THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2007
Political Notes
Appel Joins State Senate Race
One of the first in a long line of political candidates to file petitions at the State Board of Elections' office last week was Republican Glenview attorney Brendan Appel.
Appel will challenge incumbent Jeff Schoenberg for the 9th Dist. state senate seat, which covers part of Glenview east to Evanston.
A Republican fiscal conservative, Appel described his political philosophy by quoting founding father Thomas Payne, "A government that governs least governs best."
A true outsider, Appel said the last politician he worked with was in 1986 as a college student on the campaign of Republican Al Salvi when he and Dick Durbin both came from the Illinois state legislature to fight over an open U.S. Senate seat. Since then Appel has been practicing law and now runs his own firm in Glenview.
"My experience, especially as a small business owner, allows me to bring small business solutions to government problems," said Appel. "For far too long the solution to problems in Illinois is to throw money at it and pray it goes away."
Property tax reform is also on Appel's agenda. Appel would introduce a plan to link property tax increases to increases in the cost of living as measured through wage indexes. Appel would cap total property tax bills to the index, which currently stands at 2.3%.
"It puts governments on the same budget as voters, if they need more they can go to the voters through a referendum," said Appel.
Appel said governmental agencies have to be held more accountable for efficiency in their operations. He cited a 46% absenteeism rate for CTA employees and said, "We'll give you what you need but show us what you're doing."
Appel challenged Schoenberg's independence from Democratic Party leaders like State Senate President Emil Jones, saying that Schoenberg should have stood up to Jones in calling for an ethics bill.
"He's shown his views are not in line with Illinois taxpayers or the businesses that employ them. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce only gave him a 10% rating," said Appel of his likely Democratic opponent.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce shows Schoenberg with a 20% rating in the 2005, 2006 rating and a 0% rating in the 2003, 2004 period.
Other state business institutions rate Schoenberg higher.
Biss, Ramos Talk Transit Fix
Daniel Biss, candidate for state representative in the 17th district, which serves Glenview, and State Rep. Julie Hamos (D-18th) sat down with about 20 residents in Wilmette to discuss their fix to the RTA funding crisis last Sunday, Nov. 4.
A temporary bailout of the system by Gov. Blagojevich averted fair hikes and service cuts to CTA, Metra and Pace in the city and suburbs last week.
Biss said that is only a temporary bailout. "I don't see the short term fix is going to change things in a fundamental way."
Hamos' bill proposes a 0.25% sales tax in the six northern Illinois counties that the RTA serves and a board to oversee the four agencies of the CTA, RTA, Metra and Pace.
Gov. Blagojevich has vowed to veto any sales tax increases.
"It's an assumption that we will need a veto proof majority," said Biss.
A vote was held on the Senate version of the bill, SB 572, earlier this fall on Sept. 4. The bill received 61 votes, a majority but 10 votes shy of a veto proof majority.
The Village of Glenview proposed a 0.25% sales tax and the county proposed an 11% sales tax.
Biss acknowledges taxpayers are being hit hard. "It would be extraordinarily burdensome if all the proposed increases at the state, county and local levels passed," said Biss.
He is most critical of the county bill as he sees the most waste in Cook County government.
Biss said funding the transit system is worth the tax increase.
Biss is in the running against incumbent State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-17th).
Kirk To Present Purple Heart
U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-10th) will present the Purple Heart to the daughter of deceased World War I veteran Hubert H. George, who never received his honor in life.
George was injured in a gas attack at the Battle of the Argonne Forest in World War I and served with the Army National Guard.
Virginia George Zumstein will receive the honor on behalf of her father at a flag raising and dedication ceremony at Navy Park in The Glen on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at 1:30 p.m. Other officials, including Village President Kerry Cummings and State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-17th), are scheduled to attend the event.
Before the ceremony, at noon, at the Naval Air Station Museum, a panel of authors will discuss the history of the Glenview Naval Air Station.
Coulson Earns 'Early Learning' Award
State Rep. Elizabeth Coulson (R-17th) was honored for her efforts on behalf of early childhood education last week at Romona Elementary School in Wilmette.
Sean Noble, a spokesman for Voices for Illinois Children, one of the groups bestowing the award, said Coulson has been a strong advocate for early childhood education throughout her 10 year tenure in office.
"She's one of the legislators in Springfield who stands head and shoulders above the others in childhood education," said Noble.
Noble clarified that much of Coulson's work for children's education is from birth to five- years-old.
"I am honored to receive this 'Early Learning Leader' award," said Coulson. "The safety, health and education of children are priorities of mine, and I am pleased with all the progress we have made in creating strong early learning programs for our kids. Still, there is more work to be done, and I look forward to working with Action for Children, the Ounce of Prevention Fund, Voices for Illinois Children, and these other fine advocates and educators to continue supporting the needs of children."
"Rep. Coulson is at the forefront of innovative programming for preschoolers and clearly knows the benefits that early intervention can provide," said Wilmette Public Schools Interim Supt. Dr. Ray Lechner.
Organizations presenting the award include Action for Children, the Ounce of Prevention Fund and Voices for Illinois Children.
Clinton Launches Campaign Council
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has launched the Chicago Area Women for Hillary Council (CAWFHC) joining similar state councils across the country in an effort to rally grass roots support for her political campaign.
Area residents taking part in the campaign include: Terry Adams and Barbara Gimbel of Glenview; Beth Drost, Betsey Ebeling, Jean Latz Griffin and Judy Osgood of Arlington Heights; Janet Mellenthin of Schaumburg and Mary Winkler of Mt. Prospect.
"In 35 years as an advocate for women, children and families, I know women can make a powerful difference," Clinton recently told the group. She challenged the local women to start grass roots organizing for her in local communities.
"Women play a vital role in our campaign," said campaign spokesman Isaac Baker.
Clinton recently launched 11 statewide committees, one in Washington D.C. and one in the Chicago area.
"I have always admired Hillary for her commitment to solving America's biggest challenges. I know she has the experience to bring about the change we need," said Cook County Commissioner and CAWFHC member Joan Murphy. "Hillary will make 2008 the year of the woman."
Baker said the CAWFHC's role in the campaign will be to do the vital ground work.
"They will be holding bus trips to Iowa, circulating petitions, working phone banks and holding house parties," said Baker.
Baker pointed out that although CAWFHC was composed entirely of women, the campaign has many male supporters as well.
Seals, Footlik Team Up
Democrats Dan Seals and Jay Footlik are competing hard in the 10th Congressional District's Democratic primary, but they also believe in party unity. They have both pledged that, when the Feb. 5 election is over, they will come together to support the winner in an effort to unseat Republican incumbent Mark Kirk. A statement reportedly agreed to by Seals and Footlik says, "Despite any differences of opinion that may occur between our candidates...the fundamental goal in 2008 is to defeat Mark Kirk."