I hope Cari from the life writes a nice, long article about this meeting. It really solidified a couple of things for me.
The topic of the meeting was the payment to Bruce Bonebreak, our City Attorney (per the Mayor).
Elected officials in attendence were (starting at the head of the table) Ald. Chapman, City Clerk Tom Pavlik, Ald. Weiner, City Attorney Mark Sterk (per city council and ordinance), Ald. Lovero, Mayor O'Connor, City Attorney (per the mayor)/City Administrator/Mayoral Assistant Bonebreak and Ald. Phelen
The meeting started with the aldermen all agreeing that Mr. Bonebreak deserved to get paid for the work he has performed, and they were all in agreement that the work was of excellent quality. In short, I think they like the guy.
The question then became from which account to pay him. The bill listed him as consultant, but the question arose as to why he was being paid out of the city attorney fund, when he was a consultant (as stated by the mayor). Lots of bickering.
Mr. Sterk suggested transferring money, and paying him out of the Assistant to the Mayor line item. The aldermen agreed to it. They asked the mayor to submit a communication basically stating that Mr. Bonebreak was filling in for Scott Wauguespack who is running for alderman in the 32nd ward of Chicago (a bit more on this later). Well, surprise, surprise...the Mayor ain't going to do that.
The end result was they delayed payment again. I feel bad for Bruce, a seemingly competent, intelligent guy.
Here's what I don't get. The aldermen want to pay the guy. They ask for a communication simply stating that he is filling a position, which is an accurate reflection of his day to day duties. They'd then approve things. But the mayor digs in his heels. I don't get it. At this point, it is not about seeing the guy get paid, or the citizens of Berwyn having an understanding of what this consultant is actually doing...but rather it is a power struggle between the mayor and the aldermen. That's not good for the city.
The body languages in this meeting were very interesting. Ald. Lovero sat most of the meeting with his back mostly towards the mayor. The mayor sat with his arms tighly clenched across his chest, with a very unhappy look upon his face. Ald. Chapman sat with her hands folded on the table facing the Mayor. My description doesn't do justice.
This was a pissing match for no good reason. The clerk asked the very simple question "To whom should legal questions be addressed". That wasn't answered.
The mayor also stated an employee was not on a leave of absence but was taking vacation and sick days. Ald. Phelen caught that right away and asked why someone was taking sick days if they were not sick?
It is unclear whether Scott will or will not take a leave of absence...leaving most in the room puzzled as to how he could have enough vacation (I like Scott, and I think he does a good job, but his boss left him flapping in the wind this evening).
The question was also asked as to what will happen if/when Scott returns after the late February election...would Mr. Bonebreak's contract end. The Mayor made a non-commital remark which to my ear sounded as though he might keep both of them on.
All in all, a meeting which was a real eye-opener and shock to me (and I've attended just about every council meeting in the last 18 months). I sense a real lack of leadership in this town (but not lack of desire for power). That scares me.
Although I know there are very, very few politicians who are altruistic, I think there ARE politicians who desire people to do what they want, and understand how to work with people to get those people to do what they want without pissing everyone off. I think that is a leader...someone who can persuade or inspire others to share their vision, thereby achieving their goals. I did not see that tonight. Instead, I saw the raw desire for power, and I find that very, very disappointing.
Cheers,
Brian
PS. Happy New Year!
one and done...
Thanks for bringing that to our attention Brian.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, The Mayor is his own worst enemy and one of the worst politicians I've ever seen in action. He was smart enough to see a chink in the BRDO armour and ran for mayor and got himself elected. But that was Only when Shaugnhessy wasn't going to run again. He could never beat him one on one. And even then, people didn't vote for him, they voted against the BRDO and he doesn't understand that.
He walked in there thinking that he had a mandate and clearly didn't understand that ANY form of patronage would come under scrutiny, and that scrutiny has shown that he's made some bad choices in that area. For crying out loud, his hand picked assistant, a position he said was unnecessary in his campaign, is now apparently using sick days to run for a Chicago Aldermanic seat! (In the real world it's frowned upon to use sick days as vacation.)
The sheer arrogance is astounding, and it doesn't surprise me that his biggest supporters share and embrace his arrogance. We all know who and what I speak of.
He's botched any chance of re-election at this point with his "my way or the highway" attitude. A good politician would have recognized that the respect of the people would have given him true political power, not a title. He's wielding his title in inexplicable ways now and it only leads me to believe that he's in over his head.
The alderman gave him a gift and he looked the gift horse in the mouth.
NEXT!
I think you are taking the assistant and sick days a little further than what was said. Those days only applied to the period between Dec. 8 and EOY. That's only like 13 or so work days...My point was more about OC tossing his employee to the wolves.
Cheers,
Brian
Mr. Bonebreak. Is that his Italian or Irish surname? ;D
'It's been said many times, many ways", it always comes out the same. He is his own worst enemy, and really does not care what others may think. Kinda sad.
Maybe the IVB supporters can adopt a new slogan...... "Be careful what you wish for"
Quote from: pkd50 on January 03, 2007, 06:42:51 PM
Maybe the IVB supporters can adopt a new slogan...... "Be careful what you wish for"
pkd, I did get what I wished for -
1) Frank Marzullo is gone, the gestapo unit in the police department is gone and we have a more professional police department with a chief of police who is knowledgeable about gangs;
2) We finally have all the city's books audited and know where the city stands financially; People can now safely estimate budgets and future expenses without feeling around in the dark.
3) And, we have a democracy (however messy it sometimes gets) in the city council rather than 8 mummies voting yes because that's the way they were told to vote.
Also, we now have a two party system in Berwyn where there will be a battle of ideas in future elections. I often felt that one of the reasons Berwyn stagnated in the 1990s was because we had a single party rule for so long. Having two political parties that are vibrant is best for Berwyn in the long run.
So, as an IVB member, I did get what I wished for when I voted in the April, 2005 election.
All the things I was wishing for (except for a city manager form of government) have come true.
Ted
Touche! I like you, because you make so much sense.
Quote from: Ted Korbos on January 03, 2007, 07:05:03 PM
3) And, we have a democracy (however messy it sometimes gets) in the city council rather than 8 mummies voting yes because that's the way they were told to vote.
All the things I was wishing for (except for a city manager form of government) have come true.
Democracy? In a democracy people vote based on what the citizens/lobbyists want (some say by their "conscience"). In this so-called democracy nothing gets voted for due to agenda. How is nothing better than something (8 puppets)?
I think a strong leader with puppets would fare much better NOW, due to the changes you validated in points 1 and 2.
Also, I should add it appears AirNixon was right in that his coup d'tat method is likely the only method we'll ever change form of government by here.
It will NEVER be approved by voters in a referendum because it would never make it that far.
I'm most happy about having a choice and I, too, think that a real 2 party system in Berwyn will keep both parties (maybe all 3 if the republicans can organize) strong. My fear is that the parties are only as good as their leaders. There are good, honest people with the IVB, democrats, and republicans. I'm just not sure I trust any of the leaders. Who do I vote for in '09 and will I have any other choice than O'Connor, Lovero, and Castro?? Maybe this idea of a BerwynBulletinBoard (The BBB) Party is not so crazy??? No meetings. All business conducted here with votes by the poll feature. Now that is transparency.
Ted, good post.
Quote from: Shelley on January 03, 2007, 08:14:45 PM
Maybe this idea of a BerwynBulletinBoard (The BBB) Party is not so crazy???
Shelley, YOU should be running.
Shelley,
The topic of alternatives has come up with many folks I've spoken with. Unfortunately, given that the mayor's job is full time, and pays relatively little, most folks aren't willing to sacrifice to sit up there. I really think with a city manager and part time mayor, we'd attract some good, forward thinking candidates.
Cheers,
Brian
In other words, it's doom and gloom. (Ain't no way the IVB is gonna pass a new form of gov't.)
Bojo in '09!
;D
Quote from: Bonster on January 03, 2007, 09:03:47 PM
Quote from: Shelley on January 03, 2007, 08:14:45 PM
Maybe this idea of a BerwynBulletinBoard (The BBB) Party is not so crazy???
Shelley, YOU should be running.
See Oak Park Spartan's post. You couldn't pay me enough!! Plus, my focus is on improving the reality and perception of the public schools in Berwyn. When Berwyn can boast "good schools" in real estate ads, we'll be able to attract (and maintain) the demographics that developers and businesses desire. It won't matter who sits in the mayor's seat.
I agree to a point. The schools are just part of the equation of (development + schools + law/blight enforcement), which have, in the past, been directly affected by how this city was run.
Quote from: pkd50 on January 03, 2007, 07:20:59 PM
Touche! I like you, because you make so much sense.
Pat, Good luck on the move. I am going to miss you. Looks like you are no longer the lone Berwyn Democrat on the board. In fact, I think us IVBers have become out numbered. <LOL>
My cousin built a coach house for his mom when he built a house in Florida and she loves it. She lives by herself, but is still close to her son. Plus, she loves the fact that the coach house is all single level... no stairs to climb.
SO, good luck and God Bless. We will all miss you.
Ted
Quote from: Bonster on January 03, 2007, 07:36:35 PM
Democracy? In a democracy people vote based on what the citizens/lobbyists want (some say by their "conscience"). In this so-called democracy nothing gets voted for due to agenda. How is nothing better than something (8 puppets)?
I think a strong leader with puppets would fare much better NOW, due to the changes you validated in points 1 and 2.
Also, I should add it appears AirNixon was right in that his coup d'tat method is likely the only method we'll ever change form of government by here.
It will NEVER be approved by voters in a referendum because it would never make it that far.
I disagree. I would prefer the messiness of democracy and having 8 people on the city council who think independently rather than a strong leader with puppets - no matter WHAT the time period or circumstances.
Look at Berwyn in the 1990s - we had single party rule where the head of the party also controlled the police department and who used the police department to harass his political foes - that is the definition of a totalitarian government, not a democracy. Democracy may be messy but its better than a totalitarian government.
As for changing the form of government, that does not need city council approval. The electorate can change the form of government through the referendum process - get a petition signed by 5% of the registered voters in Berwyn (around 1200 signatures) and you could put a binding referendum on the ballot to change the form of government. There is no need to get city council approval.
Ted
Thanks Ted. I'll be around for a while yet. I'll also be on one level, and close to the grandkids. It's all good, but it will still be hard to leave. Just don't want to leave the impression that it's an escape. I have nothing bad to say about Berwyn. I'm not leaving for any reason other than I need to downsize and have a wonderful opportunity to do so now.
Pat,
You don't have to explain yourself at all.
I feel very confident in saying that you and your family gave a hell of a lot more to Berwyn than you ever received. Truly one of the families that made Berwyn a great place to live and grow up in. First class all the way. You will be missed.
QuoteI would prefer the messiness of democracy and having 8 people on the city council who think independently rather than a strong leader with puppets - no matter WHAT the time period or circumstances.
If you think all of these guys are acting independently of each other you are sadly mistaken. There are clear cut alliances formed already. The coming election will show that, but watch closely and you will see who will support whom. Have you been to any fundraisers or parties outside of the IVB and seen some of the fence jumpers? I have and it's pretty hilarious. The IVB is DEAD, one and out. There is no viable candidate and will be no viable candidate, your own elected party members have ensured that.
Aside from the paltry scraps he has thrown from his table what has King Michael done for the city? For Christ's sake they couldn't even get the Christmas tree lit, IDIOTS!!! More patronage hiring, check. Gross ineptitude on par with last admin, check. No forward progress and lack of council cooperation, check. Half answers, or no answers when questioned on inappropriate matters, check.
Quote from: Count DMC on January 04, 2007, 08:47:01 PM
If you think all of these guys are acting independently of each other you are sadly mistaken. There are clear cut alliances formed already. The coming election will show that, but watch closely and you will see who will support whom. Have you been to any fundraisers or parties outside of the IVB and seen some of the fence jumpers? I have and it's pretty hilarious. The IVB is DEAD, one and out. There is no viable candidate and will be no viable candidate, your own elected party members have ensured that.
Aside from the paltry scraps he has thrown from his table what has King Michael done for the city? For Christ's sake they couldn't even get the Christmas tree lit, IDIOTS!!! More patronage hiring, check. Gross ineptitude on par with last admin, check. No forward progress and lack of council cooperation, check. Half answers, or no answers when questioned on inappropriate matters, check.
Count,
I actually said "thinking independently", not "acting independently." There is a difference between the two verbs. As Scoon is fond of saying, reading is an art.
I have attended city council meetings and I have seen the voting patterns. That doesn't mean people aren't thinking independently or voting in the way they think will make Berwyn a better place. I don't think there is anyone on the current city council who is a puppet or votes a certain way because so-and-so told them to vote a certain way.
And, that was my point - Despite the personal attacks, we no longer have 8 puppets on the city council blindly voting in lockstep for fear their sons or brothers or family members would lose jobs with the city.
As for the death of the IVB, as Mark Twain said, reports of the IVB death have been greatly exagerated. There are still 2 years to go and 2 years is a long time in politics. Since the IVB is now an established party, I believe candidates will come forward to run if other people elected under the IVB banner jump ship. The hard part is getting a new party started. Once started, given the laws of the state of Illinois, it is easier to keep an established party going than establish a new one.
As for what has been accomplished, I listed that in a previous post on this discussion thread. We have a professional police chief who has experience in fighting gangs and we are rid of the gestapo unit. We have finally audited the books and know where we stand financially. And we no longer have any puppets on the city council.
That is a hell of a lot better than the mess the BRDO left us when the IVB was elected.
Quote from: Ted Korbos on January 04, 2007, 08:01:58 PM
I disagree. I would prefer the messiness of democracy and having 8 people on the city council who think independently rather than a strong leader with puppets - no matter WHAT the time period or circumstances.
Well then, it follows that the problem would be with your leader.
And what are we lacking now? Leadership.
Lack of direction leading to stagnation is worse than strong leadership.
Quote
Look at Berwyn in the 1990s - we had single party rule where the head of the party also controlled the police department and
You are effectively stating Kushner would either be a) out of a job, or b) easily swayed by another party in office. I trust by his experience he knows better.
After losing in '05 and the aforementioned changes (your points 1 and 2), I fear not the past rearing it's ugly head;s I fear more the present head, showing few to no signs of improvement.
What improvements are taking place seem to be doing so despite this motley crew of so-called independent thinkers...
QuoteThe electorate can change the form of government through the referendum process - get a petition signed by 5% of the registered voters in Berwyn (around 1200 signatures) and you could put a binding referendum on the ballot to change the form of government. There is no need to get city council approval.
That's a last resort, and involves convincing the voting public that our leaders do not realize what is best for our city.
Quote from: Bonster on January 04, 2007, 09:33:14 PM
Lack of direction leading to stagnation is worse than strong leadership.
That depends on whether the "strong leadership" is using brown-shirt tactics against its political foes just to stay in power or it is using its "strong leadership" to move Berwyn forward. If the "strong leadership" exists only to harass its political enemies and stay in power, you would also get stagnation. Besides, if you had been on the receiving end of the BPD's gestapo unit in the 1990s and early 00's, then I think you would be a lot more worried about the brown-shirts returning.
Quote from: Bonster on January 04, 2007, 09:33:14 PM
You are effectively stating Kushner would either be a) out of a job, or b) easily swayed by another party in office. I trust by his experience he knows better.
Huh? I don't understand your point?? I am not saying either thing.
Quote from: Bonster on January 04, 2007, 09:33:14 PM
What improvements are taking place seem to be doing so despite this motley crew of so-called independent thinkers...
The crew may be motley, but I don't think it can be denied that are thinking independently and not acting like puppets.
Quote from: Bonster on January 04, 2007, 09:33:14 PM
Quote The electorate can change the form of government through the referendum process - get a petition signed by 5% of the registered voters in Berwyn (around 1200 signatures) and you could put a binding referendum on the ballot to change the form of government. There is no need to get city council approval.
That's a last resort, and involves convincing the voting public that our leaders do not realize what is best for our city.
Actually, I think a change in the form of government would have to go before the voters via a referendum regardless. So it really doesn't matter whether it gets on the ballot by city council approval or by petition. Either way, the voters get to vote on it.
Now Ted which was it under the Old Admin, Brown Shirts or Gestapo? As both were separate entities?
And thinking and acting independently can now be separated by a fine laser? If I act independently I must not be thinking independently or is it the other way around? I love to play semantics with people. And stop throwing out the boogie man stories will ya. Its been almost two years and all you can say is the new guys aren't as bad as the old? New police chief? Yeah!!! I'm glad Big Mike had this guy waiting in the wings for just this occasion, what did he have him in a "break in case Marzullo leaves box?"
I've seen sycophants before but never on your level. Again your party is DEAD, and not by the hand of some evil cabal run by Marzullo. But by your own incompetent,self righteous, arrogant leader. The next few months will prove this out Teddy boy, stay tuned!!
Sycophants?
Impressive Count, impressive.
Now if you could only tell me the words origin without googling or referencing it first.
Ted,
I'm not sure if you had attended the last council you would be so strong on the acting/thinking independently statements. The resident nut case was on the phone, and after most votes, he'd ask how everyone else voted. Then he'd vote. Didn't seem to matter what the topic was, just who he followed.
Cheers,
Brian
PS. By definition, the nut case is a bad example, I know.
QuoteSycophants?
Impressive Count, impressive.
Now if you could only tell me the words origin without googling or referencing it first.
Wow Andy do you believe yourself the only learned one here? Interesting. The times I have been introduced to you I never got that impression of you.
Brian,
Do you ever get the feeling that some things that are said and/or done in Berwyn could not be scripted better even in a movie?
count,
I'm not questioning your intellect. Not at all. I'm simply asking if you're aware of the words origin? There's a specific reason I ask. The mere fact that you know how to spell and utilize the word in context says enough.
Of the words origin, no.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on January 04, 2007, 10:42:38 PM
Ted,
I'm not sure if you had attended the last council you would be so strong on the acting/thinking independently statements. The resident nut case was on the phone, and after most votes, he'd ask how everyone else voted. Then he'd vote. Didn't seem to matter what the topic was, just who he followed.
Cheers,
Brian
PS. By definition, the nut case is a bad example, I know.
Brian, my only point was that no one on the city council is a puppet, not even the "nut case." You do have to admit that the "nut case" is thinking and acting independently.
Ted
Quote from: Count DMC on January 04, 2007, 10:14:38 PM
Now Ted which was it under the Old Admin, Brown Shirts or Gestapo? As both were separate entities?
No, same entity. Same group of police officers who were supposed to be protecting the public but instead did Marzullo's bidding and harassed Marzullo's supposed enemies.
Quote from: Count DMC on January 04, 2007, 10:14:38 PM
.... And stop throwing out the boogie man stories will ya. Its been almost two years and all you can say is the new guys aren't as bad as the old? New police chief? Yeah!!! I'm glad Big Mike had this guy waiting in the wings for just this occasion, what did he have him in a "break in case Marzullo leaves box?"
Why should I stop? Why are you afraid of the truth? Am I hitting too close to home with my remarks?
Quote from: Count DMC on January 04, 2007, 10:14:38 PM
... I've seen sycophants before but never on your level. Again your party is DEAD, and not by the hand of some evil cabal run by Marzullo. But by your own incompetent,self righteous, arrogant leader. The next few months will prove this out Teddy boy, stay tuned!!
Next few months? It is 27 months until the next election. That is a long time in politics, as I have said before. We will see what happens.
The majority of the city council are acting and thinking and voting against the Mayor because they have no respect for him and dislike him so. Bottom line how can a city survive with such disorganization and chaos every day?
Yes, we have come along way and I am not so sure it's because we have a new Mayor, it was time for all of Berwyn to change and all the voters knew this.
We can still continue to improve, but new real leadership is needed. I think that's what a lot of voters are seeing.
Quote from: P-PANTHER on January 04, 2007, 10:23:54 PM
Sycophants?
Impressive Count, impressive.
Now if you could only tell me the words origin without googling or referencing it first.
syc·o·phant (sĭk'ə-fənt, sī'kə-)
n.
A servile self-seeker who attempts to win favor by flattering influential people.
[Latin s[ymacr]cophanta, informer, slanderer, from Greek sūkophantēs, informer, from sūkon phainein, to show a fig (probably originally said of denouncers of theft or exportation of figs) : sūkon, fig + phainein, to show.]
Good work, Ted.
The word is derived from:
syco-fig
phantis-one who has seen, observer.
It's believed to have originated from those who informed on growers of figs (banned at the the time).
In present usage, the common meaning is "suck up", for lack of a better term.
In modern Greek, however, the term (sycophantia) means something slightly different-a tall tale, untruth, slander, etc........
The reason I asked is because ironically enough that exact word was the subject of a recent conversation.
I learned that word from a Motorhead song in the 80's. :D
I do believe Lemme used it correctly.
Ted,
If you had attended this budget meeting, the reason why things have broken down would be crystal clear.
Erickson wasn't acting independently, he was following someone, I'm just not sure who.
Cheers,
Brian
It seems to me, OPS, that he isn't really following the others - he just doesn't care.
Boys and girls, please discount
The Count who cannot mount
He ain't no Robin Yount
His face is tight and gaunt
His "goods" he cannot flaunt
And, of knowledge, he's no fount
While he loves to daunt and jaunt
His scruples are most wont
And his brown-shirt past will continue to haunt
The Count who cannot mount
Alexandre Dumas
I know that took a buffoon like yourself a long time to come up with. As far as my brown shirt past there you are wrong again,that would be a step down for me, but as in most of your past nonsensical writings you are hardly ever right.
Wouldn't mount in your case Duncing, as I have seen had the misfortune of seeing you!
Sadly you will be the same loser/joke that you were yesterday, today and will be tomorrow.
Quote from: Count DMC on January 05, 2007, 12:07:16 PM
Wouldn't mount in your case Duncing, as I have seen had the misfortune of seeing you!
Honeybunch, I doubt you've ever seen me. If so,when and where? If I get no response, I'll know you're the same liar you've always been.
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on January 05, 2007, 08:04:35 AM
The majority of the city council are acting and thinking and voting against the Mayor because they have no respect for him and dislike him so.
I don't think that that is exactly true, Patsy. I think that for a few of them it might have been a basis for voting against him, but I think that at this point, they think that the mayor isn't running the city as a mayor should. Personally, I think that the mayor dug himself a hole and is way too stubborn to even acknowledge the fact that he needs a shovel.
I agree that it's not a good way to run a city with a disorganized council, but I think that everyone needs to do a little bit of compromising. No one more so than O'C.
Your right cozy, I really meant the same but maybe my words were not right. The reason being they do not respect him
and dislike him for the way he is running the city . Better?
As I reflect on all that I have posted there is not one instance where I lied,Duncing. Yet you continue to spew filth from your pie hole.
It actually is again sad that the only recreation in your pathetic existence is to chase me around this forum. I am beginning to think you actually like me and this is a sick game. Well play I will not, you are no more interesting to me than a fly on a windshield. Post away you'll get no response.
And again, sadly you will be the same loser/joke that you were yesterday, today and will continue to be ad infinitum.
Good Riddance.
Quote from: Count DMC on January 05, 2007, 03:21:05 PM
As I reflect on all that I have posted there is not one instance where I lied,Duncing. Yet you continue to spew filth from your pie hole.
It actually is again sad that the only recreation in your pathetic existence is to chase me around this forum. I am beginning to think you actually like me and this is a sick game. Well play I will not, you are no more interesting to me than a fly on a windshield. Post away you'll get no response.
And again, sadly you will be the same loser/joke that you were yesterday, today and will continue to be ad infinitum.
Good Riddance.
Countie, Countie, Countie. I expected nothing less from you. Cupcake, you've proven my point. I asked when and where you've seen me and you come back with this obtuse response rather than a straight answer. Now we all know your real character. Say HEIL to Hitler for me, sweetie pie.