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Archive for the ‘FUBAR’ Category

Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep

Posted in FUBAR, Illinois Policy Institute, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Springfield, Taxes, The Chicago Way on July 7, 2025| 1 Comment »

What pressing issues did the Illinois General Assembly consider among 6,745 bills this past session? They pondered a sticker commission, “end-of-life” carpets, paper grocery coupons, 15-year-old voters and their own beauty sleep.

By Lilly Rossi | Illinois Policy Institute

The Illinois General Assembly had ample opportunity to tackle the state’s massive public pension debt, curb the nation’s top tax burden or fix the state’s finances, but what did they do instead?

They considered 6,745 bills that included creating a voting sticker commission, regulating end-of-life carpets, stopping grocery store coupons from going paperless, registering teens three years before they could vote and making sure they did not lose sleep doing their jobs.

Here are the details on five bills that lawmakers were wise enough to allow to die this year:

  1. Creation of a “sticker commission”

Senate Bill 1576 would have created an “I Voted” Sticker Commission. The commission would have been tasked with developing a contest to finalize 10 designs that would be used in the 2026 General Election. Any spending for this commission would be in addition to the $55.2 billion budget, sticking Illinois taxpayers with the costs.

2. Death carpet seller registry

House Bill 1876 intended to implement a carpet stewardship program. The purpose of the program would be to promote and market for “end-of-life” carpet recovery and reutilization. HB 1876 would not have allowed carpet to be sold in the state of Illinois if the producer were not registered with the program.

Read more here.

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Lower Fox River water levels from dam removal may end up costing Carpentersville more than $4M

Posted in FUBAR on June 22, 2025| 1 Comment »

By Mike Danahey | The Courier News

Carpentersville may need to spend more than $4 million to bury water and sewer lines below the bottom of the Fox River because dam removal has lowered water levels, officials said.

A water main and a sewer line running along the river’s bottom were exposed this spring, requiring the village to cover them with gravel, Village Manager Brad Stewart said. While the pipes were not damaged and are now “functionally protected,” an engineering review recommended the village bury a new set of pipes at a deeper level, he said.

Preliminary estimates from engineering consultant HR Green put the cost at $3.5 million to $4.2 million.

While the village can afford to pay for the work, the village is pursuing grant money from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to help fund the unexpected expenditure, Stewart said. Grants of up to $5 million are available and require a municipality to provide a 20% match, he said.

Village President John Skillman said he and staff have been speaking with local state legislators, including state Senator Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, and state Reps. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, Suzanne Ness, D-Crystal Lake, and Don DeWitt, R-St. Charles, about the situation.

Skillman noted that installing a deeper sewer line is also being a good neighbor to towns downstream.

“If there were any break in the (existing) sewer line running through the river, it would affect the Fox’s water quality, meaning any waste that got into the water would also affect Elgin, which gets its drinking water from the river,” he said.

Stewart said the two lines in question have been there for about 40 years.

Carpentersville covered exposed water and sewer lines in the Fox River with gravel to protect them from damage but village consultants have advised that such lines should be buried below the river — work that could cost more than $4 million. | Village of Carpentersville

“In my opinion, planning should have foreseen changes in the water levels,” he said. “At no point were we told that water levels near historic lows might affect such lines.”

Read more here.

Related: “Free flowing: Dam removal work in Carpentersville nearing completion”

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Too much local government makes Illinois inefficient, raises property taxes

Posted in FUBAR, Politics, Property Taxes, Taxes, Unions, Wirepoints on May 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Illinois is the most inefficient state in the Midwest and the 14th-most inefficient in the country. That’s driven in part by excessive units of local government – more than in any other state. High property taxes are one result.

By Chris Coffey | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois’ No. 2 in the nation property taxes are partly because it is No. 1 in the nation for units of government, meaning consolidating and eliminating some units could cut property taxes.

A National Business Capital report ranked Illinois the least-efficient state in the Midwest and 14th-least efficient in the country for its governments. The report evaluated states along eight metrics including units of local government per 100,000 people.

Illinois’ inefficiency is driven by almost 7,000 units of local government – the most in the U.S. – and the cost of supporting all that bureaucracy. When population is part of the calculation, Illinois is 14th in the nation in units of local government per 100,000 people because it has the sixth-highest population.

The report included local government as a metric because “while population densities and geographic size vary greatly from state to state and impact the efficiency of local governments, each local government is replicating services that – in many cases – could potentially be offered by another nearby entity.”

Illinois has by far the most units of local government of any state at almost 7,000. The Midwest has more average units of local government than other regions, but Illinois still leads. In 40 states residents live under a maximum of two layers of local government, but in Illinois 61% of residents live under at least three.

Lawmakers have failed to reduce redundancy and waste, which could cut down Illinoisans’ second-highest in the nation property taxes by consolidating or eliminating unnecessary levels of local government. Illinois has had 6,000-7,000 units of local government for 65 years.

Read more here.

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IL Secretary of State, frustrated (as are taxpayers!) with REAL ID confusion, criticizes federal policies

Posted in FUBAR, Politics, SNAFU, Springfield, Taxes, WTF on May 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias | BlueRoomStream

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias says there is no need for most Illinoisans to wait in line for a REAL ID.

Starting Wednesday, the U.S. government will require a passport, REAL ID or other REAL ID-compliant identification to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities.

Giannoulias said you can still get a REAL ID after May 7.

“So to see these lines is really frustrating, especially because so many people do not need it,” Giannoulias said.

Courtesy of the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office

The secretary added that, according to federal officials, people will still be able to fly.

“Homeland Security has let us know that even after May 7, there will be essentially a two-year enforcement period where they’re not gonna not let people onto an airplane,” Giannoulias said.

Giannoulias said people should check the Illinois Secretary of State website to see if they need REAL IDs before making appointments. He said people under 18 do not need REAL IDs.

Giannoulias pointed his finger at the federal government for long lines and confusion over REAL IDs.

“The amount of people who are coming because they are worried about being deported or not being American citizens, that fear is real. We see it in people’s faces,” Giannoulias said.

Read more here.

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Barrington-area leaders share successes, challenges at chamber forum

Posted in 220, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Barrington Area Library, BCFPD, FUBAR, Organizations, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts on April 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Barrington Area Unit School District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman, left, Barrington Area Library Executive Director Jason Pinshower and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Trustee Tom Long, right, were among the speakers at Thursday’s Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Town Hall Forum. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

From a “showcase” pool to a state-of-the-art high school auditorium, Barrington-area officials shared their gains, as well as their challenges, Thursday during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Town Hall forum.

Barrington Park District Executive Director Teresa Jennings told the gathering that the new pool at Langendorf Park, among the projects funded by a successful $18.8 million referendum in 2023, is expected to open in mid-June.*

“We are going to be a showcase pool in the state of Illinois,” Jennings said.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said some of its recent successes include implementing full-day kindergarten three years ahead of the state deadline and passing a referendum last year that will fund upgrades that include a new auditorium at Barrington High School.

“In the spring of 2028, we will host our first spring musical,” he added.

Officials also detailed challenges ahead.

Read more here.

*Meanwhile, today marks the one year anniversary of a car jumping a curb and striking the north side of the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center (pictured below). The club’s pools still remain closed as a result..

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Voters ‘overwhelmingly’ choose this design in Illinois flag contest

Posted in FUBAR, Politics, Springfield, Taxes on March 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Winner!

By NBC Chicago Staff

After thousands of submissions, 10 finalists and nearly 385,000 votes, the state of Illinois may not have a new flag after all.

“The results are, let’s just say, overwhelming,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulious said in an Instagram video announcing the news. “The current state flag received more than 165,000 votes, or about 43% of the total vote.”

Earlier this year, the public had the chance to vote on 10 new designs — finalists from more than 5,000 entries — that could become the new Illinois State Flag. The contest came after the creation of SB1818, which created an Illinois Flag Commission to “gauge public desire for a new flag.”

Also included in public voting was the current state flag, along with three previous design versions.

The voting period concluded in February. As stated in the bill, members of the General Assembly, taking results of the vote into account, would have the final say on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration or retain the current one.

“Some may call it an SOB – a seal on a bedsheet,” Giannoulias said in the announcement. “The vexillogical community may hate it, but people overwhelmingly prefer our current state flag. Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard on the future of this important symbol of state pride.”

The results aren’t yet official. By April 1, the commission must prepare and deliver to the General Assembly a report detailing its findings and recommendations. Lawmakers will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, reinstate an old one or keep the previous one, the Secretary of State’s office said.

Vote totals

Read more here.

Related: “Rally around the Illinois flag we’ve already got,” “Voting now open through Feb. 14 for new Illinois state flag”

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Roads & Bridges Committee meets today

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Elections, Entertainment, FUBAR, Illinois State Board of Elections, Mac's Property Management, One Barrington Hills, Politics, Property Taxes, Riding Club Commission, Road construction, Roads & Bridges Committee, TMI, Traffic, Village Clerk, Village Director of Administration, Village Engineer, Village President on March 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Village Roads & Bridges Committee meets this afternoon at 4 PM. Some of the topics on the agenda include:

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

*Note the Village Engineer’s memo recommending seasonal road closure is addressed to the Village President with copies to the Director of Administration and Village Clerk, but not the Roads & Bridges Chair. Additionally, the Road Program 2025 Recommendation memo is addressed to the Director of Administration only. Ouch.

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Darby Hills Sworn In to Represent Illinois’ 26th Senate District

Posted in Animal Welfare, Appointments, Barrington Education Association, BOHICA, Clown Car, Deception, Dinky, Ethics, FOIA, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Look For The Union Label, Massbach Hounds, New Normal?, Politics, Press Release, Resident Spotlights, Springfield, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions, Village Government, Wikipedia on February 28, 2025| 2 Comments »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28th, 2025

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills has officially been sworn in as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District, bringing a lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy for children and families to the Illinois Senate. A dedicated community leader, Hills has served as a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and is the founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, which provides meals to hundreds of children each week.

“I am honored to officially represent the 26th District in the Illinois Senate, and my mission is clear— fighting for the families who make this community strong. We must support parents, create opportunities for kids to succeed, and ensure government works for the people, not against them,” said Hills. “I will fight to cut taxes, hold government accountable and advance policies that grow our economy. I will bring the voices of families to Springfield and work every day to build a better future for the next generation.”

Hills’ commitment to public service is deeply personal. Raised in a working-class household by a single mother, she understands the challenges families face and has dedicated her career to making a difference. Through Barrington Children’s Charity, she has helped ensure that 525 children receive meals each week in Barrington-area schools. As a Barrington Hills trustee, she has fought to keep taxes low, rein in wasteful spending, and hold government accountable.

A former Cook County prosecutor and attorney, Hills brings both legal expertise and real-world experience to the Senate. She is also a wife and mother of three, giving her a firsthand perspective on the issues that matter most to families.

As she begins her service in the Illinois Senate, Hills is focused on providing relief for taxpayers, ensuring government is transparent and accountable, and promoting policies that strengthen the economy. She is committed to supporting families, expanding opportunities for children, and making sure the voices of her constituents are heard in Springfield.

###

Source

Related: “Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate,” “’The Fix’ is in?,” “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District”

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1 PM 26th Senate District Committee vote available via Zoom

Posted in Appointments, Deception, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Illinois State Board of Elections, Perjury, Politics, Springfield on February 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The 26th Senate District Committee will meet at 1:00 PM today, February 28th, 2025, to appoint a replacement for Dan McConchie. The meeting location is 765 North Quentin Road in Palatine, and is open to the public and via Zoom:

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88391007467?pwd=EaBCQkvZljCqzlBd6A5lwZaFn0X32o.1

Meeting ID: 883 9100 7467 Passcode: 045947

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Village updates Zoning services fee schedule

Posted in Aunt Blabby, FUBAR, Going green, Home Occupation Ordinance, Land Use, Plan Commission, Public Hearing, Real Estate, Roads & Bridges Committee, SNAFU, Transparency, Village Attorney, Village Board, Village Code, Village Engineer, Village Government, Village President, Zoning Board on February 27, 2025| 7 Comments »

Resident will now be assessed the actual costs of Zoning Board services rendered to fulfill their requests.

Monday evening the Village Board of Trustees approved updated fee schedules for, “Zoning Matters,” and overweight vehicles.

We applaud this move, especially considering it was revealed that at some point the Village ceased charging fees beyond only the standard application fees for Zoning Board services such as (and especially) attorney’s fees. While we believe our Village should not be operating for profit, it definitely should not be operating at a loss providing legal, consulting and other services at nearly no charges until now.

A partial section of the newly updated fees reads:

“Zoning Fee Schedule*

  • Appeal $1,000
  • Text Amendment, $1,500
  • Variation $1,000
  • Map Amendment-Any District-Permitted Uses Only $1,500
  • Special Uses $1,500.

*Additional Expense: The fee includes the initial review by staff and the village attorney, public notice (if applicable, 1 time), and Zoning Board Meeting (1 meeting); additional fees may be charged at the discretion of staff in the event an application is extensive, requires additional reviews beyond those stated or the application submitted in incomplete and requires multiple reviews.

Additionally, the Zoning Board of Appeals and/or the Village Board may utilize the services of professional consultants for research, investigation, and professional opinion, for assistance in arriving at recommendations or decisions.

The applicant whose request to the Zoning Board of Appeals or Village Board requires the use of such professional services shall reimburse the Village the reasonable cost it incurred for the services rendered by its consultants, within fourteen (14) days of transmission of the invoice by the Village or prior to the next meeting, whichever is sooner. The consultants shall bill for their services at the same hourly rate that they normally charge municipal clients. The Village consultants shall include but not be limited to the persons who provide the Village with advice in the fields of engineering, law, planning, traffic, design, and finance.”

The ordinance can be found here.

Editorial note: This Ordinance was approved by a vote of 4-2 with the Village President abstaining. When the meeting recordings are released, they will reveal one trustee who participated remotely was nearly hysterical apparently because she did not believe she had adequate time to conduct her usual “analysis paralysis” on the subject (always with little or no benefit) before voting.

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