The ARDC has declined to take any action citing a 1992 Attorney General opinion which determined that no per se conflict exists. Click here for the Attorney General opinion.
I believe the Attorney General should re-evaluate their decision. However, in any event, DuPage County residents deserve a County Board Member who will work 100% to get criminals off the streets, not off the hook.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
On November 26, 2007, I called for an investigation of DuPage County Board Member and criminal defense attorney Michael F. McMahon for violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct based on the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association that "it is improper for a member of a county board to represent criminal defendants being prosecuted by the state's attorney of that county." Click here for more information.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon received money from indicted political figure Tony Rezko
A newspaper article reported that Antoin "Tony'' Rezko, his family, his businesses and business associates have donated thousands of dollars to politicians, including DuPage County Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, DuPage County States Attorney Joe Birkett, and DuPage County Board Member Michael McMahon (District 3).
Tony Rezko is the political figure currently facing charges of attempted extortion, money laundering, and fraud.
I don't know why Rezko gave money to Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon but I don't like the idea of Cook County politics crossing the border into DuPage County.
Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon should give Rezko's money to charity and keep a closer eye on who's giving money to their campaigns.
The full article is posted here.
Citizens to Elect Robert Schillerstrom
Citizens to Elect Joe Birkett
Citizens To Elect Michael F McMahon
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Tony Rezko is the political figure currently facing charges of attempted extortion, money laundering, and fraud.
I don't know why Rezko gave money to Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon but I don't like the idea of Cook County politics crossing the border into DuPage County.
Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon should give Rezko's money to charity and keep a closer eye on who's giving money to their campaigns.
The full article is posted here.
Citizens to Elect Robert Schillerstrom
Citizens to Elect Joe Birkett
Citizens To Elect Michael F McMahon
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Friday, December 21, 2007
DuPage County budget called a ‘disaster’
Letter to the Editor published in the Suburban Life newspapers:
The DuPage County Board’s negligence, incompetence and arrogance has left DuPage County with a budget disaster that is “unconscionable” according to the sheriff; where “public safety is being compromised” according to the state’s attorney; and which will lead to “increased homicides ... stalkings and batteries” according to the chief judge.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
The DuPage County Board’s negligence, incompetence and arrogance has left DuPage County with a budget disaster that is “unconscionable” according to the sheriff; where “public safety is being compromised” according to the state’s attorney; and which will lead to “increased homicides ... stalkings and batteries” according to the chief judge.
Everyone in DuPage County will be affected by this fiscal fiasco in one way or another, directly or indirectly. In fact, the board is considering raising taxes between $25 million and $40 million with a $50 vehicle sticker fee or a quarter-cent raise in the sales tax.
So what can you do? For starters, don’t reward the incumbent board members by re-electing them — throw the bums out. But don’t just elect a new set of bums. Check out each of the challengers carefully and vote for those who exhibit strong leadership and will maintain their independence and put people ahead of politics.
Fortunately, there are many good choices — both Republicans and Democrats — in the upcoming election. You don’t have to settle for the same old candidates. Choose wisely — as the future of DuPage County is at stake.Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
All we want for Christmas is the trimming
Excerpt from a Daily Herald Editorial:
"And in DuPage County, it's the Republicans who have been pushing for a sales tax increase. Republicans, Santa. In DuPage County, birthplace of the tax cap, no less. Get this, big guy. It's the DuPage Democrats protesting the higher taxes. What gives?"
Yes, Virginia, it's a new era in DuPage County.
The full editorial is posted here.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
"And in DuPage County, it's the Republicans who have been pushing for a sales tax increase. Republicans, Santa. In DuPage County, birthplace of the tax cap, no less. Get this, big guy. It's the DuPage Democrats protesting the higher taxes. What gives?"
Yes, Virginia, it's a new era in DuPage County.
The full editorial is posted here.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
www.helpaveteran.org
I attended a holiday party to benefit the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. For more information about how they "serve those who served the nation," go to their website at www.helpaveteran.org.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Monday, December 17, 2007
McMahon investigation update
As reported on November 25, 2007, I asked the ARDC to investigate DuPage County Board Member and criminal defense attorney Michael F. McMahon (District 3) for violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct based on the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association that "it is improper for a member of a county board to represent criminal defendants being prosecuted by the state's attorney of that county." Click here for more information.
The investigation has been assigned Case #07CI5152.
The investigation has been assigned Case #07CI5152.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Response to Healy
In a December 12th article in the Daily Herald (see below) County Board Member Jim Healy (R-Naperville) said the Democrats' "silence is deafening" on alternatives to the Republicans' proposed $40 million sales tax increase.
On the contrary, I have posted proposals on my website - www.BobForDuPage.org - which include a link to the report from the County's own Cost Efficiency Committee and the report from the independent Civic Federation which contain recommendations that would save millions of dollars a year. Mr. Healy and his Republican colleagues on the County Board have had access to these reports for months.
We've been plenty loud, Mr. Healy. You're just not listening.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
On the contrary, I have posted proposals on my website - www.BobForDuPage.org - which include a link to the report from the County's own Cost Efficiency Committee and the report from the independent Civic Federation which contain recommendations that would save millions of dollars a year. Mr. Healy and his Republican colleagues on the County Board have had access to these reports for months.
We've been plenty loud, Mr. Healy. You're just not listening.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Response to Schillerstrom
Apparently the Republicans' long-term solution to the budget deficit that they created in DuPage County is to raise taxes, as evidenced by County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom's (R-Naperville) comment in the article on December 12th in the Suburban Life newspapers (see below).
The Democrats’ solution is to immediately cut additional unnecessary spending and reform the fundamental structure of county government to avoid budget deficits in the future.
Republicans want to raise taxes. Democrats want to cut spending and reform government.
This is not a typo. This is a new era in DuPage County.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
The Democrats’ solution is to immediately cut additional unnecessary spending and reform the fundamental structure of county government to avoid budget deficits in the future.
Republicans want to raise taxes. Democrats want to cut spending and reform government.
This is not a typo. This is a new era in DuPage County.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Democratic candidates blast County Board over budget problems
By Dan Petrella - Suburban Life Wed Dec 12, 2007, 03:30 PM CST
DuPage County, IL -
A group of Democratic candidates for DuPage County Board braved icy weather Tuesday morning to criticize the current board’s handling of the county’s budget woes.
Richard Dunn of Glen Ellyn, Dirk Enger of Winfield, James Sivisoglu of Elmhurst, Bob Brandt of Woodridge and Barbara Dahl and Max Havlick of Villa Park held a news conference on the steps of the administrative building on County Farm Road in Wheaton. The “doomsday budget” approved late last month is a result of mismanagement by the completely Republican board, they said.
The board approved a $375.9 million budget, which will reduce county spending by about $52 million and lay off 190 employees, most of them in law enforcement and judicial departments. Board members and finance officials have said the cuts are necessary because county expenses continue to rise while revenues remain stagnant.
But the board also decided to hold off cuts until after the Tuesday, Feb. 5 primary, when voters will be asked to approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase.
“It’s pretty sad that this County Board has put all their eggs in one basket,” said Enger, a candidate in District 6. “It’s very sad that the County Board is trying to force a tax referendum on voters to make up for their unbalanced budget.”
He called the referendum a “scare tactic” and criticized board members for not cutting their own salaries.
The candidates said the county came to its current financial problems because board members ignored warning signs and did not follow proposals to streamline its operations.
“There were dozens of recommendations presented to the County Board by (its) own Cost Efficiency Committee and also by the independent, non-partisan Civic Federation,” said Brandt, a District 3 candidate. “These recommendations would have consolidated departments, reduced the number of elected officials, reduced salaries and perks, improved operational efficiency and generally reformed and modernized county government, saving millions of dollars in the process. But these reports were essentially ignored by the current County Board.”
While they all blamed the board for creating budget problems, the candidates did not agree on whether voters should support the sales-tax increase.
Dunn said he would only support the increase if the board promised to make it temporary and looked at cutting administrative costs to restore services.
But Havlick said the board has given voters no choice but to approve the increase.
“We have to advise people to vote for the tax increase because that’s all we have,” he said. “It’s a no-win situation we’ve been put into by this board.”
County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom denied the charge that the term “public safety sales tax” — as the referendum has been called by officials — is meant to scare voters into supporting it.
“The statute says that we have the authority to seek a quarter-cent sales tax increase through referendum for public safety purposes,” he said.
As for making it a temporary increase, Schillerstrom said the purpose of the referendum is to seek a long-term solution to the county’s revenue problems.
A group of Democratic candidates for DuPage County Board braved icy weather Tuesday morning to criticize the current board’s handling of the county’s budget woes.
Richard Dunn of Glen Ellyn, Dirk Enger of Winfield, James Sivisoglu of Elmhurst, Bob Brandt of Woodridge and Barbara Dahl and Max Havlick of Villa Park held a news conference on the steps of the administrative building on County Farm Road in Wheaton. The “doomsday budget” approved late last month is a result of mismanagement by the completely Republican board, they said.
The board approved a $375.9 million budget, which will reduce county spending by about $52 million and lay off 190 employees, most of them in law enforcement and judicial departments. Board members and finance officials have said the cuts are necessary because county expenses continue to rise while revenues remain stagnant.
But the board also decided to hold off cuts until after the Tuesday, Feb. 5 primary, when voters will be asked to approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase.
“It’s pretty sad that this County Board has put all their eggs in one basket,” said Enger, a candidate in District 6. “It’s very sad that the County Board is trying to force a tax referendum on voters to make up for their unbalanced budget.”
He called the referendum a “scare tactic” and criticized board members for not cutting their own salaries.
The candidates said the county came to its current financial problems because board members ignored warning signs and did not follow proposals to streamline its operations.
“There were dozens of recommendations presented to the County Board by (its) own Cost Efficiency Committee and also by the independent, non-partisan Civic Federation,” said Brandt, a District 3 candidate. “These recommendations would have consolidated departments, reduced the number of elected officials, reduced salaries and perks, improved operational efficiency and generally reformed and modernized county government, saving millions of dollars in the process. But these reports were essentially ignored by the current County Board.”
While they all blamed the board for creating budget problems, the candidates did not agree on whether voters should support the sales-tax increase.
Dunn said he would only support the increase if the board promised to make it temporary and looked at cutting administrative costs to restore services.
But Havlick said the board has given voters no choice but to approve the increase.
“We have to advise people to vote for the tax increase because that’s all we have,” he said. “It’s a no-win situation we’ve been put into by this board.”
County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom denied the charge that the term “public safety sales tax” — as the referendum has been called by officials — is meant to scare voters into supporting it.
“The statute says that we have the authority to seek a quarter-cent sales tax increase through referendum for public safety purposes,” he said.
As for making it a temporary increase, Schillerstrom said the purpose of the referendum is to seek a long-term solution to the county’s revenue problems.
DuPage Democrats cry foul on tax hike
Candidates accuse board of 'scare tactics'
by Jake Griffin - Daily Herald staff
December 12, 2007
The six Democrats seeking seats on the DuPage County Board railed Tuesday against the Republican-controlled body's proposed quarter-cent sales tax increase.
The candidates blasted the board for approving a budget that relies on the $40 million tax hike to salvage more than 200 county jobs -- mainly in the public safety sector. Voters will be asked to approve the measure Feb. 5.
"This board has put so many county employees' lives on hold and left their futures uncertain by proposing to lay off those who do such a professional and necessary service to the residents," said Dirk Enger, a District 6 candidate from Winfield. "This board's doomsday budget is lacking the fundamental facts, but instead is filled with smoke and mirrors and scare tactics."
County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom said he has not heard any Democratic solutions to the expected budget shortfall. He explained that state law mandates any sales tax increases go toward public safety costs.
"The sales tax increase is a long-term solution," Schillerstrom said after Tuesday's board meeting.
Board members called the Democrats' assault on the tax hike "political rhetoric."
"My response to their antic is, what alternatives do they have?" asked board member Jim Healy (District 5). "The silence is deafening. They don't understand county government, they don't want to understand county government, they just go out there and throw hand grenades, which makes good press."
Democratic candidate Richard Dunn of Glen Ellyn said the board should make any tax hike only temporary, if it passes.
"I cannot answer how to eliminate a $40 million deficit in one year," he added. "I have a plan that can save $4 million, and I don't have access to the auditor like the county board does."
Bob Brandt, a Democratic candidate from Woodridge, said the county board is asking voters to "bail them out of a hole" the board created through "inefficient government."
He complained the board ignored various reports warning of the pending financial problems.
"There were dozens of recommendations presented to county board by the board's own cost efficiency committee and also by the independent, non-partisan Civic Federation," Brandt said. "These recommendations would have consolidated departments, reduced the number of elected officials, reduced salaries and perks, reformed and modernized county government, saving millions of dollars."
The candidates, who also included Rifat Sivisoglu, of Elmhurst, and Max Havlick and Barbara Dahl, both of Villa Park, held a press conference railing against the tax hike plan Tuesday morning on the steps of the county building, alongside a blow-up doll of Dr. Seuss' Grinch character they dubbed "SchillerGrinch."
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
We need new leadership on the DuPage County Board
When you find yourself in a hole, as the current county board now does regarding the budget, you need to ask two questions - "How do we get out of this hole?" and "How do we keep from falling into another one?"
There were dozens of recommendations presented to the county board by the board's own Cost Efficiency Committee and also by the independent, non-partisan Civic Federation. These recommendations would have consolidated departments, reduced the number of elected officials, reduced salaries and perks, improved operational efficiency, and generally reformed and modernized county government, saving millions of dollars in the process.
But these reports were essentially ignored by the current county board.
Why?
Well, that's a good question to ask them, but I submit that it was because change is hard. Change requires a lot of effort. And change would mean relinquishing many of the luxuries that the current county board members have come to enjoy.
Indeed, the Civic Federation stated: "Changes to the structure of DuPage County government will not come without challenges but continuing on the path of...inefficient government is no longer sustainable or fiscally responsible."
In fact, they issued this ominous warning: “Without serious reform, …financial pressures will require continuous property tax increases for the foreseeable future.” And sure enough, this is the third year in a row that the county has raised our property taxes to the maximum amount allowable by the tax cap.
It is obvious that the current county board is not up to the challenges that face us today.
Because the current County Board chose to throw money at their budget problem by raising taxes, and did not attempt to change the fundamental structure of county government which would help prevent budget problems in the future, we need new leadership on the county board. We, the Democratic candidates for DuPage County Board, are ready to lead.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
There were dozens of recommendations presented to the county board by the board's own Cost Efficiency Committee and also by the independent, non-partisan Civic Federation. These recommendations would have consolidated departments, reduced the number of elected officials, reduced salaries and perks, improved operational efficiency, and generally reformed and modernized county government, saving millions of dollars in the process.
But these reports were essentially ignored by the current county board.
Why?
Well, that's a good question to ask them, but I submit that it was because change is hard. Change requires a lot of effort. And change would mean relinquishing many of the luxuries that the current county board members have come to enjoy.
Indeed, the Civic Federation stated: "Changes to the structure of DuPage County government will not come without challenges but continuing on the path of...inefficient government is no longer sustainable or fiscally responsible."
In fact, they issued this ominous warning: “Without serious reform, …financial pressures will require continuous property tax increases for the foreseeable future.” And sure enough, this is the third year in a row that the county has raised our property taxes to the maximum amount allowable by the tax cap.
It is obvious that the current county board is not up to the challenges that face us today.
Because the current County Board chose to throw money at their budget problem by raising taxes, and did not attempt to change the fundamental structure of county government which would help prevent budget problems in the future, we need new leadership on the county board. We, the Democratic candidates for DuPage County Board, are ready to lead.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
$750,000 to educate voters on referendum?
Excerpt from a Sun Newspaper article:
"Former state Sen. David Sullivan told a County Board committee in January that it would likely take at least a year and cost $250,000 to $750,000 to adequately educate voters so they would vote for the proposed quarter-cent tax increase."
"Mike McMahon of Hinsdale (District 3) said he doesn't have a problem with board members producing informational materials with county money."
$750,000 to tell us they need more money.
You gotta spend money to make money, right?
Full article is located here.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
"Former state Sen. David Sullivan told a County Board committee in January that it would likely take at least a year and cost $250,000 to $750,000 to adequately educate voters so they would vote for the proposed quarter-cent tax increase."
"Mike McMahon of Hinsdale (District 3) said he doesn't have a problem with board members producing informational materials with county money."
$750,000 to tell us they need more money.
You gotta spend money to make money, right?
Full article is located here.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Schillerstrom WANTS Home Rule power
Excerpt from a Sun Newspaper article:
"I really want to address the home-rule issue because it's the long-range solution," Schillerstrom said.
Worst kept secret in DuPage County.
Also the worst idea in DuPage County.
Full article is posted here.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
"I really want to address the home-rule issue because it's the long-range solution," Schillerstrom said.
Worst kept secret in DuPage County.
Also the worst idea in DuPage County.
Full article is posted here.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Return Board Member salaries back to 1997 levels
The DuPage County Board recently approved a “doomsday” budget that will return the budget back to 1999 levels and the employee headcount back to 1997 levels (if the sales tax referendum doesn’t pass in February).
How about returning Board Member salaries back to 1997 levels? Back then, Board Members were paid $27,717 a year for attending two meetings a month. Today, they pay themselves $48,620 a year with automatic pay raises to $53,645 by 2010.
And during this budget process, how long did Board Members discuss cutting their own salaries? They rejected that idea in less then thirty seconds.
Unconscionable cuts in public safety for us or tax increases for us, generous pay raises for them. Sound fair?
But until voters in DuPage County say “enough is enough” and start voting incumbents out of office, County Board Members have no reason to stop enriching themselves at taxpayer expense.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
How about returning Board Member salaries back to 1997 levels? Back then, Board Members were paid $27,717 a year for attending two meetings a month. Today, they pay themselves $48,620 a year with automatic pay raises to $53,645 by 2010.
And during this budget process, how long did Board Members discuss cutting their own salaries? They rejected that idea in less then thirty seconds.
Unconscionable cuts in public safety for us or tax increases for us, generous pay raises for them. Sound fair?
But until voters in DuPage County say “enough is enough” and start voting incumbents out of office, County Board Members have no reason to stop enriching themselves at taxpayer expense.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Monday, November 26, 2007
Brandt calls for investigation of DuPage County Board Member Michael McMahon
I have asked the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (the "ARDC") to investigate DuPage County Board Member Michael F. McMahon (District 3) for violation of the Rules of Professional Ethics based on the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association that "it is improper for a member of a county board to represent criminal defendants being prosecuted by the state's attorney of that county."
If the ARDC finds McMahon has violated the Rules, he and the other criminal defense attorneys in his private law practice can be reprimanded or have their law licenses suspended.
Regardless of whether a violation of the Rules exists, McMahon should decide whether to be a County Board Member or a criminal defense attorney. Is his priority getting criminals off the streets, or off the hook? He can't have it both ways.
Click here for more information and supporting documentation.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
If the ARDC finds McMahon has violated the Rules, he and the other criminal defense attorneys in his private law practice can be reprimanded or have their law licenses suspended.
Regardless of whether a violation of the Rules exists, McMahon should decide whether to be a County Board Member or a criminal defense attorney. Is his priority getting criminals off the streets, or off the hook? He can't have it both ways.
Click here for more information and supporting documentation.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Sunday, November 11, 2007
DuPage County Budget Disaster
The DuPage County Board's negligence, incompetence and arrogance has left DuPage County with a budget disaster that is "unconscionable" according to the Sheriff; where "public safety is being compromised" according to the State's Attorney; and which will lead to "increased homicides...stalkings, and batteries" according to the Chief Judge.
Everyone in DuPage County will be affected by this fiscal fiasco in one way or another, directly or indirectly. In fact, the Board is considering raising taxes between $25 million and $40 million with a $50 vehicle sticker fee or a quarter-cent raise in the sales tax.
So what can you do? For starters, don't reward the incumbent Board Members by re-electing them - throw the bums out. But don't just elect a new set of bums. Check out each of the challengers carefully and vote for those who exhibit strong leadership and will maintain their independence and put people ahead of politics.
Fortunately, there are many good choices - both Republicans and Democrats - in the upcoming election. You don't have to settle for the same old candidates. Choose wisely - as the future of DuPage County is at stake.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Everyone in DuPage County will be affected by this fiscal fiasco in one way or another, directly or indirectly. In fact, the Board is considering raising taxes between $25 million and $40 million with a $50 vehicle sticker fee or a quarter-cent raise in the sales tax.
So what can you do? For starters, don't reward the incumbent Board Members by re-electing them - throw the bums out. But don't just elect a new set of bums. Check out each of the challengers carefully and vote for those who exhibit strong leadership and will maintain their independence and put people ahead of politics.
Fortunately, there are many good choices - both Republicans and Democrats - in the upcoming election. You don't have to settle for the same old candidates. Choose wisely - as the future of DuPage County is at stake.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Welcome to the blog
Welcome to the new blog for www.BobForDuPage.org. The main source of information for my campaign is the website - www.BobForDuPage.org - but I will put some content on this blog as well.
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3
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