Mayor Claar, Village Board's Popularity, An Illusion?

Election results show a fatal flaw that leave First Party vulnerable to potential losses in April, 2013.

Gangs & Politicians In Chicago: An Unholy Alliance

LAWBREAKERS, LAWMAKERS: In some parts of Chicago, violent street gangs and pols quietly trade money and favors for mutual gain. The thugs flourish, the elected officials thrive-and you lose. A special report.

Read Chicago Magazine's explosive article http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

The Quality of Life & Liberty In America Today

President John Quincy Adams said "liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people." Does the average american have enough knowledge to protect our society from losing its liberties?

Click to read more of the story. http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Chicago Tribune Expose How The Teachers Union Game The System

Local connection: Local AFT contribute more than $1 million to IFT, and $75k to Bolinbrook politicians.

The Chicago Tribune investigation pulls the curtain back, to expose what really goes on behind the scenes at IFT, the powerful teachers union.

The investigation shows how IFT leaders game the system with the help of state legislators to reap huge rewards at the expense of taxpayers. In return, state legislators collect tens of thousands in campaign contributions from the powerful organization.

A win-win for the teachers union, politicians, and the teachers.  A loss for taxpayers, and students.

Read more to find out how much our local politicians are collecting from the teachers union.  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

The 30-Day No-Restaurant Challenge

Dining out with your family can be an expensive habit, especially if you dine in Bolingbrook.

Consider the 30-day challenge.

Click link to read more of the article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

America's Deficit Culture: Seeing Beyond Our Noses

Changing personally means taking shorter-lived mortgages, with bigger down payments... not taking on more debt... And, yes, it means ceasing to view the government as a sugar daddy.

Click link to read more - http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Local Poll Show Most In the Community Are Against 3rd Party Busing

If the poll is accurate, where then should the district cut to close the growing deficit in the transportation fund?

Click below to read more of the article-

http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Where do you stand in the debate?

Reality Check: School District's Transportation Fund Operating at a Chronic Deficit

Valley View school district's financial reports are showing deficits in years 2009-11.

It's clear from examining the financials, Valley View school district will need to make some significant cuts in the transportation fund. Otherwise, taxpayers should expect to see more deficits as illustrated in the 2012 budget.

Where those cuts happen is the question.  Outsourcing the bus service to a 3rd party may not result in a reduction in cost.

Click link to read more of the article.  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Share your comments.

Peeper Back to Work for State

BGA's 2010 investigation expose the shocking arrest of a highly ranked IDOT employee.

If you take a peek inside the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) offices in Schaumburg these days, you might see James Stumpner, 48.

Paid nearly $104,000 a year, he’s the bureau chief of maintenance for the IDOT district based in the northwest suburbs.

Click to read more.  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Propaganda Alert: Local Media Report, "Valley View Predicts Tax Levy Under 5%"

Valley View school district's at it again - using the government controlled media (Patch, Bugle and Reporter) to spread propaganda and keep the truth from taxpayers.

If you rely solely on what's published in the Bugle, Patch or Reporter, it would appear the district is doing all that they can to cut cost, and manage spending.

Unfortunately, reality proves otherwise. The district is in fact doing the complete opposite.

Behind the scenes, they are planning to spend more money, overall, and wants to increase the tax levy by approximately 5%.

Read more:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Health Care Is Topic of Local Meeting

County board members host panel discussion for residents to learn about H.B. 311, the Illinois Universal Health Care Act.

Over 75 residents attended the Saturday morning meeting, and shared stories about the troubles with the current healthcare system.

One idea discussed is House Bill 311, sponsored by Rep. Mary Flowers

of Chicago. This legislation seeks to create a single payer system in the state of Illinois.

Click link read more from Bolingbrook resident, and Will County board member, Jackie Traynere:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

DuPage Township Scholarships: Only the "Well-Off" & "Well-Connected" Need Apply

Jim Mitchem's son receive scholarship money from Township despite parents $300k/year combined salaries.

Kevin Mitchem, the son of James Mitchem, the Valley View School Superintendent, received one of ten $500 scholarships that DuPage Township awarded to high school seniors earlier this year. If a needs test was a qualifier for the scholarship, however, the Superintendent's son would not have been eligible.

Is this ethical?

Click to read the entire article  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/valleyviewschool.html

Share your comments.

Bolingbrook Firefighters Union Donate Money to First Party Member, Bill Mayer's Campaign

Can the donations to Mayer's campaign protect the BBFU from any future layoffs?

The Police and Public Works union have remained neutral, and don't actively campaign for any local candidates.  What's up with the firefighters union?

Why can't they remain neutral in their dealings with Bolingbrook politicians?

When new rounds of budget cuts arrive, will the Village cut more police and public works employees and keep firefighters because they are the ones funding The First Party's campaigns?

Click to read more of the article.
http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/vobfiredepartment.html


Share your thoughts.

Mayor Vetoes Funding to Firefighters, Community Groups & Meal On Wheels

Park Ridge Mayor, David Schmidt decides to stand by his principles, and put the taxpayers interest first.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Mayor Schmidt has issued 14 vetoes in the past 2 1/2 years, which is almost unheard of for suburban mayors.

Chicago Tribune Article -

First, Park Ridge Mayor David Schmidt vetoed money for community groups. Then, he vetoed the city manager's contract -twice. On a roll, he vetoed the firefighters contract and the entire city budget.

He even vetoed money for the local Meals on Wheels.

Click link to read more http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/communityforum.html

Has DuPage Township Outlived Its Usefulness?

As state legislators, and media outlets openly criticize township government, taxpayers are now questioning whether township government has outlived its basic usefulness to the public.

Do we need DuPage Township?

Did you know? DuPage Township continues to funnel tens of thousands to favorite charities & non-profits, despite media criticsm.

Looks as if DuPage Township Supervisor, Bill Meyer, and the township board have decided to ignore the growing concerns of taxpayers.

We were shocked to learn they were still dumping tens of thousands (tax dollars) into their favorite charities and non-profits.

Check out two of the "well connected" organizations that received money (aka our tax dollars) from DuPage Township within the past 6 months.

Click link to read entire article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/dupagetownship.html

School District Answer Our "3rd Party Busing" Questions

We hope the answers will help you decide whether the district should outsource its busing service.

Click on link to read the answers.  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/valleyviewschool.html

Are you for or against the outsourcing of VVSD's busing service?  Share your comments.

Did you know? Valley View's Chronic Truancy Rate is Higher Than the State Average

The Chicago Tribune recently published an explosive story on the chronic truancy problem plaguing not only Chicago public schools, but public schools across the state.

According to the Tribune article, chronic truancy increased by 60% in the past 10 years, despite the $175 million spent on the problem.

The Number Crunchers decided to review Valley View school district's truancy rate. We pulled the 2011 Illinois School Report Card and discovered the following:

Click on link to read the results: http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

Share your thoughts.

Video: Who Do You Blame For the Budget Crisis On Local, State & Federal Levels?

News journalist, John Stossel debates the issue with a public union representative. Where do you stand in the debate?

Click link to watch the video.
http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/videopubliceeunion.html


Share your comments.

How Could $8.4 Million Have Helped To Educate VVSD Students?

Why Don’t VVSD Teachers Pay Their Share of Pension Contributions? highlighted the fact that VVSD taxpayers have funded the teacher portion of pension contributions for atleast the last five years – an estimated $8.4 million in 2010, alone.

 

VVSD students deserve to benefit from the hard earned tax money paid into this district. 

 

 

Click link to read more: http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

 

 

 

Bolingbrook Family Share What They Experienced With Valley View's 3rd Pty Busing Service

First Student Corporation left their autistic daughter on the bus for several hours, unnoticed.

Click to read more of this shocking story.  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/didyouknowbillkelldavidek.html

What Lies Beneath: District's Decision to Outsource Bus Service Draws More Questions

As a result of a reduction in state funding, Valley View school board is strongly considering the outsourcing of its bus service to a 3^rd party, claiming it will save $855k annually.

The Number Crunchers do not have an opinion as to whether the outsourcing to a 3^rd party is best for the district. We are in the process of doing some research of our own.

In efforts to encourage more resident participation, we've decided to share with you the list of questions we plan on asking the District. The answers will help to determine whether or not the outsourcing is best for Bolingbrook.

We've got until December 12, 2011 to get answers to 10 important questions.

Click link to read entire article, and view list of questions.  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/home.html

The floor's open.  Tell us what you think.

"Stand Up For Workers" Rally In Springfield, Illinois

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, public employee workers across the State joined forces at the “Stand Up For Workers” rally held at the State Capitol Rotunda in Springfield, Illinois.

The Number Crunchers witness the event first hand, and had the opportunity to discuss State pension reform with representatives from Bolingbrook’s police and firefighters’ union. Both unions attended the event to lend support to the State union employees.

Click to read more of the article and view the photo gallary:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/communityforum.html

What are your views on the current State pension fund crisis?

Where do you stand in the debate? 

Do you support or oppose the public worker protestors?

Share your comments.

Wilhelmi: New Consumer Protections Make Electrical Grid Modernization Package Much Better Deal

State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) is supporting new legislation that makes Illinois’ electrical grid modernization package a much better deal for the State and consumers.

click below to read more of the news release.

http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/legislativenews.html

What do you think of the smart-grid?

Share your comments.

How Does Bolingbrook Adventist Hospital Compare to Other Hospitals In the area, In Terms of Patient Care?

A national survey by HCAHPS ask patients to share their hospital experience by answering 10 quality care questions. The results may surprise you.

Click to read more of the article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/villageofbolingbrook.html

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1.  Have you ever been treated at Bolingbrook Adventist Hospital?

2.  Do you know of anyone that's been treated at BAH?

3.  If so, how was your experience?

4.  Which hospital (in the area) provide the best care?

5.  Which hospital (in the area) provide the worst care?

Feel free to share your opinion, and join us in the debate.

Why Don't VVSD Teachers Pay Their Share of Pension Contributions?

Thanks to Valley View school board members, taxpayers are on the hook for 100% of teachers' pension contributions. Will the "Friends of Valley View" approve similar pension "pick-ups", when new negotiations start later this year?

According to Illinois state law, teachers are required to contribute 9.4% of their salary into the pension system.

But VVSD teachers do not pay their legally mandated 9.4% teacher contribution. Their contribution is paid for by district taxpayers as part of the negotiated teacher contract known as “pick ups”. So not only are VVSD taxpayers on the hook for the school district portion of 0.58%, and the state match of 9.4%, they are also on the hook for the teacher portion of 9.4%.

Click on link to read more of the article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/vvsd10191pensionmill2.html

Did you know taxpayers were on the hook at 100%?

Share your comments. 

Should We Be Creating Public Education Pension Millionaires? Open the Books and Find Out.

87% of Valley View School District, “VVSD”, retirees are on track to collect $1 million during retirement before their private sector counterparts.

Click to read more of Cedra Crenshaw's explosive article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/valleyviewschool.html

Share your comments.  Tell us what you think.

Chicago & Bolingbrook Politicians Use Influence to Fund "Pet" Charities

The Chicago Tribune published an explosive article detailing the millions of dollars used to fund former first lady, Maggie Daley's "pet" charity.

The Number Crunchers have published similar articles on the hundreds of thousands in tax dollars used to fund local politicians "pet" charities.

Looks as if it's common practice for politicians to use their influence to fund "pet" charities.

Take a moment to read the article, and share your comments.

http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/villageofbolingbrook.html

Local Legislators Split On Smart Grid Bill: What Role Did Campaign Contributions Play In the Decision?

ComEd and Ameren donate more than $1.3 million to campaign funds in months leading to "Smart Grid" bill approval.


Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D) received more than $10k in campaign contributions from both companies.  Did the contributions influence his decision to vote YES?

Representative, Emily McAsey received $1,000 from Ameron in 2009.  She voted AGAINST the bill.  Can we assume she can't be bought?

After reading BGA's investigation, are you for or against SB1652?

http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/legislativenews.html

The floor is open.

Du Page Township's New Appointee Collected $66k From the Township in 2010: Legitimate Appointment? Or Conflict of Interest?

It's obvious Mrs. Benford is a smart, devoted member of the community, who successfully built strong ties with Claar, and is now a member of his regime.

She's a business owner. We understand her motivation to promote and expand her CPA business by making the right connections, staying active in the community, and serving on boards.

But, is it fair to taxpayers, and the community overall?

Can Mrs. Benford honestly make decisions that are in the best interest of the community if she's also providing professional services, benefiting financially from the same government entity?

This question can only be answered by taxpayers.  Remember, it's our tax dollars that fund these government agencies.

Are you comfortable with this? We want to hear from you.

Do you consider this appointment to be legitimate or a conflict of interest?

It's Time To Get Money Out Of Politics: We Can Start Locally

As tens of thousands sign MSNBC host Dylan Ratigan's petition to " help get money out of politics" (on the federal level), we wanted to know if there were any "bought politicians" on the local level? Who's donating to our local leaders campaign, and how much?

Read the article and share your opinion.

The floor is open!

Is There Really A Lack of Funding In Education?

As clearly highlighted in the article, BB taxpayers are funding multi-million dollar pension plans for retired VVSD educators.  Are you as outraged as we are?

Do you find the sudden salary spikes right before retirement suspicious?

The $500k plus in salary spikes c/h/b used on more important areas of the budget.  What do you think of the "list of savings" highlighted by Cedra Crenshaw?

How can the school board approve such agreements?

Share your comments.

Teachers' Union & Education Reform: What Role Do They Play?

Is it possible, unions are opposed to education reform, as the writer suggest?

There are excellent teachers employed in the public school system, how can unions justify paying them (excellent teachers) the same as bad ones?

What do you think of President Obama's Race To The Top Fund?


Share your comments.

Community Poll: Did the State of Georgia Execute An Innocent Man?

What are your views on the death penalty?

Where do you stand in the debate?  Do you support the pardon bd, and supreme ct's decision?  Or, do you believe there was too much doubt in the case?

The floor is open.  Tell us what you think.

Residents Hit Village of Maywood With Lawsuit Claiming FOIA Violation

Curious minds want to know: Will Bolingbrook government follow the same playbook, and slam its doors on the residents, including The Number Crunchers, when we request public information?

Hopefully, the Village of Bolingbrook, Valley View School District, Fountaindale Public Library and DuPage Township will honor the community's absolute right to public records, and keep its doors, and books open to the public.*

 

 

 

Plan On Dining Out? Think Twice, It Will Cost You More Money To Eat In Bolingbrook

The only communities with comparable taxes are downtown Naperville and Chicago.

Producers vs Expropriators: America's Coming Civil War?

"Most productive Americans... value their independence, their freedom to make their own lives as they see fit, not to make themselves subservient to politicians and government bureaucrats."

What are your views on the size of government, both locally and nationally?

Do you believe the country's headed towards a socialist state, where government's the primary economic engine?

Do you believe in Hudgen's assertion that America's headed for a civil war between the producers and expropriators?

Share your comments.

Government Regulation Favor Big Business, Penalize Small Ones

Nice Cream's required to purchase a $40k pasteurizing machine or the government will shut her down.

Will you call Senator Wilhelmi, and Rep. McAsey, to see if they would consider sponsoring a bill that removes the prohibitive barriers preventing small ice-cream businesses from competing in the marketplace?

Share your comments.

"Going forward, I will not be pursuing a political office of any kind."

Instead, I want to focus exclusively on reporting how local government spends our tax dollars. There should be no appearance of a political agenda other than to help reduce government spending.

Feel free to share comments.

Education Reform: Can Tax Credits From Public Education Be the Answer?

Parents should have the right to choose the best school for their child.

The current public education system is parasitic in nature.

Click to read article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/vvsd9911eductxcrdt.html

The floor is open.  Please share your comments.

Community Poll: Will you let your children watch DWTS this season?

The floor is open, Bolingbrook.  Tell us what you think.

School Board Set To Vote On New 90/10 Grading Policy

Are you in support (or against) the policy?

How should the school board vote, on Sept. 22?

What are the pros and cons?

Will Local Leaders Ever Step Out Of The Shadows, Face Our Questions, and Speak Their Truth?

Maybe they can learn a few things from Senator Wilhelmi's (D) play book - Face your critics head-on. It's good for the community.

"Without debate, without criticism, no administration and no country can succeed-- and no republic can survive."  - President, John F. Kennedy

Share your comments.

Waiting Game: Should Governor Quinn Sign or Veto Legislation?

Share your comments on the following bills.

1.  Creation of Ind Water Agency/Eminent Domain (SB83) - Quinn signed bill on 8/26/11.
2.  FOIA Law Modification - Quinn signed the bill on 8/26/11.
3.  Legal Gambling Expansion

Think Again! The New Water Agency May Not Lead To Cheaper Rates

As local politicians push for the creation of a new agency, they remain silent on the matter of "oversight" and "accountability". Important tools necessary to protect the community from gross mismanagement.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

The floor is open.

Can you spot propaganda when you see it?

Share your comments.

Americans Leave The Country In Pursuit of A Better Life

Have you ever considered  leaving the country for a better life?  Do you know of anyone that's left?

Are you in support or against Americans leaving?

Share your comments.

VIDEO: Police Officer's Final Act of Kindness Moments Before Being Gunned Down

A terrible reminder of the danger cops face on a daily basis.

A heart-breaking video.


Share your comments.

Study Shows, Illinois is 1 of 5 "Sinkhole" States

Using trickery to hide $1 trillion in outstanding debt. 

Share your comments.

50% of U.S. Households Do Not Pay Federal Taxes: Fact or Fiction?

It's a fact! 

VVSD School Board Fail To Balance The Budget

These bona fide spenders ("The B.S. Group", aka "Friends of Valley View", aka "The First Party") presents a tentative budget with a $7.9 million deficit.

Why don't they make the cuts necessary to balance the budget?

Share your comments.

London Is Burning! Will We Ever See A Similar Riot In The U.S.?

America struggles with similar economic and social problems as England.  Will we ever see a similar riot in this country?

Do you identify with the rioters?  The police force? The wealthy?  The underclass? 

Share your comments.

How Does S&P Rate Bolingbrook's Credit Worthiness?

Not good.  Share your comments.

What do you think of Chris Matthews "Reality Check" to President Obama?

Do you believe the government can pull us out of this mess by creating jobs (infrastructure jobs) and put people back to work?

Out Of Sync: The Disparity In Pay Between Government & Private Employees In Illinois

What do you think of the Illinois Policy Institute's findings?

Man Sues Naperville Claiming False Arrest: Imagine If This Happen To You

If he blew a 0.0 on a breathalyzer, why did the cops proceed with the arrest?

Will he prevail in his lawsuit? 

Share your comments.

Jesse White Gives Raises While Other Illinois Agencies Freeze Pay

What do you think of the Better Government Association's (BGA) explosive investigation?

The Illinois Defense of Marriage Initiative

Click to read article:

Do you support the pledge?  Share your comments.

Bolingbrook Government Rakes In An Estimated $360 Million in Revenue

How much do you contribute to the local economy?  Share your comments.

Village Gears-Up To Face A New Audit For Fiscal Yr 2011

Will they clear up the problems highlighted by the auditor in fiscal year 2010?

BGA Investigation Expose Suburban Mayor's Outlandish Spending Habits

Notice any similarities with our very own Mayor?

Senator Wilhelmi (D) Explains Why He Voted In Support Of New FOIA Bill

Share your comments on Senator Wilhelmi's reasons for voting yes to HB 1716.

HB 1716 has yet to be signed by Governor Quinn.

DuPage Township - Budget Tracker

Will DuPage Township commit to a balanced budget and reduced spending?

DuPage Township Set To Pass 2011/12 Budget

Will they continue to use tax dollars to fund pet charities & non-profits?  Attend Tuesday's meeting to find out.

Share your comments.

Did you know? Private prisons spend millions on lobbying to put more people in jail.

This is frightening stuff.  How can government, incl. politicians turn a basic social institution into a "for profit" business? 

Does this concern you?

Clow International Airport: Chronic Losses

As a taxpayer, where do you draw the line when it comes to the chronic losses at Clow Intl Airport and Golf Course? 

What should Mayor Claar, and the Village Board do with both investments?

Look in the Mirror Folks, Teachers Are Not the Problem, It's the Parents

When will we face the brutal truth?  Do you agree?

Click to read article:  http://thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com/vvsd62311tchrsnotpb.html

Share your comments.

Double-Dose of Humor - Jon Stewart & Fox vs President Obama Impersonator at Republican Convention

Jon Stewart lock horns with Fox News, Chris Wallace.  Who do you think won?

A President Obama impersonator serves up jokes at republican convention.  Was it funny or offensive?

Share your comments.

Wake Up People! Illinois Legislators Just Voted to Strip the Public's Access to Government Records

Can you believe this bill pass both houses?  Don't they have better things to do, like finding ways to close the massive budget deficit?

Emily McAsey did the right thing yet again.  She voted NO on this bill and the tax hike.  Yet, AJ Wilhelmi voted YES to this Stalinesque bill, and the tax hike.

What's going on?  Share your comments.

Dr. Schofstall Leaves District With Better Test Scores, Now What?

Can Mitchem and his team continue the positive trend left by Schofstall?  Or will we see more declines in test scores?

Share your comments.

30 Rock Tracy Morgan in Hot Water Over Gay Comments

Should Tracy Morgan be fired?

Local Legislators Wilhelmi & McAsey Vote on 2 Controversial Issues

Are your views in line with how McAsey and Wilhelmi voted?  Share your comments.

Bolingbrook Golf Course Suffer Chronic Losses Since Doors Opened in 2002

So why do they publicly claim a net profit for fiscal year 2011?

 

 

British Psychologist Under Fire For Report. "Why Black Women Are Uglier Than Other Races"

Read the explosive article on The Number Crunchers - Bolingbrook.  Share your comments.

What's the Real Story Behind the Village Cancelling the Civil Union Ceremony

According to reliable sources, Mayor Claar and DuPage Township Supervisor, Bill Mayer were on board.  What happened? 

Democrat Controlled State Legislature Pass New Redistricting Map

An abuse of power or the nature of the game?

Did Mayer & Rashid resign due to media pressure?

Join the debate.

Heroin Epidemic in Will County

Did you know there is a heroin epidemic in Will County?

Valley View Denies $83.5 Million Additional Debt

Share your comments.

First Party Supporters Resort to Cyber-Bullying to Silence Watchdog Reporter

Will you join us in practicing "zero-tolerance" when it comes to cyber-bullying?
Share your comments.

Du Page Township Board's Conflict of Interest

Do you consider the donation to the Cricket Club a conflict of interest?

Jon Stewart & Bill O'Reilly Lock Horns in a Heated Debate

Who won?  Share your comments.

Mom Alert! "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother"

What kind of parent are you?

Illinois Taxpayers Gamed by Public Education Special Interests

Have Illinois taxpayers been gamed by public education special interests?