Todd Stroger's Funny Money Game

As if being on the bottom of the polls for Democrat candidates for Cook County Board President wasn't enough, it turns out now that Todd Stroger has no money to campaign with. Incumbent president Stroger has raised a mere $55,000 in six months. And now, this: Stroger squirrels away $500000 in campaign funds. Hoo boy, Todd Stroger is one freaky dude. Half a million bucks but he's not spending it on campaigning. Why not? Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica tweeted this today: "Stroger has no $$$ for TV. Union-owned Amalgamated Bank loaned him $500K in 06 and have sequestered that!!! Todd is done!" Related: Stroger gets $100k boost from Emil Jones Chicago Current Filings: Stroger campaign raised less than $55k over six months Chicago Current The $$$ race -- who gave what to whom, as primary election nears? Crain's Chicago Business Stroger Allegedly Fires Employees Over Politics NBC Chicago Wierdness with the Strogers (Feb 1, 2007) (cache from ilcampaign.org) Todd Stroger Turns It On! Democratic Party, 49th Ward Leave a Comment * Conservative T-Shirts * Follow CNB on Twitter * RSS Feed

Re-Elect Tony Peraica - Video

Tony Peraica deserves to be re-elected as a commissioner on the Cook County Board. We only wish he was running for President of the Board! Also visit Tony's web site "Reform Cook County," and view my exclusive video interview series, "Conversation With Tony Peraica." Leave a Comment * Conservative T-Shirts * Follow CNB on Twitter * RSS Feed

Cook County Board Kills Stroger Tax Cut Veto, 12-5

Finally, some good news for people who live, work or shop in Cook County: That 1/2 cent sales tax that Cook Co. President Todd Stroger loved so much was finally repealed today. The vote was historic, too. As Cook Co. Commissioner Tony Peraica wrote on his Twitter page today, "What a day! County Board made history today, and, for the first time in 175 years (apparently) overrode county President. The County Board proved today that it is not the City Council or the State Legislature, but that it is truly a legislative body. Congrats! " Today's veto override required 11 votes, but it was higher before the Illinois Legislature change the law to lower the requirement. Chicago Breaking News Center reported this: Cook County commissioners today voted to roll back part of a sales tax increase despite an impassioned plea from Board President Todd Stroger that "some people will die needlessly" if health care for the poor is cut as a result. The County Board voted 12-5 to override Stroger's veto of a measure that would cut the county portion of the sales tax from 1.75 percent to 1.25 percent on July 1. The overall sales tax rate in Chicago would drop to 9.75 percent. See the list of how they voted below. The Chicago Sun-Times has this report:

After Stroger successfully vetoed three previous measures to lower the sales tax —and commissioners were unable to muster the 14 votes for an override — suburban state lawmakers stepped in to push for a change in Illinois law that lowered Cook County’s override threshold. In November, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law a measure lowering the threshold to 11 votes out of 17, or a three-fifths majority, in line with the voting rules of local governing bodies and even [the U.S.] Congress.

All of the five Republicans on the board voted for the override, and the majority of those voting to override Stroger's veto are Democrats. All five commissioners who voted to support Stroger's veto are Democrats. Peraica commented on this as he tweeted live from the meeting: "Com [Larry] Suffredin is arguing the Laffer Curve Theory that says: the higher the taxes, the lower the revenue. Interesting for a democrat." Yes, very interesting, considering that most Democrats will - pardon the expression - laugh in your face when you try to explain the Laffer Curve to them. (Perhaps that's why it's called "Laffer" Curve.) Perhaps it's really not so surprising when you consider that there's an election soon and the smart board member know how furious Cook County voters are with high taxes. Indeed, Suffredin has been hypocritical on the issue. Another Peraica tweet from the meeting: "Com Suffredin (who was the 9th vote last year to raise the sales tax) is now arguing in favor of tax repeal and veto override." In other words (mine), Suffredin and other Democrats on the board don't really care about giving taxpayers relief. They care about getting elected, and that's why they voted the way they did today. HOW THEY VOTED (Republicans in Red): Voting to override and cut taxes: Earlean Collins, D-Chicago Forrest Claypool, D-Chicago John Daley, D-Chicago Bridget Gainer, D-Chicago Elizabeth Gorman, R-Orland Park * (see note below) Gregg Goslin, R-Glenview Tony Peraica, R-Riverside Edwin Reyes, D-Chicago Timothy Schneider, R-Streamwood Peter Silvestri, R-Elmwood Park Robert Steele, D-Chicago Larry Suffredin, D-Evanston Voting against override and preserve tax increase: William Beavers, D-Chicago Jerry Butler, D-Chicago Joseph Mario Moreno, D-Chicago Joan Murphy, D-Crestwood Deborah Sims, D-Chicago * Elizabeth Gorman is a troubling character who has not been good for the Cook County Republican Party. She has senselessly attacked Tony Peraica, the most outspoken voice for real reform that Cook County has ever known. For more about this, see Stroger Ally: Budget Fight All About Race. In a special series of reports about Gorman, Illinois Review wrote that "Liz Gorman seems anything but conservative. In fact, she has surrounded herself with such troubling characters, that it is hard to understand why any ethical politician or leader – Republican or Democrat – would knowingly hitch themselves to her political star." Read the full series on Gorman. Gorman is a political ally of RINO Jim Dodge, an Orland Park village board member who is running for Illinois State Comptroller against conservative Republican William J. Kelly. RELATED: Beavers: Budget Battle Is Because Stroger Is Black - cbs2chicago.com Suburban Chicagoland: Liz Gorman says she is being threatened in ... The Strangely Ecumenical Liz Gorman Mark Thompson for County Commissioner Leave a Comment Conservative T-Shirts Follow CNB on Twitter RSS Feed

Stroger Tax Battle Will Be Tweeted Live by Tony Peraica

Drama! Action! Suspense! Peraica! The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to roll back the "Stroger Sales Tax," but Pres. Todd Stroger vetoed that vote. Tomorrow, Dec. 1, the Board will try to override that veto. You can follow the action as Commissioner Tony Peraica sends out live tweets from the session in real time. Sez Tony on his Twitter page today: "Log on tomorrow at 10 AM for LIVE coverage of the Stroger Sales Tax veto override vote. I will tweet live as history is made." He's opitimistic, too. In another tweet today he wrote, "So far, it appears that 12 commissioners are holding FIRM to override Stroger veto." That's hopeful, since 11 votes are required to override. Peraica is a master tweeter, and he does not restrict himself to Cook County matters. A sampling of his recent tweets: Anti-corruption law: Supreme Court decision could derail ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's trial -- chicagotribune.com - http://shar.es/aEoBM Daley Lies About TIF's: Experts have beef with Daley on TIF :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State: http://bit.ly/6vSW9T Chicago budget: Aldermen focus on ward issues rather than $370 million plan to dig deep into parking-meter reserves ... http://shar.es/aEoMJ Powerful Piece: WSJ.com - Opinion: The Arabs Have Stopped Applauding Obama http://bit.ly/5T7bPY RELATED: Peraica vs. Daley, Stroger, Sims, et al Stroger to Peraica: "You Don't Know When to Shut Up" Leave a Comment Conservative T-Shirts Follow CNB on Twitter RSS Feed

Tony Peraica's New Radio Show on WIND 560 AM

Cook County Commish Tony Peraica (R-16) is one busy guy. Omnipresent on the Internet, campaigning for re-election to the Cook County Board, fighting corruption, taking care of clients in his law office, Twitter master, Facebook ninja, playing a wicked golf game, and more. Now, he's got his own, brand new radio show. "A lot of our vapid local radio political talk shows promise to be 'hard hitting,' 'in depth' and 'provocative' but never come close. Now one will. Oh baby, this one will!" So writes the admittedly biased Chicago GOP. Biased or not, their assessment of Peraica's new show has merit. Peraica, arguably, has more knowledge of Cook County than anybody else. You can listen to the show live two ways: Online or on your radio at WIND 560 AM. WIND says this about the show on their web site: Do you want open honest government and lower taxes in Cook County and Chicagoland? The Tony Peraica Show is a full hour of lively talk about everything political affecting you. It’s The Tony Peraica Show, hosted by Cook County Commissioner and Attorney Tony Peraica and co-hosted by his daughter Anisa Peraica. The show features guest interviews, listener feedback and more. It’s the Sunday night spot to get the type of intelligent talk, with a conservative twist you expect from AM 560 WIND. Tune in tonight and you'll hear me as one of Tony's guests! RELATED: My video interviews with Tony Peraica on YouTube Cool Hats & Shirts for Cool Conservatives Leave a Comment... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Cook County Tax Cut Fails, Carol Marin Misses the Point

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted on September 1 to maintain its obscenely high tax rate. This is not only bad for the taxpayers of Cook County (which includes Chicago), it is especially bad for already-dim political future of Cook County President Todd Stroger. Although Stroger "won" the vote, it only highlights his diminishing lack of support. Strangely, notable writer Carol Marin completely misunderstands the reality and implications of the vote.

The Chicago Sun-Times noted on Sept. 1:

A year ago, a majority of commissioners passed a penny-on-the-dollar hike, pushing Chicago's overall sales tax to 10.25 percent, the highest big-city tax rate in the country. (Source)

Over the past year, some commissioners have argued for a roll-back of the hike. Indeed, as the Sun-Times also reported, Commissioner Deborah Sims (D-5) was among those calling for the cut. She flipped at the last minute, causing many to wonder Board President Todd Stroger made a deal with her. Again, from the Sun-Times:

Until Tuesday, Sims was among the 14 commissioners -- the required four-fifths majority -- lined up to override Stroger's veto of the proposed half-penny rollback. But she jumped ship and the measure failed 13-4, sending the board and Stroger into an election season with the sales tax hike on their back.

One of the four to vote in favor of the rollback is Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16). Peraica has long been a proponent of lower taxes and has a reputation as a fierce reformer. He used his one of his web sites to issue a scathing condemnation of the vote - and of Commissioner Sims:

“Shame on those commissioners who upheld Stroger’s veto - - especially Commissioner Sims, who flipped her position to become the deciding vote in support of this tax," wrote Peraica. "With portions of our county having the highest tax rate in the country, it’s no wonder that our local economy is suffering so badly. Who in his or her right mind would want to make the situation worse?" 

(Also see "Tony Peraica Talks Tough," part of Chicago News Bench series of interviews with him.)

Voters in Cook County have a bigger question to ask themselves: Who in their right mind would want to maintain our bad situation by re-electing Todd Stroger? There are several candidates vying for the Democrat nomination, and word on the street is that the local Democrat Party is none too eager to endorse Stroger. With intelligent, well-spoken competitors such as US Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) and Chicago Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, Stroger's chances of keeping his job seem dim. Talk to people on the street - anywhere in Chicago or Cook County, regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic situation.

I take issue with an op-ed by Carol Marin in the Sun-Times on Sept. 2:

Todd Stroger's win is no small deal. He proved he's someone to be reckoned with. And that his victory, even in the face of terrible Cook County unemployment, high foreclosures, and consumer flight to collar counties with lower sales taxes, is something to sit back and study.

Marin, who I generally respect as an investigative reporter, got it spectacularly wrong in my opinion. She's right to say that Stroger has "proved he's someone to be reckoned with," but any board president is simply by having the power of the office. What Marin doesn't seem to understand is that yesterday's 13-4 vote actually highlights Stroger's weakness: A lack of majority support on the Board of Commissioners. Marin seems impressed by the overall effect of the vote, not taking into account the low pro-Stroger factor. Outside of the halls of Cook County government, Stroger is widely considered to be a bad joke, a fool, a high taxer, and a usurper of power.

Sure, Stroger managed (by only one vote) to maintain his tax hike. Marin, however, seems to discount the glaring fact of the 13-4 vote. Stroger received less than 24 percent of the votes cast. That's "someone to be reckoned with?" Not by most people's standards, except apparently, Carol Marin's. It was only because of the undemocratic, artificially high requirement of a four-fifths majority (80 percent) to overturn Stroger's veto of the rollback that Stroger "won." It was a win by technicality. It was not a win in absolute votes cast. Marin seems impressed that Stroger managed to get a mere four votes in his favor, against 13 opposed. It is puzzling that someone as bright as Carol Marin would miss that aspect of the story, as a well as missing the feelings of Cook County voters.

The vote - and Stroger's mismanagement, string of scandals, and general foolishness - is not lost on the voters, however. They will hold the high tax rate of Cook County against Stroger in the coming election, and when Stroger loses (my prediction), it will prove that Stroger is no longer "someone to be reckoned with." I respectfully suggest that Carol Marin talk to voters, then rewrite her column.

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Tony! Tony! Tony! Part 3 in Video Series

Conversation With Tony Peraica, Part 3 of 6. (Also: See all six videos in the series.)

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Tony Peraica Talks Tough! (Part 4 of 6)

Part 4 of the exclusive Chicago News Bench (CNB) interview series with Tony Peraica, Cook County Board Commissioner (R-16). He doesn't mince his words as he talks about President Barack Obama's involvement with corruption in Chicago and Cook County, ties to Tony Rezko, Mayor Daley's nephew, and others. Tony discusses the nation's highest tax rate, right here in Downtown Chicago, and more. I interviewed Tony Peraica on May 29, 2009 at his Anthony J. Peraica & Associates law offices. (See all six videos in the series.) Cool Hats & Shirts for Cool Conservatives Leave a Comment... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Help Re-Elect Tony Peraica to the Cook County Board

The residents of the 16th District of Cook County are lucky to have Tony Peraica representing them on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. As a commissioner, Peraica has persistently stood up for tax reform and the rights his constituents, fighting the big-tax Machine politicians. If YOU live in the 16th District, please help Tony Peraica to start passing petitions to allow him to run in the Republican primary. You can download the signature petition (PDF), run off a few, and start getting signatures. It's that easy. (Don't forget to read the simple rules for passing out petitions!) For more information, visit Tony Peraica's web site, Reform Cook County. If you've never gathered petitions signatures before, I'll tell you that it's an enjoyable experience. You meet people, get into interesting discussions, network, and get a little excercise and fresh air. Hint: Stand near a busy coffee shop or diner, just outside of a CTA train station, or other busy places. You don't have to knock on doors to do this. Here are links to three video interviews with Tony Peraica, which I had the pleasure of making in his law offices in late May, 2009. Enjoy. Conversation with Tony Peraica, Part 1 of 6 Conversation With Tony Peraica Part 2 of 6 Conversation With Tony Peraica Part 3 of 6 Cross-posted to Red County Chicago News Bench RSS Feed We're on Twitter...

Claypool Won't Run Against Stroger

Forrest Claypool, a Cook County Commissioner, won't challenge incumbent fool Todd Stroger. Good. One less fool in the running. Now hear what Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica has to say about Stroger, Claypool, Suffredin and others in Cook County's "government" in our exclusive video interview.... See Comments... Visit Our Online Store Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Hey! ChiNewsBench is on Twitter

Iran Protesters Braver Than "Tea Party" Protesters

The whole world loves Obama? Not quite. Iranians, upset back in January by Obama's failure to do anything substantial regarding Gaza, are not exactly fans of Barack Obama. More recently, many Iranians are dissing Obama for his gutless lack of any condemnation of the obvious election fraud there last week. Photos of the Gutless Appeaser were burned in January (click photo for link), others were made to look as though blood was dripping from his lying mouth, and still others were placed on the ground to be trampled upon. Today, hundreds of thousands of Iranian people are risking arrest or even being shot by police as they disobey anti-rally orders as they march through the streets. Most Tea Party protesters, in contrast, won't attend a rally if they can't be assured of a good parking space, a latte for the march and a nice place to grab lunch afterward. In most of the rest of the world, freedom is still thought of as something worth dying for - or at least risking latte deprivation for. Ironically and sadly, too many Americans no longer bother to get out of their easy chairs to stand up for their fundamental rights. Now, I ask you, when will the timid and so-far gutless Tea Party "protesters" start getting serious and doing this? "What?!?" you say, "how can you ask that?!? Are you suggesting that Tea Party protesters burn Obama in effigy?" Damned right I am. Democrats have burned effigies of every Republican president since Lincoln. And remember, folks, dissent is patriotic. Haven't you heard? While some Iranians were chanting "Death to Obama," I would urge people to NOT do that. It's not only illegal and stupid and wrong, it's also what Democrats and leftists have chanted about every Republican president since Lincoln. While I would urge adopting some tactics of the Left, we don't want to become too much like them. And while we're at it, let's ask ourselves why in hell the residents of Cook County haven't yet picked up pitchforks and torches and stormed Cook County offices. "What?!?" you might say, "how can you ask that?!? Are you suggesting that people storm the offices of Cook County government?" Damned straight. After all, the people of Iran are upset about an election being stolen. What the hell do you think Todd Stroger and the iron-fisted tyrants of the Cook County Democrat Party did in 2006? (In case you don't know, let Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica explain it to you in this video. You might want to invest in a pitchfork after watching it.) See Comments... Visit Our Online Store Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Hey! ChiNewsBench is on Twitter

Peraica Takes off the Gloves (Video, Part 2)

Part 2 of my six-part series, "A Conversation With Tony Peraica." On May 29, I interviewed Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica in his law office on Chicago's south side. The result was 63 minutes' worth of incredible video. In Part 1, he shared family stories, memories of his youth, and more. This installment, Part 2, is very different from the first. Here, Peraica takes the gloves off when speaking about fellow Cook County commissioners and other politicians and calls the Democrat nomination of Todd Stroger "fixed." He describes fellow commissioners Forrest Claypool and Larry Suffredin as hypocrites. Oh, there's more, and you can see the full video below. (See all six videos in the series.) Comments and Guestbook Visit Our Online Store Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Hey! ChiNewsBench is on Twitter

The Definitive Tony Peraica Interview, Part One

On May 29, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tony Peraica in his law office, deep in Chicago's south side. The result was 63 minutes' worth of incredible video, in which he shares family stories, memories of his youth, and more. Peraica reveals a side of himself rarely seen by the general public. To be sure, he takes the gloves off when speaking about fellow Cook County commissioners and other politicians, but that's for a later chapter. In Part One, Peraica talks about himself, his family history, his dreams and aspirations, conversion from Democrat to Republican, and his days as a night club disc jockey. If you really want to know Tony Peraica, I urge you to watch this video. I think it will surprise you. The interview surprised the heck out of me. (See all six videos in the series.) Leave a Comment Here... See our cool merchandise... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Hey! ChiNewsBench is on Twitter

Exclusive Interview With Tony Peraica This Week

Tony! Tony! Tony Peraica! Feisty reformist and Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16th) gives great interviews, and we've got an exclusive hour's worth of tape recorded in his law office on Friday, May 29. The interview reveals a personal side of him rarely seen on camera, and he talks about things you've probably never heard him talk about before. Of course, he takes his gloves off with comments about fellow Cook County Commissioners - and pulls no punches. We will present this fascinating, informative and often entertaining hour of Tony Peraica in several segments this week. Leave a Comment Here... See our cool merchandise... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Hey! ChiNewsBench is on Twitter

What Would YOU Ask Tony Peraica?

On Friday, May 29 I will interview Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16), and YOUR input is invited! I have a set of questions, but it occurred to me that many of you probably also have questions that you would ask him if you could. Well, you can... Send your question to me NOW in care of the Chicago News Bench Guestbook. Click here to send my your question, but do it tonight. If I don't have your question by 7:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29 I might not see it until after the interview. The exclusive interview will be videotaped, so watch for it next week. Check out Tony Peraica's website, Reform Cook County Leave a Comment Here... See our cool merchandise... Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Hey! ChiNewsBench is on Twitter

Nationwide Enema Party

"Send Them Enemas - Not Tea Bags," says Therese Daniels. I think might have something there. "Tea party" does sound a bit, uhm, prissy for a nationwide protest staged by folks who are outraged about Obamabusive Economics and the landslide of socialism tumbling down upon this nation. "Tea party" conjures up images of proper old ladies sipping English breakfast tea and eating scones. "Enema party," on the other hand, well, that's powerful. Weird, sure, but more befitting of the politicians at whom the protests are aimed. Plus, it conjures up images of ... well, you know, images of Barney Frank and Nancy Pelosi. Uchhh. Of course, the image of Cook County Commish Tony Peraica would be much different today if he had not dropped a bag of tea into the Chicago River at February's Chicago Tea Party protest event, but instead gave a fellow protester an enema, right there on the Michigan Avenue Bridge. No no, I don't mean administer an enema! I mean, like just hand him a Fleet enema, still in its package. You have to admit, the press coverage would have been enormous. Although I say this half in jest, Therese Daniels is dead serious about this enema thing. "It is not my intention to demean the people who are using tea bags to symbolically recall the Boston Tea Party in protest of excessive taxation," she writes, "I admire the success of their effort and their courage. It is simply that I feel it is misdirected." Ms. Daniels even gives us recommendations for enema brands: "If people insist upon having tea parties and sending Washington tea bags why not send them a message that will really hit home. Why not include a Fleet’s Enema or some Exlax in the package. Wouldn’t that send a more real message as to what we think of them?" Yes, yes it would. Read Therese Daniels' full post... RELATED STUFF: Obama’s stimulus won’t do the job Buy enemas online Obama's blind faith in Geithner Bulb Type Enema Syringes Czech Premier Slams Obama Stimulus Plan A-Z Laxative Brands List US CFOs unimpressed by Obama stimulus plans-survey Fine Image Herbal Enemas - Worldwide Mailorder States could lose billions in taxes to stimulus Enema - Information and Instructions Obama Stimulus, Tax Increases Are Losing Democrats Key Support Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Cool Stuff...

Tony Peraica Attacks John Daley, Todd Stroger

Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica, one of the few in our county government who gives a rat's butt about the taxpayers, has the following on his Reform Cook County website. Also see the entertaining video "Help Todd Stroger Find the Pork" by clicking here or viewing it below. Cook County Commissioner (and Chicago Ward Boss/brother of the mayor) John Daley wrote a letter in today’s Daily Herald criticizing Commissioner Tony Peraica for his actions during the recent county budget negotiations. He’s just mad because Tony opposed his (and Todd Stroger’s efforts) to grow the payroll, increase the size of the budget and heap $740 million in new bonds on the county taxpayers. He’s also upset that Tony opposed - and will continue to attempt to repeal - the massive sales tax increase he and Todd Stroger forced through last year. Click here to send an email to John Daley to tell him how you feel about his efforts to tax you more and spend even more of your hard-earned money. Tony’s Record is Clear: Protecting the Taxpayers Back in September, Tony was one of only four commissioners to vote against the bond issue, because it would have heaped massive debt on the county taxpayers during a recession. During budget negotiations, Tony proposed a modest 6% budget cut and additional compromise cuts - and helped lead the charge against the massive bonds. In a victory for the county taxpayers, we’re proud to say that the county board passed a budget that included no new tax increases and none of the massive borrowing sought by John Daley and Todd Stroger. Send John Daley an email today telling him you disapprove of his efforts to bust the budget and tax you more. Recently, the county board also passed Tony’s proposed “transparency resolution” to put the county check register online for public viewing – and he has introduced a resolution to form a bi-partisan, private sector “Waste Commission” to identify waste, abuse and opportunities for cost savings in the county budget. Later this year, Tony also plans to introduce a repeal of the massive sales tax increase enacted last year. It is also important to note that Tony’s commissioner’s office returned more than $50,000 to the taxpayers last year – and his office has the smallest budget of any commissioner this year. Some commissioners talk the talk - but Tony is walking the walk to reform cook county government and protect the county taxpayers. Chicago News Bench RSS Feed Cool Stuff...

Peraica Was There, Where Were GOP "Leaders?"

Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica was at the Chicago Tea Party yesterday. He was the only elected official in attendance. Where were the other elected officials? Where were the rest of the Republican and conservative so-called "leaders?" Also See: Where Was Candidate Greg Bedell? Chicago News Bench Merchandise Chicago News Bench RSS Feed

Todd Stroger: The Beating Continues

Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica reports that the new budget was passed "with no new tax increases and without the massive new borrowing" that His Lordship Todd Stroger wanted. That is very good news, but it's a bit like saying you're happy to learn that your neighbor will not increase the number of times that he beats up his wife per week. The beating continues at the same pace, he just won't increase the frequency. Todd Stroger continues to beat up the taxpayers. While we thank Tony and his allies for this "victory," we hope they will keep fighting until Todd Stroger stops beating his constituents. That's you and me, folks. Tony filed this report at 4:52 pm via Facebook: I have excellent news to report. A few minutes ago, we scored a major victory for the Cook County taxpayers: We held the line and passed a budget with no new tax increases and without the massive new borrowing sought by Todd Stroger and his allies. Make no mistake: this victory is huge. By blocking the insiders today, we have no doubt angered them. They are certainly planning right now how to exact revenge in the 2010 elections. That’s why I need your help. Please click here to make an immediate online contribution to help keep me fighting for you on the Cook County Board. The insiders wanted $740 million in new bonds. We didn’t let them have it. They wanted a back-door tax increase. We didn’t let them have it. They wanted tens of millions in additional spending. We didn’t let them have it. Bottom line: We won. They lost. Help us to continue scoring victories for the Cook County taxpayers through your online contribution of $10, $25, $100 or whatever you can afford. We are proving that reform can be achieved. And, with your help, we will continue fighting for the taxpayers and residents of Cook County. Thank you for your continued support. See Tony Peraica's website, Reform Cook County CNB RSS Feed

Tony Peraica,"Just Say No!"

A message today from Cook County Commish Tony Peraica. (He's such a trouble maker!) What's Tony worked up about this time? He wants you, the taxpayers of Cook County, to urge the county commissioners "to vote against the massive new debt that Todd Stroger has proposed in the form of hundreds of millions in new bonds." Read Tony Peraica's message, "Heed the Tribune’s Call: Tell Your Commissioner to Vote ‘No’ On Back Door Tax Hikes." Then, just do it. You'll feel like you did something constructive today. When you're done calling your Cook County Commissioners, watch the video "Crook County - A Quick Conversation about Chicago Politics" at YouTube. Finally, just for laughs, read this: Todd Stroger Turns It On! CNB RSS Feed