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What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate?

Aside from being a Board Member of our 15 Judicial Circuit CASA program I am also Director of Court Services for Ogle County Probation. In that capacity I am present in court for various types of court hearings. When an abuse

and neglect case is before our Juvenile Judge it always amazes me how complicated these cases can be. In the middle of these “legal hurricanes” are the CASA volunteers. But what does it really mean to the children to have a CASA volunteer. Here are some of their words. Jackie states about her volunteer, “Lisa changed my life. The difference between Lisa and everyone else in the system was that Lisa was really interested in who I was.” Laura states about her volunteer, “Throughout all the changes and different people I had to deal with, Sally was the one person who was there just for me. Knowing that Sally cared about me meant the world to me. She was the anchor I desperately needed to stay in school.” Melissa states about her volunteer, “The only one we could turn to for answers was our CASA volunteer. She tried to comfort us and guide us through the process. She was a constant in our lives and our voice in the courtroom.”

So how did these kids turn out, one is a lawyer and prosecutor, one is a Marine veteran and a civilian police officer and one is attending college and hopes to go to medical school. Soon we will be doing another volunteer training for new advocates. GET INVOLVED. These stories are not unique. You too can make a difference in a child’s life. For more information about becoming an advocate contact our office at 815-288-1901.

Mr. Martin
Board Member, 15 Judicial Circuit CASA program

About Our Town – Editorial:

This week’s City Council meeting was so full of significant information and expenditures planned or addressed that it was quite overwhelming to follow. The agenda packet of information for the Council members and those that made a special effort to get a copy from City Hall in the afternoon, prior to the meeting, was multiple pages that provided a very extensive read. The basics of this evening’s agenda was to include: four items for the Consent Agenda (For Action) and a total of nineteen Items for Consideration and Possible Action. Also to be discussed were three specific items of importance, Other Items For Consideration. A great amount of data to digest and then to discuss with an exchange of ideas and questions to (hopefully)develop a mutual understanding of details that will lead to a…wise vote for the city of Morrison. It truly is hard to know what is a “-wise vote” as there is always so many considerations to be made in any decision. However, it does seem that if our alderman knew what their constituents felt or wanted concerning certain issues it would make it so much easier for our alderman to vote on these many challenging issues with community input and support. These demanding and challenging decisions are made at every City Council meeting. Mr. Wise, City Administrator, provides the agenda of items for discussion; but, it is the City Council Alderman that make these hard choices and decisions for final approval or rejection. It is this final yeah or nah on an issue that does have an effect on every one of us in Morrison.

Information concerning City Council meetings and names of your alderman/ telephone numbers to voice your concerns and support of an issue can easily be found on the city website : htpp://www.morrisonil.org/referencedesk/ContactUs.htm. City Hall can, also, provide help with your ward of residence and your specific alderman to make the contact and the sharing of views. This will help make a decision an easier task for both Council members and city administration. Media coverage has been very good and helpful; but, it is impossible to cover all that is said and contributed in these meetings to understand the full impact of an issue. Attend City Council Meetings. Our alderman and city administration do need our ideas.

Note: The City Council has been discussing and will be discussing a fee schedule for the use of the Odell Community Room, at the next City Council meeting. Contact your alderman and let them know as an individual or as a group representative- who you are; how often you use the Room as to weekly, monthly, or specific date use. We do need this room for our many community uses. However if we, as individuals or as a group, can support use of this Room with even a minimal fee schedule then state this fact and help with the decision making for a fair fee schedule.

Nance Anderson
Morrison, IL

Sleeping Giant Is Awake

I want to personally thank the GOP Chairman, John McGlasson, of Livingston County for having the class to invite both sitting Congressmen to speak at their Lincoln Day dinner. It is an insult to a sitting Congressman that some other counties within the 16th congressional district would hold a dinner to celebrate the Lincoln legacy only to tarnish it by not asking Congressman Manzullo to speak. It is because of these kinds of tactics that the people are speaking out against the ILGOP.

When a Party looks out for its own best interest instead of the people, it will not survive. The GOP should be the PEOPLE. Instead it is looking out for itself. I hear it time and time again when I go out and KNOCK on doors. Because YOU do not reach OUT to the people, they fail to come to the polls. It is because they feel they are NOT being listened to. They are responding to the fact that many in the GOP in the 16th CD is slighting a Congressman that the ILGOP doesn’t want. The message YOU, the ILGOP, sends is that only YOUR voice matters. The people are organizing and they HAVE a voice. DO NOT fail to hear it. They ARE watching the votes. They are NOW an informed electorate. The sleeping giant is awake and on the move.

At Tea Party meetings all over the state, MANY come together on a monthly basis. They also communicate daily via social media to share what they know. They have been given a voice and tools in which to learn and to speak out. They go to local GOP meetings and see the poor turn out in relationship to the voters. They only see the inside party people. Your platform is good, your messaging is poor. Take the time to REALLY knock on doors, you would be SURPRISED what you may hear about the GOP and what needs to change!

“The whole state must be so well organized that every Whig can be brought to the polls. So divide the county into small districts and appoint in each a committee. Make a perfect list of the voters and ascertain with certainty for whom they will vote... Keep a constant watch on the doubtful voters and have them talked to by those in whom they have the most confidence... On Election Day see that every Whig is brought to the polls.”

--- Abraham Lincoln, Letter to a friend, 1840

Do YOU really know your community???

“The best defense against a usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.” - William F Buckley, Jr.

Libertas,
Christine Arndt
Precinct committeeman, Bureau County, IL

99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall

The constitution presumes distrust in the government official. We are never to assume the best of them.

The only safe assumption is that they are subject to the same temptations as every other man; that the more power entrusted, the greater the temptations; that particularly evil men are more successful the better they hide their motives, intentions, and actions; that the longer they are at it, the greater the potential for damage.

Government must be continually limited, continually audited, continually held accountable.

The federal reserve has operated in secret for ninety-nine years.

End of story.

Harvey Bluedorn
New Boston, IL
309-537-3641
bluedorn@triviumpursuit.com

Morrison Historical Preservation and Library Concerns

I really don’t know where to begin. On Jan. 31, 2012 Morrison’s Historical Preservation Commission held a public hearing in the basement room in city hall. The room was overflowing with residents and other interested parties who wanted to have a voice on the reduction of the Historic District boundaries from 2007 map. It was noted that the Ordinance presented in 2009 stated the qualifications and restrictions for all included in the Historic District/Districts. It was noted there was a procedural error. The 2009 Ordinance did not go through the Historical Preservation Commission

Many people stated during the initial set up for the Historic District, property owners were not properly contacted. Most of these individuals discussed starting over with the residents behind the entire process instead of being included with the planning since it would definitely have an impact on the downtown. Luke distributed paperwork from Monticello, IL where there is over 51% of the property owners backing the Historic District there. Why would the commission be fearful that the people would not agree with them? The general consensus I came away with, was 1. Start small, educate the public; 2. Listen to the resident feedback; 3. Get the people behind the historical preservation of Morrison; 4. Start over and use Monticello, IL as a successful model for our mentors.

After the public hearing, the regular Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held. The commission voted to reduce the boundaries of the 2007 map and to bring this to the City Council.

Unanswered questions: 1. Who’s responsibility is the upkeep of Route 30 (Lincoln Highway Scenic Bypass Corridor) portion through town. Will it be Morrison or IDOT (we need to see this in writing)? 2. Is there any way we could start over and do it right the first time? 3. Does the city of Morrison have the backing of 51% of the property owners on what areas are to be considered in the Historic District/Districts? 4. Have the provisions for the “Route 30 through Morrison district” been discussed and how will they be different from the restrictions, benefits of the other Hill or Downtown Districts? And many more questions.

City Council and Library Board Meeting

January 31, 2012 also was a night for an open meeting at the Community Room. The Morrison City Council and the Library Board met to discuss the gas usage and budget concerns at the Library/Community Room. It was announced at a city council meeting by CA Wise that we would not be allowing any more reservations at the community room for the fiscal year. Many people were outraged with his decision, since no notice or discussion was held with any library board members or city council members.

The Library is part of the city. The gas for the Library/Community Room has been paid by the city since it was built. There is a franchise agreement for so many therms a year to be used by city facilities: Library/Community room, City Hall, and Public Works building in Waterworks Park. After much discussion at the City Council meeting, it was decided to continue renting the Community Room as before. CA-Jim Wise, Library treasurer and myself will be meeting soon to discuss issues, the franchise agreement, and the cost share agreement to bring back to the council.

A Morrison Taxpayer
Marti Wood

Wood’s Morrison City Council Notes

February 13, 2012 Morrison City Council met at the County Board Room. A full house was good sight to see! All aldermen, except Pat Zuidema, were present.

Public comment: Butch Vandershaft stated the MAPPING group a few years ago suggested family recreation. They have come up with “square dancing” where people from 8 to 88 can enjoy. They are a non-profit group. They bring many people to the city of Morrison, who in turn spend money here. They recommend to the council much consideration before usage fees are reset for the Community Room.

Public Comment: Harvey Zuidema read a letter to the council. He suggested the 1st meeting of the month be a “work session” with only consent agenda items being voted on. He thought at this session, no attorney needed to be present-this would cut attorney fees by $5,000 to $6,000 a year. The 2nd meeting of the month, items discussed at the work session could be voted on. He would like to keep the agreement with the Deerview Condo Association as is, paying for the lights and have the city continue paying for the gas at the Library/Community Room. He is hearing a lot of negative talk about our Administrator because most of CA Wise’s suggestions to balance the budget for 2012-13 were to spend more money. He would like to see the city do away with the City Administrator. Run the city with department heads with Gary Tresenriter in charge and then city council approval. Joan Staley handed out statements complaining that she is unhappy with there being no process for turning in lost items at the Police Department. If she would have had the information up-front, she would have made a different decision on how to find the owner of the ring she found.

The Morrison Football cheerleaders were presented certificates of achievement.

State Representative Rich Morthland stopped in and said a few words to the Mayor and residents.

Bills Payable were $286,000.53. Morrison Area Development Corporation received their “financial contribution” of $12,500 toward the Economic Development Director position. We paid $1,103.05 electric bill at the Sports Complex-off season-heating 3 buildings and lighting the walking path. Our legal fees were $3,150.00 for this pay period. Baxter and Woodman collected $17,208.87 for engineering/legal fees for Well #4, Well #5, and the Waste water Plant.

D. J. Sickley Construction Company, Inc. received partial payment #2 for $74,463.95 for work done on Well No 5 Well house. Layne Christensen Company, received $390,303.00 partial payment #2 for work done on water Supply Well No. 5 and Change order #1 for Lost Circulation time and Expense. They presented an interior well view, showing issues with the void they have been filling in order to proceed. With the bills payable ($286,000.53) and the new construction ($464,766.95) the city paid out $750,767.48 this week! Thank goodness for the IEPA loan!

Administer Wise did a presentation on the possible logos for the Water Tower. He also presented a graph of 3rd quarter assessment of the FY12 budget. He was proud to report that we are $35,984.82 in the positive in the General Fund. The 2008 debt certificate was included. The 2010 debt certificate fund or the 2010 Alt Rev IEPA Loan were not included (as far as I could see).

An ad hoc committee was formed to discuss and make suggestions for alternatives to burning. Contact your aldermen with suggestions or ideas. Sarah Thorndike will be chairing this group.

No action was taken on taken on most of the proposed Ordinances and amendments of ordinances. Leo Sullivan asked if we could have better descriptions of these (not just numbers) on the agenda so residents will know what we possibly will be voting on since some people do not get the packet.

Other items for consideration: the city engineering firm selection choices need to be turned in to CA Wise. A TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Grant possibly helping to fund an overpass and extend French Creek Road was brought up. The pre-application costs $800 and if you get further, it costs $22,000 to apply for the grant. There was much discussion. A group is checking on an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant to purchase items for Main Street.

I suggested that we set up some type of board to oversee the Sports Complex since it is Morrison’s largest business and it is part of the city. Most businesses have some type of board or personnel to do a check and balance. It is a lot of responsibility for one person to take care of finances, scheduling, purchasing, running the concession stands, field maintenance, write reports, do inventory, etc. I felt that it would be good business to have more eyes on the finances and paperwork. Sometimes if more people are involved they see where expenses can be cut, workloads divided, and be of assistance when there is a lot going on it makes it better for everyone. The Mayor, Administrator, and council disagreed with me on this aspect. This will not happen unless the council requests it. Please contact city hall and your aldermen if you have any views on this issue.

The next council meeting is February 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm at the County Board Room. Please come, know first-hand what is going on in your community. Hope to see you there!

A Morrison Taxpayer
Marti Wood

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

No one denies the importance of protecting our environment. When politics gets involved it’s hard to separate fact from fiction.

As I write my weekly column I always strive to avoid political overtones. I will make that attempt again today as I write about an issue that will affect each of our wallets. I’m referring of course to gas prices. If you follow the news at all you are aware that gas prices may well be at $5.00 per gallon by the end of 2012.

Yes, I’ve been frustrated that off shore drilling has been halted due to “environmental concerns”. I sucked it up and bit my lip.

Make it political, that’s your prerogative, I just can’t shut up about the Keystone Pipeline. It is an unbelievable opportunity to work with our closest trading partner, Canada.

You see, we Americans consume 15 million barrels of oil each day and we import at least 10 million of those barrels.

You know several years ago we heard a lot about “shovel ready projects”. The Keystone XL Pipeline is shovel ready. Several months ago TransCanada wrote “TransCanada believes Keystone XL will ultimately be approved, as it is too important to the US economy and its national interest. As well, Keystone XL remains the best option for producers to supply crude oil to US Gulf Coast refineries.”

Obviously a very sensible and optimistic outlook! What possibly could have happened? Politics my friends, good old politics!

But wait a minute, that can’t be because we’d be putting over 13,000 American union workers on the job. It would create an additional 7,000 manufacturing jobs across the United States and reportedly an additional 118,000 spin off jobs would be created along the pipeline route for local goods and services. The $13 billion project is 1,661 miles of 36 inch pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta, Canada all the way to the Port Arthur, Texas Market Place delivering over 510,000 additional barrels of crude per day to Port Arthur, joining 590,000 barrels already traveling to Texas from Canada on phase I and phase II of Keystone making the total 1.1 million barrels a day.

Initial environmental concerns in Nebraska were laid to rest but powerful lobbying efforts won over our President who has placed it on hold until 2013. Imagine that; after the election.

Here is the travesty. Canada will build the pipeline but instead of heading south into the United States they will head west to the sea and load Chinese ships. Ah yes, we’ll just buy a little more from Venezuela, Nigeria, and other countries that really love us. Keep those tankers on the high seas coming, no environmental concerns there!

Think about that as you pull up to the pump and pay $5.00 per gallon. The national average is now $3.52 per gallon, up 83% since the President took office three years ago when it was $1.83 per gallon.

As always, you can reach me, Sally or Barb at 815-232-0774 or e-mail us at jimsacia@aeroinc.net. You can also visit my website at www.jimsacia.com. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.