By: Diane Benjamin
1)
I attended the swearing-in ceremony yesterday. I estimate the BCPA auditorium was about two-thirds full. Alderman Sheila Montney wasn’t able to attend; I’m sure she will be sworn in soon. The right oath of office was used!
A reception was held downstairs afterward. It was fun talking to lots of different people, even Tari Renner. He’s a lot easier to talk to when he’s not elected.
I suggest attending at least 1 of these ceremonies just to witness the event. Next one will be in 2 years when far fewer people will vote since the mayor won’t be on the ballot.
2)
See this WGLT story: https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2025-04-30/trumps-americorps-cuts-kill-legal-help-program-at-mclean-countys-courthouse
This one I have personal experience with. Quote from the story:
JusticeCorps is valuable because, unlike in criminal cases, you don’t have a right to an attorney in a civil case. If you can’t afford one and can’t find a legal aid firm to take your case, you’re on your own.
Until this week, JusticeCorps helpers had been stationed in the McLean County Law and Justice Center law library. Each location had at least one “fellow” anchoring the work, plus some additional help from interns, said Kearns. There were 33 JusticeCorps workers around the state.
Years ago, when I filed FOIA cases myself, I used this service. Sometimes a young person was in the law library; sometimes no one was. These people mostly just located the forms needed to file. They didn’t always locate the right form for me.
The things I filed weren’t what most people file. I’m sure people representing themselves file many of the same documents, like small claims, uncontested divorces, or orders of protection. If those frequently used forms were assembled somewhere, like the circuit clerk’s office, these people wouldn’t be needed. The clerk could point to the wall of documents and say something like, “You need to file numbers 1 and 3.”
I haven’t filed a case in many years, but I was one of the first who were forced to e-file. I remember Judge Foley asking how the process was. Since I’ve been a programmer for decades, I know the ultimate goal is to make the process so easy there is no reason to call for assistance. At that time, the county program wasn’t that. I don’t know if it is easier now, but see this page: https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/1140/Helpful-Resources-for-People-without-Law
The first 3 paragraphs aren’t in English. Page down far enough and you will find:
.
The people who used to be in the law library weren’t any help to me years ago; I doubt they assisted with e-filing before the grant was lost. The above is too many instructions for what should be a simple process.
We can keep pretending every bit of spending is essential, or we can realize it isn’t. The federal debt is unsustainable; of course, lawsuits have been filed to stop this cut. The WGLT story tries to sound like the world is ending—it isn’t. Nobody representing themselves is going to read law books in the library. The law was never meant to be a mystery only lawyers understand. Simplify the process so assistance isn’t required.
Thank you for being a watchdog Diane! You are appreciated!
My experience with the city clerk’s office is they’ve only gotten worse. The easier they make it for themselves, the harder it is for me. Longing for the days of just making a phone call for help. A real person answers the phone and then helps you.
Many forms can be found on the Illinois Supreme Court website. They are easy to use. https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/approved-forms/
Efiling is pretty easy at this point. It has come along way since the beginning.
Forms are also on the county website, forgot to mention that
Being that you were in attendance , you forgot to mention the loudest applause came when Abby Scott was called up to the podium to be sworn in. The enthusiasm was palpable. The day may have been centered on the Mayor , but the audience was clearly behind Abby and what she will bring to our community !
I didn’t hear that