Month: January 2010

Chicago Tribune Endorses Toni Preckwinkle … For Reform; I’m Listening

Posted on by TL

I was persuaded by Dorothy Brown, but I am fearful that she is just too much part of the old pseudo-Democratic order: Those Who Just Want To Be Elected.

I’m intrigued by the Chicago Tribune’s endorsement of Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board President.

Hmmmmm.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Most of the Illinois Democrats who endorsed Stroger in 2006, from Congress to state government to City Hall, wriggled away long ago. They’re frantic to forget that they wholly own Stroger and his reign — even if they didn’t formally sign off on his Friends and Family Hiring Extravaganza, that felonious steakhouse busboy included.

This year’s primary gives Democrats a do-over. We hope they dump Stroger and instead nominate the honorable and no-nonsense Chicago alderman — yes, there are some — who offers her party its best hope of redemption after the Stroger humiliations.

Toni Preckwinkle, a University of Chicago-educated history teacher turned South Side politico, isn’t a household name in much of Cook County. But she has built an impressive city-suburban alliance of African-American, Latino and white supporters. And on the signature issue in this campaign for many voters, yes, she says she would retire the second half of the 2008 sales tax increase that Stroger engineered.

We think Preckwinkle has the best potential of the three Democrats challenging Stroger to deliver on his badly broken promises for a streamlined and modernized County Building. Appearing before our editorial board, she was the only one of the four to say she would fully protect the independence of the panel that now runs the county’s health care system. That’s crucial: Keeping that system out of the mitts of County Board members, the board president and other bosses is the only hope that patients and taxpayers have for good health services delivered economically.

Interesting.

Read the rest here at the Trib.

Interesting.

Chicago’s Center On Halsted to Host Men’s and Women’s ‘Speed Dating’

Posted on by TL

Chicago, IL– Center on Halsted will host an evening of SPEED DATING for lesbians on Thursday, February 11 and gay men on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Not finding that special spark across the Internet? Long, wasted evenings with those just-not-happening blind dates? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time SPEED DATING at Center on Halsted located at 3656 N. Halsted Street in Chicago.

SPEED DATERS should arrive between 6:45pm -7pm. The first round of SPEED DATING will begin at 7:15pm. Rounds will continue until everyone has had a chance to meet, or until 8:45pm, whichever comes first. Be sure to bring your agenda book! “Like to get together for coffee” cards will be matched after the last round ends.

Tickets for SPEED DATING at Center on Halsted are $12 at the door, and $10 if you purchase in advance. A cash bar will open at 6:45pm. To purchase tickets in advance, please email [email protected] or call 773/661-0763.

For more information about Center on Halsted, please visit our website, www.centeronhalsted.org.

Center on Halsted is the most comprehensive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Allies community center in the Midwest. View an art exhibit, see a theatrical performance, use the free WI-FI or take part in one of our social services programs. Perhaps just relax with a cup of coffee in the glass lobby of the Center’s “green” certified building. Find YOUR Center at Center on Halsted. www.centeronhalsted.org, 773.472.6469, open 8am – 10pm daily.

State Department 800 Number for Americans with Family in Haiti

Posted on by TL

This information is current as of today, Tuesday, January 12 2010, 22:14:37 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time).

Washington, D.C.– The State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording).

The State Department says the United States embassy is still in the early stages of contacting American Citizens through our Warden Network. Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time.

American Red Cross Releases $200,000 Aid to Areas Affected by Haiti Earthquake

Posted on by TL

Washington, D.C.–January 12, 2010. The American Red Cross has pledged an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by today’s earthquake in Haiti, and is prepared to take further action as local responders assess the situation.

“Initial reports indicate widespread damage in Port au Prince, with continuing aftershocks,” says Tracy Reines, director of international disaster response for the American Red Cross. “As with most earthquakes, we expect to see immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.”

The American Red Cross has made available all of the relief supplies from its warehouse in Panama which would provide for basic needs for approximately 5,000 families. In addition, it is deploying a disaster management specialist to Haiti, and has additional disaster specialists on standby if needed.

The American Red Cross has an extensive partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, which is expected to lead the Red Cross response to the earthquake.

The American Red Cross has staff on the ground in Haiti who provide ongoing HIV/AIDS prevention and disaster preparedness programs. At this time, all the three American Red Cross staff in Haiti have all been reported safe.

The Haitian Red Cross was founded in 1932 and is one of the primary organizations in the country responding to disasters. Although earthquakes are less common, Haiti is frequently impacted by hurricanes including those in 2008, and the Haiti Red Cross has developed experience in disaster response due those disasters.

You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Donations to the International Response Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.

Source: redcross.org

Mercy Corps Sends Emergency Response Team to Haiti

Posted on by TL

Portland, OR–January 12, 2010. Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to Haiti in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked the island nation earlier today. The team will assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors.

“Initial reports indicate that the quake has caused extensive damage, and we fear that casualties could be widespread,” explained Randy Martin, Mercy Corps director of Global Emergency Operation. “Our team will quickly assess what the most pressing needs are in earthquake-affected areas.”

The earthquake exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Plagued by hunger and political instability, the quake is likely to dramatically increase the needs of many impoverished Haitian families.

Mercy Corps has a long history of helping earthquake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year.

HOW TO HELP:
Mercy Corps
Haiti Earthquake Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
www.mercycorps.org
1-888-256-1900

Source: mercycorps.org

Why Was Walmart Selling Kids’ Jewelry That Contains Cadmium?

Posted on by TL

In this Dec. 17, 2009 photo, a computer screen shows a "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" charm in Ashland, Ohio. Barred from using lead in children’s jewelry because of its toxicity, some Chinese manufacturers have been substituting the more dangerous heavy metal cadmium in sparkling charm bracelets and shiny pendants being sold throughout the United States, an Associated Press investigation shows. 

I am not a fan of Walmart, as I mentioned the other day. Today we learn of yet another reason not to trust the retailer.

From the Chicago Tribune (emphasis added) :

China’s product safety agency will look into findings that dangerous levels of cadmium are being used in exports of children’s jewelry, a Chinese official said Tuesday following growing concern in the United States about the products.

Attending a toy safety conference in Hong Kong, the official said that his agency only just learned of findings in an Associated Press investigation published Sunday and would examine the findings on cadmium contamination.

"We just heard about this, and we will investigate," said Wang Xin, a director general for the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Though Wang does not have the authority to order a full-bore inquiry, his comments were the government’s first on the matter and show China’s nervousness about potential troubles in the U.S., the biggest Chinese export market.

On Monday, retail giant Walmart pulled products cited in the AP report from its stores in the U.S. The attorney general ofConnecticut promised to investigate suspect costume jewelry. A New York state legislator called for a ban on the sale of children’s jewelry with cadmium in the state. The top U.S. consumer safety regulator warned Asian manufacturers that cadmium and other toxins must be kept out of children’s charm bracelets, pendants and other baubles.

Lab tests conducted for the AP on 103 pieces of low-priced children’s jewelry on sale in the U.S. found 12 items with raised levels of cadmium, which can hinder brain development in young children, according to recent research, and is known to cause cancer.

Where is the quality control on Walmart’s end? Does Walmart have any standards for products it sells in its stores? Does Walmart do any independent product testing? Did Walmart pull the products because they got caught? Does Walmart have quality standards for what it sells, or do they just sell whatever comes cheap from overseas?

Read more at the Tribune.

Ryan Rames and His Dog Die in Minooka Retention Pond

Posted on by TL
Ryan Rames age 11

From the Chicago Tribune:

Ryan Rames took his beloved dog Sammie for a walk as he normally would on a Saturday morning in his neighborhood in Minooka, southwest of Joliet.

The year-old Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix weighed only 8 pounds, and his 11-year-old master made sure she got her exercise no matter how bad the weather. When Ryan didn’t return after 45 minutes, his family set out to find him, then called authorities.

Searchers quickly spotted footprints and pawprints through the snow-covered ground leading to a large, L-shaped retention area down the street from the family’s house on the 1400 block of Hauby Court. By 1:45 p.m. or so, divers had pulled out the bodies of both Ryan and the dog.

The boy’s mother, Danielle Vieshov, said she thinks the dog went onto the retention pond and Ryan went after her.

"He took her out no matter what. He loved that dog. He went after instead of just letting her go in," she said Saturday evening between tears.

Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan said it appeared the ice gave way as the boy and his dog neared the center of the pond.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and with Ryan’s friends and schoolmates.

His mother offers the following advice:

"Just treat every day like it’s your last. Always tell your kids you love them when they go out the door because you never know if they’re going to come back," she said.

Amen.

Giuliani Forgets 9/11: ‘No Domestic Attacks’ Under Bush

Posted on by TL

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Mayor of 9/11 forgot about all that, apparently. Or maybe he’s engaging in historical revisionism.

Yes, Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has had the senior moment par excellence: he has officially forgotten September 11, 2001 ever happened.

From CBS 2 Chicago:

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani set off a tempest about terrorism Friday with his claim that this nation "had no domestic attacks" under President George W. Bush. 

Giuliani somehow neglected to mention the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as he was contrasting President Barack Obama’s handling of terrorism with that of Bush in light of the failed Christmas Day attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound flight. The Sept. 11 attacks toppled New York’s World Trade Center, killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania and earned Giuliani accolades as "America’s mayor." 

The Republican said of Obama on ABC’s "Good Morning America" that "what he should be doing is following the right things that Bush did." 

While saying he believes Obama "turned the corner" on understanding the nature of terrorism when he publicly declared the U.S. at war, Giuliani added that Obama has plenty of room to improve on terrorism. 

"We had no domestic attacks under Bush," Giuliani said. "We’ve had one under Obama."

Oh, Rudy.

While I appreciated the analysis of Giuliani’s remarks on MSNBC’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow really did it all justice. Enjoy the video above.

Study Says Chicago Wal-Mart Bad for Area Jobs

Posted on by TL

According to a new study, Wal-Mart is bad for jobs in Chicago, ABC 7 Chicago reports.

From WLS:

A new study out shows the one and only Wal-Mart in the city of Chicago may not be a job-generating machine like many supporters claim. But some question the conclusions reached by local researchers.

As early as next week, the City Council is expected to revive the debate over plans for a new Wal-Mart on the South Side. But a conveniently timed study says the retailing giant leaves less of an economic footprint than you may expect.

"Usually by this time of year we have a lot. But, as you can see, it’s empty," said Mike Ramirez, thrift store assistant manager.

Mike Ramirez says given the recession, business at his West Side thrift shop should be booming. It’s not. And he blames his new neighbor.

"This new Wal-Mart is taking a lot of my customers away," said Ramirez.

The city’s one and only Wal-Mart opened in the Austin neighborhood in 2006. A new study study by researchers from Loyola and UIC claims 82 businesses within a four-mile radius of the store have closed, thanks -at least in part- to the mega retailer’s presence. That, the study’s authors say, has cost the community nearly 300 jobs, about as many as Wal-Mart added.

The WLS report says the Chicago City Council will probably consider concerns of organized labor, however, Chicago should also consider Walm-Mart’s pitiful record on diversity. The Human Rights Campaign gives Wal-Mart a low 40/100 on the Corporate Equality Index criteria. Go here for the HRC’s complete analysis.

Click here to read the study.

On the Complete Disintegration of the Village of Matteson

Posted on by TL
Matteson fractured

The Southtown Star reported today that the Village of Matteson layed off 22 employees without warning Tuesday, the result of a reported $2.3 million budget gap. The Matteson Village Board hired financial consulting firm Theobald Associates in April at an estimated cost of over $200,000. Estimates are that the 22 layoffs will save the village $900,000 per year.

This is astounding, and the entire South Suburbs should be very concerned.

From the Southtown Star:

WHO GOT THE AX?

On Tuesday, Matteson laid off 22 village employees in efforts to trim a $2.3 million budget deficit. Those let go included two building inspectors, a building permit technician, two secretaries, a clerk, three administrative assistants, two customer service representatives, a community affairs coordinator, a community affairs assistant, a fire inspector, a community service officer, a building maintenance worker, four park maintenance workers and a park maintenance supervisor.

AFFECTING OPERATIONS

Matteson deputy village administrator Brian Mitchell said the layoffs this week of 22 employees might result in longer waits to pay village bills and the cancellation of some village-sponsored events, such as the Taste of Matteson. Additionally, he said, the firings will affect the village’s ability to plow snow. Although main thoroughfares always will be plowed no matter the time of day, “curb-to-curb” snow removal on the side streets will wait until morning if it snows overnight.

It is of interest that the mayor’s wife, Toni Ashmore, was not let go.

Morale at Matteson Village Hall is understandably low:

Matteson resident Matt Stipek said he witnessed the ugly, post-layoff scene after stopping by village hall Tuesday morning to pick up recycling bags.

“The lady there at the counter was crying, and the other ones looked like they just saw a murder,” he said. “The one lady who was trying to get recycling bags for me was catatonic.”

Matteson is a crucial business hub for surrounding communities. The intersection of Lincoln Highway and Cicero has been a long time coming back. Lincoln Mall is at a crucial juncture right now. The out lots are doing well, but the mall itself needs nurturing and attention.

Just a few years ago, Matteson hosted a “Green Day,” touting the opening of new businesses. Then U.S. Senate candidate Barack Obama was in attendance. Things looked so promising, before the Great Bush Recession.

Matteson residents should be concerned. Crisis necessitates a cohesive board which clearly has the interests of the residents at heart. Matteson’s board has been combative for far too long.

In November, Matteson fired the village administrator, an incredibly stupid move, as I’ve already noted. Haney was clearly not fired for cause.

That leaves politics.

According to some close to the village, the former village administrator would not* give his public blessing to the most recent raise the mayor intended to give his wife, the Director of Community Affairs.  If so, kudos to him.

When Andre Ashmore ran for mayor, he promised that his wife would not be employed long with the village. This week, he told the Star:

“We’re looking at all contracts, services, stuff that we contract out,” Ashmore said. “When I say everything is on the table, everything is on the table.”

Why, then, is the mayor’s wife still employed with the village?

I’m hoping groups of citizens are organizing now, preparing to put good, ethical people on the ballot.  Matteson has not completely disintegrated yet, but it is not now in a good place.

The South Suburbs need Matteson to recover.

* Errata: This posting originally said that the former village administrator would give his blessing to the most recent pay raise the mayor intended to give his wife.  That is incorrect.  We regret the error and we are grateful to a reader for bringing that error to our attention.