The Governor and the General Assembly are planning to divert revenues due to local governments in order to backfill the massive deficit in the state’s budget. A vote on these diversions is expected prior to the General Assembly’s scheduled adjournment on May 31.

Diverting these revenues from local governments, many of which have already made the hard decisions necessary to balance their budgets, could result in a tax increase upon taxpayers and/or further reductions in vital public services. List of Local Legislators …

What local government revenues are at stake in 2013?

Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF)
Instituted in 1969, the LDGF provides local governments with a 6% share of the state income tax in exchange for local governments not collecting a local income tax. LGDF is distributed on a per capita basis and rises and falls with state income tax collections.

Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT)
CPPRT was instituted in 1979 to replace a previous business tax. In 2011 and 2012, the State began “temporarily” diverting a portion of the CPPRT to pay for state obligations. Senate Bill 492 – House Amendment 2 would expand this diversion and make it permanent.

Local Government Tax Fund (sales tax)
The state collects and holds for disbursement local government sales tax revenues. Senate Bill 622 (which the Governor signed on March 8, 2013) “borrows” $6.6 million to fund the Illinois State Medical Disciplinary Fund.

State History of Using Local Government Revenues
In 2002, the state took the local share of the photo-processing tax costing municipalities several million dollars per year.

In 2011, when the state income tax was increased by 67%, the distribution formula for the LGDF was altered to prevent local governments from receiving a share of the increased revenues.

In 2011 & 2012, the CPPRT was “temporarily” diverted (see above).

The General Assembly is working to place additional burdens on local taxpayers

By increasing the cost of local government public works projects (House Bill 924).

By restricting municipalities from closing unneeded or outdated fire facilities (Senate Bill 1456 – House Amendment 2).

By increasing the cost of Workers’ Compensation coverage, which will hasten the exodus of businesses from Illinois (House Bill 3390 – Senate Amendment 1).

By shifting the cost of educator pensions onto local tax bills (no bill # currently assigned).

By planning nearly $1 billion in cuts to social services. Many of those affected by these cuts will turn to local governments for assistance, a demand that local governments do not have the resources to meet.

Illinois Mayors Opposing State Withholding Local Revenues. Illinois Mayors spoke at the Illinois Municipal League in Springfield against the state diverting millions of funds intended for local municipalities, to help pay for the state’s underfunded pension system.

Tim Cook testified at a hearing Tuesday by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which released a report Monday “exposing” Apple’s tax practices. The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report estimates that Apple avoided at least $3.5 billion in U.S. federal taxes in 2011 and $9 billion in 2012 by using its tax strategy, and described a complex setup involving Irish subsidiaries as being a key element of this strategy. Apple’s Irish subsidiaries date back thirty years, when the Macintosh computer was Apple’s main product, which today is only a fraction of iPhone profits.

“If anyone should be on trial here it should be Congress … for creating a bizarre and byzantine tax code. If you want to assign blame, this committee needs to look in the mirror and see who created that mess.”

– Sen. Ran Paul, R-Ky

Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, urged that the subcommittee apologize to Apple for unfair scapegoating.

Levin replied angrily that no such apology would be forthcoming. “Apple’s a great company, but no company should be able to determine how much it’s going to pay in taxes ….. by using gimmicks,” Levin said.

“We pay all the taxes we owe – every single dollar,” Cook said. “We don’t depend on tax gimmicks.”

– Tim Cook

The subcommittee also has examined the tax strategies of Microsoft Corp., and other multinational companies, also finding that they avoided billions in U.S. taxes by shifting profits offshore and exploiting weak, ambiguous sections of the tax code.

Levin and and Senator John McCain, R-AZ, are proposing legislation to close loopholes in the tax code. McCain, the subcommittee’s senior Republican, condemned Rand Paul’s remarks as “offensive” for accusing Levin of bullying Apple executives.

Carl Levin, a Democrat, has served as a United States Senator from Michigan, serving since January 3, 1979. Levin was elected to the Detroit City Council in 1968, serving from 1969 to 1977, and was president of the City Council from 1973 to 1977. Carl Levin has been Michigan’s senior senator since 1995. He is the longest-serving senator in the state’s history, and the fifth longest-serving incumbent in the U.S. Senate.

During his time as council president for the now bankrupt city of Detroit, Levin became so frustrated with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s handling of repossessed houses in Detroit that he and other members of the council, went out with a bulldozer “to help raze some of the houses.”

While Detroit City Council President, Levin was Detroit Mayor Coleman Young’s chief supporter while Young was mayor. Young was subsequently revealed to be a member of the Communist Party, and was chief during Detroit’s descent into disorder and bankruptcy. Young’s involvement in radical organizations including, the Progressive Party, Local 600 of the United Auto Workers and the National Negro Labor Council made him a target of anti-Communist investigators including the FBI and HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee). In 1948 Coleman Young supported Progressive Party presidential candidate Henry A. Wallace (33rd Vice President with Franklin D. Roosevelt January 20, 1941 – January 20, 1945). In 1992 his police chief was convicted of stealing $2.6 million from city taxpayers, even as Young defended him. Michigan’s hard-left U.S. Senator Carl Levin was Young’s chief supporter, serving as Detroit City Council president.

According to a Free Beacon article by Alana Goodman, Sen. Carl Levin (D., Mich.) repeatedly pressed the Internal Revenue Service to investigate the tax-exempt status of specific conservative nonprofit organizations in letters to then-IRS commissioner Doug Shulman and director Lois Lerner in 2012.

Watch the entire hearing on CSPAN …

See also …
The Washington Free Beacon Democratic senator pressured IRS to investigate nonprofits

Eric Himpton Holder, Jr. nicknamed lately Eric “The Withholder” Holder, is the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, in office since 2009. Eric Holder, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama, is the first African American to hold the position of U.S. Attorney General. He also became the only cabinet member in US history to be held in contempt of Congress when he testified during the Fast and Furious investigation.

“This was a very serious leak—a very very serious leak,” Holder said Tuesday. “I’ve been a prosecutor since 1976 and I have to say that this is among, if not the, most serious. It put the American people at risk, and that is not hyperbole.”

– US Attorney General Eric Holder

Attorney General Eric Holder has ordered an investigation into the AP scandal involving government intrusion into journalists’ phone records by directing the Justice Department and FBI to coordinate the investigation. However, he recused himself from the Justice Department’s probe into national security leaks “early on in the investigation.”

Attorney General Holder appointed two federal prosecutors in June 2012 to investigate suspected leaks of classified information after receiving sharp criticism from Republicans. The leaked information, revealed by journalists included reports of American cyber warfare against Iran and of a double agent who infiltrated a militant group in Yemen.

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Government monitoring of journalists at AP has more affect on the sources who become afraid of communicating with the journalists, according to the panel.

Jennifer Loven is an American journalist and a former White House press correspondent for the Associated Press (AP) and current Managing Director at the Glover Park Group, a Washington, D.C.-based strategic communications firm.

Loven graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Jane Hall was one of four regular pundits on Fox News Channel program Fox News Watch (Saturdays 2:30 p.m. and 11:30 pm. ET) and frequently appeared on The O’Reilly Factor, often clashing with host Bill O’Reilly. Hall graduated Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City.

Joe Concha TV analyst & commentator, political/sports writer.

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Residents will be receiving rate change notices in the mail from Integrys. Residents will automatically remain in the program unless you “Opt Out” by May 26, 2013.

The mailing includes a letter re-introducing the aggregation program, the terms and agreements for the program and the “Opt Out” card for anyone who wishes to stay with or return to ComEd. All of this information is also available by clicking here.

The Village has negotiated a price of 5.579 cents per kilowatt hour for 100% renewable energy, which is lower than the current ComEd rate of 6.373 cents per kilowatt hour. While ComEd’s rates change each June and October, Integrys’ rate is fixed from the June meter read through the May 2014 meter read.

Since the Village’s Electric Aggregation Program began last summer, over 26,000 residents and small businesses have enrolled and collectively saved more than $5,000,000 as compared to what they could have paid ComEd.

To stay with Integrys, residents do not need to do anything. Other than the price, nothing changes with the electricity service.

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We’ll see which one of these pundits are correct. Will the IRS scandal just go away as the FBI work in secrecy — prognosticated by David Shuster? or will Senate Hearings keep the issue in the forefront — as forecast by Jennifer Rubin?

Jennifer Rubin is an American conservative columnist and a blogger for the Washington Post. Previously Rubin worked at Commentary Magazine, the Pajamas Media, Human Events, and the Weekly Standard. Rubin is also published at Politico, New York Post, New York Daily News, National Review, the Jerusalem Post, and a variety of other media publications.

David Shuster’s tweet about the interview saying Rubin asked to cut the mic, when in reality he was talking over her, and was asked by moderator Howard Kurtz to be quiet while Rubin had the last word …

. @jrubinblogger proves again she is a habitual liar.And, asking @cnn to cut the mic of somebody responding to her lies?Psychotic.

— David Shuster (@DavidShuster) May 19, 2013

David Martin Shuster (born July 22, 1967) is an American television journalist with Current TV and talk radio host. He has also been an anchor for MSNBC and worked for Fox News and CNN. Shuster’s been in hot water with the Hilary Clinton campaign after he made the following remark, “There’s just something a little bit unseemly to me that Chelsea’s out there calling up celebrities, saying support my mom… doesn’t it seem like Chelsea’s sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?” After Clinton threatened to discontinue participation in any further primary debates on MSNBC, Shuster was suspended for two weeks from all NBC News and MSNBC appearances.

The United States Supreme Court ruled Monday in favor of biotech giant Monsanto, closing the door on a patent case that has pitted a smalltime Indiana farmer against a titan of the agriculture industry. That was the case with a 75-year old Indiana farmer who took on Monsanto in a Supreme Court matter over patent rights on genetically modified soybean seeds and lost. He was fined $85,000 — money the farmer says he doesn’t have and never will.

The Supreme Court unanimously sided with Monsanto, deciding that Vernon Hugh Bowman had broken patent agreements when he used GMO seeds to produce his own second and third generation crops.

Monsanto Company is a publicly traded American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation with headquarters in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Monsanto formerly manufactured controversial products such as the insecticide DDT, PCBs, Agent Orange, and recombinant bovine somatotropin.

Monsanto seed patenting model has been criticized as biopiracy and a threat to biodiversity. In 2009, Monsanto came under scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice, which began investigating whether the company’s business practices in the soybean markets were breaking anti-trust rules.

Monsanto has also been caught up in controversy over Genetically Modified Food (or GMO, Genetically Modified Organisms) Proposition 37 was a California ballot measure for a statute that would have required labeling of genetically engineered food, with some exceptions. The statute would have disallowed the practice of labeling genetically engineered food with the word “natural”. Proposition was rejected by a close vote in California at the state-wide election on November 6, 2012. The Grocery Manufacturers Association opposed Proposition 37 saying it was a deeply flawed measure that would have resulted in higher food costs, frivolous lawsuits, and increased state bureaucracies. Whole Foods Market supported California’s Proposition 37 because, according to their website, Whole Foods believes consumers have the fundamental right to know how their food is sourced, grown and produced.

Monsanto’s role in litigation, its seed commercialization practices, and its current and former agbiotech products, its lobbying of government agencies, and its history as a chemical company, have made Monsanto controversial.

Monsanto spent $8.1 million opposing the passage of Proposition 37 in California, which would have mandated the disclosure of genetically modified crops used in the production of California food products. Biotechnology labeling is not required by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but such labeling has been adopted by over 40 countries.

President Barack Obama signed the Farmer Assurance Provision into law on March 26 2013, which effectively voids the authority of the US Department of Agriculture, which oversaw and made decisions concerning the testing of genetically modified seeds; and the federal courts, which can prohibit the sale or planting of the seeds.

See also …
The United States Department of Justice Agriculture and Antitrust Enforcement Issues in Our 21st Century Economy

The IRS openly discriminated against groups, but the former chief Steven Miller claims the error was the work of people trying to be more efficient in their workload selection — not partisanship.

U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district berates former chief of the Internal Revenue Service, Steven Miller (Partial transcript below).

“I have a grandson who is afraid to get out of bed at night because he thinks there’s somebody under the bed that’s going to grab him, and I think most Americans feel that way about the IRS,” Kelly continued. “You get a letter from you folks or a phone call, it’s with terror that you look at it …

Is there any limit to the scope of where you folks can go? Is there anything at all? Is there any way that we could ask you, ‘Is there any question you shouldn’t have asked?’ My goodness. ‘How much money do you have in your wallet?’ … ‘Who do you get e-mails from?’ … ‘Who’s sign do you put up in your front yard?’ This is a tax question? Now you don’t think that’s intimidating? It’s sure as hell intimidating …

And I don’t know that I got any answers from you today … there’s a heck of a lot more that has to come out in this … I am more concerned today than I was before, and the fact that you all can do just about anything you want to anybody. You can put anybody out of business, that you want, anytime you want. And I got to tell you …

You talked about that you’re a horribly run organization. If you’re on the other side of the fence, you’re not given that excuse. When the IRS comes in, you’re not allowed to be shoddy. You’re not allowed to be run horribly. You’re not allowed to make mistakes. You’re not allowed to do one damn thing that doesn’t come into compliance. And if you do, you’re held responsible right then. I just think the American people have seen what’s going on right now in their government. This is absolutely an overreach. This is an outrage for all America.”

– Mike Kelly (R-PA/3rd District/Erie, New Castle, Butler)

Mike Kelly (R-PA) deemed the IRS officials’ explanation for the politically-motivated targeting insufficient and said that their overreach was one reason why Americans’ faith in their government was so low. The congressman’s speech which was met with applause from the audience.

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The Justice Department is opening a critical investigation, but the White House is claiming there was no knowledge, and President Barack Obama was still speaking in conditional phrases, saying “if the IRS did what it did” even after the IRS already admitted to targeting certain conservative groups for closer scrutiny.

Going back to 2012 targeted groups complained to various members of Congress. In response, a congressional committee asked Shulman about the allegations. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Douglas Shulman told the committee that the agency wasn’t targeting conservative groups — in fact saying, “There is absolutely no targeting.”

In early May 2013, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report confirming the targetings to congressional investigators but not to the public. On May 10, 2013, Lois Lerner, head of the IRS tax-exempt-organizations division, said the agency was “apologetic” for what she termed “absolutely inappropriate” actions.

On May 15, 2013 the full report Inappropriate Criteria Were Used to Identify Tax-Exempt Applications for Review (dated May 14, 2013) was released.

See also …
RASMUSSEN REPORTS (Poll) 57% Want IRS Offenders Jailed or Fired

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Less than 130 feet away from the northeast corner of the NWCDS building is the southernmost track of the Union Pacific railroad northwest line. Also, less than 130 feet away is a railroad bridge. The bridge is similar to the railroad bridge over Shermer Road between Glenview and Northbrook that has been involved in two train derailments in less than three years.

View Larger Map
Northwest Central Dispatch System 9-1-1 center building lower left and railroad bridge right-center (less than 130 feet from northeast corner of 9-1-1 center building).

The two train derailments in Glenview/Northbrook involved a pileup of train cars on or near Shermer Road just south of Willow Road. Fortunately none of the railroad cars carried hazardous materials. Unfortunately, in the second derailment on July 4, 2012, two people were buried alive under piles of coal, railroad coal cars, and collapsed bridge debris.

Two main concerns:

(1) Could a train derailment accident at the railroad bridge at Northwest Highway and Davis Street knock out the 9-1-1 center?

(2) Could the surroundings and location features of Northwest Central Dispatch Center attract a terror attack because of its vulnerability due to the proximity of the railroad tracks, the railroad bridge and the surrounding terrain? And could that terror attack knock out the 9-1-1 center?

Both situations are possible. Conclusion? The Northwest Central Dispatch System 9-1-1 center should not be located where it is located.

ACCIDENT
An accidental train derailment could place scattered railroad cars on the 9-1-1 center or up against the 9-1-1 center. If hazardous materials or flammable materials are involved, the results at the 9-1-1 center could be disastrous — killing personnel, destroying emergency response communications, and destroying records.

Union Pacific railroad worker sizes up bridge collapse and train derailment at the Shermer Road railroad bridge between Willow Road and Holste Road at the border of Glenview and Northbrook on July 4, 2012. See over 160 more photos

VIDEO: Train derailment at bridge over Shermer Road on July 4, 2012 (same bridge as below).

VIDEO: Train derailment at bridge over Shermer Road on November 1, 2009 (same bridge as above).

Graniteville, South Carolina train crash caused by incorrectly aligned railroad switch, which resulted in nine deaths, 250 chlorine exposure injuries and an evacuation of 5,400 people in a one mile radius for two weeks (EPA photograph).

SEE ALSO … ABC News: Columbus, Ohio tanker explosion caught on video. ABC News reports on railroad freight safety across America.

Exploding freight cars full of ethanol made for a dramatic early morning scene in Ohio’s capital on July 11, 2012. About 100 residents who live within a 1-mile radius of the explosion were evacuated by firefighters and police.

RAW VIDEO from Associated Press of the freight train derailment and explosion in Columbus, Ohio resulted in authorities evacuating a mile-wide area of the city as they tried to contain the blaze and determine what was burning.

On June 19, 2009 after a major downpour of rain in Rockford, Illinois, 14 of the 114 ethanol tankers of a Canadian National freight train derailed and exploded into flames. One person at a rail crossing died, several others were burned.

If railroad cars in a train derailment near Davis Street were transporting hazardous material or flammable contents, the 9-1-1 center would be at great risk — requiring evacuation. The 9-1-1 center is also close enough (less than half a football field, 43 yards) that it could be consumed by fire and total destruction.

Six of the nation’s seven Class I railroads have major terminals in Chicago. Nearly 500 freight trains per day operate in the Chicago region. Railroads are required by law to accept hazmat shipments, and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning predicts an increase in freight in our region. Railroads carried about 631 million tons of freight in 2007. Assuming future economic growth, rail companies foresee the length of trains to increase from 125 cars to 175 cars. The Center for American Progress reports that Rail security regulations are minimal, because federal rules preempt state and local requirements; chemical railcars passing through communities are largely exempt from local control. Many times first responders don’t know what is on the railroad cars until they are called to respond to an accident, and determining the contents can be a difficult task if placards are buried, records are burning, or train personnel are not responsive.

Fortunately, the Union Pacific railroad line through Arlington Heights does not carry a heavy amount of freight railcars and there are probably less hazardous rail cars on the northwest line compared to other lines in Chicagoland, but there is nothing that prevents dangerous railcars from passing through.

TERROR ATTACK
The risk of a terror attack is especially worrisome given the vulnerability of railcars and trains. A RAND Corp. database of worldwide terrorist incidents recorded over 250 attacks against rail targets from 1995 to 2005. On May 13, 2011 a semi-dump truck crashed into a passenger train at Mount Prospect Road — a few miles east of Davis Street and the 9-1-1 center. There were initial concerns that the crash was intentional, but it was later ruled that the crash was accidental — a simple disobeying of the railroad signals and gates.

What if a truck driver/terrorist intentionally collided with a westbound train at the Arthur Avenue crossing. That could cause a pileup of train cars in front of the 9-1-1 center or even on top of the 9-1-1 center.

The use of explosive charges detonated at the railroad bridge directly across from the 9-1-1 center could also have a devastating effect by causing a train derailment. A train derailment of a long train could also cut off the north side of Arlington Heights emergency responders from the south side or vice versa — forcing crossover at Route 53 or at grade crossings in Mount Prospect.

The desolate roadway of Davis Street is also a security risk. There is much less chance for suspicious behavior to be detected. The railroad tracks are barren most of the time with no good view of the area from residents that live on Northwest Highway. Melas Park to the south is barren at night, and at many times of the day. The park district/public works facility to the east is also barren much of the time. On Saturday morning, May 11, 2013 about 6:30 a.m. two semi-trailer trucks were parked directly to the northeast of the Northwest Central Dispatch 9-1-1 center, for which there is enough security concern that it is surrounded by a tall security fence and an electric gate. One of the trucks was directly adjacent to the northeast section of the 9-1-1 center. Absolutely no trucks should be allowed to park next to the 9-1-1 center. What if that semi-trailer truck were packed with ammonium nitrate explosives instead of mulch?

Semi-trailer truck parked less than 40 feet from Northwest Central Dispatch Systems 9-1-1 center on Saturday May 11, 2013 about 6:30 a.m.

Semi-trailer truck parked less than 40 feet from Northwest Central Dispatch Systems 9-1-1 center on Saturday May 11, 2013 about 6:30 a.m.

In the post-9/11 era, the 9-1-1 Center should be combined in a heavily-secured police headquarters, where the building is under constant watch. This is especially important because Northwest Central Dispatch now covers such a large population. Initially, the 9-1-1 center was in the old municipal building. Now that the Northwest Central Dispatch 9-1-1 center serves a much greater population, the stakes are much higher. The vulnerability of the 9-1-1 center and its high capacity to serve a large population could attract terrorists.

Terrorists considering an attack could choose to attack an area that had a vulnerable 9-1-1 center — attacking the 9-1-1 center first and then attacking the primary target for mass destruction, such as Woodfield Mall or multiple schools or a festival, such as Schaumburg Septemberfest or Frontier Days in Arlington Heights. Knocking out the 9-1-1 center first could cause a much greater loss of life and property destruction because of delayed response of police and firefighter/paramedics.

Immediate action should be taken to prohibit trucks from parking next to the Northwest Central Dispatch System 9-1-1 center for security purposes. Security cameras should be fixed on the location, so that police could respond to issue citations to truck drivers that ignore the no parking restriction, and ascertain the reason for the truck being in the area. Also security cameras should be fixed on the railroad tracks and the railroad bridge near the 9-1-1 center for security reasons. If cameras fixed on the bridge in the area are hidden, perhaps they should be exposed in order to discourage terrorists or even vandals from tampering with the railroad bridge. While the Village of Arlington Heights has a visible camera aimed at the fountain at North School Park, there is no visible camera aimed at the railroad bridge near the intersection of Northwest Highway and Davis Street.

Not only is the 9-1-1 center vulnerable to a railroad accident or a terrorist act using the railroad, the area south of the 9-1-1 center is “protected” by a natural barrier — a berm with the cover of trees and outdoor storage areas with additional cover. If terrorists took over the 9-1-1 center, they would have an easy time defending the 9-1-1 center from the south with armed terrorists on the berm and in the cover of trees and storage materials.

In planning for a future police facility for Arlington Heights, administrators should seek funding from the Homeland Security Grant Program or other possible grant programs to move the 9-1-1 center away from the railroad tracks and combine it with the construction of a new Arlington Heights Police Department Headquarters. According to FEMA, an Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) had $490,376,000 funding available in 2012 that addresses “unique planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas, and assists them in building an enhanced and sustainable capacity to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism.”

A 9-1-1 center inside a police station would provide a needed fortress for the 9-1-1 center. Plans for future expansion should also be considered. Recently Des Plaines and Park Ridge expressed interest in joining Northwest Central Dispatch, but the communities had to be rejected because of problems with the existing computer system at Northwest Central Dispatch.

It’s time the 9-1-1 center be moved away from a property location that is only worthy of storing replaceable property and junk.

* The Northwest Central Dispatch System 9-1-1 center also serves 10 fire agencies: Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Palatine Rural, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Streamwood.

See also …
Center for American Progress Toxic Trains and the Terrorist Threat [PDF]

CMAP Go to 2040 Freight System Create a More Efficient Freight Network

FEMA FY 2012 Homeland Security Grant Program

Daily Herald What’s being done to prevent rail hazmat releases?

Attorney General Eric Holder says he’s ordered a Justice Department investigation into the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative groups for extra tax scrutiny. He said the FBI was coordinating with the Department of Justice.

Attorney General Eric Holder defended the Justice Department’s secret review of AP phone records, saying it was part of a probe into a “very serious” national security leak. Meanwhile, the White House sought to distance itself from the matter.

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The informational session will include Scott Schirmer, Plant and Pesticide Specialist with the IL Department of Agriculture, will discuss new research and the possibility of preserving your neighborhood’s trees. Dru Sabatello, Arlington Heights Forester, will present an update on the status of EAB in Arlington Heights.

Topics covered include EAB basics, treatment options, the most current research, and Arlington Heights’ 50/50 Cost Share program. This is an informational presentation only, so please bring questions.

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In its ongoing effort to inform citizens, the Village is launching a new web-based Village Board Agenda program that will enable the public to view Village Board Agendas with packet materials, as well as watch live streaming and on-demand videos of all Village Board meetings. The availability of packet materials and live streaming begins with the meeting of May 6, 2013.

The easiest way to access the Agenda packets and live streaming of meetings is by clicking on the banner button featured on the top right of the Home Page that reads, “Village Board Agenda E-Packets & Video. Village Board Agendas will be posted late on the Friday afternoon prior to a Monday Village Board meeting. Because of the change to the new online program, residents who signed up for “e-alerts” regarding the posting of Village Board Agendas will no longer receive those alerts.

Once on the web page featuring the online Agenda and packet materials, people can click on the link to the Village Board Agenda, which is represented by an icon placed under the column labeled HTML. The Agenda is hyperlinked, so users can move directly to background materials pertaining to specific Agenda items. Background material from the Village Board packets has not been provided online in the past.

The public also has an opportunity to watch the live streaming of a Village Board meeting by clicking on the live streaming link found on the Village Board Agenda & Minutes page or on the Village Board Online Meetings This website page will feature the meeting video along with the Village Board Agenda.Directions of how to use these new online tools are included on the web pages featuring the online Village Board Agenda and live streaming of the Board meetings. Directions will be updated as needed.

How to navigate to the new electronic features:
Click on the banner button at the top right of the Home Page.

Or click on Village Board & Agendas page to find Village Board Agendas, packet materials and minutes. This web page is found under the Government navigation tab on the top of the website.

Or click on Village Board Online Meetings page to view the live streaming of Village Board meetings.

Final Village Board meeting on Monday April 15, 2013 honored Mayor Arlene Mulder.

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Arens Control, 3602 North Kennicott Avenue in Arlington Heights, has paid in full total fines of $26,100 after an OSHA investigation found five violations classified as SERIOUS at the warehouse plant where an explosion occurred on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. None of the violations were classified as WILLFUL or REPEAT violations. Also, the company did not received advance notice of the violations. All violations were cited on November 20, 2012.

First Violation 01001 SERIOUS — Failure to Ventilate Hydrogen Adequately — Fine $6300
OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to explosion hazards when the employer failed to ventilate hydrogen gas adequately. The hydrogen gas was generated by hydrogen-on-demand (HOD) units being tested in the Reliability Laboratory. a) Arens Controls Company, LLC – On May 22, 2012, an explosion occurred at a Tenney Environmental test chamber in the Reliability Laboratory during troubleshooting operations. The following conditions found at the facility increased the potential for an explosion: hydrogen was being created by hydrogen-on-demand (HOD) units being tested and the exhaust system was not designed, constructed, installed, tested and maintained properly to provide safety to life from fires and explosions. Abatement of the violation was January 9, 2013.

Second Violation 01002 SERIOUS — Control of Hazardous Energy — Fine $6300
The control of hazardous energy standard covers the servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment in which the unexpected energization or start up of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy, could harm employees. This standard establishes minimum performance requirements for the control of such hazardous energy. Abatement of the violation was December 19, 2012.

Third Violation 01003 SERIOUS — Failure to Classify an Electric/Vapor area dangerous — Fine $4500
This section covers the requirements for electric equipment and wiring in locations that are classified depending on the properties of the flammable vapors, liquids or gases, or combustible dusts or fibers that may be present therein and the likelihood that a flammable or combustible concentration or quantity is present. Hazardous (classified) locations may be found in occupancies such as, but not limited to, the following: aircraft hangars, gasoline dispensing and service stations, bulk storage plants for gasoline or other volatile flammable liquids, paint-finishing process plants, health care facilities, agricultural or other facilities where excessive combustible dusts may be present, marinas, boat yards, and petroleum and chemical processing plants. Each room, section or area shall be considered individually in determining its classification. Abatement of the violation was January 9, 2013.

Fourth Violation 01004 SERIOUS — Failure to Use Propert Equipment in Dangerous Electric/Vapor area — Fine $6300
The Fourth Violation is related to the third violation because improper equipment was used — equipment that would have been used if the hazardous area was properly classified. Abatement of the violation was January 9, 2013.

Fifth Violation 01005 SERIOUS — Failure to Develop MSD Sheet for Hydrogen — Fine $2700
This section covers failure to develop a Materials Safety Data Sheet to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. The transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, safety data sheets and employee training. Abatement of the violation was January 9, 2013.

Hydrogen is produced as a byproduct at the plant, which could have caused oversight regarding actually developing a Material Safety Data sheet for Hydrogen.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 8:38 a.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012 to a report of an explosion in a warehouse/factory building at 3602 N. Kennicott Avenue in Arlington Heights. Police officers from Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove arrived first to help evacuate the building. Firefighters arrived to find the building being evacuated and some light smoke and twisted metal inside of the building.

One person, who was identified as Arens employee Neil Nicholson, 55, was killed in some type of industrial accident and explosion — possibly involving potassium hydroxide and formation of hydrogen. As an employee, Neil Nicholson, was testing energy components for use in hybrid vehicles was killed when an explosion occurred.

The explosion also injured twelve employees at the time of the blast, three police officers, and two firefighter/paramedics, who were first on the scene after the explosion. The employees and first responders suffered smoke inhalation and exposure to chemical irritants — possibly potassium hydroxide, which is a skin and respiratory irritant. Overpressure injuries related to the blast of the explosion were reported to involve hearing-related injuries and chest pain. The emergency responders were apparently exposed to fumes, gases or smoke in the aftermath of the explosion. Some personnel were experiencing coughing and headache. All people transported to Northwest Community Hospital were in good condition as of 11:30 a.m., according to Northwest Community Hospital.

Arlington Heights Fire Department activated an extra alarm for mutual aid ambulances from Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Wheeling and others fire departments.

All people that were transported seemed to be walking in good shape before they were transported by firefighter/paramedics to the hospital. Neil Nicholson’s body remained inside the building for part of the investigation, and was not immediately removed Tuesday.

A brief fire occurred, but was immediately extinguished before firefighters arrived.

In medical textbooks, blast injuries are categorized as four types:

(1) Primary injuries, which involve direct injuries to ears and internal organs from overpressure of air molecules hitting victims in a shock wave. The most common cause of fatalities that occur after initial survival of an explosion are injuries to the lungs, alveoli and pulmonary blood vessels. The resulting pulmonary contusion, bleeding or swelling is known as blast lung.

(2) Secondary injuries, which are cause by shrapnel, such as flying glass, flying metal or other flying objects can cause penetrating trauma with visible bleeding and possible severe blood loss.

(3) Tertiary injuries, which are caused by victims being thrown into something, can cause blunt and/or penetrating trauma, such as bone fractures and brain trauma caused by motion of the brain inside the skull. Brain trauma can occur when the head strikes an object and the momentum of the brain inside the skull causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.

(4) Quaternary injuries include flash burns, chemical splash, respiratory injuries, crush injuries, and all injuries not classified in the first three classes. Eye injuries, amputations, neurological damage and/or psychiatric injury that can cause post-traumatic stress disorder are included in the quaternary class.

Potassium hydroxide is a strong base chemical, also known as caustic potash. Potassium hydroxide in modern chemistry is produced by electrolysis of potassium chloride solutions. Hydrogen gas is formed as a byproduct on the cathode, which is an electrode that attracts positively charged atoms or molecules. Chlorine gas is formed as a byproduct on the anode, which is an electrode that attracts negatively charged atoms or molecules. The hydrogen ion is a positively charged ion. The chloride ion is a negatively charged ion. Hydrogen is highly explosive. Hydrogen gas forms explosive mixtures with air if it is 4–74% concentrated. Hydrogen forms explosive mixtures with chlorine if it is 5–95% concentrated. Mixtures spontaneously explode by spark, heat or sunlight.

Interestingly there was an odor of chlorine gas east of the scene — downwind from the building. A neighbor, who said he frequently walks past the building, said he never noticed the chlorine smell before.

It is unknown whether the company was producing potassium hydroxide or using it for some other application, such as producing hydrogen for some commercial vehicle energy application.

Potassium hydroxide itself is non-flammable — it’s the white stuff you see leaking from dead alkaline batteries that are left in a device too long. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is rated 3 out of 4 as a health hazard by the NFPA 704 standard maintained by the National Fire Protection Association. KOH does not burn on its own — it’s rated 0 out of 4. KOH is reactive at high temperatures and pressures.

NFPA 704 Fire Diamond for Potassium Hydroxide.

NFPA Fire Diamond* for Postassium Hydroxide explained …
BLUE (Health) = 3: Short-term exposure could cause serious temporary or moderate residual injury.

RED (Flammability) = 0: Will not burn [Hydrogen is a 4 -- Rapidly or completely vaporizes at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily (e.g., propane, hydrogen). Flash point below 23°C (73°F)].

YELLOW (Reactivity) = 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

WHITE (Special) = ALK: Alkaline.

* The NFPA Fire Diamond gives firefighters a quick general size-up of a hazardous material at a business. Firefighters also look for relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) when they arrive on the scene in an emergency. Here is an example of the MSDS for Potassium Hydroxide made available from Iowa State University.

Potassium, by itself, is a raw alkali combustible metal, that oxidizes rapidly in air, and can react violently with water — generating enough heat to cause a fire. Small potassium combustible metal fires are extinguished in a laboratory with Class D fire extinguishers. Potassium metal is not to be confused with potassium hydroxide.

Potassium ions — sometimes simply called ‘potassium’ — are positive ions and vital electrolytes in human physiology that are important for nerve conduction, muscle contractions, and cardiac contractions (beating of the heart). The potassium ion is the main intracellular ion for all cells, and is also important for maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. Bananas, orange juice, avocados and apricots are some of many fruits that are a good source of ‘potassium’ or more accurately — potassium ions.

Police investigators, fire investigators, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and OSHA personnel were all on the scene by about 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. OSHA will likely present a detailed report of the cause of the accident with recommendations for preventing future industrial accidents, but the report could take about six months to be completed.

According to officials, no criminal activity is suspected related to the explosion, which is believed to be an industrial accident.

No visible damage was seen outside the building. Fire Chief Glenn Ericksen and police Capt. Ken Galinski reported that there was twisted metal inside related to the explosion. The roof was also slightly buckled in the explosion. Some gravel rock was blown off the roof of the building and damaged about 20 cars parked near the building.

Firefighters from Buffalo Grove inspected the roof by way of their ladder tower truck.

According to their official website, Arens is a world leader in engineering and manufacturing of precision operator interface control systems as well as power management systems for commercial vehicles — including the hybrid vehicle market. Arens reports their engineers are focused on developing innovative solutions and next generation technology control and power management systems for commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Photo OSHA on the scene: Most rescue and investigator activity was on the northeast corner of the Arens building, 3602 North Kennicott Avenue, Arlington Heights.

Entrance to Arens control, 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. at the southeast corner of the building.

See also …
OSHA Inspection: 444073.015 – Arens Controls Company, Llc

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Hayes completed the race before the two explosions occurred near the finish line, and is expected to be heading home for the village board meeting tonight.

Tom Hayes Times for the 2013 Boston Marathon
5K 0:25:11 10K 49:50 15K 1:14:25 20K 1:39:27 Half Marathon 1:44:51
25K 2:04:46 30K 2:32:02 35K 2:59:42 40K 3:27:51 Marathon 3:39:25

Last Fall the 56-year-old runner finished the Chicago Marathon with a time of 3:36:11. The explosions today at the Boston Marathon occurred approximately when runners with completion times of between 3:30 and 4:30 would be arriving by the finish line. A video shows a clock with race time at 4:09 when the first explosion occurred.

Video of explosion with second explosion down the street also heard. Video shows runners crossing the finish line with times of 4:09 when the first explosion occurred — the second explosion a few seconds later.

See also …
Tom Hayes Bank of America Chicago Marathon Fall 2012
http://athlinks.com/result/233672/257023/128370477/128352669

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UPTOWN UNTAPPED. Many shoppers from neighboring communities shop in Uptown. Best Buy draw? Barnes & Noble draw? Good traffic flow from Palatine Road? … Rand Road? (It is probably easier to get to Uptown from Wheeling or Palatine than it is from central or southern Arlington Heights).

The preliminary findings of consumer shopping habits from a village survey were presented to business leaders. About 1,700 participant surveys were included in the findings presented on Thursday. Participants in the survey responded by email, phone or mail.

“Arlington Heights has one of the strongest downtowns I’ve seen in all of Illinois,”

– David Emanuelson, Partner at Public Research Group

Not surprisingly, restaurants are the biggest draw in downtown Arlington Heights

Surprisingly however, the average age of an Arlington Heights shopper is reported to be in the 50s and 60s. The preferred method of advertising in the area is mailings and brochures, as opposed to social media methods, such as Facebook. The majority of people surveyed have a disposable income over $65,000.

SURVEY: TOP REASON NOT TO SHOP IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Parking
Poor mix of stores

The Village of Arlington Heights has an additional website besides the official government website — vah.com. The in-house marketing website Discover Arlington (discoverarlington.com), with its associated YouTube channel and Facebook page, is designated to promote local shopping, but only recorded 31 percent of brand recognition among those polled. Discover Arlington also is correlated more toward downtown Arlington Heights compared to other shopping areas. The north and south areas of Arlington Heights were postulated as possibly needing separate marketing strategies. Besides the Discover Arlington website, there is a fairly popular Facebook page for Discover Arlington with over 2000 “likes” which is updated frequently. Discover Arlington also uses print media, vacant store signs, and street banners.

David Emanuelson, Partner at Public Research Group, provided the insight into the Customer Profile of consumers in Arlington Heights and shopping preferences, patterns,
opinions, socioeconomic characteristics and stores desired at a $10 Spring Breakfast on Thursday April 11, 2013 from 7:30 a.m.to 9:00 a.m.

Tod Stanton, Partner at Public Research Group, also discussed the consumer shopping habits and patterns found through the recent Consumer Research Survey conducted for the Village of Arlington Heights.

Presentations were also conducted by Charles Witherington-Perkins, Director of Planning & Community Development, and John C. Melaniphy, III, Business & Development Coordinator were also served as presenter and moderator, respectively.

As of Monday, April 15, 2013 no results of the survey presentation have been presented on the official village website vah.com or DiscoverArlington.com

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With all 64 precincts reporting, Thomas Hayes is the winner for Village President of Arlington Heights. Hayes took a strong lead early in an exciting race for the position, also known as Mayor. He celebrated the election results with fellow trustees at Peggy Kinnanes. Hayes was steady during the last six months of the campaign, and focused on the positive influence of his leadership as Village Trustee and President Pro Tem in improving and maintaining the quality of life in Arlington Heights.

Hayes, 56, began as trustee on the board in 1991 — the same time as Mayor Arlene Mulder, who endorsed him after announcing she would not seek re-election. Hayes has served as president pro tem for more than a decade, while Mayor Arlene Mulder was occasionally absent.

One of Hayes’ first tasks as Mayor will be to appoint a new Village Trustee for the seat that he leaves vacant. Hayes was not up for re-election as Village Trustee, so his seat needs to be filled. Hayes had decided early that he will not fill the position with any candidates for Village President or Village Trustee that lost in the current election. The full village board includes one Village President and eight Village Trustees.

At Peggy Kinnane’s, where Tinaglia’s campaign/election celebration merged after meeting at Harry’s across the street, fellow board members consoled Bert Rosenberg and Norm Breyer for having to wait it out for two precincts to report their results. Rosenberg, who eventually came out ahead by 22 votes, was ahead of Breyer by only 4 votes as midnight approached. The celebration was reserved out of concern for the two fellow board members, and for the tasks ahead — looking to the future to serve the residents of Arlington Heights. Also, Tignalia was exhilarated and relieved. His biggest worry of Election Day was wondering what he would tell his hard-working supporters, if he were faced with having to concede. Like Hayes, he stayed positive while the race got a little edgy with actions of one of the challengers and his supporters.

Exiting Mayor Arlene Mulder, who was also at the celebration, was exuberant with the results. She was relieved she was retiring with a new leadership team that would be working to serve the people of the Village of Arlington Heights. She said the leadership of the Village of Arlington Heights isn’t about one person calling all the shots and acting alone. It’s about a team listening to the people. She said she’d like to see younger faces — in commissions, employment positions, etc. — with fresh ideas tending to the issues that were emphasized during the political campaign.

All eyes were focused on this projector screen at Peggy Kinnane’s with election results from the Cook County Clerk’s office update throughout election night.

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Tom Hayes has won a heated race with Ron Drake and Mark Hellner. Winners of four positions for Village Trustee — in order of votes recorded — are Thomas Glasgow, Jim Tinaglia, Joseph Farwell, Bert Rosenberg, and Norm Breyer. Rosenberg is ahead of Breyer by 22 votes, a margin that is too close to call before mail-in votes, absentee votes and provisional ballots are counted to certify the election results. All candidates were incumbents, except Tinaglia, who ran for Village Trustee for the first time after serving the community as a member of the Arlington Heights Design Commission, Frontier Days Committee, and Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Arlington Heights with 55,324 registered voters
64 of 64 Precincts Reported
Ballots Cast: 11,565
Turnout: 20.9%

VILLAGE PRESIDENT FOR VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
Ron Drake (Independent) 33.63% 3,842
Thomas W. Hayes (Independent) 45.83% 5,236
Mark Hellner (Independent) 20.54% 2,346

VILLAGE TRUSTEE FOR VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS BOARD
Registered Voters: 55,324 Vote For 4
Ballots Cast: 11,565
64 of 64 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 20.9%

Norman Breyer (Independent/incumbent) 18.6% 6,514
Thomas T. Glasgow (Independent/incumbent) 21.19% 7,423
Bert Rosenberg (Independent/incumbent) 18.66% 6,536
Joseph C. Farwell (Independent/incumbent) 20.73% 7,262
James J. Tinaglia (Independent) 20.81% 7,290

LIBRARY TRUSTEE VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
6yr
Vote For 2
Ballots Cast: 11,565
64 of 64 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 20.9%

Joan Brody Garkisch (NonPartisan) 38.67% 6,589
Greg Zyck (NonPartisan) 29.98% 5,108
Alex Hageli (NonPartisan) 13.43% 2,289
Tiana D. Brazzale (NonPartisan) 17.91% 3,052

COMMISSIONER, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS PARK DISTRICT, 4 YEAR TERM
Registered Voters: 52,508 Vote For 3
Ballots Cast: 11,202
61 of 61 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 21.33%

Tim Gelinas (NonPartisan) 33.74% 7,157
H. William Ploger (NonPartisan) 31.39% 6,658
Maryfrances Healy Leno (NonPartisan) 34.87% 7,396

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER TOWNSHIP HS DISTRICT 214, 4 YEAR TERM
Registered Voters: 139,628 Vote For 4
Ballots Cast: 21,757
159 of 159 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 15.58%

Miriam Cooper Spickard (NonPartisan) 25.05% 13,991
James Perkins (NonPartisan) 25.1% 14,019
Todd Younger (NonPartisan) 24.77% 13,834
Mark Hineman (NonPartisan) 25.09% 14,014

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER ARLINGTON HEIGHTS DISTRICT 25, 4 YEAR TERM
Registered Voters: 39,305 Vote For 4
Ballots Cast: 9,028
45 of 45 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 22.97%

Denise Glasgow (NonPartisan) 22.39% 5,485
Herb Ruterschmidt (NonPartisan) 14.08% 3,448
Richard Olejniczak (NonPartisan) 20.78% 5,090
David Page (NonPartisan) 23.04% 5,644
Philip N. Crusius (NonPartisan) 19.7% 4,826

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER PROSPECT HEIGHTS DISTRICT 23, 4 YEAR TERM
Registered Voters: 13,693 Vote For 3
Ballots Cast: 1,757
16 of 16 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 12.83%

Martha Olsen (NonPartisan) 33.36% 1,225
Jeff Bowes (NonPartisan) 32.84% 1,206
Judith A. Zimmerman (NonPartisan) 33.8% 1,241

SUPERVISOR, WHEELING TOWNSHIP
Registered Voters: 88,348 Vote For 1
Ballots Cast: 16,577
102 of 102 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 18.76%

Michael B. Schroeder (Republican) 66.81% 10,267
Fernando G. Arenas, Jr. (Democratic) 33.19% 5,100

CLERK, WHEELING TOWNSHIP
Registered Voters: 88,348 Vote For 1
Ballots Cast: 16,577
102 of 102 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 18.76%

Joanna Gauza (Republican) 59.57% 9,047
Marc Adelman (Democratic) 40.43% 6,139

ASSESSOR, WHEELING TOWNSHIP
Registered Voters: 88,348 Vote For 1
Ballots Cast: 16,577
102 of 102 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 18.76%

Jerry D. Sadler (Republican) 58.82% 8,994
Donald A. Bussey (Democratic) 41.18% 6,297

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONER, WHEELING TOWNSHIP
Registered Voters: 88,348 Vote For 1
Ballots Cast: 16,577
102 of 102 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 18.76%

Scott Saewert (Republican) 57.94% 8,741
Michael MacDonald (Democratic) 42.06% 6,345

TRUSTEE WHEELING TOWNSHIP
Registered Voters: 88,348 Vote For 4
Ballots Cast: 16,577
102 of 102 Precincts Reported
Turnout: 18.76%

Michael Domrzalski (Republican) 14.81% 8,502
Robert P. Hoban (Republican) 14.51% 8,333
Ruth O’Connell (Republican) 15.67% 8,996
Kathy Penner (Republican) 15.08% 8,660

Kim Simmons (Democratic) 10.43% 5,989
Siobhan White (Democratic) 9.93% 5,702
Nikos D. Tsonis (Democratic) 9.71% 5,575
Robert A. Boros (Democratic) 9.86% 5,662

Village President Ron Drake made big news getting a nod from national politician Sen. John McCain, but critics howled at the endorsement as irrelevant. Some believe the move hurt Drake because it may have soured some voters who aren’t happy with John McCain’s political performance. For many Republicans, John McCain is not “Republican enough”; and for Democrats he’s a just plain “Republican.” For Libertarians, McCain is strongly opposed because of his recent verbal attacks on Rand Paul, who describes himself as “constitutional conservative and libertarian. McCain has since apologized for his comments. As for Drake’s base of supporters? They promoted the “star” factor of having a U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate endorse Ron Drake. Opponents of Drake called it irrelevant and ridiculous, and typical of Drake’s pattern of behavior to be off target, sensational on messages with no real world solutions.

TOM HAYES ENDORSEMENTS
Mayor Arlene Mulder Endorses Tom Hayes …

Dear Neighbor,

As you know, I am stepping down as your Mayor after having the honor and privilege of serving you for 20 years.

Many residents have asked which candidate for Mayor I think would best continue the great progress we have made in Arlington Heights. That candidate clearly is Tom Hayes, and he has my wholehearted endorsement.

With Tom’s help and support, we have been able to accomplish a great deal. We have been fiscally responsible, cutting expenditures in order to balance our budgets during the recent years of declining revenue and have been able to hold down tax rate increases to an absolute minimum … particularly when compared with surrounding NW communities.

We have fostered business growth even during this rough economy, attracting over 100 new businesses to Arlington Heights just last year. Some of these businesses include the new theater soon to open in downtown, major new car dealers on Rand and Dundee Roads, and the new home and tile store “Floor & Décor,” scheduled to open soon on Palatine Road. This growth has created jobs, leading to an unemployment rate in Arlington Heights of 6.3% which is significantly below the state level. Plus, our downtown is the envy of other communities in the Northwest suburbs, with community after community modeling their downtown redevelopments after ours. We have accomplished all this through the thoughtful planning and hard work of your Village Board and our Village Staff. The Board has always maintained a collaborative atmosphere of mutual respect, and Tom Hayes has been particularly helpful–serving as President Pro Tem since 1999.

I absolutely agree with the Daily Herald in its endorsement of Tom Hayes’ candidacy for Village President, as “… one of the finest people you’ll ever encounter in local politics. Honest, straightforward, caring, a collaborator who gains the respect of those who work with him.”

That endorsement also noted that “Arlington Heights has become a model for other suburbs during the tenures of Mulder and Hayes … We need a Village President who is from our community, who has a history here and understands the unique needs and advantages of Arlington Heights.”

We have done well, but we can always do better. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us to face the challenges of the future. It is clear that Tom Hayes is the most qualified for the job, ready and able to lead Arlington Heights in 2013 and beyond. This is why I strongly support Tom Hayes to be your next Mayor.

Please join me in voting for Tom Hayes on April 9th.

Best Regards,

Arlene J. Mulder

++++++

Wheeling Township supervisor Michael B. Schroeder: Hayes’ dedication still burns, as always

Earlier this week I asked Tom Hayes if I could see his copy of the 2013-14 budget for the Village of Arlington Heights. This is a 500-plus page document that details our village’s proposed $145 million operating budget.

As I expected, Tom’s version was heavily highlighted, had numerous Post-its, and many questions and comments were written in the margins. After 22 years of service to our village, he still takes his job very seriously.

Doesn’t every candidate have an obligation to educate themselves about the workings of the office they seek? Attending board, committee of the whole and budget meetings is, at minimum, what a candidate for village president should do to familiarize himself with the processes, culture, personalities and dynamics of the board and staff. These candidates are asking voters to put them in a position to lead a vibrant community with 75,000 residents and a $145 million budget. If nothing else, attending these meetings gives the candidate some credibility if they propose an alternative to the way things are done. Ron Drake did not step foot in Village Hall for one budget meeting. Mark Hellner also, not present for any budget meeting. Yet both candidates pledge fiscal responsibility and commitment to our community.

One more piece of information that will tell you a lot about the discipline and character of Tom Hayes. On Monday, April 15 Tom will run his ninth Boston Marathon, and his 23rd marathon overall. The Boston Marathon will kick off early in the morning. On that same day, at 8 p.m. in the evening, Arlene Mulder will preside over her final Arlington Heights board meeting. Tom Hayes will be in attendance … just as he always is.

Tom Hayes for village president — the right man, for the right job, for the right reasons!

Dr. Michael B. Schroeder

Arlington Heights

Wheeling Township Supervisor

++++++

Firefighters Association of Arlington Heights, Local 3105

Arlene Mulder, Village President

Joe Farwell, Village Trustee

Bert Rosenberg, Village Trustee

Norm Breyer, Village Trustee

John Scaletta, Village Trustee

Carol Blackwood, Village Trustee

Mike Sidor, Village Trustee

Tom Stengren, Former Village Trustee

Kathie Hahn, Former Village Trustee

Dwight Walton, Former Village Trustee

Edie Jolly, Former Village Trustee

Mark Toljanic, Former Village Trustee

Steve Daday, Former Village Trustee

Helen Jensen, Former Village Trustee

Lee Hettinger, Former Village Trustee

Stanley Eisenhammer, Former Village Trustee

Matt Murphy, State Senator

David Harris, State Representative

Sidney Mathias, Former State Representative

Debbie Smart, Library Trustee

David Unumb, Library Trustee

Maryfran Leno, Park District President

Rob Smith, Park District Commissioner

William Dussling, School District 214 Board Member

Dan Petro, School District 214 Board Member

Arlen Gould, School District 21 Board Member

Phil Pritzker, School District 21 Board Member

Kenneth Nielsen, School District 25 Board Member

Michael Schroeder, Wheeling Township Supervisor

Paula Ulreich, Wheeling Township Clerk

Jerry Sadler, Wheeling Township Assessor

Scott Saewert, Wheeling Township Highway Commissioner

Ken Jochum, Former Wheeling Township Collector

Ruth O’Connell, Wheeling Township Trustee

Kathy Penner, Wheeling Township Trustee

JoAnne Schultz, Wheeling Township Trustee

Mike Domrzalski, Wheeling Township Trustee

Dan Patlak, Cook County Board of Review Commissioner

MARK HELLNER ENDORSEMENTS

Jan Schakowsky, U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 9th congressional district

Michelle Mussman, Illinois State Representative for the 56th district

Ed Duffy, former President of the Arlington Park Racetrack, former Village of Arlington Heights Trustee, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Jim Thompson

RON DRAKE ENDORSEMENTS

Arlington Heights Patrol Officers Association (A.H.P.O.A.) also referred to as Metropolitan Alliance of Police (M.A.P.) Arlington Heights Chapter #510.

Senator John McCain (AZ)

Former Senator Republican Whip, Jon Kyl (AZ)

Drake brochure published “Endorsed by A.H. Police” a misleading statement emphasized in the brochure. Below the Drake’s photo is the proper text of the endorsement “Endorsed by Arlington Heights Metropolitan Alliance of Police.” As employees, Arlington Heights police officers are not permitted to endorse a political candidate as representatives of the Arlington Heights Police Department or while working for the Arlington Heights Police Department. The police department union — Metropolitan Alliance of Police endorsement is permitted.

Ron Drake political print piece with improper statement
implying Arlington Heights Police Department
endorsement rather than police union endorsement.

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Following the July 23, 2011 flooding event the Village Board approved three separate engineering studies to investigate solutions for the issues that residents experienced.

The first study done by RJN consultants was completed in Spring of 2012 and consisted of flow monitoring of the Village’s combined sewer system to determine how the system functioned during wet weather conditions. The Spring of 2012 was the earliest time following the storm of July 23, 2011 that flow monitoring could be performed with an expectation of capturing some significant rainfall events.

Unfortunately, this past Spring was the beginning of a lengthy drought and although no heavy flow events occurred, the data that was collected can be used in the next study which includes modeling of the combined system to develop improvements and cost estimates that will improve the system’s ability to handle heavy rain events. Staff received four proposals for this second study in the combined sewer area. Staff is presently interviewing the firms to further clarify their proposals, scope of work, and pricing. It is expected that a recommendation on this project will be made to the Village Board sometime in May, 2013.

A third study was initiated several months ago with Christopher Burke Engineering to study several spots in our separate sewer areas that experienced overland flooding problems on July 23, 2011.This study is nearing the draft report stage and should be ready for presentation later this summer.

If you have any questions about these studies please contact Scott Shirley, Director of Public Works at 847-368-5800 or Jim Massarelli, Director of Engineering at 847-368-5250.

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