Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘County’ Category

Barrington hopes streetscape improvements boost downtown’s draw

Posted in Daily Herald, Entertainment, Fools and their money, Politics, Road construction, Taxes, Traffic, U.S. Route 14 Underpass on August 31, 2026| Leave a Comment »

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

Barrington officials are celebrating the completion of phase one of the village’s downtown streetscape project, which they hope will boost the town center as a regional attraction.

The $1.5 million project included replacing deteriorating sidewalk pavers with new concrete and clay brick accents, and resurfacing and restriping aging streets.

New landscaping includes flower beds and planters bursting with color.

“From the beginning, our goal was to create a downtown that is more beautiful, accessible, welcoming and easier to maintain for years to come,” Village Manager Scott Anderson said.

Village President Mike Moran noted the work also creates expanded outdoor dining spaces (but not parking) for businesses such as Cook Street Coffee and Gigi Wine Bar and Bistro.

Article continues here.

Read Full Post »

The Stunning Rise of the Democratic Socialists of America

Posted in 220, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, DARCHED, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, Elections, Ethics, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Immigration, League of Women Voters, News Media, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, School Districts, Taxes, The New Normal?, The New York Times, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 28, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Daily | The New York Times

This summer, the Democratic Socialists of America have mounted their biggest and most successful attempt yet to redefine the Democratic Party. They have defeated its candidates in primary after primary from coast to coast.

As its electoral success grows, the organization is confronting big, unresolved questions about what it stands for and what level of compromise is required to become a lasting political force.

Charles Homans, who talked to more than 30 D.S.A. candidates, organizers, members and volunteers across the countries, discusses the rise and limitations of the D.S.A.

Guest: Charles Homans writes about national politics for The New York Times and The Times Magazine.

The link to the podcast can be found here.

Read Full Post »

Pritzker record: Illinois loses tens of thousands of residents during his tenure

Posted in Cost of Living, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Springfield, Taxes on August 26, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Illinois’ population has shrunk under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s leadership and is predicted to fall further.

By Adam Gorcyca | Illinois Policy Institute

While population growth is a basic measure of effective governance, tens of thousands of people have left Illinois under Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The state’s outmigration challenge is expected to worsen, with Illinois projected to lose 600,000 residents by 2033, driven by a drop of 450,000 in Illinois’ prime-working-age population.

And from 2020 to 2025, Illinois’ population of residents under 20 fell by 6.8%, more than three times faster than the national average of 2%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Net loss of 168,000

Since 2018, the state has lost a net of more than 168,000 residents, or over 1% of its population. Illinois ranks 48th in population growth rate among the 50 states.

The rest of the Midwest grew by 2.1% during the same time period.

Of the nearly 83,000 residents who left in 2024, almost all of them went to states with lower taxes. Florida alone claimed a net of over 11,000 Illinois residents that year, while a net of nearly 37,000 left for Illinois’ neighbor states.

Pritzker’s second term has seen a slight uptick in population, largely because of international migration. Without that boost, Illinois’ total would have declined in 2025.

Report continues here.

Read Full Post »

Village Board of Trustees meet tonight

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Park District, Big Red, Board of Health, Building Department, Clown Car, Economy, ePacket Agendas, Equestrian Commission, Ethics, Finance Committee, Flock Cameras, Heritage and Environs Committee, Insurance Committee, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Lennie, One Barrington Hills, Plan Commission, Police Pension Board, Police Reports, Politics, Property Taxes, Public Safety, Real Estate, Riding Club Commission, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, VBHPD, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Clerk, Village Code, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President, Village Treasurer, Yabba Dabba Doo, Zoning Board on August 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Village Board of Trustees will be conducting their regular monthly meeting this evening beginning at 6:30 PM.

The only item of significance on their agenda appears to be recognition of William Walsh for 33 years of service. A copy of their agenda, including info on listening to the meeting, can be viewed and downloaded here.

Read Full Post »

Pritzker defends 57% toll hike approved by board he appointed

Posted in Appointments, Clown Car, Deception, Elections, Fat Bastard, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, Unions on August 25, 2026| 1 Comment »

The governor also tried to distance himself from the increases by pointing to the board — which he appointed.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Gov. J.B. Pritzker both defended the toll hikes that were approved last week and sought to distance himself from them.

Pritzker appointed all eight Illinois Tollway board members who signed off unanimously on the increases, which include the largest passenger hike in state history.

Asked about the rate increases last week at the Illinois State Fair, Pritzker said they were necessary to ensure Illinois has proper road infrastructure to keep the state competitive for commercial activity.

“Let’s be clear. We want to make sure that our roads are pothole-free, that we’re making sure to build more so we can build our economy across the state of Illinois,” Pritzker said.

He also defended the hikes in June at an unrelated event.

“It’s something that they need to do in order to make sure that we have the best roads, the best infrastructure, and I think that’s something that you may overlook may when you contemplate why they would consider this,” Pritzker said.

But also at the fair, he said, “That was something voted on by the tollway authority.”

Under Illinois law, the governor appoints the nine-member tollway board (it’s currently eight members) and serves as an ex-officio member along with the state Transportation Secretary.

Pritzker and the transportation secretary did not vote.

Report continues here.

Read Full Post »

Barrington Area Council of Governments meets tonight

Posted in Animal Welfare, BACOG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Village Government on August 25, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) Executive Board is scheduled to meet this evening at 7:00 PM at the Tower Lakes Village Hall, 400 North Rt. 59.

Meeting agendas are not posted by BACOG, nor are minutes, but their website does state, “Copies of approved minutes for BACOG committee and executive board meetings are available upon request. Please submit requests by email to bacog@bacog.org.

Read Full Post »

It’s already election time for candidates running for office in 2027

Posted in Appointments, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Hills Park District, Board of Elections, Don't Change Barrington Hills, Elections, Ethics, Fundraisers, Illinois State Board of Elections, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Resident Spotlights, Riding Club Commission, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, School Districts, SOS Party, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unite Barrington Hills, Village Board, Your Barrington Hills on August 22, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Believe it or not, candidates running in the Consolidated April 2027 Election may begin their petition circulation next week. According to records we found in a search of the Cook County Clerk’s Office (not always up to date), the terms of these elected officials will be ending:

Village of Barrington Hills

  • Jessica Hoffmann
  • John Carpenter Clarke
  • Marsha McClary

CUSD 220 Board of Education

  • Barry Altshuler, Vice President
  • Diana L. Clopton, Secretary
  • Leah Collister-Lazzari

Barrington Hills Park District/Riding Club

  • Jill Zubak, Vice President
  • Steven E. Allen, Secretary
  • 3rd seat undefined from available records

Barrington Area Library

  • Jennifer J. Lucas
  • Anne Ordway

Harper Community College

  • Dr. Tricia Elliott (Appointed 8.19.26 to replace William Kelley)
  • Nancy N. Robb, Secretary
  • Diane G. Hill

To our knowledge, no one has declared their candidacy for any of these seats. However, it would be decent of those listed above to communicate their intentions sooner than later.

Those considering running for office are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Board of Elections for guidance on getting started if they’ve not already.

Source: Cook County Clerk’s Office

Read Full Post »

Illinois Tollway board approves largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Fat Bastard, Girlie man, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Road construction, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions on August 19, 2026| 2 Comments »

 

The sign-off from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s board came despite overwhelming online comment opposition.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Despite overwhelming online public opposition, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Tollway board unanimously approved a proposal Wednesday to hike tolls 57% for passenger vehicles and 30% for commercial vehicles.

The increases take effect Jan. 1.

The measure will increase tolls by about 45 cents each for passengers to an average of $1.24 per toll, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027. Commercial vehicle tolls will increase 30%, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.

Worse, starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board approval. The Illinois Policy Institute projects that passenger toll prices will triple from current levels by 2055.

The proposal was approved 8-0 to fund a new $26.5 billion, 15-year capital plan, but the automatic toll hikes will continue beyond the timeline of the proposed projects.

More here.

Read Full Post »

Cook County Second Installment Property Tax Bills Expected to be Released by September 1, Due October 1

Posted in Cook, County, FUBAR, Property Taxes on August 19, 2026| Leave a Comment »

COOK COUNTY, IL—Today, officials from the Cook County property tax system announced that the 1.8 million second installment property tax bills for Tax Year 2025 are expected to be mailed to property owners on September 1, 2026, with a due date of October 1, 2026. Property owners can view their bills online beginning today.

Property tax bills are mailed to owners twice a year in two installments and require close coordination among multiple independently elected offices to ensure they are delivered efficiently and accurately. The critical overhaul of the technology supporting the Cook County property tax system affected property tax processes and timelines last year, creating a cascade effect that delayed this year’s second installment bills by two months.

While the Cook County Board President has no statutory role in administering or collecting property taxes, President Toni Preckwinkle initiated a $300 million Cook County Property Tax Bridge Fund to provide no-interest loans to local taxing jurisdictions across Cook County to address the delay. The Bridge Fund Program was designed to help school districts, park districts, libraries, fire protection districts, municipalities and other local governments that are primarily reliant on property tax revenue to fund essential public services. The Bridge Fund Program will continue accepting applications until August 24, 2026.

Visit https://www.cookcountyil.gov/bridgefund for more information.

Read Full Post »

76% of online comments oppose proposed toll hikes

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Clown Car, Cost of Living, Deception, Fat Bastard, IDOT, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois Tollway, Look For The Union Label, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Springfield, Taxes, Unions on August 19, 2026| Leave a Comment »

The Illinois Tollway board is slated to vote on the proposal this week.

By Ethan Soifer | Illinois Policy Institute

Online public commenters overwhelmingly oppose proposed Illinois Tollway hikes slated for a vote this week.

Out of nearly 13,750 online comments received from June 18 to Aug. 3, about 10,500 oppose the proposal, 2,250 support it, and 1,000 were neutral. The Illinois Policy Institute obtained the results via a Freedom of Information Act request.

The public comment period has closed, but you can still let the board and Gov. J.B. Pritzker know you oppose the hike here.

The tollway board will likely approve the largest passenger toll hike in Illinois history at its Aug. 19 meeting. The plan would increase fees by 57% for passengers, costing a commuter who passes through two tolls a day for 50 weeks $225 more in 2027.

Commercial vehicles would pay 30% more, which could increase the price of consumer goods transported through Northern Illinois.

Starting in 2029, automatic inflation-linked increases would be imposed every two years without additional board votes.

Report continues here.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »