Tag: Matt Sorensen

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Guest Editorial: Matt Sorensen

Today the Pantagraph embarrassed itself again with an article welcoming Matt Sorensen back from prison:    https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ex-mclean-county-board-chair-sorensen-completes-federal-sentence/article_c78c7b6d-a1f5-5c73-8f9c-36518d5a5ed2.html How many other felons have they welcomed back?  Is the Pantagraph going to endorse him for office again too?  Is this “welcome back” because Matt was the consummate insider who complied with the establishment line, except for a tiny detour […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Matt Sorensen: Prisoner #50503-424

Matt Sorensen reported to federal prison somewhere today. Since he has been on an “I’m not guilty” tour: He pled guilty to one count of FELONY wire fraud. He avoided a possible REALLY long sentence by not going to trial. He is jointly responsible for repaying $490,975 that was stolen by billing for consulting fees […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Sorensen jail, but still questions

By:  Diane Benjamin I wonder if the judge who sentenced Matt Sorensen to only 1 year in jail knows he is still telling everyone (but the judge) he is innocent? There is another question that still hasn’t been answered: Who is the 3rd person? Remember the un-named co-schemer? http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2016/01/05/393755.htm   Two pled guilty meaning #3 […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Matt Sorensen: He knew

By:  Diane Benjamin Last November a vote by the County Board resulted in a property tax increase when a vote to dip into LARGE reserves was defeated.  Matt Sorensen voted NO to break a tie:  https://blnnews.com/2016/03/24/county-50000000-in-reserves/ The financial statements as of 12/31/2015 have been issued (CAFR).  I’ve barely begun reviewing the 221 pages, but this […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

County: Sorensen email

By:  Diane Benjamin An acquaintance sent an email to a large number of people, former McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen’s email address  was inadvertently included.  The email didn’t “bounce” even though it was sent after he quit the Board. I filed this FOIA request: All emails to and from Matt Sorensen’s County email address(s) […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

County: $50,000,000+ in reserves

By:  Diane Benjamin Remember when I wrote about the County Board raising your property taxes?  http://blnnews.com/2016/03/10/zero-transparency-mclean-county/ Before the vote another vote was taken that would have mandated using some of the reserves instead of raising taxes.  The comments by some Board members to protect their “savings account” show how little respect they have for taxpayers.  […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

The County (not available) spending

By:  Diane Benjamin Total spending by vendor is NOT available on the County website.  This means nobody at the County really knows where taxpayer money is spent! Numerous committees approve their own bills for payment.  The only place we can see them is by month and by committee.  NO totals – even by committee.  The […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Corruption Central

By:  Diane Benjamin Multiple Choice test: A)  Why is Matt Sorensen’s name not being taken off the March 15th ballot?  The “powers” think voters are just stupid enough to re-elect him  The “powers” want him re-elected so they can they get his resignation and appoint the person they want  The “powers” want the March 15th […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Where’s the media?

By:  Diane Benjamin If elected officials are conservative, the local media is relentless in attacking them.  Any representative opposing “progress” on the grounds it isn’t government’s job, will get vicious treatment for not going along with the majority. The majority is bankrupting taxpayers, but that’s immaterial to media. Examples:  Judy Stearns, Kevin Lower, and Lee […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

UPDATE County Board: A chance to change

Quote from Special Agent Patrick Bohrer, assistant section chief Public Corruption/Civil Rights program at FBI Headquarters. “We depend greatly on assistance from the public. So let me end by saying, if anyone out there has any information about potential wrongdoing by a public official, please submit a tip online or contact your local FBI field […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Sorensen: Grand Jury Indictment

By:  Diane Benjamin h/t Illinois Leaks/Edgar County Watchdogs  http://edgarcountywatchdogs.com/2016/01/mcclean-county-board-chairman-indicted-in-federal-court-for-theft-wire-fraud-totaling-over-890000/ You can see the entire 14 page indictment here or on the Edgar County Watchdogs site above:  Indictment-Sorensen

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Is County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen in jail?

Additional stories: http://blnnews.com/2016/01/07/sorensen-more-info/ http://blnnews.com/2016/01/06/county-board-a-chance-to-change/ http://blnnews.com/2016/01/05/sorensen-grand-jury-indictment/ http://blnnews.com/2016/01/05/more-on-sorensen-court-press-release/   By:  Diane Benjamin Maybe if the local press did investigative reporting we would know.  Why did the press not care when Matt Sorensen left State Farm under less than amicable circumstances.  What does it take for State Farm to fire a high-ranking employee, let alone the McLean County […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

The local elected DON’t get it

by:  Diane Benjamin County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen is quoted today in the Pantagraph:  “When we look at these salaries, we’re obligated to look around the state”. He cast the deciding vote for pay increases for the County Clerk, Sheriff, Treasurer, himself, and other board members.   By 2018 the Treasurer and County Clerk will […]

Written by Diane Benjamin - editor

Some counties care about rights – McLean, not so much

Livingston county passed this resolution in February.  It was sent to Matt Sorensen (McLean County Board Chairman), no response. RESOLUTION of the COUNTY BOARD of LIVINGSTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE OF “THE FAMILY AND PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT,” ILLINOIS HOUSE BILL 0997 WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states “the right of the […]