"?
Yes, somebody that incompetent in a position of power scares me.
I answer Skeeter and pose a question to him and Chick McGann pops up answering me. Same person?
Sorry for butting in on your dialogue with Skeeter. I didn't know I couldn't add my two cents.
Stop trying to turn this into some anti-stroke victim discussion. The people puppeteering Stroger have not followed the law, and likely don't want a notary in there because the notary would likely see that he doesn't understand what it is and will refuse to notarize his "signature." The veil of secrecy these people have shrouded Stroger in can lead one to no other conclusion.
My God, no wonder they get away with "electing" their kids all the time. Don't people THINK anymore???
There is not a harder working Commissioner than Tony Peraica. He always has the facts, even when the facts are unpleasant, and embarassing for some.
Peraica has been the only clear voice of reform on the GOP side of the aisle. The so-called "Republicans" that oppose him in the west suburbs have strong ties to Machine Democrats, common financial ties with Democrats, or very good personal reasons to not see the Machine's boat rocked. Peraica, at times alone, has refused to knuckle under, and has demanded reform. He will make an excellent Board President, who will usher in a refreshing new era of good government.
Yes, he will be controversial. Any man trying to do the right thing in opposition to entrenched corrupt interests will stir "controversy," if only because of the power of those who want no change. Just ask Mr. Smith about when he went to Washington.
Are you claiming that my statement that strokes can impact motor skills without impacting reasoning ability is "misinformation"?
Please tell me that "Snidely" made the last point as a joke. I cannot believe that anybody could be that ignorant. Do some basic research.
For all of you obsessed with the "notary public" issue: Do you all think that there are only three notaries in Chicago? Do you really think that notarization would be an unbearable burden?
I suspect one of two things:
1. Either the entire page was not displayed above; or
2. Oversight.
You all claim that there is this vast conspiracy, but then also want us to believe that none of those involved in this vast enterprise either are, or have access to, a notary stamp. Of course, you all thought Alan Keyes was the man to beat Sen. Obama, so I am far from shocked by the lack of intelligent analysis.
Like I said above, though. When your candidate is Tony "No Abortion But No Other Plans" Peraica, you have to take issues where you find them. Talking about John Stroger's signature sure beats talking about Tony Peraica's non-existent plans to cut the size of county government.
You say: "The so-called “Republicans†that oppose him in the west suburbs have strong ties to Machine Democrats, common financial ties with Democrats, or very good personal reasons to not see the Machine’s boat rocked"
Where's the proof in that? Other than Ronnie Serpico, who is supporting Tony in the 16th District, Republican or Democrat? Tony is despised for being Tony, not for some reform banner he picked up when he realized he couldn't win in the suburbs as a Democrat.
My concern is whether this is an illegal scheme hatched by Whigham, Beavers, and the Toddler to make a power grab for the $3B county budget.
I think people who are not elected are controlling too much of this process. There needs to be an investigation.
Ashur Odishoo
Candidate
State Representative 11th District
By the way, it sound as though Claypool, Quigley and Sufferiden have lined up behind Republican Carl Hansen to finish Stroger's term. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
Read Kristin McQueary's recent columns on Maureen Murphy. It's just a starter course for you.
I hope this link works. If not, it's McQueary's June 4, 2006 column the Daily Southtown about Murphy entitled "Sleeping with the Enemy." Murphy has been nearly fanatical in opposing Peraica in the 16th. Wonder why, wonder why.
www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/columns/mcquea...
Nice article, to be sure. But what about the scores of other Republicans that loathe Tony? Can you name five (5) credible Republicans from the 16th District that support, let alone, tolerate Tony?
Do you have a shred of proof for this?
A sitting commissioner sqeaks by with a 95 vote plurality. Again, I ask you, can you name five (5) credible elected Republicans from the 16th District that support, let alone, tolerate Tony?
I put "elected" in there because you seem to know the answer to this question as well as I do. There isn't five. There isn't one.
And, for the record, Bubs, I am a life-long Republican living in the 16th District. I have never voted for a Democrat but will in November when Tony loses to an unknown Bill Gomolinski. Trust me on this.
If they waste that much energy on doing so, he must really frighten them that he might be elected President of the Cook County Board.
Keep it up Tony!
Right. It is all a conspiracy.
It is my fault that Peraica has no plan other than "no abortion."
It is my fault that Peraica has no plan to weed out corruption.
It is my fault that Peraica is against privatizing county government services.
It is all gigantic progressive blogger conspiracy.
Republicans nominated a guy with no ideas. He has done nothing to stop the growth of government. He has done nothing to stop spending. He has done nothing to get rid of corruption. But Republicans nominated him anyway. Take responsibility for that.
Republicans saw a race that could be won, and in typical Cook County GOP fashion, nominated the worst possible candidate.
Stop blaming everybody else for the failures of your party.
The only contact with the public since his stroke is this signature, and it doesn't look good so people are going to assume the worst.
The persistant silence lends credibility to the worst case scenario.
Now, now he's not all about no abortion...didn't he also oppose the gay games? Well, I think he came out against them after he was for them anyway.
My Ma despises Peraica because of his support for the Bojovics.
I just don't want someone who would foist his morality off on me.
Take the doo-doo out of your ears and actually listen to what Tony's been saying about cutting corruption in Cook County Government.
He's gone on the record that he'll get rid of $70K+ payrollers like Palos Dem comitteeman and scandal figure Dan Simone, who's currently the most highly paid "park bench inspector" in the nation.
I'd love to put a GPS tracker on him and find out where he spends his work hours.
Worse yet, there's hundreds, if not thousands, of guys like him on the payroll driving up taxes and creating deficits in the county government.
A President can get rid of these guys, a political minority commissioner can't.
He also has stated that he wants criminal background checks on all county employees in a position to steal money from the taxpayers, which a number of Dem County appointees have been found to do recently.
The results of that action would make the deficit, and need for tax increases, disappear overnight once they're discharged fromm their "featherbed" jobs.
The Cook County patronage cesspool needs to be cleansed, and Tony is the only one who's shown the cajones to do it.
If you think Junior, Bobbie, Daley, and Beavers aren't only in it for the patronage bucks and clout, you're dreaming.
Not one of them can present a single credential for improving efficiency of government service, effective mangement, cost cutting while improving service, and displaying any managerial skills or effective team building so necessary in saving the snake pit that is Cook County Government.
Claypool has accomplished clean up at the Park District, and is the best chance for getting elected and really reforming Cook County Government. Dem racial politics has excluded him as a candidate, however, so Tony's the next best thing.
One other guy to keep an eye on is Hizzoners new chief of staff. This guy is a real hard charger and a butt kicker, and sharp as a tack.
Anyone in County Government who would hire this guy as a "clean up" manager would certainly get my vote.
The Hispanic community will stand with Peraica through thick and thin, because hispanic admire a Man who is not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and working hard to better his life and his family's life! Commissioner Peraica has also improved the 16th district for all the residents and could do much more if he had like minded reformers in Cook County Goverment than the majority of the hacks that are there!!!
The hispanic community is tired of being used by the Black democrats, who have promised the world and not even given a few crumbs from the table.
Peraica is an immigrant who have achieved the American Dream and has given more to America and to his community, than most Americans have given in there liftime!!
"Riba smri od glave a ne od repa" is a croatian saying that states the fish stinks from the head and not the tail.This best describes what is going on in Cook County Goverment, and we need someone who can clean it up for all future generations of Cook County,so we don't collaps like Detroit did and other places across america did because "the insiders"were to bust looking out for themselves instead of looking out for all the residents!!
I guess all I can say to Mr. Peraica's detractors is,to honestly look in ther mirror and decide for yourselves ,who would you trust to take care of your family if you could'nt, Todd Stroger and Beavers or Tony Peraica ? If you had a son, who would you like him to be, Todd Stroger or be a man like Tony Peraica ?
John Sinde
Jim Durkin
Larry Dominick
Rich Pellegrino
Kathy Ryan
Where's my prize?
The King turned to [Tod], and said kindly--"My
poor boy, how was it that you could remember where I hid the Seal when I could not remember it myself?"
"Ah, my King, that was easy, since I used it divers days."
"Used it--yet could not explain where it was?"
"I did not know it was THAT they wanted. They did not describe it, your Majesty."
"Then how used you it?"
The red blood began to steal up into [Tod's] cheeks, and he dropped his eyes and was silent.
"Speak up, good lad, and fear nothing," said the King. "How used you the Great Seal of [Cook County]?"
[Tod] stammered a moment, in a pathetic confusion, then got it out--
"To crack nuts with!"
Poor child, the avalanche of laughter that greeted this nearly swept him off his feet.
Here's another McQueary article on Maureen Murphy's "Republican" activities. As I said, she is an outspoken Peraica opponent in the GOP.
www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/columns/mcquea...
Tony's opponents in the west suburbs don't want him tearing up their nice, comfy pea patch.
He's over at Queen of Heaven over in Gorman's District
No Prize, Do not collect Go, Do not collect $500
Of course you meant Mark Twain rather than Tom Sawyer. You, sir, are halfway to becoming a wit.
Notaries have stamps these days as an alternative to seals.
I think we both mean Samuel Clemmens. At anyrate wether patrinome or nome de plume, I slipped in favor of his nome de guerre.
I would be surprised if Suffredin lined up anywhere on any issue. He is a long-time party hack in "reformer's" clothing (one of his first patronage jobs was as a Cook County Forest Preserve attorney appointed by his then political sponsor Cal Sutker). It doesn't surprise me that he would back someone who has no clue about county finances, after all he was the attorney for Illinois Action when Jan Schakowsky's hubby Dick Creamer was kiting millions in checks.
John Sinde is dead, just like Peraica's chances.
Jim Durkin is the only relavant elected official you mention.
Larry Dominick, whoo hooo! The Mayor of CICERO backs Tony!
Rich Pellegrino, Indian Head Park, where's that?
Kathy Ryan?!?! She's so low on the totem pole, she carries Mike Manzo's bags.