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Archive for the ‘SNAFU’ Category

(Androgynous) Illinois Democrat tries to bleep (their) way through a tough Senate primary with a new expletive-laden anti-Trump ad

Posted in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, News Media, OP/Ed, Politics, Property Taxes, SNAFU, Springfield on February 20, 2026| 1 Comment »

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is out with a new anti-Trump ad. She’s running in the state’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on March 17. | Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune News Service via Getty Images file

By Natasha Korecki | NBC News

As the Democratic Party wrestles with how much to focus on President Donald Trump on the campaign trail, one Senate candidate is giving a clear answer: “F— Trump.”

Juliana Stratton, the state’s lieutenant governor, is running her first TV ad beginning Friday, a spot featuring a series of people, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., all saying “F— Trump.”

“F— Trump, vote Juliana,” one person after another says in the ad.

Post continues here.

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Build 220 Deserves the Same Transparency Taxpayers Are Being Asked to Fund

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Barrington High School, Board of Education, Deception, District 220 referendum, Education, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Letters to the Editor, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Politics, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, SNAFU, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on December 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

To the Editor,

As Barrington 220 considers additional tax levies and future capital commitments, the community deserves a clear, accessible understanding of how recent voter-approved funds have actually been spent. Over the past several months, I have reviewed hundreds of pages of publicly available contracts, FOIA disclosures, construction work orders, and financial ledgers related to the Build 220 program. Several findings stand out and merit broader public awareness.

First, district records show that construction management overhead for Build 220 projects significantly exceeds common industry benchmarks. For K–12 CM-at-Risk projects, management overhead and fees typically fall in the 10–15% range. However, Barrington 220’s own Project Work Orders (PWOs) show overhead levels ranging from approximately 23% to as high as 28%, with some smaller project segments exceeding 30% (See: Build 220 — Construction vs. Overhead).

Key takeaway: On approximately $33 million of PWOs, overhead and soft costs account for an estimated $7–9 million. These percentages are nearly double typical industry norms and warrant closer public review

On just four major PWOs totaling roughly $33 million, this translates to an estimated $7–9 million spent on management reimbursables, contingency stacking, insurance loadings, fees, and pre-loaded allowances rather than direct construction labor or materials. A visual summary of this comparison is attached for readers.

Second, architectural and engineering fees have exceeded the district’s own contractual cap. The master agreement with the district’s architect set a limit of 7.4% of the construction budget, which equates to approximately $9.5 million based on the district’s budget reconciliation. Yet the district’s accounts receivable ledger shows approximately $11.7 million paid to date — an overage of more than $2.2 million (See: Build 220 — Architectural & Engineering Fees).

Drivers of the overage include: duplicated planning across firms, over-scoped civil engineering bundles later credited back, optional enhancements not included in referendum language, and avoidable redesigns

This increase appears tied to duplicated planning work across multiple firms, over-scoped civil engineering packages later reduced through credits, optional enhancements not included in referendum messaging, and avoidable redesign costs. At no point has the community been presented with a cumulative report showing how or why the 7.4% cap was exceeded.

Third, many costs that function like change orders were embedded directly into base contracts as lump-sum allowances — including webcams, temporary occupancy setups, traffic control, and other vaguely described “reimbursables.” Without a publicly released change-order ledger, taxpayers cannot easily determine which allowances were actually used, which were not, or how final project costs compare to what voters approved.

These findings do not allege wrongdoing. They do, however, raise legitimate questions about financial discipline, cost control, and transparency — especially when the district is asking the community to support additional levies.

Before requesting more taxpayer dollars, Barrington 220 should provide the public with:

  1. A complete Build 220 change-order ledger for each Project Work Order;
  2. A clear breakdown of construction dollars versus management and overhead costs;
  3. A reconciliation of architectural and engineering fees against the 7.4% contractual limit; and
  4. Plain-language summaries that allow residents to understand where their money actually went.

Barrington residents have consistently shown they are willing to invest in their schools. That willingness depends on trust, and trust depends on transparency. Clear financial reporting is not an obstacle to progress — it is the foundation of it.

Sincerely,

Sam Mehic
South Barrington

Related: “The Real Issue in Barrington 220 Isn’t Parking or Levies — It’s Leadership Culture”

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Illinois Route 62 Study November 2025 Project Update

Posted in Algonquin Rd, Aunt Blabby, Cook, County, Deception, FPDCC, FUBAR, IDOT, Land Use, Longmeadow Parkway, Mówimy po polsku, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Real Estate, Roads & Bridges Committee, Roads and Bridges, SNAFU, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Traffic on November 12, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Input from the public, stakeholders, and local agencies has been considered and incorporated over the course of the study. To date, there have been two (2) public meetings and five (5) Community Advisory Group Meetings. IDOT has also met with representatives from the Village of Barrington Hills, Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) multiple times at key project milestones. Input from these meetings has helped IDOT establish the Purpose and Need, develop the Reasonable Range of Alternatives, identify the Alternatives to be Carried Forward, and select a Preferred Alternative.

The two typical sections included in the Alternatives to be Carried Forward (see September 2023 update) were further refined based on the following design goals and coordination with FPCC, ISGS, USFWS:

  • Minimize land acquisition from FPCC
  • Minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species habitat
  • Improve flood protection of IL 62
  • Maintain existing surface and groundwater conditions that support endangered species habitat
  • Reduce pollutants from stormwater runoff

These refinements have led to a Preferred Alternative that satisfies the Purpose and Need while minimizing impacts to the surrounding environment by incorporating a combination of three typical sections. All three typical sections include four (4) travel lanes, paved shoulders, mountable curbs, closed drainage, and a shared-use path. The Preferred Alternative is divided into two segments due to the differences in land use and the environmental resources as shown in the following figures.

  • Segment 1 – West of Bateman Road and east of Old Sutton Road:
    • This segment (shown in purple in Figure 1) has one typical section as shown in Figure 2.
  • Segment 2 – Between Bateman Road and Old Sutton Road:
    • This segment (shown in orange/yellow in Figure 1) is restricted by the surrounding FPCC property and environmental resources. This segment utilizes two typical sections as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

IDOT is currently developing the preliminary right-of-way needs of the Preferred Alternative and potential impacts to various environmental, community, agricultural, and cultural resources within the study area. IDOT plans to present the Preferred Alternative and summary of impacts to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and resource agencies for concurrence in February 2026. Once concurrence on the Preferred Alternative has been received, a draft of the Environmental Assessment document will be prepared and made available for public review and input.

Figure 1: Preferred Alternative Segments

(Click on images to enlarge)

Figure 2: 10-ft Outside Shoulders with 4:1 Fore Slopes (Segment 1-Purple)

Figure 3: 2-ft Outside Shoulders with Retaining Walls (Segment 2-Orange)

Figure 4: Continuous Bridge over Shallow Groundwater (Segment 2-Yellow)

Read more and comment here.

Related: “Here’s what’s in Illinois’ $50.6B six-year infrastructure plan (10.3.25),” “IDOT seeks public input on roads, rail, and EVs,” “IDOT releases Algonquin Road/Route 62 ‘project update’”

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Cook County property tax bills will be mailed out next week

Posted in Cook, County, Property Taxes, SNAFU on November 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By A.D. Quig | Chicago Tribune

After months of uncertainty and delay, Cook County officials announced Friday that property tax bills will be mailed on Nov. 14 and are due by Dec. 15.

Homeowners will thus be able to include those tax payments on their annual income tax filings, while ensuring taxing bodies will see much-needed revenue before the end of the year, though they might be less stoked to make massive payments to the county right around the holidays.

This year’s delay centered on the decade-long and expensive upgrade to the internal system used across the county’s property tax offices — the treasurer, clerk and assessor — overseen by the county’s Bureau of Technology and carried out by Texas-based Tyler Technologies.

More here.

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Statement on the Appointment of Darby Hills to the Illinois State Senate

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Hills Country Club, Board of Elections, Clown Car, Deception, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Ethics, Illinois State Board of Elections, Mad Cows, One Barrington Hills, Perjury, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, RINO, SNAFU, Springfield, The Other Half, Transparency, Village Board, Zoning Board on June 10, 2025| 1 Comment »

For those confused about the recent appointment of Darby Hills to the Illinois State Senate, let’s clarify the facts and the legal process unfolding in McHenry County.

The judge in this case was asked to rule on two critical issues. First, whether the Lake County Republican Chairman could retroactively remedy the fact that Ms. Hills was not a Republican after McConchie‘s retirement. Brin appointed Hills as a republican precinct committeeperson —something both she and the chairman acknowledged needed to be done to remedy this deficit. The court allowed the chairman to appoint Ms. Hills as a precinct committeeperson weeks after Senator McConchie vacated his seat, arguably ignoring the statutes requirements and effectively temporarily enabling the appointment.

The second, and more consequential issue—the heart of the lawsuit—is whether Ms. Hills was a Republican at the time of the vacancy. Rather than interpret the relevant statute, requiring a nominee have valid Republican credentials the judge declined to rule on that core question. The case is now on appeal, and the Appellate Court will be asked to determine whether state law was properly followed and whether Hills was legally eligible for appointment under party rules and Illinois statutes.

Regardless of how one defines “Republican,” Ms. Hills’ voting record in Springfield speaks volumes. In just a short time, she has cast key votes that are out of step with Republican principles—votes that were anti-Second Amendment, pro-DEI mandates, anti-business, and in lockstep with teachers’ union interests.

The outcome of this legal appeal will be watched closely. If the Appellate Court finds that Ms. Hills was ineligible for appointment, it raises serious questions:

  • Will she be allowed to retain her Senate seat?
  • Will her votes be invalidated?
  • Will she be required to return taxpayer funds paid in salary during her disputed tenure?

Of course, there remains a straightforward path to public office: campaign, knock on doors, earn support, and win an election—both in a Republican primary and a general contest. But for now, it seems, Ms. Hills has taken a shortcut, bypassing voters in favor of backroom maneuvering.

Observers, constituents, and constitutional conservatives across the state will be following this case closely—not only for what it reveals about one Senate seat, but for what it says about process, transparency, the integrity of some in the Republican party and our electoral system.

Related: “Residents deserve full disclosure – an update,” “Residents deserve full disclosure,” “’No more dog and pony shows, please!’” “Gun rights advocacy group expresses displeasure with terms like ‘RINO, Backstabbing Traitor’ and ‘Botox Queen’ describing a senator’s vote on Senate Bill 8,” “Darby Hills Sworn In to Represent Illinois’ 26th Senate District,” “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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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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Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate

Posted in Animal Welfare, Aunt Blabby, Clown Car, Daily Herald, Deception, Dinky, FUBAR, Horse Boarding, Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights, SNAFU, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, Village Board, Village Government on February 28, 2025| 6 Comments »

By Russell Lissau | Daily Herald

For the second time in a month, Barrington Hills Trustee Darby Hills on Friday was named the new state senator for the 26th District.

Republican Party leaders representing various parts of the district chose Hills to succeed Republican Dan McConchie of Hawthorn Woods, who resigned Feb. 2.

The same GOP group first selected Hills for the job Feb. 14 from a field of four applicants, but the appointment was challenged in court by an Algonquin woman who claimed that meeting wasn’t properly advertised to the public.

More here.

Related: “’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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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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Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie

Posted in Clown Car, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, FUBAR, Illinois State Board of Elections, McHenry County Blog, Politics, SNAFU on February 20, 2025| 1 Comment »

By Cal Skinner | McHenry County Blog

The filing of a suit in McHenry County questioning whether Dan McConchie has Republican credentials has apparent spooked GOP biggies.

(Click on filing to enlarge)

Notice of 2/21 Meeting for 26th Legislative District Committee

19 February, 2025

HONORABLE KEITH BRIN
REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN FOR LAKE COUNTY
February 18, 2025

To:
Hon. Jeff Thorsen, McHenry County Chairman
Hon. Andro Lerario, Kane County Chairman
Hon. Aaron Del Mar, Palatine Township Chairman
Hon. Peter Kopsaftis, Barrington County Chairman

Dear Chairmen:

I thank you for coming together on February 14, 2025 to organize the 26th Legislative District Committee (“the Committee”), in accordance with 10 ILCS 5/8-5, and to engage in the process of filling the vacancy in office of State Senator for the 26th Legislative District (“the Office”) following the resignation of State Senator Dan McConchie.

It has been brought to my attention that the Committee would be best served to meet again in order to ensure that there can be no question as to whether the process we followed properly empowered the Committee to act to fill the vacancy in this Office.

Read more here.

Related: “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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Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

Posted in Appointments, Clown Car, Contests, Dumb and Dumber, Elections, Ethics, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Mad Cows, New Normal?, Politics, Press Release, Resident Spotlights, SNAFU, The Chicago Way, Village Board, Village Government, WTF on February 15, 2025| 3 Comments »

Darby Hills

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills, 49, a dedicated advocate for children and families, has been selected as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District.

A trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has spent years fighting for children in need, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.

“I am honored to serve as the next State Senator for the 26th District.

“This isn’t just about policy for me—it’s personal.

“I know firsthand the impact a little support can have on a child’s future, and I’m eager to bring that perspective to Springfield,” said Hills.

“Whether it’s fighting for families, keeping taxes low, or ensuring government remains accountable, I will work every day to make a real difference.

“This community has given me so much, and I’m committed to being a strong voice for it in Springfield.”

Through Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has led an all-volunteer effort that provides meals to 525 children each week across Barrington-area school districts.

Her passion for helping those less fortunate stems from her own experience growing up in a low-income household with a single mother, receiving the same kind of hand-up she now works to give others.

As a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board, Hills has been a strong advocate for keeping taxes low, responsible budgeting, and accountable government.

She has worked to rein in wasteful spending, protect taxpayers, and ensure local government serves residents efficiently.

Her leadership reflects a commitment to good governance—principles she will continue to champion in Springfield.

She will also fight to create a pro-business environment that supports local job creators and strengthens Illinois’ economy.

A former Cook County prosecutor and an attorney by trade, Hills has built a career rooted in service.

In addition to her legal and charitable work, she is a wife and mother of three, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to the issues affecting families.

“Darby’s dedication to children and families, along with her experience as a prosecutor and local leader, make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove).

“She brings a deeply personal perspective to the fight for Illinois’ most vulnerable children—one that will drive real change in Springfield.

“I look forward to working alongside her as she advocates for pro-growth policies to lift up Illinois families and businesses.”

– From the Illinois Senate Republican Victory Fund

Editorial note: This is NO JOKE, but it’s understandable if some are laughing. You CANNOT make this (stuff) up!

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