Yeah, Cook County sales tax leaves us folks in Chicago paying a 10.25 % — the highest of any major U.S. city.
County Board President Todd Stroger pushed through a 1 percent increase this year to help close a more than $200 million shortfall in the county’s $3 billion budget, saying new money would go toward rescuing public health care services.
Stroger has been a favorite target of disgruntled taxpayers.
A total crook, however, we will have the Olympics here, so that will be pretty sweet.
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Yeah, Cook County sales tax leaves us folks in Chicago paying a 10.25 % — the highest of any major U.S. city.
County Board President Todd Stroger pushed through a 1 percent increase this year to help close a more than $200 million shortfall in the county’s $3 billion budget, saying new money would go toward rescuing public health care services.
Stroger has been a favorite target of disgruntled taxpayers.
A total crook, however, we will have the Olympics here, so that will be pretty sweet.
isnt there some insane gas tax also that pushes folks to drive to indiana to fill up?
so ive heard...i dont live there
Yeah, the gas in the city is very expensive, sometimes even a $1 more then the country average even. If you are close to Indiana it would make sense to drive there, however, if you are not it isn't worth your time really. I'm actually surprised that Depeche supports any of these democrats here in Chicago. Doesn't he work on Wall Street? I was always under the impression that people the voted for Democrats here in Chicago were poor, welfare collecting folks. Personally, all my friends, white, between 30-40, working, with families are all Republicans here in Chicago. I find it sort of bizarre that Chicago is so Blue, since it isn't a cheap place to live by any means.
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Quote Originally Posted by KOAJ:
isnt there some insane gas tax also that pushes folks to drive to indiana to fill up?
so ive heard...i dont live there
Yeah, the gas in the city is very expensive, sometimes even a $1 more then the country average even. If you are close to Indiana it would make sense to drive there, however, if you are not it isn't worth your time really. I'm actually surprised that Depeche supports any of these democrats here in Chicago. Doesn't he work on Wall Street? I was always under the impression that people the voted for Democrats here in Chicago were poor, welfare collecting folks. Personally, all my friends, white, between 30-40, working, with families are all Republicans here in Chicago. I find it sort of bizarre that Chicago is so Blue, since it isn't a cheap place to live by any means.
Yeah, Cook County sales tax leaves us folks in Chicago paying a 10.25 % — the highest of any major U.S. city.
County Board President Todd Stroger pushed through a 1 percent increase this year to help close a more than $200 million shortfall in the county’s $3 billion budget, saying new money would go toward rescuing public health care services.
Stroger has been a favorite target of disgruntled taxpayers.
A total crook, however, we will have the Olympics here, so that will be pretty sweet.
imagine all the heavy traffic if the Olympics were to occur in Chicago. (remember the traffic when Chicago hosted the 94 World Cup )
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Quote Originally Posted by gfinger:
Yeah, Cook County sales tax leaves us folks in Chicago paying a 10.25 % — the highest of any major U.S. city.
County Board President Todd Stroger pushed through a 1 percent increase this year to help close a more than $200 million shortfall in the county’s $3 billion budget, saying new money would go toward rescuing public health care services.
Stroger has been a favorite target of disgruntled taxpayers.
A total crook, however, we will have the Olympics here, so that will be pretty sweet.
imagine all the heavy traffic if the Olympics were to occur in Chicago. (remember the traffic when Chicago hosted the 94 World Cup )
mta6 just what the hell value add do add to these threads other than to attack koaj with just complete bullsh*t? Take that Liberal head of yours and stick it in your ass. Everyone knows the great state of Illinois (that I live in) has the most corrupt state politics in the union.
Here is some additional info on our fucked up Gov..
Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested today on federal corruption charges related to the selection of President-elect Barack Obama's Senate successor. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said Blagojevich tried to sell the Senate seat in exchange for favors. Blagojevich also is accused of trying to get members of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board fired for criticizing him.
Whats makes this all to funny, is the Chicago radio stations interviewing idiot democratic voters sayng the voted for this jackass, stating, "I thought he was a good man', " I did not know he was corrupt". When in fact stories of his corruption prior to him be elected to the govenor's office were buried.
Just watch Daley and his cronies will be next!
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mta6 just what the hell value add do add to these threads other than to attack koaj with just complete bullsh*t? Take that Liberal head of yours and stick it in your ass. Everyone knows the great state of Illinois (that I live in) has the most corrupt state politics in the union.
Here is some additional info on our fucked up Gov..
Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested today on federal corruption charges related to the selection of President-elect Barack Obama's Senate successor. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said Blagojevich tried to sell the Senate seat in exchange for favors. Blagojevich also is accused of trying to get members of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board fired for criticizing him.
Whats makes this all to funny, is the Chicago radio stations interviewing idiot democratic voters sayng the voted for this jackass, stating, "I thought he was a good man', " I did not know he was corrupt". When in fact stories of his corruption prior to him be elected to the govenor's office were buried.
imagine all the heavy traffic if the Olympics were to occur in Chicago. (remember the traffic when Chicago hosted the 94 World Cup )
Well hopefully by then the CTA will have all its repairs done by then. Plus the traffic here is nothing compared to the gridlock in NY or along the expressways of Cali. You can still go from O'hare to Downtown in about 45 minutes in your car during rush hour. I've never really had much of a problem with traffic here. Also, the Olympics will be so spread out, with different arenas all over the suburbs, etc.
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Quote Originally Posted by kevk87:
imagine all the heavy traffic if the Olympics were to occur in Chicago. (remember the traffic when Chicago hosted the 94 World Cup )
Well hopefully by then the CTA will have all its repairs done by then. Plus the traffic here is nothing compared to the gridlock in NY or along the expressways of Cali. You can still go from O'hare to Downtown in about 45 minutes in your car during rush hour. I've never really had much of a problem with traffic here. Also, the Olympics will be so spread out, with different arenas all over the suburbs, etc.
mta6 just what the hell value add do add to these threads other than to attack koaj with just complete bullsh*t? Take that Liberal head of yours and stick it in your ass. Everyone knows the great state of Illinois (that I live in) has the most corrupt state politics in the union.
Here is some additional info on our fucked up Gov..
Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested today on federal corruption charges related to the selection of President-elect Barack Obama's Senate successor. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said Blagojevich tried to sell the Senate seat in exchange for favors. Blagojevich also is accused of trying to get members of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board fired for criticizing him.
Whats makes this all to funny, is the Chicago radio stations interviewing idiot democratic voters sayng the voted for this jackass, stating, "I thought he was a good man', " I did not know he was corrupt". When in fact stories of his corruption prior to him be elected to the govenor's office were buried.
Just watch Daley and his cronies will be next!
Yeah, anyone that voted Stroger or G-Rod into office are complete fools. As for Daley, he is pretty much untouchable in this city. Corrupt or not, he has done a hell of a job making the city look sharp and provide a continuous level of tourist revenue here. He is pro Chicago, however, he has used to his power to get many things his way, that most of the city was against.
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Quote Originally Posted by slikscott:
mta6 just what the hell value add do add to these threads other than to attack koaj with just complete bullsh*t? Take that Liberal head of yours and stick it in your ass. Everyone knows the great state of Illinois (that I live in) has the most corrupt state politics in the union.
Here is some additional info on our fucked up Gov..
Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested today on federal corruption charges related to the selection of President-elect Barack Obama's Senate successor. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said Blagojevich tried to sell the Senate seat in exchange for favors. Blagojevich also is accused of trying to get members of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board fired for criticizing him.
Whats makes this all to funny, is the Chicago radio stations interviewing idiot democratic voters sayng the voted for this jackass, stating, "I thought he was a good man', " I did not know he was corrupt". When in fact stories of his corruption prior to him be elected to the govenor's office were buried.
Just watch Daley and his cronies will be next!
Yeah, anyone that voted Stroger or G-Rod into office are complete fools. As for Daley, he is pretty much untouchable in this city. Corrupt or not, he has done a hell of a job making the city look sharp and provide a continuous level of tourist revenue here. He is pro Chicago, however, he has used to his power to get many things his way, that most of the city was against.
I was always under the impression that people the voted for Democrats here in Chicago were poor, welfare collecting folks. Personally, all my friends, white, between 30-40, working, with families are all Republicans here in Chicago. I find it sort of bizarre that Chicago is so Blue, since it isn't a cheap place to live by any means.
All you need to do is look at the by county map of the U.S. for the last few presidential elections and you will see the large counties within the cities vote democratic..... hmmm wonder why? Can you say handouts from Democrats such as welfare programs and other government sponsored handouts. Thats the base of the democratic party, includes african american, hispanics, illegal aliens, uneducated voter, etc.
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Quote Originally Posted by gfinger:
I was always under the impression that people the voted for Democrats here in Chicago were poor, welfare collecting folks. Personally, all my friends, white, between 30-40, working, with families are all Republicans here in Chicago. I find it sort of bizarre that Chicago is so Blue, since it isn't a cheap place to live by any means.
All you need to do is look at the by county map of the U.S. for the last few presidential elections and you will see the large counties within the cities vote democratic..... hmmm wonder why? Can you say handouts from Democrats such as welfare programs and other government sponsored handouts. Thats the base of the democratic party, includes african american, hispanics, illegal aliens, uneducated voter, etc.
is it possible to rise up in illinois politics without being connected?
this Gov Blago seems like a rat fink who will run his mouth to stay out of the pokey
maybe he can be cellmates with that scumbag rostenkowski who used the USPS as an atm machine 10-12 years ago
Good question KOAJ. I personally know an ex-Aldermann here in Chicago and he was as crooked as it gets. He was stealing funds from the Norwood Park Metra rehab. The hits go on and on.
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Quote Originally Posted by KOAJ:
no one has answered my question
is it possible to rise up in illinois politics without being connected?
this Gov Blago seems like a rat fink who will run his mouth to stay out of the pokey
maybe he can be cellmates with that scumbag rostenkowski who used the USPS as an atm machine 10-12 years ago
Good question KOAJ. I personally know an ex-Aldermann here in Chicago and he was as crooked as it gets. He was stealing funds from the Norwood Park Metra rehab. The hits go on and on.
All you need to do is look at the by county map of the U.S. for the last few presidential elections and you will see the large counties within the cities vote democratic..... hmmm wonder why? Can you say handouts from Democrats such as welfare programs and other government sponsored handouts. Thats the base of the democratic party, includes african american, hispanics, illegal aliens, uneducated voter, etc.
Good point.
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Quote Originally Posted by slikscott:
All you need to do is look at the by county map of the U.S. for the last few presidential elections and you will see the large counties within the cities vote democratic..... hmmm wonder why? Can you say handouts from Democrats such as welfare programs and other government sponsored handouts. Thats the base of the democratic party, includes african american, hispanics, illegal aliens, uneducated voter, etc.
A little background on the Repub Gov before Blago, now in jail....this one is a lot worse than just trying to get some $$$........
The corruption scandal that led to Ryan's downfall began over a decade earlier as a federal investigation into a deadly crash in Wisconsin that killed six children. The investigation revealed a scheme inside Ryan's secretary of state's office in which unqualified truck drivers obtained licenses through bribes. As the AP wrote: "The probe expanded over the next eight years into a wide-ranging corruption investigation that eventually reached Ryan in the governor's office."
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A little background on the Repub Gov before Blago, now in jail....this one is a lot worse than just trying to get some $$$........
The corruption scandal that led to Ryan's downfall began over a decade earlier as a federal investigation into a deadly crash in Wisconsin that killed six children. The investigation revealed a scheme inside Ryan's secretary of state's office in which unqualified truck drivers obtained licenses through bribes. As the AP wrote: "The probe expanded over the next eight years into a wide-ranging corruption investigation that eventually reached Ryan in the governor's office."
Long time lurker, rarely contribute, but love the site.
KOAJ, I think Rod is the big fish here and will go away for a long time. I imagine they will supercede this indictment with more, as they needed to get this out before the Senate seat was sold. Most of us Illinois residents know this guy is a scum bag and was a matter of time before he went down. He's so incredulous that he was caught on tape within the last month, trying to shake people down. In fact, I believe this guy will be diagnosed with some sort of illusion of grandeur disorder, once he goes through his medical evaluation.
To answer your question, Chicago has always been about the glad hand bullshit. I don't think connected necessarily means currupt (all the time). But, you certainly need your friends to get anywhere (as in all political situations)
As a Chicagoan, I would like to defend the city. Personally, I think Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. Certainly, we have issues, and I will agree with a poster above the Stroger is a power monger that has abused his position and must go. But, anyone who lives in this town understands that Daley is a major reason it has thrived and has the largest downtown population in the Country. Mayor Daley has been a foe of Rod's many years, and, in fact, ridicules the guy in public all the time.
As far as the Pension issue, I doubt Illinois leads the Nation in a pension underfunding (I would like to see a source). Although, I believe the pension issue will bring down alot of states, including Illinois.
Anyway, just a couple random thoughts.
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Long time lurker, rarely contribute, but love the site.
KOAJ, I think Rod is the big fish here and will go away for a long time. I imagine they will supercede this indictment with more, as they needed to get this out before the Senate seat was sold. Most of us Illinois residents know this guy is a scum bag and was a matter of time before he went down. He's so incredulous that he was caught on tape within the last month, trying to shake people down. In fact, I believe this guy will be diagnosed with some sort of illusion of grandeur disorder, once he goes through his medical evaluation.
To answer your question, Chicago has always been about the glad hand bullshit. I don't think connected necessarily means currupt (all the time). But, you certainly need your friends to get anywhere (as in all political situations)
As a Chicagoan, I would like to defend the city. Personally, I think Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. Certainly, we have issues, and I will agree with a poster above the Stroger is a power monger that has abused his position and must go. But, anyone who lives in this town understands that Daley is a major reason it has thrived and has the largest downtown population in the Country. Mayor Daley has been a foe of Rod's many years, and, in fact, ridicules the guy in public all the time.
As far as the Pension issue, I doubt Illinois leads the Nation in a pension underfunding (I would like to see a source). Although, I believe the pension issue will bring down alot of states, including Illinois.
As far as the Pension issue, I doubt Illinois leads the Nation in a pension underfunding --------- heard his interview on cnbc where he admitted it...was a young guy, russian i think...the state treasurer
chicago is probably a great place...never been but the corruption is just awful
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As far as the Pension issue, I doubt Illinois leads the Nation in a pension underfunding --------- heard his interview on cnbc where he admitted it...was a young guy, russian i think...the state treasurer
chicago is probably a great place...never been but the corruption is just awful
Blagojevich is being quoted on the FBI wiretaps complaining about Obama suggesting who should be his senate replacement, but refusing to offer Blagojevich any illegal contributions.
Blagojevich: "I have to give this motherfucker his senator? Fuck him. For nothing? Fuck him. I'll pick another candidate before I
just give away a fucking Senate seat and I
don't get anything."
~~~~~ZOSO~~~~~
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Blagojevich is being quoted on the FBI wiretaps complaining about Obama suggesting who should be his senate replacement, but refusing to offer Blagojevich any illegal contributions.
Blagojevich: "I have to give this motherfucker his senator? Fuck him. For nothing? Fuck him. I'll pick another candidate before I
just give away a fucking Senate seat and I
don't get anything."
At a press conference here Tuesday announcing federal corruption charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, FBI Special Agent Robert Grant said that "if [Illinois] isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it is one hell of a competitor."
The arrest of Gov. Blagojevich is one more chapter in a long, bipartisan history of corruption that has seen roughly 20% -- one in five -- of the state's chief executives indicted or convicted of felonies in the past century.
Should Mr. Blagojevich end up in prison, he will join predecessors including the following:
Republican George Ryan, who is currently serving a 6 1/2-year stretch in federal prison for racketeering and fraud. Blagojevich, along with Sen. Richard Durbin, has publicly supported an appeal to the White House for the commutation of Mr. Ryan's sentence.
Otto Kerner, a Democrat who was convicted in 1973 on 17 counts of bribery, conspiracy, perjury and other charges before being sentenced to three years in the pen. The federal prosecutor in that case, James Thompson, later ascended to the governor's chair and wound up getting his law firm to defend Ryan for free.
Dan Walker was convicted in 1987 -- years after leaving office -- of bank fraud. Serving from 1973 to 1977, with a reputation as a reformer, he was the last Democratic governor of the state before Mr. Blagojevich took office in 2003.
Lennington Small, a Republican, served from 1921 to 1929. He was indicted while in office for embezzlement related to actions taken when he was state treasurer. He was later acquitted; several of the jurors in the case ended up with state jobs.
Also, in one infamous case further down the chain, a former speaker of the state's House of Representatives and secretary of state, Paul Powell, was found after his death in 1970 to have had several million dollars in embezzled cash stashed in shoe boxes.
Mr. Powell, according to a Time magazine article at the time, had his own definition of success, believing that "there's only one thing worse than a defeated politician, and that's a broke one."
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At a press conference here Tuesday announcing federal corruption charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, FBI Special Agent Robert Grant said that "if [Illinois] isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it is one hell of a competitor."
The arrest of Gov. Blagojevich is one more chapter in a long, bipartisan history of corruption that has seen roughly 20% -- one in five -- of the state's chief executives indicted or convicted of felonies in the past century.
Should Mr. Blagojevich end up in prison, he will join predecessors including the following:
Republican George Ryan, who is currently serving a 6 1/2-year stretch in federal prison for racketeering and fraud. Blagojevich, along with Sen. Richard Durbin, has publicly supported an appeal to the White House for the commutation of Mr. Ryan's sentence.
Otto Kerner, a Democrat who was convicted in 1973 on 17 counts of bribery, conspiracy, perjury and other charges before being sentenced to three years in the pen. The federal prosecutor in that case, James Thompson, later ascended to the governor's chair and wound up getting his law firm to defend Ryan for free.
Dan Walker was convicted in 1987 -- years after leaving office -- of bank fraud. Serving from 1973 to 1977, with a reputation as a reformer, he was the last Democratic governor of the state before Mr. Blagojevich took office in 2003.
Lennington Small, a Republican, served from 1921 to 1929. He was indicted while in office for embezzlement related to actions taken when he was state treasurer. He was later acquitted; several of the jurors in the case ended up with state jobs.
Also, in one infamous case further down the chain, a former speaker of the state's House of Representatives and secretary of state, Paul Powell, was found after his death in 1970 to have had several million dollars in embezzled cash stashed in shoe boxes.
Mr. Powell, according to a Time magazine article at the time, had his own definition of success, believing that "there's only one thing worse than a defeated politician, and that's a broke one."
Blagojevich is being quoted on the FBI wiretaps complaining about Obama suggesting who should be his senate replacement, but refusing to offer Blagojevich any illegal contributions.
Blagojevich: "I have to give this motherfucker his senator? Fuck him. For nothing? Fuck him. I'll pick another candidate before I
just give away a fucking Senate seat and I
don't get anything."
amazing isnt it? this is as bad as it gets...like Ap1 said, hope he squeals so we can clean out 10 more
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Quote Originally Posted by TheGoldenGoose:
Blagojevich is being quoted on the FBI wiretaps complaining about Obama suggesting who should be his senate replacement, but refusing to offer Blagojevich any illegal contributions.
Blagojevich: "I have to give this motherfucker his senator? Fuck him. For nothing? Fuck him. I'll pick another candidate before I
just give away a fucking Senate seat and I
don't get anything."
amazing isnt it? this is as bad as it gets...like Ap1 said, hope he squeals so we can clean out 10 more
mta6 just what the hell value add do add to these threads other than to attack koaj with just complete bullsh*t? Take thatLiberal head of yours and stick it in your ass. Everyone knows the great state of Illinois (that I live in) has the most corrupt state politics in the union.
We have a little problem here Slikscott........mta's HEAD won't fit in his ass..........
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Quote Originally Posted by slikscott:
mta6 just what the hell value add do add to these threads other than to attack koaj with just complete bullsh*t? Take thatLiberal head of yours and stick it in your ass. Everyone knows the great state of Illinois (that I live in) has the most corrupt state politics in the union.
We have a little problem here Slikscott........mta's HEAD won't fit in his ass..........
A little background on the Repub Gov before Blago, now in jail....this one is a lot worse than just trying to get some $$$........
The corruption scandal that led to Ryan's downfall began over a decade earlier as a federal investigation into a deadly crash in Wisconsin that killed six children. The investigation revealed a scheme inside Ryan's secretary of state's office in which unqualified truck drivers obtained licenses through bribes. As the AP wrote: "The probe expanded over the next eight years into a wide-ranging corruption investigation that eventually reached Ryan in the governor's office."
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Quote Originally Posted by MrOPC:
A little background on the Repub Gov before Blago, now in jail....this one is a lot worse than just trying to get some $$$........
The corruption scandal that led to Ryan's downfall began over a decade earlier as a federal investigation into a deadly crash in Wisconsin that killed six children. The investigation revealed a scheme inside Ryan's secretary of state's office in which unqualified truck drivers obtained licenses through bribes. As the AP wrote: "The probe expanded over the next eight years into a wide-ranging corruption investigation that eventually reached Ryan in the governor's office."
is it possible to rise up in illinois politics without being connected?
this Gov Blago seems like a rat fink who will run his mouth to stay out of the pokey
maybe he can be cellmates with that scumbag rostenkowski who used the USPS as an atm machine 10-12 years ago
You might be able to get a low level position but if you want something big you absolutely have to be connected. Stroger gave all the city jobs to relatives. His cousin is the CFO. And then there is the Daley family. His son just got a big city contract for something. Chicago is a great city but if you want something it will cost you big time.
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Quote Originally Posted by KOAJ:
no one has answered my question
is it possible to rise up in illinois politics without being connected?
this Gov Blago seems like a rat fink who will run his mouth to stay out of the pokey
maybe he can be cellmates with that scumbag rostenkowski who used the USPS as an atm machine 10-12 years ago
You might be able to get a low level position but if you want something big you absolutely have to be connected. Stroger gave all the city jobs to relatives. His cousin is the CFO. And then there is the Daley family. His son just got a big city contract for something. Chicago is a great city but if you want something it will cost you big time.
) 
surprise, surprise, surprise
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