BURGESS NAMES ZUPON TRUSTEE

SAUK VILLAGE |  Elizabeth "Beth" Zupon was appointed Tuesday night to the Trustee's seat left vacant by Mayor Derrick Burgess becoming mayor.  Burgess had two years remaining on his term as Trustee and Zupon will now serve the remainder of that term.

Zupon came up only about 18 votes short of winning a seat in the April, 2017 election.  Zupon served as Village Clerk from 2007 until 2009.

Zupon is a Vice President at Northern Trust and has extensive banking experience among her many other attributes.  She has volunteered on many committees including the Beautification Committee, Zoning Board among many other things she has done.

With the appointment of Zupon, the Village Board is now up to its full compliment of six members.

Burgess also named the chairman of the Village Board's committees Tuesday night.  Trustee Linda Todd will chair the Ordinance Review Committee and the Beautification Committee;  Trustee Bernice Brewer will serve as chair of the Public Services Committee and Senior Citizen Committee; Trustee Cecial Tates will chair the Housing and Intergovernmental Relations Committee;  Trustee Kelvin Jones will retain his chairmanship of the Parks, Recreation and Youth Services Committee; Trustee Zupon will serve as chair of the Public Safety Committee and Trustee Rodrick Grant will serve as chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.

BURGESS STILL WANTS ANSWERS ON $2 MILLION TAKEN FROM WATER FUND

Trustee Derrick Burgess

SAUK VILLAGE |  Village Trustee Derrick Burgess, who is a candidate for Mayor in April, again called on his fellow Trustees to be identified to see who authorized taking money from the water fund.  It appears that the amount that Mayor David Hanks and Trustees he controls have authorized taking from the water fund has grown to well over $2 million based on Freedom of Information Act requests.  Hanks refused to answer the question publicly despite Burgess pressing the matter public again.  Hanks said that the information was supposedly emailed to him, however, Burgess wanted the names of the individuals publicly stated which Hanks refused.  Both Burgess and Trustee Kelvin Jones said they never received such an email from Hanks.   

Burgess said that anytime money is borrowed by the Corporate Authorities, a public vote is required and that the administration is not following the law.

Trustees Rosie Biag, Lynda House, both mayoral candidates in the upcoming election and Trustee Ed Myers, who is running for re-election sat again silent with heads down as Burgess pressed the issue demanding an answer.  "Who gave their consent to do this" Burgess asked multiple times.  Still Hanks wanted to move on with the meeting as his allied Trustees played mute and dumb.

Hanks has called his budgets "balanced", however, has routinely raided the village's water fund with the support of Trustees Biag, House and Myers.  Water funds are intended to fund the water department operations, however, the water funds have been depleted to a dangerously low level according to Freedom of Information Act requests. Trustees Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones each voted "NO" to the Village's Budget in 2015 and in 2016 declaring them "unbalanced and irresponsible". 

The prior Village Board, which Hanks was a Trustee at the time, took action in November of 2010, and passed an ordinance to block the mayor at the time from arbitrarily taking money.  The ordinance, at that time required the Village's General Fund to repay the money borrowed from the Water Fund.  Rosie Biag said at that time "that the Board is informed when funds are borrowed in order to keep a record of what amounts need to be paid back" according to the official village record. 

Hanks himself stated in November, 2010 “that it should be made clear that these funds were borrowed temporarily to meet payroll and it is the intent of the Board to pay those funds back” according to the official record.

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.

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. 

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”.

 

 

SAUK VILLAGE FINANCIAL MESS - Auditors miss policy... What Policy?

This is the fifth in a series of revelations of the 2014-15 Audit Report.  The Village was delinquent in filing their audit with the Illinois Comptroller (due December 26, 2015).  The Audit report (see attached link at the end of this report) reveals the status quo with the Village finances continues with 3 years into David Hanks’ Administration.

SAUK VILLAGE |  Residents should be asking the questions?  How is this administration handling my tax dollars? 

Clearly there is no oversight by this administration when it comes to your tax dollars.  Mayor David Hanks’ move to put Trustee Rosie Williams and Ed Myers as chairman and co-chair of the Village’s Finance Committee was a joke.  These same trustees have virtually nothing to say when it comes to the Village’s budget or audit reports.  It’s kind of like putting the fox in charge of the hen house.  The only checks and balances that the residents have for their tax dollars are three trustees who seek answers to the Village’s money Trustees Derrick Burgess, Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones.

Burgess, Tates and Jones voted no for what is clearly an "irresponsible and unbalanced budget", voted no to raise property taxes twice, routinely demand that public votes be taken when it comes to spending and transferring money around, continually ask questions about the accounts payable and voting no on reckless spending some $200,000 for computers and software which are still not in use today.

The following are additional items in the Village’s Audit Management Letter:

3.       Expense Reimbursements (Repeated from Prior Year)

We noted that not all expense reimbursement requests include evidence of approval prior to reimbursement.  We recommend that all expense reimbursement request be reviewed and approved by an individual in supervisory capacity, prior to reimbursement.

Additionally, the Village’s per-diem expense allowance policy does not require the submission of receipts to substantiate the amount paid to the individual.  Per-diem allowances that lack receipts as evidence of the business nature of the expense, and which are in excess of IRS-prescribed amounts, are required to be reported as income to the individual on Form W-2 or 100, as appropriate.  Consideration should be given to reevaluating the village’s expense reimbursement policy in light of its current practice and IRS reporting requirements. 

Editorial note:  Why not simply do away with the antiquated and archaic “per-diem” policy.  Do like most corporations do reimburse individuals for their out of pocket expenses after the fact.  Seems simple enough!

4.       Purchase Orders (Repeated from Prior Year)

We noted that the Village lacks a formal purchasing policy, and that purchase orders are not used for most purchases.  We recommend that the Village develop and adhere to a formal purchasing policy.  Purchases that require a purchase order should be formally approved by an individual other than the employee initiating the purchase order.

Editorial note:  Where do the auditors get that there is no “purchasing policy”?  The Village adopted a Purchasing Manual in the early 1990s and amended said Purchasing Manual on June 23, 1993 and again on July 23, 2003 and votes were taken to waive certain requirements of the Purchasing Manual.  Most of which, David Hanks was on the Village Board when they waived such requirements!  What is puzzling, is why hasn’t this Administration taken the same votes to in the form of an Ordinance to “waive” competitive bidding for items never included in the Village’s Budget for instance, the computers and software that the Village bought to the tune of some $200,000?  Bet that is going to be in the next audit finding report!

An expert on Illinois Municipal Finance, intimately familiar with Sauk Village’s financial history reviewed the Village’s audit and management letter and stated the following:   “I don't believe any of these are just normal issues.  In a well run environment, none of these issues should occur.  There should always be a system of "double-check" in order to eliminate any possibility of wrongdoing.  We have many of these safeguards in place to prevent fraud and provide transparency with taxpayer’s money.   What I don't get is the lack of attention being paid to account receivables.  What exactly does everyone working at Village Hall do?  Why is it that the Finance Director has no backup from existing staff? What does this so called Village Administrator or the Mayor do? (by the way the Finance Director  seems to have a lot of authority according to this report)?  This report is pathetic!”

VILLAGE BOARD VOTES DOWN RESTRICTING PUBLIC COMMENT

SAUK VILLAGE |  After months of back and forth and delays by Mayor David Hanks, the Public Comment Ordinance finally had a vote, after over 30 minutes of debate, and the vote failed 4 to 2.  Trustees claim that the recommendations by the Ordinance Committee were just too restrictive and did not go far enough to permit the public to comment.  Trustees also said that it essentially this was the same ordinance already on the books. 

Originally Trustee Cecial Tates introduced the idea of expanding public comment during Village Board Meetings to any topic on the agenda.  Currently the rules only permit Public Comment on "agenda items only" during the Village Board meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday with Hanks routinely telling residents "that is not on the agenda" and that they he would not permit the question or comment to be stated.  There are currently two pending complaints filed with the Illinois Attorney General regarding Sauk Village's Public Comment period which are still under review.  Another recent incident of the public getting shot down was School District 168 Board President Philip Bazile who was told he could not address the Village Board concerning matters involving the School Board.

Trustee Derrick Burgess introduced the original Ordinance to the Trustees about six months ago.  The ordinance which Burgess introduced at that time merely did away with the restriction which only allowed public comment on agenda items only.   "Look the Attorney General and the Open Meetings Act laws are clear, they state that the public has a right to comment during our Village Board meetings.  We do not have a legal right to restrict public comment" Burgess said following the meeting. 

Trustees Burgess, Tates and Kelvin Jones were joined by Lynda House in voting against the measure while Trustees Ed Myers and Rosie Williams (who voted by phone) supported the move which virtually kept the same ordinance in place.  The ordinance which failed did add new provisions imposing  penalties to the public who violated the ordinance.  "I do not believe people want to be arrested for coming to a Village Board meeting, speaking their mind because it violates David Hanks' petty, capricious and arbitrary rules" Tates said after the meeting.

Burgess offered an alternative Ordinance, which took the Village's original ordinance and merely did away with the language "on agenda items only".  Burgess said that it was the exact same ordinance which was drafted by the village's current Attorney when it was originally passed.  Tates suggested that since the issue is on the agenda the Village Board should vote on the Ordinance offered by Burgess.  Village Attorney Matthew Burns of Odelson and Sterk said that the vote on Burgess' proposed Ordinance would not be proper because it was not on the agenda.  Tates disagreed and said that it's the same ordinance and same action.  "If one Ordinance does not pass and the other does then there is no violation of the law" Tates said.  Burgess wants the matter on the Village Board's Committee-of-the-Whole meeting for next week with a vote to follow the week after.

Hanks believes that the Ordinance needs to go back to the Ordinance Committee.  Burgess said it does not that the Board does not accept their recommendation.  "The Board voted 4 to 2 and does not accept the recommendation of the Ordinance Committee, why send it back to them other than to delay another vote and delay the public's questions.  What is he (Hanks) afraid of"? Burgess said following the meeting.  Myers agreed that the Ordinance Committee already looked at the matter gave their recommendation.

"Many public bodies do not need to adopt the recommendations of committees, this Village Board is no different.  We need to allow the public the opportunity to speak to their elected officials.  They have delayed this, and put more road blocks to deny the public their right to speak" Tates said following the meeting.

HANKS DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT SAUK VILLAGE YOUTH

PEEK A BOO- I'LL SCREW YOU!

OPINION EDITORIAL
by EDITORIAL STAFF
What is wrong with David Hanks and his main supporter and mayor wannabe Trustee Lynda "Harvey" Washington along with his gaggle of supporters these days?  These people are so self absorbed, arrogant and full of a sense of entitlement that the business of the Village gets pushed aside for their own aggrandizement.  Hanks disrespected and would not let the School Board President of District 168, Philip Bazile, address the Village Board of Trustees because something was not on the agenda, (NOTE: The Illinois Attorney General's Office is investigating three separate complaints filed against Mayor David Hanks and the Village of Sauk Village for violations of the Open Meetings Act for failing to let residents speak during meetings).  Your Village Clerk, Debbie Williams had a meltdown at Monday's School Board meeting, demanding more time and spoke over the 3 minutes and now your attempt to remove Trustee Kelvin Jones from the Parks and Recreation Committee?  Where is your mind these days!  I think you have a wax ball lodged in between your ears because you are THICK and I don't mean portly!

At Tuesday night's meeting or "Political Theater Play", David Hanks was directing his actors and calls for the removal of Trustee Kelvin Jones as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee.  This was done after Hanks himself, interfered with the Committee's longstanding rules that the Chairman and the Committee were the only ones who granted access to the Community Center.  Hanks didn't care about all that he did what he did.  Hey Lynda Washington, you should write a play and you could have David Hanks and Debbie Williams be your lead actors and you could join right in there!  I digress.

Let me step back a minute, Trustee Kelvin Jones was not permitted any input into Hanks' budget and in Hanks' Parks and Recreation Budget zero dollars was budgeted for any programs!  But Hanks found $6,000 to blow up fireworks in 15 minutes for the Independence Day holiday.  The only money that was allocated to Parks and Recreation was for a part-time Center Supervisor so kids can play basketball.  But as what has been past practice, the Center Supervisor use to report to the Committee Chairperson.  Well not so much!  Hanks changed that directive and now the Center Supervisor answer to someone at Village Hall!

David Hanks has not attended a single event hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department since the April election!  Last night Hanks said he wasn't invited.  Really?  So all those reports that Jones gave announcing events last year and inviting people to attend wasn't good enough King David, you want an engraved invitation too!  This shows your complete contempt for anyone who disagrees with you or has the audacity to question you as a leader.  You're pathetic!

I submit to you, David Hanks, that you intentionally set Trustee Jones up for failure and despite your efforts you have failed.  Here are the FACTS:

1. You David Hanks and your treacherous-trio of Bobble Head Trustees pushed through with YOUR VOTE an unbalanced budget in 2015-16 which called for revenues of $34,854 from property taxes levied on homeowners (that would exclude you David Hanks and Lynda Washington)

2. You David Hanks and your treacherous-trio of Bobble Head Trustees approved a budget for Parks and Recreation calling for a $335,000 grant which you knew would not be funded in 2015-16, but it sure made you feel good as if you were doing something for the community!

3. You David Hanks and your treacherous-trio of Bobble Head Trustees approved a budget for Parks and Recreation total expense of $24,154 ($10,635.82 for a Center Supervisor position, $6,000 for your Fireworks, $500 for a phone and $7,000 for Operating Supplies).  This means you took $10,700 and used it to balance your chicken wire budget on the backs of the kids of Sauk Village!

4. You David Hanks and your 5 Bobble Heads, after the April, 2015 election and prior to Jones and Tates being sworn in as Trustees were intentionally left out of budget hearings and talks and were not permitted to give their input into your joke of a budget for 2015-16.  Yet your two lame-duck Trustees sat on the Village Board mute, dumb and ignorant.

5. With 6 months into the budget, only $13,550 was spent for Parks and Recreations out of the $24,154 that Hanks Budgeted!  ($6,745 for the Center Supervisor, $6090 for Hanks' Fireworks, leaving $706 which was spent for telephone and operating supplies!

6. Zero dollars was spent on programs, because zero dollars was include in the budget for programs!

Do you really think that people should be out begging for even more money on the corners of Sauk Village to fund Parks and Recreations programs when you tax homeowners $34,854 but have only spent $13,550 as of December 1st?

Instead of calling for the Treasurer James Griegel's removal from office, an admitted criminal, you take the political low ground and use your last opportunity to speak during the meeting in a weak attempt to remove Trustee Jones from Parks and Recreation?   My question King David, when did your sorry ass ever attempt to run the Parks and Recreation Committee?  You sat your lazy ass on the Village Board for 13 plus years and never once did you volunteer to help Mary Seery, nor offer to take over and give her a break!  The only kids in Sauk Village you give a damn about are your own, as you should, but YOU also should give a damn about the youth in the Village.  You clearly have demonstrated you do not!  You are one sorry excuse for a Mayor! You're a liar, an opportunist, arrogant and so self absorbed with your own power, you make the Emperor from Star Wars look like a Saint!  As the residents of Sauk Village, you should resign but you are too arrogant and ignorant to figure that out.

NOTE:  Ed Myers chastised David Hanks for his behavior and actions and left the meeting!  Good job Ed, maybe you're seeing the light, we'll see.

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!
.
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!

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!

FORMER CANDIDATE ENDORSES: BURGESS, TATES AND JONES FOR TRUSTEE

Danny Hammond- Photo Provided

by Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Danny Hammond, Jr., who was not certified by Village Clerk Debbie Williams for the April 7th ballot said he can't continue a costly legal battle.  Hammond has suspended his campaign for Village Trustee and now endorses 3 of his former opponents for the job. 

Hammond has issued the following statement:

To the Residents of Sauk Village:

A very heartfelt thank you to the voters of Sauk Village who signed my nomination petitions to get my name on the ballot.  Unfortunately, because of dirty politics we were not able to achieve our goal of victory!  We hoped to bring the important issues to the table and make some important changes in the direction of Sauk Village.  Because of a tactical political decision by Village Clerk Debbie Williams and her supporters to not certify my name for the April 7^th ballot, it is not to be this time.  I cannot continue a fight in Cook County Circuit Court, which is financially draining when I have a family which is my priority.  I do not have unlimited resources like many who run our Village feel the Village has.

The way to continue our fight now and to accomplish the goals which we stand is to take our energy, our passion, our strength to the polls and do all we can to re-elect Derrick Burgess as Village Trustee and support him as he fights for the people of Sauk Village in hopes that we can Change Direction.  There is nothing “forward” about the “motions” that the village has experienced. 

Today, I suspend my campaign for Village Trustee, I support Derrick Burgess as a true Independent candidate for Village Trustee and wish him victory in this election.  I endorse him and throw my full support behind him and ask you, the residents and voters of Sauk Village to do likewise.  Derrick Burgess is a good, honest and decent representative for Sauk Village and he is worthy of our votes.

Knowing that Trustee Burgess is just one vote, it’s going to take more than just him to fight for the residents of Sauk Village and therefore I strongly encourage a vote for decorated and Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Cecial Tates and Kelvin Jones for Village Trustees as well.  All three of these men have strong convictions about what is needed to move Sauk Village in the right direction.  They do not believe in the business as usual attitude like the other Trustee candidates who have proven time and again that they will not act on behalf of the residents.  

Tates and Jones, along with Burgess can be counted on to bring fresh ideas and sound decisions to the Trustee Board.  All three will give you the voice in government you have not had in years. 

Village Clerk Debbie Williams may have won the battle, but I will win the war against this administration's sense of arrogance and entitlement.

Sincerely,

Danny Hammond, Jr.

Former Candidate for
Village Trustee

Residents of Sauk Village will go to the polls on April 7th and will pick 3 Trustees.  There are only three other candidates challenging Burgess, Tates and Jones and they are Jeff Morden, John Poskin and Gary Holcomb.

ELECTION UPDATE: SCHOOL BOARD CHALLENGES FAIL & NEW BOARD MEMBER EXPECTED

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  The School Board election for District 168 has taken a twist of events the last few weeks.  One Candidate has withdrawn 3 others successfully fought off challenges which would have removed them from the ballot.

Incumbents Board members Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones and Sene Garrett along with newcomer Latonya West filed petitions to have their names on the April 7th ballot on the first day December 15^th.  West is seeking a 2 year unexpired term following the resignation of Melvin Stevenson in November.   Davenport, Jones, Garrett and West's petitions were not challenged but all other candidates faced unsucessful challenges.

Board members failed to make an appointment to replace Stevenson by December 30th.  West’s name was the only name put forth for appointment following the unexpected resignation of Stevenson.  Actions to block West’s appointment were successfully carried out by Board Members Jimo Kasali, Deloris Green and Mary Howard, who is the sister to Mayor David Hanks.   The Executive Director of South Cook Intermediate Service Center Dr. Vanessa Kinder has the legal authority to appoint a “temporary” replacement to the seat vacated by Stevenson since the School Board failed to appoint a replacement.  The only issue is that the vacancy is only until the election outcome is determined so the person may only be there on a temporary basis.

"I am preparing to interview candidates for the vacant seat and I intend on making the appointment by the end of this month" Kinder said.  Kinder admitted that she is not mandated to appoint but it is her legal duty to do so.  "It would not be fair to the people of the district to have the seat vacant and decisions by the board not getting made" Kinder said.

Kinder did not identify who she would be interviewing for the vacancy but said "it is disappointing that the local board could not make a decision and that I am forced to appoint.  Decisions such as these should be made at the local level, but there is a provision when it can't be that it falls upon the person in this position" Kinder said.

Resident Larry Stewart filed objections to candidates which included Rachel Eastman, Phillip Bazile, husband of former School Board President and current McConathy Library Trustee Arleta Bazile and Sandra Isom who are seeking the 4 year terms.  Former Village Clerk Candidate Marva Campbell-Pruitt who is seeking the 2 year unexpired term was also considered to replace Aisa El-Amin who resigned last year.  Campbell-Pruitt put her name into consideration for the appointment to El-Amin’s vacant seat, however, was passed over for Garrett.

Stewart said he filed objections to ensure that those candidates who filed did so correctly.  “Look, when you run for office you’ve got to make sure you start out right.  It begins by making sure your papers work is in order” Stewart said.  “This is not politically motivated.  I know each of the people who are running.  It’s about following the rules” Stewart said.

Since the objections were filed, Eastman withdrew her name as a candidate and will not be on the ballot in April.  Eastman had obtained well over 100 signatures of registered voters to get her name on the ballot, only 50 are required.  “I just wanted to make a difference for the kids of the Village” Eastman said following her withdrawal.  “It seems that no matter what you do someone is going to be mad at you for doing something.  I had no idea that people would get so personal” Eastman said.  Eastman serves on the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

The electoral board, which use to rest with the local school boards has been moved to the jurisdiction of Cook County to expedite the handling of hearings and save the financially struggling school districts tens  of thousands of taxpayer dollars.  The Cook County Hearing Officer tossed out all challenges made by Stewart ensuring that all candidates, except Eastman who withdrew, will be on the ballot.

In the Village Trustees race, for the first time in many years no objections were filed.  The seats of Trustees Derrick Burgess, Jeff Morden and John Poskin are up for grabs in April.  Burgess, Morden and Poskin all filed nomination petitions seeking their old seats.  Poskin has never faced election for his seat but was appointed  twice by Hanks in 2012 and is currently the longest serving unelected Village Trustee.  Hoping to unseat them are controversial Housing Commission Chairman Gary Holcomb, and former School Board President and Retired Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Tates, Kelvin Jones and Danny Hammond, Jr.

"People of Sauk Village want change.  They are tired of this administration and the lack of direction" Hammond said. 

The two seats up for the Nancy L. McConathy Public Library are uncontested.

BURGESS ANNOUNCES & FILES FOR RE-ELECTION

SAUK VILLAGE |  After keeping his commitment to the residents of Sauk Village to advocate for  open, honest and transparent government by holding the administration accountable, Trustee Derrick Burgess has announced his bid to seek re-election in April, 2015 as an Independent candidate.

“I have been asked by numerous residents to keep asking questions and ensure their voices are heard” Burgess said.   “After careful consideration of the many residents who have encouraged me to run for office again, I have decided to announce that I will be a candidate for re-election as your Village Trustee” Burgess said.  Burgess devotes full-time to his duties as Trustee since his recent retirement in 2014 from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  Burgess has served as Trustee since 2006 and won re-election in 2007 and 2011.  Burgess ran for Mayor in 2009 against Lewis Towers and again in 2013 only after securing the endorsement of then “acting-Mayor” David Hanks.  Hanks subsequently went back on his word and ran against Burgess who lost in a 4-way race.

To give people the opportunity to voice their comments and concerns without time and subject limitations imposed during regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings, Burgess instituted monthly Town Hall Meetings that are very popular with the residents who want answers to questions.   Burgess routinely asks Hanks for clarification on proposed actions during board meetings and even voted no on the most recent budget, calling it “unbalanced” and “unrealistic”.  Burgess illustrated his concerns about the mayor's proposed budget by presenting a 21 page analysis that highlighted in details the potential points of failure to which no other Trustee had done.  “The purpose of the analysis was to point out to the Board that we could no longer continue with business as usual and we, as a Village Board must work together to bring solutions to the table.  Some decisions and actions taken by the mayor and Board are done so based on their interpretation of "past practices".  These "past practices" have proven to be flawed and have continued to lead us down an unsound fiscal road” Burgess said.

 

Burgess said he will continue to advocate for the residents and that his experience in municipal government has been invaluable. 

“I’m not against moving the village forward, but I feel we have been heading in the wrong direction” Burgess said.

Burgess filed his nomination petitions at Village Hall today at 8am.

Also filing Monday morning were Jeff Morden who was elected to the unexpired term of former Trustee Robert Chavez in a special election in 2013.  Morden has been without a Committee  assignment for months.

Former School District 168 Board President Cecil Tates, who has lived in the Village for more than 30 years and also is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel.

Gary Holcomb, a supporter of Mayor David Hanks, and chairperson of the Housing Commission who has been the center of controversy over the summer.  The Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office is considering a Binding Opinion that the Housing Commission had violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Resident Kelvin Jones also filed Monday.  "I want to make a difference in the community.  We don't need another rubber stamp or bobblehead' Jones said today.

The final candidate to file this morning was John Poskin, a staunch ally to Hanks.  Poskin was Hank's appointment for 2-unexpired terms for Village Trustee and has been the longest serving unelected Trustee in the Village's history.  Poskin will be running for the first time since 2005 when he ran with Hanks and lost.

All of the candidates who filed today, including Burgess are running as independent candidates.

Lack of Transparency, Wrong Direction and the Water Highlight Town Hall Meeting

by Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |   Trustee Derrick Burgess hosted his monthly Town Hall Meeting, this time back at Village Hall Wednesday evening.

Village Clerk Debbie Williams filed an inquiry for a possible Open Meetings Act violation, ironically with the Illinois Attorney General's office who the Village has sued over the Travelgate Binding Opinion they issued in October.  The alleged Open Meetings Act violation was "unfounded" Village Attorney Matt Burns said at a board meeting earlier.

About 35 people, including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Leak, School Board Vice President Tammy Jones, Parent Teacher Organization President Jovante Hasty came back to Village Hall as the Town Hall Meetings moved to Rickover over the summer.  "We wanted to move the venue to afford more residents the opportunity to attend which was successful as we had about 95 at a couple of them there" Burgess said.  "We will probably change up the venue again but hosting them at Village Hall is good too." Burgess said following the meeting.

Longtime resident Judy Cast was critical of the administration for the lack of transparency, but complimented some progress made.  "Under the last administration you wouldn't be sitting in a meeting like this" Cast said.  Cast also wants to know how much the Village has spent in legal fees for the Travelgate scandal.  The Village is suing the Illinois Attorney General over the Binding Opinion issued in October which declared that the Village and Village Clerk must turn over all documentation concerning the trip to Washington DC by the Village Clerk her daughter Trustee Rosie Williams and resident and now former Police Pension Board member Patricia Couch.

Larry Stewart, who was removed as Housing Commissioner earlier this year, blasted the Hanks Administration for the lack of direction and the lack of planning.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt criticized the Hanks Administration for the lack of a solid plan and timeline for the water infrastructure improvements.  "We're paying the additional $2.00 per 1000 gallons of water for the repairs but there is no plan in place to justify it" Campbell-Pruitt said.

Dr. Leak addressed Kelvin Jones' questions concerning school children needing text books.  "We want our children to have the latest information not a static text book.  Old text books from 2007 still have George Bush as President" Leak said.  Leak has been working on a multi-year plan with the School Board and hopes one day soon to bring I-Pads to the students of District 168.  There are about 1700 students in district 168 and the district is flush with cash with about $16 million in the bank and zero debt.

Community Activist Bernice Brewer-Houston said residents are still paying for contaminated well water but residents are paying Lake Michigan water prices.  "The Mayor and Trustees are using this money to balance their budget and not putting the money toward repairs to the water mains that are  constantly breaking" Brewer Houston said following the meeting.

"People are tired of paying $300 water bills for this nasty water.  You can't drink it, you can't cook with it.  You have to spend money to treat it, replace corroded fixtures and even after treating it you turn on the faucet and the water still comes out orange.  They got $4.8 million grant for what the Mayor said will free up the village from paying $260,000 per year, but the resident's get no relief" a longtime resident said.  "I'm just disgusted with our Village leaders" she said.

"Residents only get to speak for 3 minutes during Village meetings.  There are no time limits here, I want to hear the concerns of the residents" Burgess said.

Burgess has hosted Town Hall Meetings for the last 6 months and will be taking the month of December off and resuming them in January after the holidays.

Mayor David Hanks and Village Trustee Lynda Washington sat silent during the meeting.  Williams spoke briefly when challenged by a resident.  "I'm speaking as a resident" Williams said.  Williams was accompanied by her husband, who also sits as a Human Relations Commissioner.  Trustee Rosie Williams is the daughter of Debbie Williams but was not present.