by: Diane Benjamin
A month ago this story was posted: http://blnnews.com/2014/01/08/fly-on-the-wall-kathy-michael/
Kathy Michael ranted in the comments – she has a real problem with being anything less than perfect and somebody pointing that out. Kathy, here’s a tip: just tell the truth and nothing else matters. I told you to get me proof of what you claim and I’d post an apology, it’s been a month and I’ve received nothing.
Luckily I was able to get the spending and budget records directly from the County. If you have a problem with the numbers, see County Administrator Bill Wasson, his name is on the Freedom of Information Act Request. First, read Kathy’s comments. These are ones I didn’t approve previously, they are in reverse order. I’m going to approve them on the article too, they may make more sense there:
 Kathy Michaelkathymichael16@gmail.com 50.44.79.168 |
Submitted on 2014/01/08 at 7:57 pm
I didn’t think you would be honest enough Diane, to post my “rant”. You proved my point to me, if not to others. Be happy and kind to others; it’s a better way to live life. I feel better having responded, even though you won’t post, and I won’t read you again or respond; but I sure feel better. Thank you for once again showing who and what you really are. A sad case, to most who know you. |
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| Select comment | Kathy Michael kathymichael16@gmail.com 50.44.79.168 |
Submitted on 2014/01/08 at 7:34 pm | In reply to MJ.
MJ, I won’t stand aside any longer and let the lies on this blog stand. Don’t follow like a sheep; it’s good to have a watchdog; we need them; but it’s good also to make sure it’s someone who tells the truth. |
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| Select comment | Kathy Michael kathymichael16@gmail.com 50.44.79.168 |
Submitted on 2014/01/08 at 7:32 pm | In reply to Mickey Kruglik III.
Mickey. I don’t use all the money granted my office every year; and have never, in the 3 years I’ve been in office; asked for more. Each year, I have returned thousands to the General Fund; this year it was approx. $40,000. We buy supplies at the end of every year that we feel we need. Staff is asked to submit a “wish list” of sorts of what they truly need to make their workplace better, for the next year. For some, it’s a new chair, or a back rest, for all of us, it’s supplies we want to make certain we don’t run out of in the next year, knowing we have money in this ending year’s budget. I could ignore this blog. I’m a public official and I’m certainly fair game. When it’s the truth, criticism is deserved. When it’s a lie, it needs to be exposed for what it is. If you want more information and details, come talk with me any time. |
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| Select comment | Kathy Michael kathymichael16@gmail.com 50.44.79.168 |
Submitted on 2014/01/08 at 7:20 pm
Oh I’ll get right on that Diane. Our office has returned money every year in the 3 years I’ve been in office; I’ll await your apology, but I won’t hold my breath. And no, you haven’t heard that complaint for years, you’re making that up, as you do with most of the things here on your blog. You can bully other folks, but it won’t work on me. As I’ve mentioned here before and I’ll continue to do so; come see me, come see our records, come talk to staff, either confidentially or in my office. You had a good thing going Diane; an opportunity to represent the people and be a voice; but you have lost all credibility and you have certainly lost my respect. I’ve advised other people to ignore you, and not give you your 15 minutes of fame that you so desperately need; but I’ll go against my advice and do so here. You wanted to be an elected official and you were defeated. . . overwhelmingly, and now you attack the people you once wanted to be. You’re a hypocrite and apparently a sad woman, desperately seeking some worth. You’re not going to get away with it with me my dear. Bring it on. I don’t like bullies. |
Click on the picture to enlarge it.
These are spending summaries from 2010 – pre-Kathy and post-Kathy, 2011 and 2012.
In 2010 $39,093 budgeted was not spent. Thank Peggy Ann Milton.
In 2011 actual expenses were $81,993 over budget. The budget was severely cut for 2011 (don’t know why), but spending was still higher than it was in 2010.
In 2012 actual expenses were $2555 over budget.
KATHY: Where is the $40,000 you supposedly returned?
In the General Fund receipts to your office are listed as $311,587.32. Expenses are $877,294.26. Taxpayers picked up $565,706.94 to run elections and have you keep records. No $40,000 returned there!
I suppose you want the Doc Storage Account included too. That’s the little fee tacked on to every transaction that is supposed to assist with digital storage of records. It’s not suppose to be used for salaries and supplies, but you did. It looks more like an extension of your General Fund budget. At least you did leave a little Income there in 2012: $4890.16.
This time I’m approving all your comments, so rant away. If the County Administrator is wrong – let me know!
Response 3542.1 This is the entire FOIA request as received.
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It would really surprise me if Kathy claimed to have returned money to the general fund, if indeed it was not true. It’s not as if she wouldn’t have access to those records. If she didn’t return those funds, then she wouldn’t be stupid enough to say she did, would she?
She sounds like a real nut case…………………………..how do people like that get elected???
The information you provide here Diane, is just Expenditures. You forgot to FOIA the Income.
Read it again. I reported the net and I do have the income. It’s really immaterial since income depends solely on demand for licenses etc.
You are misinformed about “income depends solely on demand. . . ” That’s not true at all. The County Administrator can confirm that for you. We had excess each year Diane, and will again for 2013; giving back to the General Fund; I just confirmed this with the Auditor. I’ll post this information on my blog and Facebook, and have it approved by the County Administrator; beyond that, I’ve got work to do. Suggest to your readers, and you; to contact the Auditor and/or Administrator, and get the facts. bill.wasson@mcleancountyil.gov or michelle.anderson@mcleancountyil.gov
The information I received by FOIA shows your office costs taxpayers around $500,000 a year. It’s part of government, so the citizens expect to be paying for the services your office provides. If Wasson gave me incorrect information, tell him to correct it. The important part is budget and expenses. That is detailed in the article.
He didn’t give you incorrect information. I’ll not comment any longer here, until you post other erroneous and misleading information. I’ll continue to encourage the public to keep in contact with me through our Blog and Facebook, and coming in to view records and talk about things anytime, and to talk with the County Administrator and Auditor; they are very helpful. Have a nice day.
Just for YOUR benefit, I will add a link to the entire FOIA request as received.
Thank you, you are very helpful.
It’s good to see you two girls working things out.