The Village of Orland Park can be described as a prosperous and striving community. It wins many awards and accolades for its history and progress. It’s the retail hub and envy of the southwest suburbs. But something is happening to shake that image. It’s the financial condition of the Village. In the past year we’ve seen the creation of new fees, the cutting of the property tax rebates, increased property taxes and the implementation of a 15 month budget. The Village acts as if it’s immune to the current recession. The heart of its revenues, retail sales, have declined. Nationally retail sales are down 10%, housing sales have stalled and foreclosures are on the rise. The bread and butter normally used to run the Village is drying up. The Village relies on debt in the form of bonds and TIF’s to provide the monies needed to pursue its ambitious goals. This is a problem, because many of these goals and ambitions are no longer affordable.
The debt that the Village is incurring must be repaid and that is why we see the increases in fees and taxes. The 12 month budget couldn’t be balanced so the Village reverted to a 15 month budget. The burden of this debt is being transferred to the Citizens of Orland Park. The Village is failing to recognize the reality of the recession and continues to operate as if nothing has changed. It continues to pursue projects that are too costly to support. For instance, millions of dollars have been invested in the Metra Triangle with little or no return. The Mayor continues to pressure the Orland Plaza into extinction. To continue this course of action will only provide less sales and property tax dollars for the Village. The Mayor’s arrogance of power is becoming a burden upon the taxpayers of Orland Park. There comes a time when leaders must face unpleasant decisions and admit failure. The Mayor’s dream for the Metra Triangle is no longer possible and has been better described as the “Bermuda Triangle.” There are no developers standing in line to invest in this dream. It’s time to abandon the harassment of the Orland Plaza and seek more feasible options for the vacant land.
.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Where's The Republican Party
Can someone tell me why the Republican Party does not run a candidate for Mayor in Orland Park? This is the second straight Mayoral Election without a Republican candidate. The issues are clear: eminent domain, Orland Plaza, rising property taxes, TIF’s, reduction of property tax rebates, increased fees and entering the real estate business. These are all indicators that the present administration is in financial trouble. Mayor McLaughlin and his administration are beatable. It amazes me that the Republicans would not take advantage of this opportunity. Maybe, just maybe could it be that they support Mayor McLaughlin. Could it be that the Republicans are really Democrats in sheep’s clothing? You’ve read about pay to play in Springfield, has it come to Orland Park?
Fortunately a group of concerned citizens have taken up the banner of “Concerned Citizens of Orland Park” to challenge the McLaughlin Administration. I salute them for their efforts to take on a behemoth with a loaded campaign chest and clout. This is not an easy task which will be loaded with obstacles and tricks to derail their efforts to unseat this incumbent mayor..
Fortunately a group of concerned citizens have taken up the banner of “Concerned Citizens of Orland Park” to challenge the McLaughlin Administration. I salute them for their efforts to take on a behemoth with a loaded campaign chest and clout. This is not an easy task which will be loaded with obstacles and tricks to derail their efforts to unseat this incumbent mayor..
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
AN UNCHANGING CULTURE
Recently I watched a movie about the efforts to bring the Tucker Automobile to market in the late 40’s and 50’s. It was an amazing story about Preston Tucker’s dream of creating a car that was safe and ahead of its time. Unfortunately his dream wasn’t fulfilled because of pressures from the Big 3 Automakers, SEC, Media and Power Brokers. These forces combined to dehumanize and create a scandal to discredit Tucker.. Tucker was brought to court, for fraud, but was found Not Guilty. Against all odds Tucker was still able to build 50 automobiles.
The irony of the story is that this culture has not changed. The Big 3 Automakers still resist change and look to government and influence to protect them. It’s sad to see innovation and creativity squashed for the self interest of a few. Instead of helping innovators bring ideas to market we continue to protect the self interest of powerful companies to maintain the status quo...
Tucker is a classic example of an unchanging culture. It’s been over 60 years since Preston Tucker fought his battle and there has been little or no change. The culture has become so deep rooted it can no longer differentiate the trees from the forest. Washington continues to protect this culture. We need to learn from history and correct our mistakes. The new administration promises change. Can it change an unchanging culture?
The irony of the story is that this culture has not changed. The Big 3 Automakers still resist change and look to government and influence to protect them. It’s sad to see innovation and creativity squashed for the self interest of a few. Instead of helping innovators bring ideas to market we continue to protect the self interest of powerful companies to maintain the status quo...
Tucker is a classic example of an unchanging culture. It’s been over 60 years since Preston Tucker fought his battle and there has been little or no change. The culture has become so deep rooted it can no longer differentiate the trees from the forest. Washington continues to protect this culture. We need to learn from history and correct our mistakes. The new administration promises change. Can it change an unchanging culture?
Saturday, December 27, 2008
GOODBYE 2008
Looking back at 2008 it wasn’t the best of times. The year was marred by greed and a lack of accountability. The collapse of the stock and real estate markets affected everyone and caused businesses to fail. Jobs were lost as people faced the reality of a new life of sacrifice. The U.S. was going into a recession after years of uninterrupted prosperity and growth.
History will judge government on how they managed and dealt with the 2008 economic crisis. The word bailout will strike a chord as government’s strategy to rescue the money market and auto industry. Time will tell if the bailouts were good or bad for a capitalistic society. We will learn about the deals and cronyism that existed between government and various business leaders. The failures of business leaders will be studied in classrooms.
Books will be written on how prominence and payoffs led to many of the problems of 2008 through the abuse of power and position. The story would not be complete without an analysis of the public’s inability to keep informed and how they are influenced to vote.
The year 2008 echoed the words, Change and Hope. The people elected its first black president, Barack Obama. The election process seemed to be never ending with countless debates and tons of money spent to win office. Much of the public debt could have been paid with the monies collected to finance campaigns. 2009 will determine how much influence rhetoric and image had in electing the President. Getting good candidates to run for public office is getting more difficult. The public loses when only the rich and influential run. The election process is broken and the question is: can we fix it? Again it’s up to the people to force the change needed to maintain a free and democratic society.
The Iraq War was the major issue at the beginning of 2008, it faded as the elections came and the economy worsened. As the tide turned and victory became imminent the focus turned to other issues. The Iraq debate is not over and time will tell if our actions were worthy of the lives and dollars spent to spread democracy in the Middle East. The focus in 2009 will turn to Afghanistan.
The world remained unstable as we watched Iran push its quest for nuclear power. The Russians started to reheat the cold war with its push to realign itself with Boliva, Cuba and Iran. The Russian aggression into Georgia was an indicator that this is a power to be watched and reckoned with. China’s strength and power continued to grow as it advanced its economic strength with cheap labor. As the year was ending we watched with anticipation the conflicts between India and Pakistan and Israel and the Palestians. Europe seemed to be moving to the right towards a more free and democratic society. It continued to face threats from Russia and Al Qaeda. The world’s economy is now in crisis and will create new world tensions for the new President.
Oil was the big story through most of the year as prices fluctuated from over $120 a barrel to under $40. The world’s oil producers raked in the money and rode high until demand and prices fell. The Russians, Bolivians and Iranians flexed their muscles as prices soared. Once prices fell they found their economies in turmoil. Oil was their leverage. The U.S. was in conflict to drill or not drill. After an outcry to drill, we still have not seen any positive action to end our dependence upon foreign oil. With lower prices, the question is: do we again become complacent and do nothing? When will we learn?
The relevancy of newspapers faded as revenues shrank and many shut down. Was it because of the internet or bias and poor reporting? To me it was its failure to provide fair and equal reporting. It failed to scrutinize and provide unbiased analytical reports on all issues.. After the election, the Chicago Tribune tried to regain credibility by providing in-depth analysis of the issues. People looked to the internet for quick information. The problem is, where do you get good reliable information? The sources are many, but great care is needed to select the most reliable and credible coverage?
The issue of illegal immigration took center stage for part of the year. The battle continues with the politicians catering to the minorities for votes instead of applying the law. As the economy weakened we began to see many of the illegal’s return home. With the New Year the battle will continue and we can expect the politicians to cave and grant amnesty to the illegals. With the threat of terrorism and not securing our borders we are in danger of another 911. Our culture and attitudes are changing. We appear to be losing some of the patriotism and spirit that made America great. Government wants to run our lives and we must resist, we must maintain our independence and keep our minds free.
Many of the problems we faced in 2008 were due to the lack of leadership and foresight to deal with issues. Government wants to be everything to everyone. They wanted everyone to own a home. They promoted free credit and it boomeranged and created the banking crisis. They sponsored and promoted their friends to high positions at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Government leaders will not accept responsibility for bad decisions. There is no accountability. Unions are praised even though their contacts and demands add to our economic woes. The UAW and Teachers Unions use blackmail as a tool to get what they want. Our Washington politicians gave themselves raises and more perks as the country fell into recession. Have they no shame? Pork is prominent in passing legislation. “If you want my vote this is what I want”. This is the greed and attitude that brings our country down. It’s not about you and me, it’s become about them. We must hold all elected official accountable. Who created this mess, we did by electing and re-electing the people who represent us. We the people must keep government in line.
2009 brings many challenges. With a new President who promises hope and change we can only pray for the best.
History will judge government on how they managed and dealt with the 2008 economic crisis. The word bailout will strike a chord as government’s strategy to rescue the money market and auto industry. Time will tell if the bailouts were good or bad for a capitalistic society. We will learn about the deals and cronyism that existed between government and various business leaders. The failures of business leaders will be studied in classrooms.
Books will be written on how prominence and payoffs led to many of the problems of 2008 through the abuse of power and position. The story would not be complete without an analysis of the public’s inability to keep informed and how they are influenced to vote.
The year 2008 echoed the words, Change and Hope. The people elected its first black president, Barack Obama. The election process seemed to be never ending with countless debates and tons of money spent to win office. Much of the public debt could have been paid with the monies collected to finance campaigns. 2009 will determine how much influence rhetoric and image had in electing the President. Getting good candidates to run for public office is getting more difficult. The public loses when only the rich and influential run. The election process is broken and the question is: can we fix it? Again it’s up to the people to force the change needed to maintain a free and democratic society.
The Iraq War was the major issue at the beginning of 2008, it faded as the elections came and the economy worsened. As the tide turned and victory became imminent the focus turned to other issues. The Iraq debate is not over and time will tell if our actions were worthy of the lives and dollars spent to spread democracy in the Middle East. The focus in 2009 will turn to Afghanistan.
The world remained unstable as we watched Iran push its quest for nuclear power. The Russians started to reheat the cold war with its push to realign itself with Boliva, Cuba and Iran. The Russian aggression into Georgia was an indicator that this is a power to be watched and reckoned with. China’s strength and power continued to grow as it advanced its economic strength with cheap labor. As the year was ending we watched with anticipation the conflicts between India and Pakistan and Israel and the Palestians. Europe seemed to be moving to the right towards a more free and democratic society. It continued to face threats from Russia and Al Qaeda. The world’s economy is now in crisis and will create new world tensions for the new President.
Oil was the big story through most of the year as prices fluctuated from over $120 a barrel to under $40. The world’s oil producers raked in the money and rode high until demand and prices fell. The Russians, Bolivians and Iranians flexed their muscles as prices soared. Once prices fell they found their economies in turmoil. Oil was their leverage. The U.S. was in conflict to drill or not drill. After an outcry to drill, we still have not seen any positive action to end our dependence upon foreign oil. With lower prices, the question is: do we again become complacent and do nothing? When will we learn?
The relevancy of newspapers faded as revenues shrank and many shut down. Was it because of the internet or bias and poor reporting? To me it was its failure to provide fair and equal reporting. It failed to scrutinize and provide unbiased analytical reports on all issues.. After the election, the Chicago Tribune tried to regain credibility by providing in-depth analysis of the issues. People looked to the internet for quick information. The problem is, where do you get good reliable information? The sources are many, but great care is needed to select the most reliable and credible coverage?
The issue of illegal immigration took center stage for part of the year. The battle continues with the politicians catering to the minorities for votes instead of applying the law. As the economy weakened we began to see many of the illegal’s return home. With the New Year the battle will continue and we can expect the politicians to cave and grant amnesty to the illegals. With the threat of terrorism and not securing our borders we are in danger of another 911. Our culture and attitudes are changing. We appear to be losing some of the patriotism and spirit that made America great. Government wants to run our lives and we must resist, we must maintain our independence and keep our minds free.
Many of the problems we faced in 2008 were due to the lack of leadership and foresight to deal with issues. Government wants to be everything to everyone. They wanted everyone to own a home. They promoted free credit and it boomeranged and created the banking crisis. They sponsored and promoted their friends to high positions at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Government leaders will not accept responsibility for bad decisions. There is no accountability. Unions are praised even though their contacts and demands add to our economic woes. The UAW and Teachers Unions use blackmail as a tool to get what they want. Our Washington politicians gave themselves raises and more perks as the country fell into recession. Have they no shame? Pork is prominent in passing legislation. “If you want my vote this is what I want”. This is the greed and attitude that brings our country down. It’s not about you and me, it’s become about them. We must hold all elected official accountable. Who created this mess, we did by electing and re-electing the people who represent us. We the people must keep government in line.
2009 brings many challenges. With a new President who promises hope and change we can only pray for the best.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
THE ECONOMY
President Elect Obama has assigned John Podesta of his transition team to get input into solving the nation’s problems. The President Elect yesterday issued a statement regarding establishing an intiative to add 2.5 million jobs by 2011. My input to Mr. Podesta was as follows:
I agree, we need jobs and more jobs. Jobs are what drives the economy Where's the money?. Suggestion, take the balance of the 300 billion from the bailout and use it for creating and fixing the nations infrastructure.It's a start. 350 billion was more than enough for the Financial industry. That money was needed to fix the credit market. Banks need to resolve their own problems. Renegotiate mortgages and sell what people can't afford. There is a limit to bailouts Hopefully they learned a lesson in how to manage money and when to and when not to give credit.. They got into the mess, now work yourself out of it. You heard of tough love. Plus, get government out of the financial markets. Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have no clue what the're doing. Get your new Treasury Secretary to start carrying the ball when it comes to the Fiinancial Markets.Everyone needs to be accountable. Stop treating everyone like a baby.
Received an email describing Ford's shopisticated factory in Brazil.. Somethings wrong with the picture. If they can be successful in Brazil they can be successful in the U.S. They've got the talent and ideas. You need to transfer the Brazil model to the U.S. Get the politics out of the U.S. market. They need to go into receivership and dump the executives that were cajoling with Reid and Pelosi. Scrap the Board of Directors and have a complete reorganization of leadership. Find the people who made it work in Brazil and put them to work at fixing the problem.
Just heard, on the news ,some economists stated our cars were too good. Yes, my Toyota's a great car and will last 10 years. I expect it to last, it was a major investment. I stopped buying US when Olds , Chevy and Saturn became a pain to maintain. Make sure you don't listen to that economist. The prediction is that people are waiting for more fuel efficient cars. That's what I'm waiting for. Why should I buy when I can wait and demand to expect the technology to save money at the pump. We need to be energy independent. The publics not dumb, everyone wants value for their money. Government also needs to want value for their money, excuse me, the people's money.
The future of the auto industry is bright. The economies of China and India will need millions of cars. If we can compete with quality, fuel efficient automobiles we can capture that market. Don't look on the dark side look to the light. You need to get the right leadership in Detroit who are willing to solve problems and who will stop feeling sorry for themselves and continually run to government for help.. They're making big bucks, earn them. No bailout. We need to be leaders in innovation, not followers.
Your reps in the Senate and Congress, Reid and Pelosie are a disaster. I said it before and I'll say it time and time again, you need to manage their actions. Your team is doing a good job in providing direction and skills in trying to deal and identify solutions to the nations problems. Keep the politics to a minimum. We need common sense to solve economic problems. Different skills and abilities are needed to solve different problems.
Contact the Obama Biden Transition Team and provide your ideas to solve our nation's problems.
I agree, we need jobs and more jobs. Jobs are what drives the economy Where's the money?. Suggestion, take the balance of the 300 billion from the bailout and use it for creating and fixing the nations infrastructure.It's a start. 350 billion was more than enough for the Financial industry. That money was needed to fix the credit market. Banks need to resolve their own problems. Renegotiate mortgages and sell what people can't afford. There is a limit to bailouts Hopefully they learned a lesson in how to manage money and when to and when not to give credit.. They got into the mess, now work yourself out of it. You heard of tough love. Plus, get government out of the financial markets. Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have no clue what the're doing. Get your new Treasury Secretary to start carrying the ball when it comes to the Fiinancial Markets.Everyone needs to be accountable. Stop treating everyone like a baby.
Received an email describing Ford's shopisticated factory in Brazil.. Somethings wrong with the picture. If they can be successful in Brazil they can be successful in the U.S. They've got the talent and ideas. You need to transfer the Brazil model to the U.S. Get the politics out of the U.S. market. They need to go into receivership and dump the executives that were cajoling with Reid and Pelosi. Scrap the Board of Directors and have a complete reorganization of leadership. Find the people who made it work in Brazil and put them to work at fixing the problem.
Just heard, on the news ,some economists stated our cars were too good. Yes, my Toyota's a great car and will last 10 years. I expect it to last, it was a major investment. I stopped buying US when Olds , Chevy and Saturn became a pain to maintain. Make sure you don't listen to that economist. The prediction is that people are waiting for more fuel efficient cars. That's what I'm waiting for. Why should I buy when I can wait and demand to expect the technology to save money at the pump. We need to be energy independent. The publics not dumb, everyone wants value for their money. Government also needs to want value for their money, excuse me, the people's money.
The future of the auto industry is bright. The economies of China and India will need millions of cars. If we can compete with quality, fuel efficient automobiles we can capture that market. Don't look on the dark side look to the light. You need to get the right leadership in Detroit who are willing to solve problems and who will stop feeling sorry for themselves and continually run to government for help.. They're making big bucks, earn them. No bailout. We need to be leaders in innovation, not followers.
Your reps in the Senate and Congress, Reid and Pelosie are a disaster. I said it before and I'll say it time and time again, you need to manage their actions. Your team is doing a good job in providing direction and skills in trying to deal and identify solutions to the nations problems. Keep the politics to a minimum. We need common sense to solve economic problems. Different skills and abilities are needed to solve different problems.
Contact the Obama Biden Transition Team and provide your ideas to solve our nation's problems.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A PERSPECTIVE OF THE 2008 ELECTION
The 2008 Presidential Election is over. The winner was Barack Obama. It was a long and drawn out campaign. Massive amounts of money were spent to finance and run the campaigns. Debates were conducted for both parties until it came down to Obama vs. McCain. Obama was eloquent in his presentations and provided a Presidential image. The media took to Obama and lost their perspective. The internet was a major source for information and news. Obama’s background was glossed over. His background and associations lost their importance as the economy went into a tailspin. The people were mad and wanted change. They felt that the Bush administration was to blame for the economy and Iraq War. It was an historical election in which a black man was to become President and a woman, Sarah Palin, was to run for Vice President.
Looking back we can recount the issues and promises made by the new President:
· Economy – Give 95% of Americans a tax cut.
· End the Iraq War.
· Provide Health Care for all Americans.
· Bring peace to the world.
· Change Washington.
· Quality education for our children.
· Create jobs.
· Balance the budget.
Those were general talking points, how they will be resolved is the issue. Will we have more government and more controls? There is a fear that we will adopt socialistic policies. Will the government get too intrusive in the free market and bring down the traditional hallmarks of a capitalistic society? Will our military strength and security be sacrificed to provide more self gratification? Will we lose our freedoms to express ourselves and to disagree with government? How will Washington change when we continue to hear and see the same old rhetoric and actions of business as usual?
The people voted and must now trust that President Elect Obama will keep America safe and strong. The rhetoric has ended and the real work begins. We are entering into a new period in history and await its story.
Looking back we can recount the issues and promises made by the new President:
· Economy – Give 95% of Americans a tax cut.
· End the Iraq War.
· Provide Health Care for all Americans.
· Bring peace to the world.
· Change Washington.
· Quality education for our children.
· Create jobs.
· Balance the budget.
Those were general talking points, how they will be resolved is the issue. Will we have more government and more controls? There is a fear that we will adopt socialistic policies. Will the government get too intrusive in the free market and bring down the traditional hallmarks of a capitalistic society? Will our military strength and security be sacrificed to provide more self gratification? Will we lose our freedoms to express ourselves and to disagree with government? How will Washington change when we continue to hear and see the same old rhetoric and actions of business as usual?
The people voted and must now trust that President Elect Obama will keep America safe and strong. The rhetoric has ended and the real work begins. We are entering into a new period in history and await its story.
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE LETTER TO PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA
Congratulations on your victory. Now, it's up to you to produce. You stated you would not support a Fairness Doctrine. Some of your colleagues: Schummer, Reid and Pelosi are plotting to introduce and pass this UnAmerican legislation. This would not create fairness it would create dictatorship. The purpose of such legislation is to eliminate political criticism. We need different views, would they limit the jokes on Leno and Letterman. Would they legislate what you could and could not laugh at. If a politician can't take criticism and defend him or herself they should not run for office. There are more important issues to attack: jobs, the economy, national security, defense, education etc. They waste so much time on taking care of themselves they neglect the real work that needs to be done. If this a major priority of a Democratic Congress it does not speak well of how they support your priorities. Let's remember this is America not Russia. You need to talk to Schummer, Reid and Pelosie and explain your priorities. This is a step in the wrong direction and needs to be taken off the Congressional agenda. Schummer, Reid and Pelosi are not your friends they have and will continue to hinder progress. Let's face it they certainly are not the smartest nor the brighest people to speak for the American people. By saying that, would I be chastised under their Fairness Doctrine?
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