Alder-manic candidate hurt in car accident
(PS) A police officer whom is currently in the race for alderman in the 38th ward hurt in accident Saturday. Mike Keeney a candidate against incumbent Tim Cullerton was involved in a crash Saturday responding to an emergency call. The two officers were traveling East bound on Irving Park Rd, Saturday when they were struck by a Sedan traveling South bound. Although not seriously injured, Keeney was undergoing observation and testing.
The other officer may have to under go surgery due to injury's acquired from the accident. All are expected to make a full recovery. Police issued the driver a ticket for failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Keeney is expected to return to the campaign trail soon.
Rahm Emanuel pushes fourth minimum wage raise
Rahm Emanuel pushes fourth minimum wage raise
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| Rahm Emanuel |
A Chicago City Council committee voted late Monday to advance the plan. The plan expected to gain full council approval Tuesday. Thus beating the state to a decision, grandfathering the raise into law.
The mayor moved the meeting up from Dec. 10 due to concerns that the current Illinois Legislature would bend over to business and specialty groups and pass a bill this week that would prevent cities from setting their wage higher than the state minimum. Chicago currently has the same minimum wage as the state does, at $8.25 per hour. The General Assembly is considering raising Illinois' wage to $11 by 2017.This coming after the Chicago initiative began.
"Throughout my life I have believed that if you work no child should be raised in poverty," Emanuel said then. "Work should pay. People need a pay raise."
Coming in just 53 day's before the next Chicago election, it can only seem this measure is passing as yet another way to drive in voters for the February election. With this being stated we are left to wonder if the mayor really cares for the people, or if this is yet again another way to win an election.
Joliet Candidates file and are ready to roll
Joliet seems to be lighting up with candidates this year with candidates filed for each of the 5 districts, as well as three for mayor. The current mayor Tom Giarrante, Bob O'dekirk, and Andy Mihelich. Each candidate carrying their own roots to the city and credentials to follow. This race should be a close one. As the season carry's on we will continue to report updates and changes to this race!
District 1
District 1
Larry E. Hug (Incumbent)
Terry Cottrell
District 2
Brett Gould
Patrick Mudron
District 3
John Gerl
Ray Polikaitis
District 4
Bettye Gavin ( Appointed Incumbent)
James Foster
Phillip Petrakos
Angel Guzman
District 5
Terry Morris
Leonard Thompson Jr.
Willie Wilson Beats Rahm Emanuel at his own game
Willie Wilson Beats Rahm Emanuel at his own game
BY: Brandon Harris |
| Dr. Willie Wilson |
As the holidays came to an end so did Rahm's challenges for Dr. Wilson, whom is now listed as a candidate on the ballot for February. With 590,357 votes cast last mayoral election, Dr. Wilson does have a challenge, but may very well rake in a win. If anyone could rebuild Chicago it would be doctor Wilson. A man once penniless now a very successful business man on the rise. For years Dr. Wilson worked hard and showed signs of leadership and honesty as he built his business network. Now he hopes to take those efforts to the mayors office in Chicago.
Current City mayor Rahm Emanuel has a lot on his hands over the next fifty two day's. Although it seems Dr. Wilson has already won the first battle keeping himself on the ballot and his campaign staff aimed at a reachable goal.
Chicago Mayors race challenges
Chicago Mayors race challenges
Challenges were filed in Chicago began this week and multiple candidates are being challenged including Dock Walls, and Gerald Sconyer's. Sconyers whom will possibly stepping out of the race this afternoon, had thanked volunteer's and pondered future plans. Chicago police officer Fredrick Collins stated " These are just shot gun challenges, we will overcome them". The issues began coming out today at 9 am. Coming in the next few day's.
This year there are over 10 candidates all of whom are looking to run to be the next mayor of Chicago. Among the front runners are Rahm Emanual, Fredrick Collins, and Chewy Garcia. As the year rolls on we will stay tuned into the race.
SEIU clashes with protesters
SEIU clashes with protesters
Illinois SEIU workers are at it once again. With the recently ended Harris Vs. Quinn case in which the union lost. SEIU is down and hurting loosing over $20 Million in union dues. Today as the state mandated training for in home health care providers, the unions were present and ready. The motley crew of SEIU members were present and loud.
As conservative volunteers passed out literature and made statements asking workers to know their rights to not join a Union, SEIU members fought back. With loud voices and a goal to out word their opponents they began to sound repetitive. "We got you a raise" Shouted Union members, as the conservatives said " Know your rights, don't feel pressured". The two teams went through these motions for most of the day, each training session both speaking on their views. These two teams going head to head for different causes.
New Waves in Local politics
New waves in Local politics
Joliets political community is beginning to shift, and the community is beginning to change. In both the way they vote,and the way they see incumbents. There are a lot of great political candidates,and bad candidates coming to a spring election season. We are sitting back watching to see what happens this political season.
There are numerous seats up for re election, and candidates will not be filed until late December. Although To date there are many races with i coming challengers. Such as school board candidate David Skaroupa, a resident of Joliet for over thirty years, running for his first time ever.
With more and more young candidates coming to light we are ready to see whom pull's in the votes. Many people are up for their first runs, others for their 20th, but all in all this up coming year will bring us loads of surprises!
Chicagos first Female Mayor Jayne Byrne Dies at 81
Chicagos first Female Mayor Jayne Byrne Dies at 81
(PS) Former Chicago mayor Jayne Byrne passed away earlier today. Jayne a mayor in the City of Chicago from April 16, 1979 – April 29, 1983. Jayne was the first and last female mayor of Chicago to date. After losing her job as the head of Chicago's consumer affairs department she made the decision to run against the mayor at the time,Michael Bilandic. Seen as little to no threat she managed to win the primary with 51% of the vote.From there she headed onto the general election. Then and still now the city had been very deomcratic. She had won her election with 82 percent of the vote. After one term she was unseated by Hearld Washington losing her race to him in the primary. Byrne was a very active woman, whom made history in Illinois for woman. She was most known for her time spent living in the Cabrini–Green Homes in Chicago. Her goal at that time, to rid the area of crime and making the city a safer place! As mayor she had leaders in the community such as Jesse Jackson and others behind her. Jayne passed away today at 81.
(PS) Former Chicago mayor Jayne Byrne passed away earlier today. Jayne a mayor in the City of Chicago from April 16, 1979 – April 29, 1983. Jayne was the first and last female mayor of Chicago to date. After losing her job as the head of Chicago's consumer affairs department she made the decision to run against the mayor at the time,Michael Bilandic. Seen as little to no threat she managed to win the primary with 51% of the vote.From there she headed onto the general election. Then and still now the city had been very deomcratic. She had won her election with 82 percent of the vote. After one term she was unseated by Hearld Washington losing her race to him in the primary. Byrne was a very active woman, whom made history in Illinois for woman. She was most known for her time spent living in the Cabrini–Green Homes in Chicago. Her goal at that time, to rid the area of crime and making the city a safer place! As mayor she had leaders in the community such as Jesse Jackson and others behind her. Jayne passed away today at 81.
Political Season is surging up
Candidates begin with new names and old names all in the same hand. Looking to get a head start against their competition. With Will County lighting up the political atmosphere, there are plenty of names in the game. Joliet's Mayor race and 4 district council race are heating up a with three candidates and one more possible candidate entering the race.
With a mess of candidates and the stakes high after a very Republican year in Illinois, we may see a huge shift in powers this year. Filing runs through December but we would not be supprised to see a few seats shifting hands. With Govonor Quinn losing to Bruce Rauner in the race for Govonor, and with Mark Batanick winning for his state rep race, the current trend is a Republican wave. This being great for the Republicans in the race.
The Joliet mayors race will be huge, along with the race for quite a few other seats. As the season wears on we will stay in tuned bringing you both sides of the story every time!
With a mess of candidates and the stakes high after a very Republican year in Illinois, we may see a huge shift in powers this year. Filing runs through December but we would not be supprised to see a few seats shifting hands. With Govonor Quinn losing to Bruce Rauner in the race for Govonor, and with Mark Batanick winning for his state rep race, the current trend is a Republican wave. This being great for the Republicans in the race.
The Joliet mayors race will be huge, along with the race for quite a few other seats. As the season wears on we will stay in tuned bringing you both sides of the story every time!
The Joliet Mayor Race heats up
The Joliet Mayors race heat's up:
By: Brandon Harris
(PS) The Joliet Mayors race is heating up and were all left to wonder whom will be representing the people after April. The current Mayor Thomas Giarrante has quite a competition this year. With three known candidates thus far we should defiantly see some real work from these candidates to fix the crime ridden town.
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| Mayor of Joliet Tom Giarrante |
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| Andy Mihelich at the witches night out |
Andy has received a degree in advanced education at the university of Champagne Urbana. His last run he spent $22,000 running for Mayor, loaning his campaign $20,000. In that election he received 13.64 percent of the vote in a whole. Andy an educator, with an impressive background in education, should work towards being superintendent. He has a real up hill battle, and is projected to rake in the least amount of votes this election. Were all left to wonder if he can gain enough votes to win.
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| BoB O'Dekirk prepping for his run for City Council, 2011. |
Bill Foster in for another loss?
Bill Foster in for another loss:
(PS) Bill Foster (D) the Congressman of the 11th district is up for re - election this year and his numbers are troubling. Some poll's showing him down as much as 7 points are really shaking the Democratic party. Bill having made a few un timely moves that have voters upset and ready to show it. Democrats across the board. Republican Senator Darlene Senger is giving him quite a scare.
Many local voters are still reminded of Fosters lack of willingness to back the Will County workers unions in the strike earlier this year. By standing down and doing nothing, now he may face the consequences. Although he has done a pretty good job of leading the 11th district, this may be the needle in the haystack to cause his reign as Congressman to come to an abrupt end. Bill Has held the seat for one term, having lost his last congressional seat to (R) Randy Hultgren in 2008. Fosters political career has had it's ups and downs as has his personal life over the last 10 years.
This may be the make or break race for Mr. Foster and his crew of campaign workers. We will stay tuned and we will keep following this race very closely!
BY: Andrew Mitsen
Many local voters are still reminded of Fosters lack of willingness to back the Will County workers unions in the strike earlier this year. By standing down and doing nothing, now he may face the consequences. Although he has done a pretty good job of leading the 11th district, this may be the needle in the haystack to cause his reign as Congressman to come to an abrupt end. Bill Has held the seat for one term, having lost his last congressional seat to (R) Randy Hultgren in 2008. Fosters political career has had it's ups and downs as has his personal life over the last 10 years.
This may be the make or break race for Mr. Foster and his crew of campaign workers. We will stay tuned and we will keep following this race very closely!
J - Town Vs. Chi Town
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Beat Down in J - Town is taking place tomorrow at 6:00 pm at St. Joseph's park. J - town Vs. Chi Town will be the fight of the year in Illinois. City Councilman Bob O'Derkirk and the Joliet FOP are bringing you some of the best local fighters available to your door for one night of great fun and a fight unlike any other. all proceeds are being given to charity, and the teams plan to use this match as a community platform for future events! With hopes of a great safe evening for all!!!Get Ticket By Calling:
(815) 740 - 1688
Reed Bible Fundraiser a huge sucess:
Reed Bible Fundraiser a huge sucess:
BY: Brandon Harris
(PS) Richard C. Schoenstedt, and Will County board speaker Herbert Brooks Jr were among the group that turned out.With great support and a very hard working Staff, it seems Reed Bible is on the path to retaining his seat for another term. Having served the people since 2012, Reed has been a quite popular member of the will county board.
5TH district will county board member Reed Bible had his fundraiser this evening. Among the crowed were a lot of local officials, and supporters. Will County's Chief Judge
With high hopes, and a bright smile Reed made sure to greet each and every guest and take time with every person. As a man who's heart lie's in the community,Reed Bible hopes his constituents in his district will vote to re elect him! Reed Bible Received his doctorates degree from the University of Minnesota school of law, and a bachelors from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, in political science his education, shines through in his manor and vocabulary.
BY: Brandon Harris
(PS) Richard C. Schoenstedt, and Will County board speaker Herbert Brooks Jr were among the group that turned out.With great support and a very hard working Staff, it seems Reed Bible is on the path to retaining his seat for another term. Having served the people since 2012, Reed has been a quite popular member of the will county board.5TH district will county board member Reed Bible had his fundraiser this evening. Among the crowed were a lot of local officials, and supporters. Will County's Chief Judge
With high hopes, and a bright smile Reed made sure to greet each and every guest and take time with every person. As a man who's heart lie's in the community,Reed Bible hopes his constituents in his district will vote to re elect him! Reed Bible Received his doctorates degree from the University of Minnesota school of law, and a bachelors from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, in political science his education, shines through in his manor and vocabulary.
Michael Urban info
Unlike many elected officials, he has stepped back a few notches, and even answers his own phone calls. This being a huge difference from most politicians in general, let alone a Cook County Commissioner candidate!
His history in Cook County as deep rooted as his agenda. Michael wishes to make a positive impact on his County, hoping to shift some of the community's needs.
Check Him out on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ELECTMichaelUrban2014
Shaking up Illinois?
As the political season Moves forward, we are left to wonder what will happen this year. With Govonor Pat Quinn behind in the poll's and Republican Bruce Rauner in the lead, how will this year play out? Candidates all over the state are in uproar with a season not seen in Illinois in years. Republicans declaring an early victory, and Democratic candidates left out to dry by their own party? What is going on in Illinois? A Democratic state from the get go is lacking Democratic support? The Republicans looking to have their first gubernatorial race won in years?This year could be an upset for a few long term politicians whom are in control now.
Bob O'derkirk walks in the spanish parade
With high hopes for Bob, our staff watched as the entire parade passed, Bob being a candidate whom could not only re build Joliet, but possibly bring it back to life. After the loss of long time Mayor Art Schultz, Joliet is in need of real leadership. We will keep our eyes on the following months as other candidates start to announce their hopes to run as well.
Repbulican bought lead?
A Republican year has seemingly sprung upon us in the state of Illinois. With the gubernational race is a very UN-Evan bend aiming for Bruce Rauner, 57 ( R) to win by up to 15 points. With Govonor Pat Quinn, 65 (D). This year thus far the Rauner campaign has been playing hard ball with the unions and Democratic leaders. Having given Millions to other campaigns in the state as well. It may seem as if Rauner is buying the vote? This seems quite possible. So are we reverting to another party bought through money?
A candidate " Who" cares?
BY: Michelle Naylor
_________________________________________________________________________________
(PS) 2014 Candidate Valerie Burd, whom is running for the 50th congressional district has a message most voters do not expect to hear. Her message coming from her life experiences, and want to serve the community. Valerie, whom is a moderate " Middle of the road Democrat views her opportunity to run for State Representative, not as a career move, but instead as an option to speak for the people. Stating she wished to only give the people a choice in whom they elected. As a former Mayor and Alderman, Valerie brings both experience, and wisdom to the table. She is hoping if nothing else to hear what people want and need, and in fact try to build a better future for our youth! And we must stop and ask, is this possible? Is Burd making promises she cant keep? Actually no, Burd is campaigning on a no promises policy. She has multiple times publicly stated that she wants to work through and with the community to make proper decisions that directly effect her district! Some of her ideas being rebuilding the 50th district, and its economy.
Valerie was a news reporter in her young life, working for many papers and going on to write and create many magazines.
Find her on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/valburd50?ref=hl
_________________________________________________________________________________
Valerie was a news reporter in her young life, working for many papers and going on to write and create many magazines.
Find her on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/valburd50?ref=hl
The gubernatorial race in Illinois is heating up
Dennis Grosskopf drop's out of the 97th State rep race
Harris Exteriors
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Keith Farnham Appears in Court for Child porn charges
Keith Farnham Appears in Court for Child porn charges
Keith Farnham charged child pornography appears in court
Political Source (PS) Former State Rep. Keith Farnham (D) 66, appeared in court today facing charges of child pornography. Keith had resigned from his office in March after federal authorities had raided his office finding at least 2 child pornography videos on his computer. Keith had also posted in forums about himself abusing a 6 year old. He now faces years in jail, and has a lot of explaining to do. Farnham 66, had his computer seized from his office one week before resigning abruptly in March, stood in court today with oxygen machine in hand. What will become of Mr. Farnham? Stay tuned as we follow the case!
Keith Farnham charged child pornography appears in court
Political Source (PS) Former State Rep. Keith Farnham (D) 66, appeared in court today facing charges of child pornography. Keith had resigned from his office in March after federal authorities had raided his office finding at least 2 child pornography videos on his computer. Keith had also posted in forums about himself abusing a 6 year old. He now faces years in jail, and has a lot of explaining to do. Farnham 66, had his computer seized from his office one week before resigning abruptly in March, stood in court today with oxygen machine in hand. What will become of Mr. Farnham? Stay tuned as we follow the case!
Russian war plane
A Russian Fighter jet mad several passes at low altitude towards a US destroyer ship, in international waters this weekend. The us is calling this both unprofessional and provocative. Russia whom has been an international threat now for going on 4 months is continually provoking the United States with little to no response. So what happens now? That is the question on many of Americans minds.
Bruce Rauner wins primary race for Governor
Oberwies win's Primary against power house Doug Truax
Jim Oberwies (R) Doug Truax (R)
Republican Douglas Lee Truax loses primary against Jim Oberwies. Jim Oberwies being a returning candidate won the race by a close call. Now for the next few months to see where this run will lead. Doug Truax a first time politician ran a better than expected race. With Truax taking 44% percent and Oberwies taking 56% with over 78% of the votes counted, Truax conceded to Oberwies reports say. Now this election cycle has ended we will see where lead us in the general elections. Jim being known for wining a state senate seat in 2013 will now again be in the runs for a seat in Washington, DC. The American business man and owner of the famous Oberwies milk we all love will be up to represent us in the US senate. We can only hope this attempt goes as planned for Oberwies. Also don't think we have seen the last of Doug Truax, his campaign reminding us of only one other recent Illinois candidate, that being Dave Carlson in 2012 for States attorney. With more and more talented candidates coming to light every day we could finally see some great changes.
Primary updates will be up after 7
We will be posting updates after 7 for candidates in the Will and cook county areas
Primary elections near Will County residents ready to vote
Crimea High Alert
The tension in Crimea grows as the Ukrainian government reaches out to the west for help. With military bases being raided, and pre cold war tactics being used. The United States weighs in on the new Ukrainian leaders call for help. With only 6000 active solders and being outnumbered 10 to 1, the Ukrainian government decided to install a national guard of sort. They are hoping to keep themselves from the military rule of Russia.
9 out 18 Congressional seats have primary races.
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| Congress |
A list of Illinois politicians whom have been sent to jail
Illinois politicians charged with crime:
A list of Illinois politicians whom have been sent to jail
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A list of Illinois politicians whom have been sent to jail
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| Derrick Smith (D) |
State Representative Derrick Smith (D) was arrested for accepting a $7000 bribe
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Sandi Jackson (D)
Alderman of Chicago, Sandi Jackson (D) plead guilty to one count of filing false tax returns.
Dixon Rita Crundwell
Comptroller and Treasurer for Dixon Rita Crundwell was arrested for fraud after allegedly embezzling as much as $30 million over many years. The money was used to support a lavish lifestyle and support her horse ranch, the Meri-J
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| Rod " Blago" Blagojevich |
Rod Blagojevich – Governor from 2002 through 2009, when he became the first Illinois governor in history to be impeached. Convicted of numerous corruption charges in 2011, including allegations that he tried to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.
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| George Ryan ( R) |
George Ryan – Governor from 1999 through 2003. After leaving office, was convicted of racketeering for actions as governor and secretary of state. In November 2007, began serving a 6 1/2 year sentence in federal prison.
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| Dan Walker |
Dan Walker – Governor from 1973-1977. Pleaded guilty to bank fraud and other charges in 1987 related to his business activities after leaving office. Spent about a year and a half in federal prison.
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| Otto Kerner |
Otto Kerner – Governor from 1961-1968. Resigned to become judge, then was convicted of bribery related to his tenure as governor. Sentenced to three years in prison.
State Treasurer Jerome Cosentino (D) was convicted of bank fraud and sentenced to nine months home confinement. (1991)
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| James DeLeo (D) |
State Representative James DeLeo (D) caught in the "Operation Greylord" investigation of corruption in Cook County. He was indicted by a federal grand jury for taking bribes and negotiated guilty plea on a misdemeanor tax offense, and was placed on probation (1992)
State Representative Joe Kotlarz (D) convicted and sentenced to jail for theft and conspiracy for pocketing in about $200,000 for a sale of state land to a company he once served as legal counsel (1997)
State Senator Bruce A. Farley (D) sentenced to 18 months in prison for mail fraud (1999)
State Senator John A. D’Arco Jr. (D) served about three years in prison for bribery and extortion (1995)
Illinois Attorney General William J. Scott served from 1968 until 1982 when he was convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to a year in prison.
Illinois State Auditor (comptroller) Orville Hodge (R) embezzled more than $6 million and was indicted for on 54 counts including conspiracy, forgery and embezzling. He was sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison.
Alonso 'Lon' Monk (D) Chief of Staff to Rod Blagojevich plead guilty to one count of mail fraud and was sentenced to 2 years in prison(2009)
Christopher Kelly (D) Adviser to Rod Blagojevich plead guilty to tax fraud. (2009)
John F. Harris (D) Chief of Staff to Rod Blagojevich, plead guilty to one count of mail fraud and was sentenced to 10 days in prison.
Scott Fawell (R) Chief of Staff to George Ryan was convicted of racketeering and fraud and sentenced to six years and six months.
Michael Tristano (R) Chief of Staff to State Representative Lee Daniels (R) plead guilty to one count of fraud.
Rand Paul CPAC
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| Rand Paul (R) KY |
- Rand Paul Committee list:
- Foreign Relations, Member
- Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Member
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Member
- Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Member
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Member
- Subcommittee on African Affairs, Member
- Subcommittee on Children and Families, Member
- Subcommittee on Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Relations, and the District of Columbia, Ranking Member
- Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, Member
- Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs and International Environmental Protection, Member
- Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy, and Global Women's Issues, Ranking Member
- Subcommittee on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Federal Programs and the Federal Workforce, Member
- Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere and Global Narcotics Affairs, Member
Whats going on with Oboma care?
What is going on with the presidents new healthcare system? All I hear is postpone, extension, and issues? Millions of peoples health care plans messed up? Who's to blame? What is really going on with our health care system? I personally feel we as Americans need to see stability. I feel this would comfort the American citizens. With no stability what is this to be taken as other than a joke.
Illinois Governor race
Illinois Governor race going wild. New commercials are coming out daily. Bruce Rauner, Pat Quinn, and Kirk Dillard are covering the main stream media with adds and more crap than most have ever seen. Hat Bruce Rauner he Kill's seniors, Hate Pat Quinn he sold Springfied. This is a circus. Why has our political campaign material turned to hate, where are the numbers and fact's on this situation? It's sad to think that the player with the most money will win but in the case of politics 9/10 times this is true. Nether clean politics or real structure show in this years race what so ever
Is this the next great war?
Is this the next great war:
Sheriff's Candidate to Send Out his HIT - men
Sheriff's Candidate to Send Out his HIT-men
Lt. Steve Egan Proposes Will County
Heroin Interdiction Team-The HIT squad.
Joliet-"The drug traffickers and
dealers have been preying on Will County residents and their children for far
too long, “declared Lt. Steve Egan, " it's time we hit them, hit them hard
and hit them where it hurts!"
Egan
unveiled an aggressive three-pronged program that will attack the flow of
heroin and other drugs, punish those who are victimizing our communities while
assisting and supporting the families that have been devastated by the actions
of these predators. Egan's proposed Will
County Heroin Interdiction Team (HIT) will be organized and managed by the
Sheriff's Office and will include county and local police officers as part of what
he calls his "HIT squad."
"The
officers who join my unit will be my HIT-men, "Egan explained, "and
we will aggressively and proactively attack the flow and distribution of heroin
and other drugs throughout Will County."
The program
proposes a comprehensive, multi-jurisdictional investigation team that will
seek out traffickers and dealers. Based
on the investigations the HIT Squad will arrest those bringing drugs into Will
County as well as those selling those drugs in our communities. Egan explained that the unit can be "self-funded"
through asset seizures that result from this program.
"Interstates
I-55 and I-80 are the commercial crossroads of America," said Egan,
"but unfortunately they are also the crossroads of America for the heroin and
drug trade. We will focus heavily in
this corridor to stem the flow of these illicit drugs."
The third
part of the program is intervention and support according to Egan. He explained that as Sheriff, through his
office, he will organize a referral network of existing public and private
social service agencies to intervene to help those victimized by this epidemic.
"The
young people who are targeted by the drug dealers will need help putting their
lives back together and on track,” explained Egan, "as will their
families. The heroin and drug epidemic
can destroy entire families and we need to help them rebuild."
Egan also
mentioned that an aggressive education campaign is necessary and he will work
with schools and community organizations to reach out to Will County's children
through community outreach programs established by the Sheriff's Office. Egan said his program can go hand-in-hand
with Will County State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow’s already successful Heroin
Education Leads to Preventative Solutions (HELPS) program and his Will County
Drug Court.
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