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.

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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.