http://www.suntimes.com/4713224-573/cicero-officials-linked-to-criminals.html
Our Morton District 201 board president.
And they wait until a week after the elections to run the story.
Cicero officials linked to criminals
BY STEVE WARMBIR Staff Reporter
swarmbir@suntimes.com
Apr 11, 2011 02:05AM
Craig Pesek (left) and his brother Jeff have been paid $850,000 by the Town of Cicero.
A local school board president in Cicero has ties to a notorious large-scale drug dealer as well as a ranking member of a motorcycle gang who is a trusted associate of the Chicago mob, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.
Jeff Pesek, 38, president of the Morton High School District 201 board, which oversees several thousand students from Cicero, Berwyn and other suburbs, has been partners in business with admitted wholesale cocaine dealer Enrique "Henry" Rendon, according to court testimony and documents.
Pesek and his younger brother Craig, 34 — who sits on the town's library board — were also caught on an FBI listening device in July 2007 discussing the mob-ordered bombing of a Berwyn business in 2003 with the man later convicted of the crime, Mark Polchan. Polchan was the treasurer of the Outlaw motorcycle gang and a key associate of mobster Michael Sarno. The FBI says Sarno ran the Cicero mob crew.
Polchan is heard predicting to the brothers — about a year before he was arrested — that he will be charged in the bombing and asks them if they will post his bond, according to a previously sealed court document obtained by the Sun-Times.
The three men discussed an individual named Kyle Knight, who had already been charged in the bombing.
"Specifically, the three individuals talked about the fact that Knight was already incarcerated for another federal offense . . . and that the 'feds' had made Knight an offer for a cooperation deal, however Knight had declined," according to the court document.
Polchan expressed confusion over why federal agents would arrest Knight but not him.
"They know me absolutely," Polchan told the Pesek brothers, according to an excerpt of the conversation. "I, I, I just, I cannot believe they indicted the guy and not f------ drag me into it.
"Let's have a party right now," Polchan told the brothers.
After his arrest, Polchan never got bond. A federal judge determined he was a danger to the community and a flight risk.
The Peseks' relationships with the two criminals came to light during testimony at Polchan's bombing trial late last year, as well as from a once-sealed court document from the investigation. Polchan was convicted at trial and faces a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
Neither Pesek has been charged with any crime, nor did either respond to a request for comment.
Polchan, who has been arrested more than a dozen times, worked for several years in security for the Peseks at their popular downtown Chicago nightclub called Ontourage.
Craig Pesek is listed as the sole owner of the nightclub on its liquor license, while Jeff Pesek has helped run it, records show.
But Craig Pesek had other investors he never told the city about, according to court testimony.
Rendon testified under oath that he was a silent partner in Ontourage as well as a liquor store and bar in Cicero that Jeff Pesek bought called Austin Liquors.
At Polchan's trial, Rendon explained how he and Jeff Pesek started Ontourage.
"Jeff and I basically got Ontourage with basically no money down. We got investors. We built the club," Rendon testified.
Later, a defense attorney asked Rendon, "And you said, correct me if I'm wrong, that Mr. Pesek put up the money for Austin Liquors?"
"Yes, he did," Rendon confirmed.
Rendon said he put up no money in the Austin Liquors deal but gave Pesek $500 a week in rent. Rendon testified that he put several mob-owned video gaming devices in the bar.
Jeff Pesek also testified at the trial of Polchan, who was once a close childhood friend. Pesek testified under a grant of immunity from prosecution.
While not discussing it in detail, Jeff Pesek acknowledged in his testimony there were other investors in Ontourage besides his brother Craig.
"My brother is the owner," the school board president testified. "There was other individuals who helped him out in the beginning, yes."
"Were they not declared as investors in filings with the City of Chicago?" asked federal prosecutor Amarjeet Bhachu.
"No, there were no other declarations, no," Jeff Pesek said.
Rendon, who estimated in his testimony that he sold roughly 200 kilos of cocaine, two tons of marijuana and 7 kilos of heroin in his decades-long career as a drug dealer, had high praise for Jeff Pesek.
"He is a good guy," Rendon testified.
Rendon said it was no secret among people who knew him that he was a drug dealer.
"Everyone knew I did," Rendon testified.
Rendon was charged in 2009 in federal court for providing drugs to a middleman who in turned sold it to street gangs. He pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, marijuana and heroin and faces 10 to 13 years in prison. In 1996, he was sentenced to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to another drug crime. And in 1999, he was sentenced to three years behind bars for kicking and hitting an off-duty Chicago cop in the face during a fight in the Gold Coast neighborhood.
Rendon and Jeff Pesek have been portrayed in unrelated civil lawsuits as partners in other business ventures as well. Rendon also was listed in court records as one of the people signing a lease for an oil-change shop with Craig Pesek.
Jeff Pesek also testified that he bought between eight and 10 televisions from Polchan, who routinely sold stolen merchandise at his Cicero pawn shop.
Pesek did not address in his testimony whether any of the televisions, for which he paid cash, were stolen, but he indicated that Polchan at one point couldn't sell him a television after Pesek had come over to buy one.
"He just said the guy that was bringing them got busted," Pesek testified.
In addition to their businesses, the Peseks have been key players in Cicero politics. The brothers, their family and their companies have contributed or loaned about $100,000 to help elect Cicero Town President Larry Dominick, who campaigned on a reform platform and a promise to end cronyism in town government.
After Dominick was elected in 2005, the brothers were eventually hired as town consultants, earning about $850,000 in fees, according to town records.
Dominick is "very satisfied" with the work that the Peseks have done and believes they are "professionals and dedicated to their work performance," according to town spokesman Ray Hanania.
Hanania noted that neither Pesek has been accused of wrongdoing, and the information that came to light at trial would have no effect on their employment with the town.
Craig Pesek, a high school graduate who had previously worked at his family's hot dog restaurant, was hired soon after Dominick was elected to be a project manager at $6,000 a month.
His responsibilities and fees grew as his consulting company was hired to oversee the construction of municipal buildings as well as economic development in the town.
Jeff Pesek went from suing the town in a major lawsuit under the past administration to working for it when Dominick took over as town president.
In 2004, before Dominick was elected, Jeff Pesek filed a lawsuit against the town, contending it was trying to muscle him out of a piece of property in Cicero that he had an interest in.
After Dominick won the town president's job, the town settled the lawsuit with Jeff Pesek for $1 million, a deal approved in federal court.
Jeff Pesek described his motivation in helping Dominick in a deposition from his 2004 lawsuit against the town.
"I thought I would do anything and everything humanly possible for me and that I would get any and all resources I could to help him win because that's what I could do for the town of Cicero," Pesek said.
"That's what I was going to do to win my lawsuit — not to win my lawsuit, but to — because of my lawsuit," Pesek said.
Jeff Pesek was hired in October 2008 to be the town's director of services and recreation as well as Cicero's safety director at an annual salary of $94,322, according to town records.
The Peseks' mother, Elaine, was appointed to Dominick's town literacy office starting in 2006 and has earned more than $38,000 for her service.
Elaine Pesek, a former teacher, helps promote literacy in town. In 2009, Craig Pesek won a seat on the Cicero library board. He is also a state Republican central committeeman. Even though he is a consultant and not a town employee, he has received town health insurance since 2007 because Pesek sits on a town committee.
In a September 2006 interview published in the Town of Cicero newsletter, Craig Pesek expressed appreciation for his job with the town.
"I am grateful to be a part of an administration that truly cares so much about its residents and takes such pride in our town," Pesek was quoted as saying.
When asked if there was something most people don't know about him, Craig Pesek said, "If most people don't know, it's probably because I want it that way, so let's keep it that way!"
According to the transcript, Jeff Pesek was given immunity to testify.
Transcript of Jeff Pesek testimony:
http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=ypfy1xjrcKWAdghKeJ6_sFecmNtyTei3ei7qSXpDGLAuNE6yLrapKA1cVn08Iauj4Aw$6wU9GSUcqtd9hs3TFeZCn0vq69IZViKeqDZhqNLziaXiKG0K_ms4C2keQo54&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=pesek%20testimony.pdf
FBI affidavit shows conversation between Peseks and Outlaw gang member:
http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=kTSJVVKKZAqGs3NXR3zCn$M$Cc1SQJbwTXJnQ8DE2VUuNE6yLrapKA1cVn08Iauj4Aw$6wU9GSUcqtd9hs3TFeZCn0vq69IZViKeqDZhqNLziaXiKG0K_ms4C2keQo54&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=pesek%20affidavit.pdf
Quote from: psychomom on April 11, 2011, 06:23:23 AM
And they wait until a week after the elections to run the story.
Yeah, remember, this is the guy Bob Lovero, Nona Chapman and Jeff Boyajian asked you to vote for.
I second what Ted wrote. Look closely at their Cicero connections.
Where's Mustang to tell us that Cicero politics are no different than Berwyn?
Just days after Mayor Bobby was elected he was publically singing the praises of his good friend Larry Dominick.
Depending on the outcome of this, I think Mr pesek will resign anyway
Quote from: douglas on April 11, 2011, 07:52:47 AM
Depending on the outcome of this, I think Mr pesek will resign anyway
He's not being indicted or anything is he?
If he resigns who is waiting in the in the back ground to take over? Nothing will change!
Quote from: douglas on April 11, 2011, 07:52:47 AM
I think Mr pesek will resign anyway
He's certainly not going to get any pressure from Cicero/Larry to leave.
So who supported this guy?
Nona? Boyajin? DCOB?
This is exactly why when certain people talk, others should listen.
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 06:29:52 AM
Transcript of Jeff Pesek testimony:
http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=ypfy1xjrcKWAdghKeJ6_sFecmNtyTei3ei7qSXpDGLAuNE6yLrapKA1cVn08Iauj4Aw$6wU9GSUcqtd9hs3TFeZCn0vq69IZViKeqDZhqNLziaXiKG0K_ms4C2keQo54&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=pesek%20testimony.pdf
FBI affidavit shows conversation between Peseks and Outlaw gang member:
http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=kTSJVVKKZAqGs3NXR3zCn$M$Cc1SQJbwTXJnQ8DE2VUuNE6yLrapKA1cVn08Iauj4Aw$6wU9GSUcqtd9hs3TFeZCn0vq69IZViKeqDZhqNLziaXiKG0K_ms4C2keQo54&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=pesek%20affidavit.pdf
FYI I cannot connect to either of these links.
Anyone else ?
You'll probably need to copy and paste them, as it looks like only part of it is linked.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 11, 2011, 08:01:42 AM
Quote from: douglas on April 11, 2011, 07:52:47 AM
Depending on the outcome of this, I think Mr pesek will resign anyway
He's not being indicted or anything is he?
Jeff Pesek was given immunity in exchange for his testimony, so he won't be indicted.
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 08:57:51 AM
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 11, 2011, 08:01:42 AM
Quote from: douglas on April 11, 2011, 07:52:47 AM
Depending on the outcome of this, I think Mr pesek will resign anyway
He's not being indicted or anything is he?
Jeff Pesek was given immunity in exchange for his testimony, so he won't be indicted.
That was not the question...my question was geared towards why would he resign? The article clearly stated he had immunity.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 11, 2011, 08:26:44 AM
So who supported this guy?
Nona? Boyajin? DCOB?
Careful , OPS, Joe Martin will accuse you of "gossiping"... LOL
Lovero, Chapman and Boyajian all sent out emails asking people to vote for Pesek.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 11, 2011, 08:58:52 AM
That was not the question...my question was geared towards why would he resign? The article clearly stated he had immunity.
I don't think he will resign, but I guess we will find out Wednesday.
Quote from: buzz on April 11, 2011, 08:30:29 AM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 06:29:52 AM
Transcript of Jeff Pesek testimony:
blah blah...
FBI affidavit shows conversation between Peseks and Outlaw gang member:
blah blah
FYI I cannot connect to either of these links. Anyone else ?
They're just PDF's of the transcripts:
Testimony (http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=ypfy1xjrcKWAdghKeJ6_sFecmNtyTei3ei7qSXpDGLAuNE6yLrapKA1cVn08Iauj4Aw$6wU9GSUcqtd9hs3TFeZCn0vq69IZViKeqDZhqNLziaXiKG0K_ms4C2keQo54&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=pesek%20testimony.pdf)
affadavit (http://www.suntimes.com/csp/cms/sites/STM/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls?STREAMOID=kTSJVVKKZAqGs3NXR3zCn$M$Cc1SQJbwTXJnQ8DE2VUuNE6yLrapKA1cVn08Iauj4Aw$6wU9GSUcqtd9hs3TFeZCn0vq69IZViKeqDZhqNLziaXiKG0K_ms4C2keQo54&CONTENTTYPE=application/pdf&CONTENTDISPOSITION=pesek%20affidavit.pdf)
Why would Pesek resign? Wasn't this all public knowledge?
I think the worst part of the story is the bad example Dominick sets for Berwyn: cronyism, paying exorbitant amounts of money to friends' business interests, giving free healthcare to those just sitting on committees. The argument for it all is they have the money to blow. We don't and never will.
A reader comment from the Times:
"Cicero officials with ties to organized crime? How shocking! Have they ever NOT been? The real criminals here are the Cicero voters, who keep electing slimeballs to run the town. I guess they just aren't very bright and I guess they deserve to be swindled out of the taxes they pay."
Quote from: Robert Pauly on April 11, 2011, 09:39:40 AM
A reader comment from the Times:
"Cicero officials with ties to organized crime? How shocking! Have they ever NOT been? The real criminals here are the Cicero voters, who keep electing slimeballs to run the town. I guess they just aren't very bright and I guess they deserve to be swindled out of the taxes they pay."
Who else are they going to vote for? Look what happened when we tried getting someone new on the school board.
Quote from: bonster on April 11, 2011, 09:32:05 AM
Why would Pesek resign? Wasn't this all public knowledge?
I doubt most people knew that Pesek had "silent" business partners who were reputed mobsters and admitted cocaine dealers. It sounds like Pesek's business partnership with these guys was undocumented.
Ted,
EVERYBODY knew about these "relationships", even before they came out in court.
That's why certain people should listen when certain other people speak.
Where is Mustang?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 10:08:34 AM
Ted,
EVERYBODY knew about these "relationships", even before they came out in court.
That's why certain people should listen when certain other people speak.
Not everybody, Jackal. I didn't know. I knew Pesek owned a night club but until this article, I didn't know that he had these "silent" business partners.
Trying to figure out what type of spin to put on this. Anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in the area knows who these people are, what they're about, and what the connections are. You would have to be brain dead not to.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 10:12:37 AM
Trying to figure out what type of spin to put on this. Anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in the area knows who these people are, what they're about, and what the connections are. You would have to be brain dead not to.
Then, I'm brain dead... LOL
The Peseks "bought" Ontourage when they were in their mid 20's....where the hell do two street kids from Cicero get the money to buy a club like this on Ontario St. in River North? Doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure it out. Most of you wpould be absolutely shocked to know how many local businesses have drug/orgamized crime ties.
99% of the community doesn't know about this.
Then that 99 percent of the community should listen to the one percent that does.....
Nonetheless, carry on, you guys are doing a fine job as is...
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 11, 2011, 10:09:39 AM
Where is Mustang?
I'm right here. As far as Jackals comment above that everyone knew who Peseks freinds were? WRONG. I didn't know. In fact I didn't even know who Jeff Pesek was until he was elected to the school board. Before that I never even heard of him. Even after he was elected he could have walked up to me and I would of had no clue who he was.
I never knew who he was until I attended his first board meeting.
As for the article in the Times I heard an article like this was coming out a few months back. In fact I think I read it was coming on BTF. Someone made a comment about an upcoming article about Pesek that would come out before the election. So because you grew up with someone who became a criminal that automatically makes you one? If so put me and a whole lot of other people in jail right now.
Isn't he the same Jeff Pesek that was beat up at the Golden Steer? Maybe it's a different one.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 11, 2011, 10:49:36 AM
....So because you grew up with someone who became a criminal that automatically makes you one? If so put me and a whole lot of other people in jail right now....
It's not about who he grew up with. It's about who he is business partners with. Big difference.
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Isn't he the same Jeff Pesek that was beat up at the Golden Steer? Maybe it's a different one.
No, different person... I think the person at the Golden Steer had a different first name.
Can't a recall be done considering the circumstances?
There is no way any of these ppl should be in any position ... other than out and looking for a regular job. Bobby should have done his homework. You just can't get involved with ppl like this cause it will come back to hurt you.
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:54:47 AM
Can't a recall be done considering the circumstances?
He was just re-elected a week ago.
Mustang,
Yoi're bullshitting me now, aren't you? You're a long time Cicero guy and you don't know who these people are? Give me a fuckin break....
These are the people YOU wholeheartedly endorse to run 201 and entrust kids futures with.
What in God's name was on the cv's of Pesek, Iniquez, Dominck and Kraft that made you think they were in any way, shape or form qualifies to run a school board?
Stop bllshitting people....you can bullshit SOME people, but not us old timers....
And no, it wasn't JEFF or CRAIG Pesek that were beat up....
If you read the two links, in particular, the one of the testimony transcript, I think it is perfectly clear that it was more than being friends with someone.
BTW, he was offered immunity for his testimony, which, although I am not a lawyer, probably means he was more than just friends with someone.
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:55:27 AM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:54:47 AM
Can't a recall be done considering the circumstances?
He was just re-elected a week ago.
I know Ted, but this very circumstance could be used to say the voters were duped. As stated ... do you think if voters knew all this ahead of time they in good conscience would vote for them? I couldn't. Schools, mob, crime ... it don't mix. And then ppl have the nerve to say raise taxes. This is why ppl are against raising taxes ... cause of all the shennanigans goin on.
If there is one thing voters hate it's when ppl misrepresent themselves, and that clearly is what is going on here. If he doesn't resign, the other candidates should do all they can to use whatever political tool necessary to pry him out of there.
If you people knew the "players" in this scenario, you'd know all about the relationship and ties amongst and between them.
Bottom line, EVERYONE bailed on Polchan, and he got the big hambone. Nice. With friends like that, who needs enemies.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 10:59:12 AM
Mustang,
Yoi're bullshitting me now, aren't you? You're a long time Cicero guy and you don't know who these people are? Give me a fuckin break....
These are the people YOU wholeheartedly endorse to run 201 and entrust kids futures with.
What in God's name was on the cv's of Pesek, Iniquez, Dominck and Kraft that made you think they were in any way, shape or form qualifies to run a school board?
Stop bllshitting people....you can bullshit SOME people, but not us old timers....
And no, it wasn't JEFF or CRAIG Pesek that were beat up....
Your the bullshitter Andy. You don't know me at all. I had no idea who Jeff was until he won the first election. If you don't believe me ask Jeff. Or better yet ask Ted or Java. They will tell you I supported them the first time they ran not Jeff. I had no clue who the guy was. I was going to run until Ted and Mark said they were running. I had this crazy notion I was not educated enough to run an education system. I don't bullshit Andy.
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:53:17 AM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Isn't he the same Jeff Pesek that was beat up at the Golden Steer? Maybe it's a different one.
No, different person... I think the person at the Golden Steer had a different first name.
Wayne.
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 11:01:56 AM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:55:27 AM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:54:47 AM
Can't a recall be done considering the circumstances?
He was just re-elected a week ago.
I know Ted, but this very circumstance could be used to say the voters were duped. As stated ... do you think if voters knew all this ahead of time they in good conscience would vote for them? I couldn't. Schools, mob, crime ... it don't mix. And then ppl have the nerve to say raise taxes. This is why ppl are against raising taxes ... cause of all the shennanigans goin on.
If there is one thing voters hate it's when ppl misrepresent themselves, and that clearly is what is going on here. If he doesn't resign, the other candidates should do all they can to use whatever political tool necessary to pry him out of there.
Our mayor and his DCOB aldermen ENDORSED the guy. Do you think they bear any responsibility?
I think they either fear or are in awe of the power and money in Cicero and will do just about anything to stay on their good side. Problem is we're not really seeing the benefits of such.
The DCON is neither in fear or in awe of Cicero. It's simply a qui pro quo, tit for tat, situation. DCOB supporyts the CVA in 201 elections, and in return, the CVA supports the DCOB in Berwyn municipal electionsm In short Berwyn, YOUR elected officials sold you out to a "school board" comprised of people with ties to drug dealers and organized crime.
Btw, I want know where all the Berwyn "eucational leaders" who preached "let's work WITH them" are now?
The silence is deafening.
Oh, and mustang, while you may have not known Pesek when you voted, I'm sure you sure as hell got to know him during his 201 Presidential tenure....and you still didn't "know" anything? Nobody take you aside and say, "hey, what you see is NOT what you get here"? I mean, Pesek's ties to some of these people was not some big secret. What exactly did you see on his cv, or some of the other Cicero 201 board memebrs cv's, that made you think ANY of them were qualified enough to run a hs board? I mean, if you feel YOU'RE not "educated enough" to run for spot, what would make Pesek, Iniquez, Dominick or Kraft "educated enough" to do likewise?
Sad to hear..I hope he resigns. Many are guilt by association.
Its not SAD, its DESPICABLE. And just as much so for those who "supported" them.
And no, its not a matter of guilt by association....the guy was granted IMMUNITY in exchange for his testimony. Doesn't that tell you people something?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 12:59:21 PM
Btw, I want know where all the Berwyn "eucational leaders" who preached "let's work WITH them" are now?
The silence is deafening.
Oh, and mustang, while you may have not known Pesek when you voted, I'm sure you sure as hell got to know him during his 201 Presidential tenure....and you still didn't "know" anything? Nobody take you aside and say, "hey, what you see is NOT what you get here"? I mean, Pesek's ties to some of these people was not some big secret. What exactly did you see on his cv, or some of the other Cicero 201 board memebrs cv's, that made you think ANY of them were qualified enough to run a hs board? I mean, if you feel YOU'RE not "educated enough" to run for spot, what would make Pesek, Iniquez, Dominick or Kraft "educated enough" to do likewise?
Hey they chose to run thats their businees. When I saw people more educated than me wanted to run I stepped back. So what. Yes I got to know Jeff once elected. And no, no one told me who his business partner was and I really could care less. Just because a business partner is involved in criminal activity doesn't mean he or she is. I judge people on what they do not by who they associate or do business with. I have freinds related to mob figures, they are not criminals in any way shape or form so why should I hold that against them? I have not agreed with everything Jeff Pesek and this board have done. I back them when I think they are right and call them out when I think they have made a mistake. And ANY board member or administrator will say that. So please don't come on here and accuse me of being a liar,then I will give you your "fucking break."
Quote from: mustang54 on April 11, 2011, 01:10:40 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 12:59:21 PM
Btw, I want know where all the Berwyn "eucational leaders" who preached "let's work WITH them" are now?
The silence is deafening.
Oh, and mustang, while you may have not known Pesek when you voted, I'm sure you sure as hell got to know him during his 201 Presidential tenure....and you still didn't "know" anything? Nobody take you aside and say, "hey, what you see is NOT what you get here"? I mean, Pesek's ties to some of these people was not some big secret. What exactly did you see on his cv, or some of the other Cicero 201 board memebrs cv's, that made you think ANY of them were qualified enough to run a hs board? I mean, if you feel YOU'RE not "educated enough" to run for spot, what would make Pesek, Iniquez, Dominick or Kraft "educated enough" to do likewise?
Hey they chose to run thats their businees. When I saw people more educated than me wanted to run I stepped back. So what. Yes I got to know Jeff once elected. And no, no one told me who his business partner was and I really could care less. Just because a business partner is involved in criminal activity doesn't mean he or she is. I judge people on what they do not by who they associate or do business with. I have freinds related to mob figures, they are not criminals in any way shape or form so why should I hold that against them? I have not agreed with everything Jeff Pesek and this board have done. I back them when I think they are right and call them out when I think they have made a mistake. And ANY board member or administrator will say that. So please don't come on here and accuse me of being a liar,then I will give you your "fucking break."
Read his testimony. It wasn't just the business partner misbehaving.
Mustang,
What part of Pesek being granted frickin' IMMUNITY for his testimony don't you understand? How hard is that to copmprehend? Pesek's "friends" weren't granted immunity, HE was. Now the question becomes, what was he granted immunity from?
You don't care who they associate with? Well, I'm sure a hell of a lot of 201 parents do. This is their hs board president we're speaking of. If you tell me you don't know the rep of some of these people, they're connections and associations, and their various dealings, then yes, you are full of hot air. And its not simply a matter of guilt by association.
How exactly is Jeff Pesek or Iniquez or Dominick "more educated" than you? What fine institution of higher learning did any of them ever attend?
Gimmee a frickin' break....the ole "guilt by association, woe be me" defense. There's no defending criminal activity. NONE.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 01:44:31 PM
Mustang,
What part of Pesek being granted frickin' IMMUNITY for his testimony don't you understand? How hard is that to copmprehend? Pesek's "friends" weren't granted immunity, HE was. Now the question becomes, what was he granted immunity from?
You don't care who they associate with? Well, I'm sure a hell of a lot of 201 parents do. This is their hs board president we're speaking of. If you tell me you don't know the rep of some of these people, they're connections and associations, and their various dealings, then yes, you are full of hot air. And its not simply a matter of guilt by association.
How exactly is Jeff Pesek or Iniquez or Dominick "more educated" than you? What fine institution of higher learning did any of them ever attend?
Gimmee a frickin' break....the ole "guilt by association, woe be me" defense. There's no defending criminal activity. NONE.
They are not more educated than me, so what, I made my choice and they made theirs. They apparently view things different than I do. As far as criminal activity hey you should know more than I do you make your living off of it. And again I will not give you a frickin break, I judge people by what they do not the acts of others. Let me ask you this counselor,if you had a client asked to testify in a federal case would you first try and get him immunity?
Quote from: mustang54 on April 11, 2011, 01:10:40 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 12:59:21 PM
Btw, I want know where all the Berwyn "eucational leaders" who preached "let's work WITH them" are now?
The silence is deafening.
Oh, and mustang, while you may have not known Pesek when you voted, I'm sure you sure as hell got to know him during his 201 Presidential tenure....and you still didn't "know" anything? Nobody take you aside and say, "hey, what you see is NOT what you get here"? I mean, Pesek's ties to some of these people was not some big secret. What exactly did you see on his cv, or some of the other Cicero 201 board memebrs cv's, that made you think ANY of them were qualified enough to run a hs board? I mean, if you feel YOU'RE not "educated enough" to run for spot, what would make Pesek, Iniquez, Dominick or Kraft "educated enough" to do likewise?
Hey they chose to run thats their businees. When I saw people more educated than me wanted to run I stepped back. So what. Yes I got to know Jeff once elected. And no, no one told me who his business partner was and I really could care less. Just because a business partner is involved in criminal activity doesn't mean he or she is. I judge people on what they do not by who they associate or do business with. I have freinds related to mob figures, they are not criminals in any way shape or form so why should I hold that against them? I have not agreed with everything Jeff Pesek and this board have done. I back them when I think they are right and call them out when I think they have made a mistake. And ANY board member or administrator will say that. So please don't come on here and accuse me of being a liar,then I will give you your "fucking break."
Under what pretense do individuals such as these choose to run? It certainly doesn't appear they have vested interests in children or education. And yes there are people related to criminals who do not partake in those activities, but a fair amount of organized crime is family business...
If Pesek had any respect for the school system, he would resign. Then perhaps the person next in line, Maniotis, should take that spot. I find it embarrassing for a person like that to be on the school board representing us.
Another reason to separate Cicero and Berwyn. We give them money and they run us. Doesn't make sense.
Quote from: Suzy Q on April 11, 2011, 04:33:35 PM
If Pesek had any respect for the school system, he would resign. Then perhaps the person next in line, Maniotis, should take that spot. I find it embarrassing for a person like that to be on the school board representing us.
Another reason to separate Cicero and Berwyn. We give them money and they run us. Doesn't make sense.
I would like our Mayor to step up and ask for his resignation.
Quote from: Terri on April 11, 2011, 04:39:13 PM
Quote from: Suzy Q on April 11, 2011, 04:33:35 PM
If Pesek had any respect for the school system, he would resign. Then perhaps the person next in line, Maniotis, should take that spot. I find it embarrassing for a person like that to be on the school board representing us.
Another reason to separate Cicero and Berwyn. We give them money and they run us. Doesn't make sense.
I would like our Mayor to step up and ask for his resignation.
+1
Quote from: Ana on April 11, 2011, 04:44:15 PM
Quote from: Terri on April 11, 2011, 04:39:13 PM
Quote from: Suzy Q on April 11, 2011, 04:33:35 PM
If Pesek had any respect for the school system, he would resign. Then perhaps the person next in line, Maniotis, should take that spot. I find it embarrassing for a person like that to be on the school board representing us.
Another reason to separate Cicero and Berwyn. We give them money and they run us. Doesn't make sense.
I would like our Mayor to step up and ask for his resignation.
+1
+2 - but I won't hold my breath on that one.
Your "mayor" just endorsed, as did several of your aldermen. You seriously think they're going to ask for his resignation?
P.SM Don't think for ONE MINUTE that Lovero & Co. didn't know about Pesek's "connections".
We ALL should demand a resignation.
Well, why not start Emailing those aldercritters that supported Pesek ?
Why not contact the Mayor, point out the Sun-Times article, and ask how he can remain silent in the face of such a "scandal". Tell him to act to remove Pesek.
How about the Berwyn Life reporters' asking these people how they could have been fooled by Pesek....how they could have endorsed him.... what were they thinking ???
It's official!
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html)
There should be a political cost for those that endorsed him!
We all need to write letters, VOTE and make sure those that endorsed this embarrassment suffer the consequence.
He admitted to cheating on his taxes, and if you read between the lines of his testimony, he was granted immunity for receiving stolen property.
This just made the job of teachers who are TRYING to get the kids to buy into the whole "education" thing 10 times harder!!
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 10:08:34 AM
EVERYBODY knew about these "relationships", even before they came out in court.
I didn't. Usually it's the crooks who know who the other crooks are.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 10:08:34 AM
That's why certain people should listen when certain other people speak.
Could you be more precise ? I hate inuendo, it's always self serving; certain people will always use it to make themselves look important.
Quote from: mcaryl on April 11, 2011, 07:09:21 PM
It's official!
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html)
Thanks for posting this.
Quote from: buzz on April 11, 2011, 08:23:10 PM
Quote from: mcaryl on April 11, 2011, 07:09:21 PM
It's official!
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html)
Thanks for posting this.
Berwyn parents group demands resignation of school board president
A Berwyn parents group on Monday demanded the resignation of its local high school board president after the Sun-Times published a story linking the school official to a major drug dealer and a ranking member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang.
Berwyn C.A.R.E.S., which has several hundred members, said it found Jeff Pesek, 38, the school board president of Morton High School District 201, "unfit to lead." The school district oversees several thousand students from Berwyn, Cicero and other suburbs.
"I'm sad, I'm embarrassed," said the Berwyn parents group's president, Robert Pauly, after learning of the revelations. Pauly said he was also optimistic that Pesek's resignation could lead to a fresh start for a troubled school district.
The Sun-Times reported Monday that Pesek testified under immunity from prosecution last year in the mob bombing trial of his childhood friend, Mark Polchan, the treasurer of the Outlaws motorcycle gang and a trusted associate of the Chicago mob.
Pesek and his brother Craig, who sits on the Cicero Library Board, were caught on an FBI surveillance device in 2007, a year before Polchan was arrested for the mob bombing, at Polchan's pawnshop in Cicero. At the pawnshop, the three men discussed Polchan's worry that he would be arrested for the bombing. He asked the brothers if they would post bond for him.
Also at the trial, a notorious, major drug dealer, Enrique "Henry" Rendon, testified under oath that he was a silent investor with Jeff Pesek in two businesses, a liquor store and bar in Cicero, and a downtown Chicago nightclub, Ontourage.
Jeff Pesek could not be reached for comment on Monday. The school board is scheduled to meet Wednesday.
Quote from: Terri on April 11, 2011, 08:25:39 PM
Quote from: buzz on April 11, 2011, 08:23:10 PM
Quote from: mcaryl on April 11, 2011, 07:09:21 PM
It's official!
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html (http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/4786748-418/berwyn-parents-group-demands-resignation-of-school-board-president.html)
Thanks for posting this.
Berwyn parents group demands resignation of school board president
A Berwyn parents group on Monday demanded the resignation of its local high school board president after the Sun-Times published a story linking the school official to a major drug dealer and a ranking member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang.
Berwyn C.A.R.E.S., which has several hundred members, said it found Jeff Pesek, 38, the school board president of Morton High School District 201, "unfit to lead." The school district oversees several thousand students from Berwyn, Cicero and other suburbs.
"I'm sad, I'm embarrassed," said the Berwyn parents group's president, Robert Pauly, after learning of the revelations. Pauly said he was also optimistic that Pesek's resignation could lead to a fresh start for a troubled school district.
The Sun-Times reported Monday that Pesek testified under immunity from prosecution last year in the mob bombing trial of his childhood friend, Mark Polchan, the treasurer of the Outlaws motorcycle gang and a trusted associate of the Chicago mob.
Pesek and his brother Craig, who sits on the Cicero Library Board, were caught on an FBI surveillance device in 2007, a year before Polchan was arrested for the mob bombing, at Polchan's pawnshop in Cicero. At the pawnshop, the three men discussed Polchan's worry that he would be arrested for the bombing. He asked the brothers if they would post bond for him.
Also at the trial, a notorious, major drug dealer, Enrique "Henry" Rendon, testified under oath that he was a silent investor with Jeff Pesek in two businesses, a liquor store and bar in Cicero, and a downtown Chicago nightclub, Ontourage.
Jeff Pesek could not be reached for comment on Monday. The school board is scheduled to meet Wednesday.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 05:29:56 PM
Your "mayor" just endorsed, as did several of your aldermen. You seriously think they're going to ask for his resignation?
P.SM Don't think for ONE MINUTE that Lovero & Co. didn't know about Pesek's "connections".
Agreed. What more immediately bothers me is that they knew all this PRIOR to the election. They meaning ... law enforcement. Why not try to help citizens by exposing them PRIOR to an election, instead of coming out AFTER. The election was what ... last week? and they couldn't release all this information PRIOR? There is just something WRONG about that.
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 09:25:20 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 05:29:56 PM
Your "mayor" just endorsed, as did several of your aldermen. You seriously think they're going to ask for his resignation?
P.SM Don't think for ONE MINUTE that Lovero & Co. didn't know about Pesek's "connections".
Agreed. What more immediately bothers me is that they knew all this PRIOR to the election. They meaning ... law enforcement. Why not try to help citizens by exposing them PRIOR to an election, instead of coming out AFTER. The election was what ... last week? and they couldn't release all this information PRIOR? There is just something WRONG about that.
There certainly is.... The cynic in me wants to believe information was purposely silenced in order for the elections to occur in the manner they did. Hopefully this wasn't the case.
Law enforcement did not expose this, the sun times did. The information that they are reporting is from testimony given at a trial that ended months ago. This is not new information, so the question That should be asked is why is this front page news today? Three wars,budget issues, and There is nothing bigger than testimony from an old trial? I find that interesting
Quote from: Mustang84 on April 11, 2011, 09:40:10 PM
Law enforcement did not expose this, the sun times did. The information that they are reporting is from testimony given at a trial that ended months ago. This is not new information, so the question That should be asked is why is this front page news today? Three wars,budget issues, and There is nothing bigger than testimony from an old trial? I find that interesting
Go to the bottom of the transcript. It was not published until March 30, 2011. So, unless people had attended the trial to hear the testimony, there was no public record of the testimony until at least March 30, 2011.
Just when is the general public going to wake up? Just add up all the money that was taken from the tax payers due to corruption,has any of it ever been paid back? I over heard a few people talking about who to vote for in a past election"one person said everyone should vote for so&so this person has connections" I thought what a reason to elect someone,then I thought you dummy this person has connections alright straight to your wallets. Then we wonder why we have such issues, who are the creators?
Quote from: mcaryl on April 11, 2011, 09:35:31 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 09:25:20 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 11, 2011, 05:29:56 PM
Your "mayor" just endorsed, as did several of your aldermen. You seriously think they're going to ask for his resignation?
P.SM Don't think for ONE MINUTE that Lovero & Co. didn't know about Pesek's "connections".
Agreed. What more immediately bothers me is that they knew all this PRIOR to the election. They meaning ... law enforcement. Why not try to help citizens by exposing them PRIOR to an election, instead of coming out AFTER. The election was what ... last week? and they couldn't release all this information PRIOR? There is just something WRONG about that.
There certainly is.... The cynic in me wants to believe information was purposely silenced in order for the elections to occur in the manner they did. Hopefully this wasn't the case.
mcaryl, you would have to be the most naive person that ever lived to believe that this story was not silenced in view of the election. That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER. Now, if Jeff Pesek does not resign and decides to fight to keep his post, it will require those opposed to him keeping that office to jump through every hoop known to mankind to get him out of there. He will say .. I haven't been convicted of anything ... why should I give it up? But as Jackal states ... he was granted immunity ... and begs the question ... immunity from what? It's going to be the usual circle jerk.
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
FYI, the next school board meeting will be this Wednesday, April 13, in the Morton West Auditorium.
Starting time will be anywhere between 5 PM and 10 PM, depending on when the board adjourns from closed session.
There is a public forum at the end of the school board meeting if anyone wants to wait around 1 to 4 hours to voice their concerns.
.... immunity for testimony on a mob informant / outlaw biker = body found in an abandoned car trunk, wrapped in shower curtain.....
spilatro brothers, meet the pesek brothers....
yikes ! :o
How about the Ice Man?
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:01 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
I always wondered why that is. Cicero seems counter the idea that Republicans prefer small government, with all of their bureaucratic committees and town departments. So basically that makes them self-serving Republicans?
FWIW: Craig Pesek is the committeeman for the Cicero Township Republicans. http://www.gopofcicero.com/ (http://www.gopofcicero.com/)
Quote from: mcaryl on April 11, 2011, 10:12:05 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:01 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
I always wondered why that is. Cicero seems counter the idea that Republicans prefer small government, with all of their bureaucratic committees and town departments. So basically that makes them self-serving Republicans?
Ted, you don't honestly believe that do you?
CARES Calls for Resignation of Jeffry Pesek, Asks Berwyn Politicians to Explain Recent Endorsements
Read the CARES Press Release: http://www.berwyncares.org/news.html
Take our survey and add your voice to this call to action: http://www.berwyncares.org/pesek.html
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:42 PM
FYI, the next school board meeting will be this Wednesday, April 13, in the Morton West Auditorium.
Ted, they'll act as if nothing has happened. Internal matter. Cannot be discussed. No embarassment. No shame.
Jackal: "the guy was granted IMMUNITY in exchange for his testimony. Doesn't that tell you people something?" Yes. It tells me that he had the benefit of competent counsel. I don't know any attorney who would let a client testify in a trial such as the one Pesek did under the circumstances that he did without obtaining a grant of immunity first. What type of law do you practice anyway? You come off as one of those ambulance chasers.
Buzz: While I don't agree with you too often, I must admit that you hit the nail right on the head with this response to Jackal. His main forte is to use innuendo to make himself appear to be important. People like him do that for another reason too...... they have absolutely no idea what they are talking about.
Jackal: When you talk, nobody should listen.
Ted: I agree with you that Pesek will not be indicted. I also agree that he will not resign.
Ted: It did not state in the article nor in the transcript of his testimony that Pesek had any reputed mobsters as business partners.
Mustang: The people who frequent this forum do not now, nor have they ever known anyone who got in trouble with the law. They have also never fudged on their taxes nor have they ever bought any merchandise for a bargain price that might have indicated there was a possibility they were purchasing stolen property. These people are all Saints and I am sure that the Good Lord is reserving a very special place in Heaven for all of them.
Mindovermatter: " Guilt by association" is a very dangerous concept. If it is a concept that is to be accepted, then evey single person I have ever encountered, including you, and the rest of the "Saints" who frequent this forum, is guilty of something.
Yes, Roger the talking head makes an appearance....go back to sleep, will ya.
There are at least two people on this board that can personally attest to how spot on my assesment of the players in this situation was.....several weeks before anything was made public knowledge.
Grant of immunity you say? Geez, novel concept..he had a brilliant attorney who gave this earth shattering and novel advice. LOL.
Leave it alone Roger Dodger......you can't spin this one. Its even worse than what it appears on the surface.
Buzz,
If you want specifics, maybe pm the moderator of this board and ask him how spot on I was. There are quite a few things I won't say on a public forum, for numerous and varied reasons. That's MY prerogative. If you think I'm full of hot air, that's yours.....
Jackal: More innuendo on your part. I don't believe that it is worse than what appears on the surface and I don't believe that what appears on the surface is all that bad.
Well that's good Roger...nobody really cares what YOU think, nor is it relevant. Now go back to sleep....
Quote from: Roger on April 12, 2011, 12:11:00 AM
I don't believe that it is worse than what appears on the surface and I don't believe that what appears on the surface is all that bad.
Then you must personally know who those "silent partners" are on his liquor license.
Give it up Roger. The kids and the voters deserve better.
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:25:13 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:01 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
Ted, you don't honestly believe that do you?
BJ, the Cicero political machine was Republican - at least up until Frank Aguilar lost the election in 2004 to a ghos candidate.
Editorial: Things don't look right in Cicero
http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/4780360-474/editorial-things-dont-look-right-in-cicero.html
Jeff Pesek, president of Morton High School District 201, which includes Cicero and neighboring suburbs, is pals with a trusted associate of the Chicago mob.
That doesn't look right.
Pesek and his brother, Craig, hired the mob associate, who also is treasurer of the notorious Outlaws motorcycle gang, to work at their Chicago nightclub, Ontourage.
That doesn't look right.
A onetime silent partner in the brothers' nightclub, Enrique Rendon, is a confessed drug dealer who faces 10 to 13 years in prison.
That doesn't look right.
The school board president and the drug dealer, according to court testimony, owned a liquor store together.
That doesn't look right.
The school board president's brother and the drug dealer shared a lease for an oil-change shop.
That doesn't look right.
The school board president bought at least eight television sets at bargain prices from his pal in the motorcycle gang, who ran a pawn shop where he sold stolen merchandise.
That doesn't look right.
The school board president admitted to buying the TVs when he testified under oath at his pal's trial — after getting a grant of immunity from prosecution himself.
That doesn't look right.
The school board president's brother, Craig, a high school graduate who previously worked at his family's hot dog restaurant, was hired by Cicero Town President Larry Dominick in 2005 to be a town "project manager" at an annual salary of $72,000.
That doesn't look right.
The school board president was hired by Dominick to be the town's director of services and recreation and also the town's safety director, at an annual salary of $94,322.
That doesn't look right.
Between the two of them, the Pesek brothers have been paid a whopping $850,000 in consultant fees from Cicero.
That doesn't look right.
Craig Pesek also gets his health insurance through the town because Dominick appointed him to a committee.
That doesn't look right.
The Pesek brothers' mother, Elaine, was appointed by Dominick to the town's literacy office, where she has been paid $38,000 since 2006.
That doesn't look right.
But let us not forget that the Pesek family contributed or loaned $100,000 to Dominick's two campaigns for mayor.
That doesn't look right, but might explain a few things.
All this dirty laundry — all this stuff that doesn't look right — was revealed by Chicago Sun-Times reporter Steve Warmbir in a story in Monday's paper. Cicero, the town that hasn't walked straight since Al Capone set up headquarters there in the 1920s, once again is looking mighty hinky.
We honestly thought Cicero might do better with Dominick, who was elected president in 2005 as a reformer. But his free way of throwing the town's money at questionable and underqualified "consultants" like the Pesek brothers, frankly, reminds us of his corrupt predecessor, Betty Loren-Maltese.
It's the same old Cicero.
Sadder still is the example set for students in District 201 by Jeff Pesek. What message does it send young people when the president of the school board consorts with mob associates, scoops up possibly hot merchandise and goes into business with drug dealers?
Nothing here looks right.
Even for Cicero.
Looks right for Roger Dodger, though.
All this has got to be just the tip of the iceberg... I'll bet the FBI, Better Government Association, etc. would have a field day with just a little more digging into both the Cicero and Berwyn administrations. The sudden synergy between Berwyn and Cicero that occurred when Lovero took office seems very suspicious. After Lovero took office, he publicly thanked Dominick saying he wouldn't have been elected without Dominick's help. Dominick responded by saying that now he can pick up the phone and be certain that things will get done in Berwyn, unlike under the previous administration. ::)
What roll models for the children!
Quote from: berwyn senator on April 12, 2011, 08:21:45 AM
What roll models for the children!
Who else are they going to learn from when their children become "public servants"? Lately it seems as though the public has been serving them. In all seriousness, these shenanigans in the school system need to stop. The children are the ones who dealt the worst hand of all and they mostly cannot vote.
Found this link that has FAQ's about conflicts of interest for school board members. It states the regional superintendent of the schools has the power to remove a board member. http://www.iasb.com/law/FAQsConflictofInterestIncompatibleOffices.pdf (http://www.iasb.com/law/FAQsConflictofInterestIncompatibleOffices.pdf)
Quote from: mcaryl on April 12, 2011, 08:25:49 AM
Found this link that has FAQ's about conflicts of interest for school board members. It states the regional superintendent of the schools has the power to remove a board member. http://www.iasb.com/law/FAQsConflictofInterestIncompatibleOffices.pdf (http://www.iasb.com/law/FAQsConflictofInterestIncompatibleOffices.pdf)
Do we have one ?
I thought that man was removed because of questionable spending practices, leaving the office vacant.
Quote from: Ted on April 12, 2011, 06:25:34 AM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:25:13 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:01 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
Ted, you don't honestly believe that do you?
BJ, the Cicero political machine was Republican - at least up until Frank Aguilar lost the election in 2004 to a ghos candidate.
Ted, I'm talking about true Republicans. This is a Democratic state, always has been ... always will be. Those that run as Republicans are really RINOS. We went over all this in the RINO INC thread ages ago. They don't stand a chance in primaries against Dem candidates, so they do the old switcharoo. I will never be convinced that the Cicero political machine prior to 2004 was Republican. You can't get where you want in this area unless you have the support of the Democrats, and that includes Cicero. Berwyn and Cicero together have been faithful to the Democratic party ... and will continue to work for their rule for decades to come, because the only ppl you can get help from in a position of power in this state are Dems. The long arm of the machine controls all. I never heard of the Republican machine in Illinois.
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 09:44:33 PM
Quote from: Mustang84 on April 11, 2011, 09:40:10 PM
Law enforcement did not expose this, the sun times did. The information that they are reporting is from testimony given at a trial that ended months ago. This is not new information, so the question That should be asked is why is this front page news today? Three wars,budget issues, and There is nothing bigger than testimony from an old trial? I find that interesting
Go to the bottom of the transcript. It was not published until March 30, 2011. So, unless people had attended the trial to hear the testimony, there was no public record of the testimony until at least March 30, 2011.
Yes, but the author of the article DID attend the trial and reported the testimony of all these folks on his blog which has mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Times website. He knew of this testimony back in December, so i ask again, why yesterday? why is it news now when it was not news 4 months ago?
Quote from: billyjean on April 12, 2011, 11:14:49 AM
Quote from: Ted on April 12, 2011, 06:25:34 AM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:25:13 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:01 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
Ted, you don't honestly believe that do you?
BJ, the Cicero political machine was Republican - at least up until Frank Aguilar lost the election in 2004 to a ghos candidate.
Ted, I'm talking about true Republicans. This is a Democratic state, always has been ... always will be. Those that run as Republicans are really RINOS. We went over all this in the RINO INC thread ages ago. They don't stand a chance in primaries against Dem candidates, so they do the old switcharoo. I will never be convinced that the Cicero political machine prior to 2004 was Republican. You can't get where you want in this area unless you have the support of the Democrats, and that includes Cicero. Berwyn and Cicero together have been faithful to the Democratic party ... and will continue to work for their rule for decades to come, because the only ppl you can get help from in a position of power in this state are Dems. The long arm of the machine controls all. I never heard of the Republican machine in Illinois.
It appears you know very little about Cicero's political past. Prior to 2004 it wasn't republican? LOL!! It was one of the biggest Republican towns in the state. I know I ran for a park district seat against it as an independent when I was a whole lot younger. It was one of the few republican strongholds. It truly was a machine. My petitions were challenged along with the other candidates who were not supported by the Republican party. We had to hire a lawyer and go downtown to fight the challenges and we won and remained on the ballot. We had a real local newspaper back then that covered everything and came out three times a week so it was alot easier to get your views out to the voters.
The only forum that was around for candidates to speak at was the Republican precient captains meeting. It was held at a huge building on Cermack and was packed with people. The big topic around town back then was blighted property's. When I spoke I told them that some of the worst blight in Cicero was in fact our parks. I also said I thought it was a disgrace that when I wanted to take my two young kids to a park I had to take them to Berwyn. I got a rousing applause from the people but a few of the town leaders were not happy with my comments. One grabbed me after it was over and said young man your a good speaker but you shouldn't talk about blight, I responded " by the applause I got sir your people seem to agree with me" and I walked away from him.Needless to say I got 3400 votes and lost to a 4 time incumbent by 800 votes. Democrats or independents had pretty much no chance of winning an election here for decades.
I would imagine that a president of one of the largest hs districts in the state associating with criminals, drug dealers and reputed mobsters is news ANY time...
He should step down or be forced out by the parents of D201. I don't want my kids being around this.
All you had to do was live in Cicero to know you were a Republican.
I remember when my kids were maybe 5 or 6, we were at a family party and one
of their younger cousins who's family were Protestant, asked one of my kids if they
were Protestant.
My daughter was very confused and asked me why the cousin would say such a thing.
My daughter kept saying "I told her there was no such thing as Protestant. You were either
a Catholic or a Republican"!!
I find it funny that NONE of this is online in the Life... but it's all over mainstream Chicago media.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 12, 2011, 12:07:31 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 12, 2011, 11:14:49 AM
Quote from: Ted on April 12, 2011, 06:25:34 AM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:25:13 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 10:04:01 PM
Quote from: billyjean on April 11, 2011, 10:00:17 PM
... That's how Dems operate in this State. You never know anything before ... you only find out AFTER....
The Cicero political machine is (or at least was) Republican.
Ted, you don't honestly believe that do you?
BJ, the Cicero political machine was Republican - at least up until Frank Aguilar lost the election in 2004 to a ghos candidate.
Ted, I'm talking about true Republicans. This is a Democratic state, always has been ... always will be. Those that run as Republicans are really RINOS. We went over all this in the RINO INC thread ages ago. They don't stand a chance in primaries against Dem candidates, so they do the old switcharoo. I will never be convinced that the Cicero political machine prior to 2004 was Republican. You can't get where you want in this area unless you have the support of the Democrats, and that includes Cicero. Berwyn and Cicero together have been faithful to the Democratic party ... and will continue to work for their rule for decades to come, because the only ppl you can get help from in a position of power in this state are Dems. The long arm of the machine controls all. I never heard of the Republican machine in Illinois.
It appears you know very little about Cicero's political past. Prior to 2004 it wasn't republican? LOL!! It was one of the biggest Republican towns in the state. I know I ran for a park district seat against it as an independent when I was a whole lot younger. It was one of the few republican strongholds. It truly was a machine. My petitions were challenged along with the other candidates who were not supported by the Republican party. We had to hire a lawyer and go downtown to fight the challenges and we won and remained on the ballot. We had a real local newspaper back then that covered everything and came out three times a week so it was alot easier to get your views out to the voters.
The only forum that was around for candidates to speak at was the Republican precient captains meeting. It was held at a huge building on Cermack and was packed with people. The big topic around town back then was blighted property's. When I spoke I told them that some of the worst blight in Cicero was in fact our parks. I also said I thought it was a disgrace that when I wanted to take my two young kids to a park I had to take them to Berwyn. I got a rousing applause from the people but a few of the town leaders were not happy with my comments. One grabbed me after it was over and said young man your a good speaker but you shouldn't talk about blight, I responded " by the applause I got sir your people seem to agree with me" and I walked away from him.Needless to say I got 3400 votes and lost to a 4 time incumbent by 800 votes. Democrats or independents had pretty much no chance of winning an election here for decades.
mustang, true Republicans? or called themselves Republicans? Just a lil enclave operating with no thought to Dem opposition. Oh yes. What was the definition of a Republican back then? Was Cicero full of the filthy rich? or was it a town full of working class heros? Were there unions in Cicero ... or full of wealthy corporations? ... I think you get my drift. Illinois has no Republican machine ... it never did. We were all brought up with the mantra which is still used today that Dems were for the poor and Repubs were for the rich. How does a working class hero town back in the day follow that mantra? Or are you referring to how blacks were not welcome in Cicero back in the day? Does that make them Republican? or Berwyn? they weren't welcome here either. What exactly defined being a Republican back in these days? Lay it out for me. What were Republicans up against with the Dems regarding issues and platforms?
Thompson, Ryan, Edgar...those were all Democrats?
What portion of downstate votes Democrat?
East St Louis
Billyjean this notion that one party is for the rich and one is for the working class is a farce that both parties put out there. The truth is they are no different from each other, they are both for themselves,their own pockets and the pockets of their friends. The two party system has turned this entire country into one failing disaster.
Cicero was true republican they held all the town positions and jobs. The democatic party back then all had jobs with the county. They pretty much fielded candidates to comply with being good cook county democrats. Plus the republicans in power had the advantage of being in charge of all public services. At election time your doorbell would ring and they would ask if you needed new garbage cans. Election time was when many residents traded their vote for shiny new 55 gallons drums! Patsy and anyone else who lived here decades ago will tell you it was a true republican strong hold. It was so big I remember Bush one was in the Houby parade!
Quote from: mustang54 on April 12, 2011, 04:01:56 PM
Billyjean this notion that one party is for the rich and one is for the working class is a farce that both parties put out there. The truth is they are no different from each other, they are both for themselves,their own pockets and the pockets of their friends. The two party system has turned this entire country into one failing disaster.
Cicero was true republican they held all the town positions and jobs. The democatic party back then all had jobs with the county. They pretty much fielded candidates to comply with being good cook county democrats. Plus the republicans in power had the advantage of being in charge of all public services. At election time your doorbell would ring and they would ask if you needed new garbage cans. Election time was when many residents traded their vote for shiny new 55 gallons drums! Patsy and anyone else who lived here decades ago will tell you it was a true republican strong hold. It was so big I remember Bush one was in the Houby parade!
(in bold) ... like I don't know that. Cicero was about as Republican as Arlen Spector. If giving out 55 gallon garbage cans defined a Republican ... I can see why we are seeing things differently. I can remember here in Berwyn, at Emerson School when Kennedy v. Nixon. I don't recall the fever coming over grade school kids like it did back then. I kinda felt sorry for the lone female student Nixon supporter. She lived right across from the school back then. Her face would flush as students yelled ... Kennedy Kennedy that's our cry ... K E N N E D Y.
But let's get back to the town run by Republican mobsters ... how cute.
Quote from: billyjean on April 12, 2011, 04:30:16 PM
But let's get back to the town run by Republican mobsters ... how cute.
:D
I think the most interesting thing to see is how Berwyn taxpayers and Berwyn citizens groups (like CARES) will hold their elected officials who endorsed Pesek responsible?
Ask for an explanayion? Their resignation? Do nothing?
I read an inquiry in an earlier post about how Berwyn's elected officials could have been "fooled" by Pesek. Were they?
Did Bob Lovero not know Pesek and/or his "connections"?
Ditto for Nona Chapman and Jeff Boyajian.
Let's not forget that there is a "Berwyn" connection in the case which led to Pesek's dealings being uncovered. Maybe someone else can tell us what it is.
Cicero was always connected and run by the mobsters, does that mean they were voting republican?
All I can tell you is Mustang gets it.
My parents were staunch republicans, swore by the party, and thought Cicero was the best town ever until the day they died. Cicero will never live down it's shady past.
This is not to say in this day and age, people should not stand their ground and say "enough is enough". I just
have my doubts things will change.
The voters and the kids deserve much better then these embarrassing moments affecting the towns of Berwyn
and Cicero.
Its just as embarrassing, if not more so, for Berwyn, Patsy. You should ask from Lovero, Chapman and Boyajian the same accountability you're asking Pesek for.
Ah here we go connections,connections! How about ones educational background and experience before a person is put up as a candidate?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 05:06:05 PM
Let's not forget that there is a "Berwyn" connection in the case which led to Pesek's dealings being uncovered. Maybe someone else can tell us what it is. ..
The bombing.
Educational background and experience?
Good question.
As far as I know, neither Pesek nor any of his CVA 201 Board cronies possess even an undergrad degree, much the less any specialized teaching and/or educational qualfications.
Ted,
No, its a little more than just that.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:11:50 PM
Educational background and experience?
Good question.
As far as I know, neither Pesek nor any of his CVA 201 Board cronies possess even an undergrad degree, much the less any specialized teaching and/or educational qualfications.
So why would they even want to run for the school board? It wouldn't be to control the budget, would it?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:11:50 PM
Educational background and experience?
Good question.
As far as I know, neither Pesek nor any of his CVA 201 Board cronies possess even an undergrad degree, much the less any specialized teaching and/or educational qualfications.
That really shows the value they place on education.
Quote from: NYWREB on April 12, 2011, 01:58:21 PM
I find it funny that NONE of this is online in the Life... but it's all over mainstream Chicago media.
The Life nowadays is more interested in reporting on stolen air conditioners and the library being closed. They've become addicted to the police blotter.
In February, a board member resigned from the District 98 school board and his replacement was appointed in March. Pretty important story, if you ask me. Yet, not a peep in the Life newspaper. Just more and more stories about Westmont and Downer's Grove. ::)
Mcaryl,
WHAT value on education?
These are street people we're talking about.
Quote from: Boris on April 12, 2011, 06:19:04 PM
So why would they even want to run for the school board? It wouldn't be to control the budget, would it?
There are lots of patronage jobs in District 201 and lots of contracts to hand out. That's why they want control of the board.
Quote from: Ted on April 12, 2011, 06:21:14 PM
Quote from: Boris on April 12, 2011, 06:19:04 PM
So why would they even want to run for the school board? It wouldn't be to control the budget, would it?
There are lots of patronage jobs in District 201 and lots of contracts to hand out. That's why they want control of the board.
That's what I meant. ;)
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:18:44 PM
Ted,
No, its a little more than just that.
Well, let's see. Wasn't one of the co-defendents in the bombing trial also involved in the bribery for purchasing the old police station property?
Boris,
If they control 201, they control the whole ball of wax.....Berwyn included.
Ted,
"Police" station, you say?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:24:22 PM
Ted,
"Police" station, you say?
I guess Jackal wants to play 20 questions... LOL.
Hmmm.... "police" is in quotes. What can that mean?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:20:50 PM
Mcaryl,
WHAT value on education?
These are street people we're talking about.
He shouldn't be allowed to work at Wal-Mart, let alone have control and influence over a school district. The guy sold hot dogs for pete's sake, what the hell does know about education?
Hot dogs?
Oh yeah, that's what the newspaper article said....LOL!!!
Quote from: mcaryl on April 12, 2011, 06:27:30 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:20:50 PM
Mcaryl,
WHAT value on education?
These are street people we're talking about.
He shouldn't be allowed to work at Wal-Mart, let alone have control and influence over a school district. The guy sold hot dogs for pete's sake, what the hell does know about education?
Ask the 5000 people that voted for him. ;D :D ;D
Quote from: Ted on April 12, 2011, 06:25:46 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 06:24:22 PM
Ted,
"Police" station, you say?
I guess Jackal wants to play 20 questions... LOL.
Hmmm.... "police" is in quotes. What can that mean?
Ted, sure he must mean the Berwyn officer who was indicted in connection with the bombing on 16th Street.
The entire story (link below) explains the connections in the Sun-Times story. It was too long to cut and paste.
###
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/iteam&id=6836820
Also indicted were:
James Formato, 42, a former Berwyn police officer who allegedly acted as an interstate courier for stolen money; conducted physical surveillance of potential targets of illegal activity under the guise of carrying out his duties as a police officer; participated in an attempted armed robbery; and provided information concerning ongoing law enforcement investigation into illegal enterprise activity, including the bombing of C & S Coin Operated Amusements;
Well, seeing as the aforementioned Berwyn city officials will probably claim ignorance of Pesek and his "connections", I'm wondering if they're also clueless about the "Berwyn" nature of this case? Just wondering if any of the three knew Formato and his proclivities.
Like peeling an onion...layer after layer after layer...
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 07:59:06 PM
Well, seeing as the aforementioned Berwyn city officials will probably claim ignorance of Pesek and his "connections", I'm wondering if they're also clueless about the "Berwyn" nature of this case? Just wondering if any of the three knew Formato and his proclivities.
All they care about is making sure this is buried deep enough that no one remembers about it come the next election.
How the hell does one "bury" mob linked/connected cops and school board presidents?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 08:36:49 PM
How the hell does one "bury" mob linked/connected cops and school board presidents?
They can all go into witness protection like Mark Hay did.
I'm not talking about the cop and school board president themselves, but rather "burying" the issue.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 08:36:49 PM
How the hell does one "bury" mob linked/connected cops and school board presidents?
Oh, c'mon...how many news-cycles back does the public memory go? Not very far these days.
Quote from: Boris on April 12, 2011, 09:01:25 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 08:36:49 PM
How the hell does one "bury" mob linked/connected cops and school board presidents?
Oh, c'mon...how many news-cycles back does the public memory go? Not very far these days.
Boris is right. Take Ted Kennedy as the perfect example. Killed a woman while driving drunk and years later millions worship him and forgot all about him killing a woman.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 12, 2011, 09:15:19 PM
Quote from: Boris on April 12, 2011, 09:01:25 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 08:36:49 PM
How the hell does one "bury" mob linked/connected cops and school board presidents?
Oh, c'mon...how many news-cycles back does the public memory go? Not very far these days.
Boris is right. Take Ted Kennedy as the perfect example. Killed a woman while driving drunk and years later millions worship him and forgot all about him killing a woman.
A certain amount of truth, I suppose.
But I was thinking more of Newt Gingrich who runs on "family values" after leaving his wife when she got cancer. Or the numerous conservatives that "protect" "family values" while cheating on their wives with interns of the same sex. Or conservative pundits who scream about how the "loose values" of the "liberals" will destroy our society while they go to third-world countries to engage in twisted, drug-induced orgies with prostitutes—get caught and indicted—and all of them are still intact, making dough hand-over-fist...whatever. That's what I was talking about.
So what your saying Boris is the Kennedy's had much better family values than Newt? LMFAO!!!! All the flaws you mentioned above have occurred on both side of the aisle.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 12, 2011, 09:40:47 PM
So what your saying Boris is the Kennedy's had much better family values than Newt? LMFAO!!!! All the flaws you mentioned above have occurred on both side of the aisle.
Oh, no...I'm just offering a tit for your tat.
I'm so tempted to ask for a precise definition of "family values", but seeing that this is a thread about shady governmental officials, I'll pass...
;)
That's funny.
First of two stories in the Life:
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/topstories/x782060321/Education-group-demands-resignation-of-D201-president
Education group demands resignation of D201 president
By Staff reports
Berwyn Life
Apr 12, 2011 @ 01:02 PM
Berwyn, IL — Berwyn CARES, an organization aimed at improving education for Berwyn's students, has demanded the resignation of Morton High School District 201 Board of Education President Jeff Pesek after an investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times revealed ties to drug distributers and gang leaders.
According to court records obtained by the Sun-Times, Pesek admitted in court he had business dealings with Enrique "Henry" Rendon, who has been convicted on drug charges twice and estimated he's sold more than 200 kilograms of cocaine in his career as a drug wholesaler.
The Sun-Times report also indicated that Pesek and his brother Craig, a consultant for the town of Cicero, were caught on tape discussing the bombing of a Berwyn business with a man later convicted in that crime.
As a result of the report, Berwyn CARES is demanding the school board remove Pesek from his post.
They're also questioning Berwyn city officials, including Mayor Robert Lovero and the Democratic Citizens of Berwyn, who endorsed Pesek in the April 5 school board election.
"The overall quality of our schools, both now and in the future, rests with decisions made by the board of education. Due to his involvement with convicted drug dealers and organized crime, and the fact that his businesses have failed to report wages, violated liquor laws and failed to disclose investors in his nightclub business, we find him unfit to lead. We call on the District 201 board to join us in demanding that Mr. Pesek resign immediately," said Robert Pauly, president of Berwyn CARES.
Neither of the Pesek brothers were ever charged or indicted of any crime, but court records indicate that Jeff Pesek was granted immunity for his testimony.
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/topstories/x1700917473/City-politicians-react-to-school-board-president-revelations
City politicians react to school board president revelations
By Staff reports
Berwyn Life
Apr 12, 2011 @ 09:38 PM
Berwyn, IL — Several Berwyn politicians are rethinking their endorsement of embattled Morton High School District 201 Board of Education President Jeff Pesek. A recent Chicago Sun-Times report revealed Pesek had business and personal connections with convicted drug traffickers and mob members. Berwyn CARES, a local education advocacy group has called for his resignation.
Berwyn Mayor Robert Lovero along with Aldermen Theodore Boyajian and Nona Chapman sent emails to constituent urging them to vote for Pesek, as well as several other candidates supported the Democratic Citizens of Berwyn. All three officials are members of that party.
Lovero attempted to deflect some of the criticism from Boyajian and Chapman, saying, "Both of these two just forwarded what I sent them."
In a prepared statement, Lovero said, "I, like the majority of citizens, endorsed Mr. pesek due to his prior performance as High School District 201 Board President... I am satisfied that his concerns are for the betterment of our young men and women.
"The newspaper article nowhere states that he was or has been accused accused of any crime. If we are to be judged by our past affiliations, then our system of justice crumbles," Lovero's statement said.
Chapman said that she knew nothing of Pesek's shady connections prior to her endorsement.
"I've worked with Jeff on National Night, and quite honestly, a write-in candidate is very hard to endorse," said Chapman, alluding to Rita Maniotis, who ran a write-in candidacy after being booted due to a technical objection from a former treasurer for the Democratic Citizens of Berwyn.
Chapman stopped short of calling for Pesek's resignation, saying, "I don't know enough about it really."
Boyajian was more direct in his rebuttal.
"I knew nothing about it and if I did, I never would have endorsed him. Anybody who knows me knows I do not condone that," Boyajian said.
Boyajian also stopped short of calling for Pesek's resignation and said that should be left up to his fellow board members.
The board of education's next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at Morton West High School.
There are several thimgs which strike me as quite odd about the DCOB stance on this issue as articulated in the Life article.
#1. If Chapman and Boyajian simply forwarded what Lovero sent them, then are they merely Lovero rubber stamps? Do they simply endorse anyone that Bobby tells them to?
#2. Bobby spent years telling 201 voters that school boards and politics don't mix, yet now he admits that the Chapman and Boyajian endorsements of Pesek were his doing, even though both aldermen claimed in their emails that the endorsement was made in their private, not public, capacity?
#3. Is being charged with a crime the new standard in determining the "fitness to serve" of a school board president? In other words, its AOK to own businesses with convicted drug dealers and cavort with mob associates as long as you yourself don't get charged with a crime? Is that what you're saying Bobby?
#4. Bobby seems to imply that Pesek is guilty by association while Boyajian claims he would never condone "that" (without telling us what "that" is). Which one is it boys?
#5. Knowing doesn't "know enough" about the matter to comment? Really, what is it exactly that you DO know, Nona?
#6. "Kind of hard" to support a write in candidate? Well, OF COURSE it is Nona, after one of your own (and close ally of Lovero) filed the formal objection to Maniotis' petition. Forget that part, Nona?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 07:59:06 PM
Well, seeing as the aforementioned Berwyn city officials will probably claim ignorance of Pesek and his "connections"
Well, gee...Ted claimed ignorance (http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=10732.msg182021#msg182021) (brain death). If
Ted was, most people were.
Except you and OPS, that "1%" who chose silence till the story broke.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 05:52:19 AM
#3. Is being charged with a crime the new standard in determining the "fitness to serve" of a school board president? In other words, its AOK to own businesses with convicted drug dealers and cavort with mob associates as long as you yourself don't get charged with a crime? Is that what you're saying Bobby?
It's good enough to run for alderman of the IVB.
Quote from: Mustang84 on April 12, 2011, 12:05:13 PM
Yes, but the author of the article DID attend the trial and reported the testimony of all these folks on his blog which has mysteriously disappeared from the Sun Times website. He knew of this testimony back in December, so i ask again, why yesterday? why is it news now when it was not news 4 months ago?
Are you certain this reporter was in court the day Pesek testified? Maybe on the day Pesek testified, he did not attend the hearing so he was waiting for the transcript to be published.
Was Pesek's testimony on the reporter's allleged blog? Or was it other testimony?
I emailed the reporter asking him about the timing of the story and he said these stories take"a long time" prepare and they run when the story is "complete". He said the elections had nothing to do with the timing of the story, I quote "I can tell you categorically that when the story ran had nothing to do with the elections, one way or the other".
I find Lovero's comments about "If we are to be judged by our past affiliations" interesting. Wonder why he chose those particular words? LOL.
What's that old saying? "You are judged by the company you keep"?
The interesting question is who else is "affiliated" with these guys? Maybe you'll be surprised, maybe you won't.
My guess is that we are not done hearing about "affiliations" and elected officials in our community.
When I asked Alderman Boyajian how he justified endorsing the candidates he did he responded as follows:
I did, in fact, not send my email singed by me as alderman, but just as Jeff. Like I said in my previous response to you, I did support the incumbents (the only people on the ballot) based on what I see in the schools. I know a position on any board is a huge commitment, and I do applaud anyone who takes on that task (not many do), especially one that supports the number of students that the Morton Board does.
One can only make a decision at the polls with the information they have at the time. If anyone had information about any of the candidate's criminal pasts or connections I wish they would have passed that information along, unfortunately that only came to light after the election.
You say that it is not enough for you to know that my kids are having a good experience at the high school; I hope then that you didn't vote as I recommended. However to know that there are kids (many more than my 2) succeeding in a less than ideal education setting (financially) shows that someone over there is doing something right. I truly believe the Board, Administrators, and Staff are doing the best they can with what they have.
Of course I want the district to have a fit leader, I would want that in any community I was committed to. I have lived here my entire life and my kids are actually 4th generation Morton students. The first step in that direction would be for community members from all areas Morton serves (Berwyn, Stickney, Lyons, Forest View, McCook, and Cicero) to express an interest in being a board member and then for people to actually get out and VOTE. Both of those steps are long standing issues in this, and other, areas. There is a lack of candidates and there continues to be low voter turnout. So what we can do is encourage people to GET INVOLVED.
Bonster,
OPS was not part of that 1%......but I'd bet my last dollar Bob Lovero WAS.
Hey Mr. Boyajian, there's a "lack of candidates" because one of your own decided to file an objection to Maniotis' candidacy. Did you forget that? Amnesia, perhaps?
Quote from: Ted on April 12, 2011, 06:21:14 PM
Quote from: Boris on April 12, 2011, 06:19:04 PM
So why would they even want to run for the school board? It wouldn't be to control the budget, would it?
There are lots of patronage jobs in District 201 and lots of contracts to hand out. That's why they want control of the board.
Now I understand how in 1996 Morton College bought polluted land from the Town of Cicero and then had to clean up. Just make sure you have someone "connected" making decisions.
Quote from: Alderman Jeff on April 13, 2011, 09:35:01 AM
Of course I want the district to have a fit leader, I would want that in any community I was committed to. I have lived here my entire life and my kids are actually 4th generation Morton students. The first step in that direction would be for community members from all areas Morton serves (Berwyn, Stickney, Lyons, Forest View, McCook, and Cicero) to express an interest in being a board member and then for people to actually get out and VOTE. Both of those steps are long standing issues in this, and other, areas. There is a lack of candidates and there continues to be low voter turnout. So what we can do is encourage people to GET INVOLVED.
Jeff:
Step one - community members...interest in being a board member. Agreed, but... that has been achieved multiple times here. I'm actually with you on the TIF, but what was done (wasted) on preventing an honest person from running was pretty sick. It's not like she was going to win anyway, and if she did she's still out-voted on the board every time.
Step two - getting people out to vote (5000 people actually did).
First let me inform you that voter apathy is NOT unique to Berwyn.
Secondly, "step two" should not be preceded by elected officials using their (private) constituents email list in an effort to coerce them to vote for people who serve their party's interests! Remember all the angst toward Joel Erickson for using private information for his pet mailers? I'll give Nona credit: she admitted these candidates served the express purpose of "moving Berwyn forward," not our high school.
ps.
It matters not who you signed your email as - it could be Mickey Mouse for all I care - but it still came from you, the alderperson. That is not what people submit their email addresses to their alderpersons for.
Quote from: bonster on April 13, 2011, 01:01:25 PM
ps.
It matters not who you signed your email as - it could be Mickey Mouse for all I care
pps. but if it's Donald Duck we're gonna have a problem.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 09:43:38 AM
Bonster,
OPS was not part of that 1%......but I'd bet my last dollar Bob Lovero WAS.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 12:10:02 AM
Buzz,
If you want specifics, maybe pm the moderator of this board and ask him how spot on I was. There are quite a few things I won't say on a public forum, for numerous and varied reasons. That's MY prerogative. If you think I'm full of hot air, that's yours.....
Per you, the moderator knew!
Bonster,
No, OPS only knew what I told him......and subseuent revelations confirmed as much.
I guess if these aldermen were really dupes like they claim and had no knowledge of pesek's extracurricular activities then they should have no problem calling for his resignation....
if they don't get behind the resigination then you know they were lying all along about not knowing about his past.
Heaven forbid an alderman would lie!
Quote from: bonster on April 13, 2011, 01:11:06 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 09:43:38 AM
Bonster,
OPS was not part of that 1%......but I'd bet my last dollar Bob Lovero WAS.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 12, 2011, 12:10:02 AM
Buzz,
If you want specifics, maybe pm the moderator of this board and ask him how spot on I was. There are quite a few things I won't say on a public forum, for numerous and varied reasons. That's MY prerogative. If you think I'm full of hot air, that's yours.....
Per you, the moderator knew!
Andy told me a bunch of stuff, which didn't make a lot of sense until all this came out. So I guess maybe I knew, but didn't know what I knew?
Quote from: baron von berwyn on April 13, 2011, 03:19:00 PM
I guess if these aldermen were really dupes like they claim and had no knowledge of pesek's extracurricular activities then they should have no problem calling for his resignation....
if they don't get behind the resigination then you know they were lying all along about not knowing about his past.
So if they are fooled by this guy, do you think they are getting fooled when conducting city business? I'm not sure why they would suddenly suffer an episode of stupidity when it comes to an endorsement, yet be the best suited for the job when dealing with anything else?
At the board meeting tonight, Jeff Pesek said he would not resign. He made the following points:
1. Started by saying he wanted to talk about the "elephant in the room"
2. Said he was not going to resign
3. Said there was a thorough investigation and no wrong doing was found.
4. Said he was simply a witness at a trial
5. Said that granting immunity does not imply he did something wrong and that it was standard procedure in many trials.
6. Said that it is when immunity is NOT granted that the person not being granted immunity did something wrong.
7. Said he wanted to sit down with community organizations and members to talk
8. Said he will not waste time talking to reporters
9. Said he will not take any questions from people in the public forum
10. Said that Morton had important issues that must be addressed, including a cut in funding by the state of Illinois
11. Said he will sit down with anyone to "tell the whole story"
12. Said he is caught in a "fog of guilt by association"
so mr. pesek says he won't resign...........then it is time to change the people who are behind him holding the leash!
the statement by lovero was embarrassing! he apparently has little respect for the intelligence of his constituents. he said "If we are to be judged by our past affiliations, then our system of justice crumbles" one wonders if he is talking about his own past or mr. peseks, or BOTH?
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/forestview/topstories/x1700917473/City-politicians-react-to-school-board-president-revelations//
Maybe because of his close association with Formato?
LOL....I guess that's one way to look at it, but I'm not so sure Pesek is the problem.
Let me first start off by saying that I don't know Jeff, nor have I ever met him. I do, however, know quite a few people that DO know him. To a man, they all hold him in high regard. Take that for whatever its worth. I'm certainly not going to pass judgment on the guy. What he does is his business. The problem I have is with the people who feign ignorance, as if they never knew of these "connections"...the people who put him in the position he's in and continuously supported him, despite knowing full well of his "friends" and ties. Quite frankly, I can't see how Mr. Pesek is even remotely qualfied to serve as President of one of the largest hs districts in the state. What on his cv indicates he's qualified for such a post? Teaching background? Advanced degree? Work experience? What exactly?
Now you add in his friends, business partners, and associates, and I'm left wondering how anyone in their right mind can seriously think this man is capable of running 201?
Once again, he hasn't been charged with, or found guilty of, a crime. He should be afforded the same presumption of innocence all Americans are in a cpourt of law. Except we're not talking about a court of law, we're taking 201....and Pesek as President (not to mention a few others on that same board) simply doesn't cut it, to say the least...
i agree.... where are his credentials ?? he's as qualified to be the school board president as i am !! ...and i am not the least bit qualified. This is the real issue, all these latest developments aside.
:fro: - and there's no reason for this smiley fro either !! I just haven't had a chance to use it yet in a post and i kinda like it.....
Here are some notes on speakers in the public forum.
1. Jason Alexander - He was the first speaker of the night and the most eloquent. Said that people serving on the school board should be held to a high standard of behaviour. Said that Jeff Pesek does not meet that standard of behaviour. Said he was outraged at the corrupt individuals who continue to get elected. Called for Pesek's immediate resignation.
2. Rita Maniotis - Said Morton received a black eye this week and asked whether it will get blacker. Said the majority of board members are connected to Cicero. She presented a petition saying that she should be appointed to the board if there is a resignation. Said it is in the board's interest to appoint a political outsider and that the community desparately needs to believe in this board.
3. Susan Zajac-Clark - Pointed out that the district has a zero tolerance policy for drugs and gangs and that it should be the same for board members. Said that board members must judge students facing discipline due to drugs and gang associations and implied that Pesek could not be a judge given his situation. She ended by simply saying "Step Down".
4. Zach Zajac-Clark - Said the board had demonstrated its incompetance in cutting programs and sarcastically congratulated the board on its win in the election while running unopposed. Ended by calling for Pesek's resignation.
5. Bob Pauly - Read a letter from Berwyn CARES. Started by saying that 75% of the students in D201 fail to meet state requirements; that over 1500 students graduate each year unprepared to compete in a global economy; that the district had the lowest spending per pupil in Cook County and that the cuts by the board threaten students being able to get into college. Bob then read a statement from some site that said that one of the qualifications of a school board member is to inspire trust and collaborate with the community. Said that Pesek can no longer inspire the trust of the community and that the board had been severely compromised and will not look viable to the community. Called on the board to take action and remove Pesek from the board.
6. Other comments - One student said he was disgusted by Pesek and did not want Pesek's name on his diploma. One parent (speaking in Spanish) said she had tried very hard to keep her kids away from drugs and now she was looking straight at someone involved with drug dealers. One parent said that Pesek's statement that he would not resign was arrogant. Another parent said the schools were being run like a semi-penal institution and asked whether a student could ignore displinary action. If not, he asked, then why could Pesek.
7. Last speaker - The evening ended with a speaker who said he was a friend of Jeff Pesek and that he worked with Pesek. He said he "did not understand the history in this community". Said that people needed to be passionate about education and pointed out the low funding level of the district. Pointed out that school board president was an unpaid position. He talked about the referendum that failed in 2006 and 2007 and talked about the need to pass a new tax referendum.
There were also several comments from students about the firing of all the counselors and the cut back in classes.
Story in the Life:
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/news/education/x90881784/Pesek-refuses-to-step-down-despite-public-outcry
Pesek refuses to step down despite public outcry
By Staff reports
Berwyn Life
Posted Apr 13, 2011 @ 09:31 PM
Berwyn, IL — Embattled Morton High School District 201 Board of Education President Jeffrey Pesek refused repeated calls for his resignation in the wake of a Chicago Sun-Times report that revealed he had personal and business connections with convicted gang leaders and drug traffickers at a board education meeting Wednesday night.
"The news coverage has, in my opinion not properly emphasized that after a thorough investigation by numerous federal agencies, I have never been accused or charge with doing anything wrong," said Pesek in a prepared statement. "I was a witness and nothing more."
Pesek then reiterated his commitment to the school district and its children, but refused to address the issue again in the night.
Pesek also claimed that the fact that he was granted immunity for his testimony does not imply any wrongdoing. He promised to meet with groups and parents who expressed concerns about the Sun-Time story, but also said he would not engage the press because he feels he had been mistreated.
Prior to Wednesday night's meeting at Morton West High School, Berwyn CARES, a local education advocacy group, had publically called for Pesek's resignation.
"Pesek's federal testimony demonstrates he lacks the qualities and qualifications that students need," said Roberty Pauly, the president of Berwyn Cares in a prepared statement. "It is the position of Berwyn CARES and its membership that until there is leadership change in this board, district 201 will never be a viable educational option for the whole of the community."
About 20 parents, students, and, and community members joined Berwyn CARES in calling for Pesek to step down on Wednesday.
"This school board has time and time again proven itself incompetent in almost every way possible," said Zak Zajac, a freshman at the University of Illinois' Chicago campus and a recent Morton West graduate. "I have had many ill feelings and opinions, and you have proven every one of them right. But here's your chance to night, that being your letter of resignation, Mr. Pesek."
wow. its about time the life did something besides being a mouthpiece for the board......
Had he resigned...he'd have been replaced by some other Cicero hack.
Replacing one person on that board is not going to change the way the board does business. It is going to take work to get candidates elected to the board. It is going to take money to get them elected.
Quote from: baron von berwyn on April 13, 2011, 03:19:00 PM
I guess if these aldermen were really dupes like they claim and had no knowledge of pesek's extracurricular activities then they should have no problem calling for his resignation....
if they don't get behind the resigination then you know they were lying all along about not knowing about his past.
You nailed it.
Blagoyajian stated he has kids at Morton. Great,
he screwed the voters and his kids.
Quote from: Ted on April 13, 2011, 10:02:42 PM
Story in the Life:
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/news/education/x90881784/Pesek-refuses-to-step-down-despite-public-outcry
Pesek refuses to step down despite public outcry
"The news coverage has, in my opinion not properly emphasized that after a thorough investigation by numerous federal agencies, I have never been accused or charge with doing anything wrong," said Pesek in a prepared statement. "I was a witness and nothing more."
Pesek also claimed that the fact that he was granted immunity for his testimony does not imply any wrongdoing.
He was given immunity, that's why he didn't get charged. DUH
He has silent partners that aren't listed on his liquor license. So what doesn't he get ? That's illegal.
I highly doubt that's what he was given immunity for....not disclosing business partners isn't a federal offense.
Pesek puts an interesting spin on this...he has a point that those NOT given immunity are usually those charged with crimes....that's because they're the targets of investigation. In order to secure convictions aginst these types, federal prosecutors often agree to grant immunity from criminal prosecution to certain witnesses whose favorable testimony they might not otherwise procure. Does this mean that those given immunity are "clean"?
I let others decide that one.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 11:38:16 PM
I highly doubt that's what he was given immunity for....not disclosing business partners isn't a federal offense.
Agreed. But he keeps saying he did nothing wrong. Without the immunity wouldn't he lose his liquor license for that violation ?
Jackal: Very well put and much more fair than I ever expected from you.
Story in the Sun Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/4821580-417/morton-school-board-chief-tied-to-drug-dealer-wont-step-down.html
Morton school board chief tied to drug dealer won't step down
BY STEVE WARMBIR Staff Reporter
swarmbir@suntimes.com
Apr 14, 2011 02:11AM
Despite public outrage and calls for his resignation, a west suburban school board president tied to a drug dealer and a motorcycle gang member, refused to step down Wednesday night.
Jeff Pesek, president of Morton High School District 201, which serves thousands of students from Cicero and Berwyn, made a brief statement Wednesday to more than 150 parents, students and school employees, who attended a district board meeting, in which he denied any wrongdoing but refused to answer any questions.
Pesek said he would address in detail questions from parents in the coming weeks in meetings with them but did not want to distract from the work of the school board.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday that Pesek testified last year under a grant of immunity from prosecution in the mob-bombing trial of reputed Cicero mob boss Michael Sarno and Sarno's right-hand man, Mark Polchan, a high-ranking member of the Outlaw motorcycle gang. Both men were convicted at trial.
Pesek testified he was a close childhood friend of Polchan.
Pesek was caught on an FBI surveillance device in 2007 discussing Polchan's fear of being arrested for the bombing and whether Pesek and his brother would post Polchan's bond.
At the same trial, convicted major drug wholesaler Enrique "Henry" Rendon testified that he was a silent partner with Jeff Pesek in two businesses, a liquor store and bar in Cicero, and a downtown Chicago nightclub, called Ontourage.
At the school board meeting, Pesek decried the "gross inaccuracies" in the media coverage of him but did not specify any errors.
He said that grants of immunity from prosecution are typical in such cases and meant, in fact, he did nothing wrong.
"To infer that a grant of immunity raises questions that I did something wrong is simply not the case," he said.
Pesek's statement was met with scornful laughter and loud calls from parents and students for him to resign.
For many parents, the revelations about Pesek were only the latest blow to a troubled school district.
Parent Susan Zajac-Clark, of Berwyn, noted the school had a zero tolerance policy for students for gangs and drugs and wondered why the same policy did not apply to Pesek.
Her son, Zak Zajac, 18, a graduate of Morton West, asked the board this question.
"Which of the following is more likely? An appropriate amount of textbooks and teachers to service the students of District 201, or the same school board president being involved with a known cocaine dealer?"
Justin Wych, 17, a Morton West senior, said of Pesek: "I won't be able to live with myself with his name on my diploma."
After the board meeting ended, Pesek left the building from the back exit and waited until most parents had left before departing.
He refused to answer any questions when approached by a reporter.
Some interesting comments to the above article:
1. He looks like he's a few brain cells short. And we wonder why the district has problems.
2. Whats a thug like this with interests in bars, nightclubs, and drugs and biker gangs want to have anything to do with the Educational System? Is there some kind of scam of funds going on there too? He seems to be the type who has always gotten his way in life, probably through hard work and effort, but the gig does seem to be up given the tapes. Dude seems Nixon like. Doesnt know when its over and probably doesnt take advice either.
Just hope he isnt the violent type when its time to be pulled out of there.
3. Such an untruthful headline!!!! Where has he ever been linked to a drug deal??? The man testified that the was friends with people since childhood who are not so good. He never testified that hewasin business with them or that he did anything illegal. He admitted to buying things from a pawn shop. Last I checked those places have business licenses.
4. Being granted immunity means that he did things that were illegal, but the government wasn't going to prosecute him as long as he cooperated in testifying. I bet you if he didn't agree to immunity that he would be charged in some form or another with a crime related to the investigation!!!!
5. close friend!! wasn't Mr. Pesek a 12th street player gang member?
6. Hey, if Craig Pesek can keep holding a top office in the Illinois Republican Party, why can't brother Jeff keep a little title on a mere school board? Same old same old Illinois Republican corruption.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 09:24:52 PM
... he hasn't been charged with, or found guilty of, a crime....
I think all the talk about Pesek not being charged with a crime misses the point. This is about moral authority.
Pesek no longer has the moral authority to lead the district.
It's obvious that Pesek is not going to resign.
I suggest that at next month's board meeting, the board elect people other than Jeff Pesek as its president, vice-president or secretary.
If the board re-elects Jeff Pesek as its president, District 201 will become the laughingstock of the state of Illinois.
We have been the laughingstock of the burbs for a long time,electing criminals as role models for our children. Wasn't there another scandal with a Klingenberg about 10yrs. ago?
Ted,
Read the rest of my post in context. Of course Pesek. Not being charged with a crime misses the point.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 14, 2011, 06:27:16 AM
Ted,
Read the rest of my post in context. Of course Pesek. Not being charged with a crime misses the point.
I know. I understood that was what you were saying in your post.
I just picked up on that line as a line to respond to. Maybe I should have used Pesek's quote instead, because that was what I was actually responding to , not your quote.
Quote from: berwyn senator on April 14, 2011, 06:17:12 AM
We have been the laughingstock of the burbs for a long time,electing criminals as role models for our children. Wasn't there another scandal with a Klingenberg about 10yrs. ago?
Klingenberg was 18 years ago, in 1993. Here is a discussion on the Klingenberg scandal:
http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=1142.0
I think the more petinent point being missed, at least from a Berwyn perspectibve, is the accountability for endorsing Pesek and his cronies.
First, Lovero and the DCOB told is that they don't mix schools with politics. Then on the eve of the 2009 mayoral election, we find out that was a comical farce.....culminating in Lovero and Co.'s express emdorsement of Pesek and crew two weeks ago. Odd enough that Berwyn officials would endorse a Cicero candidate while doing everything in their power to kick off the ballot a Berwyn candidate....now it comes to light that the Cicero candidate, at a minimum, has some "curious" ties to some unsavory types.
So, this begs several other questions.
Why support CVA candidates and not one of your own?
Why expressly support anyone in the first place?
Why kick Maniotis off the ballot?
Well, I'm sure Lovero and Co. Will tell us they had no clue about Pesek and they had nothing to do with getting Maniotis booted off the ballot.
Really?
Bob has/had nothing to do with the person who filed the objection against Maniotis-Paul Nosek? No ties there Bob? Is this what you, and the other two with you, are saying?
Bobby didn't know of Pesek's "ties"?
Really Bob?
There isn't a police officer in Berwyn or Cicero that I know who didnk( know of Pesek, Polchan, Sarno, etc. and what they're all about, but Bob wants us to believe he was entirely clueless? And speaking of police officers, was Bob also entirely clueless about Jim Formato, the former Berwyn cop turned informant? I mean, there IS a remote chance that Bob had no clue about some of these people, but he didn't know about and/or of Formato, and the people he was associating with and ultimately testifying against?
Bob didn't know anything about the Berwyn business owner whose establishment was bombed, thus leading to the aforementioned federal case involving the previously mentioned individuals?
Interesting.
How about Jeff Boyajian?
Find it hard to believe Jeff didn't know of any of these people, especially when he's more or less in the same age group as these individuals and attended 201 schools, just like they did.
Did Mr. Pesek or any of the board look embarrassed, arrogant or irritated while these conversations were taking place? Body language tells a lot.
I think the body language of Lovero and Co., if and when confronted with their "endorsements", will be even more telling for, and pertinent to, Berwyn
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on April 14, 2011, 07:10:41 AM
Did Mr. Pesek or any of the board look embarrassed, arrogant or irritated while these conversations were taking place? Body language tells a lot.
Pesek looked arrogant (or maybe defiant would be better). I think it's beyond any of them to look embarrassed. They pretty much had stone faces. My daughter could tell Pesek was busy with his cell phone though.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 09:24:52 PM
LOL....I guess that's one way to look at it, but I'm not so sure Pesek is the problem.
Let me first start off by saying that I don't know Jeff, nor have I ever met him. I do, however, know quite a few people that DO know him. To a man, they all hold him in high regard. Take that for whatever its worth. I'm certainly not going to pass judgment on the guy. What he does is his business. The problem I have is with the people who feign ignorance, as if they never knew of these "connections"...the people who put him in the position he's in and continuously supported him, despite knowing full well of his "friends" and ties. Quite frankly, I can't see how Mr. Pesek is even remotely qualfied to serve as President of one of the largest hs districts in the state. What on his cv indicates he's qualified for such a post? Teaching background? Advanced degree? Work experience? What exactly?
Now you add in his friends, business partners, and associates, and I'm left wondering how anyone in their right mind can seriously think this man is capable of running 201?
Once again, he hasn't been charged with, or found guilty of, a crime. He should be afforded the same presumption of innocence all Americans are in a cpourt of law. Except we're not talking about a court of law, we're taking 201....and Pesek as President (not to mention a few others on that same board) simply doesn't cut it, to say the least...
I think your observations are right on.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 14, 2011, 06:46:17 AM
I think the more petinent point being missed, at least from a Berwyn perspectibve, is the accountability for endorsing Pesek and his cronies.
First, Lovero and the DCOB told is that they don't mix schools with politics. Then on the eve of the 2009 mayoral election, we find out that was a comical farce.....culminating in Lovero and Co.'s express emdorsement of Pesek and crew two weeks ago. Odd enough that Berwyn officials would endorse a Cicero candidate while doing everything in their power to kick off the ballot a Berwyn candidate....now it comes to light that the Cicero candidate, at a minimum, has some "curious" ties to some unsavory types.
So, this begs several other questions.
Why support CVA candidates and not one of your own?
Why expressly support anyone in the first place?
Why kick Maniotis off the ballot?
Well, I'm sure Lovero and Co. Will tell us they had no clue about Pesek and they had nothing to do with getting Maniotis booted off the ballot.
Really?
Bob has/had nothing to do with the person who filed the objection against Maniotis-Paul Nosek? No ties there Bob? Is this what you, and the other two with you, are saying?
Bobby didn't know of Pesek's "ties"?
Really Bob?
There isn't a police officer in Berwyn or Cicero that I know who didnk( know of Pesek, Polchan, Sarno, etc. and what they're all about, but Bob wants us to believe he was entirely clueless? And speaking of police officers, was Bob also entirely clueless about Jim Formato, the former Berwyn cop turned informant? I mean, there IS a remote chance that Bob had no clue about some of these people, but he didn't know about and/or of Formato, and the people he was associating with and ultimately testifying against?
Bob didn't know anything about the Berwyn business owner whose establishment was bombed, thus leading to the aforementioned federal case involving the previously mentioned individuals?
Interesting.
How about Jeff Boyajian?
Find it hard to believe Jeff didn't know of any of these people, especially when he's more or less in the same age group as these individuals and attended 201 schools, just like they did.
Again, I couldn't agree more.
Is the teachers' union barred from commenting on this mess ?
I sent an email to Nona, Bobby and Jeff asking them their reasons for endorsing Pesek. Jeff was the only one that responded. His children are MW students so I have to believe that what he did, he did without truly knowing, but Nona and Bobby? I don't know, because I didn't get a response from them.
Quote from: Ted on April 14, 2011, 05:17:09 AM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 13, 2011, 09:24:52 PM
... he hasn't been charged with, or found guilty of, a crime....
I think all the talk about Pesek not being charged with a crime misses the point. This is about moral authority.
Pesek no longer has the moral authority to lead the district.
It's obvious that Pesek is not going to resign.
I suggest that at next month's board meeting, the board elect people other than Jeff Pesek as its president, vice-president or secretary.
If the board re-elects Jeff Pesek as its president, District 201 will become the laughingstock of the state of Illinois.
We already are the laughing stock, more so West than East . . .
Ana,
Let me preface by saying I hold Jeff Boyajian is fairly high esteem. I've know him since we were kids, comes from a good family, and as far as I know is nothing but a solid all around good guy and family man. However, if he's going to act in lockstep on party orders to further the agenda of a party controlled by some of the aforementioned "unsavory" types, well then...he should expect some repurcussions. I find it hard to believe Jeff didn't know who Jim Formato was...especially since they attended Morton West at about the same time. One would think the son of a former Berwyn police officer would know a thing or two about those wearing blue in Berwyn. And since I'm certain he knows Formato and about him, I'm also fairly certain he knows who Mark Polchan was. Polchan is about the same age as Jeff. Berwyn/Cicero is a "close knit" community. Everybody knows everybody, even if you don't personally know them, if that makes any sense. Therefore, I'm certain he also knew the Pesek's, no shrinking violets themselves. I'm also absolutely certain he knows the owner of the vending comany that was bombed....absolutely 100 percent. The specifics I'm not going to get into, but the individual in question also owns two other businesses in Berwyn.
While its possible Jeff Boyajian didn't klnow the EXACT relationships of all these people, it stretches the imagination beyond belief to think he didn't know the "unsavory" reputation they carried/carry. After all, they all more or less grew up in the same neighborhood at the same time.
BERWYN CARES STATEMENT TO DISTRICT 201 BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 13, 2011 My name is Robert Pauly. I am the President of Berwyn CARES. CARES is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among students, educators, parents and community members with a goal of providing an exceptional learning environment for our children. We are united to promote stronger community involvement in our schools.
I am here tonight representing our membership, hundreds of parents and residents concerned about the state of our local schools. I am also here as the parent of a student in District 201.
When asked, the quality of education provided by this District is the single greatest concern expressed by our membership.
We are concerned that 75% of the students in District 201 fail to meet state standards.
We are concerned that each year, over 1500 students leave Morton schools unprepared to compete in a world economy.
We are concerned that the expenditure per pupil is among the lowest in the county and that recent budget cuts have further diluted the curriculum to the point that college acceptance for graduates is jeopardized.
We are concerned that this board of education has lost the confidence of the community - support that is critical to improving some of the lowest performing schools in the state.
The National Center for Public Education guidelines on what qualifications a school board member should possess asks 'Does the person inspire parents and other stakeholders to have confidence in the local public schools?' Overwhelmingly our community has responded that Jeffry Pesek does not.
Since the Chicago Sun Times published his federal testimony, hundreds of individuals have contacted CARES to indicate that this Board of Education should demand Mr. Pesek's resignation. Many of them signed the following statement which I would like to present to you now.
"The overall quality of our schools, both now and in the future, rests with decisions made by the board of education. We want the best and brightest in charge. Jeffry Pesek's federal testimony demonstrates he lacks the qualities and qualifications that students need. We the undersigned join with Berwyn CARES in calling for a jury of Mr. Pesek's peers on the District 201 Board to take immediate action to remove him."
School boards in high-achieving districts exhibit characteristics that are distinctly different from boards in low-achieving districts. Effective boards have a collaborative relationship with the community and work to engage both internal and external stakeholders. The potential for collaborative relationships with District 201 stakeholders has been severely compromised by the events of this week. It is the position of Berwyn CARES and its membership that until there is leadership change in this board, District 201 will never be a viable educational option for the whole of the community.
Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens Aligned to Renew Education for Students) is a community-based organization created to improve the local education system by encouraging more family and community involvement. Since 2006, CARES has established itself as the leading resource for up-to-date, reputable information on Berwyn's District 98, 100, & 201 schools. More information is available online at www.berwyncares.org.
The Center for Public Education (Center) is a national resource for accurate, timely, and credible information about public education and its importance to the well-being of our nation. Their publication 'Eight characteristics of effective school boards' offers best practices from successful districts.
http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Public-education/Eight-characteristics-of-effective-school-boards/default.aspx
The bigger question though is what Bob Lovero knew....or should have known. After all, the endorsement of Pesek and Co. was HIS doing, self admittedly.
Nonetheless, I do have to commend Jeff B. on sending his children to MW. Many of us would never even think of it in its present state, take the Mayor, for instance . . .
I would have to assume that it is very difficult for Jeff B. to oppose the Mayor and his entourage, I know I would probably have a difficult time considering the "types" of people I would be up against. That being said, Marge Paul does it all of the time. She is a wonderful Alder(wo)man, wish she were mine.
Quote from: Ana on April 14, 2011, 11:36:04 AM
Nonetheless, I do have to commend Jeff B. on sending his children to MW. Many of us would never even think of it in its present state, take the Mayor, for instance . . .
I would have to assume that it is very difficult for Jeff B. to oppose the Mayor and his entourage, I know I would probably have a difficult time considering the "types" of people I would be up against. That being said, Marge Paul does it all of the time. She is a wonderful Alder(wo)man, wish she were mine.
Nona used to do it. Much more vocally than is being done now.
Something changed with her. I wonder what or why?
All I have to say is thank God Jeff Pesek didn't recommend using solar panels at the High School, what a cluster that would have been!!
That being said I have heard rumblings about the Pesek brothers for years and Im the least "connected" person in Berwyn. There are even rumors of them not living in the district. So surely if I heard these rumors "connected" people in our city like our mayor and aldermen must have heard them too so to plead ignorance is a joke. They knew about this and did not give a rats ass because just like the Pesek the mayor, nona and gang are in this to rape our city and get what they can. Remember their post election model "to the victor goes the spoils"
I can tell you what the rumors are but that would just open up Pandora's Box, again. This isn't about Nona anymore and from what I hear, she won't be running again. We need to learn from other successful candidates, how they campaigned, so that we a new Board can be elected. I would do campaigning in Cicero for Berwyn candidates, can that be done?
Quote from: Thor on April 14, 2011, 11:46:11 AM
That being said I have heard rumblings about the Pesek brothers for years and Im the least "connected" person in Berwyn. There are even rumors of them not living in the district. So surely if I heard these rumors "connected" people in our city like our mayor and aldermen must have heard them too so to plead ignorance is a joke.
Either you're lying about not being connected or you're full of shit. Which is it?
Bob Pauly,
I notice that your organization is named B-E-R-W-Y-N CARES. As such, I would imagine its incumbent on you, and your organization, to hold the B-E-R-W-Y-N politicians who endorsed Pesek and Co. accountable. Maybe seek their resignations as well. After all, I highly doubt anybody in their right mind believes that the three aforementioned Berwyn politicos were completely in the dark about Pesek's relationships at the time they endorsed him. I would say that's a pretty good start in addressing the real issues and not putting lipstick on a pig.
Quote from: bonster on April 14, 2011, 12:27:54 PM
Quote from: Thor on April 14, 2011, 11:46:11 AM
That being said I have heard rumblings about the Pesek brothers for years and Im the least "connected" person in Berwyn. There are even rumors of them not living in the district. So surely if I heard these rumors "connected" people in our city like our mayor and aldermen must have heard them too so to plead ignorance is a joke.
Either you're lying about not being connected or you're full of shit. Which is it?
A- Lying about not be connected
B- Full of shit
C- Neither of the above
D- Give a rat's ass what Bonster thinks
Quote from: Thor on April 14, 2011, 02:08:47 PM
Quote from: bonster on April 14, 2011, 12:27:54 PM
Quote from: Thor on April 14, 2011, 11:46:11 AM
That being said I have heard rumblings about the Pesek brothers for years and Im the least "connected" person in Berwyn. There are even rumors of them not living in the district. So surely if I heard these rumors "connected" people in our city like our mayor and aldermen must have heard them too so to plead ignorance is a joke.
Either you're lying about not being connected or you're full of shit. Which is it?
A- Lying about not be connected
B- Full of shit
C- Neither of the above
D- Give a rat's ass what Bonster thinks
It's probably:
E- (still) Masturbating to pictures of O'Connor(and full of shit)
I'm curious what Clam Diver's opinion is on all this.
He visits here (http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=851) daily, but remains silent.
Quote from: bonster on April 14, 2011, 02:59:24 PM
I'm curious what Clam Diver's opinion is on all this.
He did not attend the board meeting last night.
Quote from: Ted on April 14, 2011, 03:22:50 PM
Quote from: bonster on April 14, 2011, 02:59:24 PM
I'm curious what Clam Diver's opinion is on all this.
He did not attend the board meeting last night.
I worked last night and couldn't attend the meeting but I did go online to add my name to the CARES petition asking Pesek to step down. Was Clam Diver the only board member to not attend the meeting?
Who's clam diver?
LOL.
A 201 board member with a screen name like THAT?
LOL!!!
Quote from: The Jackal on April 14, 2011, 04:05:47 PM
LOL.
A 201 board member with a screen name like THAT?
LOL!!!
Yes, now there's a real shocker!
Buzz asks the question, is the teacher's union barred from speaking about this?
The answer is yes. As employees of the district, we have a contractual obligation to NOT comment about our employers; that prohibition would include our ultimate employer-the school board.
This is the reason that you heard no teachers speak out at the Board meeting yesterday. It's not that we don't have an opinion (TRUST me when I say that we most definitely do); it is instead that our free speech in this particular case is rather limited.
However, we do appreciate the kind words about the job we do at the meeting yesterday. In today's political and fiscal climate in the district, state, and nation, I think I can speak for most teachers in saying that we are all a bit 'shell-shocked'.
Quote from: Kai on April 14, 2011, 05:18:27 PM
Buzz asks the question, is the teacher's union barred from speaking about this?
The answer is yes. As employees of the district, we have a contractual obligation to NOT comment about our employers; that prohibition would include our ultimate employer-the school board.
This is the reason that you heard no teachers speak out at the Board meeting yesterday. It's not that we don't have an opinion (TRUST me when I say that we most definitely do); it is instead that our free speech in this particular case is rather limited.
However, we do appreciate the kind words about the job we do at the meeting yesterday. In today's political and fiscal climate in the district, state, and nation, I think I can speak for most teachers in saying that we are all a bit 'shell-shocked'.
Is this a unique restriction in Teacher contracts? It sure doesn't seem to apply to any other municipal union in Berwyn.
School District 201 is the ultimate pariah when it comes to standards for high school districts. Not enough money for its students, scores that are pathetic, and now for the ultimate insult we have a President of the School Board of District 201 being involved with drug dealers and mob members and still thumbing his nose at the notion that he should resign. What does this tell the students in the district? You can go to Morton East or West and hope to one day have your "homies" who are drug dealers or involved in other illicit activities get indicted without "immunity", be involved in business and buy stolen merchandise from them, but walk away from it all with help from your political connections. I used to think those political connections were all from Cicero, but based on the most recent election we all know different.
This whole thing saddens me.
I understand that my district, along with many others, is in financial peril.
I understand that my school community is struggling.
I understand that we are hanging on for our dear lives.
I understand that there is little we can do about this situation.
I understand that we have to take this on the chin.
33% of my students find this situation infuriating.
33% of my students think this is a joke. (Actual quote: "He's a beast . . . like Capone!")
33% of my students (and their parents) couldn't care less.
This whole thing saddens me.
"A beast, like Capone"....I think that sums it all up, the type of mindset prevalent in the community.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 14, 2011, 06:10:54 PM
Quote from: Kai on April 14, 2011, 05:18:27 PM
Buzz asks the question, is the teacher's union barred from speaking about this?
The answer is yes. As employees of the district, we have a contractual obligation to NOT comment about our employers; that prohibition would include our ultimate employer-the school board.
Is this a unique restriction in Teacher contracts? It sure doesn't seem to apply to any other municipal union in Berwyn.
Thanks Kai, I thought that was the case. I believe it
is unique to teachers.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 14, 2011, 07:28:00 PM
"A beast, like Capone"....I think that sums it all up, the type of mindset prevalent in the community.
Sums it up??? I think comparing someone who has NOT BEEN charged with a crime to a career criminal and murderer is ignorant and childish. You wanna hate people,fine,you disagree with their actions fine, but to compare someone to Al Capone? And if you believe that Andy and you are a practicing lawyer who makes his living off DEFENDING criminals then you should change your user name to THE JACKASS. From a kid I can say ok they are a kid but YOU of all people
to agree with that I have lost all repect for you on this forum. You should be ashamed. And don't start your spin bullshit about I'm a fan of this guy and a supporter of all the board does. I DO think Pesek should have stepped down. But to compare him to Capone Im very surprised at you. The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
Quote from: Dist. 201 Teacher on April 14, 2011, 07:19:58 PM
This whole thing saddens me.
Sad ? No, it has disgraced and insulted each and everyone one of us concerned for the future of the children and our community.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
Quote from: The Jackal on April 14, 2011, 07:28:00 PM
"A beast, like Capone"....I think that sums it all up, the type of mindset prevalent in the community.
Sums it up??? I think comparing someone who has NOT BEEN charged with a crime to a career criminal and murderer is ignorant and childish. You wanna hate people,fine,you disagree with their actions fine, but to compare someone to Al Capone? And if you believe that Andy and you are a practicing lawyer who makes his living off DEFENDING criminals then you should change your user name to THE JACKASS. From a kid I can say ok they are a kid but YOU of all people
to agree with that I have lost all repect for you on this forum. You should be ashamed. And don't start your spin bullshit about I'm a fan of this guy and a supporter of all the board does. I DO think Pesek should have stepped down. But to compare him to Capone Im very surprised at you. The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
I've got a kid there and he's been subject to things that shouldn't have been done there and I do have documentation for such. Pesek needs to resign his position if he has any type of self-respect or respect for the thousands of children who attend District 201.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
nope
probably just getting started
Quote from: buzz on April 14, 2011, 08:31:42 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
nope
probably just getting started
Hey Buzz I don't mind people venting and giving their view, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Comparing him to Capone is ridiculous. Thats worse than anything that was said about a certain band director that molested kids at a grammar school. And those poor kids have to deal with that the rest of their fucking lives.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: buzz on April 14, 2011, 08:31:42 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
nope
probably just getting started
Hey Buzz I don't mind people venting and giving their view, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Comparing him to Capone is ridiculous. Thats worse than anything that was said about a certain band director that molested kids at a grammar school. And those poor kids have to deal with that the rest of their fucking lives.
A few of those kids may come back to bite you and yours in the ass. God help you.
Quote from: MRS. NORTHSIDER on April 14, 2011, 08:42:25 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: buzz on April 14, 2011, 08:31:42 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
nope
probably just getting started
Hey Buzz I don't mind people venting and giving their view, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Comparing him to Capone is ridiculous. Thats worse than anything that was said about a certain band director that molested kids at a grammar school. And those poor kids have to deal with that the rest of their fucking lives.
A few of those kids may come back to bite you and yours in the ass. God help you.
Mrs. N what are you talking about?
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:45:03 PM
Quote from: MRS. NORTHSIDER on April 14, 2011, 08:42:25 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: buzz on April 14, 2011, 08:31:42 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 08:16:01 PM
The hatred on this site is getting out of hand.
nope
probably just getting started
Hey Buzz I don't mind people venting and giving their view, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Comparing him to Capone is ridiculous. Thats worse than anything that was said about a certain band director that molested kids at a grammar school. And those poor kids have to deal with that the rest of their fucking lives.
A few of those kids may come back to bite you and yours in the ass. God help you.
Mrs. N what are you talking about?
My son with an IEP that District 201 does not seem to have the resources to fulfill at this point.
Ok so why are kids gonna bite me and mine in the ass? I don't get it.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 14, 2011, 09:01:25 PM
Ok so why are kids gonna bite me and mine in the ass? I don't get it.
Yes, you do get it. If you want to keep it up call Joanne Zendol. I'm sure she'll let you know Rick.
Mustang,
What in God's name are you talking about? I'M not the party who compared Pesek to Capone, the Morton student mentioned in an earlier post did? I was simply commenting how sad it is that kids seem to think Capone and Capone types are to be admired and/or emulated. Are you going batty or something?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 14, 2011, 09:18:03 PM
Mustang,
What in God's name are you talking about? I'M not the party who compared Pesek to Capone, the Morton student mentioned in an earlier post did? I was simply commenting how sad it is that kids seem to think Capone and Capone types are to be admired and/or emulated. Are you going batty or something?
LMFAO!!! No I thought you were going batty or had to much wine for dinner. I took your response the wrong way.I thought you agreed with what the kid said!! Im sorry you can still be Jackal! LOL
Quote from: Dist. 201 Teacher on April 14, 2011, 07:19:58 PM
33% of my students find this situation infuriating.
33% of my students think this is a joke. (Actual quote: "He's a beast . . . like Capone!")
33% of my students (and their parents) couldn't care less.
This whole thing saddens me.
I'm not buying it. I'm thinking 13% even have a clue.
High school kids don't think about the board of education; they think about ... the superintendent.
(http://gothamist.com/attachments/nyc_arts_john/111810jones.jpg)
A little humor in such a painful, and sad time that this is, never hurts! I just
Saw the rerun the other day. Too funny!
Quote from: bonster on April 14, 2011, 02:49:51 PM
Quote from: Thor on April 14, 2011, 02:08:47 PM
Quote from: bonster on April 14, 2011, 12:27:54 PM
Quote from: Thor on April 14, 2011, 11:46:11 AM
That being said I have heard rumblings about the Pesek brothers for years and Im the least "connected" person in Berwyn. There are even rumors of them not living in the district. So surely if I heard these rumors "connected" people in our city like our mayor and aldermen must have heard them too so to plead ignorance is a joke.
Either you're lying about not being connected or you're full of shit. Which is it?
A- Lying about not be connected
B- Full of shit
C- Neither of the above
D- Give a rat's ass what Bonster thinks
It's probably:
E- (still) Masturbating to pictures of O'Connor
(and full of shit)
Dude I dont know what bug rode up your ass but I posted what I had heard, again a rumor. If you think I have connections or I'm full of shit thats great but its neither hear nor there. What are you now taking classes at the Berwyn Patsy School Of Attack People You Dont Like?
PS- O'Connor is no longer relavent, try to stay in 2011.
Your sure are one giant piece of work Almighty Thor! I,m a just sitting here
minding my own business and as usual YOU have started the 1st attack on me.
I know how highly you respect me, so please try and refrain from involving me in your
disputes with others.
Pesek cannot be re-called nor can the board remove him from office, according to this article in the Life newspaper:
http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/berwyn/topstories/x1798431578/Laws-do-not-allow-Pesek-s-ouster
Laws do not allow Pesek's ouster
By Staff reports
Berwyn Life
Posted Apr 15, 2011
04:15 PM
Berwyn, IL — Embattled Morton High School District 201 Board of Education President Jeff Pesek has had repeated calls for his resignation in the wake of revelations that he allegedly has ties to drug traffickers and high-ranking motorcycle gang members.
Thus far, he has refused to resign.
By Illinois state law, it appears that Pesek cannot be removed from his position unwillingly, said Jim Russell, a spokesman from the Illinois Association of School Boards.
"First of all, a recall petition cannot be used. The board may publicly censure a member, but it doesn't have any other weight," said Russell, who only commented on state law and not the Pesek controversy.
Illinois only recently gained the ability to recall the governor, and that law has not been extended to include school board members. The board itself also lacks the authority to vote Pesek off the board.
"Just because you don't like somebody doesn't mean you kick them out of elected office," Russell said. "The only people that can remove a person from office is the regional superintendent and that's only for willful failure to perform official duties and they are very reluctant to do that."
Even the regional superintendent's clout is limited. Pesek would have to be convicted of a crime or chronically absent from school board meetings, Russell said.
The board does, however, have to vote on rearranging the structure of their leading officers within 28 days of an election – and do so publicly, Russell said. If the board so chose, they could strip Pesek of his presidency.
Because the board did not publicly vote on officers during its Wednesday meeting and the next regularly scheduled school board meeting isn't until mid-May, members will have to call a special session before May 3.
Despite community outcry for Pesek to step down, Russell said a public censure and being removed from the president's position are likely the only options the school board has if they wish to bend to public pressure.
Time to sharpen the pitchforks!!
What a revoltin' development this is !
Quote from: Boris on April 15, 2011, 06:48:43 PM
Time to sharpen the pitchforks!!
Jeff didn't do anything wrong. Everyone knows someone that did something wrong. I am sure you did something wrong in your past. Especially how you are always making stupid snaky comments on here, I am sure you f_ _ ked someone over before.
Quote from: Ted on April 11, 2011, 08:59:11 AM
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on April 11, 2011, 08:26:44 AM
So who supported this guy?
Nona? Boyajin? DCOB?
Careful , OPS, Joe Martin will accuse you of "gossiping"... LOL
Lovero, Chapman and Boyajian all sent out emails asking people to vote for Pesek.
You to Ted, I am sure you have done many wrong things in your life or definitely know someone that has. Jeff has not done anything wrong.
Quote from: joe martin on April 16, 2011, 07:25:22 AM
...You to Ted, I am sure you have done many wrong things in your life or definitely know someone that has. Jeff has not done anything wrong....
As OPS has said many times before - Read the transcript, Mr. Montozziano
In the transcript, Jeff Pesek admits to violating Illinois Liquor Law; he admits to violating federal tax law; he implies he knowingly received stolen goods.
Those are all crimes. In addition, he admits that he went into business with someone who was a drug dealer.
But, beyond that, it is not even about whether Jeff Pesek was charged with a crime. It is about the moral authority to lead the district.
By admitting he went into business with a drug dealer, Jeff Pesek has lost that moral authority. It's hard for kids being suspended for drugs or for being in gangs to accept a judgement from someone who admits he is in business with a drug dealer and hangs around gang members.
After all, Jeff Pesek and the board instituted a dress code to try to keep kids away from gangs or identifying themselves in school as gang members.
That move by Pesek now looks like the height of hypocrisy, given the people he hung around with while he was board president.
The incident with the gang member occurred AFTER he had become board president! Jeff Pesek is probably not going to resign. But, at the very least, the board should not re-elect him board president or board vice-president in May.
That would be an even bigger black eye on the district.
Ted,
Why do you even bother?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 16, 2011, 07:57:23 AM
Ted,
Why do you even bother?
I'm not even sure any more, Jackal. I guess I learned with BUNGALO that when someone makes outrageous comments, it needs to be responded to immediately. Otherwise, the ignorant will think there is truth in the statement.
Ted,
Reread the content of Mr. Martin's posts. You really think they're worthy of response? Do you really think this guy has any credibility with anyone who posesses even half a brain cell?
Possesses.....LOL. Damn Blackberry.
As I've said earlier, its not even about Pesek, really. From a Berwyn standpoint, its about what Lover, Chapman and Boyajian knew...or should have known.
Pesek is who he is. Anyone who spent any considerable time in the Berwyn/Cicero area knows that.
But how about the Berwyn elected officials who ENDORSED Pesek on the eve of 201 elections?
Did Mr. Lovero know about Pesek and his past connections? Did he know of any of the other players in this matter? Lovero never heard of Mike Sarno? Didn't know of Mark Polchan? Had no clue about Rendon? Didn't Rendon have an interest in a Berwyn business? How about Formato? Wasn't he a Berwyn cop? Didn't Bob know Formato, and what HE was all about? No clue as to who Vince Dublino is? Doesn't have interests in two other Berwyn businesses? Bobby didn't know him, either? Funny how Bobby had a campaign fundraiser at one of Dublino's business partners establishment, but doesn't know Dublino himself....LOL. And that's just for starter...the list goes on and on.
Quote from: joe martin on April 16, 2011, 07:21:50 AM
Quote from: Boris on April 15, 2011, 06:48:43 PM
Time to sharpen the pitchforks!!
Jeff didn't do anything wrong. Everyone knows someone that did something wrong. I am sure you did something wrong in your past. Especially how you are always making stupid snaky comments on here, I am sure you f_ _ ked someone over before.
There is wrong, and there is breaking the law. Reading Mr. Pesek's transcript, it would appear he did the latter.
The "everyone did something wrong" bit is a pretty obvious ploy. The only problem is that it may work for locals that grew up here, but for those of us that did not, we don't have those types of associations.
And if somebody asks what does knowing one person have to do with another, well, they're all inter related. If you know one, chances are great that you know all of them.
I mean, we have a FEDERAL organized crime trial in which a FORMER BERWYN COP (do you knwo him Mr. Lovero? And how?) Is testifying about the bombing. Of an establishment owned by an individual who also owns two other Berwyn businesses, all under the direction of the guy who oversaw organized crime in Cicero and Berwyn, and the MAYOR OF BERWYN knows absolutely NOTHING.
ASTOUNDING!
Forgot to add-that former Berwyn cop also testified to committing more than a few crimes himself, even while on duty.
Now let's go back in time some. When was this guy a Berwyn police officer? When did he resign? And who were some of his friends and acquantinces in Berwyn?
Quote from: Ted on April 16, 2011, 07:30:15 AM
Quote from: joe martin on April 16, 2011, 07:25:22 AM
...You to Ted, I am sure you have done many wrong things in your life or definitely know someone that has. Jeff has not done anything wrong....
Those are all crimes. In addition, he admits that he went into business with someone who was a drug
By admitting he went into business with a drug dealer, Jeff Pesek has lost that moral authority. It's hard for kids being suspended for drugs or for being in gangs to accept a judgement from someone who admits he is in business with a drug dealer.
Where in the transcript did you see that pesek testified that he was in business with a drug dealer?? I see that a drug dealer said he was a silent partner not that pesek said it. Big difference in facts
Mustang,
Are you then saying that Pesek and Rendon weren't "partners" in Ontourage?
Quote from: The Jackal on April 16, 2011, 02:50:04 PM
Mustang,
Are you then saying that Pesek and Rendon weren't "partners" in Ontourage?
I am not saying anything, just that I don't see that pesek ever admitted to what Ted and others are attributing to him. I have no clue other than what I read, and I did not read that. I could have missed it, thatswhy I asked.
I don't believe Ted said that Pesek stated he went into business withga drug dealer in the transcript...but its inferred.
Here's something I have been thinking about lately. What if this story were about a teacher at D201? How would the board react to that?
More importantly, how will a board, with Pesek as a member, react to a future disciplinary hearing of a teacher who is hanging around with drug dealers and gang bangers?
JD
Ted very specifically stated "by admitting that he was in business" ....."he lost moral authority" ....Where did pesek admit to being in business with a drug dealer? Anyway, it was a question.
when you go into business and are looking for investors, you don't just pull people off the street, no questions asked, to be a part of your business..... you want to know everything you can about the people getting involved in whatever capacity of your business....pesek vetted all his investors, knew who they were, what their past was and what they were currently involved in at the time. etc. It's foolish to believe otherwise. he's was young but not stupid.....
Quote from: Mustang84 on April 16, 2011, 02:41:54 PM
Where in the transcript did you see that pesek testified that he was in business with a drug dealer?? I see that a drug dealer said he was a silent partner not that pesek said it. Big difference in facts
Reading is a skill. Re-read what I wrote.
I did not say "Pesek testified that he was in business with a drug dealer".
What I said was:
In addition, he admits that he went into business with someone who was a drug dealer. 1. Enrique Renden was a known drug dealer (by Renden's own admission).
2. Enrique Renden was a silent, undocumented parter in Ontourage.
3. Jeff Pesek was one of the owners of Ontourage.
4. Jeff Pesek admitted in his testimony that he knew of the silent partners in Ontourage.
5. Therefore, Jeff Pesek admits he went into business with someone who was a drug dealer.
Quote from: Ted on April 16, 2011, 05:12:23 PM
Quote from: Mustang84 on April 16, 2011, 02:41:54 PM
Where in the transcript did you see that pesek testified that he was in business with a drug dealer?? I see that a drug dealer said he was a silent partner not that pesek said it. Big difference in facts
Reading is a skill. Re-read what I wrote.
I did not say "Pesek testified that he was in business with a drug dealer".
What I said was:
In addition, he admits that he went into business with someone who was a drug dealer.
1. Enrique Renden was a known drug dealer (by Renden's own admission).
2. Enrique Renden was a silent, undocumented parter in Ontourage.
3. Jeff Pesek was one of the owners of Ontourage.
4. Jeff Pesek admitted in his testimony that he knew of the silent partners in Ontourage.
5. Therefore, Jeff Pesek admits he went into business with someone who was a drug dealer.
...and these are probably part of what he was granted immunity for.
Ted, for someone who frequently claims to be victimized on this forum you are quick to throw jabs. I posted a question and specifically stated that I could have missed something. I was almost immediately engaged by jackal asking if I was taking a position, which I was not and so stated. I reiterated that people including you were attributing something to pesek that I did not see. Then I was told you were "inferring" which is not quite true. You said pesek admitted to being in business with a drug dealer. I merely pointed that he never admitted that nor testified to that. He never testified that rendon was a partner silent or otherwise. Rendon said he was a partner, so that makes it so?
You are correct- reading is a skill. I read your post correctly so I have that skill thank you.
I spent my childhood on a block with the Peseks on one end and the Polchans on the other. They literally have known each other their whole lives. Our educations at St. Frances of Rome taught them the right thing to do. What a shame it is that Jeff cannot give the students now the same education he received. The embarassment to their families must be great. They were raised to act better than this.
Quote from: Mustang84 on April 16, 2011, 09:09:06 PM
... I reiterated that people including you were attributing something to pesek that I did not see. Then I was told you were "inferring" which is not quite true. You said pesek admitted to being in business with a drug dealer. I merely pointed that he never admitted that nor testified to that. He never testified that rendon was a partner silent or otherwise. Rendon said he was a partner, so that makes it so?
OK, let me ask these questions:
1. Was Rendon a business partner with Jeff Pesek? Yes or no?
2. Did Jeff Pesek know that Rendon was his business partner? Yes or no?
3. Did Jeff Pesek have a suspicion that Rendon was a drug dealer when he entered into a business arrangement with Rendon? Yes or no?
If the answer to all three questions is yes, then Jeff Pesek had lost the moral authority to lead the district, IMHO.
Jeff Pesek testified that there were silent partners in Ontourage. According to the news article, Rendon was one of the silent partners in Ontourage. The news article also stated that Rendon was convicted of dealing drugs.
That says to me that Jeff Pesek admitted he was in a business partnership with someone who was a drug dealer.
As another poster on BTF is fond of saying, you're trying to pick pepper out of a pile of fly sh*t.
Quote from: Juliet on April 16, 2011, 09:32:03 PM
I spent my childhood on a block with the Peseks on one end and the Polchans on the other. They literally have known each other their whole lives. Our educations at St. Frances of Rome taught them the right thing to do. What a shame it is that Jeff cannot give the students now the same education he received. The embarassment to their families must be great. They were raised to act better than this.
According to Jeff Pesek's statement of candidacy for District 201 board, he still lives at that address.
Is this Polchan any relation (by blood or marriage) to Lynette Polchan, a PE teacher who works for 201?
Quote from: Mortonvet on April 16, 2011, 11:08:30 PM
Is this Polchan any relation (by blood or marriage) to Lynette Polchan, a PE teacher who works for 201?
Funny no one brought that that up yet..... Always wanted to know the answer that, actually had her back in 05', she was very interesting.
Lynette Polchan is Mark Polchans Wife, not sure if they are still married, I think they have a couple of kids to
It is fascinating to me how, in the long Cicero tradition, there are still the "see no evil....." monkeys still there! I am sure it was their type that told everyone Al Capone was "misunderstood" and was really a good guy.
People like mustang, et al. wouldn't see anything wrong even if Jesus Christ himself appeared at a board meeting and denounced him.........they would just complain that Jesus over-turned the tables.
Listen to yourselves people!!!
fututum,
You really can't blame mustang....this type of mindset has been drummed into many of the "locals" since birth.
How do you break that cycle is the question.
Maybe it takes public humiliation to the degree, and in the form of, making the Sun Times front page and/or becoming the laughingstock of Illinois. Then again, maybe not, as not only are there people still defending Pesek, but nobody has really taken either the CVA or DCOB to task, either.
Go back and read some of my old posts where mustang steadfastly accuses me of hating the 201 board and claiming that said "hate" was clouding my judgement. Kind of comical now, isn't it?
I don't hate ANYBODY, and I certainly don't hate Jeff Pesek or anyone else on the 201 board. Heck, I have never met Pesek, nor do I know him personally. But I DID know OF him.....and OF the people who put him in place and supported him. That is why I was so steadfastly cynical of the 201 board. Now, just a short time later, it comes out publicly.
Like I said, when certain people talk, other people should listen.
Quote from: fututum on April 17, 2011, 08:11:57 PM
People like mustang, et al. wouldn't see anything wrong even if Jesus Christ himself appeared at a board meeting and denounced him.........they would just complain that Jesus over-turned the tables.
Listen to yourselves people!!!
Are you for real? You don't know how I think or feel. Because I don't rip people here on BTF you think I like everything that goes on here? You have no clue on my feelings. What I don't like is constant personal attacks like comparing Pesek to fucking Al Capone. That is way out of line. Because someone knows a person who has committed a crime that automatically makes them a criminal. Thats bullshit. It amazes me how many perfect people are on this site. They have NEVER done anything wrong in their lives. They don't have ANY freinds or relatives who have ever done anything wrong. PLUS they have all the answers to any problem anyone will ever post on this site. Truly some freakin amazing perfect people posting here.
If you really judge people by who they associate or do business with Jackal and every criminal lawyer there is should be considered outcasts. They make their living off doing business with criminals. Another thing I do that many here don't is when I have a question about someone I go to them for an answer. I don't come on here and ask people who have no idea how to answer the question. I never understood how some could come home from a school board meeting or a city council meeting and ask questions on this site. They were just in the same room with the people who could answer their question best. But then they couldn't come on BTF and stir the pot of dislike.
Believe me I have had plenty of disagreements with Mortons school board. Probably more than all of you put together. They were done face to face on many occasions not on any talk forum. So don't give me that mindset bullshit you have no clue at all what goes on in my mind.
Jackal: I'm curious. When you say when certain people talk, other people should listen, what "certain people" are you referring to? I have seen you say this on several occassions.
Quote from: fututum on April 17, 2011, 08:11:57 PM
It is fascinating to me how, in the long Cicero tradition, there are still the "see no evil....." monkeys still there! I am sure it was their type that told everyone Al Capone was "misunderstood" and was really a good guy.
People like mustang, et al. wouldn't see anything wrong even if Jesus Christ himself appeared at a board meeting and denounced him.........they would just complain that Jesus over-turned the tables.
Listen to yourselves people!!!
Hey fututum I just remembered there's another poster with Mustang, Mustang 84. Were you talking about that one or me!
Quote from: mustang54 on April 17, 2011, 10:22:21 PM
Quote from: fututum on April 17, 2011, 08:11:57 PM
People like mustang, et al. wouldn't see anything wrong even if Jesus Christ himself appeared at a board meeting and denounced him.........they would just complain that Jesus over-turned the tables.
Listen to yourselves people!!!
Are you for real? You don't know how I think or feel. Because I don't rip people here on BTF you think I like everything that goes on here? You have no clue on my feelings. What I don't like is constant personal attacks like comparing Pesek to fucking Al Capone. That is way out of line. Because someone knows a person who has committed a crime that automatically makes them a criminal. Thats bullshit. It amazes me how many perfect people are on this site. They have NEVER done anything wrong in their lives. They don't have ANY freinds or relatives who have ever done anything wrong. PLUS they have all the answers to any problem anyone will ever post on this site. Truly some freakin amazing perfect people posting here.
If you really judge people by who they associate or do business with Jackal and every criminal lawyer there is should be considered outcasts. They make their living off doing business with criminals. Another thing I do that many here don't is when I have a question about someone I go to them for an answer. I don't come on here and ask people who have no idea how to answer the question. I never understood how some could come home from a school board meeting or a city council meeting and ask questions on this site. They were just in the same room with the people who could answer their question best. But then they couldn't come on BTF and stir the pot of dislike.
Believe me I have had plenty of disagreements with Mortons school board. Probably more than all of you put together. They were done face to face on many occasions not on any talk forum. So don't give me that mindset bullshit you have no clue at all what goes on in my mind.
Mustang,
Cut the bs....you, I and everybody who knows anybody in Berwyn/Cicero knows who the Pesek's are, and what they're about. And not just the Pesek's, but ALL the named individuals. It goes WAAAY beyond merely knowing someone or the old bullshit "guilt by associaion" crap. I called this one, down to specifics, before any of this had become public knowledge, and you can verify this with OPS. How did I know? Simple. It wasn't any big secret. I didn't attend the Sarno trial, nor did I talk to anyone who did.
Your attempt to lump criminals and criminal defense attorneys together is farcical, at best, and revolting at its worst. I'm not a criminal, never have been, never will be. Made mistakes in my life, plenty of them....but I'm not a criminal, not a drug dealer, not a mob associate, nor a former or present street gang and/or biker gang member. I didn't make my money pushing dope through various semi and/or apparently legitimate businesses, or any other illegal manner. I did it the right way, the hard way. On my own. High school diploma, Bachelor of Arts, JD. For you to even imply anything different, or lump me together with semi literate common criminals is DESPICABLE. I go to work every day and do the right thing. I don't "do business" with ANY crimials. Its one thing to provide a constitutionally guaranteed and mandated service, for a fee...and quite another to engage in actual illegal activity. Nice try, though. Wouldn't have expected anything less.
Shame on you. In your quest to cover your ass and cover for everything and anything Cicero, you've made a complete fool of yourself. That town is the armpit of America, a verfiable cesspool or illicit, illegal and corrupt activity. If you want to drag someone into that garbage pit, find a suitable candidate, not myself.
Quote from: Roger on April 17, 2011, 10:23:32 PM
Jackal: I'm curious. When you say when certain people talk, other people should listen, what "certain people" are you referring to? I have seen you say this on several occassions.
Keep wondering Roger....but I will tell you, in person!
Well if you don't want to say who the "certain people" are that people should listen to, I guess that makes it hard if not impossible to figure out what you mean. I guess that should not suprise anyone "Counselor". lmao.
Quote from: Roger on April 17, 2011, 10:55:22 PM
Well if you don't want to say who the "certain people" are that people should listen to, I guess that makes it hard if not impossible to figure out what you mean. I guess that should not suprise anyone "Counselor". lmao.
Boy you're really brilliant Roger, aren't you? LOL. I get a kick out of you and your posts, but tonight is not the night I'm in the mood for it. Ciao!
Btw, while we're on the subject, let me reiterate....Jeff Pesek (and the Jeff Pesek's of the world) isn't really the problem. Today that figurehead is named Jeff Pesek, tomorrow it will be named something else. The real problem lies in the people who make it possible for the Pesek's of the world to serve on school boards.....and then continuously try to cover for them and/or pull the wool over everybody's eyes.
Quote from: jfrickind on April 16, 2011, 04:07:42 PM
Here's something I have been thinking about lately. What if this story were about a teacher at D201? How would the board react to that?
More importantly, how will a board, with Pesek as a member, react to a future disciplinary hearing of a teacher who is hanging around with drug dealers and gang bangers?
JD
I was thinking the same thing.
Quote from: The Jackal on April 17, 2011, 11:20:25 PM
The real problem lies in the people who make it possible for the Pesek's of the world to serve on school boards.....and then continuously try to cover for them and/or pull the wool over everybody's eyes.
The voters continuously try to cover for them and/or pull the wool over their own eyes? That makes no sense.
Keep thinking that way and you'll never get out of the perpetual circle jerk......
Continue avoiding the truth and you'll keep your hard on......
Quote from: The Jackal on April 17, 2011, 10:49:27 PM
I called this one, down to specifics, before any of this had become public knowledge, and you can verify this with OPS. How did I know? Simple. It wasn't any big secret.
F.O.S.
Quote from: mustang54 on April 17, 2011, 10:30:41 PM
.... there's another poster with Mustang, Mustang 84. Were you talking about that one or me!
I've mixed you two up a couple of times, including once in sending a PM. I thought I was answering Mustang54 and it was Mustang84! ... LOL
Bonster,
I'm not sure whjat you're gertting smart about Bonster....
Quote from: The Jackal on April 16, 2011, 08:05:42 AM
Possesses.....LOL. Damn Blackberry.
talk about me?? you look at Berwyn Talk on your blackberry!!! what a LOSER!! you must be one of these stay at home dads!
Quote from: joe martin on April 18, 2011, 07:32:29 PM
talk about me?? you look at Berwyn Talk on your blackberry!!! what a LOSER!! you must be one of these stay at home dads!
Sheenspeak
LOL!!!!!
You can't engage the peanut gallery....that's what talking heads are looking for. Change the subject, divert attention from the issues, shift the focus.... That's why you just let them talk....and talk....and talk....and the more they talk, the less they say.
Jackal: Now that you mention it, I have noticed that.
FYI, there is a poll on the Berwyn Life newspaper site asking people to vote on whether Pesek should step down.
The Life feels the need to poll people on THAT issue?
LOL!!!
Quote from: Ted on April 19, 2011, 05:21:32 PM
FYI, there is a poll on the Berwyn Life newspaper site asking people to vote on whether Pesek should step down.
Well, there you have it !
It will prove to everyone that he's an innocent victim, a hapless young lad being defamed by society and trapped by the vagaries of life.
Quote from: Ted on April 19, 2011, 05:21:32 PM
FYI, there is a poll on the Berwyn Life newspaper site asking people to vote on whether Pesek should step down.
So far
12 people have voted.
Quote from: buzz on April 19, 2011, 10:47:20 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 19, 2011, 05:21:32 PM
FYI, there is a poll on the Berwyn Life newspaper site asking people to vote on whether Pesek should step down.
So far 12 people have voted.
Fantastic! Their entire subscription base has chimed in!!
Quote from: Ted on April 19, 2011, 05:21:32 PM
FYI, there is a poll on the Berwyn Life newspaper site asking people to vote on whether Pesek should step down.
Looks like the Pesek supporters are coming out in full force. The "No" votes (i.e. Pesek should not resign) now lead the "Yes" votes (i.e. that Pesek should resign).
45 people have voted - 25 voted No and 20 voted Yes. When I checked yesterday, there were around 17 YES votes and only 3 NO votes.
But, I expect no less - they're experts at stuffing the ballot box.
:D ;D :D ;D :D
You think? Years of practice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Instead of this silly poll, maybe the Life can ask the following:
Do you believe Bob Lovero should explain whether or not he knew of Jeff Pesek's ties to organized crime before he endorsed him?
Wouldn't that be a more apropo question?
Quote from: douglas on April 11, 2011, 07:52:47 AM
Depending on the outcome of this, I think Mr pesek will resign anyway
what do you think now?
Pesek won, Lovero won, voters lost.
But then again, it's not like this place is a shining example of a healthy functioning democracy.
Quote from: scooter on April 13, 2011, 09:18:48 PM
Maybe because of his close association with Formato?
Whose "close association" with Formato, scooter?
Do tell.
I almost missed this. LOL!
He's talking about Lovero.
Well maybe scooter can share what he means by "close association"?
Na, he'll probably be like you - tight-lipped, all innuendo, no accusation, only PM'ing OPS.
LOL!
Think Employer-Employee...or so I've heard.
You've heard?
Hmmmm...
Well, maybe scooter will reappear?
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on May 05, 2011, 08:44:07 AM
Think Employer-Employee...or so I've heard.
Was Formato the mayor's hit man?
"I'll break your fucking knee caps!"
Quote from: bonster on May 05, 2011, 09:16:47 AM
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on May 05, 2011, 08:44:07 AM
Think Employer-Employee...or so I've heard.
Was Formato the mayor's hit man?
"I'll break your fucking knee caps!"
Only person suggesting that is you.
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on May 05, 2011, 09:25:06 AM
Quote from: bonster on May 05, 2011, 09:16:47 AM
Quote from: OakParkSpartan on May 05, 2011, 08:44:07 AM
Think Employer-Employee...or so I've heard.
Was Formato the mayor's hit man?
"I'll break your fucking knee caps!"
Only person suggesting that is you.
Since when is a question a suggestion?
C'mon, spit it out. What was he?
Quote from: Ted on April 14, 2011, 04:49:09 AM
Some interesting comments to the above article:
5. close friend!! wasn't Mr. Pesek a 12th street player gang member?[/b][/u]
Where did you get THIS from, Ted?
Quote from: The Jackal on May 05, 2011, 11:55:20 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 14, 2011, 04:49:09 AM
Some interesting comments to the above article:
5. close friend!! wasn't Mr. Pesek a 12th street player gang member?[/b][/u]
Where did you get THIS from, Ted?
It was in the comments section of the Sun Times article. I stated as such in my post.
...about Pesek alone, or BOTH Pesek and Polchan?
Quote from: The Jackal on May 05, 2011, 11:55:20 PM
Quote from: Ted on April 14, 2011, 04:49:09 AM
Some interesting comments to the above article:
5. close friend!! wasn't Mr. Pesek a 12th street player gang member?[/b][/u]
Where did you get THIS from, Ted?
Quote from: The Jackal on May 06, 2011, 06:57:24 AM
...about Pesek alone, or BOTH Pesek and Polchan?
The article was about Pesek (that he did not resign from D201 board). The article had the following statement, which I assume the comment was made in response to:
... Pesek testified he was a close childhood friend of Polchan ...
So would the implication be that Polchan was a former Twelfth Street Player, as well?
I don't want to get to far off the point here, but I have a question. Maybe it's
even been answered in another thread.
Was the "Twelfth Street Players" a bad gang? I mean in their day where they known as
a gang to fear? Any big crimes committed by any 12th street players? Prison time, big drug
deals, etc.?
Quote from: Berwyn Patsy on May 06, 2011, 07:48:21 AM
I don't want to get to far off the point here, but I have a question. Maybe it's
even been answered in another thread.
Was the "Twelfth Street Players" a bad gang? I mean in their day where they known as
a gang to fear? Any big crimes committed by any 12th street players? Prison time, big drug
deals, etc.?
As opposed to a good gang? You know the type that kept Cicero clean and "pure".
Off the top of my head, Mario Rainone and Gus Bujud both did significant time for the 1983 murder of 22 Boy street gang leader Roman Rys. That's just a start.... In fact, I think Rainone is still incarcerated on that same charge.
More deletion? Jesus criminy! (or would that be criminal?) ;D