2015 PERSON OF THE YEAR: MELODY SEATON

REV MELODY SEATON

SAUK VILLAGE |  Going through candidates for Person of the year 2015, one person rose head and shoulders above the rest.  When she came to the Village in 2014, she didn't just come quietly, she came with a fierce desire and a lot of spirit, some even say the Holy Spirit, to make Sauk Village just a little bit better. 

The Reverend Melody Seaton of Grace United Church of Christ not only is carrying on the 50 plus year tradition of the shuttered church, but began new traditions which the community as a whole can be proud of.  Seaton was runner up last year for Person of the Year, but this year she was a clear standout!

Seaton's outstanding contributions to Sauk Village include the Share the Warmth campaign of providing over 300 brand new coats, mittens and hats to Sauk Village school children over the last two years, Jammin for Jesus Community Fest and taking the leadership role of holding a Community Prayer Meeting right outside her Church welcoming everyone!  Additionally, she has taken her message to every corner of the Community, literally, by holding prayer on the streets of Sauk Village.

Now I'm not saying that other churches and organizations do not make great contributions, as we see

SEATON'S COMMUNIT PRAYER MEETING

Emmanuel Christian Reform church, who celebrated their 40th year in their church this year with feeding families with their ongoing food pantry.  Other churches should be glad to partner with the successes of Grace United Church of Christ and Melody Seaton!  Seaton's outreach from her church community has truly been a great thing for Sauk Village and she has been an outstanding pastor to her church and to the community.

If you've never heard Seaton sing the National Anthem, as she did for Veterans Day in 2014, you truly missed out!  I hope she plans to stay greatly involved in making Sauk Village just a bit better in 2016 and beyond.

Congratulations Reverend Melody Seaton, you are truly deserving of such an honor!

Former Honorees
SAUK VILLAGE PERSONS OF THE YEAR
2014:  Dr. Donna Leak
2013:  Derrick Burgess
2012:  Al Stoffregen
2011:  Robert Chavez

HANKS WANTS TO WHITE WASH CRIME REPORTING

DAVID A. HANKS

by Sauk Village Voice
SAUK VILLAGE |So now the Administration of David Hanks appears to be trying to “white wash” the truth about crime in Sauk Village!  A woman was shot in her home and her baby died this week, and Hanks has his so called “Public Safety Director” JW Fairman, who was hired as an “employee” but yet paid as an “independent contractor”, makes one wonder why but that’s another story and another investigation later, I digress.

Fairman reported to the Village Board on December 8^th that crime has gone down a “projected 64.6% in 2015”, his words not mine.  There is a very simple explanation to why this is likely the case.  Sauk Village Police Department’s old reporting software, New World implemented in 2007, was completely down and not online for many months in 2015.  Police officers were forced to do police reports manually in some cases.  Now several officers report many communication problems with the Village’s dispatch center CalCom who is based out of Calumet Park Illinois.  Additionally many have complained that the CAPERS (computer aided dispatch) software the village will invest thousands of dollars in order to communicate with CalCom has not been working.

Fairman apparently questions the Uniform Criminal Reports made by the Sauk Village Police Department to the Federal Bureau of Investigations UCR.  Fairman stated in his report posted by David Hanks on December 14^th “The question is; are Sauk Village’s reported UCR crime real or contrive”?

Former Chief of Police Timothy Holevis had his say about the matter in a brief interview.  “Uniform Crime Reporting is taken directly from the daily computer records.  It takes hours to report manually since requests were sent to the mayor (David Hanks) who failed to update the important computer programs making it more simplistic to report UCR” Holevis said.

Fairman also goes on to say “We did a precursory assessment of reported major UCR crime in 2014.  It was determined that reporting numbers were erroneous.  We did not determine why”.  Holevis responded to this categorically denying that the numbers from 2014 were wrong.  “Compare the official police reports to UCR, it will all match.  I refused to do anything illegal.  How do you not report a murder” Holevis said.  “If they aren’t entering UCR manually, then they’re not doing it correctly.  Sauk Village does not have a computer program that reports it automatically.  It should take him several hours to report UCR and domestic violence reporting” Holevis said.  Holevis said that for a two year period during the time Former Chiefs Frank Martin (2010) and Robert Fox (2011 to 2012) UCR reporting was not done at all. “The Village was threatened several times with revocation of the use of UCR because of all that” Holevis said.

“For the first 8 months, prior to Chief Kowalski’s arrival major UCR crime averaged 22.9 crimes a (sic) month, after Chief Kowalski’s arrival major UCR crime averaged 6.5 crimes a month a difference (or reduction of 69.9%” according to Fairman.  Hanks has his Chief of Police chasing Senior Citizens away from the microphone, like his predecessor did, during Village Board meetings instead of applying for grants and doing his job, fighting crime!  What Fairman and Chief Robert Kowaski did not report to the Village Board is that for the last 3 weeks there have been on average 1 to 2 cars stolen per day in Sauk Village.  But they would want you to believe crime is down in Sauk Village!  This is nothing but a white wash job Sauk Village.  Give me a break!

UCR Crime Statistics can be found here :  CLICK LINK

HANKS SHOULD RESIGN... NOW!

OPINION EDITORIAL
by Sauk Village Voice

Never before in the history of the Village has a mayor openly criticized his own Police Chief that he himself appointed and other village employees.  David Hanks took the opportunity to criticize former Chief of Police Tim Holevis and current Police Sergeant Rebecca Sailsbery at his meet the mayor event this month claiming they were "destroying the village".

First, David Hanks seems to forget that he appointed Holevis Chief of Police and sang his praises at that time.  In a post on (September 17, 2013) David Hanks’ Facebook page, you know the one he said he never goes on, Hanks said:

Mayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residentsMayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residentsMayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residentsMayor David Hanks considers the appointment a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as a feeling of stability for the community. Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle. Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residents

“M””Mayor David Hanks considers the appointment (of Tim Holevis) a much needed boost for the morale of the department as well as feeling of stability for the community.  Restoring Pride and Progress is a daily battle.

Chief Holevis and the entire Police Department have the support of the Mayor and Board of Trustees to do whatever is needed to provide safety to our residents”

How does one go from pouring praise upon your own appointee to destroying the police department’s morale and telling the residents of Sauk Village that Holevis and Sailsbery were “destroying the village”.  Oh and now there is no crime in Sauk Village since Holevis left and crime is dramatically down?  Really?  I hope he can smell what he's shoveling!

Second, Hanks has attacked Trustees who do not agree with his political dogma or ask him questions calling them "lazy" and wanting to be "spoon fed".  Hanks stated at a village meeting he wants residents to be arrested and removed from meetings if they go over an arbitrary 3 minute time limit.  Hanks continues to disrespect residents, village employees and Village Trustees whenever the mood strikes him.  He is more concerned about people who talk about him than about moving the village forward.

Third, Hanks is a coward and uses his three Bobble Head trustees Rosie Williams, Lynda Washington and Ed Myers to do his bidding.  Hank’s actions cost him two of his Bobble Heads in April, 2015 and many residents who once supported Hanks and his coalition have abandoned him and realized that he is not what he portrayed himself to be in 2013.  He is a proven LIAR and a hypocrite! 

Now the Village faces a multi-million dollar lawsuit as a result of Hanks’ reckless actions and the residents of Sauk Village will be left to pick up the tab long after Hanks is gone in 2017.  David Hanks you should do the taxpayers of Sauk Village a big favor and give them an early Christmas gift... RESIGN NOW!  But you are too  arrogant and self centered to do that, but the time is now to begin the calls for Hanks’ resignation!  The time is now for residents to begin the process of telling the remaining three Bobble Heads your time is up!  2017 cannot come soon enough, but the time is now for the Bobble Heads to say David Hanks you’re a proven LIAR, we can no longer follow an arrogant liar, self serving hypocrite and misogynistic megalomaniac who is costing taxpayers money by his words and actoins!  But that would take one thing that those three bobble heads clearly do not have!  Integrity!

SENIOR GROUP CLAIMS RACE IS KEEPING THEM OUT

By Sauk Village Voice
SAUK VILLAGE|  A group of senior citizens known as the Seniors for Relaxation Organization (or S.R.O.) is claiming that they are being discriminated against by the Mayor David Hanks and the Village because they are not permitted to have the exclusive use of the Senior Citizen Center.

Members of the S.R.O. have been coming to the Village meetings for months asking for the Mayor and Village Board to intervene on their behalf.  Tuesday night, Cleve Lawrence the organization’s  President, Nathan Griffin and Frank Harvey, all African-American came forward and implied that they are not being permitted exclusive use of the Senior Center because their group is African-American.

At previous village meetings the Chairperson of the Senior Citizen Committee, Rose Langston said the group was welcome on days that there would be “overseers” present on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.  There are 3 other Senior Citizen groups, comprised mostly of Caucasian members, who have exclusive use of the Senior Citizen Center.  The committee gave a copy of what the committee adopted as “policy” for the use of the Center to Hanks Tuesday night.  The Village Board of Trustees has not seen the so-called policy nor did they vote to adopt any such policies.  Some took exception to the term “overseer” as racist terminology going to back to the days of slavery.  “Why is it that only the black group needs an overseer and not the other groups?  How openly racist can you be” one long-time Caucasian resident said.

According to Lawrence the group was told that they had to pay to use the Senior Citizen Center.  “Why should one organization have to pay while the others do not?”  The group suggests that it is because they are African-American and the others comprised of Caucasians pay nothing.

Trustee Derrick Burgess, suggested that Hanks and the S.R.O. group meet to resolve this and that Hanks should attempt to broker a deal so that the Organization could have their day to use the Senior Citizen Center.  “You remember Mr. Mayor when she (Langston) was having some issues a few years ago and you and I went and brokered a peace?  Well it’s time that this is done” Burgess said Tuesday night.

Hanks said he stands behind the Senior Citizen Committee and all committee chairpersons decisions and was not inclined to overrule what some call an openly racist decision.  Hanks did not say he opposes what some call the racist move by the senior committee.

“All we are wanting to do is provide seniors an opportunity to use a building which sits empty most of the time.  The building was intended to be used by the seniors, but only if you belong to the exclusive clubs.  But there are clearly some who do not feel that seniors should be permitted to do so.  We have come to the mayor on many occasions and he refuses to do anything” Lawrence said.

Longtime resident Larry Stewart, who had recently resigned the Senior Citizen Committee clearly calls the matter racist.  “Look they are doing everything they can to keep a certain group of people out of the Senior Citizen building because they are black and politically disagree with this administration” Stewart said Tuesday night.  “Until members of Senior Committee, which is very racist group, is told by the mayor to stop this open racism and black seniors are permitted to use the center I will not step foot in that Senior Center" Stewart said.

HANKS AND SOME VILLAGE OFFICIALS ACCUSED OF RETALIATION - EEOC CHARGES FILED

DAVID HANKS (left) and Village Attorney Mike McGrath

by Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Deputy Chief of Police Rebecca Sailsbery a 23 year veteran of the Sauk Village Police Force has filed an action with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, required before a Federal lawsuit can be filed, claiming she is being retaliated and discriminated against by Mayor David Hanks, Administrator JW Fairman and other Village officials.

Following the abrupt retirement and resignation of former Chief Timothy Holevis, Sailsbery has been blocked from being sworn-in as "acting/interim chief" which should have happened automatically according to the department's general orders until a new Chief was appointed.  Instead Hanks ordered Sailsbery to assume the duties but not the position or title.  Sailbury argues that it is because she had previously won an EEOC complaint and the Village settled with her, Holevis and former employee Lisa Gibbons.  Gibbons was "layed off" and not recalled despite the Village having several opportunities and hires since her so called layoff.  In 2010, during the administration of Lewis Tower when former Chief of Police Frank Martin was terminated, Holevis was sworn-in as "acting/interim" Chief of Police.  Holevis at that time was not the deputy chief but the senior Sergeant on the day shift.

Apparently the discrimination and retaliation did not end there according to the complaint.  Gibbons has already filed another EEOC complaint against the Village.

Hanks, according to the supplement to the EEOC complaint, violated the Police Department Chain of Command, posted a notice that Sailsbury would remain Deputy Chief "until further notice" while all other police officers would retain their positions, violated the Police Officers Bill of Rights as an investigation was conducted without notification.  Finally the supplement to the EEOC complaint states that Hanks "traditional" views of women in the workforce are frowned upon and are expected to wear skirts instead of pants.

Sailsbury has stated she did apply to become chief of police.  According to Hanks 24 people have applied for the position.  Hanks appointed Fairman along with Trustees Rosie Williams and Cecial Tates to serve as a committee to search for a Chief of Police.  "We have yet to have a formal meeting with all of us present" Tates said.  According to Tates they were given each candidates resumes and asked to rank each candidate.  None of the results were shared with other committee members according to Tates.  "Not like any committee I had ever been on when you never meet to discuss anything" Tates said.

"According to the Mayor he gets to make the appointment the Village Board vote doesn't matter" Tates said.  "He has made that quite clear when it came to appointing committees and the courts already ruled on this same matter with former Village employees which the village is still in litigation over.  So let's just cut out the nonsense and move forward" Tates said.

Hanks has made no public comment regarding the EEOC complaint which was filed in earlier of this year.

RAUNER TELLS LEGISLATURE "NO" PREPARES FOR BUDGET SHOWDOWN

SPRINGFIELD
by Joseph Wiszowaty

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has told Illinois Democrats something they haven't heard in a long time... "No".

As Rauner and the Democratic leadership in Springfield dig in for what is shaping up as a budget Showdown for July 1st.  Rauner has announced massive sweeping spending cuts if a budget compromise is not approved in time.

Longtime Speaker of the House Michael Madigan and the Democratic dominated Illinois Legislature approved an unbalanced budget with a nearly $3 billion budget hole.  Rauner said that is not acceptable and wants the legislature to cut the budget before he will move on any tax increases.

Rauner issued the following statement:

House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton and their caucuses two weeks ago finished passing a budget with a $4 billion hole.

Since that time, Speaker Madigan and President Cullerton have refused to pass real, compromise reforms that will grow the economy, pay down the debt and end the era of wasteful spending and broken budgets while implementing parliamentary maneuvers to keep the governor from acting on the budget bills.

In preparation for the possibility of having no budget on July 1, or a budget with a $4 billion hole, the Administration is initiating its second round of steps to responsibly manage the state’s finances. However, the options available to the Administration remain limited because the Madigan-Cullerton budget includes no reforms.

“Governor Rauner has compromised repeatedly, but Speaker Madigan and the politicians he controls continue to block any real reform,” Rauner spokesman Lance Trover said. “It’s deeply troubling to see that Speaker Madigan remains committed to sacrificing the middle class in order to protect the political class.”

More steps will be announced as they are finalized.

Statewide

Action Initiated

Notify all State of Illinois vendors to prepare for the potential of a longer delay in receiving payments for goods and services provided to the State.

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend capital projects, including construction at state facilities, schools and colleges.Suspend all capital grants for legislators’ earmarks and non-bonded or “pay as you go” capital projects.This freeze does not include road and other Department of Transportation projects.Significantly reduce use of outside legal counsel by eliminating and/or reducing legal contracts.

Department of Healthcare and Family Services

Action Initiated

Reinstate timely re-determinations of Medicaid eligibility.Roll back rates for ambulance services and renal care services to SMART-Act levels.Reduce managed care capitation rates.Discontinue special Medicaid payments to some hospitals.Increase eligibility threshold (Determination of Need Score) to a level more consistent with national eligibility levels.Achieve cost savings using new procurement strategy for purchasing durable medical equipment.

Department of Natural Resources

Effective September 1, 2015

Suspend operations at the World Shooting Recreational Complex (WSRC) near Sparta. The site will become closed to the public and not available for events.All events scheduled through August 2015, including the Grand American, will not be impacted by this action.

Department of Agriculture

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend funding to county fairs for premiums and fairground rehabilitation projects.Suspend funding for agricultural extension and 4-H clubs for premiums at agricultural shows.Suspend funding for premiums for Agricultural Education Fairs.Suspend funding for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service.Suspend funding to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend funding to Choose Chicago for tourism promotion.

Department of State Police

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend FY16 initiative to purchase new forensic equipment.

Office of State Fire Marshal

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend funding for the Chicago Fire Department training program.Suspend reimbursements for fire department training to other local governments.Suspend funding for small fire-fighting and ambulance equipment grants.

Criminal Justice Information Authority

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend the following legislative earmarks:YouthBuild grants;Bullying Prevention grants;Franklin County Methamphetamine Pilot Program; andSouth Suburban Major Crimes Taskforce.Suspend statewide funding for Operation CeaseFire.Suspend funding for Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention grants.

Department of Human Services

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend funding for Community Services for juvenile delinquency program serving youth and young adults administered by the Chicago Area Project.Suspend funding for Immigrant Integration Services. Access to the Department’s programs will continue through local offices.Suspend funding for Welcoming Centers. Access to the Department’s programs will continue through local offices.Suspend funding for the Youth Employment legislative earmark.

Department of Public Health

Effective July 1, 2015

Suspend funding for Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV.Suspend funding to the Tobacco Quitline.

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Effective July 1, 2015

Reduce funding for state-funded job training programs and suspend funding to legislative earmarks for job training. This does not impact the Department’s federal job training funds.Suspend funding for all coal programs at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including discontinuing subsidies to coal companies.Suspend funding for the Renewable Energy Program. This does not impact the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards program.Suspend funding for the Energy Efficiency Program.

Department of Transportation

Effective July 1, 2015

Reduce funding for Amtrak.Suspend state add-on payment to PACE.Suspend state subsidy for Regional Transportation Authority Reduced Fares grant.

Department of Revenue

Effective July 1, 2015

Reduce funding for the following housing programs administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority:Multifamily Finance Program;Reduce Homebuyer Acquisition Rehabilitation Program; andReduce Homeowner Emergency Repair Program.

Department of Veteran’s Affairs

Effective July 1, 2015

Delay opening of Chicago Veterans’ Home.

THE HANKS HOUSING CRISIS CONTINUES

Mayer David Hanks and his Photo Op!

Opinion Editorial
By Joseph Wiszowaty

Driving through Sauk Village these days would bring tears to many who once grew up or raised their families in this small community in the Southeast Suburb of Chicago.   The first question they may wonder is what went wrong?  Today, according to Cook County statistics for 2015 there are 480 vacant homes in Sauk Village and what’s worse is that Cook County projects vacant homes to grow to 532 in the next five years.

Well, yes the economic downturn of 2008 really took its toll on the home values.  As many folks mortgaged their homes to the rafters with the cheap cost of money, as values fell investors found opportunity for rental properties.  Many simply walked away from their homes or sold out in short sales to investors who in turn rented those homes out to tenants fleeing the City of Chicago when former Mayor Richard Daley closed the housing projects.

They say hindsight is 20/20, well we can see what went wrong.  As values dropped drastically in 2009, the Federal Government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development began offering communities millions of dollars in Neighborhood Stabilization Programs.  Many communities took advantage of these NSP dollars to help shore up their housing markets from 2009 to 2012.  Now most of the NSP monies are dried up and Sauk Village has been left out in the cold.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grant is to support the redevelopment of foreclosed, vacant, or abandoned property or land through demolition, new construction, acquisition, and/or rehabilitation activities. The primary goals of the program are to stabilize communities disproportionately affected by the foreclosure crisis and to create or preserve affordable rental or ownership housing for low- and moderate-income households.  Cook County has distributed millions of dollars in NSP money to municipalities.

Now Mayor David Hanks, served as Chairman of the Housing Authority from 2009 to 2012 when he became acting mayor.   During his time in charge of the Village’s housing crisis, Hanks and most of the Village Board were too self absorbed with playing politics with then Mayor Lewis Towers instead of addressing the housing crisis and obtaining NSP dollars to shore up the Village’s housing crisis.  Many communities used NSP money to encourage homeownership opportunities, Sauk Village received $0 in NSP money to help.

Shortly after becoming Acting-Mayor, Hanks began to campaign for election, after stating publicly he would not seek election, that they were so busy fighting Lewis Towers that they were “blinded” by the housing crisis and didn’t see the eyesores of the vacant and abandoned houses.  ***CLICK HERE TO VIEW*** fast forward to 2:58 and listed till 3:33

2014



2009

What is Hanks’ plan for Housing you may wonder as we continue down the path of further deterioration?  Well we wonder too and to date there has been no plan put out publicly.  While Housing Commissioners, exceeding their mandate, have been working on housing issues by identifying vacant properties, there has been no long range plan.  The Village received a grant through the Illinois Housing Development Authority to secure and maintain vacant and abandoned houses, the housing commission identified only 100 out of the 480 vacant homes in which grass mowing would be done in 2014.  Unfortunately, the grant money was for reimbursement of monies spent by the Village and controversy ensued when there was no money budgeted for the grass mowing initiative in 2014.  As a result of Hanks’ misstep on the budgetary oversight last year, the Village Trustees had to borrow money from the water fund in order to make payments.  Because of poor planning the IHDA was not prepared and many delays and changes happened with the grant program as a result of the change in administrations to Governor Bruce Rauner, the money has now been frozen.

What made matters worse, was the 2015-16 Budget that Hanks and his Bobble Heads ramrodded through, did not include a single penny toward any housing initiatives nor any grass mowing for that matter.  But he found $200,000 to hire just 2 new people, and yes they would be "outsiders" of course, how ironic!

Some housing commissioners have said on social media that resident’s should take up the slack and mow vacant properties and volunteers are needed to pitch in to maintain these properties, I beg to differ!  While it’s a “neighborly” thing to do, it exposes those individuals to danger and liability.   A stronger emphasis on Code Enforcement and a more aggressive and proactive approach is sadly missing from this Administration.  This administration is so focused on politics and less on policy that it continues to be “blinded” by the blight which has taken hold of Sauk Village, and according to Cook County will remain at least until the next administration.

In fact, this administration is all about “propaganda” as illustrated in the propaganda video Mayor David Hanks has on the Village’s official website ***CLICK HERE TO VIEW***  Can you believe this? 

Residents need to start asking David Hanks the “tough questions” and stop telling him, like one of his Bobble Heads, Trustee Lynda Washington, “you’re doing a fine job”.  Really Lynda?  I beg to differ!  Maybe now they will not be "blinded" by this housing crisis any longer!

 

Housing Opportunities:

 

***$14,000 Sauk Village House***

***$13,000 Less than a Used Car***

This one Won a HANKY Award! ------***22517 Yates Avenue****

VILLAGE LEAVES EMPLOYEE OUT IN THE COLD

by Joseph Wiszowaty

SAUK VILLAGE |  When it comes to taking their share of hits, the Sauk Village Police Department has been relentlessly beaten up by the Village lately.

Sauk Village Police Officer Jason Gondek and Police Records Clerk Emily Walker both lost their battles with cancer in 2014 and long-time resident and Police Dispatcher Kimberly Clark has been fighting the battle for many months.  "Jason and I were diagnosed within 3 weeks of each other and I was in treatment for Emily's funeral services" Clark said.  "The (Police) Department is our own separate family.  We sometimes spend more time with them than our own families.  My journey is nowhere near over" Clark said.

 

Clark served as a dispatcher up until May 1st when Mayor David Hanks and 5 of the Trustees supported a move to terminate their dispatchers and contract the service out giving virtually no notice.   Clark was out of work on Federal Family and Medical Leave during this time and receiving treatment for her cancer.

Clark found out that her job was being eliminated, not because she received an official announcement, but because of social media.  "I found out on Facebook that the 911 center was being closed" Clark said.

 

"I am on 16 medications a day. On May 2, I went to get my medication I was told it was over $185. I said no our insurance was extended 90 days so it's a $15 copay each" Clark said.  Unfortunately the pharmacist told Clark that her insurance was cancelled on May 1st while other dispatchers' insurance was extended out 90 days.

Clark is suffering from 2 types of cancer, lung and breast.  Clark has been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy and was scheduled to have the cancer in her breast dealt with but now her doctors and surgeons will not touch her without insurance.  "Now all breast issues are on indefinite hold until I get insurance. I hate having to choose between groceries or my medication" Clark said.

So what has Clark been doing about her situation?  "my first thought was fear. What do I do now?  I'm only half way through the process. Not only that, the statistics of stage 3 lung cancer survival is not in my favor anyway" Clark said.  Her fear quickly turned into anger as she had given alot of her time to serving the people of Sauk Village.

"As you know, (a dispatcher's job) is a 24/7 job. All the holidays missed with your family, plans cancelled due to mandatory overtime with only 2 hours notice. And I never complained because I loved my job and was grateful to have it ! I felt like I found my passion and had it ripped out from under my feet with no warning! I was angry and incredibly disappointed that an Administration who campaigned on "transparency & bringing pride back to our town" couldn't even be honest enough with me to tell me my job was gone, I felt angry and professionally betrayed" Clark said.

Clark has been forced to file for assistance but it is a long and arduous process and she fears her life will be in the hands of some government doctor who decides her fate based on some checklist.

Clark is thankful for all the support and prayers of the Sauk Village community.  "I want to simply say thank you to everyone who has been supportive, including my mom, dad, my fiancé, my daughter my family and friends" Clark said.  "I'm not giving up, but I'm very disappointed" she said.  "I have family and friend, but most of all I have faith.  My journey is nowhere near over.  I'm determined to be a survivor" Clark said.

Kim's friends have set up a Go Fund Me Account and are asking for assistance: CLICK HERE FOR LINK

EDITORIAL NOTE:  Kim we wish you well and send your our prayers.  We know you're a fighter and you've got alot of people who send you their love and prayers.

NO CONFIDENCE: RESIDENTS BEGIN CALLS FOR HANKS RESIGNATION

OPINION EDITORIAL
By Joseph Wiszowaty
How can someone get it so wrong?   Mayor David Hanks has been Mayor since November, 2012 and has been on the Village Board since May, 1999 some 16 years now and yet he still doesn’t get it.  He suppose to be working for all the people of Sauk Village, not just a small handful!

Hanks has been on a whirlwind trying to ramrod all these changes and votes down the Village Board’s throat, and the Bobble Head 5 are going along with it.  Just like Pat Quinn was doing on his way out the door of the Governor's office!  Trustees Ed Myers, Rosie Williams and Lynda Washington apparently do not give a damn about what the public think and about all that has been going on.  Apparently they think Hanks is doing a “fine job”.  REALLY?  Let’s go back two weeks ago when Hanks lost 2 of his Bobble Heads John Poskin and Jeffrey Morden.  The loss of 2 incumbent trustees has not happened since 1971!  Apparently they didn’t get the message but I assure you they will hear the people in 2017!

So let’s recap the missteps and blunders this administration has made in just the last few weeks (I could go on and on but this is just a small recap):

1-      They hurried to create two political positions and without any public consideration, in a move reminiscent of Lewis Towers.  Hanks did this in anticipation of the April 7th election and how it might not turnout his way.  Hanks appointed his handpicked appointee and the Bobble Heads voted 5 to 1 to approve it!  Towers only wished he had the Bobble Heads that Hanks does!  Closed Door Politics at it's best here!

2-      Hanks’s new political hack was intended to replace Veteran Chief of Police Tim Holevis and Holevis is forced to retire after serving the People of Sauk Village for 30 years!  Holevis didn't want to retire and wanted to continue to serve as chief but was forced into an early retirement.

3-      Hanks and his Bobble Head 5 plan on ram roding Kurtz Dispatch down the throats of Sauk Village Taxpayers with virtually NO PUBLIC INPUT and closed door meetings and no input from the Sauk Village Police or Fire Departments!

4-      Hanks now apparently plans on Demoting Deputy Chief of Police Rebecca Sailsbery and hiring his own political hack to become Chief of Police, again in a move reminiscent of Lewis Towers!  Hanks condemned Towers move to bring in an outsider stating at the time that the Village “cannot afford it”. 

5-      The 2015-16 Budget.  Hanks has not publicly released any information on his secret budget process, despite the fact that his nemesis Trustee Derrick Burgess has been asking for months about the Budget.  Well Hanks plans on jamming the budget through with his 5 Bobble Heads before the new Village Trustees are sworn in!  So Hanks plans on getting the budget voted on in 22 days (or less) with virtually NO public input or review!  For the record Hanks didn't get a vote on the Budget until July of last year!   (Editor Note:  50 ILCS 330/3 "....Such budget and appropriation ordinance shall be prepared in tentative form by some person or persons designated by the governing body, and in such tentative form shall be made conveniently available to public inspection for at least thirty days prior to final action thereon. Provided, that in townships such tentative ordinance for purposes other than the road and bridge fund shall be prepared by the board of town trustees. At least one public hearing shall be held as to such budget and appropriation ordinance prior to final action thereon, notice of which shall be given by publication in an English language newspaper published in such municipality, at least 30 days prior to the time of such hearing."

6-      Hanks releases figures on the Village’s General Fund deficit showing virtually NO DEFICIT!  This is a complete lie!  Hanks is confusing the General Fund Deficit with the Village’s Accounts Payable Aging Report (the bills not yet paid).  After 16 years you would think this dunder head would have gotten it right?

He’s not done yet!  Nope Hanks actually plans on running for re-election and announced that he is running and did so in 2014!  Is this really the direction you wanted to go with the Village?  If the last 60 days has been any example of the leadership of this administration, imagine what the next 6 years could be like!  If you remember Lewis Towers and how things were done, you got that right! 

I believe Larry Steward had it right, it’s time for David Hanks to go.  It’s time for the people to start demanding Hanks's resignation!

Pride, Arrogance and Entitlement have brought you to where you are Mr. Mayor!

HANKS & WILLIAMS GET SHELLACKING TUESDAY AT THE POLLS

You're Next David! Hanks with
former Governor Quinn in
October, 2014

Opinion Editorial by Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Sometimes politicians take a shellacking on election night!  Sometimes they learn to work with others who have differing opinions and ideas and compromise with those who were victorious on election night, even if they don't like them personally, even if they look different, and then there are others who simply just don't get it!  Why do they do this? Self preservation perhaps, but for the most part it's because they haven't heard the people's voice or frankly they just don't give a damn!
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In this last Tuesday's election, the voters of Sauk Village sent a clear and simple message to Mayor David Hanks.  Voters reject your politics and your "Forward Motions"!  They repudiated your supporters attacks!  They're tired of the Bobble Heads, they're tired of his backward "Forward Motions" which have been stuck in the mud despite his 5 to 1 majority!  Residents were tired of the lies, deception and constant photo ops, tired of the relentless attacks, tired of your Village Clerk taking a personal trip with her daughter on the dime of Village vendors and God only knows who!  They're tired of having the Village's tax dollars go to pay for lawyers to defend their actions!  Basically, they were just too damn tired of all the bullshiznit!

This election saw 804 voters who cared enough to come out to the polls, about 14% of the actual registered voters in Sauk Village.  Hanks's nemesis the one who has not been a Bobble Head, Derrick Burgess won!  Burgess won BIG receiving 61.7% of all the ballots cast, a clear majority!  It doesn't take a political genius to see residents are tired of Hanks and yet Mayor Hanks publicly supported all 3 losing candidates in this election, while relentlessly attacking the day of the election Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones, calling them "negative".  Hanks then continued on his destructive diatribe Saturday at his "Meet the Mayor" event, which was attended by only a handful of his most loyal supporters in what could only be describe as a "pitty party", you think Hanks would get it.  Nope!

Many saw the contrast of Hanks and Williams's pitty party at Popeye's Chicken Tuesday night and then the continuation at Village Hall Saturday and the complete opposite where a group of residents who have worked hard over the last couple of years to bring a community together held a "Unity" meeting.  The Unity meeting brought the newly elected officials together with a diverse group of residents, to help unite a community.  Hanks and Williams have played the divide and conquer game for too long to the detriment of the Village!

Hanks and Williams must somehow believe that there are "special voters" out there that approve the nonsense they've been doing the last 29 months which clearly was not the case on Tuesday! Many of the people who voted for Hanks and Williams in 2013 were completely deceived by their mantra of "Forward Motions" and "Leadership for a Change".  The last 29 months have been self evident that Forward Motions has been stuck in the mud, despite his 5 to 1 majority and Leadership has been absent!

Well as the old saying goes be careful what you wish for you might just get it, and get it you did in 2013!  Well, the people of Sauk Village "got it" and got it RIGHT in 2015!  It didn't take them long to get fed up with the negative tactics since Hank and Williams won in 2013.  This election was a resounding defeat for Hanks and Williams and their brand of politics.

As I told many friend on election night, numbers never lie!  The people of Sauk Village are tired of Hanks and Williams!  Generally, low voter turnout is a good thing for the incumbent who is in office, that being Hanks and Williams, however, not a single one of Hanks and Williams's candidates won on Tuesday night.  Such a resounding defeat has not happened since 1971!

Today, Hanks and Williams continue to fight against the majority of the residents of Sauk Village and sit on the dais with contempt, arrogance and entitlement that I have not seen since the days of former Mayor Lewis Towers.  Oh but let's not forget who brought us Lewis Towers in the first place, Debbie Williams, the common denominator!

The people have spoken, and spoken clearly with their votes and lack of voter participation wasn't that they don't care, they want a New Direction!  Unfortunately, Debbie Williams and David Hanks didn't seem to get the  memo Tuesday night that they lost and are going to continue their destructive and divisive diatribes.

Well, I'm not going away!  I had no plans to do so regardless of the outcome of this election!  But make no mistake, this was a referendum on David Hanks and Debbie Williams's administration!  Clearly Hanks and Williams received a shellacking, the same way Lewis Towers did in 2011!  I will continue to fight with the Illinois Attorney General to expose Debbie Williams and her daughter Rosie Williams Travelgate Scandal from 2013, I will continue to attend meetings and reporting the facts!  I will seek answers and question this administration, just like I did with Lewis Towers!  This Village belongs to the People of Sauk Village!  Hanks and Williams do not want to let go of the control of the millions of YOUR tax dollars they control!  They can say that there "is no money" all they want, but when they sit and control the tax dollars and where they are spent, who the hell do they think they're kidding!

The people of Sauk Village have endured this experiment in the "big time Chicago style politics" but the people of Sauk Village aren't getting any results from this administration.  The Hanks and Williams Administration has been an abject failure!

730 very short days to the End of Error!  Election Day April 11, 2017!

SCHOOL BOARD WILL HAVE NEW FACES

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Lost in the shadows of the Village Trustees election Tuesday night was School District 168 Board race.  There were 4 seats up for grabs Tuesday night and at stake control of the School Board, which appears by the results of this election will certainly change.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who ran unsuccessfully for Village Clerk in 2013 has come back strong with a decisive victory Tuesday night over challenger Latonya West.  West was supported by incumbent Board President Sharon Davenport and her Team Davenport.  Campbell-Pruitt will replace Maxine Towers, wife of former Mayor Lewis Towers, who did not seek election and was appointed as an interim appointment following the abrupt resignation of Melvin Stevenson this past November. 

Davenport herself was successful in her re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, but is not likely going hold on to the Presidency following the School Board’s reorganization.  Current Board Vice President Tammy Jones won re-election garnering the most votes in which only some 620 votes were cast as many just came to the polls to vote for Village Trustee. 

The third four-year seat was apparently lost by incumbent Sene Garrett to newcomer Philip Bazile by just a small 13 vote margin.  There were about 11 absentee ballots and a few provisional ballots that will take the Cook County Clerk’s office some time to sort through before official results are posted. 

It’s likely that both Davenport and Jones will not retain the office of President and Vice President.  “It doesn’t matter, it’s always been about the children of the district and that’s what matters most” Davenport said late Tuesday night.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of School District 168.  I wish the School Board members good luck” Garrett said.

Unofficial Election Results

4 Year Term (3 Elected)
Sharon Davenport (i)     357*
Tammy Jones (i)               377*
Sene Garrett (i)                 303
Philip Bazile                        316
Sandra Isom                       296

2 Year Term (elect 1)

Latonya West                    247
Marva Campbell-Pruitt 376*

HISTORIC ELECTION: BURGESS, TATES & JONES WIN!

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  You’ve got to go back to 1971 when 2 incumbent Trustees Richard Startz and Robert Robinson were tossed out of office during a mid-term election.  In fact you’ve got to go back to 1999, when David Hanks first took office to find a voter turnout so low during an off year election.

Sauk Village voters said “NO” to the Bobble Heads, said "NO" to Travelgate, said "NO" to closed door backroom meetings, said "NO" to unbalanced budgets and “YES” to a New Direction which Trustee Derrick Burgess and now Trustees-elect Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones promised.

Burgess, Tates and Jones greeted a euphoric crowd at Levels Sports Bar following Tuesday night’s election.  Burgess promised supporters a New Direction and said that there is a lot of hard work ahead of the Village Board.  “This was a clear message that we’ve been heading in the wrong direction.  Residents wanted a change and we’re going to give them an open, honest and transparent Village Government” Burgess said.

Trustee-elect Jones promised to remain true to the residents and thanked them for their vote and confidence.

Trustee-elect Cecial Tates was overcome with emotion and tears.  “I want to thank all of those who voted and came out to help and support making the village better” Tates said.

“We didn’t go around making crazy promises, and we ran a clean campaign.  We did not slam our opponents and the message resonated with the residents” Burgess said.  Burgess was re-elected to his third-term on the Village Board by a comfortable margin.

Burgess received 496 votes , Tates received 401, Jones received 396 according to unofficial results from Cook County.  Incumbents Jeff Morden was denied re-election to a full-term with 330 and Hanks appointee John Poskin came in dead last with 238 votes.  Housing Commission Chairman, Gary Holcomb received 294 and was the only Trustee candidates who conceited the election in person shaking hands with Burgess, Tates and Jones and wishing them well.  Morden, Poskin and Holcomb were supported and endorsed by Village Clerk Debbie Williams, Hanks and a group of calling themselves "crotchety old ladies", but it was all for naught as they failed to get their voters out to the polls.

ENDORSEMENTS: BURGESS, TATES and JONES FOR TRUSTEE

ENDORSEMENT- Time for the TRUTH for a CHANGE!
By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGER NEWS
With the early voting underway Sauk Village residents are urged to RUN... do not walk to the polls! You can get a head start to vote by going to the Lynwood Senior-Youth Center at 21490 Lincoln Highway, Lynwood, IL 9am - 5pm, Monday thru Saturday from now until April 4th!  If you are not registered to vote, you will need 2 forms of identification; one with your current address on it and you will be able to register AND VOTE the same day!  You will not be able to register and vote on April 7th; you must do so before hand!

Sauk Village has come a long way in just 4 years.  It evolved from a promise of "United We Stand, Together We Can" to a deplorable reality of divide and conquer!  Divide and conquer are the tactics the present Mayor and his Bobble heads are employing under a guise of "forward motions" in reality it is backward politics!

Mayor David Hanks administration has become identical to the political power mongering of former Mayor Lewis Towers' each and every day gets worse.  With a full majority of the Village Board voting for any nonsensical proposal put out by Hanks, they have back room discussions without an open, honest and transparent process, leaving Trustee Burgess and residents in the dark.  Sauk Village, it's time to send Hanks a clear message that the Village is tired of the same old politics as usual.  It's time for a New Direction and it's time for the TRUTH FOR A CHANGE!  It's time to stop lying to the residents and taxpayers, it's time to STOP the Politics with the lives of the employees of the Village and the taxpayers as well!

The way in which Police Chief Tim Holevis was forced out after 30 year on the Sauk Village Police Department, is but  an example of what is to come from the Hanks Administration and his bobbleheads.

DERRICK BURGESS, CECIAL TATES and KELVIN JONES!  These three men are TRUE Independent candidates and will investigate and research each proposal before voting.  They will fairly represent all of the residents of Sauk Village.  They are the ONLY HOPE for a new beginning for Sauk Village.  They will ensure a more balanced Village Board of Trustees to keep checks and balances on the administration of David Hanks!

Village Government needs an open, honest and transparent process for which the current Village Board lacks greatly!  There is virtually no discussion nor debate about issues unless one Trustee raises his voice!  Trustee Derrick N. Burgess!  Sauk Village residents and taxpayers deserve Trustees that care about their concerns.

DERRICK N. BURGESS, TRUSTEE

BURGESS currently serves on the Village Board of Trustees and has been the only Trustee who has brought dialogue and holds the administration accountable.  Burgess has always been a no nonsense Trustee who is willing to listen to the opinions and concerns of others.  Burgess, for the first time since taking office voted NO on the most recent budget which he called "not balanced and not realistic".  5 short months later, many of his colleagues agreed with him and his assessment of the budget that they voted yes to.  Burgess has always advocated for the residents of Sauk Village. He has participated in many events throughout the years and has been a resident for 33 years!  Burgess has earned your trust and deserves to be re-elected.

Lt-Col (Ret) CECIAL TATES

TATES  stepped up to serve our nation.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the United States Army; serving in Vietnam and in Iraq and is a decorated Patriot!  Tates volunteered in 1980 to serve on the very first Parks and Recreation Board and helped create many time honored traditions and programs.  TATES, along with Nancy McConathy, Don Pearson and Richard Derosier created many programs for the kids of Sauk Village.  TATES was recognized for his community service and was appointed to fill a vacancy following the resignation of Larry Schimmel as a School Board member.  He was then re-elected to the Board and would step up as President when he was called. TATES has proven he can make tough decisions!  TATES has earned your trust and deserves your vote! 

KELVIN JONES

JONES is a young man, married with a family.  He is a homeowner and property taxpayer who still balances his check book the old fashion way; using a check book ledger and not an iPhone!  JONES is known to be frugal with his finances and is fiscally responsible.  He will be just as frugal and financially responsible with the taxpayers money too!  JONES is a breath of fresh air with new ideas, which are badly needed for Sauk a Village.  JONES deserves a vote and will work hard to earn your trust!    

Sauk Village, must invest in your community's future.  What better way to secure a return on that investment by voting for Burgess, Tates and Jones for Village Trustees.  A vote for any of their opponents is a step in the wrong direction and just a vote for more bobble heads!

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES - Meet Sandra Isom

(This is the 7th, and final, in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Ms Isom submitted her profile late through School Board Member Deloris Green.  While we did give each of the candidates a deadline, I felt that each should have an opportunity to be seen and weighted by the Voters of Sauk Village.  Out of courtesy I will repost Latonya West's profile Sunday as she submitted her biographical information after we ran her original post on Sunday.)

SANDRA ISOM 
Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
This is Sandra's first electoral run, she has never held public office.  Isom, Bazile and Campbell-Pruitt successfully fought off a voter's challenge to their petitions early on during the campaign.  A Cook County Electoral Board ruled that they will be on the ballot.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate no EDITS were made to their content.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own)

My name is Sandra Isom I have been a concerned resident of Sauk Village since the year of 2000.  My heart beats for the welfare of our children and community. I am a proud mother of six outstanding children.  They are graduates of Rickover and Bloom Trail High.  I am very well familiarized with the everyday plights and concerns of the children and parents. As far as policies, rules, regulations are concerned. I have ten years of experience in the area of underwriting.  I believe that makes me a prime candidate for the district 168. My vision is to implement policies and regulations to better equip and assist the school system. I am a former First lady of Full Gospel Holy Temple church in Chicago.  Was the overseer of the outreach ministry, assisting the downtrodden and broken people in the community. Currently I am an active member and Sunday school teacher at Holy Praise Tabernacle Church. Under the honorary leadership of Pastor John G. Pitts., and Beverly Pitts.

My goals are:

·         To ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions.

·         To be a conduit for the concerns and interests of the teachers and parents.

·         To create stronger ties between the School Board and community.
·         Personal interests in improving the quality of our school system.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES - Meet Tammy N. Jones

(This is the 4th in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

TAMMY N. JONES
Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
Tammy N. Jones has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011 where she serves as Board Vice President since 2013. 

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

Tammy N Jones is a proud alumnus of Thornton Township and obtained her Associate’s degree from Lincoln Junior College in Normal, Illinois. Tammy has worked for several companies including TRC Secretarial Services, Hysan, and Arthur Andersen.

In 1997 Tammy married Derrick Jones and their family relocated to Sauk Village in 2002. This move was Tammy’s most rewarding career change; she became a House Wife and stay at home mom, allowing her to be active in the community while participating in her children's educational and social development. Her daughter Darian is a home grown product of CCSD 168 and is currently excelling at Bloom Trail. Tammy’s son Tyler is a sixth grader at Rickover Junior High. Since moving to Sauk Village Tammy has dedicated eight years to the Trails End Girl Scout Association as a troop leader and a Service Unit Manager; three years to Boy Scout Pack 152; three years to the Sauk Village Sports Association, and several years of selfless volunteer work at CEDA Head Start.  All in addition to her continuous dedication to CCSD 168.

Tammy has been a Board Member in CCSD 168 for four years. Her current duties include holding the position of Vice President, S.P.E.E.D representative and Chairperson of the Policy Committee to name a few. Over the past four years Tammy has worked with three different Superintendents and several different board members however, her focus has remained the same; what is the best for the District; its students, employees, and you, the tax payers.

Since Tammy was elected in 2011, all students receive free lunch and are now eating in the cafeteria instead of the classroom ensuring a cleaner and safer learning atmosphere. Additionally, the uniform has been relaxed, allowing the focus to remain on education and not on what the children are wearing. Safer drinking water for all students and staff has been instituted. Several computer carts have been added to all schools to ensure students are being exposed to the technological world that we have evolved into. The substructure has been updated to ensure that they are ready for the new assessment tests that are aligned with Common Core Curriculum.  The Policy manual and student handbook are now aligned.

The Board has received its first ever good Governance award. Tammy’s hope is that with your support she will be reelected to continue the necessary work of Governing through policy to develop a financially stable District that nurtures students into social, emotional and academically well rounded citizens.