by: Diane Benjamin Last night, according to the Pantagraph, the Unit 5 School Board hired Dr. Mark Daniel as Superintendent. Dr. Daniel is the only candidate I profiled because he was obviously the best choice. In the private sector the employer ALWAYS tries to get employees as cheap as possible. It’s their money and they […]
by: Diane Benjamin I previously reported Geoffrey Tomkins is running for GOP precinct committeeman and the he was Tari Renner’s Treasurer for his mayoral campaign. http://blnnews.com/2014/02/28/running-as-gop/ If working for a Democrat while claiming to be a Republican isn’t reason enough, try this one: Tomkins worked with Rob Fazzini to get Modified Wards on the primary […]
by: Diane Benjamin Today the Pantagraph supported the 1% Sales Tax for schools. Here’s the actual wording that will be on the ballot: Shall a retailers’ occupation tax and a service occupation tax (commonly referred to as a “sales tax”) be imposed in The County of McLean, Illinois, at a rate of 1% to be […]
Democrat Rep. Jay Hoffman has proposed a bill that will allow those intrusive speed trap cameras statewide. Currently, they are only allowed in Chicago. The bill number is HB 4532. The bill’s purpose is to raise revenue. That’s the whole reason for the bill. Another way to steal dollars from the citizens. There isn’t a […]
Today this guy has a Letter to the Editor supporting the 1% Sales Tax increase. I hear he is also a partner at Farnsworth & Wylie! The schools want more money the build and remodel. Why would Farnsworth care? I think this explains it: http://www.f-w.com/bio.php?id=4
by: Diane Benjamin Several years ago I received a frantic call from a sister-in-law who lives about 2 miles away from me in the country. She was home alone. She heard what she thought was a motorcycle very close to her house. She really believed someone was going to break her door down and attack […]
by: Diane Benjamin Every McLean County resident will be asked to approve a 1% SALES TAX increase for schools. You do NOT need to choose a Democrat or Republican ballot to vote on this issue. Just ask for a non-partisan ballot. Here is why you should Vote NO 1) This is a permanent tax. Your Property […]
by Diane Benjamin Here’s the guy you DON’T want: Tom Cross -Click HERE for a reminder about how Tom Cross brought the Obamacare Medicaid provision to Illinois – 2 years early! – Cross has been the Republican minority leader in Springfield for more than 11 years – what has he accomplished? Democrats now have super majority – […]
Unit 5 Superintendent update
by: Diane Benjamin When Gary Niehaus was hired he got a HUGE raise: Source: openthebooks.com Since you obviously need help setting salaries, here’s what Dr Mark Daniel is currently earning. Think you can be a little more fiscally responsible this time? http://www.mackinac.org/depts/epi/salary.aspx?CCode1=All+Counties&DSearch1=&DCode1=14020&Sort=Total Michigan Public School Superintendent Compensation Database This database presents the estimated total compensation […]
Alderman Rob Fazzini should get a gig at a comedy club! Today he has a Letter to the Editor stating the current Ward system is broken because pensions aren’t funded, street and sewers aren’t being fixed, deferred maintenance is mounting . etc . etc. etc. Rob: Aren’t you on the Council now? Rob: How many […]
by: Diane Benjamin Blame former Mayor Steve Stockton. See the Board and Commissions on the City website: http://www.cityblm.org/index.aspx?page=253 These people do much of the planning for what happens in Bloomington. The Board and Commissions are largely made up of citizen volunteers. They have specific terms they are supposed to serve, this system is supposed to […]
by: Diane Benjamin First, congratulation to David Hales for getting the January report out much quicker than past monthly reports. Bloomington Library: The citizens have been led to believe the library is growing way too fast for the current building. Maybe not. This graph is included in the City manager’s report: http://www.cityblm.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=6417 Clearly the growth […]
by: Diane Benjamin This information is also from the Bloomington City Managers report: http://www.cityblm.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=6417 I STRONGLY urge the Citizens of Bloomington to read the report. Parks and Rec has 9 pages. It’s a glowing report recapping all the activities your government is providing for you. It’s also the reason why the City needs more […]
by: Diane Benjamin The monthly Bloomington City Manager’s report for January it on-line: http://www.cityblm.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=6417 One interesting graph shows the number of golf rounds played at the 3 City owned golf courses. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a chart without a TOTALS column, unless there is something to hide. I added my own totals to […]
by: Diane Benjamin I have nothing against Rep Rodney Davis’s voting record, but his attitude is a problem. He has not held Town Hall meetings, opting instead for visiting businesses. It is almost like he is afraid of tough questions. Maybe the Chicago Tribune saw the same thing: Tribune endorsements for the U.S. House The […]
by: Diane Benjamin When you VOTE you will see a lot of uncontested races. The primary is where ideas and values should be fought, but too few people step up to run for office. We are permanently stuck with career politicians who do nothing but vote themselves raises and big pensions. Think locally – we […]
by: Diane Benjamin If you are voting in the GOP primary, this information is to provide you information on the conservative candidates running. See this previous post too: http://blnnews.com/2014/02/28/running-as-gop/ County Board – District 4 Vote for: Mark W. Johnson instead of Jeremy Lee Foster (under indictment for drugs) State Treasurer: Vote for: CPA Bob Grogan instead of Tom Cross […]
by: Diane Benjamin When a politician announces free Pre-K for all – make sure they don’t get elected. Here’s why: Free public schools weren’t the creation of the Founders, in fact there is nothing in the Constitution about government running schools. Progressives brought mandatory education to pass in the early 1900’s. In 1919 Arthur Calhoun […]
by: Diane Benjamin The McLean County Chamber of Commerce has returned to their anti-business ways. It looks like they are a true reflection of their membership. According to the Pantagraph, 51.52% of their members think the current Bloomington Ward system is serving Bloomington well, 48.48 don’t. When asked if Modified Wards should be approved, 51.52 […]
