10th Amendment Center

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Self-Disenfranchised

One of the latest battle cries emanating from the port side is how plans to require voter ID will “disenfranchise” voters, but democracy has a problem several orders of magnitude worse.

Our nation has 235 million eligible voters, but in the 2008 presidential election, only 129 million voters thought the election was important enough to attend; 106 million couldn’t be bothered to show up. They weren’t disenfranchised by evil politicians, they did it to themselves. President Obama won the election with 69 million votes, a minority of the American population.

If you’re content to be ruled by the minority, by all means, feel free to stay home. The president’s victory margin was 10 million votes, less than 10% of those who stayed home!

In Illinois, one of the favorite complaints we hear is “Its run by Chicago”. Stephenson County has 37,000 people eligible to vote, but in the 2010 gubernatorial race only 14,000 chose to vote. 22,000 eligible voters chose not to vote – they disenfranchised themselves. Governor Quinn was re-elected with a 19,000 vote margin. Our Chicago governor could have been forever retired by Stephenson County alone!

Why would you not vote? Do you think tens of millions of unemployed Americans is OK? Is $3 or $4 gas fine with you? Would you like to see our state taxes go up a bit more, since Springfield clearly still doesn’t have enough money to satisfy their spending habits? Does dumping a crushing debt onto your children not bother you?

“Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them by enlightening them. If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress, and Assemblies, Judges, and Governors, shall all become wolves.” - Thomas Jefferson

Terry Smith
Lanark, IL

Consider Gaulrapp for Congress

I just read your article on the Durbin Debacle concerning George Gaulrapp’s run at the 17th Congressional District seat (Heart of the Matter, Jan. 18, 2012). May I first qualify myself by saying that George is my nephew, my sisters son. I do not support him for that reason alone.

George is one of the persons I admire the most in the world for his honor and integrity. I would never support a candidate only on the grounds of being family or a close friend . . . Favoritism, like nepotism, is akin to in-breeding in my opinion, whether it is in politics, military or on the job as I have witnessed in all three instances.

I have lost a great deal of my admiration for Sen. Durbin since I supported him in past years before retiring to Arkansas in 2007. My hopes and prayers are that the citizens of Northwest Illinois send the best candidate to Washington, George Gaulrapp.

God bless you,
John Veer, Mayor
Strawberry, Arkansas

What DID Ron Paul Say?

This is what Ron Paul said at the CNN Debate on the evening of January 26, in answer to a question from a woman in the audience.

[Suzanne Bass:] “How would your religious beliefs, if you’re elected, impact the decisions that you make in the office of the presidency.”

[Wolf Blitzer:] “Congressman Paul?”

[Ron Paul:] “Well, my religious beliefs wouldn’t affect it. My religious beliefs affect my character in the way I treat people and the way I live. The only thing it would affect ... [interrupted by a long seven second outburst of applause] The only thing that would affect me in the way I operate as a president or a congressman is my oath of office and my promises that I’ve made to the people.”

What did Ron Paul actually mean by what he said?

He said his religious beliefs affect who he is, and who he is affects what he does. He is a man of principle and of principles. He is a man of his word. He keeps his oath and his promises. The way we would say this in theological language is, “Ron Paul fears God.” His whole life declares this truth.

What are the Biblical qualifications for a man in governmental authority?

“. . . You shall select . . . able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness . . .” “Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men . . .” (Ex. 18:21; Deut. 1:13)

Without meaning to defame or disparage the other candidates, this nevertheless reduces the field to only one – Ron Paul.

Ron Paul has always made a point of not making a point about his religion. “My faith is a deeply private issue to me, and I don’t speak on it in great detail during my speeches because I want to avoid any appearance of exploiting it for political gain.” (Ron Paul’s Statement of Faith)

Some shirtsleeve Christians take umbrage at this. They are looking for a little talk about his personal experience, or for how the Bible affects his worldview, or for some special application of a Biblical passage to some governmental task, or some other sound bite religion. They are not satisfied unless they get just what they want.

If you’ve followed Ron Paul long enough, you’ve heard him directly reference the Bible and Biblical concepts – never as a catch or a draw, but as a principle applied – and always applied well. For example, his entire monetary policy is built on the concept of the just weights and measures required in the Bible. (“We must follow the Biblical mandate of using honest weights and measures – not printing money out of thin air . . .” Ron Paul’s Statement of Faith) His foreign policy is in part built on the Christian concept of the just war (“Once war is declared, it must be waged according to Just War principles.”) as well as the Christian principles of mutual respect and the laws of reciprocity. He has publicly made reference to these things repeatedly.

In his statement of faith, Ron Paul says, “Let me be very clear here: I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and I endeavor every day to follow Him in all I do and in every position I advocate.” http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/statement-of-faith/

So what did Ron Paul mean by “my religious beliefs wouldn’t affect it.” Perhaps we should gather our understanding from what was actually said.

The question was how his religious beliefs would impact his decisions. “Impact” means directly affect. He made the point that his oath and his promises would have the most direct effect on how he operated as a president. What does that mean? “In Congress, I never vote for any piece of legislation that violates the Constitution’s strict limits on government power. As President, I give you my word that I will only exercise my authority within the confines of the Constitution, and I will work every day to rein in a runaway federal government by binding it with the chains of that document.” (Ron Paul’s Statement of Faith) In other words, he will not be a law unto himself, but he will follow the rule of law and work to make others accountable to the same rule.

And where did he learn this? From following Jesus. “My parents raised my four brothers and me on a dairy near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they set clear examples for each of us about faith, honest living, and individual responsibility. Their Christian values helped inspire two of my brothers to eventually enter the ministry, and provided me with the foundation I needed to practice medicine and one day become a U.S. Representative.” (Ron Paul’s Statement of Faith)

So what was Ron Paul saying? His Christian values are the foundation of everything he does. He doesn’t just talk about it, he lives it every day. Nobody who has studied the man believes otherwise. Even his enemies praise him for it, including some of the most unexpected personalities. Many people oppose him precisely because they have no doubt that, of all the candidates, he alone will indeed keep his oath and his promises – he has a life that proves it.

So the real emphasis should not be on what Ron Paul didn’t say, but on what he did say. “My religious beliefs affect my character in the way I treat people and the way I live.” This is what provoked the extended applause from the audience. This is what we ought to applaud is what really qualifies Ron Paul to be a man in authority.

Harvey Bluedorn
New Boston, IL 61272
bluedorn at triviumpursuit.com
309-537-3641

Wood’s Morrison City Council Notes

Morrison City Council met on January 23, 2012. Members of the Morrison football team received certificates for the great job they did this year.

The mayor made a statement that the Community Room will not be closing.

Public comment: Nancy Riggen made a comment about the Community Room. She feels there are options and ways to resolve the problems. She just wanted everyone to know how many groups and citizens it affects. I would not be good if something happens that people cannot use the Community Room.

Public comment: Joan Staley handed out statements with a complaint of the poor treatment she received from Chief Melton upon turning in a ring she found in town. She had to contact the Chief several times before he put it in the paper that a ring was found. If no one claimed it, she wanted it back. (Resolution #12-03-Disposal of Property was passed and Joan will receive the ring as a reward. Also, Kendra Kophamer will be rewarded with the cash she found and turned into Chief Melton.

Public comment: Larry Eliase, spokesman for the Deerview Condo Association objected to the proposal to rescind the agreement Deerview made with the City September 11, 2006. Also, City Utility Tax was removed when the Library was paid off---then was reinstated to pay for Street Lights and then the Sports Complex—why do they want to penalize the residents?

Public Comment: Terry Noble stated he has empathy for increased costs but the residents need to be part of the decisions made. We need to work together, meet needs of the residents, and be a part of the decisions made about issues as important as revenue.

Public comment: Terry Wilkens: October 12, 2010 Meeting added a new line item: Water and Sewer Loan--$600,000 to the General Fund. City Auditors urged the city to set up a repayment plan since it was long overdue. The city still owes $400,000 to that department. (Jim Wise stated there is no plan to repay that loan in the 2012-13 fiscal year unless there is some money left over.) 63 hours of vacation time pay for Chief Melton with rolling over 40 hours is approximately another $1,800 extra expense. He needs to take his vacation time. What is his agreement with the city? (He has an agreement with the city, not a contract. Jim Wise stated that he (CA Wise) has the power to make that decision and paying that way is how it is being done and he only reported is as courteousy ). The Sports Complex is dormant now- 2011-12 there is a deficit. Terry asked for full accounting before a new budget is in place.

Department heads reports: Jim Dubois gave a report on the Sports Complex-there were a lot of issues with the weather, drainage and field maintenance. Didn’t meet any of the goals and was over budget. (I asked about a $2065.00 expense since it is the off season. He said he ordered Field supplies at a cheaper rate-and will be selling $600.00 of the product to someone else when it is delivered?? (Is that a good practice?? We pay first, then sell some of it?)

Department head report: Gary Tresenriter said Well #5 had more issues with water and voids. They had to pour more concrete in the hole to get better circulation. The Well house footings and pipe are in. It should be completed by the time the tower is in service. He said we are already getting reimbursed for some of the expenses there from the EPA Loan. (I asked about a $7,370 bill to River City and Fence and Railing. He said it was for decorative railing on the retaining wall on the West end of Morrison. The grading matrix to select a City Engineering Firm has to be in at the next meeting. Dave Pape’s bid for a strip of property next to his at 420 East Wall was accepted.

The first payment for Well #5 well house to Sickley Construction for $87,261.03 was okayed. Layne Christensen Company will receive $76,662.00 for work completed on Well #5 at French Creek Park.

Administrator Wise presented a memorandum for the Fiscal Year 2013 budget to balance the budget:

1. He stated he will be giving Chief Melton 63 hours vacation pay and letting him carry over 40 hours.

2. He would like to increase wages for Chief of Police, Director of Public Works, Director of Sports Complex, Personnel Director, Accounts Manager and Executive Administrative Assistant by 3.5%. (I commented on HOW WILL THESE ACTIONS BALANCE THE 2012-13 BUDGET??? Also, does it have to be a 3.5% increase? )

3. CA Wise wants to raise all the user fees for the community room and charge non-for-profit groups as well. (The city council and the library board asked for a meeting to go over issues-PUBLIC MEETING ON JANUARY 31, 2012 AT THE COMMUNITY ROOM-7:00 PM. We need to go over the present franchise agreements and expenses/income BEFORE any decisions are made.

4. The agreement with the city and Deerview was made in 2006---why change it now? Other condo areas realize snow plowing as a benefit from the city.

5 & 6. Administer Wise and Mayor Drey plan to reorganize and make a new Parks and Recreation Department/Sports Complex with Jim Dubois to head it. Gary Tresenriter, Mayor Drey, CA Wise, and Jim Dubois had discussed it at length. Theresa Farrell “heard through the grapevine” there was talk about the Recreation Program changing. She ran the Recreation Program since 1983 and was not contacted!

(I was surprised and stated that Jim has not shown us he can stay within his budget, so why would we want him to take on more?)

6. CA Wise wanted the council to approve a revised Fee Schedule (in the Codification Book) for the city. Some of the fees are outrageous! (I stated that as councilmen, I feel it is our duty to table all of the amendments as presented until the council has time to go over and discuss the fee schedule, the amendments and the proposed budget for 2013-we need to see the proposed budget in order to make educated decisions! Not sure how these changes will help balance the budget.

Other items for consideration: Set up public meeting with Library board/City Council-January 31 at 7:00 pm Community room. Leo Sullivan-2013 budget-proposing counter to $25,000 authorized for MADC- with fee charges changing at the Community Room with no notice it is a black eye to economic development. Repayment of Funds from Water and Sewer need to be addressed in budget. Micheal Blean-Sports complex continues with negative balance—we do not want an open end negative. Cemetery-maybe contract out the maintenance there. Marti Wood-Public Hearing-Historic Preservation Commission to discuss and define boundaries of the Historic District/Districts on January 31, 2012 at 5:00pm at the basement of City Hall. Gus Hayenga stated that when the Sports Complex was built, it was never intended to make money and the complex did get an award.

Next City Council Meeting will be February 13, 7:00 pm at the County Board Room. Come one and all! It is open to the public. Let your voices be heard-contact your alderman and city hall-let’s work for better COMMUNICATION!

A Morrison Taxpayer
Marti Wood

Capitol Fax

Rich Miller’s Commentary on State Government

Last week, powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan appeared to all but endorse an idea to force downstate and suburban school districts to pay a significant share of their state pension contributions for the first time in anyone’s memory.

Senate President John Cullerton floated that very proposal last year, and Gov. Pat Quinn added his support not long ago.

Needless to say, if all three Democratic leaders are talking about it, you can probably expect some action this year. However, there will be strong pushback from suburban and downstate legislators who’ll undoubtedly fear a voter backlash over potentially massive local tax increases to pay for the idea.

Madigan spoke for well over an hour last week at an Elmhurst College event at the invitation of his old nemesis Lee Daniels, who served as House Speaker for two years after the 1994 Republican landslide. Madigan almost never talks for that long when he speaks in public, so his speech was heavily covered by the media.

As is his custom, Madigan didn’t come right out and officially endorse the idea to ease the state’s ongoing budget strain by passing pension obligations down the governmental food chain to local schools and public colleges and universities, but he did indicate that he was strongly leaning in that direction.

The “normal arrangement,” for pensions, Madigan said, was that the employee and the employer both pay into the pension system. But, local school districts pay just 0.054 percent of payroll into the Teachers’ Retirement System fund, Madigan noted (and when he has it down to the decimal like that, you know he’s focused on the issue), and added that the universities pay “zero” toward employee pension costs.

“And let’s understand,” Madigan said about education employees, “These are people that never got a payroll check from the State of Illinois.” The Speaker went on to note that the state paid $4 billion this year into the pension funds, half of which went to the Teachers Retirement System alone. “So over one half of our obligation to pensions, which is the subject of great public debate today, is for people who never worked for the State of Illinois,” Madigan said.

Madigan also correctly pointed out that the Chicago school system has its own pension fund and pays its own employer share. “You’re never going to read this in a newspaper article... they’re never going to put a paragraph in there talking about that,” Madigan said, echoing others who’ve wondered for years why Chicago taxpayers pay for their own school pension fund while they and the rest of the state’s taxpayers pick up the tab for suburban and Downstate school districts.

“Even I don’t remember why that happened,” Madigan joked. “I’ve never found anybody that can tell me why the State of Illinois stepped up one day and said, ‘OK, school districts, we’ll just pick up all your pensions costs.’”

The Speaker also pointed out that school districts pay the employer share for janitors and maintenance people, but not for teachers, “and the State of illinois has a huge requirement to make that pension payment, huge requirement.”

This is truly an odd arrangement. All state taxpayers fund downstate and suburban teacher pension funds, but Chicago receives just a relatively small amount of state cash for its own fund. It doesn’t seem fair, but, then again, life ain’t fair.

The teachers unions haven’t taken a position yet, probably knowing that freeing up state money could mean more cash for education and that local districts couldn’t short the pension funds because state law forbids it. The state is the only government entity in Illinois that can legally shortchange pension funds, which is what got us into all this financial trouble to begin with.

About half the state’s school districts actually do pay into the pension fund, but that’s because the teachers’ unions negotiated contracts which traded wage increases for their employers picking up the teachers’ share of pension contributions.

It’s doubtful that anything close to the $2 billion contribution to the teachers pension system will be passed down right away, but local property taxpayers may be about to get hit with a big bill nonetheless. Get ready to pay. Again.

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

This will be a long eleven months until the general election of November 2012. It’s a ten year remap year so many more seats are at stake than usual. Due to population changes many elected persons, who are incumbents, are challenging a completely new territory. My representative district, the 89th, has very minimal change. The one half of Byron that I did represent becomes part of the 90th and I pick up Mount Carroll, an area I know well and look forward to running there. Many others, including Congressman Don Manzullo, have very significant changes.

The importance of all of this is as politicians run for office the rhetoric can truly ramp up. The Presidential ads are already becoming ugly and I am personally angry at my own party. I despise negative advertising and this political season, so early on, is already being bombarded with some of the worst I’ve seen. We need good folks to run at all levels and more and more people say to me “why should I expose myself to that”. My answer of course is rise above it, we need good people.

To my great good fortune, I’ve gotten to know many highly respected persons in Northwest Illinois. I enjoy their company and value their mentorship. Perhaps some don’t know that they are my mentors but I cling to their sage advice.

One such mentor is my good friend Gary Quinn, Market President at U.S. Bank and former newspaper publisher. Here is a man who enjoys reading economic textbooks in his leisure time. I’m thinking “you’ve got to be kidding me”, no, he’s not and over breakfast recently he gave me a book “Economic Facts and Fallacies” by Thomas Sowell. He assured me “it’s like eating peanuts, you can’t stop reading it”. Well, he’s right and one of the first quotes that jumps out at you, credited to Henry Rosovsky, is “never underestimate the difficulty of changing false belief by facts”. Well, this might be an economics book but that sure is the seed for negative campaigning. Once it’s out there it’s hard to reverse.

I’ve yet to make up my mind on which presidential candidate to get behind and filtering factual information from misinformation and out of context information is unbelievably difficult.

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.