Domestic Battery Accusations Surrounding Welch Resurface

West Cook News Maywood, Bellwood, Forest Park, River Forest, Westchester, Broadview, Hillside

Week of March 6-12, 2016 www.westcooknews.com

SPECIAL REPORT INSIDE Domestic battery accusations surrounding Welch resurface State Pension Rules Soaking Illinois Taxpayers How much are you paying? House More candidate leaving slams rival’s than school-board settling record By Kerry Goff in Illinois Chris Harris, Democratic House candidate for Dis- trict 7, is heavily criticizing By John Breslin ILLINOIS BUSINESS DAILY State Rep. Emanuel Illinois remains among “Chris” the top five states with more Welch for people leaving than arriv- his actions ing to settle, ranking third, as presi- behind New Jersey and New dent of the Proviso York, in the 39th annual Police report: Woman alleged State Rep. Chris Welch slammed her head into kitchen countertop. Movers Study by United Van High School District Lines. Victim ‘extremely scared’ according to 2002 police report The survey tracked the 209 school countrywide migration pat- board, and and he was subsequently re- Harris terns of customers through BY LOCALLABS NEWS SERVICE said people leased from custody, accord- like Welch 2015 and found that 63 per- ing to the report. cent of all moves in Illinois are “vampires” and “detri- State Rep. Chris Welch (D- Welch denied the incident mental to our schools.” involved people leaving the IL) was arrested in 2002 by to Hillside Police, saying state, the fifth time in seven In response to a question- the Village of Hillside Police that the victim had been naire by the Chicago Tribune years the state has ranked for alleged domestic battery “crying over their breakup in the top five of outbound questioning how the state of his girlfriend at the time, and shortly after called the school-aid formula should be movers. according to documents ob- police.” He claimed he nei- The Illinois figure is in revised, Harris said it’s quite tained by West Cook News. ther grabbed her by the hair simple – use state funds to contrast to Oregon’s, which A police report dated Jan. nor slammed her head on topped the list for inbound educate students and stick to 12, 2002, by lead respond- the kitchen countertop. the rules. migration, with 69 percent ing officer James Peterson Peterson interviewed the moving to the state. “My opponent is the said the reporting victim victim four days later. He former, longtime school- The survey found that the told him that, “during a said she showed him a four- top reasons for moving to Or- board president of that verbal altercation,” Welch inch bruise on her right district (209),” Harris said egon were a new job or com- “grabbed her hair with both arm. pany transfer, 53 percent; in the questionnaire. “As the hands while in the kitchen “She further reported Tribune has written many and wanting to be closer to and proceeded to slam her that the bruise was the re- family, 20 percent. The study stories about in the past, he head backwards several Chris Welch sult of being grabbed by Mr. abused the district and put ranks as high those states times on the countertop.” Welch,” Peterson said. “She posting a figure of 55 percent the students last — he used The woman declined telling Welch he was a ‘los- said that she debated report- or more, either inbound or to hand out no-bid contracts medical attention, accord- er,’” Peterson said. ing the bruise to police and outbound. to his buddies, did patronage ing to the report, but she “At that point, Welch be- that when I called her, she Todd Maisch, president hirings and used taxpayer did say she wanted to “sign came enraged and grabbed decided to report it to me. At of the Illinois Chamber dollars to pay his own person- complaints for domestic her hair with both hands this time, she again decided of Commerce, told Illinois al legal bills. It got so bad, the battery.” and slammed her head not to sign a complaint.” Business Daily there are state had to step in and over- Welch, who represents backwards on the counter- Reporter Bill Dwyer multiple reasons why people see the district’s finances.” parts of River Forest, Forest top multiple times. After- wrote on the Forest Park Fo- decide to move, including According to a March 8, Park, Maywood, Broadview, wards, he let her hair go and rums message board that he the weather. But, “there is a 2012, Chicago Sun-Times Bellwood, Hillside, West- backed away. filed a Freedom of Informa- sense that Illinois’ economy report, Welch hired up to 19 chester, La Grange Park and “(The victim) attempt- tion request for the report is not growing as rapidly close friends and relatives Berkeley, was first elected ed to leave the residence with the Village of Hillside, as it should and that job while he was president of the in 2012. through the front door and but they improperly denied prospects are not as good as Proviso High School District “Immediately after this, then the rear door but was it. He had to appeal the elsewhere,” Maisch said. 209 school board, including a (Welch) exited the home,” blocked by Welch with his Illinois Attorney General Maisch said that studies $56,000 janitorial job for his Peterson said. “I asked the body. Not knowing what to obtain a copy, but did not show people believe job pros- brother, Billy Welch, and a victim if that was in fact else to do, she attempted to receive it until after Welch pects are better in right-to- $90,000 foreman job for the the offender and was told use the phone to call police. had won the 2012 Democrat- work states, those that limit best man at his wedding, Ron yes. I immediately advised Welch then prevented her ic primary. the ability of workers to “R.C.” Anderson. (Welch) to turn around and from doing that also. Dwyer’s editors at Forest organize through unions. It was also discovered that that he was being placed “Now, being extremely Leaves declined to pursue “There are multiple rea- 13 of the 19 relatives and under arrest.” scared because of his ac- the story.“Pioneer editors sons, but one of the things friends hired at District 209 According to the report, tions, (the victim) ran again wanted to move on after the that jumps out is that people had contributed to Welch’s the incident started as a to the back door and began primary election, which, are moving south, to right-to- political campaign, with 10 “verbal argument.” The screaming for help. Running while frustrating for me, work states,” Maisch said. of the employees having ties victim “related that she is around the home (Welch) was the proper thing to do The chamber supports with Rob Serpico, Melrose no longer in a relationship then was able to grab a as a newspaper,” Dwyer Gov. Bruce Rauner’s turna- Park’s controversial mayor. with the home owner, Ema- phone and run out the front said. round agenda, a list of meas- “Vampires like this, that nuel C. Welch … and was door to call police.” “The election was ures the governor claims move in and take over school here to retrieve some of her After speaking with over.”Hillside Village Man- will make Illinois more boards — as we are seeing belongings.” Welch’s stepmother, the ager Joseph Tamburino business friendly. Rauner’s a lot of these days — is “During this verbal argu- victim decided not to pursue was an early supporter of insistence on pushing for what is most detrimental to ment, (the victim) admitted a complaint against him, Welch’s political career. nonbudget measures, such our schools,” Harris said. as reforms to collective bargaining, is part of the reason for the budget impasse in the state, the governor’s opponents, including Illinois House Speaker Michael Ma- Chicago Tribune ‘strongly’ endorses digan, said. “I think that growing the economy has to be part of Harris in Dist. 7 state House race the long-term solution to Il- By Vimbai Chikomo Welch tract warehouse offering paydays for all linois’ economic problems,” came under of the donors and city leaders that prop Maisch said. “If there is not The Chicago Tribune has endorsed fire when a it up. It irked me more when the person economic growth, we are not House District 7 candidate Chris Harris 2012 Chicago who ran the District 209 school board going to generate enough in his run against incumbent Emanuel Sun-Times into the ground, to the point where tax. The unemployment “Chris” Welch. report said the state had to step in and oversee its rate is still higher than the The Tribune suggested that Welch he had hired finances, got a ‘promotion’ to the state national average.” was sending out smear mailings because up to 19 close assembly. I think we can do better,” Har- “It is usually the case he “must be worried about his oppo- The Chicago Tribune office. friends and ris said in the article. where we snap back to being nent.” relatives In a Chicago Tribune questionnaire, better than the national aver- “Welch — a former Proviso Township while he was Harris said one of his top priorities is age,” Maisch said. “Now we High School District board president president of the Proviso High School public education and eliminating the continue to lag permanently.” and a consummate insider — is trying District 209 school board. underlying corruption that creeps into The chamber last week to paint Harris as an ‘insider politician.’ In an article posted on oakpark.com, the battle to control school boards. published a new economic That’s laughable. We hope voters will Harris said the school system in Provi- The Chicago Tribune approves of competitiveness study that drop those mailers directly into the re- so Township has failed its students for Harris’ stance on key issues and be- ranked the state’s strengths cycling bin — and drop Welch out of the decades by not putting them first. lieves he has the qualities to serve the and weaknesses. legislature,” the newspaper said. “It would rather function as a con- interests of the people. Page 2 NEWS West Cook News Rauner bypasses union leadership, wants AFSCME members to force vote

By John Breslin en the governor’s hand, Bruce Rauner’s philosophy branch.” proposal will give Illinois ILLINOIS BUSINESS DAILY as the union then has the coming up against a union In a news release af- state workers the worst choice of accepting his last, accustomed to more cordial ter the talks broke down, health insurance coverage Illinois Gov. Bruce best offer or go on strike. relations in the past with Rauner referred to the deals in the nation is untrue be- Rauner’s administration The LRB can rule there is both Democrats and Repub- already negotiated with cause the state will still pay has reached out directly to no im- licans.” other unions, including five 92 percent of the total cost. members of the state’s larg- passe and While the two sides wait Teamster locals. Terranova also denied est union to try to persuade tell the two for the LRB to decide wheth- These unions represent that job security rights them to lobby for an up-and- sides to er to declare there is an 5,000 workers, while AFSC- would be eliminated if the down vote on proposals for a continue impasse, Democratic legisla- ME represents 38,000 state state’s proposals are accept- new contract. to negoti- tors are trying to pass a bill employees. ed. The governor’s main ate. allowing for an arbitration John Terranova, deputy He said that the LRB is negotiator in talks with the Matt process to resolve contract director of labor relations not biased in favor of the American Federation of Dietrich, disputes between the state in the governor’s office, who administration, as claimed State, County and Munici- executive and its workers. led the negotiating team, by opponents. A majority pal Employees has written editor of This process is available said in a letter sent directly of the board was originally to all its members, urging Gov. Bruce Reboot to police, state troopers, to AFSCME workers that appointed by Democratic them to accept proposals Illinois, an correctional officers and the governor wants an Gov. Pat Quinn. put forward by the adminis- Rauner online site first responders, but only in up-and-down vote on those Terranova went on to say tration. that campaigns to improve return for no-strike agree- proposals. that, according to AFSC- AFSCME and the gov- the state’s jobs climate, ments. “Seventeen other unions ME, Senate Bill 1229, which ernor’s office had been schools, taxes and debt, said House Bill 580 passed ratified similar terms and is similar to HB 580, was locked in negotiations over this fight is Rauner’s first Feb. 16 by a 67-46 vote, with conditions by wide margins, an opportunity to resolve a new contract for a year big test of one of the planks two representatives voting often over 80 percent of outstanding contract dis- until talks broke down last of his campaign agenda. present. Those numbers are state employees in those un- putes in a fair and rational month. “You are seeing the first not veto-proof, however. ions approved, and we think manner. On Jan. 15, after weeks big test of Bruce Rauner, “We came out against if provided a fair vote, this “Make no mistake about of what the administration of his campaign agenda to that bill,” Dietrich said. proposal will be approved as it, SB 1229 was AFSCME’s said was no meaningful reduce the power of public “One of the governor’s well,” Terranova said. attempt to rewrite the progress at the bargaining employee unions,” Dietrich chief responsibilities is to The letter was accom- state’s labor laws as they table, Rauner asked the Illi- said. negotiate the labor con- panied by a point-by-point have existed for over 30 nois Labor Relations Board “In this case, he wants to tracts. It’s one of his prime rebuttal of AFSCME’s years to saddle the state’s to determine whether the bring union demands more duties. The governor has claims about the contract taxpayers with a multibil- two sides are at an impasse. in line with the financial been blocked on doing a lot negotiations. lion dollar cost of AFSC- If the LRB declares an conditions of the state. of things, but this is one Terranova said AFSC- ME’s unreasonable contract impasse, it would strength- It’s really a collision of strictly within the executive ME’s claim that the state’s proposal,” Terranova said.

“I’m not saying, ‘Yes sir, Mr. Speaker.’ Report: Higher ed funding Should you agree with the speaker on everything? Shouldn’t you have your own thoughts? I’m going down there to represent the 7th District, shortfalls caused by not Michael Madigan. I’m going down there to … think about what’s best for pensions, admin costs our community, not what (Madigan) says every time.”

By Karen Kidd another post in Wisconsin sation.” last year, earned $307,000 in “That growth and those total compensation in fiscal higher salaries have dramat- — District 7 Democratic state House candidate Chris Those who blame the year 2014. ically increased the cost of Harris state’s higher education The study further shows university pensions, causing funding shortfalls on Spring- how annual pension benefits the state to redirect a major- field gridlock should focus on of average State University ity of its higher-education the real causes of the cri- Retirement System workers funds toward retirement sis: skyrocketing pensions, double over the course of costs,” the report states. Harris said he, unlike bloated administrative costs, their re- According to the report, and soaring tuition and fees tirements. more than half of the state’s Welch, would not be for students, according to the Mean- 2,465 university administra- co-author of a recent study. while, the tors received a base salary of “This is a national prob- report $100,000 or more in 2015, in under Madigan’s thumb lem,” Ted Dabrowski, Illinois says, addition to housing allow- low-in- ances, cars, club member- Policy Institute’s vice presi- By Vimbai Chikomo simply goes along with Ma- dent of policy, said. “Illinois come ships and bonuses many top digan’s agenda and said he is at the top of the problem, students administrators receive. landed the position as state and we’re also having a have not There also are more ad- District 7 Democratic representative on his own budget crisis. The budget cri- received ministrators to pay. The num- state House candidate Chris merit. sis isn’t causing the problem, Ted Dabrowski tuition ber of administrators in the Harris has been very vocal “Mike Madigan didn’t it’s only exposing the cracks grants state’s universities grew by in calling out State Rep. help me with my law degree, of what’s already there.” because almost a third, 31.1 percent, Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Mike Madigan didn’t Dabrowski helped author funding has been suspended between 2004 and 2010 while (D-Hillside) for his actions help me get elected in 2012,” “Pensions vs. Higher Edu- due to a lack of a budget, faculty only increased by 1.8 as president of the Proviso Welch said. “I vote for what cation,” along with Illinois which, as as result, has pre- percent and the number of High School District 209 I believe in.” Policy Institute analyst John vented many from enrolling students grew 2.3 percent, school Rauner and Madigan are Klingner, a report released in classes. according to the report. board. Now locked in a battle over the earlier this month. The report comes as Illi- Meanwhile, in the state’s Harris is state’s spending budget. “The truth is that more nois enters its eighth month community colleges, the questioning With neither willing to than 50 percent of Illinois’ without a budget. The state number of administrators Welch’s ties budge on key issues, the $4.1 billion budget for state began operating without a grew 13.5 percent, faculty by to Illinois state has been running universities is spent on budget July 1 when Repub- 6.8 percent and students 3.9 House without a budget since July. retirement costs – making lican Gov. Bruce Rauner percent over the same period, Speaker The power struggle has it easy to understand why vetoed an out-of-balance the report says. Michael led Rauner and his allies to there’s not money out there spending package sent to him “Rather than making Madigan. make a joint effort to weak- for much else,” the report by the Democrat-controlled education affordable and An en Madigan’s power in the General Assembly. accessible, colleges and uni- article on says. Madigan House by supporting a few Among other things, the One major obstacle to versities have turned into job oakpark. Democrats in their primary report chronicles the dou- approving a budget has been opportunities for high-paid com said campaigns. bling of tuition rates over the pension costs, which are part administrators and execu- that during a candidates The Forest Park Review past decade, which it asserts of the real cause of the high- tives,” Dabrowski said. forum in Broadview on said Turnaround Illinois, has made a college education er education crisis in Illinois, Skyrocketing costs have Monday, Harris, a former a PAC created to promote too expensive for many low- Dabrowski said. forced the difficult choice Forest Park commissioner, Rauner’s “Turnaround Agen- and middle-income students. Citing its analysis of state many students have to make and Welch had some heated da,” contributed $1.8 million The study shows an data and education spending between crippling student exchanges regarding where to conservative radio host imbalance of state spend- reports, Dabrowski’s and loan debt or no higher educa- the blame for the state’s Dan Proft’s Liberty Princi- ing devoted to retirement Klingner’s report found that tion at all, Dabrowski said. financial crisis should fall. ples PAC in January. Proft’s costs versus operations. In more than half of state uni- He said that more than Welch blamed Gov. Bruce PAC, in turn, reported spend- 2006, the amount allocated versities’ budgets are spent 1.7 million Illinois residents Rauner, and Harris blamed ing $14,166.67 in newspaper to retirement costs was on pension costs for school hold student-loan debt, a total Madigan. ads supporting Harris. 17 percent; operations, 83 faculty and administrators. that approaches $50 billion. Harris criticized Madi- “Independent thought percent. In 2015, the amount “That money isn’t being “It used to be you could gan for his vast power over is desperately needed in allocated to retirement costs spent to teach our students,” work part time and go to the legislative body and his Springfield,” Proft wrote was 53 percent; operations, 47 Dabrowski said. “That mon- college,” Dabrowski said. role in the state’s ongoing in an email to the Forest percent. ey isn’t making it into the “That isn’t possible anymore, problems, and said that if Park Review. “Chris Harris It also shows the gener- classroom.” tuition is just too high.” elected, he would challenge doesn’t share my views, but ous compensation for the Pensions are only part of Dabrowski added he has Madigan in Springfield. at least he is his own man. top chief executives at state the issue, Dabrowski said. first-hand experience with “I’m not saying, ‘Yes sir, Chris Welch does what he’s universities and community He pointed to skyrocketing the higher education crisis Mr. Speaker.’ Should you told to do by Ron Serpico, colleges. increases in administrative in Illinois because he has a agree with the speaker on Mike Madigan or whoever Dale Chapman, president pay and overhead. daughter in college. everything?” Harris said. is lining his pockets at any of Lewis and Clark Commu- The report says that rath- “Families and students “Shouldn’t you have your given moment. That’s the nity College, based in God- er than keeping tuition low know there is a higher own thoughts? I’m going difference, and it’s a big frey, earned even more than for students, state colleges education crisis,” he said. down there to represent the one.” the College of DuPage chief and universities have taken “The problem is they want 7th District, not Michael Harris released a state- executive ($495,092) with a “the flood of federal and to blame the state and the Madigan. I’m going down ment addressing the Liberty whopping $540,403 total com- state monies available to budget impasse. What they there to … think about Principles PAC’s contribu- pensation package in fiscal higher education over the really need to focus on is the what’s best for our commu- tion, said he did not seek year 2014. past two decades and spent real causes, and colleges and nity, not what (Madigan) assistance from Proft’s PAC Southern Illinois Univer- it on a massive increase in universities need to make says every time.” and said he rejects Rauner’s sity Edwardsville chancellor administrative positions and higher education affordable Welch was quick to strategy to solve the budget Julie Furst-Bowe, who took exorbitant executive compen- and accessible again.” dispute the notion that he stalemate. West Cook News GOVERNMENT Page 3

Our View: Political partisans From the Publisher

Why West Cook News? posing as reporters Our Representative Republican form of government relies on an informed citizenry to function well. Reporters are reputed to for the Daily Herald for nine nor. Even then, their belated As such, our goal is two-fold: (1) to provide news about have a nose for news and be years and the Springfield bu- coverage of this massive state and local policy matters and politics to help you able to smell a story, but some reau chief for the Sun-Times story seemed designed to assess whether the policy decisions made by your elected of them, like the proverbial for 19 years. undermine first Rauner’s officials are aligned with your values and to explain cuckolded husband, seem to Crain’s Chicago Business’ candidacy and then his ef- be the last to know. “blogger and columnist on forts to implement necessary how those decisions impact your quality of life; and (2) Sometimes a story is right politics and government in reforms. to offer quality local content to help you stay abreast of under their noses, and they Chicago, Illinois and the An anti-Rauner article by what’s happening in the community you call home. appear unable to see it. nation,” Hinz “joined Crain’s McKinney during the elec- We will present the policy arguments being made Are their noses too big, in 1996, after four years as tion led ultimately to that and frame the choices being offered in order to foster a too stuffed up or bent out of political editor of Chicago reporter’s resignation, follow- dialogue that produces the most productive outcomes shape, too brown, or in the magazine and nearly two dec- ing charges that his wife had available. air? ades as political editor and ties to an anti-Rauner PAC. Such questions might be columnist with the Lerner A patronizing piece by We will provide contextual and consequential infor- asked of a quartet of long- Newspapers chain.” Hinz, exhorting Rauner to mation to give you the whole story. time political reporters in These guys are not cub re- abandon his reform plans, is This is a community forum where we speak with you Chicago: Ray Long, Rick porters. They’ve been around typical of recent efforts from rather than talking at you. Pearson, Dave McKinney and a long time and share more this phony foursome. Consistent with that notion, we want to hear from Greg Hinz. than 100 years of journalistic “Much as it stings, you you. We welcome your story ideas, your editorial sub- Before joining the Tribune experience. don’t always win,” Hinz missions, and your constructive critiques. Tell us which in 1998 and beginning his Nevertheless, all four of counseled. “When the price current statehouse coverage, them managed to miss – or of a deal is just too high to stories you find helpful, which stories you enjoy and, Long, according to his staff insisted on ignoring – the ever pay off, you’re better off conversely, which stories missed the mark. bio, “covered Chicago City biggest story of the last 15 letting it go,” he wrote in a We want this outlet to be of value to you. We know that Hall, Cook County courts and years, the burgeoning public column headlined, “You’ve will only happen if we build trust, if we listen, if we government, the state beat pension crisis brought on by got to know when to fold ‘em, respect the broad spectrum of views on the wide array and federal courts for AP, the two Democratic governors Bruce.” of issues we cover, and, ultimately, if we provide quality Peoria Journal Star and the and a legislature controlled Maybe Hinz and his three content. Chicago Sun-Times.” like a vice-grip by Democrat- comrades are the ones who Pearson “has been the Chi- ic House Speaker Michael should think about folding, cago Tribune’s chief political Madigan and Senate Presi- giving up their journalism Thank you, reporter since 1998 (and) has dent John Cullerton. careers in favor of something Liberty Principles PAC covered Illinois and national They didn’t seem to notice more appropriate for them. politics for more than three the pension problem at all, Surely they could use their decades,” his bio said. until Bruce Rauner made the connections to get state jobs Now working for Reuter’s, solution of it the cornerstone or positions as Democratic McKinney was a reporter of his campaign for gover- Party flacks. Contact us [email protected] 708-290-8013 twitter: @westcooknews

Still no answers in Mautino’s The data presented in this issue was generated from public records and has been reviewed for accuracy. If we questionable campaign spending inadvertently presented any data in error, please alert us via email or phone. If any errors should be discovered we will issue a prompt correction in the next edition. LOCALLABS NEWS SERVICE were concealed from his request: an email from Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) Paid for by Liberty Principles PAC Despite the Illinois State on behalf of 11 other state Board of Elections and the representatives, dated Feb. Edgar County Watchdogs 1, asking Mautino to “add launching investigations clarity to the reporting and into Auditor General Frank suspect spending from your to defraud any party, public the vehicles were used for. Mautino’s campaign finance now closed campaign fund”; officer, or entity, alters, NBC Chicago also report- records, the former state an official letter correspond- destroys, defaces, removes, ed that, since 2013, Patty representative has remained ing with the email giving or conceals any public record Maunu, Mautino’s campaign relatively mum amid grow- Mautino 10 days to respond commits a Class 4 felony.” treasurer, received 16 paying scrutiny. in writing; an email from Other troubling expens- ments totaling $23,800 report- The scrutiny began in Mautino’s email account es in Mautino’s reporting edly for meeting expenses January when Mautino’s dis- to Wehrli stating Mautino include an additional $30,000 -- although no details were closure reports showed ex- was asking for more time; in state travel reimburse- provided on the spending. travagant spending -- to the and Mautino’s Feb. 9 letter ments for legislative duties Interestingly, the reporting tune of more than $200,000 Auditor General Frank to Wehrli indicating that and service on audit com- suggested that no single ven- -- on gas and vehicle repairs Mautino although the auditor gener- missions since 2005 – paid by dor received more than $150. over the span of 11 years to al was working to meet the the General Assembly to taxpayers’ money; $271,417 An amount more than $150 Happy’s Super Service in deadline, he would need more replace William Holland, in state agency payments to an individual or entity in Spring Valley, which is Mau- time. “No one wants to clear who retired as Illinois au- to family-owned Mautino a quarterly reporting period tino’s hometown. up this matter more quickly ditor general after 23 years Distribution Company since would require disclosure of Edgar County Watch- than I do,” Mautino wrote. of service. Holland had a 2005, with increased annual the individual’s or entity’s dogs, which has called out Allen made a second FOIA reputation of fairness and payments occurring after name and address. mayors, board chairmen request Feb. 14, requesting nonpartisanship. Mautino’s promotion into Due to increased scrutiny. and state’s attorneys since correspondence received and For the past several Madigan’s House Majority Mautino retained public rela- 2010, quantified the amount responded to between Feb. months, Edgar County leadership team in 2009; tions consultant Ryan Keith to be $213,338.31. Irregular- 10 and Feb. 15, and alleges Watchdogs covered the $33,000 paid to his wife’s to address questions about ities in payments to Spring that this time, two docu- scandal extensively on the family’s pizza restaurant his campaign spending. In Valley City Bank also raised ments were concealed. group’s website and probed since 1999; and $273,973 paid January, Keith released a eyebrows. “It is clear that a total into what appears to be a po- to a local bank from his cam- statement referencing Mau- After weeks of dodging of six public records were tential violation of both the paign fund. tino’s “exemplary service to questions about his cam- concealed in my FOIA Freedom of Information Act The payments made to his communities” during his paign spending, Mautino request,” Allen wrote on and the Local Records Act by Spring Valley City Bank 24 years in the Illinois House. claimed to be extensively the group’s website. “Based allegedly concealing certain were made in round figures “During his legislative reviewing his campaign on the response from the records requested by various between $100 and $300, with career, Frank ran for re-elec- expenditures during a news auditor general in his letter entities. vague purposes listed, such tion every two years,” Keith interview on Feb. 18. attached in both responses, On Feb. 9, Kirk Allen of as “Chicago meeting,” “gas” said in a statement. “His “What I’ve done is, I am none of the above identified the Edgar County Watch- or “parking,” according to campaign committee, Com- going through many of documents are referenced dogs sent a FOIA request via Chicago’s NBC affiliate. mittee for Frank J. Mautino, the receipts that were held as being denied or redacted. email to the Office of Au- In addition, Mautino’s fully disclosed and reported by my campaign commit- It is clear the records were ditor General for a copy of campaign purchased four all spending by the campaign tee,” Mautino said. “I’ve concealed without lawful any communication received vehicles – one for Mautino in compliance with Illinois got some people helping authority. Now the question in the last 30 days by the (although he claimed it was campaign finance and disclo- me organize it so that I can is, was the concealment of office or Mautino from any “primarily driven” by a cam- sure laws. His reports fully make a statement that’s full these communications done individual, group or legis- paign worker) and another detail campaign expendi- and accurate, and reflects with an intent to defraud?” lators seeking a response or for a campaign worker. tures that were made to help the spending in the areas of The Local Records Act answers to questions about Illinois state law prohibits defray the standard, reasona- my campaign.” prohibits the concealment of Mautino’s campaign records, politicians and candidates ble expenses incurred while The former deputy leader records made or received by and a copy of any response from using campaign money Frank performed the govern- in the General Assembly any officer or agency, stating Mautino provided. to buy vehicles unless they mental and public service was nominated by influen- that “any person who know- The auditor general’s of- will be used primarily for duties of serving as state tial House Speaker Michael ingly, without lawful au- fice responded, but Allen al- campaign or government representative of his large, Madigan and appointed by thority and with the intent leges four specific documents work, which Mautino says mostly rural district.”

Government Notes Park District of Oak Park Board green space, paths, playgrounds, bath- To make these properties less with fewer concerns on security.” reviews 2015 usage, other data rooms and other features. vulnerable to burglary, vandalism Board members said the low- and other criminal elements while Vera Yates housing complex’s The Park District of Oak Park est-scoring parks are already sched- the CCLBA rehabilitates and tran- Board reviewed the 2015 Performance uled for improvements over the next sitions the properties back onto the waiting list opened Measures for the district -- including three years. market, CCLBA will install DAWGS’ The Housing Authority of Cook goals, satisfaction scores, pass sales, steel door and window guards on its County recently opened the waiting live data, participation, graphs and list for its Vera Yates Family Housing CCLBA turns to security firm to buildings. The guards function on a wellness -- at a recent meeting. key-less, lock-less electronic coding complex in Ford Heights for the first Year-end financial data has not yet protect rehab properties system that can be controlled remote- time since 2009. been finalized. The Cook County Land Bank Au- ly by CCLBA. “We have worked extremely hard The board also received a center-uti- thority will have some help keeping “We made the decision to partner on rehabilitating and upgrading these lization report on usage information the county’s vacant properties intact with DAWGS because they offered a units so that families have a place to for PDOP sites, including peak hours, through a recent exclusive security solution to a serious, ongoing prob- call home,” HACC Executive Director scheduling and program use. The data agreement with the vacant-property lem,” CCLBA Executive Director Richard Monocchio said. also compared how location affects a security company Door and Window Robert Rose said. “Now that we are More than 400 people showed up center’s usage. Guard Systems. working with DAWGS, we no longer for the announcement at the afforda- The board examined four months’ The CCLBA was founded in 2013 have these challenges; we are able to ble-housing complex, 1055 Berkeley, worth of report cards for each PDOP to help facilitate the purchase and re- get vacant properties back to the com- to fill out and submit applications, as park in the form of visitor comment development of vacant and blighted munity quicker, more efficiently and well as tour the rehabilitated apart- cards. Parkgoers rated sidewalks, properties in the county. ments. Page 4 NEWS West Cook News

SPECIAL REPORT: LOCAL FIREFIGHTER PENSIONS State Pension Rules Soaking Illinois Taxpayers

Years ago, elected officials in Springfield placed mandates on the pension The preamble to the Illinois Insurance Department’s Privacy Policy is benefits provided by municipal governments to their workers. These offi- restated here: cials never explained the size of the burden being placed on local taxpay- Pursuant to the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional ers. If they had explained it, local taxes would have soared and the taxpay- form of government, it is declared to be the policy of the Illinois Department of ers would never have agreed. Based upon publicly available data from the Insurance that all persons are entitled to full and complete information in ac- Illinois Department of Insurance, we provide an illustration of the obliga- tions that exist to one valued group of public employees – firefighters. cordance with law regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees. The access to this information is not intended to be used to violate individual Readers can visit this site directly at: https://insurance2.illinois.gov/ privacy, nor to further a commercial enterprise, nor to disrupt the duly-under- Applications/Pension/FOIAReporting/FOIAPortal.aspx taken work of any public body…

Data source: Illinois Department of Insurance

Total Property Property Taxpayer 2015 Total % Deficit Taxpayer Contribution Per Firefighter Firefighter Pension 2005 Total Firefighter Increase Fire District Households Contribution Household Pension Deficit Deficit Per Household Pension Deficit 2005-15 Bellwood 6,116 $859,570 $141 -$12,232,578 -$2,000 -$212,105 5,667% Berwyn 18,401 $2,036,570 $111 -$45,702,021 -$2,484 -$32,740,612 40% Broadview 3,181 $1,356,664 $426 -$17,069,213 -$5,366 -$11,473,356 49% Brookfield 7,006 $777,356 $111 -$7,390,462 -$1,055 -$3,839,526 92% Cicero 21,792 $3,791,278 $174 -$65,825,800 -$3,021 -$41,542,111 58% Elmwood Park 9,372 $1,215,630 $130 -$18,223,562 -$1,944 -$13,168,448 38% Forest Park 7,178 $547,776 $76 -$15,939,912 -$2,221 -$6,305,804 153% Forest View 302 $236,145 $782 -$3,774,209 -$12,497 -$1,229,813 207% Hillside 2,991 $760,321 $254 -$12,397,102 -$4,145 -$4,933,153 151% Maywood 7,635 $1,419,134 $186 -$27,078,300 -$3,547 -$13,927,977 94% Melrose Park 7555 $2,310,781 $306 -$57,528,665 -$7,615 -$26,306,247 119% River Forest 3895 $660,354 $170 -$1,085,426 -$279 -$6,566,495 83% Westchester 6693 $605,068 $90 -$9,373,875 -$1,401 -$3,060,185 206%

Bellwood Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of Dec. 31, 2014

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Salvatore S. DeRose, Jr. $126,640 2014 2 $162,297 $3,322,493 $81,830 $52,508 Andre F. Harvey $204,431 2014 2 $380,190 $7,783,131 $191,694 $123,003 Anthony J. Rajcevich $155,704 2013 3 $287,633 $4,350,348 $99,700 $68,752 James W. Bajkowski $141,771 2012 4 $358,738 $4,275,556 $108,111 $67,570 Andrew Englund $122,036 2011 5 $397,413 $3,887,611 $81,918 $61,439 Joseph Rajcevich $117,184 2011 5 $397,413 $3,887,611 $81,918 $61,439 Glenn E. Larson, II $103,612 2010 6 $352,757 $2,913,035 $75,419 $46,037 Richard Bay $75,479 2009 7 $385,234 $2,741,240 $79,368 $43,322 Terrence Heflin $87,116 2006 10 $705,633 $3,486,125 $84,761 $55,094 Dominic Conversa $91,002 2003 13 $1,180,716 $4,372,558 $101,127 $69,103 Robert Hill $87,020 2003 13 $1,071,295 $3,967,338 $92,035 $62,699 Milan Obradovich $100,730 2003 13 $1,179,401 $4,367,685 $92,035 $69,026 Richard DeAngelis $0 2001 15 $1,130,337 $3,548,325 $75,609 $56,077 James Muccianti $0 2001 15 $1,143,036 $3,588,189 $75,609 $56,707 Terrance Oddo $0 2000 16 $690,996 $2,009,201 $53,856 $31,753 Daniel Byron $0 1999 17 $1,074,652 $2,904,176 $61,196 $45,897 David Stelter $0 1996 20 $1,375,353 $3,034,778 $68,435 $47,961 Bernard Rubicz $0 1993 23 $1,334,267 $2,452,386 $53,274 $38,757 Erwin Davis $38,910 1991 25 $933,292 $1,531,784 $37,243 $24,208 Daniel Antonovich $0 1988 28 $909,125 $1,272,163 $32,253 $20,105 Robert Rajcevich $0 1985 31 $1,013,933 $1,221,985 $28,400 $19,312 Joseph Masek $0 1984 32 $963,036 $1,106,380 $26,900 $17,485 Alfred Quattrochi $0 1984 32 $909,335 $1,044,686 $25,400 $16,510 George Marousek $0 1982 34 $1,049,622 $1,098,470 $30,908 $17,360 Paul Keller $0 1976 40 $575,811 $575,811 $14,000 $9,100 TOTALS $1,451,635 $19,961,515 $74,743,064 $1,181,224

Broadview Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of April 30, 2015

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Jack A. Kowalski $168,075 2014 2 $212,002 $4,340,034 $97,117 $68,589 Carl A. Lite $182,345 2014 2 $211,062 $4,320,798 $91,047 $68,285 Scott R. Karstens $134,223 2013 3 $230,694 $3,489,162 $84,023 $55,142 John Tierney $175,031 2011 5 $547,557 $5,356,372 $112,868 $84,651 Russell H. Schoff $127,924 2010 6 $471,908 $3,896,976 $82,116 $61,587 Steve Knorps $0 2010 6 $16,237 $134,082 $35,070 $2,119 William Bobzin $106,049 2007 9 $693,714 $3,829,017 $87,227 $60,513 William J. Radkiewicz $99,575 2007 9 $553,018 $3,052,432 $70,596 $48,240 Brian Clish $71,341 2004 12 $852,685 $3,454,677 $86,490 $54,597 Richard E. Davis $81,282 2003 13 $773,857 $2,865,831 $77,642 $45,291 Lawrence J. Steffens $91,654 2003 13 $997,824 $3,695,252 $77,865 $58,399 John Summers $80,555 2003 13 $837,896 $3,102,989 $67,446 $49,039 Tate W. Paige $0 2003 13 $585,412 $2,167,960 $60,240 $34,262 Arie Brouwer $77,606 2002 14 $868,383 $2,954,354 $65,723 $46,690 Joseph P. Muchow $74,413 2002 14 $846,120 $2,878,613 $64,990 $45,493

*Based on a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment Continued West Cook News NEWS Page 5

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Anthony Fatigato $47,949 2002 14 $734,434 $2,498,640 $60,750 $39,488 John R. Henderson $86,514 2001 15 $1,195,283 $3,752,200 $84,713 $59,299 Wayne A. Wanshek $0 2000 16 $478,559 $1,391,501 $60,088 $21,991 Ronald L. Wonderling $0 2000 16 $878,668 $2,554,893 $66,601 $40,377 David H. Worth $74,192 1999 17 $1,169,130 $3,159,494 $66,577 $49,932 Michael E. Schenk $64,862 1999 17 $816,368 $2,206,179 $53,639 $34,866 James Kolzow $59,102 1998 18 $807,834 $2,035,144 $50,918 $32,163 Marvin C. Wonderling $68,600 1998 18 $1,128,777 $2,843,684 $64,201 $44,941 Donald J. Gaertner $0 1995 21 $1,358,032 $2,814,008 $66,875 $44,472 James Conners $0 1994 22 $773,871 $1,508,878 $42,330 $23,846 Andrew G. Hedberg $0 1993 23 $1,138,311 $2,092,219 $51,396 $33,065 Herbert H. Davis $0 1987 29 $990,330 $1,317,152 $40,551 $20,816 Paul J. Knigge $0 1987 29 $931,051 $1,238,310 $31,228 $19,570 Sam Sacco $0 1985 31 $975,869 $1,176,110 $28,596 $18,587 Norman G. Zuelke $0 1981 35 $966,603 $966,603 $25,249 $15,276 Russell Schuppe $0 1978 38 $765,069 $765,069 $18,602 $12,091 TOTALS $1,871,292 $23,806,556 $81,858,634 $1,293,677

Westchester Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of April 30, 2015

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Dennis F. Keeffe $146,919 2014 2 $190,124 $3,892,167 $82,014 $61,511 Richard J. Malik $109,928 2012 4 $232,391 $2,769,715 $76,681 $43,772 James P. Waters $135,091 2012 4 $355,457 $4,236,451 $103,004 $66,952 Richard E. Belmonte $163,102 2011 5 $535,222 $5,235,705 $110,326 $82,744 Michael J. Gerace $114,978 2010 6 $440,676 $3,639,063 $76,681 $57,511 Wayne A. Mitchell $114,941 2010 6 $440,676 $3,639,063 $76,681 $57,511 Gary F. Padalik $117,139 2010 6 $440,676 $3,639,063 $76,681 $57,511 Robert J. Finn $107,752 2008 8 $544,467 $3,391,211 $77,956 $53,594 Robert E. Veron $110,699 2007 9 $661,924 $3,653,553 $78,071 $57,740 Thomas P. Rafferty $129,544 2006 10 $1,005,911 $4,969,629 $104,718 $78,539 John R. Vandenbrouke $91,709 2004 12 $812,937 $3,293,639 $87,976 $52,052 Alan R. Soukup $87,798 2003 13 $939,252 $3,478,342 $76,482 $54,971 Jeff O'Connor $52,430 2003 13 $667,323 $2,471,305 $60,086 $39,056 John T. Athans $49,417 2000 16 $747,358 $2,173,086 $52,835 $34,343 Richard L. Altman $56,638 1998 18 $710,330 $1,789,507 $40,470 $28,281 Daniel M. Crowley $34,356 1990 26 $992,786 $1,543,110 $34,510 $24,387 Ralph P. Scalise $32,588 1990 26 $944,586 $1,468,192 $46,404 $23,203 Lee J. Archambault $0 1980 36 $964,768 $964,768 $23,457 $15,247 TOTALS $1,655,029 $11,626,867 $56,247,569 $888,925

Maywood Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of April 30, 2015

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Carl Foreside $122,922 2014 2 $162,127 $3,319,013 $80,696 $52,453 John P. Cadagin, Jr. $146,693 2012 4 $417,192 $4,972,224 $104,773 $78,580 James Samata $123,380 2012 4 $313,483 $3,736,191 $78,728 $59,046 Alfred Molinaro $111,362 2011 5 $363,964 $3,560,411 $86,566 $56,268 Timothy McDonald $85,525 2011 5 $245,386 $2,400,436 $67,442 $37,936 Peter Genauldi $117,719 2011 5 $365,362 $3,574,078 $75,311 $56,484 Michael J. Wurtz $100,576 2011 5 $349,850 $3,422,343 $83,210 $54,086 Keith Dobberfuhl $121,787 2010 6 $473,065 $3,906,530 $82,777 $61,738 Kenneth Mette $100,608 2009 7 $458,622 $3,263,457 $71,549 $51,575 Donald Zeller $116,795 2009 7 $564,832 $4,019,225 $84,692 $63,519 Michael Baker $0 2009 7 $45,066 $320,682 $28,962 $5,068 Dennis G. Alund $109,626 2008 8 $5,652,953 $35,209,393 $75,256 $556,442 John Molinaro $96,129 2007 9 $596,787 $3,294,019 $73,064 $52,058 Harold E. Sanger, III $0 2007 9 $25,782 $142,308 $21,168 $2,249 Robert Ruffolo $94,764 2007 9 $536,372 $2,960,555 $64,442 $46,788 Anthony Squeo $90,189 2007 9 $502,542 $2,773,828 $67,442 $43,837 Joseph Klein $90,085 2006 10 $565,195 $2,792,304 $64,187 $44,129 Grady Rivers, Jr. $74,882 2006 10 $518,793 $2,563,055 $62,318 $40,506 Jerry Ruffino $81,057 2006 10 $534,367 $2,639,999 $64,187 $41,722 William Mackie $85,240 2006 10 $608,601 $3,006,746 $69,538 $47,518 Dean S. Berndt $44,638 2004 12 $578,764 $2,344,880 $57,013 $37,058 Guy V. Lentini $76,863 2004 12 $593,617 $2,405,055 $57,013 $38,009 David Flowers, Sr. $0 2003 13 $599,525 $2,220,226 $55,040 $35,088 Marvin A. Cox $79,117 2003 13 $907,164 $3,359,510 $81,682 $53,093 Quintin B. Parrish $9,099 2002 14 $557,521 $1,896,760 $44,579 $29,976 Kevin Conway $0 2001 15 $872,571 $2,739,152 $59,709 $43,289 John Wachal $0 2000 16 $883,063 $2,567,675 $57,970 $40,579 Micheal E. Dravo $0 1998 18 $951,553 $2,397,209 $54,642 $37,885 Dennis Miller $0 1996 20 $802,942 $1,771,726 $50,000 $28,000 Alvin Harvey $0 1994 22 $699,230 $1,363,343 $40,148 $21,546 Thomas C. Rocco $0 1994 22 $846,890 $1,651,249 $40,148 $26,096 Charles A. Lockwood $0 1991 25 $986,380 $1,618,915 $39,361 $25,585

*Based on a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment Continued Page 6 NEWS West Cook News

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Peter Pocrnich $0 1991 25 $930,516 $1,527,228 $37,133 $24,136 Lawrence Miller, Jr. $0 1989 27 $848,186 $1,250,143 $36,815 $19,757 Jessie Simpson $0 1988 28 $929,971 $1,301,333 $31,640 $20,566 Raymond Billings $0 1986 30 $743,440 $940,787 $28,962 $14,868 Raymond Anderson $0 1986 30 $724,089 $916,299 $28,962 $14,481 Robert A. Hooser $0 1982 34 $1,215,409 $1,271,973 $31,328 $20,102 Frank Andre, Jr. $0 1978 38 $802,782 $802,782 $22,656 $12,687 TOTALS $2,079,056 $28,773,954 $126,223,043 $1,994,803

Forest Park Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of April 30, 2015

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Amy K. Karol-Strong $74,750 2014 2 $131,419 $2,690,367 $85,036 $42,518 Donald J. Cheval $114,782 2010 6 $575,443 $4,751,960 $100,132 $75,099 Thomas J. Matousek, Jr. $107,452 2009 7 $578,384 $4,115,657 $86,724 $65,043 Andrew J. Ferraro $61,133 2009 7 $352,883 $2,511,043 $79,369 $39,684 Mario J. Tricoci $118,669 2009 7 $591,403 $4,208,293 $88,676 $66,507 James E. Urban $84,781 2007 9 $563,220 $3,108,747 $92,845 $49,130 Mark S. Anderson $74,870 2005 11 $700,490 $3,123,174 $72,674 $49,358 Timothy J. Petrey $79,521 2005 11 $700,064 $3,121,276 $73,762 $49,328 Thomas J. Hardin $53,396 2005 11 $723,283 $3,224,795 $78,405 $50,964 Stuart Bledsoe $26,898 2004 12 $529,927 $2,147,016 $67,862 $33,931 Clifford J. Leber $75,816 2003 13 $837,896 $3,102,989 $65,385 $49,039 Timothy B. Rehor $87,837 2003 13 $1,068,784 $3,958,037 $92,669 $62,552 Donald A. Olson $74,844 2003 13 $837,896 $3,102,989 $65,285 $49,039 Robert J. Santelli $76,005 2003 13 $777,001 $2,877,474 $76,056 $45,475 Ronald W. Behnke $64,374 2001 15 $892,889 $2,802,935 $63,581 $44,297 Shayne H. Ryerson $72,502 2000 16 $1,448,408 $4,211,520 $96,812 $66,558 James F. Klein $0 1994 22 $884,828 $1,725,219 $41,947 $27,265 Thomas J. Jerik $0 1990 26 $737,781 $1,146,750 $35,652 $18,123 Richard A. Gray, Sr. $0 1989 27 $1,163,729 $1,715,221 $41,703 $27,107 Rocco Romano $0 1989 27 $728,881 $1,074,299 $33,955 $16,978 Frederick R. Knaak $0 1988 28 $1,330,610 $1,861,958 $41,739 $29,426 TOTALS $1,247,630 $16,155,219 $60,581,718 $957,421

River Forest Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of April 30, 2015

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Paul J. Stamm $200,820 2014 2 $256,724 $5,255,573 $110,744 $83,058 Lester H. Telkamp $154,685 2014 2 $225,262 $4,611,488 $97,442 $72,879 David B. Witken $174,869 2014 2 $258,866 $5,299,424 $116,186 $83,751 Robert H. Schoff $126,508 2007 9 $815,712 $4,502,400 $98,874 $71,155 Arthur Von Dracek $112,195 2007 9 $674,248 $3,721,575 $78,421 $58,815 Patrick J. Casey $102,690 2005 11 $736,311 $3,282,883 $69,176 $51,882 Timothy Marrocco $1,491 2005 11 $11,141 $49,672 $13,000 $785 Russell W. Nummer $109,199 2004 12 $1,142,191 $4,627,623 $97,512 $73,134 Richard Lidinsky $105,375 2002 14 $1,087,144 $3,698,605 $77,935 $58,452 Richard H. Powell $94,579 2002 14 $1,037,299 $3,529,026 $77,595 $55,772 Patrick J. Fahy $0 1998 18 $577,286 $1,454,334 $35,361 $22,984 Richard Rausch $0 1998 18 $884,064 $2,227,187 $54,150 $35,198 Richard E. Bentel $0 1996 20 $1,236,673 $2,728,775 $63,109 $43,125 Bernard F. Gerard $0 1993 23 $807,025 $1,483,315 $41,861 $23,442 John E. Schejbal $0 1991 25 $992,972 $1,629,735 $39,625 $25,756 Thomas B. Riley $0 1990 26 $1,237,206 $1,923,019 $54,601 $30,391 Dennis Law $0 1989 27 $796,283 $1,173,642 $36,728 $18,548 James F. Schejbal $0 1985 31 $1,092,635 $1,316,836 $32,016 $20,811 TOTALS $1,182,411 $13,869,042 $52,515,111 $829,938

Hillside Firefighters Pension Fund Data as of April 30, 2015

Retirees Pension Benefits Years of Total Estimated Pension Estimated 36 Year Retired Firefighter Contribution Since Benefits Distributions thru 2016* Pension Distributions* Final Salary Original Benefit Michael N. Kuryla $209,113 2015 1 $189,616 $5,910,416 $124,542 $93,407 Cheng C. Hsieh $82,980 2014 2 $182,403 $3,734,103 $90,789 $59,013 Richard P. Walendukanis $146,795 2013 3 $306,049 $4,628,888 $103,888 $73,154 Jennifer J. Flynn $53,267 2011 5 $346,053 $3,385,200 $82,306 $53,499 Karl A. Klincik $130,935 2009 7 $620,436 $4,414,889 $99,378 $69,772 Dale Mitchell $83,167 2005 11 $824,812 $3,677,471 $77,490 $58,118 Herman Delawter $71,584 2001 15 $945,862 $2,969,224 $69,305 $46,925 Robert Fox $0 1999 17 $995,769 $2,690,999 $62,426 $42,528 Allen Westphal $0 1998 18 $665,296 $1,676,053 $48,453 $26,488 Laurence J. Bellamy $0 1996 20 $1,085,348 $2,394,868 $58,228 $37,848 Edmund Mueller $0 1995 21 $1,070,955 $2,219,151 $58,129 $35,071 TOTALS $777,841 $7,232,600 $37,701,263 $595,823

*Based on a 3% Cost-of-Living Adjustment West Cook News COMMUNITY CALENDAR Page 7

MARCH 7 Upcycled Collages 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Plan commission meeting Park 517 Des Plaines Ave., Forest 4 p.m. Park The Forest Park Public Library 7 p.m. is offering Upcycled Collages The village of Forest Park will for ages 8 to 11. Participants hold its plan commission meeting. will design a 3-D collage using For more information, visit www. recyclable materials. Registration forestpark.net. is required. For more information, visit www.fppl.org. MARCH 8 Weschester Primary School Great Decisions second grade Fine Arts 735 Lathrop Ave., River 2400 Downing Ave., West- Forest chester 7 p.m. 7 p.m. The Future of Kurdistan will be the Westchester Public Schools has topic of the Great Decisions event scheduled its second grade Fine at the River Forest Public Library. Arts Celebration at Westchester “Sponsored by the League of Primary School. For more informa- Women Voters, Great Decisions tion, visit www.primary.sd925.org. promises to be an exciting series of discussions about international MARCH 24 issues,” according to the library. For more information, visit www. Positive Messages Storytime riverforestlibrary.org. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park MARCH 15 10:30 a.m. Children and families will learn Mother Goose and Babies about social skills and individu- 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest ality through this interactive story Park time. Playtime will follow and reg- 9:30 a.m. MARCH 18 istration is not required. For more The Forest Park Public Library information, visit www.fppl.org. is hosting Mother Goose and FOREST PARK Babies. “This program is a great Sewing introduction to words, rhythm, Eggstravaganza! 121 S. Fifth Ave., Maywood and play for even the youngest 1 p.m. babies, and the fast-moving 7501 Harrison St. The Maywood Public Library structure makes it a win for antsy 6:30 p.m. District is offering a sewing class. toddlers as well,” according to Participants will decorate eggs, make a craft, enjoy a spring treat and play To register, contact Mildred A. Green at 708-343-1847. For the library. For more information, games at the village of Forest Park’s Eggstravaganza! event. The cost is visit www.fppl.org. more information, visit www. $10 for residents and $15 for nonresidents, which includes refreshments, maywood.org. Mother Goose Cafe treats and decorating supplies. For more information, visit www.pdofp.org. 735 Lathrop Ave., River MARCH 25 Forest 10 a.m. Friday Afternoon Movie: The River Forest Public Library has Ceramic Painting Public Library. For more informa- The River Forest Public Library is ‘After the Thin Man’ scheduled its board of trustees 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest tion, visit www.fppl.org. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest hosting Mother Goose Cafe for meeting. For more information, Park Park ages birth through 18 months and visit www.riverforestlibrary.org. 4 p.m. MARCH 21 1:30 p.m. their caregivers. “Join us for cof- The Forest Park Public Library is Adults can watch a screening of fee, stories and play,” according MARCH 16 offering a ceramic painting class Kids Try...Goldie Blox! “After the Thin Man” at the Forest to the library. For more informa- for ages 8 to 11. Registration is 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park Public Library. For more tion, visit www.riverforestlibrary. Red Light Camera Hearing required. “Decorate a mug or fig- Park information, visit www.fppl.org. org. 400 Park Ave., River Forest urine to take home,” according to 4 p.m. 8:30 a.m. the library. For more information, Children ages 5 and older can Batteries Not Included: NBA Lunchbox Storytime The village of Red Forest has visit www.fppl.org. participate in an open build with 2K (Trashcan Basketball) 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest scheduled its Red Light Camera the library’s Goldie Blox sets. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park Hearing at Village Hall. For more Registration is required. For more Park 11 a.m. Drop-In Gaming or Movie information, visit www.vrf.us. 735 Lathrop Ave., River information, visit www.fppl.org. 4 p.m. The Forest Park Public Library is Forest “How great are your skills without hosting Lunchbox Storytime for iPad Learning Lab 4:30 p.m. MARCH 22 the controller? Pretend to be your preschoolers. “Enjoy your snacks 735 Lathrop Ave., River The River Forest Public Library is favorite player in our live-action while listening to some great sto- Forest offering Drop-In Gaming or Movie Quilting pickup game,” according to the ries! Bring peanut-free and aller- 10 a.m. for children and teens in grades 121 S. Fifth Ave., Maywood Forest Park Public Library. For gy-safe snacks please,” according The River Forest Public Library is five to eight. All movies will be 1 p.m. more information, visit www.fppl. to the library. This is a drop-in offering the iPad Learning Lab. rated G or PG. For more informa- The Maywood Public Library org. program, so advance registration “Drop in for some iPad help tion, visit www.riverforestlibrary. District offers quilting classes is not required. For more informa- during the break between our org. every Tuesday. Those interested in Marshmallow Robots tion, visit www.fppl.org. Computer Learning Lab sessions. participating should contact Mil- 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest We can help you with basics of March of the Stuffed An- dred A. Green at 708-343-1847. Park Quilting class navigating your device as well as imals! An After-Hours PJ For more information, visit www. 4 p.m. 121 S. Fifth Ave., Maywood show you how to use it to down- Storytime maywood.org. Children ages 8 to 11 can build Noon load ebooks, stream video and 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest a robot using marshmallows and Park listen to music from the library,” Great Decisions other sweet treats. Registration is The Maywood Public Library 6 p.m. according to the library. For more 735 Lathrop Ave., River required. For more information, District offers quilting classes Children ages 3 and older can information, visit www.riverfores- Forest visit www.fppl.org. every Tuesday. Those interested in bring a stuffed animal, listen to tlibrary.org. 7 p.m. participating should contact Mil- stories and have fun with num- Migration will be the topic of the MARCH 26 dred A. Green at 708-343-1847. Cuentos para Todos bers at this after-hours storytime Great Decisions event at the River For more information, visit www. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest at the Forest Park Public Library. Forest Public Library. “Sponsored EGG-STRAVAGANZA Break- maywood.org. Park Registration is required. For more by the League of Women Voters, fast with the Bunny 10:30 a.m. information, visit www.fppl.org. Great Decisions promises to be 401 Thatcher Ave., River Junction Diner Storytime “Cuentos para Todos is a great an exciting series of discussions Forest 7401 W. Madison St., Forest story time for Spanish immersion Flashlight Egg Hunt about international issues,” 10 a.m. Park full of songs, rhymes and stories. 7501 Harrison St., Forest according to the library. For more Children ages 2 to 10, with their Noon This will be a fun learning and Park information, visit www.riverfores- parents, can eat breakfast with the “Looking for something do to with cultural experience for your little 8 p.m. tlibrary.org. Easter Bunny. The menu features your little one during lunchtime? ones,” according to the Forest Youths ages 9 to 14 can bring pancakes, orange juice and Enjoy a storytime with your meal Park Public Library. For more a flashlight and basket for this MARCH 23 doughnuts. Children will have the at Junction Diner. Forest Park Pub- information, visit www.fppl.org. late-night egg hunt. “Eggs filled opportunity to talk with and have a lic Library will be visiting every with special treats and prizes will Computer Learning Lab picture taken with the bunny. After Tuesday at noon for a special sto- Middle School Drop-In Craft be hidden throughout the Park 735 Lathrop Ave., River breakfast, an egg hunt will follow rytime,” according to the library. 735 Lathrop Ave., River District,” according to the Park Forest at Keystone Park West. The cost For more information, visit www. Forest District of Forest Park. The cost is 10 a.m. is 10 for residents and $12 for fppl.org. 3:30 p.m. $5 for residents and $10 for non- The River Forest Public Library nonresidents per person. For more Children and teens in grades five residents. For more information, is offering a Computer Learning info, visit www.rfparks.com. Crafternoon through eight can make a craft visit www.pdofp.org. Lab. “These sessions are designed 735 Lathrop Ave., River at the River Forest Public Library. for the total beginner through Mighty Princess Boot Camp Forest MARCH 19 intermediate home/personal user. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest 3:45 p.m. Space is limited and spots are No need to sign up, just drop Park Students in grades kindergarten available on a first-come, first- Easter egg hunt in anytime during the session to 3 p.m. through fourth can decorate cup- served basis. For more informa- 7501 Harrison St., Forest learn on one of our laptops, or Princess recruits ages 5 and cakes at this after-school crafting tion, visit www.riverforestlibrary. Park bring your own device,” ac- older will be drilled on their program at the River Forest Public org. 10 a.m. cording to the library. For more intelligence, leadership skills and Library. For more information, visit The Park District of Forest Park information, visit www.riverfores- attention to detail with challenges www.riverforestlibrary.org. Jewelry Jamboree 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest will hold five separate hunts for tlibrary.org. and obstacles inspired by mighty Park toddlers through fourth-graders. girls (and princesses) from books, Board of education meeting 4 p.m. For more information, visit www. Cuentos para Todos according to the Forest Park 2400 S. 18th Ave., Broad- The Forest Park Public Library is pdofp.org. 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Public Library. Registration is view offering Jewelry Jamboree for Park required. For more information, 7 p.m. ages 8 to 11. “Create one-of- Second annual Fairy God- 10:30 a.m. visit www.fppl.org. Lindop School District 92 has a-kind jewelry to take home for mother Shoppe Cuentos para Todos is a story- scheduled its board of education 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest yourself or your friends,” accord- time for Spanish immersion full Lego Club meeting. For more information, Park of songs, rhymes and stories. For 735 Lathrop Ave., River ing to the library. Registration is Noon visit www.lindop92.net. more information, visit www.fppl. Forest required. For more information, Free prom dresses for high school visit www.fppl.org. org. 3 p.m. Maywood board of trustees students will be available at the Lego fans in grades kindergarten meeting Forest Park Public Library. For Middle School Drop-In Craft through fourth will be given a 40 Madison St., Maywood MARCH 18 more information, visit www.fppl. 735 Lathrop Ave., River new Lego building challenge each 7 p.m. org. Forest time the group meets. Lego bricks The village of Maywood has Friday Afternoon Movie: 3:30 p.m. will be provided. Registration is scheduled its board of trustees ‘Anatomy of Murder’ MARCH 20 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Children and teens in grades five required. For more information, meeting. For more information, Park through eight can make a craft visit www.riverforestlibrary.org. visit www.maywood-il.org. Sunday Special Feature: 1:30 p.m. at the River Forest Public Library. ‘Inside Out’ RFPL board of trustees The Forest Park Public library will 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Space is limited and spots are meeting show a screening of “Anatomy Park available on a first-come, first- 735 Lathrop Ave., River of Murder” for adults. For more 2 p.m. served basis. For more informa- Forest information, visit www.fppl.org. A screening of “Inside Out” has tion, visit www.riverforestlibrary. 7:30 p.m. been scheduled at the Forest Park org. Page 8 LOCAL SPORTS West Cook News Ex-Fenwick swimming star makes big splash at Patriot League finals

By Greg Travis to the library, I’m being in a produc- and supportive. She has always led tive place,” White said. me in the right direction, and she’s Former Fenwick High School White is also participating in the always been there for me.” swimmer Justin White delivered an Student Athlete Mentor program, Another big influence in White’s outstanding performance for Lehigh which is designed to assist incom- life has been teammate Dan Kelly. University at the Patriot League ing student athletes with their ad- “Seeing his progression, his en- Championships last weekend in justment to college life. Mentors are thusiasm and his dedication to the Annapolis, Maryland. veteran athletes who are selected sport of swimming really motivated The junior freestyler finished through an interview process, then me to look at him as another big fourth overall in the 100-yard dash, trained to act as a first-point-of-con- brother,” White said. “He’s always with a time of 44.66 seconds, fourth tact for freshman athletes. Mentors kept me driven and has held me in the 50-yard (20.37) and 12th in the direct the new students on aspects accountable in every sense of the 200-yard free (1:38:99). Lehigh fin- such as academic scheduling, time sport.” ished in sixth place out of 10 teams, allocation, how to communicate People might be surprised to with a score of 249 and 703.0 points, with coaches and finding tutors. know that aside from being an out- as host team Navy won, with a score The program also helps teach standing student and athlete, White of 951 and 824.9 points. concepts of mindfulness, self-aware- is also an accomplished musician. ness and meditation. But, according to White, there is Justin White He has played the classical piano for no reason to be disappointed. “Lehigh helped me so much more than 10 years and has taken “As a team, we came together “I don’t dread the training through this program, and I’m hon- extensive voice-training lessons as really well, and that’s about all you because you know that whatever ored to be a part of it now,” White well. White also plays the guitar, can ask for,” White recently told the you put into swimming, you are said. including bass guitar. West Cook News. “Individually, we going to get out,” he said. “It’s the Like many student athletes, White is majoring in accounting had some great performances and hardest to stay mentally tough White credits his parents as major and after graduating from Lehigh, a lot of great team camaraderie. throughout such a long season and influences in his development. he hopes to work in a major finan- Everybody was just buying in and to fight through some of the fatigue “My parents have been the great- cial firm in Chicago. having so much fun at the meet, and and stay in the right mindset to est in the sense of being supportive “Besides that, I want to try and really just living in the moment and continue to be a successful student and in the sense of being excited build great relationships and have soaking everything in. You only get athlete.” about my accomplishments,” White great friends, a family and kids over a few of these that are really special White combats these challenges said. the next 20 or 30 years,” White said. to you.” by treating every day like it were a Outside of his family members, “I think that living in the moment For White, his greatest challenge 9-to-5 job. White attributes his development and enjoying the small things is lost as a member of the swim team “My hours are a little bit longer to the club coach he had as a kid, in this day and age, so my goals and at the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, than that, (but) I’m always trying to Kathy Rigali. aspirations are to be the best person school is the demanding training be productive, so whether I’m trying “She’s been like a second mom to I can be, be the best father I can be, regimen. to get to a class early or trying to get me,” he said. “She’s been so strong and be the best man I can be.”

Prep Sports

MARCH 15 Soccer: Proviso East sopho- Baseball: Proviso East var- Softball: Trinity High School Volleyball: Proviso West Track: Proviso West High more girls vs. Little Village sity boys vs. Plainfield East varsity girls vs. Lincoln-Way High School varsity boys vs. School sophomore girls 807 S. First Ave., Maywood High School East High School Nazareth High School track meet 4:30 p.m. 12001 S. Naper, Plainfield 7574 Division St., River 4701 Harrison St., Hillside 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside Road, Plainfield Forest 6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. MARCH 26 11 a.m. 11 a.m. MARCH 30 MARCH 16 Track: Proviso East varsity MARCH 28 Track: Trinity High School boys vs. PE Invite junior varsity girls vs. Elm- Soccer: Proviso West High Track: Proviso West High 807 S. First Ave.,Maywood, Baseball: St. Joseph High wood Park High School School sophomore girls vs. School boys varsity track IL 60153, School varsity vs. River- 8201 W. Fullerton Ave., Trinity High School vs. IHSA 9 a.m. side-Brookfield Elmwood Park 7574 Division St., River 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove 4:30 p.m. Forest 6 p.m. Track: Proviso West High 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. School varsity boys vs. East Baseball: Proviso West High MARCH 18 at West FH Baseball: Proviso West High School varsity boys vs. Tennis: Proviso West High 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside School sophomore boys vs. Round Lake High School School junior varsity boys Track: Proviso West High 9 a.m. Elmwood Park High School 800 Panther Blvd, Round vs. Kelvyn Park High School School sophomore girls 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside Lake 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside, track Proviso meet Track: Proviso East varsi- 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside ty boys PE Invite Midwest 5 p.m. Classic Baseball: Proviso East fresh- Volleyball: Proviso West Baseball: Proviso West High 807 S. First Ave., Maywood men boys vs. Plainfield East High School freshman boys School varsity boys vs. Me- Track: Proviso West High 9 a.m. High School vs. Nazareth High School tea Valley High School School varsity girls track 807 S. First Ave., Maywood 4701 Harrison St., Hillside 1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora Proviso meet Track: Proviso West High 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside School freshman boys vs. 5 p.m. East at West FH Baseball: Proviso West High Softball: Proviso West High MARCH 31 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside School varsity boys vs. Elm- School junior varsity girls MARCH 19 9 a.m. wood Park High School vs. Round Lake High School Soccer: Proviso East varsi- 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside 800 Panther Blvd, Round ty girls vs. Steinmetz High Track: Proviso West High MARCH 26 4:30 p.m. Lake School School varsity boys vs. 4:30 p.m. 807 S. First Ave., Maywood Northridge Prep Track: Proviso West High Baseball: Proviso East soph- 4:30 p.m. 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside School sophomore boys vs. omore boys vs. Plainfield Baseball: Proviso West High School sophomore boys vs. 11 a.m. East at West FH East High School Soccer: Proviso East varsi- 807 S. First Ave., Maywood Round Lake High School ty girls vs. Steinmetz High 4:30 p.m. MARCH 21 4701 W. Harrison, Hillside 4:30 p.m. School 9 a.m. 807 S. First Ave., Maywood Soccer: Proviso varsity girls Baseball: St. Joseph High Volleyball: Proviso West 4:30 p.m. vs. Elmwood Park High School sophomores vs. Elm- Softball: Trinity High School High School junior varsi- School wood Park junior varsity vs. Niles ty boys vs. Morton High Soccer: Proviso East soph- 807 S. First Ave., Maywood, 10900 W. Cermak Road, North School omore girls vs. Steinmetz IL 60153, Westchester 7574 Division St., River 350 N. Illinois Ave., Morton High School 4:30 p.m. 12 p.m. Forest 5 p.m. 807 S. First Ave., Maywood 12 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Softball: Proviso West High Volleyball: Proviso West Volleyball: Proviso West School varsity girls vs. High School varsity boys vs. Softball: Trinity High School High School freshman boys Volleyball: Proviso West Round Lake High School Illinois Math & Science junior varsity vs. Niles vs. Morton High School High School varsity boys vs. 800 Panther Blvd, Round 4701 Harrison St., Hillside North 350 N. Illinois Ave., Morton Saint Patrick High School Lake 5 p.m. 7574 Division St., River 5 p.m. 4701 Harrison St., Hillside 4:30 p.m. Forest 5 p.m. Volleyball: Proviso West 2 p.m. Soccer: Proviso East varsity Soccer: Proviso East varsi- High School junior varsity girls vs. Chicago Bulls Col- Volleyball: Proviso West ty girls vs. Elmwood Park boys vs. Illinois Math & lege Prep High School freshmen MARCH 27 High School Science 807 S. First Ave., Maywood boys vs. Saint Patrick High 807 S. First Ave., Maywood 4701 Harrison St., Hillside Baseball: St. Joseph High 5:15 p.m. School 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. School sophomores vs. 4701 Harrison St., Hillside Montini Soccer: Proviso East varsity 5 p.m. Soccer: Proviso East soph- 10900 W. Cermak Road, girls vs. Chicago Bulls Col- MARCH 23 omore girls vs. Elmwood Westchester lege Prep Volleyball: Proviso West Park High School Baseball: St. Joseph High 4:30 p.m. 807 S. First Ave.,Maywood, High School freshmen 807 S. First Ave., Maywood School varsity vs. Guerin IL 60153, boys vs. Saint Patrick High 4:30 p.m. 10900 W. Cermak Road, MARCH 28 5:15 p.m. School Westchester 4701 Harrison St., Hillside Volleyball: Proviso West Track: Trinity High School 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Softball: Trinity High School varsity girls vs. Elmwood varsity girls vs. Downers High School Panthers varsity boys vs. Morton High Park High School Volleyball: Proviso West MARCH 24 Grove North High School 8201 W Fullerton Ave., Elm- 4436 Main St., Downers School High School junior varsity wood Park Grove 350 N. Illinois Ave., Morton boys vs. Saint Patrick High Soccer: Proviso East varsity 4:30 p.m. girls vs. Little Village 10 a.m. 6 p.m. School 807 S. First Ave., Maywood 4701 Harrison St., Hillside MARCH 29 Volleyball: Proviso West 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Soccer: Trinity High School High School junior varsity junior varsity girls vs. boys vs. Nazareth High Downers Grove North High Softball: Trinity High School Softball: Trinity High School School School junior varsity girls vs. Lin- varsity vs. Whitney Young 4701 Harrison St., Hillside 7574 Division St., River 7574 Division St., River coln-Way East High School 201 Colorado Ave., Frank- 5:30 p.m. Forest Forest fort 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m.