We love to say we told you so
Check out today's Chicago Tribune for an expose on Jerry Weller's Nicaraguan land dealings.
The Tribune goes into some detail, finding several incidents where Weller failed to declare transactions in Nicaragua on his Congressional disclosure; differences in the amounts he reported for the purchase and sale prices of land; and an apparent conflict of interest with his support of the CAFTA agreement. The Tribune confirms earlier reports that Weller still has not fully disclosed his interests in Nicaragua.
So far, Weller continues to refuse to discuss the matter, which was first raised last summer by respected journalist Frank Smyth, as well as by campaign opponent John Pavich. Weller should have a hard time dismissing the report by the Tribune, which has consistently supported him. Can an Ethics Committee investigation be far behind?
Our past posts about this matter:
Weller's Nicaraguan Land Scandal
Weller Strikes Gold in Nicaragua
Other links:
Weller financial disclosure, 2006
Weller exemption letter, 3/2007
Weller financial disclosure, 2005
http://www.franksmyth.com/
Supporting documents collected by Frank Smyth
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/wellerbeach/
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/hottype/061103/
The Tribune goes into some detail, finding several incidents where Weller failed to declare transactions in Nicaragua on his Congressional disclosure; differences in the amounts he reported for the purchase and sale prices of land; and an apparent conflict of interest with his support of the CAFTA agreement. The Tribune confirms earlier reports that Weller still has not fully disclosed his interests in Nicaragua.
So far, Weller continues to refuse to discuss the matter, which was first raised last summer by respected journalist Frank Smyth, as well as by campaign opponent John Pavich. Weller should have a hard time dismissing the report by the Tribune, which has consistently supported him. Can an Ethics Committee investigation be far behind?
Our past posts about this matter:
Weller's Nicaraguan Land Scandal
Weller Strikes Gold in Nicaragua
Other links:
Weller financial disclosure, 2006
Weller exemption letter, 3/2007
Weller financial disclosure, 2005
http://www.franksmyth.com/
Supporting documents collected by Frank Smyth
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/wellerbeach/
http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/hottype/061103/
Labels: government
posted by skepticalmorris at 11:32 AM
12 Comments:
How about that amazing Kreskin, I am telling you skeptical, keep your eye on that man.
interesting that the best Jer's spokesman can do is bring up his "daughter". Is he even in the U.S.?
This is tip of the iceberg stuff. Wait until the rest of Morris puts together that they've been sold down the river by Weller (R); Shugart (R); Channahon Mayor Joe Cook (R); Shugart's sister and Weller staff member, Patty Cowman; and 5 Star Development aka Republican and major Weller contributor John Dollinger.
A boundary line that creates job and economic develpment?
Or water and sewer lines paid by all of Morris so 5 Star can make millions to develop its land, and the lion's share of the millions in tax revenues go to Channahon for years to come?
Oh wait. Morris get's half of a million per 100 acres... once.
THANKS! So generous... give me a break.
Skeptical do you think that Mike Farrell was being a bit dramatic in his opinion piece Saturday? Did he really say people will die at the police department and maybe at city hall? Is this not and old politicians trick to scare people to get what he wants?
Finally! Everyone *on the street* is talking about Weller, in what they consider a new, not so attractive light! I am surprised there aren't more comments here.
Finally! The true nature of the beast is all over the Chi Trib for all to see. Hope more voters read!
Mike Farrell stated that people will die on this day at city hall.
Farrell doesn't have much credibility to begin with, but he went down even further with that last column.
My god 5:10, thats today,ahhhh!!!!
I clicked on the Weller Reader article and lo and behold, there's an ad on the site for a "washlet"; some kind of fancy toilet. Included in the ad was a pic of a butt. How apropo.
At the September 4 meeting, the Morris City Council debated the City's authority to use Tax Increment Financing money to construct the new municipal building. A 1999 amendment to the TIF law prohibits such uses in most instances. As reported by Mike Farrell, Mayor Kopczick stated that the 1999 amendment did not apply to the city because a new city hall was included in the TIF Redevelopment Plan adopted in 1986, well before the 1999 amendment. I have thoroughly reviewed the 1986 Redevelopment Plan. The Plan makes no mention of the construction of a new city hall.
Also at that meeting, I asked if the plans for the new municipal building had been brought before the Joint Review Board. The mayor stated that it had been. However, in a followup question, the mayor admitted that it had not been voted on or approved by the Board. The creation of a Joint Review Board consisting of all of the heads of the taxing bodies in the district is required by the 1999 amendment to the TIF law. The purpose of the Board is to provide a system of checks and balances to prevent the misuse of TIF. It is required to meet at least annually to monitor the use of TIF money and approve Redevelopment Plans.
I am not opposed to TIF. It can be a wonderful tool when used correctly by the city to transform blighted areas, such as the paper mill site, into safe, productive property that will generate new property taxes for the city and schools. Building a new city hall with TIF money accomplishes neither. Before the mayor gets around to bringing this to the Joint Review Board for a vote, I urge you to contact your aldermen and the members of the Joint Review Board to voice your opinion.
Former first ward alderman
Bob Elleson
last weeks news
My wardrobe is going out of style waiting for your next post.
<< Home