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Archive for January, 2025

Illinois Playbook: The Buzz

Posted in Deception, Elections, Ethics, Politics, Springfield on January 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By SHIA KAPOS | POLITICO

GAME OF THRONES: State Sen. Dan McConchie’s exit from the Illinois General Assembly has kicked off a fierce political battle to take his place, with concerns about nepotism and party unity.

The application process starts today, and interviews will be conducted next week behind closed doors. The vote will be public.

The process: The five Republican district committee members who will select the next 26th District senator each have a “weighted” vote based on the number of ballots cast in their county during the last election. The 26th includes a large part of Lake County and some smaller areas of Cook, McHenry and Kane counties.

That means Keith Brin, the Lake County Republican chair, has more than 55 percent of the vote, so he’ll make the call on the next senator.

The drama: “I am not prejudging anyone. I intend to vote for the best candidate, though I will certainly consider the recommendation of Dan McConchie who was elected three times to that seat,” Brin told Playbook.

Here’s the rub: McConchie has endorsed Joe Salvi, the 30-year-old son of Illinois Republican Chair Kathy Salvi. Joe is an attorney in his family’s firm. Some in the party see Kathy Salvi’s son getting an appointment as a huge conflict, though it wouldn’t be new. Democrats have done this sort of appointment for years.

Brin insists “no Salvi” has contacted him pushing Joe Salvi for the position — not Kathy Salvi and not Al Salvi, a longtime GOP operative.

Also interested in the job: State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, who along with serving as a representative in the 52nd District has served as village president of Barrington Hills. His announcement is here.

“We’re going to look at strengths, weaknesses, and their thoughts on representing the district,” Brin said. “They need to be able to run in 2026. It’s one of the most competitive seats in the entire state.”

Indeed: In 2022, McConchie won the seat by 385 votes.

Read more here.

Related: “McLaughlin: Best Opportunity to Retain the 26th District Senate Seat,” “Sen. Dan McConchie announces resignation”

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Editorial: Want a low-stress job with lots of time off? The state of Illinois says it wants to recruit YOU!

Posted in BOHICA, Chicago Tribune, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, FUBAR, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, Village Director of Administration, WTF on January 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

People walk the halls Jan. 8, 2025, at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield. | Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

The state of Illinois is seeking employees who don’t want a 40-hour workweek.

A cringey commercial you may have seen recently boasts that working for the state can mean five weeks off in your first year on the job, with flexible hours, a hybrid setup and good work-life balance, all while enjoying a 37.5-hour workweek.

This sounds like a sweet deal. Also one unavailable in most other full-time careers.

We know of course that some state workers toil long and hard at their jobs. Still, the state’s clueless ad leans into the worst critiques and caricatures of government work, maybe in an effort to appeal to a post-COVID-19 workforce that resents being called back to the office.

“What do you want from your career?” asks a voice at the start of the commercial. The faux potential recruits don’t then talk about their ambition or their desire to serve or to make Illinois better.

They talk about how much time off they want. Seriously? That’s the message?

We don’t take issue with people earning fair wages, getting breaks and having good benefits, but the commercial is tone-deaf. And it’s hard not to be miffed when you consider how state worker benefits compare with those the people paying taxes are getting.

An open administrative role for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity pays up to $126,000 per year, and an open nurse position posted online in Elgin pays up to $102,000. State workers also retire with better benefits than the average Illinoisan. The maximum annual Social Security benefit for those in the private sector retiring at 62 for 2023 was just $30,864, while the average starting pension for career workers participating in the State Employees’ Retirement System is $52,920 (many state workers also get Social Security for private work, and some have retired as early as 55).

Read more here.

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Things to do Jan. 31 to Feb. 6: Groundhog Day events, Morton Arboretum Chocolate Weekend, Disney On Ice and more

Posted in Entertainment, Hoffman Estates on January 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The main event Sunday.

By Luke Zurawski | Daily Herald

Friday, Jan. 31

“Shrek The Musical”: 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Christian Youth Theater Chicago production of the musical based on the animated film. $19, $21 at the door; prices may vary. cytchicago.org.

Groundhog Day Movie Memorabilia Open House: 2-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St., Woodstock. The library archives will be open so visitors can view photographs and scripts from the filming of the movie “Groundhog Day” in 1992. Experts will be on hand to answer questions. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Groundhog Day Dinner & Dance: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Woodstock Moose Lodge 1329, 406 Clay St., Woodstock. Dinner, dancing, raffles and silent auctions where several scenes from the movie “Groundhog Day” were filmed. $30. woodstockgroundhog.org.

“Groundhog Day the Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Theatre 121’s production of the musical based on the film “Groundhog Day.” $15-$33. theatre121.org.

Saturday, Feb. 1

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle will host Chocolate Weekend Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2. | Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

Chocolate Weekend: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. Celebrate the cacao tree while sampling and shopping for treats from chocolate vendors, with free presentations by chocolatiers and cacao experts. Register in advance. Free with Arboretum admission of $17.95 adults, $11.95 seniors 65 and older and kids 4-17, and free for kids 3 and younger. mortonarb.org.

Groundhog Tales with Jim May: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Home State Bank, 124 S. Johnson, Woodstock. Emmy-winning storyteller Jim May shares family-friendly tales celebrating groundhogs. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

The Travel & Adventure Show returns Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. | Courtesy of Chicago Travel & Adventure Show

Travel & Adventure Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Discover thousands of vacation options, meet experts, learn travel tips, and meet travel celebrities, including Peter Greenberg, Andrew McCarthy and Pauline Frommer and more. $18 for one day, $26 for both days, free for kids 16 and younger. travelshows.com.

“Groundhog Day” Walking Tour of Film Sites: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 1-2, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Join “Groundhog Day” location manager Bob Hudgins as he leads a walking tour of the main movie locations near the Woodstock Square. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Polarpalooza Winter Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb. Winter hayrides, craft activities, hot chocolate, roasting s’mores and, weather permitting, sled dog demonstrations and sledding. Free. dekalbparkdistrict.com/calendar/events/polarpalooza-winter-festival-2025.

Stephen Tobolowsky Meet & Greet: Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Read Between The Lynes, 111 E. Van Buren St., Woodstock. Meet actor Stephen Tobolowsky, who will also sign copies of his books, “My Adventures With God” and “The Dangerous Animals Club.” Free. readbetweenthelynes.com.

Groundhog Day Pub Crawl: Check in from 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Courthouse Center, 101 N. Johnson, Woodstock. The first 250 ticket holders will receive a groundhog souvenir and two drink tickets. $25. woodstockgroundhog.org.

“Don’t Stop Me Now: A Celebration of Rock Musical”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. A celebration of the music from rock musicals including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Jersey Boys,” “Rock of Ages,” “Movin’ Out,” “Hair,” “Rent” and more. $40-$45. metropolisarts.com.

Professional Championship Bull Riders World Tour Finale: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Now Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. See rising stars and established veteran riders compete. $22-$64. nowarena.com.

Sunday, Feb. 2

Groundhog Day Prognostication: 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Woodstock Square, Dean and Van Buren streets, Woodstock. Stephen Tobolowski will be on hand along with The Musikmeisters Polka Band, Woodstock Willie and the groundhog that will make the prediction. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Groundhog Day Wood Carving: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Woodstock Square, Dean and Van Buren streets, Woodstock. Watch Casey Piwonski carve groundhogs out of wood on the Woodstock Square. Free. woodstockgroundhog.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Knot Themed Pop-Up Art Exhibits: Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 4-5, at Lots-a-knots Italian Bakery and Cafe, 105 N. Main St., Wauconda. Popup curated art exhibits. Free. lotsaknotsitalianbakery.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”: Times vary Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 5 through March 30, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The beloved musical about Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Tickets start at $68. marriotttheatre.com.

Thursday, Feb. 6

Invoke | Courtesy Marshall Tidrick

“Songs & Stories”: An Evening with Invoke: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Barrington’s White House, 145 W. Main St., Barrington. The genre-defying string quartet known for its blend of storytelling and music invites the audience to craft collective narratives then transforms those stories into original, improvised compositions. $50, free for students younger than 18 with a paid adult ticket. barringtonswhitehouse.com.

Disney On Ice presents “Let’s Dance!”: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8; and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. Featuring songs and stories from Disney’s animated favorites on ice. $18.75-$140. rosemont.com/allstate.

Find much more here.

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Nation’s Report Card results are in: Illinoisans spend billions more on education, yet 2024 reading results are still below 2019 levels

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Education Association, ComEd Four, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)?, Wirepoints on January 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner | Wirepoints

The Nation’s Report Card that measures how well kids across the country are learning has just been released for 2024. The results for Illinois aren’t good. Here are some top level findings:

  • Just 9% of black 8th-grade students are proficient in math.
  • Only 20% of Hispanic 4th-graders are proficient in math.
  • Just 37% of white 4th-graders are proficient in reading.
  • Overall reading and math proficiencies statewide in both 4th and 8th grades were either the same or down compared to pre-covid 2019.
  • Statewide 4th-grade reading proficiency for all students is down to just 30%, five percentage points lower than in 2019.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, tests children across the country every two years to assess their reading and math skills. It’s the best apples-to-apples test for comparing education results across states. Nationwide, reading and math results continued to decline in 2024.

Illinois’ NAEP results are yet another indicator that the state’s education system is failing students. Illinois is pouring billions more into education than before the pandemic – $44 billion in 2024 vs. $35 billion in 2019 – yet all the evidence points to that money being wasted. Fewer Illinois students can read proficiently today than could five years ago.

The Illinois State Board of Education downplayed the state’s poor NAEP outcomes by pointing out that Illinois’ 2024 results were slightly up compared to 2022, and that the state’s proficiencies are largely in line with the rest of the country.

But while both are true, what the state board doesn’t mention is just how poor those results continue to be, or that Illinois’ reading and math proficiencies still haven’t returned to their pre-covid levels. Overall, only about a third of Illinois students are proficient in reading and math.

Illinois’ results are even worse than they appear considering just how much more the state spends on education compared to most of the nation. 2022 Census data shows Illinois spent about $21,700 (local, state and federal dollars) on education per student – the 10th-most in the country.

Illinois spends $2,000 to $8,000 more per student than all other Midwestern states, yet its 4th-grade reading results aren’t any better than theirs. Take Indiana for example. 34% of 4th graders in the Hoosier State are proficient in reading, yet the state only spends $14,900 per student, nearly $7,000 less than what Illinois spends.

Illinois’ excessive spending is one of the major reasons why its residents pay the nation’s highest property taxes and one of the country’s biggest overall tax rates. Judging by the educational results of other states, Illinois could return billions of dollars to taxpayers without negatively impacting reading scores.

Read more here.

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East Dundee Village Board to select a developer for Haeger site redevelopment

Posted in Real Estate on January 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Conceptual rendering (not final design)

After issuing a Request for Proposals in August 2024, the Village Board will be taking the next step in what is expected to be a 4-to-5-year redevelopment process at the upcoming Village Board meeting on February 3.

RFP submissions were due to the Village on November 6, 2024.  While the Village Board was open to both mixed-use and residential development, only all residential proposals were submitted.

Proposals were evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality of the redevelopment concept, financial feasibility, experience of the development team, and alignment with the Village’s long-term strategic goals.

Staff are recommending the Village Board select Brinshore, LLC as the developer for the project site.  The Village Board will review this recommendation and if consensus is reached, staff will spend the next few months negotiating a redevelopment agreement with Brinshore to bring back to the Village Board for approval this summer.

Conceptual rendering (not final design)

Community meetings will begin in the next few months to gather feedback to be incorporated into site plans as the project is refined during the Village’s review process.

The full proposal and FAQ’s can be viewed on the Village website HERE.

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Barrington exploring underpass, overpass at railroad tracks near high school

Posted in EJ&E/Canadian National, Traffic on January 29, 2025| 1 Comment »

Barrington officials have approved a study to create a grade separation where Main Street meets the Canadian National Railroad.

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington is in the exploratory phase of a project that could improve safety at a railroad crossing near Barrington High School.

The village board Monday approved a more than $821,000 contract with Civiltech Engineering Inc. for a study of a grade separation where Main Street meets the Canadian National tracks.

It would be the village’s second grade separation project. Work is already underway on an underpass beneath the Canadian National Railway tracks on Route 14 between Valencia Avenue and Hough Street.

The village was already awarded $500,000 in federal funds, more than enough to cover the $425,000 cost of Civiltech’s study of a preferred alternative, Deputy Village Manager Marie Hansen said. The options are an overpass, an underpass or at-grade improvements.

More here.

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McLaughlin: Best Opportunity to Retain the 26th District Senate Seat

Posted in Elections, Politics, Press Release, Resident Spotlights, Springfield on January 29, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills

Barrington Hills, IL — Martin McLaughlin, a proven Republican leader and experienced public servant, has formally announced his interest in filling the 26th District Senate seat following Senator Dan McConchie’s upcoming resignation.

McLaughlin has extensive experience advocating for common sense policies and fiscal stewardship in the region for over a decade. His record of winning elections in challenging districts and his dedication to conservative principles make him the strongest candidate to retain the seat and ensure future Republican success.

“Many of you know my record of service, not only at the local level, but across the state,” McLaughlin said. “As a three-time elected State Representative and twice-elected Village President of Barrington Hills, I’ve consistently demonstrated my ability to win against well- funded opponents and deliver results for my constituents.”

McLaughlin highlighted his recent initiatives to engage low-propensity voters in Lake and McHenry Counties, which have already proven beneficial to Republican candidates. He emphasized his unique ability to energize voters and secure victories in a competitive district.

“In my last election, I faced a $3.8 million opposition effort and still won decisively— outperforming President Trump by over 5% in the 52nd District, while spending only $170,000. This demonstrates my ability to stick to the real issues that matter to my constituents and allows me to effectively represent a purple district,” McLaughlin stated.

McLaughlin also addressed concerns about insider politics and nepotism, referencing Senator McConchie’s recommendation of the party chairwoman’s son for the seat. “Republicans have rightly criticized Democrats for engaging in such practices. The 26th District deserves a candidate with a proven record, not one selected through insider politics. Republicans believe in merit-based selection. If the committee chooses to go down this path, I will actively campaign for the seat in the 2026 primary – and I will win”.

Looking ahead, McLaughlin is confident in his ability to lead Republican efforts in the next election cycle, where 16 Republican Senate seats will be up for grabs. “I’m prepared to raise the resources necessary and ensure that our party succeeds, both in the 26th District and across the state,” he said.

While McLaughlin has expressed willingness to participate in a virtual interview, he strongly advocates for an in-person discussion to provide the best opportunity for dialogue and decision- making.

“I am committed to strengthening our Senate messaging and ensuring Republican victories. Together, we can demonstrate that Republicans can win in competitive districts and beyond,” McLaughlin concluded.

About Martin McLaughlin

Martin McLaughlin is a pension investment advisor and a dedicated Republican leader with extensive experience in public service. He has been elected three times as a State Representative in the 52nd District and twice as Village President of Barrington Hills. McLaughlin is known for his grassroots campaigns, ability to breakdown complex fiscal issues, and commitment to conservative values, which allows McLaughlin to consistently deliver results for his constituents.

For further inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact Martin McLaughlin at 847-721-5014

###

Related: “Sen. Dan McConchie announces resignation”

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Barrington Seed Library Reopens Tomorrow

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Going green, Topics Of Interest on January 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Barrington Area Library

“Seed Library Launch
Tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan 29
10 AM-1 PM (BALibrary cardholders only)
1-3 PM (Everyone)

Let’s get growing! It’s time to pick up your seeds for the new season. During the Seed Launch, Master Gardeners will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and help you make your selections.

  • From 10 AM to 1 PM, seeds will be available only to Barrington Area Library cardholders.
  • From 1 PM to 3 PM, seeds will be available to everyone. 
  • Limit of two packets per variety per person present, unless otherwise noted.

After the Launch, the Seed Library will be available to everyone during normal Library hours. Seeds are free and available while supplies last. Produce seeds are organic and non-GMO.

Want to see which seeds will be available? Check out https://balibrary.org/garden.”

Click here for a downloadable list.

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Barrington Hills 6-bedroom home with coach house, pool: $4.2M

Posted in Real Estate on January 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Barrington Hills 6-bedroom home with coach house, pool: $4.2M |Sloka Photography/VHT Studios

By Kim Quillen | Chicago Tribune

Address: 34 Oak Knoll Road, Barrington Hills

Price: $4,200,000

Listing date: Oct. 11, 2024

This six-bedroom home features eight fireplaces, a sunroom, a main-level office and study and a loft with a dedicated study area. The kitchen has an island, a walk-in pantry and hardwood floors and opens up to a breakfast room and the great room. The primary suite includes a spa-inspired bath and dual walk-in closets. Two finished walk-out lower levels offer a home theater, a sauna room and game and recreation rooms. Set on 7.85 acres, this home also has an in-ground pool, a coach house, a pond and a gazebo. A walk-in storage room, a wine cellar and a garage complete the home.

Sloka Photography/VHT Studios

Sloka Photography/VHT Studios

More here.

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Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

Posted in 220, BACOG, Barrington Hills Park District, BCFPD, Clown Car, Deception, Ethics, FUBAR, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Look For The Union Label, Mad Cows, Meeting Minutes, OP/Ed, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, School Districts, SNAFU, South Barrington, Taxes, TRAC, Transparency, Village Government, Village President on January 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) is scheduled to have multiple meetings today beginning at 5:30 PM at the Village of Barrington Hills, 112 Algonquin Road. Those meetings include:

  • 5:30 – Connectivity
  • 6:30 – Legislative
  • 7:00 – Executive Board

As expected, no meeting agendas are posted by BACOG.  Further, BACOG has ceased posting minutes from their meetings, and they now appear to have removed all previously posted minutes from their website, which now states:

“Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.”

We’ve long questioned the need for BACOG. This is the latest example of why.

It appears BACOG now makes the Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club and the Barrington Countrywide Fire Protection District seem transparent by comparison, and that’s truly disappointing.

Related: “Anybody heard from BACOG lately?,” “Fuhgeddaboudit,” “Barrington Area Council of Governments meets today”

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