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Fresh off a mountain of controversy about her huge raise, Cook County's Chief Financial Officer (and Todd Stroger's cousin) Donna Dunnings is saying that the county won't have enough funds to operate. In spite of the recent sales tax increase that will generate more than $400 million for the county, "that structural deficit is living and breathing, and the sales tax is by no means the answer to that.... So, we have to look at other revenues, as well as cost containment,” Dunnings told a crowd of supporters and colleagues at the City Club of Chicago.
Dunnings also lashed out at critics (again), claiming that "to use the fact that I am the president's cousin as a distraction to problems the county is facing is the type of tactic George Bush and Karl Rove would admire," she said. "Confuse the facts. Scare the public. Tap into their angers and their fears. All in an effort to distract them from the real problems we face."
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Why on earth would these officials try to stop? They know there remain enough dolts and people on the payroll to keep electing these clowns over and over. Fucking Cook County. Fucking assholes.
What is the reason for the so called structural deficit? The stroger clan have been in charge of crook co. for 20 years. Giving friends and family jobs that they are unqualified for.(such as Duning)No bid contracts no show jobs. Waste has put cook co in this position and now the stroger clan want the taxpayer to write a blank check. Crook co. needs to cut jobs and services and get a balanced budget for a few years before this group of morons destroys any future the county might have.
As a forgiving man, I'd be content to see her and her cousin drummed out of their jobs and our county. As a Chicagoan, I'd like to see them hit by a bus on the way out.
UTV - I'll second that. Any volunteers to drive the bus?
Ok, so let me get this straight:
Dunning is getting a 12% pay increase through the Friends and Family Plan.
She is now making $160,000 because she is "doing more work".
Gene Mullins said this is because "the 1 percentage point sales tax increase that is so substantial, it will ultimately give county government more money than it needs to operate."
And now Dunnings is saying there is not enough opertaing funds?
Meanwhile, the hospital can barely operate because so many staff have been laid off.
Despite that, Stroger someone as a $99,000-a-year administrator for health clinics, but all he does is clerical duties?
Meanwhile, non-connected people are not getting cost-of-living adjustments, dealing with hiring freezes, cuts in pay or are losing their jobs in this recession.
So, does that sound about right?
When are the people of this county going to get their heads out of their asses and vote these people out?
I was wondering if old Kevy Kev Kev was gonna miss that speech! Nothing gets past him!
UTV: I would pay to drive that bus. Hell, we could have a raffle for the right to splatter these corrupt "leaders" like the worthless bugs they are. Where's a revolution when you need one?
These people just sound so ignorant and uneducated even. Todd can't even answer specific questions because he doesn't know what defecits, gross receipts, revenue, and fiscal policy really are and how they work. This Dunnings lady is a complete joke- its' scary we have such inept people trying to perform what should be fairly complicated tasks.
I would love to see what would happen if they had a proffesional consultant or tax attorney come in and look at the books.
It's going to be one big mess for the reformed candidate if they ever get elected.
This is public administration 101: don't hire financial people who don't understand how to look at a budget or cash flow projections and plan accordingly. When's the next election?
i've never helped out with a campaign before but think i'm going to go to work for whomever is running against stroger in the next election. i don't give a shit if it's kim jong-il running against him. how much longer do we have to endure these dimwits anyway?
Who cares when the next election is? Enough shitheads will keep voting for the same losers just because they have a (D) next to their names. Too many sheep live in Cook County. And no matter what, Daley--not the mayor, but his brother--will continue to call the shots.
I want to see her resume. Seriously. Anyone know where I can find it?
Don't blame me, I voted for Claypool.
you're right in that the daleys (both really) are calling the shots but they're never gonna get voted out. at least we may be able to oust stroger and his cousins/friends to send even a little bit of a message. even the sheep voters in cook county read the newspapers once in a while and know stroger needs to go
Celery: If you can't find it, file a freedom of information request. It is a public document. I really have no idea where to find it. Sorry. Try calling media relations or HR.
magilla- i'm with you. i've never been interested in working a political campaign, but i'm ready and willing to join up with anyone that takes on stroger. he is public enemy #1
Magilla, I wish I could share your optimism. I remember the sheep voters who elected John Stroger, a man who was IN A COMA, over Claypool. So sad.
@Matilda "I would pay to drive that bus."
Weeks ago when people said they'd like to punch the cop (Abate?) who beat on a female bartender you basically called them pussies for not acting upon their anger. What, pray tell, should we call you in your own moment of empty rhetoric? I'll start with hypocrite.
I don't believe Stroger was in a coma, I thin the man was actually dead. Remember, they covered up the old man Daley being among the heavenly choir for hours when he kicked it back in the day. These people have practice.
The fact that this person can't even concieve of her hiring and raise as something that would perhaps shift a couple of eyebrows skyward is endemic of just how far gone the county has gotten. Blame the media, blame race, blame anyone you can. Don't hold off on taking a raise, don't sacrifice, just put your hand in the pocket of tomorrow to pay for yesterday.
That's how governments collapse folks.
Magilla, I wish I could share your optimism. I remember the sheep voters who elected John Stroger, a man who was IN A COMA, over Claypool. So sad.
Yeah, no shit. That's really all you need to know -- Cook County voters are willing to vote for a drooling retard.
Weeks ago when people said they'd like to punch the cop (Abate?) who beat on a female bartender you basically called them pussies for not acting upon their anger. What, pray tell, should we call you in your own moment of empty rhetoric? I'll start with hypocrite.
Firestorm in 3.... 2..... 1.......
@simple:
When you say "governments collapse" are you drawing an analogy to the Roman Empire, such as, and the excesses therein? Because I don't think that is exactly a good analogy.
Chicago is fine. Status quo, while corrupt and disgusting has made out city better than STL, Detroit, ATL etc, so yeah. I think it is OK. Maybe it is time for a regime change, but I certainly don't see this as a harbinger of any sort.
And Matilda really does need to put up or shut up. I would prefer shut up.
Raise my taxes!
Hopefully all these bitchy kids from the suburbs, michigan, and iowa will go the fuck home.
matilda and spav and ward up ain't made for living in the big city.
Hugh: I believe in the right of people to overthrow their elected leaders if they prove hopelessly corrupt or tyrannical. Ideally, this is done through electoral methods or civil disobience, but I do support the rights of citizens to take violent action if the situation calls for it. In fact, I would encourage such violence in certain situations.
I do not support vigilante justice, even for such as good as target as a corrupt cop.
It is really a simple difference that is acknowledged and celebrated in our nation's history and certain founding documents.
Any other questions, you simple-minded asshole? Wanna play another round of gotcha? You really think I have not thought this through?
Spav: Gee, I think I will shut up because you want me to. Get a fucking life. And that you think corruption is OK because Chicago is better than some third-rate cities says much about your lack of moral sense and piss-poor thinking abilities.
Good save Matilda!
Bwahahahah!
Matilda:
You are a terrorist. By your logic, you would support an act like OK City Bombing ("The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of Patriots and Tyrants") but NOT the father of a rape victim beating up the rapist?
You are a smug, worthless piece of shit and no one likes you or will ever like you.
@toyota: I wouldn't mind taxes being raised if the money was not used to support the corruption, defense lawyers, and patronage in this city county and state. If it were used for what it is intended, raise my taxes.
What makes some people not fit to live in the big city? Because they don't like putting up with the corruption and the apathic attitude that many lifelong residents of this city hold? I certainly don't like the apathy.
@Spav: Because Chicago is better than Detroit, we should put up with it? Okay. That's awesome logic. Nice.
Yeah, I would rather live in Crook County than the Murder Capital of All Time. Sue me.
At my work on the South Side (in the health field) it was always funny to see lazy Cook County employees from Stroger's 8th ward organization getting injury notes to stay off work.
Spav: So you call me a terrorist. So fucking what?
Terrorism is merely a tactic that we have used many times--including for good during the Revolution and Civil War and World War II--not an ideology. Certain anti-slavery folks used terrorism as well for a moral cause. No, I don't think I am as noble or brave as the folks I just mentioned--or even that such tactics are called for in Chicago in 2008--but perhaps even you can understand the point.
And terrorism usually means working to intimidate the civilian population--that, in fact, is the classic view of terrorism. I am not sure violent actions directed at corrupt government officials would qualify as terrorism, even if civilians were harmed by accident. Don't worry--I do the thinking so you don't have to. You seem allergic to actually examining any issue beyond your own knee-jerk heckles.
"You are a smug, worthless piece of shit and no one likes you or will ever like you." Does this mean we will never be friends? Damn. I always screw up when trying to make Internet friends.
"The Heckler" versus "The Terrorist"!
Who Controls Bartertown?
Two Men Enter! One Man Leaves!
Two Men Enter! One Man Leaves!
Two Men Enter! One Man Leaves!
Don't worry--I do the thinking so you don't have to. You seem allergic to actually examining any issue beyond your own knee-jerk heckles.
My gawd, what a tired ass, blowhard hypocrite you are.
As if some cops aren't corrupt public officials as well but with a lot more immediate power over your life, but hey their power's sacred. Who do you think's going to be there to stop you when you go all 'falling down' and start running down corrupt politicos and commuting cyclists?
I agree with a lot of what you said to justify your major 'foot in mouth' moment. Do I believe you mean it? Fuck no.
Oh and folks:
Navin run bartertown!
Navin: Gee, does this mean we aren't friends, either? Damn.
Seriously, there is a difference between armed uprising based on civic outrage and a moral sense, and a mere lynch mob, no matter how glorified the mob might be. There is a difference between civic rebellian and vigilante action. Perhaps the differences are fine, but there are differences. Hypocrite? Not on my life. Blowhard? Well, that is harder to refute. Foot in mouth? Only for people who paint with broad brushes.
Matilda:
New User Name: Idi Amin.
@Matilda:
Really? An armed uprising? Over local government misusing funds?
Yeah... meet you in front of the tanks. Don't wait up, I'll be right there.
Spav: to compare Matilda to Idi Amin shows you have no understanding of history. But I am sure you think it's cute and got a good giggle out of it as you typed it.
Um, whatever. He was South American, right?
Spav: Yeah, and I eat people, too. Boo! You really have no thinking skills, do you? I mean, you do a good imitation of a thinking person, but in the end, you must know how challenged you are, right?
Not sure I called for a march or tanks on the County Building, Plum, but who knows, maybe I did. That said, I glorify the idea of armed rebellion when the cause is right, though I realize that usually, things get out of hand (looking at you, Napoleon, the end result of the French Revolution).
But hey, tell me how to change this hopeless pit of corruption when the corrupt control all the purse strings; most the election process; and vast portions of the courts. It seems New York was able to throw off Tammany Hall, but we still can't seem to kill the machine.
Matilda:
I actually don't which is the beauty part of being me. Ever read Thoreau? I am blissfully unaware like the "ignorant Woodsman" Thoreau so admired, and envied even.
Sucks to be you.
Thoreau--benefited from an elite education and elite company yet longed to be an anonymous, willfully ignorant person.
The thing is, he failed. Miserably. Sure, he wrote a few great works, but he failed at his idealism.
Any more heckles? Or do you have an actual idea?
"failed at his idealism"
When is the last time you participated in an armed rebellion?
All of you are getting your undies in a wad. Read what Matilda wrote, and hell, you may even agree with some of it. Matilda is not advocating terrorism, believes in the right of people to overthrow their elected leaders if they are severely corrupt or tyrannical, advocates change via election or civil disobience, does not believe in mob rule or vigilante justice, does not even know if violence would even be called for in this current day and age. If you get beyond the name calling, what Matilda writes makes some sense. Really, just think about it.
Is it that you all truly disagree with what Matilda is saying, or is it the way she says it?
When you say "governments collapse" are you drawing an analogy to the Roman Empire, such as, and the excesses therein? Because I don't think that is exactly a good analogy.
I'd like to take this moment to construct an alternate reality in which the city/county government does collapse like the Roman Empire. Except not in the way Gibbon described it, the way it actually happened. (And thanks to evangelical Christians, most Americans seem to think it's because the emperor was having more fun than Stuart Levine at the Purple Hotel while the populace all at once decided that getting it from behind with a bit of soap was novel and exciting.)
Chicago has a glorious beginning. Founded by Chicagomus and Chemus, nursed as infants from the teets of wild cougars in modern Lake County, the early years invent modern civic government for cities on lakes in the middle of continents.
All was hunky dory until Harvey Doolittle Calvin refused to give up office (which, seriously, he did). Naturally he was assassinated (which he wasn't though Carter Harrison Sr. was some years later) and the the city council fractured and went to war with itself.
The mayors continued consolidating power and expanding the city's borders until the empire of Detroit became an immanent threat. Mayor Carter Henry Harrison Jr., so as to better fight the mayor of Detroit, relocated to Gary along with the better part of his police force. This left the city open to pillage by cheeseheads from the north who eventually settle in the area with their cheddar ways and strange manner of speaking.
Chicago continued on in Gary (and Gary was, in fact, known as Chicago, though later historians found this confusing and so began calling it Gary again as the locals always had). The city weakened over time thanks to endless fighting with Cincinnati and slowly lost territory. Worse, it was weakened in the Fourth Louisian when the police force of St. Louis, which had set out to retake Muncie, were convinced to sack Gary.
From there it was a long slow decline until, at last, the Torontonians, who came from east of Detroit but had conquered Detroit thanks to their fierce Canadian ways, took the pathetic remains of Chicago/Gary in 2008 and carved out the Greater Toronto Metropolitan Area which was to remain in place until 2041 when singer Alex Kapranos (gold star to whomever susses out the reference) is assassinated by an Ann Arborist thereby starting what was (or, will be) known as the First Midwest War, the midwest war to end all midwest wars.
Or so people think as just a few years later Todd Stroger III begins arming the citizens of Rockford to take their horrible revenge. That's another story, though and this post is long (and silly) enough already.
YoknapatawphaTourismBoard: Good one!
Spav: When's the last time you gave up your belongings, tried to renounce society and fled for the woods?
We can play this game all day if you would like.
Not sure I called for a march or tanks on the County Building, Plum, but who knows, maybe I did. That said, I glorify the idea of armed rebellion when the cause is right, though I realize that usually, things get out of hand (looking at you, Napoleon, the end result of the French Revolution).
Oh don't even get me started on Forestilian Claypoolspierre.
Yok: Nice one in 45.
I was going to do that this summer, but then I saw the Golden Globe nominated film "Into the Wild" and decided it wouldn't be nearly as romantic as I had assumed.
Besides, I don't pretend to be anything than what I am. I never said I was Thoreau or even advocated for that lifestyle. Just using an example.
You, however, do advocate vocally for batshit radical stuff that you would never actually do.
So, this thread becomes just another instance of how I am actually better than you.
This from the same girl who wants to blow alexi just because.
Spav: Wanting to throw out bums who continue to steal money from us and then all but laugh in our faces while doing it is "batshit radical"?
I have a funny feeling I've done more to advance civic causes and challenge our leaders than you have, but that's just a feeling, as I have no evidence, obviously.
Go back to reading People magazine or whatever it is you do to feel superior.
Just because he is HOT.
Matilda:
I don't really give a shit what you do, as I am almost positive it consists of screaming incoherently. It is comforting to know that based simply on your personality, you will always be ineffective in whatever you choose to do.
When I say "radical" I mean, advocating violent overthrow of government. I am really OK with the status quo. Afterall, it isn't hurting me in any tangible way.
In conclusion, I only feel superior when I finish the crossword in People! Try spelling "Latifah" without the help of Google. Jeesh.
@UTV "As a forgiving man, I'd be content to . As a Chicagoan, I'D LIKE TO SEE THEM HIT BY A BUS ON THE WAY OUT."
@Magikist "Any volunteers to drive the bus?"
@Matilda "I would pay to drive that bus. Hell, we could have a raffle for the right to SPLATTER these corrupt "leaders" like the worthless bugs they are."
@Hugh G Rection: Matilda is a hypocrite.
@Matilda "I do support the rights of citizens to take violent action if the situation calls for it. In fact, I would encourage such violence in certain situations.
I do not support vigilante justice, even for such as good as target as a corrupt cop."
Ahhh!!..my brain...she MAKES NO SENSE. She supports violence on HER terms and somehow finds a way to separate vigilantism from the equation. Splendid!
So while Matilda was calling you a pussy for not taking up arms against a Chicago cop, SECRETLY she was totally against such action. What's more, while she is in favor of violent action "when the situation calls for it" and would encourage it, she conveniently excuses herself from living up to her well-publicized moral ranting.
Can someone please please please follow this chick around and make a documentary???!!! "American Movie" and "Stevie" et al, would have nothing on Chicagoist's most beloved "character," Matilda. That shit would go straight to the top of my queue, for real.
"It is comforting to know that based simply on your personality, you will always be ineffective in whatever you choose to do."
Wonderful assumption that contradicts facts, but hey, if it makes you feel good, go with it.
I can't tell how much of Spav is real is how much is fakery--this is the net, after all--but the Spav I know is really a worthless piece of shit as a citizen. This quote says it all: "Afterall, it isn't hurting me in any tangible way." If that's parody, it's pretty good. If not, you are just typical cannon fodder.
Now, go back to thinking about blow jobs.
Hugh: If you don't see the difference between civic action and mere mob "justice," you are simply dense. Pick up some books. They will change your life. In no way, shape or form am I equating myself with the founding fathers, but they sure as hell saw the difference, as I do. Are you really this simple-minded? Do you really think seeing differences equates to doing one thing and saying another?
Forgive me if you are retarded. In that case, I apologize.
Matilda:
Grain of salt baby. I am kind of joking, yeah, the War in Iraq isn't actually harming me, but I am still against it etc etc...but on some level everyone acts rationally. See: An Economic Theory of Democracy.
It is hard to vote for or against something knowing that result won't materially affect my life in any substantial way...does that make me cannon fodder? Maybe, but it also makes me a rational actor in a political environment.
And..back to blow jobs.
Jesus Christ you people have more time to devote to bitching out strangers and pretending it's a debate than anyone I've ever met (or not met for that matter). Doesn't anyone on here have a JOB?
FINALLY! A topic we can all agree on!
Spav: Fair enough.
Peace: I live on a trust fund, thank god.
I don't care what they say, I like you. Yes, you. You, reading this post. Right now. I like you.
Legalize prostitution and marijuana. Tax it. Promise the pols that they will still get courtesy calls.