DAVID HANKS- 2016 SAUK VILLAGER PERSON OF THE YEAR

SAUK VILLAGER PERSON OF THE YEAR! This award is established to honor a person who has made a significant impact to or for the Village. Just as Time Magazine had honored Adolf Hitler and Joe Stalin in 1938 and 1939, respectively and most recently named Donald Trump for 2016 as their persons of the year, I choose David Hanks as the Sauk Villager's Person of the Year 2016. David Hanks' announcement in September to retire from politics may be the most significant single impact to the Village’s future!

This announcement was the biggest and most historic announcement of the year in Sauk Village and was cautiously and hopefully expected by many. (CLICK HERE to see Video)  (CLICK HERE- to read the story) It could be the impetus for voters to bring to an end the Village's continued political turmoil which began back in May, 2009. 

Hanks fell into the office of mayor on the heels of Lewis Towers' disgraceful resignation on November 8, 2012.  In Towers' wake, Towers left a trail of financial woe; leaving over $1,000,000 in unpaid bills in addition to a General Fund Deficit totaling over $1.2 million. Credit is to be given to the then sitting Board of Trustees who were diligent in preventing Towers from illegally using the $3 million balance in the water fund.  David Hanks and the Trustees that support him, however, have managed  to erase that $3 million reserve by voting for the same illegal usage of the water fund that they were so diligent in preventing Towers from doing.  As a result, this lame duck Mayor will likely leave office with over $1.7 million owed to the water fund, in addition to over  $1 million in unpaid bills. 

Hanks financial incompetence was further exacerbated when he appointed his staunchest trustee supporter, Rosie Williams to the position of Finance Committee Chair, after two of his Trustees loss their re-election bids in 2015.  Hanks, with the help and guidance of Trustee Rosie Williams, have been using water fund revenues to pay for expenses unrelated to water, causing an even greater fund balance deficit of nearly $1.7 million today!

The Village has been on a steady decline since 2013 because Hanks has had full control of the Board of Trustees and they have historically voted in lock step for every major decision that affects the Village. Even with Hanks' appointments of a Village Administrator, an assistant for the Administrator, his Finance Director and appointing him an assistant, with all this manpower, the village should have expected a vast improvement over its finances.  Instead, the Village's financial staus is on the brink of insolvency!

The Hanks' legacy will be marred by other questionable and scandalous events; too many and too big to mention here.

But today Hanks gets the honor of being 2016 Sauk Villager's Person of the Year for announcing he would retire from politics and more importantly, for keeping his word!

Past Honorees:
Click the links below to read those stories

2015 - Senior Pastor Rev Melody Seaton, Grace UCC

2014 - Dr. Donna Leak Superintendent 168

2013 - Derrick Burgess, Village Trustee

2012 - Alan Stoffregen, Fire Chief

2011 - Robert Chavez, Sr., Village Trustee

VILLAGE CLERK DEBBIE WILLIAMS DOES ILLEGAL "DO OVER"

SAUK VILLAGE |  Anytime there is a simultaneous filing of nomination papers for the offices of Mayor, Village Clerk and Village Trustee there is a lottery to determine ballot position.  This lottery was called in accordance with the law for 1pm Wednesday, December 28th following proper notice to the candidates and to the public of the event.

At I pm on Wednesday, December 28th, the lottery to determine candidates' positions on the ballot was held.  The offices of Mayor, Village Clerk and the first position of Trustee were duly executed according to election guidelines.  

What happened next, defied past precedence and what is established as a guideline in the Candidate’s Guide published by the State of Illinois. Village Clerk Debra Williams, after drawing Rodrick Grant’s name for the first ballot position for Village Trustee, decided to "assign" numbers for ballot positions 2 through 4.  Williams claimed that each of the candidates who filed at 8am was given a piece of paper with a number on it and that will be how they will appear on the ballot.  Trustee candidate and former Village Clerk Beth Zupon openly objected.  I don’t believe that’s right, Debbie.  You're supposed to continue drawing for as many positions as had candidates at 8 am that first filing morning,” Zupon said. .  Williams said that was the way that she understood it to be done and said she would "check" with the Village’s Attorney and if there was a problem she would “let us know”.

Williams contacted Zupon later that afternoon via telephone that she was admitted to Zupon that she had “incorrectly conducted the Trustee lottery and she wanted to "redo” the Trustee lottery at 5pm at Village Hall.  Please note that Village Hall is closed at 5pm and no public notices were posted or given.  According to Zupon she conveyed to Williams that she felt that Grant should retain the first position since his name was drawn at the earlier lottery, during her phone conversation with Williams said she agreed with Zupon.

When the candidates arrived at Village Hall at 5pm for the “do-over” lottery, for which no public notice was given nor any official notice to all candidates that were present at the 1pm lottery, Clerk Williams apparently "changed" her mind and conducted an entirely new lottery for the ballot position claiming that it was in accordance with approved Illinois State Board of Elections process.   Williams re-pulled for the first ballot position for Trustee displacing Rodrick Grant from the first ballot spot.  Grant and Zupon objected to no avail.  A candidate who filed Williams’s nomination papers was pulled for first ballot position.  

Grant indicated late Wednesday that he will file a formal objection with election authorities as he was the candidate who drew first ballot position at the legally constituted lottery drawing.

We will provide updates as they are received.

FEDERAL INVESTIGATION: HAS THE VILLAGE MISAPPROPRIATED GRANT MONEY? PAY TO PLAY?

ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES DETERMINATION- VILLAGE VIOLATED LAW... AGAIN!

SAUK VILLAGE | The Illinois Attorney General has once again issued a determination that the Village has violated the Freedom of Information Act.

A request through the Freedom of Information Act for documents was made to the Village on May 11, 2016 for documents pertaining to a grant the Village received from the Illinois Public Risk Fund to purchase bullet proof vests for members of the Sauk Village Police Department.  We requested “all receipts, invoices, purchase order/requisitions, communication and correspondence showing the use and expenditure of these funds from said grant”.

On June, 2, 2016, the Village finally responded and furnished a one-page accounting which appeared to be an account ledger.  The Illinois Attorney General determined that the Village violated the Act because it did not respond to the request nor did it ask for additional time to complete the request as the law states.

On July 7^th the Village submitted a response to our Request for Review to the Attorney General’s office.  The Village stated that Mohan Rao, the Village’s Finance Director, is the “record keeper for grant materials”.  In the Village’s response they provided additional information that they submitted to the Attorney General in confidence and the Attorney General therefore could not provide us with copies of that confidential “information”.

Our response to the Village at that time was that the Village did not deny they received the grant and therefore it should maintain additional records related to its receipt and expenditure.

The Illinois Attorney General’s office determined that the Village violated the Freedom of Information Act because their response was “untimely” that it did not conduct a “reasonable search” for the documents we had requested. 

The Village’s official response was that the Village Finance Director “cannot locate the records, nor the specific measures the Finance Director took to search for them.”  Additionally the Illinois Attorney General stated that the confidential correspondence with the Village Attorney “does not adequately describe the scope of the search…”.  According to the Attorney General “The records related to a State grant recently received by the Village, and it appears likely that additional records exist regarding the application, award and expenditure.”

It appears that the Village has once again "lost" pertinent records regarding the details of the grant.  Accordingly we have reported this information to higher authorities.

The Illinois Attorney General had issued a rare binding opinion ordering the Village of Sauk Village to turn over “all documents” we requested with respect to Village Clerk Debbie Williams and her daughter Rosie Williams’ “personal trip” to Washington DC, which we have referred to as the Travelgate Scandal. ***CLICK HERE TO VIEW BINDING OPINION*** The Williams duo had used the Village’s website and Village resources to solicit “donations” from Village vendors, yet the Williams duo claimed “this was a personal trip”.  Both Debbie Williams and Rosie Williams spoke at a Building One America Summit in Washington DC in July, 2013.  Village vendor Pat Couch, now a Police and Fire Commissioner was appointed shortly after the trip to the Police and Fire Pension Board which may have been a “quid pro quo” or “this for that” or more commonly referred to as “pay to play”.  After the documents were finally disclosed two years later, it revealed that Couch actually paid for the dynamic duo's, Debbie and Rosie Williams, airfare to fly to Washington DC for this “personal trip”.  Couch actually attended this conference with the Williamses.  No documents were provided showing that Debbie and Rosie Williams reimbursed Couch for her money.

The Village Administration, supported by Rosie Williams and the votes she cast, has established a pattern of blocking the public’s access to documents and overall transparency.  The Village sued the Attorney General in order to block production of the documents concerning the “Travelgate” scandal.  Hanks and the Williamses spent thousands of tax dollars in their failed attempts to block the production of these documents.  

It is only due to the persistence of information can we find the answers we seek from this administration.  The big question for Sauk Village residents is WHY? WHY CAN'T INFORMATION BE FORTHCOMING WITHOUT BEING MADE TO DO SO?

For more information on Travelgate ***CLICK HERE***

HISTORY- FIRE STRIKES AREA DURING GREAT CHICAGO FIRE

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Times were tough in the “prairie days” of Sauk Village and the region.  Before George Theobald sold off his 50 acres at the corner of Sauk Trail and what would become the Calumet Expressway.  We’re going back to the days just after the Civil War, when Sauk Village didn’t exist and it was simply a settlement of New Strassburg founded in 1839 along the Great Sauk Indian Trail.  Let’s go back to 1871. 

St. James original church, built in 1847 would have been very
similar to St. John the Evangelist Eucharistic Adoration Chapel in
St. John, Indiana (Photo- John Paul Bender)

The Michigan Central Railway (today the CN Railroad) passed through the area along farmlands of the early settlers.  There were some 50 famer homes scattered about the area.  At the time there stood St. James Catholic Church (referred to by the settlers as St. Jakobs- Germanic for St. James), the building was originally an old log cabin similar to many homes of New Strassburg’s original settlers, who moved to the area in 1839 with his family.

Now comes along the fall time of the year 1871, and a dry fall it was recalls Charles Jabob Sauter, nephew of Vincent Sauter in a 1926 with the Star Newspaper.

On the 8^th day of October, shortly after dinner a freight train going east along the Michigan Central Railroad, dropping fire on the track which very quick started the grass to burning. There was a strong south wind blowing, the fire spread rapidly, Sauter recalled and fire would burn all over the south 80 acres of the farm.  Charles Sauter owned 160 acres north and south of what is now US 30- Lincoln Highway in neighboring Ford Heights, then not even a town.

Sauter remembered that a whirlwind picked up a bunch of blazing corn stalks in James Millars' (April 12, 1826 -  Nov 26, 1877) field which was the southeast corner of present day Cottage Grove east of the present day Ford Stamping Plant.  The tinder was carried aloft by the wind, taking it along for nearly half a mile, to the stack yard in a moment everything, stacks and stabling was ablaze recalled Sauter.  The fire then rapidly made its way across an orchard, and the road where it struck James’ brother’s William Millars (June 7, 1822 – Nov 1, 1877) farm stacks and stabling destroying everything in its way, and finally dying out for the want of further material for it to work on. The farm houses were quite a distance away, which was the only thing that saved them Sauter remembered.

Coincidently, all of this was going on as word was brought to area that the whole city of Chicago was ablaze recalled Sauter.  “Oh, that was a day which has lingered long in my memory” according to Sauter.

While the Great Chicago Fire killed some 300 people and destroyed 3.3 square miles, the fire that hit the area on October 8, 1871, only burned several acres and nobody died.  But the fire never-the-less must have been pretty great to the farmers in the area.

BURGESS IN RACE FOR MAYOR

SAUK VILLAGE |  Village Trustee Derrick Burgess announced he is running for Mayor in the April, 2017 election Saturday afternoon at the Sauk Village Café surrounded by a crowd of supporters.

Burgess kicked off his campaign for mayor saying that the Village needs a Pathway to Progress and he will be the leader who will begin that new direction.

 

Burgess pledged to bring his campaign to the people of Sauk Village to share his vision and his plans for where he wants to take Sauk Village.  Burgess said that the Village must invest in the children and give homeowners a reason to buy and invest in Sauk Village once more.

Burgess will lay out his plans, which will include new policies and actions that will increase openness and transparency within all aspects of Village government.  “The time for talking about change is over.  We need a leader who will pursue an ambitious Pathway to Progress from day one” Burgess said.

“I am running for mayor to bring community and collective vision into the Mayor’s office.  To truly put us on a Pathway to Progress.  As Mayor, I will govern with service, integrity, courage, openness, honesty and transparency because Sauk Village needs a strong and true leader” Burgess said.

Village Trustee Cecial Tates, who introduced Burgess as “the next mayor of Sauk Village” was named as his campaign manager.  Burgess praised Tates who served his country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and who has served his Village as former School Board President and now as Village Trustee.

Burgess, who was attending the Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference in Chicago, took time out and returned to Sauk Village to make his announcement and then returned to Chicago immediately following his announcement.  “It’s been a very busy week.  I’ve met with many mayors and officials from throughout the region and state.  We have been discussing many of our common problems and discussing solutions” Burgess said.

Burgess said he already has more than enough signatures required to get his name on the April, 2017 ballot .  Burgess  said he decided to run because so many residents have been asking him to run.  “I have been listening to the residents of the Village.  They are looking for and have been wanting the Village to move in a new direction.  Many long-time residents have asked me to run so how could I say no” Burgess said.

Village residents will be electing a new mayor since one-term mayor David Hanks announced Tuesday that he will not be seeking re-election.   Burgess, Tates and Trustee Kelvin Jones swept all three seats in the 2015 election easily dispatching all three candidates supported by Hank, a huge change in the political paradigm.  Burgess was the top vote getter in his re-election bid.

HANKS CALLS IT QUITS AFTER ONE TERM

SAUK VILLAGE |  Mayor David Hanks announced Tuesday night that he will not seek re-election in April, 2017.  This comes as Trustee Derrick Burgess has planned an announcement to declare he is a candidate for Mayor on Saturday 2pm at the Village Café 1699 Sauk Trail, Sauk Village.  One thing is certain, in May, 2017, Sauk Village will have a new mayor.

Hanks will become the second mayor in Sauk Village to serve only one term as his predecessor Lewis Towers resigned during his first term with just 6 months remaining on his term in 2012.
Hanks also vowed he would not run for Mayor at that time and endorsed Derrick Burgess only to abruptly "change his mind" going back on his word.

Hanks' administration has been plagued with controversy during his time in office.  In 2015, all of the candidates Hanks backed for Village Trustee lost including two incumbents, Jeff Morden and John Poskin.  Hanks also received a petition of no confidence signed by 652 residents calling for him to take action or resign from office.  The Sauk Village rank and file of the Police Department filed a letter of No Confidence in the Administration of David Hanks.  There are currently pending two Federal lawsuits filed against David Hanks by village employees claiming he has retaliated against them and discriminated against them because they are women.  To date, Hanks had not addressed the concerns voiced by the resident of Sauk Village.

At the end of Tuesday's Village Board Committee Meeting Hanks read awkwardly from a prepared statement "Tonight, I’m informing the residents of Sauk Village that I will not be seeking re-election as your Mayor and will be retiring from politics at the end of my term in 2017".

Hanks did not state why he decided to not seek re-election but many residents point to the fact that the Village has been under a Federal Investigation following the scandal of James Greigel, the Village Treasurer who is charged criminally by the Federal Government and is awaiting indictment for embezzling money from the Police Pension Fund.  The Village also is being investigated for improper use or application of a Federal Grant according to documents filed in Federal Court.  "Hanks has been feeling the heat" one long-time resident said.

Hanks called his appointment of Robert Kowalski as one of his best achievements calling Kowalski the "best" chief of police Sauk Village has ever had to chuckles by many longtime residents. 

Village Trustee Lynda Washington-House is joined by Rosie Williams-Baig, who have voted in lockstep with David Hanks since taking office, have announced they are running for Mayor.  Williams immediately announced she was running on an internet blog.  Wiliams-Baig was covered in controvery along with her mother with the Travelgate scandal soliciting money from village vendors to take a so-called personal trip to Washingto DC.  Williams-Baig said she too would retire from politics in 2017, but like Hanks she apparently has "changed" her mind too.  Washington and Williams seats are up for election and should either lose they will not be back on the Village Board and they cannot run for both Mayor and Trustee.  Nomination petitions are currently out as of Tuesday.

HANKS CLOSES DOWN TRANSPARENCY AS GRAND JURY INVESTIGATES

 SAUK VILLAGE|  Residents will need to get use to less transparency at Village Hall because of Mayor David Hanks' order to the Village Finance Director, Public Works Director, Village Engineer, Village Attorney and Community Development Director not to attend any further Village Board Meetings.

Hanks' move comes despite a Federal Grand Jury apparently hearing matters regarding embezzlement from the Police Pension Fund by current Village Treasurer James Griegel and fraud involving Federal Grants.

"Never before has a Mayor ordered department heads to not attend public meetings and address questions from the Village Board.  What is this mayor trying to hide" Trustee Cecial Tates said.

"So much for Transparency in government " Trustee Derrick Burgess said following the meeting.

Trustees Edward Myers, Lynda Washington and Rosie Williams said nothing about Hanks' action.

"So the Bobble Heads don't speak up for the residents?  Well rest assured the residents will speak up at election time in April" Community Activist Larry Stewart said Tuesday.  "They are out telling people crime is down in Sauk Village, what they aren't telling us is that it is up in Village Hall" Stewart said.

HANKS POLITICAL BLUNDERS COSTING THE VILLAGE DEARLY

SAUK VILLAGE |  When over 100 years of combined service to the people of Sauk Village walked off the job on Tuesday night, what was going through David Hanks mind?  Apparently not much at all as he was trying to obstruct Trustees Derrick Burgess and Kelvin Jones from asking Public Works Director Kevin Weller questions.  Hanks’s obstruction of Burgess and Jones at one point became so belligerent and childlike that Jones called Hanks an “asshole” as Hanks was literally laughing. 

Earlier on in the meeting Hanks appointed Jeff Morden, who Hanks supported for his failed re-election bid in April, 2015, to replace former Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Art Johnson.  This prompted immediate resignations of long-time members Assistant Director Amon Darnell, Thomas Heatherly, Arlene Stephens and Mike Sopjestal.  “Thirty-five years down the drain because of your appointment” Heatherly said as he pointed to Hanks and dropped his resignation on Hanks’ desk at the dais.  Stephens and Sopjestal did likewise.  The resignations left the department with less than a handful of members.  Rank and file members of the department protested having Morden appointed as Director because of an alleged incident which took place in 2003 involving his minor step-daughter.  A police report was circulated Tuesday night detailing the alleged sordid incident.   Morden claimed to several people Tuesday night that his record was expunged, however, he did not categorically deny the incident ever occurred.   

Wednesday evening Morden apparently sent Hanks a text message resigning as Director less than twenty-four hours after he was sworn-in.  It was learned that Hanks appointed Allen Vavrik as Acting Director.

Trustee Burgess questioned Hanks as to why he did not appoint a director from within the department and felt that Morden was a better choice but Hanks had no reply during Tuesday’s circus-like meeting.

Morden went along with Hanks, while he was on the Village Board in 2015, voted to eliminate Sauk Village's Dispatch Center and contract this out to Calumet Park, Illinois a more costly and distant dispatch center when neighboring Lynwood was offering the same services for less money.

"This was nothing more than a political appointment by Hanks and the bobble heads.  This wasn't about putting the best guy for the job in the position" community activist Larry Steward said Tuesday night. 

Hanks has been making political appointments haphazardly as he recently appointed his campaign manager and sometimes "minister" of the controversial Sauk Village Baptist Church Charles "Chuck" Thompson III to replace Judy Cast as Police and Fire Commissioner in May.  He appointed another political supporter, village vendor and benefactor to the Travelgate scandal Patricia Couch to replace longtime Police and Fire Commissioner Ed Milkint following his death.  Also Tuesday night, Hanks appointed Lynda Washington-House's husband Terry House as Housing Commissioner which will likely further gain favor and votes from Washington on the Village Board.  Washington-House is allegedly running against Hanks in April for Mayor, however, has been one of his staunchest supporters politically speaking.

To see highlights of Tuesday’s Meeting Click on the LINK HERE

98% DISAPPROVE OF THE JOB HANKS IS DOING AS MAYOR

SAUK VILLAGE | A survey of about 470 registered voters of Sauk Village show that David Hanks’ job approval are downright horrible according to the most recent survey. 

470 completed the survey of which 461 Disapprove or “completely disapprove” of the job David Hanks is doing as Mayor representing 98% of all those while only 9 people surveyed or 2% approve of the job he is doing as Mayor.  Hank approval rating is actually worse than that of his predecessor, Lewis Towers when he was last surveyed in 2012.

Hanks will be going into a tough re-election year in 2017 on the heels of the shellacking he received when each of the candidates he endorsed and backed in 2015 lost for Village Trustee, including Jeff Morden and John Poskin.  Coincidently, Towers likewise received a similar shellacking in 2011 when Trustees he supported, including current Trustee Lynda Washington who is now allied with Hanks, lost by a nearly 3 to 1 margin.  Hanks also received a letter of no confidence from the Sauk Village Fraternal Order of Police and 652 residents signed a petition of No Confidence in Mayor David Hanks calling for his resignation in 2015 as well.

 

This past Tuesday, following Hanks appointment of defeated candidate Jeff Morden as Director of Sauk Village's Homeland Security Department, most all of the members of the department tendered their resignations on the spot.  Over 130 years of experience and dedication literally walked off the job during the Village Board meeting.  "Thirty-five years of service down the drain because of you" Tom Heatherly said as he turned in his resignation to Hanks.

 

Last year following his defeat then Trustee Jeffrey Morden voted to eliminate the Village's long-standing Police Dispatchers and to enter into a contract with Calumet Park for dispatching, by-passing the Village of Lynwood, who neighbors Sauk Village and would have actually been less costly. 

HANKS ATTACK ON POLICE DEPARTMENT MAY COST TAXPAYERS

OPINION EDITORIAL |Mayor David Hanks wants you to believe he is the "law and order" mayor, but his attack on the Sauk Village Police Department has put taxpayers at huge financial risk.  On the heels of a vote of No Confidence by the ranks and file Sauk Village Fraternal Order of Police earlier in 2015 and the abrupt departure of former Chief of Police Timothy Holevis, Hanks seems to have been waging war in retaliateion against the Sauk Village Police Department for having no confidence in his leadership.  Following Holevis' "retirement" announcement, he refused to allow Rebecca Sailsbery, the duly sworn Deputy Chief of Police to serve as "interim" Chief at the time, and had his political lackey and former  Cook County jail warden JW Fairman, serving as the defacto "chief of police".  Sauk Village faces serious liability stemming from a lawsuit filed by Aisha Michel, mother of a teenage boy,  who was allegedly was arrested and during said arrest the officer had to use less than lethal force upon the teenager following his arrest on July 14, 2015, during JW Fairman's tenure as "Public Safety Director". 

In a Federal lawsuit filed by the by Michel, the lawsuit wrongfully and erroneously claims that “there is no existing

Excerpt from Hanks' Article in September, 2015 Sauk Talk

Departmental General Orders specifically detailing the use of Tasers for the Sauk Village Police Department”.  The suit specifically cites a libelous Mayor David Hanks “Sauk Talk” article where Hanks put the Village in direct liability for this lawsuit by falsely claiming that the Village had no Taser policy in place and then attacked former Chief Timothy Holevis and former Chief Rebecca Sailsbery for being “remiss in their responsibilities…” 

Let’s point out the painfully obvious David Hanks!  You’re public attack on the Sauk Village Police Department has put the TAXPAYERS  and the Village’s Insurance carrier AT RISK!  Furthermore, Mr. Meathead “Mayer”,  as Harry S. Truman said “the buck stops here…”!  You were on the Village Board of Trustees from 1999 until your ascension as “mayer” in November, 2012.  If you knew the Village’s General Orders were not updated since 2005, as you wrongly stated in your venomous and libelous article of September, 2015, then why the hell did you not make immediate changes when you ascended the “throne” in November, 2012?  Why because you know that is a damn lie!

The village has had a Taser Policy dating back to the Cora Beem era when she served as Chief of Police, and you were on the Village Board then too.  You should know that King David!  But now your libelous article has put the taxpayers of Sauk Village at extreme risk!  How does that make the taxpayers “fill” as David Hanks would say?  Pretty empty in the pocket book I say is how you’re “feeling”!

If anyone would like a copy of the lawsuit filed, email me (SaukVillager@gmail.com)!  It’s 22 pages of liability courtesy of David Hanks himself!  Shame on you for causing this to happen to the taxpayers of Sauk Village!

I say GOOD JOB to the Sauk Village Police Officer for not shooting the young man killing him dead!  There is a reason for less than lethal force and when it should be used, herein is a good example in my opinion!

Oh by the way, Sauk Village PD still does use tasers!  As to the lawsuit, the family may have hit the LOTTO BABY courtesy of David Hanks (the Mayor of the village) stupid, vindictive, libelous and venomous attack upon the Sauk Village Police Department .  You want a history lesson on the Hanks family and the Sauk Village Police Department… I could write you a book!

NOTE:  There are two other Federal actions filed by Police Department personnel against David Hanks for his retaliatory actions against them.

IS HANKS DOING A GOOD JOB? TAKE THE SURVEY!

SAUK VILLAGE |  Please take the survey regarding Sauk Village Mayor David Hanks' job performance.  We will share the results of the survey with you soon...

Thanks in advance

Sauk Villager News

CLICK LINK TO TAKE SURVEY

JELENA ROWE TAKES FIRST PLACE AT NATIONALS

SAUK VILLAGE |   JELENA ROWE, an incoming senior at Bloom Trail High School Class of 2017 and Sauk Villager, took First Place High Jump at Nationals New Balance 5'10".

"So nationals was this past weekend and like going into this type of competition just enlightens me & I get very excited" Rowe said.   Rowe has had a consistent season with her jumps at "But I mean this season I was very consistent at 5-8 back to back and 5-9" Rowe said.   Rowe also participates in track and volleyball and tries her hardest to give it her all when it comes to her practices or meets.

Rowe said she worked hard for conference, sectionals, and state and just had the mindset of "I can win and will".  Rowe jumped 5-7 down state which put her in second place but she knew she could do better.  "When my amazing Coach told me about Nationals I was like great I can redeem myself but basically worldwide.  So I just stayed focused during nationals weekend and just had very good positive energy and confidence and just had to remember cockiness wasn't going to help me win" Rowe said.  

 

Rowe went into nationals knowing everyone was good and anyone could win and maintained her

composure. It came down to Rowe and Lilly Lowe at Nationals "I'm so used to it just being me and not having competition to jump against" Rowe said.  Lilly Lowe attempted 5-10 but failed on her two attempts while Rowe cleared it on her first. Rowe went on to attempt 6-0 "I just had to think like don't let the height stop me or frighten me like just have fun and jump your hardest and highest but all though it didn't happened I'm still happy with the progress I made and the accomplishments I made this whole season" Rowe said.

  

Rowe acknowledges the support she received "I couldn't have done any of this without the support and help from my team, my parents and coaches and that  at the end I was grateful for the opportunity"

 

HANKS LIES ABOUT SIDEWALK TO NOWHERE

OPINION EDITORIAL|  First of all, let’s set the record straight for real on the sidewalk to nowhere!  Hanks is a pathological liar!  He claims this is "free Federal Funding” for his insane sidewalk to nowhere!  This is a $1.3 million dollar boondoggle that Hanks and some idiots dreamed up.   (Is it Federal or State?  He quotes both entities)

Hanks spouts off about safety for the kids of Sauk Village!  Let’s remember when he wanted to eliminate the school crossing guards when he was a Trustee; fighting against the safety of the kids of Sauk Village as he nor his own children have never ever attended a Sauk Village Public School!  Ya he really cared about the kids then, too?  Right? NOT! 

Then let’s take a good look at how much Hanks cares about kids and their safety in Sauk Village when mothers and their babies are walking on the north side of Sauk Trail between Orion to Torrence Avenue where there is no sidewalk running the entire length of this stretch. 

Let’s now talk about the sidewalks in Sauk Village that are so heavily damaged, they are heaved up over 6 inches from each other or so  unleveled that you can break an ankle walking on them!  That is if you can pass through the 6 feet of grass growing over the sidewalks from the vacant homes! 

Now let's look at the safety issue at Sauk Trail and Torrence Avenue where kids have to dodge cars going 45 miles per hour to beat a red light and there is no cross walk and no walk/don’t walk signals which lead kids to a community center with asbestos floors!  Ya that’s safe!   

Yet Hanks wanted the Trustees to approve a measure to spend $1.3 million on a sidewalk to nowhere?  He claims the money is a federal and or state grant but the TAXPAYERS gotta belly up first!  Why not take care of the mess he already has on the east side of 394 before making a mess on the other side. 

Let’s face it, would you let/encourage your 6 to 13 year old kids to ride their bikes across 394 to go nowhere?  Would you trust the life of your child verses a semi crossing Sauk Trail at 394?   

Instead of settling for a measly $1.3 million sidewalk to nowhere, which the taxpayers of Sauk Village are on the hook for the costs and engineering,  why not get the funds secured to provide a proper crossing of Illinois 394?  Why?  Because David Hanks doesn’t give a darn!  That’s why!   

BURGESS HONORED FOR DECADE OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

DERRICK BURGESS (center) receives honors for 10 years of
Service to Sauk Village.  From Left: Nathan Griffin- SVCPA,
Tammy Jones- SD168, Rita Kueny- Former Trustee, Burgess
Sharon Davenport- SD168, Judy Cast - PLAN and
Philip Bazile- President School District 168

SAUK VILLAGE |  Residents and community leaders turned out Wednesday evening to Trustee Derrick Burgess' monthly Town Hall Meeting, but the tables were soon turned on Burgess.  As people began to arrive Burgess began to increasingly became surprised and soon knew there was a plan underfoot.  As Burgess started his Town Hall Meeting, fellow Trustee Cecial Tates came to the podium and took over as the plot began to unfold.  Burgess soon discovered there would be no Town Hall Meeting, but found out instead that he was being honored for serving 10 years as a Village Trustee.

Community leaders Nathan Griffin, who serves as president of the Sauk Village Citizens for Public Awareness and Judy Cast who serves as president of People Looking for Answers Now (P.L.A.N) both congratulated Burgess and thanked him for his service to the people of Sauk Village during the presentation.

Former Trustee Rita Kueny, whose seat Burgess was appointed, spoke during the event.  "At the time he was appointed, I think Derrick actually attended more Village meetings than most of the elected officials".  Kueny recommended Burgess for her seat on the Village Board before her resignation.  "I don't think I would have resigned if he (former Mayor Roger Peckham) didn't appoint Derrick" Kueny said.  Burgess was appointed to Kueny's seat by Peckham on June 13, 2006, was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and by the biggest majority in 2015.

Former Trustee Joseph Wiszowaty also congratulated Burgess for his service.  "Derrick has the passion and resolve that very few officials have.  Derrick Burgess truly loves Sauk Village" Wiszowaty said.

School District 168 Board President Philip Bazile, Vice President Marva Campbell-Pruitt, along with Board Members Tammy Jones, Sharon Davenport and Jimo Kasali were on hand to present a Resolution to Burgess for his 10 years of "unwavering support for Community Consolidated School District 168".  Campbell-Pruitt read the resolution during the presentation.

State Representatives Elgie Sims, Marcus Evans and Thaddeaus Jones were unable to attend,

Trustee Cecial Tates presents the Resolution of the
Illinois House of Representatives to Trustee Burgess

however, they wrote Resolution 1318 of the Illinois House of Representatives expressing their esteem and appreciation for Burgess' 10 years of service to the people of Sauk Village.  Tates read the resolution followed by a standing ovation as Tates presented it to Burgess.

Former Mayors Roger Peckham and Lewis Towers, sent their regards but sent their written congratulatory cards via Trustee Tates.

"I'm very sorry I was unable to attend due to my schedule, however, I want to congratulate and thank Trustee Derrick Burgess for his ten years of service" Former Trustee Francine Anderson said.

After receiving 2 plaques of "distinguished service" from the people of Sauk Village, Burgess was finally allowed to speak. He thanked his "best friend" and wife, Juanita and acknowledged his 4 children Arleta, Derrick Jr., Steven and Erika and 4 of his 14 grandchildren that were present.  Derrick Jr. called from North Carolina during the presentation to congratulate his father.  It was a very moving moment.

Juanita Burgess (center) wife of
Trustee Derrick Burgess looks on as
her husband Derrick addresses the
audience during the presentation.

"I was completely surprised by all of this, I had no idea" Burgess said.  "I am truly honored and humbled to serve the people of Sauk Village".

A host of family and friends presented Trustee Burgess with a dinner reception held at the Paesel Community Center immediately following the presentation.


SHAKEDOWN AND PAY TO PLAY CONTINUES AT VILLAGE HALL

OPINION EDITORIAL | With the Village Treasurer James Greigel facing Federal criminal charges of stealing money from the Police Pension Fund along with his heroine, whores, embezzlement and corruption scandal, the Travelgate scandal naming Debbie Williams and Rosie Williams as particiants; both occurring on David Hanks' watch!  Now we find David Hanks getting in on the act too shaking down village vendors for his own personal and political campaign! 

Photo courtesy Social Media

Let's face it blowing up $6,000 is not “American”, at least that was the unanimous decision of the Village Board of Trustees at the May 24^th Village Board meeting.  Why did they take this action and cancel fireworks for their Independence Day celebration?  Well frankly blowing up $6,000 when they budgeted ZERO dollars to start any youth programs to keep kids off the streets or perhaps making the Sauk Village Police Station a healthy and safe work environment is more responsible!  Or, it could be that the three Bobble Heads were shamed into it by the responsible actions of Trustees Derrick Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones!

So what does the meathead “Mayer” David Hanks plan to do now?  He’s planning on continuing to shakedown  Village vendors, ala Travelgate, just like Debbie Williams and her daughter Rosie Williams did to scheme money for their “personal trip”, so that Hanks can blow it up in a 15 minute fireworks show.  So how do you suppose any vendors will recover their money?  You got it!  On the backs of the taxpayers completely circumventing the Village Board's action which already voted “NO” to fireworks!

If you don’t believe anything, believe this!  David Hanks continues to show his immaturity during village meetings just like a spoiled child who did not get his way!  How can anyone respect a person who would intentionally harm the health and welfare of Village employees nor give a darn about the kids of Sauk Village.  His actions speak volumes!  Don’t be fooled by his follies and lies he continues to put out through his surrogates and brainwashed minions.  I have no respect for a man who lies to peoples’ faces, whose actions intentionally hurt people and their welfare (i.e. cancelling their health insurance while they were out on medical leave).  Also and even more troubling for taxpayers and residents taking action without public votes, without the consent of your board and ruling by royal fiat and edict.

Let's not also forget the pattern of lies that David Hanks appears to have in his personal life as (CLICK LINK TO LEARN MORE).  This man is a pathological liar!  Read the facts and do your own research.  Son of a preacher!  Yeah he's a son of a something alright.  Know your history Sauk Village.... KNOW your history!

The rule of David Hanks has been one hundred times more damaging to the Village than that of the previous administration!  Why do I say that?  He has 3 Bobble Heads, Lynda Washington, Rosie Williams and Ed Myers, who support his misguided political agenda!

Original material copyright 2016 Sauk Villager News; all rights reserved. 

POLICE CHIEF ROBERT KOWALSKI CUSSES OUT SENIOR CITIZEN AT VILLAGE HALL

SAUK VILLAGE | After the Village Board and Mayor finished talking about a $1.3 million bike path and the Village’s employee health insurance renewal, longtime resident and former Police & Fire Commissioner Judy Cast, a Senior Citizen again pressed the matter of mold and asbestos in the Police Station. Cast has always advocated for the police officers of Sauk Village since the 1970s raising awareness of many things from police officers qualifying for free cheese because of the low pay to unsafe squad cars to unfair treatment.

After Cast raised the matters again at Tuesday night’s meeting of and unhealthy work environment having mold and asbestos in the Police Station, David Hanks thought back and indicated that the mold in the Police Station has existed since “the 1980s” and instructed his Police Chief Robert Kowalski to include the mold and asbestos remediation in his report next week.

Kowalski apparently took exception to Cast’s questions regarding the unsafe and unhealthy environment following the meeting. Cast and Kowalski were discussing the matter within earshot of many residents, including yours truly, when Kowalski was clearly heard to say “Where the f**k were you during the previous administrations” which caused many turned heads and raised eyebrows.

“I don’t care how they feel about me personally.  We have had a police officer and a police records clerk die very young from cancer, we had a police dispatcher diagnosed with cancer and she still fights it today.  We owe it to village employees to be able to work in a safe work environment” Cast said. “How disrespectful and unprofessional. This man (Kowalski) clearly doesn’t know me and doesn’t know the history of the Sauk Village Police Department” Cast said.  Cast was clearly shaken after the verbal chastising.

A younger resident who was standing nearby overheard the tongue lashing by Kowalski said “that man is the Police Chief?  Is this how he treats women and senior citizens?”

EDITORIAL NOTE: It was recently made public that asbestos was found in the Police Station, built in 1977 in the mastic, or glue, that holds the floor ties down. Asbestos in floor tiles was discontinued in the early 1970s under Federal law, however, it was not banned in the glue itself until the 1980s.

HANKS & HIS BOBBLE HEADS IN CAMPAIGN MODE FOR 2017

Bobble Heads with Towers in 2009 and Today

OPINION EDITORIAL
The 2017 campaign has kicked off in Sauk Village!  David Hanks has been telling people he’s in and Lynda Washington announced before a handful of people in July of last year she was running.  Tuesday night, from the dais at a Public Meeting no less, Ed Myers, a one-time Lewis Tower staunch supporter turned David Hanks staunch supporter, did what no other Trustee in the history of Sauk Village has done and announced he is running for re-election.  Did the Mayor say anything about politicking in Village Hall and at the “sacred” Village Hall chambers!  Not one word!  Way to support your Bobble Head! 

Shouldn’t these three individuals be worried about doing the job instead of keeping or moving up in their positions?  Let’s face it, Lynda Washington is so busy defending David Hanks and advocating for his misguided policies why the hell would anyone want a Bobble Head who doesn’t have a clue about how a budget works, how a TIF district works, in fact she doesn’t understand much about anything except book bags and Harvey Illinois!  Sorry Lynda you just do not have what it takes to be a Mayor!  Things like integrity, character and as Chuck Thompson called you “morally objectionable” and you turn around and vote for him to the Police & Fire Commissioner!  You are a BOBBLE HEAD! 

The Village Budget that both Myers and Washington voted for along with the precious and innocent Rosie Williams was $3.3 million dollars out of balance!  No information was provided about the fund balances, in fact this was absolutely the worst budget that has ever been passed and it took the vote of David Hanks himself to pass it. 

What as laughable Tuesday night was Hanks appointed Ed Myers in charge of getting quotes for fireworks until Trustees Derrick Burgess and Cecial Tates embarrassed them into voting no for taxpayer dollars to be blown up in 15 minutes when the Police Station and Community Center have asbestos in them and there was $0 in the budget for youth programs!  Hanks would rather people go out on street corners and beg for money like a prostitute, despite the fact that the Village taxes the residents to fund such youth programs.  So Myers, Washington and Williams voted for a budget that included $6,000 for a 15 minute fireworks extravaganza but then turned around and voted no for the fireworks!  You can tell it’s election time when the three Bobble Heads (Myers, Washington and Williams) go against their own King and vote no!  It’s a shame they had to be embarrassed into doing the right thing finally!

People of Sauk Village send a strong message to Hanks and his Bobble Heads!  It’s too little too late!  Your days are numbered and it’s time for you to go!  345 more days and counting!  Enjoy your taxpayer funded paycheck for now, you certainly have not earned it!

UNBALANCED VILLAGE BUDGET APPROVED - HANKS BREAKS TIE AGAIN

Rosie Williams (far left) trying to make a point before she

voted YES to approve the unbalanced budget.

SAUK VILLAGE | This past Tuesday, Mayor David Hanks for the second time in the history of Sauk Village voted to break a tie vote to approve his budget which calls for a $3.3 million deficit.  Trustees Derrick Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones voted no while Trustees aligned with Hanks, Lynda Washington, Rosie Williams and Ed Myers voted along with Hanks to pass the budget.

The Hanks Administration presented the Budget to Williams and Myers, who comprise his Budget and Finance Committee on April 12, 2016 but did not release this information to the public.  A request was made to the Village for a copy of the “proposed” budget under the Freedom of Information Act.  The Village claimed it was a “draft” and was not subject to the Act and denied the request through their taxpayer funded attorney, consequently the Illinois Attorney General’s office was asked to intervene and make a determination if the Village violated the Freedom of Information Act for failing to make available a public document.  The matter is still under review by the Attorney General.

Hanks said of this budget on a social media post “This year's budget has gone through more scrutiny and provided more opportunity for public input than any year prior”.  We say emphatically that this statement is patently false.

Here are some observations on this years budget:

#1 The presentation and approval of an Appropriations Ordinance on May 24^th violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act as this was not placed before the Village Board of Trustees nor the public prior to this meeting.

#2 The Corporate Authorities did not hold any public hearing on the Appropriations Ordinance pursuant to 65 ICLS 5/8-2-9  “the corporate authorities shall hold at least one public hearing on that proposed appropriation ordinance”.  Last week the Corporate Authorities held a “Budget Hearing” and not a Public Hearing on the Appropriations Ordinance according to law.

#3 the public was not provided, nor privy to the Appropriations Ordinance 10 days prior to the adoption of this Ordinance.  The Trustees received this very ordinance on Monday, May 23, 2016 and therefore it is not in compliance with 65 ICLS 5/8-2-9.

#4 the Budget is not balanced as there is $13,269,223.28 in projected revenues and transfers and $16,634,917 in projected expenses and transfers according to the appropriations ordinance which means this is not balanced which leaves this budget out of balance and revenues short by $3,365,693.72

#5 the Budget, as proposed spends revenues within the General Fund which are not intended for the General fund.  There is no corresponding expenditure or transfer to the other funds for the corresponding amounts.

#6 Various funds are penalized for having to take up covering the shortfall of the willful negligence of the administrations past and present as money is spent in the General Fund and not their legally intended purposes.  

#7 there is no allocation, nor accounting for the outstanding bills owed by the Village of Sauk Village.  At times the outstanding bills reach $1.1 millions (per the 2015 Audit report).  A balance budget means that “all expenses and all revenues are balanced”.  If this budget was in fact balanced, it would have accounted for paying all of the bills and this budget does not.

#8 This budget is irresponsible as this administration has chosen to hire additional personnel and pay for them out of the water and sewer fund and they will not be performing any services for the water or sewer departments what-so-ever.

#9 This administration continues its irresponsible pattern of robbing Peter to pay Paul borrowing money to make payroll from the water fund and any other funds and it is irresponsible to hire more people that we need to borrow money to pay them.  

 

#10 despite the fact that Hanks and his allied Trustees voted to eliminate the Police Dispatch under the guise of a "cost savings initiative" in the 2015-16 budget, they have approved hiring additional personnel in the latest budget.

As Trustee Derrick Burgess said following Tuesday’s meeting “ this budget is irresponsible, is not balanced and continues to hide the facts from the residents and taxpayers of Sauk Village and is not fair to our employees and employees who were ‘laid off’ and have not been recalled from layoff”.

 

 

GRIEGEL MAY BE OUT.... SOME SAY FINALLY!

VILLAGE TREASURER JAMES GRIEGEL

SAUK VILLAGE |  James Griegel, age 71 was appointed Village Treasurer by Mayor David Hanks following his election as Mayor in 2013 was indicted by a Will County Grand Jury in January and has been charged in a criminal complaint by a Federal Prosecutor for embezzlement of $21,000 from the Sauk Village Police Pension Fund.

Hanks has publicly stated that the Village did not have the legal authority to remove Griegel as he has only been charged but not convicted of any crime.  At Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, which Hanks was absent, a statement was read in which Hanks apparently has once again “changed his mind”.  “Upon being informed of Mr. Griegel's arrest (Monday, April 25, 2016) by the FBI,  I issued a letter to Mr. Griegel that he was being replaced as the Village Treasurer” the statement said.  Residents have been calling for Griegel's removal since his January arrest and discovery that he allegedly embezzled money from the Police Pension Fund.

Some Trustees wonder why Hanks did not take this action back in January when Griegel was criminally charged and then was indicted by a Will County Grand Jury.

“Why now, and why not in January?  The residents could have saved money by not having to pay Griegel for 3 additional months.  Nothing has changed from January to now, but this is par for the course for this administration.  One really must wonder why?” Trustee Cecial Tates said on Tuesday night following the Village Board meeting.

Griegel is scheduled to appear in a Will County Court House today for his criminal indictment for possession of a controlled substance.  Griegel was arrested by the Steger Police Department on January 4th for possession of a controlled substance (heroine) and admitted that he had “two bags” and used it to pay for sex according to the Police Report.