DEBBIE WILLIAMS CREATES HOSTILITY- Hurting Sauk Village

Debbie Williams Creates Hostility: Passive Aggressive, Always the Victim

Debbie Williams

Just who is this Trustee Debra “Debbie” Williams that has Sauk Village residents angry and raging mad?   Just who is this power hungry, glory seeking nemesis of Sauk Village?  Her mouth says she just wants “peace” for Sauk Village and that everyone should sing Kumbaya. But her historical actions in Sauk Village clearly indicate all to the contrary.  The acronym she touts is “P.E.A.C.E.” but what we hear from a good number of people is that she "Practices Evil And Chaos Everyday". They tell us that this controversial and political Hot Mess is going about town slandering the Mayor’s name, giving her opinion about his ability to run the Village and telling people why she should be Mayor. 

 

Really, Sauk Village?  What monster have you unleashed on the good people of this village?  Have you given up on yourselves?  Your dismal voter turnout of only 382 votes, a mere 4.6% of the electorate in 2019, surely confirms this.  Even so, a win, no matter how sorry, was good enough in Debbie’s book.  Well, hopefully we can give you some food for thought before you repeat this fatal mistake yet a third time and endanger the survival of our Village.

(This is the third in a series of expose articles that we will publish so stay tuned as the drama and TRUTH unfolds). 

 

Debbie Williams coming off a stinging defeat in 2017 lost her $17,000 per year job as Village Clerk, an income she had come to rely on.  But Debbie Williams, like a feral cat with 9 lives  living on Shirley Avenue dodging loose pitbulls,  ever the resourceful and self-preservationist, landed a politically connected job as deputy clerk.  Her stock really began to rise as did her bank account as she was now earning $52,000 per year, the most she has ever made in life.  Even so, she managed not to keep her job long claiming, “I have resigned under duress due to the hostile work environment”.  It seems everywhere Debbie Williams lands becomes a “hostile work environment”.  The truth is Debbie Williams is no stranger to “hostile work environments”, in fact many Sauk Village former employees in previous administrations of Lewis Towers and David Hanks claimed that Debbie Williams herself made Village Hall a “hostile work environment”.  In fact many employees in Village Hall are under that same "hostility" that she and her coalition bring today.  One former employee even noted that Debbie Williams brought with her and her friends a "hostile work environment" to Village Hall after the 2019 election.  Some former employees have even filed suits and complaints citing this very fact and made claims that Debbie Williams used racial slurs against them. 

 

Come clean Debbie!  Truth is Debbie Williams did not “resign” from her position as Calumet City’s Deputy Clerk; she, in fact, was probably given an ultimatum to resign or be fired on June 21, 2018. Reading between the lines, it appears one could deduce she got into a heated discussion with her boss which precipitated her actions.  In the professional arena, an immediate resignation without a courteous two week prior notification, usually indicates a firing was imminent or in fact already occurred.   Forever, the spin master, Debbie’s resignation letter even stated, “I have enjoyed my time in Calumet City…”  Well, if that were true, then the work environment could not have been “hostile” unless you were the creator of the hostility.  But readers we want you to draw your own conclusion on that,  these are the facts.   

 

So poor Debbie, always and forever the victim, found herself not only voted out as Village Clerk in Sauk Village in 2017, had now been tossed out of the highest paying job she ever landed.   Debbie Williams wanted revenge and she wanted revenge against Sauk Village and those who delivered that defeat.  So Debbie Williams scours the “ole” guard residents to find others who had an axe to grind with their perceived “enemy” to run for Trustees in 2019.  

 

Sherry Jasinski

She found a willing accomplice in Sherry Jasinski who was let go by the Village Board of Trustees at that time after they made a financial decision to consolidate her position in 2018.  Jasinski had 13 months to show she could do her job under Mayor Derrick Burgess and the Trustees at that time (Jaskinski began working for Sauk Village on April 15, 1998 and was given the position as Director in 2006 while her step-father sat on the Village Board of Trustees at that time).  Jasinski, who was the department head for Community Development (which included Code Enforcement and the Building Department) was the primary individual responsible for the decline in the Village’s housing standards from 2008 to 2018.  (If you take a look around town and see homes boarded up, burned out, vacant and abandoned, you can ask “what did Sherry Jasinski do to help the Village when she was in charge of Code Enforcement and the Building Department for a decade of decline? Not a single grant was written in her tenure as department head, and she is rumored to have colluded with slumlords to keep the standards and values low- more on this later)

 

Gary Bell

The final piece to this political puzzle rounding out their non-diverse, all-white slate, Gary Bell, another “scorned” cast off from the Sauk Village Fire Department who allegedly sustained an injury while serving on the department and was being blocked by the former and late Fire Chief from re-joining the Department.  Bell quit his full-time job as a janitor and apparently became “disabled” due to that alleged injury.  After getting his little settlement monies from his injury, Bell took his money bought him a new car and left Sauk Village; only to return a couple years later.  Bell found himself outside looking in pinning for the days of yesteryear.  So the “scorned” slate of candidates was now complete and ready to take their vengeance against "those people" in Sauk Village and to shut down the progress Mayor Burgess had begun to make in Sauk Village.  (More on Gary Bell, his "disability" and racist rants a little later)

 

 

Both Jasinski and Bell had a small handful of "friends" who supported their misguided way of thinking who bought into their scam and con of "making Sauk Village great again" and bringing the Village back to the “good ole boys” days.  Of course Debbie Williams ever the opportunist latched her wagon on to anything and anyone she could, including the very "friends" that could not stand the sight of her just two years earlier.   They needed to work to get black votes to and could not do that with an all-white slate, so she found another willing accomplice they could use and exploit for their own benefit in failed perennial candidate and ex-Trustee Lynda Allen Washington-House. 

 

Lynda Washington-House

Debbie Williams used Washington-House to give the trio of candidates an African American face they could latch onto and put her picture up on their billboard to give them an appearance of a ‘diverse slate’.  Lynda Washington may as well have put on the billboard “Pick THREE just not me” as her entire election effort worked to help them win their election as she came in dead last, again.  No telling Washington-House would want to put her picture up on a billboard with a racist man like Gary Bell who called Sauk Village a “Golden Ghetto” and demeaned black residents for walking at Village Hall. He also uses other colorful racial slurs to define African-Americans when he is around “his own kind”.  Never-the-less, Washington-House tied herself to them.      

 

Stay tuned to our 4th in a series as we continue the history lesson about Debbie Williams and how she is hurting Sauk Village.  

 

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.

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

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. 

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”.

 

 

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH BECOMING LYNDA WASHINGON'S POLITICAL PAWN?

LYNDA WASHINGTON-HOUSE

SAUK VILLAGER | Village Trustee Lynda Washington, who announced last year she is running for Mayor, is having many problems with the members of her Neighborhood Watch Committee who do not agree with her.  Some members of her committee are calling the Neighborhood Watch Committee a "political pawn" of Washington to further her campaign for Mayor in 2017. 

One member of Washington’s committee helped volunteer for the recent Easter Egg Hunt, which was sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Committee, a committee that Washington herself co-chairs with Trustee Kelvin Jones.  Washington, who showed up late for the event last Saturday didn’t even bother to help out during the event yet one of her Neighborhood Watch members did and now is off the Neighborhood Watch Committee as a result.

In a phone interview with Rachel Eastman, who has served as the Secretary for the Neighborhood Watch Committee finds herself at odds with Washington.  “The Neighborhood Watch Committee has become way too political, and not at all what it was originally about” Eastman said.  The catalyst for this drama was the recent Easter Egg Hunt according to Eastman.  “All this because I helped Parks and Recs.  I should still be able to do what I want no matter who’s running for mayor.  I don’t have to waste my time with Neighborhood Watch, I can start helping Parks and Rec and the Beautification Committees, maybe they will value me” Eastman said.

“She (Washington) takes zero responsibility for what she does.  Mayoral material I think not” Eastman said.  “I was kicked off the committee because I actually helped the Parks and Rec Committee with the Easter Egg Hunt, a committee that she (Washington) is suppose to be co-chair, and yet she did nothing for” Eastman said.

Eastman also said that tickets for the "live play" being put on by Washington and the Neighborhood Watch Committee are suppose to be selling for $10 each and she was not having any luck selling them, while Washington has been giving them away according to Eastman.  “I have put a lot of time and energy into the Neighborhood Watch program for Sauk Village, the back to school book bag giveaways and to be treated so badly because I was helping out Parks and Rec.  Lynda is suppose to be co-chair for Parks and Rec and yet she didn’t do a thing to help with the Easter Egg Hunt” Eastman said.

“I’m not going to be a part of her (Washington’s) campaign and not used like that” Eastman said.  “There are other members who feel the same way”.

Eastman still plans to stay involved and will continue to volunteer despite Washington’s actions to remove her.  “How do you fire a volunteer” Eastman wondered.  "So if someone wants to be a part of Neighborhood Watch but happens to volunteer for things Lynda (Washington) doesn't like then too bad, it's her way or you're out" Eastman said.

Attempts were made to reach Washington for response went unanswered.

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.

THERE'S A RUMBLING IN SAUK VILLAGE...

OPINION EDITORIAL - There's a rumbling in Sauk Village!  Indeed a rumbling!  Many voters are fed up with Sauk Village's Mayor David Hanks, Village Clerk Debbie Williams and the treacherous-trio of Bobble Headed Trustees Rosie Williams, Lynda Washington and Ed Myers!  This was easily seen in the 2015 election as not a single person endorsed and supported by David Hanks or Debbie Williams won election to the Village Board!  Nor did a single candidate supported by Hanks and Williams garner even 40% of the vote in 2015!  The voter apathy was a telltale sign of the exasperation of the residents of Sauk Village over the abject failure of the Hanks/Williams administration.   Somehow this group have gotten the idea that the Village is their own personal fiefdom.  

Many residents, including long-time residents, are fed up with the abuse of their authority, the political theatrics and circus atmosphere and are sick and tired of paying the Mayor and Village Clerk a salary when meetings are routinely cancelled and the business of the Village is not getting done in an open and transparent process.   Keep in mind, these individuals were elected to hold OPEN and PUBLIC MEETINGS, identify issues facing Sauk Village, share solutions to those issues and vote IN PUBLIC for the solutions they have, reach out and compromise and working together!  Yet the residents and taxpayers do not see this happening from this administration and his allies!  These individuals are not lobbyists supporting one group or another, they were. elected to represent all community members.  Clearly they have failed in their duty and their oath!    If the residents want to attend a show or a sporting event they could very well go to the movies or a sporting event.  Seeing the childlike theatrics of Hanks with his condescending attitude and contempt for Village Trustees he does not agree with is outrageous!  Hanks' predecessor never conducted himself in such a childlike manner,  and I never agreed with how he handled village business or issues facing Sauk Village. 

Supporters of David Hanks, Debbie Williams and the treacherous-trio of bobble heads believe that cutting Village Meetings to only two per month; a 40% reduction, is a "cost savings initiative"!  While I agree it will reduce the Village Trustees stipend, it would only be fair that the Mayor and Village Clerk should "give back" the identical percentage of their salaries.  Traditionally, Trustees are paid for 5 meetings per month (2 board committee, 2 board meetings and 1 trustee chaired committee) at $125 per meeting that they "actually attend" (emphasis added on "attend") for a total annual savings of $18,000.  So, if the Mayor and Village Clerk volunteered to "give back" 40% of their salaries, Hanks reduction in pay would save taxpayers some $7,600 per year and Williams reduction in pay would save the taxpayers another $6,800 per year saving the Village a total of $32,400!  All of which could be given to Parks and Recreation for programs! BUT!  Now we would see if these two really cared about "cost savings".  

Village Board meetings are business meetings and should not be used as a bully pulpit for Hanks and Williams to pontificate nor an acting stage for Lynda Washington's play!  REALLY A PLAY?  Hanks and Williams supporters believe that the 3 Un-Trustees that don't support Hanks should not be paid because they offer no viable solutions for the Village's problems. My question to them is:  What "viable solutions" have David Hanks, Debbie Williams, Rosie Williams, Ed Myers or Lynda Washington proposed?  Nada, None, Zilch!  The Village's General Funds Deficit continues to grow, the Village's finances are an absolute mess, David Hanks' treasurer is indicted and he's still on the payroll, Village Employees continue to file grievances and lawsuits that are instigated by David Hanks himself!  

Hanks has had total control of the Village Board and the Village since 2012...What improvements have been realized in the Village since then?  Where are the solutions to these problems that he and his supporters constantly squawk about?   For some strange reason, they blame the 3 Un-Trustees.   So who is to blame for Sauk Village's steady decline?  David Hanks, Debbie Williams and the treacherous-trio of bobble heads!    

You better believe there is a rumbling in Sauk Village and the taxpayers are definitely restless!  The residents' of Sauk Village signed and filed a petition of NO CONFIDENCE in this administration, the very first ever filed against a Mayor by the People of Sauk Village!  The lack of confidence contributed to the tidal wave that swept two bobble heads out of office in 2015.  As this administration's antics continue into 2016, they can expect a tsunami in 2017 that is aimed to sweep this garbage out of office and give the residents of Sauk Village a CLEAN START and a chance at a new beginning!    

 

EDITORIAL NOTE:  I would like to thank the supporters of David Hanks and Debbie Williams for inspiring this editorial.  A loyal reader sent me a diatribe posted on social media.

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 SHOULD RESIGN... NOW!

OPINION EDITORIAL
by Sauk Village Voice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NO CONFIDENCE: RESIDENTS BEGIN CALLS FOR HANKS RESIGNATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES- Meet Sharon Archie-Davenport

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

SHARON ARCHIE-DAVENPORT

Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
Sharon Archie-Davenport has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011 where she served as Board Secretary and following the 2013 election and reorganization of the Board, Archie-Davenport was elected President.

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

Sharon Archie-Davenport was named President of the Community Consolidated School District 168 in May 2013.  Previously, Mrs. Davenport served as District 168 School Board Secretary from 2011-2013.

She is an Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Master Board Member. She has received several awards and certificates of appreciation, member on the 2014 Illinois Joint Annual Conference Proposal Review Committee, and serves on the IASB Governing and Executive Board as Director At Large for the South Cook County Region and she is a former member of School District 168 Parent Advisory Committee. School District 168 received its first ever State of Illinois Good Governance Recognition Award during her tenure as President.

Sharon also serves on several civic and charitable committees including: SV Trustee Derrick Burgess Intergovernmental Committee and Trustee Lynda Washington Citizens for Informative Dialogue. She is a former Chair of CEDA Head-Start Parent Committee at the Yates location.

Sharon has led major efforts resulting in increased student achievement and significant improvements in teaching, learning, staff professional development, and school status. Her central work focused on equity and rigor by establishing Data Coordinators to help assess students and curriculum delivery, increase students test scores by implementing Stride Academy, a reformed school dress code to place more emphasis on education and connecting with local, state, and federal officials to bring additional computers and laptops into the school district.

She has worked to upgrade the sound system to increase participation in performing arts, supported growth of school choirs, safe access to amenities and standard procedures for special need students, new uniforms for sports teams, replaced single district nurse with a nurse at each school, and installing the Raptor security system helping to provide every student, staff, and stakeholder safety when attending school or activities.

Sharon was instrumental in the transition to newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Donna S. Leak with former Superintendent Al Travaglini; as they, administration, and staff shared their experiences on sensitive topics relevant to the school and community, while keeping in mind their representation of Every Child, Every Day.

Sharon is looking forward to being re-elected to continue working with the Board, Superintendent, Local and State Officials to move the District forward in a well-rounded academic, social, and healthy future.  She supports education being driven using technology and state common core standards, enhancing performing arts and sports divisions, work hard to ensure students are getting a foundational educational experience that will increase test scores, healthy but edible food choices, the health safety of our buildings and providing the necessary tools needed by students and staff to promote all around success for all, while remaining financially sound. 

Sharon has been actively involved in the community since her family's arrival more than ten years ago. Sharon, a licensed minister and caterer regularly connecting with various community, state organizations and leaders to support growth and expansion for District 168 and Sauk Village. Sharon and Law Davenport have three children, one at each school Lawton, Laela, and Logan.