www.BobForDuPage.com

Money Spent / Votes Received

2009-01-18T19:30:00.006-06:00

Here is a report of the money spent / votes received for the candidates for DuPage County Board Member (District 3) for this election cycle:

Michael F. McMahon (R) - $124,257 spent - won with 30,158 votes
John Curran (R) - $77,329 spent - won with 30,987 votes
Robert "Bob" Brandt (D) - $5,934 spent - lost with 26,824 votes
Karol Sole (D) - $3,059 spent - lost with 21,074 votes

Thank you for your support - both your monetary donations and your votes. Maybe next time...

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt

Schillerstrom is at it again...

2008-10-21T12:55:00.007-05:00

Remember back in the primary when DuPage County Chairman Robert Schillerstrom gave money to eliminate his critics on the County Board? Click here for newspaper articles.

Well, he's at it again.

In October, Schillerstrom gave $9,000 to my opponent Michael McMahon.
In August, Schillerstrom gave $1,000 to my opponent John Curran. He gave Curran another $12,000 in October.

It's deja vu all over again.

Oh, by the way, two of the three Republican State Senators who voted to raise our sales tax this year (Dillard, Cronin) also donated money to my opponent John Curran. Click here for more information.

Click here for the financial reports.

The more things change, the more they remain the same?

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Democrat for DuPage County Board
District 3

The Doings Endorsement

2008-10-05T23:22:00.003-05:00

I received the endorsement of The Doings Hinsdale newspaper.

…Brandt should win seat in District 3…

October 2, 2008

DuPage County Board District 3

Robert "Bob" Brandt (D)

“…attorney and former Woodridge Trustee Robert "Bob" Brandt would be a good fit. He's a civic-minded individual who served on the board of directors for Family Shelter Services and was a speaker for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Brandt, who touts fiscal responsibility, wants to cut County Board members' salaries by 50 percent and eliminate their retirement plan, which calls for paying 80 percent of their part-time salaries after 20 years of service...”

Click here for the entire article.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Democrat for DuPage County Board - District 3

For the record...

2008-08-22T09:14:00.005-05:00

For the record - I have one house, which is not paid for.

And I make substantially less than $5 million a year. Substantially with a capital S.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Democrat for DuPage County Board - District 3

Remember in November....

2008-08-07T13:22:00.003-05:00

Just in case you forgot, the three State Senators from DuPage County who voted in FAVOR of the increased sales tax are:

Kirk Dillard (R-24th)
Dan Cronin (R-21st)
John Milner (R-28th)

Republicans. Raising taxes. It's what they do in DuPage County.

04-02-08 - "The DuPage County sales tax increase"
01-22-08 - "DuPage Republicans work hard to raise taxes"
01-21-08 - "Free money for collar counties courtesy of DuPage Republicans"
01-17-08 - "A third rail on transit"

More articles and letters to the editor located here.

Remember in November.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Democrat for DuPage County Board - District 3

Money report...

2008-07-28T15:49:00.003-05:00

In this election cycle, the candidates for DuPage County Board Member in District 3 have spent:

Michael McMahon - $74,458 so far (incumbent and won in the primary)
John Curran - $41,717 so far (challenger and won)
Tom Bennington - $38,456 (incumbent and lost)

Me? - $1,336 (challenger and won)

Source: www.elections.state.il.us

If you are interested in helping me against these big-spenders, please click here.

Thank you.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board 3

2008 DuPage County Fair

2008-07-27T00:09:00.006-05:00

My family and I enjoyed visiting the DuPage County Fair.

The highlight was leading a little calf around on a leash. We look forward to seeing a slightly larger version of her again next year.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board 3

Police Station Tour

2008-07-05T12:57:00.002-05:00

My four year-old son and I completed our tour of all the police stations in DuPage County District 3. They include: Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lemont, Westmont, Willowbrook, and Woodridge.

Fire stations are next.....

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board 3

Fourth of July parades

2008-07-04T18:05:00.005-05:00

My family joined me in the Darien parade and the Downers Grove parade (we distributed over 35 pounds of candy - maybe we should get 40 next year).

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board 3

The display outside the Brandt house...

2008-06-07T22:49:00.008-05:00

Note: the sign is illuminated for four hours at night with an energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL).

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board 3

Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon received money from convicted political figure Tony Rezko

2008-06-04T16:39:00.003-05:00

ORIGINALLY FROM MY DECEMBER 22, 2007 BLOG -

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 convicted of various charges - the allegations were 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

Enough is enough!

2008-05-13T18:30:00.005-05:00

Several candidates for DuPage County Board held a press conference at the county building today on the new sales tax in DuPage County.

The sales tax rate in DuPage County went up by a half percent on April 1st. There are some DuPage County politicians who would like to blame "those Democrats in Springfield and Cook County" for the increase. Click here for the facts.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

While we're paying our property taxes...

2008-05-03T22:00:00.006-05:00

DuPage County Elected Official Salaries:

DuPage County States Attorney - $160,412
DuPage County Sheriff - $143,556
DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk - $142,724
DuPage County Auditor - $124,242
DuPage County Coroner - $124,242
DuPage County Recorder of Deeds - $124,242
DuPage County Clerk - $124,242
DuPage County Treasurer - $124,242
DuPage County Chairman - $114,563 (part-time)
DuPage County Board Members - $50,079 apiece (18 members - part-time)

Total: $2,083,887

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

One party rule...

2008-04-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

Check out this quote:

"One-party rule by either party subverts legitimate checks and balances essential for our constitutional self-governance."

It comes from a Letter to the Editor from State Senator Chris Lauzen (R-24th District).

He was talking about Springfield but it applies to DuPage County too, right?

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board -District 3

In honor of opening day...

2008-03-29T21:02:00.002-05:00

Get ready to grab your wallets...

2008-03-25T20:26:00.002-05:00

The half-percent sales tax increase (0.25% courtesy of the transit bailout, 0.25% courtesy of Schillerstrom and the three state senators from DuPage County) takes effect on April 1, 2008.

That's $94 million a year.

Not an April Fool's joke.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Stop DuPage Spending!

2008-03-18T21:42:00.003-05:00

Real ideas and solutions, not bumper sticker slogans and negative political rhetoric...

2008-03-12T22:29:00.010-05:00

As the Democratic nominee for DuPage County Board Member in District 3, I have proposed (1) reducing County Board Member salaries by 50% (currently $50,079 a year for 2 meetings a month) and eliminating the $3,000 / $1,000 bonus for committee chairman / vice-chairman (eliminated by the county board on May 27, 2008) ; (2) eliminating the retirement plan for County Board Members (which pays 80% of their salary after 20 years of service); (3) saving millions of dollars every year by consolidating county departments and reducing the size of county government as suggested by the independent non-partisan Civic Federation and the county's own Efficiency Committee; (4) increasing governmental transparency by creating a web-based database with all county personnel and county vendor information; (5) instituting an ethics ordinance to prohibit companies that give campaign contributions to County Board Members from getting county contracts ("pay to play"); and (6) opposing any attempt to bring "home rule" power to DuPage County.

Don't forget that the current DuPage County Board threatened to cut over 200 law enforcement / public safety jobs unless voters approved their $40 million sales tax referendum. Chairman Schillerstrom went behind our backs and convinced Springfield (with the help of state senators from DuPage County) to raise our sales tax by $47 million, which made the county's referendum unnecessary. But now, the County Board says they really only needed $10 million (partially because over 100 of those law enforcement employees quit and their positions were eliminated) and they plan on spending the remaining millions on other projects. The old “bait and switch” trick followed up by the old "tax and spend" trick both executed perfectly by the current County Board.

Instead of offering fresh ideas and real solutions, Republican candidates for County Board seem to be content to repeat the same old bumper sticker slogans, outdated stereotypes, and negative political rhetoric in the hope that it distracts voters from their failed leadership, increased spending, and yearly tax increases (I find the notion that electing a handful of Democrats to the 18-member County Board would somehow turn DuPage County into Cook County particularly laughable). But they can’t fool voters forever. And the clock is ticking.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

"...dysfunctional one-party control..."

2008-03-05T09:11:00.005-06:00

A comment from Illinois State Senator Christine Radogno (R-Lemont):

“We’re going to raise people’s awareness of how dysfunctional one-party control is,” she said. "That (elected official) in your district may be a nice person, but they are enabling this mess to go on.”

She was talking about Springfield (although 37 Democratic Senators, 22 Republican Senators and 67 Democratic Representatives, 51 Republican Representatives is hardly one-party rule), but she might as well have been talking about DuPage County (16 Republican County Board Members - 0 Democratic County Board Members).

The entire article is posted here.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

It's not too late to stop the DuPage County sales tax increase

2008-02-21T14:44:00.004-06:00

There is a bill being considered in Springfield (HB4717) which would require the DuPage County Board to affirmatively approve the extra quarter-cent sales tax increase for "public safety."

If the bill is approved, and the County Board votes against the increase, then the sales tax increase effective April 1 would only be a quarter-cent in DuPage County, not a half-percent.

UPDATE: The bill has been pulled and won't be considered. Click here for a newspaper article.

Why won't our DuPage County elected officials step up and stop this tax increase?

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

The same old political rhetoric...

2008-02-17T00:14:00.001-06:00

The allegations made by Manzo in the second paragraph of her February 16, 2008 letter to the editor (“DuPage frustrated with GOP leadership”) are almost too ridiculous to warrant a response. In fact, I thought she was talking about Schillerstrom and his DuPage County Board when mentioning taxes going through the roof, government jobs and contracts going to patronage hacks, and ignoring corruption and waste.

Manzo needs to do her homework about DuPage Democrats before making such wild generalizations. I have proposed reducing the size of county government and cutting spending; I have been on the record as against the sales tax increase from the beginning and it turns out the threat of losing public safety jobs was a “bait and switch” followed by “tax and spend;” I am adamantly opposed to home rule for DuPage County; I will soon propose an ethics reform package to eliminate “pay to play” politics from county government.

Republicans like Manzo can keep repeating the same old political rhetoric in the hope that it distracts voters from the failed leadership of Schillerstrom and the 100% Republican County Board. But they can’t fool voters forever. And their time is up.

Robert “Bob” Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board – District 3

DuPage voter turnout since 1980

2008-02-07T10:54:00.001-06:00

DuPage voter turnout since 1980

Year	Turnout	Ballot	GOP	Dems
1980	46%	126,981	101,681	25,164
1984	37%	121,476	75,612	43,514
1988	44%	141,029	92,893	46,157
1992	50%	178,255	111,030	63,288
1996	38%	145,830	114,894	26,417
2000	27%	129,570	96,863	27,576
2004	25%	150,642	86,836	63,806
2008*	44%	242,917	109,132	132,434

February 5, 2008 primary election results

2008-02-06T00:24:00.001-06:00

February 5, 2008 primary election results:

DuPage County Board Member - District 3

Democrat - 22,778 ballots = 23.9% voter turnout

(vote for one)

Robert "Bob" Brandt - 16,887 votes

Republican - 18,679 ballots = 19.6% voter turnout

(vote for two)

Michael F. McMahon - 10,460 votes

John Curran - 10,363 votes

Thomas F. Bennington Jr - 7,609

(click here for full DuPage results)

DuPage County:
Democratic ballots - 131,635
Republican ballots - 108,582

Now on to the general election on November 4, 2008.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Money in District 3

2008-02-04T00:36:00.000-06:00

The money in politics today is mind-boggling. The Presidential candidates have raised a total of $582 million so far and they may end up raising $1 billion by November. But what about local races?

In DuPage County District 3, incumbent Forest Preserve Commissioner Wally Brown has raised $10,000 to date and has loaned himself a staggering $185,000 since 2002.

Challenger Linda Painter has raised $5,000 and loaned herself $20,000.

County Board incumbent Tom Bennington has raised $37,850 (this includes $12,500 given to him by County Board Chairman Schillerstrom) and loaned himself $20,000.

County Board Incumbent Michael McMahon has raised $88,250 (this includes $12,500 given to him by County Board Chairman Schillerstrom) and received a loan from a family business for $12,000.

County Board Challenger John Curran has raised $33,500.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Illinois State Rifle Association endorses Bennington, McMahon

2008-02-03T23:11:00.000-06:00

The Illinois State Rifle Association Political Victory Fund has endorsed two candidates for DuPage County Board - Tom Bennington and Michael McMahon. Click here for the Press Release.

Birkett comes to McMahon's defense

2008-02-01T11:59:00.002-06:00

When incumbent DuPage County Board Member Michael McMahon (District 3) was not endorsed by the Hinsdale Doings, DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph Birkett came to his defense. See Birkett's Letter to the Editor.

And why did Birkett do that?

Perhaps its because McMahon's relatives have loaned Birkett's campaign fund $600,000 since 2002. McMahon's relatives have also donated over $78,000 outright to Birkett; McMahon's law firm has donated $16,750 to Birkett; and McMahon has personally donated $2,800 to Birkett. Click here for more information.

The candidate endorsed by the Doings is a Cook County Prosecutor.

Money talks.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Bob Schillerstrom = Boss Hogg?

2008-02-01T10:12:00.000-06:00

I found this posted by John Ruskin.

The newspaper article is posted here.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Bait and switch, then tax and spend

2008-01-25T09:20:00.000-06:00

For months, the DuPage County Board has threatened to cut 200 law enforcement jobs unless voters approved the county's $40 million sales tax referendum.

However, Chairman Schillerstrom went behind our backs and convinced Springfield to raise the sales tax by $47 million, which made the county's referendum unnecessary.

But now, Schillerstrom and the County Board says they really only needed $10 million to prevent those job cuts and they plan on spending the remaining millions from the sales tax increase on other projects.

The old “bait and switch” trick followed up by the old "tax and spend" trick both executed perfectly by DuPage County Republicans.

Does anyone else feel duped?

/s/ Robert “Bob” Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board – District 3

Bennington, McMahon commercial?

2008-01-23T23:24:00.000-06:00

DuPage County Board Members Tom Bennington and Michael McMahon (District 3) are running a television commercial. A commercial? Has that ever been done in a DuPage County Board election? You can view the commercial here.

A couple of items need to be corrected:

Narrator: Bennington and McMahon have "held the line on taxes."

FACT CHECK: The DuPage County Board has raised property taxes for three years in a row; they voted for referendum to raise the sales tax; they convinced Springfield to raise the sales tax for them instead and now have $47 million more tax dollars to spend every year.

Narrator: Bennington and McMahon are "keeping our families safe and criminals off the street."

FACT CHECK: Michael McMahon is a criminal defense attorney. He works to get criminals off the hook, not off the streets. www.DolciMcMahon.com

Rule #1 in politics - Never let the truth stand in the way of getting re-elected.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Transparency and Home Rule in DuPage County

2008-01-22T12:37:00.000-06:00

Today, I participated in a press conference with other candidates for DuPage County Board on the topics of transparency in county government and the possibility of "home rule" for DuPage County.

Transparency: DuPage County taxpayers have a right and need to understand where their tax dollars are spent....(however the) entire process seems to be designed to thwart transparency, rather than to enhance it.

I call on the County Board to create a web-based database of all county personnel and vendors.

Home Rule: Home rule power is an unlimited ability to increase taxes...Home rule makes raising taxes easy. Raising taxes should never be easy...Home rule power will bring "pay to play" politics to DuPage County.

If elected, I will fight against any attempt to bring home rule power to DuPage County.

My full remarks are posted here.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

The "Schillerstrom" amendment

2008-01-17T14:58:00.000-06:00

Click here to see the "Schillerstrom" amendment - the three little words that Schillerstrom snuck into HB0656 (the transit bill) in order to go behind our backs and raise our taxes.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

The Doings picks Curran, Bennington as best Republican picks in DuPage County District 3

2008-01-17T10:37:00.000-06:00

"First-challenger John Curran not only has an impressive resume, he has a lot of good ideas. The Doings endorses Curran as the best nominee for the Republican Party in the DuPage County Board District 3 race...."

..."So for the second seat The Doings endorses incumbent Tom Bennington, who has achieved a lot in his nine years of service to District 3...."

The full endorsement is posted here.

The other Republican candidate - Michael McMahon - was not endorsed by the Doings. He was also not endorsed by the Chicago Tribune in his last election (2004):

"District 3 - 2004 election: Republican board member Michael McMahon, a Hinsdale attorney, has had an unremarkable tenure, except for what he said after he voted for a $3.5 million settlement with three former defendants in the Jeanine Nicarico murder case: "If it was up to me, we'd take these three guys into the basement and shoot them." Democrat Richard Moss, a corporate recruiter from Downers Grove, is a far better pick...."

The Democratic nominee - Robert "Bob" Brandt - is uncontested in the Democratic primary.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Latest transit plan - new Schillerstrom end-around

2008-01-10T21:41:00.001-06:00

In the latest transit plan - currently sitting on Gov. Blagojevich's desk - the sales tax in DuPage County would be increased by a half-percent and the county could use half of that half-percent for public safety.

"The measure was helped by the addition of a provision to allow the suburban collar counties to use a portion of their sales-tax increase to fund public safety, a feature that helped attract the votes of three DuPage County senators.

The county has threatened to cut police and prosecutor jobs if voters don't approve a Feb. 5 tax increase."

I guess Schillerstrom didn't trust DuPage residents to make the right decision on the sales tax referendum so he went behind our backs.

A newspaper article is posted here.

/s/ Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

New ad campaign for $40 million sales tax referendum?

2008-01-10T20:18:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure I like the DuPage County Board's new ad campaign for their $40 million sales tax referendum on the February 5, 2008 ballot.

(This is obviously not a real ad - although it resembles a real magazine cover from 1973 - and no dogs were harmed during the making of this spoof).

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

Schillerstrom tries an end-around on the sales tax increase

2008-01-10T00:06:00.000-06:00

On January 6th, DuPage County Chairman Robert Schillerstrom (R-Naperville) was quoted:

"My belief is that the people of DuPage County are smart people who use their money wisely and if they understand the issue, (the quarter-point sales tax referendum) is something they've got to be supportive of."

But on January 9th, when the latest transit bailout in Springfield failed:

"The transit bailout was based on a quarter percentage point sales tax increase, but the same plan would have given those counties the authority to approve their own quarter point sales tax increase to fund transportation or public safety issues.
That provision was inserted at the request of DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom, whose county is facing its own financial crunch and has repeatedly, but so far unsuccessfully, turned to lawmakers for help."

I guess Schillerstrom was worried that the people of DuPage County weren't smart enough.

Or maybe...that we're too smart.

A newspaper article is posted here.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

$600,000 in loans, $100,000+ in donations

2008-01-08T21:22:00.000-06:00

Public records indicate that relatives of DuPage County Board Member Michael McMahon (District 3) have loaned DuPage County States Attorney Joseph Birkett's campaign fund $600,000 since 2002. McMahon's relatives have also donated over $78,000 outright to Birkett; McMahon's law firm has donated $16,750 to Birkett; and McMahon has personally donated $2,800 to Birkett. Click here for a list of the loans / donations to Birkett.

That’s a lot of money, but it’s not illegal. But there's more….

Michael McMahon, besides being a DuPage County Board Member (which is a part-time job), is also a criminal defense attorney. He routinely represents criminal clients who are prosecuted by the DuPage County States Attorney's office for DUI, drug offenses, sex offenses, domestic violence, etc. Click here for his law firm's website.

Do you think $600,000 in loans and $100,000+ in donations from McMahon, his relatives, and his law firm to Birkett's campaign fund have any effect on those prosecutions?

You be the judge.

Hawthorne Melody (Joseph McMahon) loaned $200,000 to Birkett and contributed $20,000 to Birkett.
JP McMahon (James McMahon) loaned $200,000 (two $100,000 loans) to Birkett.
Edward McMahon loaned $150,000 to Birkett and gave $12,000 to Birkett.
Anthony McMahon loaned $50,000 to Birkett and gave $10,450 to Birkett.
McMahon Foods (Frank McMahon) gave $35,500 to Birkett.
Dolci & McMahon (Michael McMahon) gave $16,750 to Birkett.
Michael McMahon donated $2,800 to Birkett.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

"You gotta trust your elected leaders...?"

2008-01-08T11:46:00.000-06:00

Quote from a recent newspaper article on the $40 million sales tax referendum on the February 5, 2008 ballot in DuPage County:

"You gotta trust your elected leaders and if they need the money, we should vote for it..."

Okay, show of hands - who trusts their elected officials?

Anyone?.....Anyone?.....Bueller?......

Just say "no" on February 5th.

The entire article is posted here.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

www.StaySafeDuPage.info

2008-01-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

For more information on the $40 million sales tax referendum on the February 5, 2008 ballot, go to www.StaySafeDuPage.info.

Vote early, vote often? 106% voter turnout in one precinct

2008-01-04T22:04:00.000-06:00

In the November 7, 2006 election, voter turnout in one particular precinct in Milton Township was an astounding.....106%. That's right - 106%. There are 577 registered voters in Precinct 21 but they officially recorded 610 votes. The surrounding precincts averaged around 60%. Click here for the official canvass.

There could have been a couple of provisional ballots. But 263 of them? No way.

The DuPage County Election Commission has some explaining to do.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

My New Year's Resolutions for 2008

2008-01-01T22:03:00.000-06:00

My New Year's Resolutions for 2008:

If elected as a DuPage County Board Member (District 3):

1. I will work to bring fiscal responsibility back to DuPage County government.

2. I will work to change the fundamental structure of DuPage County government which will lead to leaner, more sustainable, government for the future.

3. I will work against home rule power for DuPage County as home rule will undoubtedly lead to higher taxes for DuPage County residents.

Robert "Bob" Brandt
Candidate for DuPage County Board - District 3

McMahon investigation update

2007-12-31T12:46:00.000-06:00

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.

Merry Christmas from the Brandts!

2007-12-25T23:05:00.000-06:00

Schillerstrom, Birkett and McMahon received money from indicted political figure Tony Rezko

2007-12-22T22:41:00.001-06:00

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

DuPage County budget called a ‘disaster’

2007-12-21T09:08:00.000-06:00

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.

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

2007-12-21T09:05:00.000-06:00

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

www.helpaveteran.org

2007-12-18T22:25:00.000-06:00

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

McMahon investigation update

2007-12-17T20:32:00.000-06:00

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.

Response to Healy

2007-12-13T08:41:00.000-06:00

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

Response to Schillerstrom

2007-12-13T08:39:00.000-06:00

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

Democratic candidates blast County Board over budget problems

2007-12-12T23:57:00.000-06:00

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.

DuPage Democrats cry foul on tax hike

2007-12-12T00:04:00.000-06:00

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."

We need new leadership on the DuPage County Board

2007-12-11T00:17:00.000-06:00

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

$750,000 to educate voters on referendum?

2007-12-05T20:04:00.000-06:00

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

Schillerstrom WANTS Home Rule power

2007-11-29T20:16:00.000-06:00

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

Return Board Member salaries back to 1997 levels

2007-11-28T00:19:00.000-06:00

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

Brandt calls for investigation of DuPage County Board Member Michael McMahon

2007-11-26T20:28:00.000-06:00

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

DuPage County Budget Disaster

2007-11-11T00:20:00.000-06:00

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

Welcome to the blog

2007-11-01T13:17:00.000-05:00

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