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.
Good post Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall that Plainfield opted out because they realized the deal they had negotiated for their residents was better than Bolingbrook, Romeoville and the other administrations.
Personally I am not in agreement that we need a water agency or for the village to acquire the pipe through eminent domain. Local government needs to remember that they are in the business of garbage collection, fire, police, along with streets and sanitation. Local governments are hopeless in managing other businesses and should stay out of it because if they do not, then you usually find that prices double and service drops.
Wilhelmi, McAsey and Claar are socialists and socialists have an agenda of nationalization so its not surprising that they want to acquire the assets of American Water.
I am not a supporter of American Water as the water costs in town are extremely high, but nationalization by our local democratic politicians is not the answer. We need competition and that is where the emphasis should lie.
Excellent point made, Mike.
ReplyDeleteLocal government should remember that they are in the business of garbarge collection, fire, police and street cleaning.
Look what happens when they try to get into managing businesses - Bolingbrook Golf Course and Clow Airport. Both are losing ventures.
Now they want to control and run the water agency? Bad idea!
Great article Rhonda.
I was in support of the water agency, but now have second thoughts. The 'history' section of the article gives me pause.
ReplyDeleteUntil Wilhelmi & Mcasey explain how they plan on protecting the community, I will not support the creation of a new water agency.
//true/true///true
ReplyDeleteRead the HISTORY section! How do they plan on protecting Bolingbrook etc. from a corrupted water agency?
Bottom Line -
ReplyDeleteBolingbrook got SCREWED when IAWC took over.
IF proper oversight is part of the takeover & my water bill decreases, IDGAF about anything else.
IF?????
ReplyDeleteSpeak for yourself. I Do Give a F..k
WHEN this agency is created, WITH NO OVERSIGHT in place, we may end up losing more money.
Start asking questions NOW. Don't wait to complain AFTER the agency is formed, years have passed, and the water bills remain high.
Wake up people!
Wow! Read much?
ReplyDeleteI said, IF proper oversight is part of the takeover & my water bill decreases, IDGAF about anything else.
Meaning, when they create the Water Agency, they also create an oversight committee.
To Mike E. - Nice to see you aren't taking things personally by calling Wilhelmi, McAsey and Claar socialists. Keep in mind, it ain't just Bolingbrook trying to make this happen.
Mike said "Wilhelmi, McAsey and Claar are socialists and socialists have an agenda"
ReplyDeleteIn a previous story, Rhonda said
"HOW TO RECOGNIZE PROPAGANDA
According to The Institute of Propaganda Analysis (established in 1938), there are 7 basic propaganda devices. Most often used by politicians, advertisers and special interest.
Name Calling"
Mikes' comment fits her description of propaganda!
Or maybe Mike is correct.
ReplyDeleteIf Wilhelmi, McAsey and UR Highness Claar push for a government controlled water agency, it smells like socialism.
Guess the truth hurts, Idiots.
Yes! I'm calling you an idiot. That's name calling for sure.
Take your crap to BB Patch. We don't buy it over here.
Based on your logic, Naperville's Pradel must be the king of socialism because not only does his village supply the water, but they also supply the electricity!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about Joliet, Downers Grove, Westmont, Aurora, Lemont...
ReplyDeleteDo you really know any government body that can run anything efficiently?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mike E's statements.
Does anyone remember that at one time the West side of Bolingbrook got their water from the Village of Bolingbrook? Let's sell what we own and then but it back for more.
(funny) Don't compare Bolingbrook to Naperville.
ReplyDeleteThe BB Golf Course and Clow Airport are 2 losing businesses that are ran by Mayor Claar, and his Goons.
Why should anyone expect him to run a water agency any better?
Maybe Plainfield's got it right.
Lets not confuse the debate here. Stick to the subject people.
Without any real accountability, the new water agency will most definately end up like DuPage Water Commission.
Instead of attacking Mike or anyone else that questions government, try using your brain.
Maybe the last comment was on target. Take your pro-government comments to BB Patch.
We have no problem questioning government here.
Guess the truth hurts! LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou can't question anything that your precious Naperville does. You must be getting a payoff from someone there.
Hey, doesn't Bob live in Naperville 203 SD?
I've got one thing to say, Wilhelmi and Mcasey better push for some major controls over this water agency because if they don't, and corruption follows, their careers are O-V-E-R.
ReplyDeleteClaar too.
Bob who?
ReplyDeleteThere's 140k residents in Naperville. What's your point?
He doesn't have a point Legal Eagle.
ReplyDeleteBob The Bulldog.
ReplyDeleteSo quickly we forget!
What does Bob have to do with the water agency?
ReplyDeleteDoes he have any power to stop Governor Quinn from signing Wilhelmi's legislation?
Can he save us from losing more money if this water agency is created?
What can he do about the chronic losses at the Golf Course or Clow Int'l Airport?
Lets get serious.
CAN WE GET A REAL CONVERSATION GOING WITHOUT THE PETTY BICKERING?
This is an important topic.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteBob has about as much to do with this as Mike accusing Wilhelmi, McAsey and Claar of being socialists and Legal Eagle saying " Local government should remember that they are in the business of garbarge collection, fire, police and street cleaning." does.
The reality of it is that most villages in our area provide water to the residents. Naperville is a great example of not only providing water, but they provide electricity and waste water removal.
In order for this to be a productive discussion, we need to stick to facts and everyone needs to put their personal feeling towards those in office, those that want to be in office and those that hold an opinion different than they do aside.
Wow, I did not think my opening statement would stir so much controversy. To Mr/Ms Anonymous what my quote actually stated was
ReplyDelete"Wilhelmi, McAsey and Claar are socialists and socialists have an agenda of nationalization so its not surprising that they want to acquire the assets of American Water".
This is the fundamental doctrine of all socialists so I feel it does "stick to the facts" and ask how is this propaganda or Name Calling?.
To more pressing matters, I have discovered that residents in the Village Of Plainfield pay $35.00 per 4,000 gallons of water used versus the $65.00 that we pay for the same amount in Bolingbrook and both Bolingbrook and Plainfield are supplied by Illinois Water. So it would appear that our village officials along with the other jurisdictions vying for this water agency should follow Plainfield and negotiate competitive prices. its no wonder that they opted out.
As for the comments on Naperville, as I understand it Sue, Naperville has to purchase their water from the DuPage water commission so residents do not have a choice. I was also under the impression that residents in Naperville were not happy with the city as the electricity supplier, especially having smart meters forced upon them.
I go back to my original conclusion that "Competition is the only alternative", not government controlled agency's.
Good afternoon, All.
ReplyDeleteI would like to personally thank each of you for taking the time out to join in the conversation. It's important that we freely discuss the issues that are important to us.
Please remember, EVERY VOICE COUNTS.
Our community is made-up of Claar supporters, Anti-Claar supporters, democrats, republicans, tea partiers, non-voters, blind-voters, government loving, anti-government, haters, and free-spirits.
We all have a label and use labels to describe others.
Simply put, we may not always agree, but lets try and respect each others views.
In regards to the current topic at hand, please consider the following questions.
1.Do you support the new water agency?
2.How important is oversight and accountability?
3.Are you concerned that the legislators have not addressed this issue?
4. What do you think of the DuPage Water Comm?
5.How about Wilhelmi's bill SB83 that strips private companies of their property?
If you have additional questions (or comments) we should consider, please chime in.
EVERY VOICE COUNTS!
Excellent point, Mike E. Supported 100% with facts.
ReplyDeleteI love it!
Mike,
ReplyDeleteCan you give us a breakdown on what Plainfield pays? How much of the $35.00 is for a basic service fee, how much is for water, how much is for wastewater, how much is for fire protection, how much is for taxes?
I don't know anyone that lives in Plainfield or how where to find the breakdown of the fees there.
Thanks!
Good job, Mike.
ReplyDeleteOne note, how can Sue M and Anonymous use Naperville's water as part of their argument when Naperville water comes from DuPage Water Comm.
Did they even bother to read the story? Or is it, they simply wanted to fight anyone that questions government?
Hey Sue M and Anonymous: PLEASE READ THE 'HISTORY' SECTION OF THE ARTICLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NAPERVILLE'S WATER BEFORE ARGUING ABOUT IT.
There was so much corruption that the County had to take over.
Hey Mike, Ignore Sue M.
ReplyDeleteSue M. READ THE ARTICLE!
The public works director from Plainfield publicly stated that their water bill is cheaper.
Try clicking on the link at the end of the article to read the detail.
Here's an idea: Try calling Plainfield yourself. Ask the Director himself.
Sue,
ReplyDeletePlainfield's public works director is directly quoted stating that Plainfield's water is cheaper.
I've attached a link to the bottom of the article with detail (Sun-Times).
My suggestion is to contact Plainfield directly. They have a very open government, and willing to answer whatever questions you may have.
Please consider sharing with us what you find.
Not that I really pay attention to our water bill, if I did I'd be yelling at the kids to take shorter showers and I'd do larger loads of laundry. As it is I never water my lawn.
ReplyDeleteIf BB owns the water treatment plants, is this fee included on the our water bill. isn't the water bill just water and sewer? How do we know it isn't the sewer part that is too high, or perhaps both are too high.
Someone please help and answer.
Sue I was just doing some research for surrounding localities and Google came back with this web site.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.naperville.il.us/emplibrary/ResidentialWaterRateComparison.pdf
I have also been very upset with IAW for raising the Fire Protection Charge from $4.00 a month to over $16.00 a month but IAW have advised me that this is a Bolingbrook levy imposed on them and if we want to reduce it we need to approach the Village and ask for a 3/4 inch meter or 1/2 inch meter instead of the 1 inch meter they mandate. Apparently this will not only reduce the fire protection charge but also the basic service charge.
Now this could be interesting.
To Anonymous @ 4:22pm,
ReplyDeleteSince Bolingbrook owns the sewer system, our rates are lower (appx $72/5,000 gallons a month). So, Bolingbrook only need to acquire the water pipeline.
Whereas, Homer Glen (for example), doesn't own the water or sewer system. They pay appx $200 to $300/month for both water and sewer services.
Illinois American Water (IAW) claims to be raising the rates to cover bogus infrastructure repairs, etc.
When in reality, it's just a better bottom line. More money for the shareholders.
Hope I answered your question.
Mike E
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link to the comparison chart. I did notice that the chart says that Plainfield is serviced by Municipally Owned Water & Wastewater not IAW like was said.
The Plainfield website lists prices in cubic feet not gallons so I'll see if I can find something to convert them so that they can be compared.
I'm not doubting that they pay less than us, I'm just curious to see how it breaks down.
Sue M,
ReplyDeleteAs part of your analysis, you might want to compare Woodridge, Romeoville and Lemont, as well.
Only 300 customers (combined) receive IAW and sewer services.
The Village of Bolingbrook has the most at stake in this deal.
Hope this helps.
Interesting Sue, Cubic feet is an Oil/Gas term, maybe Plainfield has hidden reserves!! The conversion is around 7.48 gallons.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the municipality owned against Plainfield too, but I do believe its IAW.
Interesting. Plainfield buys it's water from IAW and then sells it to the residents.
ReplyDeleteThe monthly bills for the residents are quite a bit less than Bolingbrook.
A look at their budget shows
2010 Actual
Amount
Bonds-- $1,356,723.93
Water & Sewer Expenditures Total--$20,829,095.19
http://www.plainfield-il.org/departments/documents/PlainfieldFiscalYear2012Budget.pdf
interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteQuick update - On Friday, Governor Quinn signed SB83 into law.
Looks like Mayor Claar, and the 5 communities have a green light to create the independent water agency, AND strip the pipelines from IAW.
Hope IAW takes this to court.....
ReplyDeleteOnce again the actions of our local politicians cost us more money.
From Patch.com
ReplyDeleteClaar says the agency would lower residents' water bill. Illinois American Water says Bolingbrook can't prove that and in the meantime, will be racking up lawyer bills while using eminent domain.
"History has shown using eminent domain to acquire a utility system is extremely expensive, risky and a divisive endeavor that will increase the costs to the public," said IAW President Karla Olson Teasley in a statement.
Kinda rings true, but at least Roger will own it then.
Anonymous
ReplyDeleteIn one breath you're saying that you want IAW to take this to court and in another, you complain that it's going to cost you more money.
Make up your mind already!
And look at Roger's history. BB Golf Course and Clow Intl Airport are both losing ventures.
ReplyDeletedon't need a crystal ball to see where this venture's headed.
This agreement isn't just for Bolingbrook residents.
ReplyDeleteyeah, we know. But Bolingbrook has the most at stake (total # of households, etc.).
ReplyDeleteWe're talkin hundreds of millions...can ya say "jackpot!"? Bet Claar and his Crew can.
Wonder how much money Quigley made lobbying for this bill? Just keeping the money in the family.
ReplyDeleteLots of accusations being throw around. When can we expect to see the proof published on the Number Crunchers site?
ReplyDeleteBe more specific, Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteUnless you're living on Mars, or simply stupid, all 3 bills exist, and Governor Q signed 2 of them.
What's your point?
Don't try that crap here. We will annihilate you.
Legal Eagle, Anonymous should be more specific and tell us how much money he thinks Quigley made and what family he's talking about.
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone knows of additional facts to share that was not covered in the article or the blog, please add them here, or via email (for confidentiality).
We will most certainly follow-up on the tip, and report our findings.
The Village (Claar and Boan and the rubber stamper Trustees) gave away our Bolingbrook owned water utility to IAW in 2003 for pennies on the dollar (and unspecified pay-to-play contributions that Roger declined to quantify when I asked him about them at a Village Board meeting).
ReplyDeleteIncredibly, neither Claar nor Boan (why are we being forced to pay Boan $100s per hour again?) had the foresight to include in the sales contract limits on future water rate raises by IAW. What were they thinking?--obviously IAW would jack up the rates and gouge us as much as they could without any contractual restraints on price increases. Claar and Boan were NOT thinking about the interests of Bolingbrook residents for certain.
Now they've been wasting more of our tax money to create this water agency boondoggle. One theory is that they purposely did not put any contractual controls into the Village contract with IAW in order to use skyrocketing rates as an excuse to create a water agency.
Incompetency or planned out greed--either way it's the Bolingbrook tax payer and water user who loses, again. Anything Claar or Boan touch gets more expensive and we all pay for it.
Bob,
ReplyDeleteCan you show us the proof to support your accusation that there was pay to play involved in the selling of the water to IAW?
Excellent question, Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI'm no fan of Claar, but public claims of pay-to-play need to be supported by actual proof.
The only crime Claar, Boan and the vill board are guilty of is bad fiscal policy.
That's not illegal.
Bring us your facts, Bob.
Legal,
ReplyDeleteDon't hold your breath waiting. Bob is known for making accusations but when he's asked for proof, he never responds. Maybe that's part of the reason that he lost the last election?
More rambling from Bob Bowen?
ReplyDelete...if rhonda wants any real future in politics, she'd better stay clear of Bob B and the Crazy Train.
She's making real progress in Bolingbrook, and don't need to align with anyone.
Keep up the good work, Rhonda, and PLEASE stay independent.
I've had the pleasure of meeting Rhonda during the election, and worked with her on several legal issues related to the site.
ReplyDeleteShe's very smart, honest and passionate about fiscal conservatism, and government accountability.
She had a few missteps along the way, but her integrity is sound. I strongly believe she has a bright future in politics.
As a supporter, and friend, I am comfortable in the knowledge that Rhonda will not be aligning with any group, or individual, including Bob Bowen.
Today, she's got more people in the community that's holding her accountable.
The stakes are much higher.
During the run for trustee this past election, Rhonda was aligned with Bob The Bull Dog and Joe Napolitano. At least in literature that was delivered door to door. I think that hurt her changes of getting elected. Anyone associated with the "crazy train" as Laura said, has little chance of being taken seriously.
ReplyDeleteIt most certainly didn't help her campaign. She's got some clean up work to do in the political arena.
ReplyDeleteBut, The Number Crunchers website is outstanding.
I think she will be fine. Plus, she's got some good people advising her.
What's with the Quigley comment? He's president of the school bd, why would he be lobbying for a village water agency bill?
ReplyDeleteBecause they blame everything that they don't like on Quigley or Claar.
ReplyDeleteThey don't have facts, only hatred towards most of the people that have been elected by the residents.
I don't agree with you Anonymous. Most of the comments on this site are right on target. You sound just as crazy as Bob Bowen. He's paranoid about so called pay-to-play, and you believe everytime someone questions local government, it's a conspiracy and a hate campaign.
ReplyDeleteIf there's more to this Quigley story, it will come out. If not, it won't.
Let the truth flush itself out.
Why don't you get your facts (and head) straight before blogging nonsense.
Maybe they brought up his name because Mr. Quigley is a professional lobbyist for a group of municipalities that is paid for by our tax dollars. Sorry can't remember the name of the group.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous @4:40
ReplyDeleteThe Quigley comment was probably made by someone from the other watch-dog. They're known to make unfounded accusations. They blamed Quigley and Claar for Sid's closing when Sid's property isn't even in Valley View School District's boundaries!
Anonymous @ 11:33am,
ReplyDeleteI'm not affiliated with any group, and know for a fact Quigley's a lobbyist.
Instead of slinging mud, why don't you email him right at this very moment, and ask him yourself?
You can find his contact information on vvsd.org.
Do we need to remind you to bring the FACTS before blogging on this site.
Anonymous @ 12:45
ReplyDeleteYou FAILED to provide your FACTS showing that Quigley made any money off of the IAW situation before blogging on this site!
WOW Anonymous 2:03 I think that Anonymous @ 12:45 was just trying to clarify a point. I sure didn't take it as anything other than that. Why jump all over the guy/gal?
ReplyDeleteThe point that you have to provide FACTS on this blog? I have yet to see one FACT that shows that Quigley made any money off of this.
ReplyDeleteThe Quigley comment was mudslinging at it's best!
Here's some info
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mayorscaucus.org/pages/Home/About_the_Caucus/Participating_Organizations.html
WILL COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL LEAGUE
3180 Theodore Street, Suite 101
Joliet, Illinois 60435
Phone: 815.729.3535
Fax: 815.729.3536
Website: www.wcgl.org
Officers:
President: Joe Cook
President, Village of Channahon
Vice President: Roger Claar
Mayor, Village of Bolingbrook
Secretary: Bill Borgo
Mayor, Village of Manhattan
Treasurer: Michael F. Turk
Councilman, City of Joliet
Members:
Aurora
Beecher
Bolingbrook
Braidwood
Channahon
Coal City
Crest Hill
Crete
Diamond
Elwood
Frankfort
Homer Glen
Joliet
Lemont
Lockport
Manhattan
Minooka
Mokena
Monee
Naperville
New Lenox
Orland Park
Peotone
Plainfield
Rockdale
Romeoville
Shorewood
Steger
Tinley Park
University Park
Wilmington
Woodridge
Executive Director: Steven A. Quigley
So lets gather the facts, instead of attacking each other.
ReplyDeleteWe know Quigley is a paid lobbyist. Whether he got paid or not needs to be proven.
Even still, don't you think it's a conflict of interest for a school board president to be serving as a paid lobbyist for an organization that lobbies for the Village water agency?
Something stinks. Sorry, but it does.
OMG!!! Thanks for the proof, Anonymous 3:41pm.
ReplyDeleteListen, I don't care if he got paid or not. This is clearly a conflict of interest.
Does any of our tax dollars go to this group?
If AJ Wilhelmi sponsored the bill, why would there need to be lobbyist? Quigley or anyone else.
ReplyDeleteChar who do you think wines and dines the state reps to get them to vote for the bills in the house?
ReplyDeleteAJ may have sponsored it, but how about a guess who initiated the bill?
We all know that Quigley belongs to the WCGL. This type of organization in not unique. There are many of them around them.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the FACTS that he is making money off of the IAW situation?
Great. I can imagine Wilhelmi, Squigley and Your Highness Claar hob-knobbing in an upscale restaurant. Drinking way too much alcohol, stuffing their fat faces, and fat bellies. Disgusting.
ReplyDeleteVoters need to clean house from the top down. Throw them all out of office.
Anti-Old Boys Network,
ReplyDeleteI thought that this blog was about FACTS.
Where are yours? Your post is propaganda. Name calling and not able to provide any proof. Typical of the other watch dog group!
There's nothing fiction about my statement.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 of them do drink too much, and have fat faces and bellies. Sorry, it's disgusting.
Guess the truth hurts.
Anti-Old Boys Network's posts remind me of some of the comments that were made about a lady that tried to run for mayor and trustee without success.
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon, All:
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate the comments, and highly encourage open discussion on the blog.
Our only request is that you not participate in name calling, personal insults, or vulgar language.
We can have issues with our elected officials based off their policies, and decisions. There's really no need to make it personal.
Please stick to the facts.
Have a happy holiday weekend!
Thanks, Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteHappy holiday.
I think the others mean when they say he makes money off the deal that the question is who pays Mr Quigley's salary?
ReplyDeleteThe WCGL is funded by whom? I believe, and I may be mistaken, that the WCGL is paid for by the member municipalities. That means that our village helps to pay the salary and other costs associated with lobbying for bills and laws that the mayors deem to be in their favor.
That's correct, Anonymous 6:07pm:
ReplyDeleteWCGL is 1 of 5 "pet charities/non-profits" in Bolingbrook.
They received $72k in just 3 years. (we don't know what they receive in 2011, yet.)
Mayor Claar and Steve Quigley holds a position in the organization, and Quigley is collecting a salary.
We published a "Leech Alert!" article on May 5, 2011 exposing the pet charity/non-profits receiving tens of thousand in taxpayer dollars.
All handed to them on a silver platter by our elected officials.
For those who really care about pay-to-play corruption in Bolingbrook--
ReplyDeleteIllinois American Water contributions to Roger, along with thousand and thousands of other pay-to-play contributions totaling millions and millions of dollars, are posted online by the state of Illinois:
http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/ContributionsSearchByCandidates.aspx?ddlCanSearchOrderBy=Last%20or%20Only%20Name%20-%20A%20to%20Z&txtCanLastName=claar&txtCanFirstName=roger
Anyone who pretends that pay-to-play isn't rampant in Bolingbrook are either amazingly ignorant of the facts or are just another deceptive Roger apologist trying to distract from the real critical issues facing the Village by engaging in personal attacks and nonsense rants.
Honest thinking citizens know what is really going on in the Village.
Really? After the great threads of conversation this posting is going to end with a comment from Bob the Bulldog? No offense intended Bob.
ReplyDeleteThough I did like the link to the website showing the contributions to the mayor. Looks like a who's who of businesses in the village.