Oak Forest - The Real Deal
February 2008
 
2/26/2008
I would like to know how you can say that the previous Mayor was crooked.  He investigated Mike Feeley and put the info together for the FBI.  Never once did he offer to allow Mr. Feeley to take off on time due until he could retire.  He did not give him his pension.  What he did do was demand Mr. Feeley's resignation and try to get the State's Attorney to bring charges against him.  Unlike the Queen who would rather pretend that nothing happened and to reward the ex-fire chief money for stealing from the City.  Whether it be 5.00 or 50,000 or 5 million theft should never be rewarded. 
Maybe you should of known that the Queen would turn out to be this way after all she lied all during the campaign.  She made promises she never intended to fulfill.  Including giving positions to family and friends.  She did that as soon as she got in office.
I feel for all the people that voted for her, but remeber you wanted her in.  You got what you wanted so why the big surprise when she turned out to not be what she said she was.
You may not of liked Mayor Gordon, but he brought business to Oak Forest, he didn't raise all the taxes and he was fair in that anyone could talk to him and he would listen.  He may not of agreed with you but he gave you a chance to give your side.  Does your Queen do that.
We need a different Mayor and most of the administration lets make sure she doesn't get back in.
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2/26/2008

The 1st ward is looking like a big junk yard. Take a drive down 170th Forest ave,junk cars with no valid license plates.The ordinance officers have been told about this, an have taken no action. I have spoken to building Commissioner, about junk cars in yards, towtruck with junk auto in driveways. He has not had one car ticketed. These ordinance officer have blinders on. They are hesitant to do this job, because they are AFRAID of the PERSONS WHO HAVE FAILED TO FOLLOW THE ORDINANCES. The City should give the job of ordinance enforcement to the Police Dept. Have the part-time Police Officers take over this job. Ask yourself, why are these part-time ordinance officers making so much money, an doing so little? I have also spoke with the 1st ward Alderman Tony Chinino, who has spoke to the head bulding commisoner with no luck. I started taking pictures of violation in my ward. These people who have their neighborhood looking like trash,have no pride. The rest of use who take care of our home and property care about our City and neigborhood. We help others who are unable to take care of their property, due to health problems. The persons i'm talking about have no health issues.

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 2/26/2008
Lets bring back ex-mayor Pat Gordon. He is not a phoney or bi-polar.
Out with Steve Jones.
Vote for Pat Gordon!!!!!!!
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2/26/2008
To the perosn who said "if you really need to know what is said, go to the meetings.
If you read it correctly the statement was a complaint from residents who DO attend
the meetings, and how at one time one was able to have access to the minutes.
The complaint was how convenient it was for the city to take the minutes off the
website ableing  Kelly's comments and lies not to be seen any longer. I assume
Kelly was tired of back peddling for every lie she was caught in or her rediculous
comments she continues to make. News Flash we have TiVo, therefore we will continue
to take notes and confront Kelly with her Lies.
As for Kelly's rediculous comment that the "Alderman do not have to respond to emails
or return phone calls, are you kidding me, is that not why they became Alderman to
help the residents in their ward, to comply with concerns and issues that need addressing.
Kelly you are NO Leader, you should make it a point that the Alderman comply with the
residents in their ward, yet she tells them "I don't answer to the resident so you shouldn't
have to either" If you answer them, just lie tell them what they want to hear"
Again how Convenient, Kelly you're all about convenience. If it's convenient for you
everything is just WONDERFUL, if not AUHHH the heck everybody else.
Furthermore, We do not need a CVS, or ANOTHER bank in our ward, let's just add more
traffic congestion to 159 & Cicero
Well, I say "Joann Kelly, Keep your crap up, because you are just digging yourself
a Bigger and Bigger hole for us residents to bury you in, in this next election"
The Second Ward
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2/26/2008

Hi the other Sharon! Glad to meet you! I am glad that you posted what you did about your parent's annexation. If my response sounded curt I am very sorry. Unfortunately inflection and tone are lost in these postings....sometimes. Anyway I am glad that things worked out for your parents and that they are happy. What many Oak Forest residents are not aware of is the history our area has had with Oak Forest. Angry at the evil way Oak Forest has annexed us...you bet I am. If a city or village thinks they are going to show up on my doorstep and tell me they've made some life changing choices for me and that I have no input....they can think again. We will continue to be at all the city council meetings, all the town hall meetings and most of the planning and zoning meetings until this issue is resolved. I just would hope for the sake of Oak Forest its leaders would realize their blunder and repeal the annexation. This has not made them look good with any other town. I've been told that there are mayors in other communities that think Kelly is not only a loose cannon but perhaps a "bit nuts." I've talked to other alderpersons in other towns and they can't beleive how "Mayberry" Oak Forest is. As far as Wikipedia my concern is with its accuracy....I know theres been studies done and for the most part it is accurate but theres always the chance that wrong info can be posted. Maybe Mr. Jones and Mayor Kelly have been contributing to Wikipedia???
Sharon Pepper
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2/26/2008
My relpy TO:"Mayor Gordon start Campaigning"
Unfortunately I'm another one of those residents who voted for the Queen
If there is one thing that Kelly has shown us residents, that is "Talk is
Cheap" her promises, her mudd slinging, her ruthlessness has shown us that
she is no leader. I'm bitting my tongue when I say this because I never
thought, along with the rest of the unhappy residents of Oak Forest that
I would welcome Gordon back for a second chance. If there is one thing
Gordon did, that was let the department head's run thier own department.
I have found out that Gordon would have known what was going on with the
Mike Feely case if that RUDE woman Colleen Julian and her sidekick money
hungry, Burkhardt had been doing their jobs, something they are well over
paid for, maybe that wouldn't have happened, if Gordon was a full time Mayor.
My understnding from my neighbors is that Gordon still to this day takes and
returns phone calls from concerned residents, I'm just guessing here, but it
seems to me that Gordon still cares and is willing help us residents out
whenever he can. This shows me that Gordon cares for the resident of Oak Forest
on and off the clock and is not stuck on himself.
As for the rumor of Mr Kuspa running for Mayor? was that's a JOKE? If I
remember correctly Mr Kuspa has stuck by the Queen and her little regime
Stick with your baby Oak Fest. A Mayor you are not :(
"Mayor Gordon,We're one board "LET'S ROLL"  J.P - Oak Forest, IL
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2/21/2008
GINGERWOOD,
        
Ok, We'll go easy on the caps tonight. Have you read the e-mail that was
sent to the alderman in the first ward? Or maybe you are him? Anywho, the main complaint
in the e-mail was the fact that NOBODY stops at the stop signs in gingerwood. I did
recieve an e-mail from the queen herself, she stated the police chief promised a
"SPECIAL DETAIL" at the intersection in question "DEERPATH AND LARAMIE". However,
to date we have yet to see a patrol car even cruise through Gingerwood. Maybe this is
ONE of the MANY reasons for change in our current DICTATORSHIP.

Also GINGERWOOD
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2/21/2008
To the people complaining not all the minutes are not posted...if you really need to know what is said go to the meetings.
To the person, saying the last 2 mayors have scandals under thier belts.  Kudos to you.  The last regime was crooked and this one may be too.  But how were we to know that going in to the election?

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2/21/2008
Someone posted the following:
In reference to the status of the not yet Ex-Fire Chief, he is still receiving his salary and benefits from the City.  Being aware of some of the specifics in the case, the amount is not near the $1000.00 mark as reported by the City, but closer to the $10,000.00 threshhold.  While the City has chosen to handle this situation in the fashion they have chosen(right or wrong, what really upsets myself and many other employees in the City is the way that both a Firefighter and a Police Officer(both of which are on "DUTY RELATED" Disability Pension)in regards to their health insurance which is required to be provided by the City according to State Statute.  They have been dropped and then re-instated at a lesser level of coverage than was in effect during their employment.  There is something terribly wrong in the in the rationale of what is fair when you compare the treatment of the not yet Ex Fire Chief and two employees that placed their lives on the line for the Citizens of Oak Forest, combined they devoted almost 50 years of honorable service to the City, and now are treated worse than someone accused of alleged Official Misconduct.  You be the judge and think of what is the "Right Thing" to do here.

This brings up some questions for me.  It was recently reported that the FBI looked through things and didn't find much there either.  So if the FBI involved in this "cover up" as well?  I'm not saying there were not improprieties, it is clear there were otherwise the chief wouldn't have left, sweet deal or not, however, you say you of "aware of some of the specifics" and claim to have clear knowledge that the amount is near $10,000.  This would seem to indicate to me that you were aware of the situation why it was happening.  Did you do anything to bring it to anyone's attention?   If you didn't, you are as guilty as he is.  Does the state statute say that the level of coverage must be identical to that which they were receiving while on active duty?  I wouldn't want to begrudge anyone, especially a firefighter or police officer what they have coming to them, but this still is a huge benefit that the majority of the population wouldn't receive, they are still being supplied health insurance.  I don't recall reading that the soon to be ex-chief will be receiving health benefits.

Also to the person that had questions about the firefighters and police officers, do you have specific information to back up your claims?  I have been to the police station and have had to wait for someone to return to speak to me, there was no one just sitting around, supervisory or otherwise.  In regards to the firefighters and overtime, that would seem to indicate that they are short on manpower.  Has their call rate risen?  Yet, the overtime would still be less than what you would pay more bodies with benefits.   I'm sure the firefighters just love the overtime, after already spending 24 hours away from their families, the firestation is just the place they want to be.  The police and firefighters are working while the rest of us our home with our families on holidays.  Yes, they chose that profession, but we all expect them to come running when we need them.  If you or a loved one needed a fast response, don't you expect one?  Would you rather live in a community with volunteers, where you had to wait for them to arrive at the station and then head to your house?  Who knows, that could be something the City will try to do next. 
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2/20/2008
Is the real deal logo stolen from the Teamsters Unions?
C.A.N. - We do not STEAL anything for our site, nor does your question make any sense.

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2/20/2008
To:  Sharon Pepper
Re:  Annexation (Wikipedia)
I posted the Wikipedia definition of annexation to point out that the City does not have to ask if anyone wants to be annexed.  And I furthered my point by saying that my parents were annexed on LeClaire Avenue in the 70's without being asked.  Before posting my previous comment, I asked my mother if her and my father had a choice.  She said they were not informed until after the annexation took place.  Don't you think that if I have this information that I should post it?  I also said that I didn't think this was a fair practice.
I understand that the statutes differ in counties/states.  Wikipedia has a "general" definition as they cannot post the statutes in all areas.  Also, I do not care to debate this with you thru email as you are obviously, and rightly so, angered by the annexation.  What good would come of that? 
Sorry you got pulled into our mess, and have a nice day.
(also named) Sharon
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2/20/2008
In response to, "Glad that our Police Department has a good leader"  First of all, I'm not posting this
to bash the Police Department. There are some well respected employee's at the PD.  By all means
explain yourself when you say such things as- "Look at all the new Ordinances - the Police Chief has
put into place" The Ordinances are voted by the council as a whole not just the Chief. I personally have
not seen anything he has done, he is just riding on the coat tails of his buddy the Queen and her demands.  Second of all your grammar if terrible, you do not know how to spell, you do not make any sense and you are obviously not well educated. I would be embarrassed if I were the Chief and or any City Official
who has someone such as yourself posting this type of BS in my defense.
 
Guarantee you this "your lover will be demoted in the next election"
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2/20/2008
Now the minutes on all the meetings are summaries (with alot missing). What happened to OPEN GOVERNMENT!!  Let the people know what is going on, they deserve to know.  If they didn't lie to us, they wouldn't get tripped up in the minutes.  In one of the meetings during Citizens participation it was asked who decided to write summaries to the meetings.  The reply from Scot Burkhardt was "He did".  Who is running the city?  Is that a way for him not to take the time "we deserve" for him tom do his job properly!  If he is the city clerk, he should provide ALL the minutes of the meetings (not just what they want us to see).
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Can you divide all these comments from the public in categories?  There are alot of issues going on in this town!!  It's hard enough to keep up.
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2/20/2008
So, let's see now.  There have been two regimes and now two scandals involving purchase orders/money, etc.  So, what's the common denominator here?  I say maybe we should be looking at the so called City Clerk/Comptroller.  He was present for both incidences and for some odd reason was handsomely rewarded with a made up position (Comptroller) shortly after the Queen took office.  Anyone care to connect the dots?
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2/20/2008
The Next Election !!!!
If nobody steps up to the plate will Steve Jones still be the mayor ?
Will this controlling bum of an individual still be in charge ?
Can the F.B.I. uncover his past ?
These are questions our citizens should raise, this present local government is full of corruption from the word go !!!
Someone please be heard !!!  Not one who owes political favors !!
But one who really cares about our community !!
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2/20/2008
In reference to the status of the not yet Ex-Fire Chief, he is still receiving his salary and benefits from the City.  Being aware of some of the specifics in the case, the amount is not near the $1000.00 mark as reported by the City, but closer to the $10,000.00 threshhold.  While the City has chosen to handle this situation in the fashion they have chosen(right or wrong, what really upsets myself and many other employees in the City is the way that both a Firefighter and a Police Officer(both of which are on "DUTY RELATED" Disability Pension)in regards to their health insurance which is required to be provided by the City according to State Statute.  They have been dropped and then re-instated at a lesser level of coverage than was in effect during their employment.  There is something terribly wrong in the in the rationale of what is fair when you compare the treatment of the not yet Ex Fire Chief and two employees that placed their lives on the line for the Citizens of Oak Forest, combined they devoted almost 50 years of honorable service to the City, and now are treated worse than someone accused of alleged Official Misconduct.  You be the judge and think of what is the "Right Thing" to do here.
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2/20/2008
Hopefully, someone with some new ideas will step up for the upcoming election. The current city government seems unable to porvide basic city services to the taxpayers, ie potholes, salting, water main breaks, and infra structure upgrades. We are already taxed at the same level as Orland, and my home value is no where near what the value is in Orland.
As for the recent garbage fee increase, something seems out of whack. Projected rate increases are based upon increases in labor, and fuel costs, who has the ability to see what fuel costs are to be 3 years from now? How many waste companies submitted bids?
 
If we really want to reduce the burden to the residents, take a good hard look at how much the fire department has paid out in overtime the last few years, and how much it costs us to support the over stock of police vehicles sitting in the halls parking lot and being used for personal business.
And as long as we should be looking at how the departments are run, just how many patrol officers are working the streets? Not supervision positions, but honest to goodness men on patrol? It does no good or project any type of police presence to have the office stocked with supervisors and no one on the streets.Where is the current crime rate at, as compared to 2 or 5 years ago?

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2/20/2008
How about finding out how much salt is used every snow fall in the metra lots? The lot is always wet but the streets are not. Quite puzzling! What about the so called safety committee? All about money and no safety issues.
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2/20/2008
Good Morning,
I recently read the article regarding Don Hall and quite frankly am saddened to envision what has happened to this good man and his wonderful wife.  While I completly recognize the anti-administration slant of this webpage and do not personally agree with the much of the contents as I feel that they are extremely argumentative and counterproductive to the quality of life of the community I do however have an opinion on the Don Hall issue that is based solely on personal knowledge gained as a former Oak Forest public works employee.  The Don Hall that I remember was one who without hesitation would accept and accomplish any task that was assigned to him and all the time with a smile on his face and sweat on his forehead.  Don would be the first person to accept overtime and truly enjoyed tackling the hardest of of jobs.  I recall all so many times where Don would come in after hours to work with us on water breaks and never would one hear a negative word about the time of night or how cold or warm it is outside.  Don loved to plow snow and could always be counted on to be among the number plowing until the streets were safe for your residents.  Don also had a dedicated partner in Public Works as when we were out for hours at a time in the middle of the night his wonderful wife would show up on the jobsite with coffee and soda for the entire crew, never once asking when will you be done.  The Halls are one great couple who unlike many never dabbled in the internal strife known commonly as "Oak Forest Politics" which in my humble view is at the center of what devides this community .  I recall a professor of mine once commenting that as a community if your not growing your dying, this does not always mean that you need to expand but rather you have to dedicate efforts toward improving what you have today and that applies to reexamining this particular case.  Granted, it has been a good number of years since I have seen Don and his wife but I find it hard to believe that he could have changed that much so as to warrent such treatment. As I recall, Oak Forest is made up of a tremendous number of people, both elected and not all trying to do what is best for that wonderful city.  The community as I recall is one like others in that they have that wonderful  Southside "Big Heart" that roots for and supports those who have earned a break, Don Hall is such a person. Finally, my recollection is that Don knows as much about Public Works Operations as any other that I have met in my 35 plus year career in municipal service, may I suggest that given his limitations due to an on the job injury that he be considered for a supervisory position.  I suspect that he immediatly has the respect of the staff probably because he tought them a trick or two over the years. I urge the City to take another look at the talents this man brings to the table and find a suitable for him and his family.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Mike Healy
Public Works Operations Manager
City of Grass Valley, CA
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2/20/2008
Kudos to Troy Ishler and his crew on a wonderful job with the roadway's and side streets.
as a matter of fact the PW Dept just purchased more salt, because they cannot wait for IDOT
any longer.  Stop Complaining and start reading your local newspaper. And Please shovel
your side walks. I agree with the Caps, It is very distracting. P.S. Maybe you should wait for
a reply from the PW Dept and or your Alderman before you post bad comment's about them,
if in fact they do not reply, well then I can understand your frustration. Otherwise be patience
 
Gingerwood
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2/20/2008
The only thing I can say and I am sure you all have heard before. "JOKE FOREST" and all the little puns that under the Queen Jokers control. Oh and by the way, tax me some more and raise garbage prices, Its not like I have to eat or something!!!!!!!!!!

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2/12/2008
I am a new resident to Oak Forest and am appalled at all that I hear about our local leaders.  Coming from a ward in Chicago where we recently ousted a long standing alderman (Natarus), I look forward to future political upsets in Oak Forest.  I am outraged by the annexation and crippled by the new waste policy.  I don't understand why I pay for what gas I use, what electric I use, and what water I use....but when it comes to trash I have to pay for what everyone uses.  I think websites like this are great places for people to discover what is really going on.  Another new forum for Oak Forest residents is www.oak-forest-il.blogspot.com.  My husband created it after being seriously disappointed by the Mayor's response to his unpublished article regarding Oak Forest's waste policy.  The DailySouthtown said they were going to publish his letter to the editor, but we're going on 3 weeks now and losing hope that it will get out there.
Christine
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2/12/2008
Yeah shut the website down! Don't think so! Have you ever heard of freedom of speech or have you been a resident of Oak Forest for solong that you've not realized when rights have slowly been taken away from you? I guess I must be one of the "stupid" people wanting to exercise my 1st Ammendment right. As far as singing my name...no problem. I never even thought about it. I guess just coming from one of the 30 families Oak Forest forcefully annexed without notice I felt I was speaking for more than myself. To the person that added the definition of "annexation". Wikipedia is not the last word nor is it the first word. Statutes differ between counties as well as states. If you would like to discuss this further please e-mail me at Waybeez@aol.com.
Sharon Pepper
unincorporated cook county

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2/12/2008
To the person who is complaining about the salt...perhaps you don't read the papers but many cities are out or low on salt and will not be salting as much.  In case you did not notice, it has been a bad winter.
To all the people who are using ALL CAPS, STOP IT !  It is very distracting.

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2/12/2008
Where is the Queen's impeachment line forming? Should I bring a lunch?

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2/10/2008
I love to see a website where residents who really care about what is going on can air their views without the sanitizing done by the newspapers. Hopefully, the people who elect the imcompetent Mayor and Alderman will pay attention to what is obviously occurring in Oak Forest. It is utterly and completely astonishing that the Fire Chief was caught stealing equipment from the Fire Department and instead of being terminated and/or charged with theft and official misconduct, is instead allowed to retire AND given his time due so he can get his full pension! Are the residents this apathetic and unaware of what a disgrace this is? When someone commits official misconduct as part of their position, they FORFEIT their pension! And when they steal things, they get charged with a crime, not allowed to pay it back. Believe me, the average citizen isnt allowed to "pay back" when they commit a theft. We arrest 16 year old girls and put their name in the paper for stealing make up from Orland Mall!! This guy who makes 100 grand steals from the City and gets a retirement party! This is an absolute travesty. This after all of the fiascos that have occurred over the years. WISE UP Citizens of Oak Forest! Your are being made fools of and you need to take back control of your City Government. I grew up in Oak Forest, moved out, and thank god every day that I did. The City of Oak Forest has been a disgrace every since James Jesk Jr. retired as Mayor. GOOD LUCK to the residents (and hard working, honest employees of the City) you need it!
Oak Forest Resident 1969 - 1985
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2/10/2008
MORE CRAP FROM THE QUEEN!!!! ON WED.FEBRUARY 6, 2008 THE OAK FOREST CHANNEL REPORTED THAT THE CITY WOULD NOT BE SALTING THE NON-MAJOR STREETS AND INTERSECTIONS. CAN SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS IN THE CITY BREAK THIS DOWN TO ME? WITH ALL THESE NESSICARY TAXES WE ARE FORCED TO PAY, WE DONT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY IN THE BUDGET TO SALT EVREY STREET AND INTERSECTION? I SENT THE QUEEN AN E-MAIL, AS WELL AS ONE TO MR CHININO. IM AWAITING RESPONSE. IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH IN BLOOD MONEY (TAXES) THEN WHY DON"T WE DEDUCT FROM MR LAYCOX' SALARY WHILE ON "VACATION" AND THEN TAKE IT FROM HIS PENSION. HELL, EVEN GOV. RYAN DIDNT GET HIS!!!!

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2/10/2008
Is it true that Oak Forest Public Works installed a new parking spot for the Queen's BROOM at the City Hall. How much did that cost our residents? Lets put Impeachment signs up all over the city.

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2/10/2008
Mayor Kelly at one of the Town Meeting you stated that My TAX BILL went down, did yours ? GOOD.  What she forgot to say is that what was taken off our tax bill was added to our PHONE
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2/10/2008
A few years ago I stopped in the Oak Forest Chamber of Commerce office. I was helping with a local fundraiser and wanted to get a list of local businesses. A very young girl was the Chamber of Commerce Director. She was dressed in a very low cut shirt, she kept answering her cell phone and chewed her gum very loudly. Not that any of that has anything to do with how you handle your job, however.... Does anyone remember a very small article about the investigation into Chamber of Commerce. It seems that money was missing from this department also. Businesses pay a fee to be a member of the Chamber and annual dues. Why have we not heard anything about this or the young woman who ran the department. Where did she go? Was there an internal investigation? Where did the money go? Doesn't anyone have any accountability in this City? What has to happen before someone does something?
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2/10/2008
My friend called me to tell me that I was on this thing.So I read it. I haven't written any comments about anyone. I think it's time to shut this down as people are now being a little foolish. If I were to write something about someone my name would be at the bottom. I have the guts that you don't have. So if you want to know what I have to say about this city call me. My home is for sale so that should tell you how I feel. We need to shut this down now, as you people that do things like that are really stupid. you don't play when you write things. Get a life. Mayor Gordon finish the job that you started with the fire chief. You sat at the city council and stated Mayor you need to do it. Well where are you??????????? You sure weren't there when the other case was in front of you. Someone else did your work for you.
Mrs Verla Clevenger.
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2/10/2008
Shift of Power Coming up.... Keep an eye on the rat infested Park District. Suddenly you will see resignations, promotions in other city departments, and relatives of the Queen" shifting over to the park. Loose control of one branch of city government, move to the next. Although the money hungry park board couldnt get any worse if the "Queens" pals moved in, or could it?
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2/10/2008

I'm curious as to how people claim to know that the fire chief took more than $1000.00. Not to make excuses, but is this including the money that he made resitution for or over and above it? One would think that he would have been somewhat careful so how is it public knowledge that he was walking away with all these items? Maybe so many let this pass because we haven't been privy to the information. How is Gordon supposed to help the FBI go after the X Chief? He doesn't have access to the information the city administrator, et all do. Who was watching the store? Seems like we should be looking at the person, people who were paying these invoices. Why didn't they notice anything? Did they and they chose to overlook it? Totally agree with the comments regarding the public works employees. Nice city to work for, get hurt on the job and they toss you aside. "Lets see if we can get this right. If all of the taxpayers knew how much money the X fire Chief took you'd be on her like a bee on honey. It was more than $1000.00. Why is it that so many of you let this pass you by. Lets set the record straight. Mayor Gordon didn't bring in the F.B.I. He had to help them once they came in. But he didn't bring them in. He would have loved to have let it go. Now what he needs to do is help the F.B.I go after the X Fire Chief as he appointed him. Didn't he?????"
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2/10/2008

I don't live in Oak Forest but I realize how lucky I am that I don't. For all you people that live in Oak Forest I hope a tornado blows a house onto your wicked witch. What a mess you have over there!! I wish the market wasn't so bad because I would tell you all to sell your homes and move. All towns have there problems but none seem to have as many as you guys do. I was disgusted by your EX-fire chief. Scumbag! I have two friends that work for OFFD and they are a good bunch of guys who have unfortunatly had to look to someone with NO integrity for leadership. Perhaps they need to bring someone from the outside in but that would be a threat to your fearless leader. Best of luck. Pray for a tornado!

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2/10/2008

The following is a definition of ANNEXATION from Wikipedia: "Annexation differs from cession and amalgamation, because unlike cession where territory is given or sold through treaty, or amalgamation where both sides are asked if they agree with the merge, annexation is an unilateral act where territory is seized and held by one state and made legitimate by the recognition of the international community.[1]" When my parents moved to LeClaire Ave., in Oak Forest in the 1970's, they were unincorporated Cook County, and when they were annexed into the City shortly after (not sure when it actually happened), no one in their area was "asked" if they wanted to be annexed. It turned out to be a good thing because they were then hooked up to the sewers, city water, that sort of thing. Not that I'm defending what the City did, but my point being, the City does not have to ask if a particular area 'wants' to be annexed. Doesn't seem fair tho, does it? Maybe there is someone in the annexed area that is angry enough to run against our current Mayor?

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2/10/2008
SEEMINGLY, THERE ARE SO MANY OF YOU POSTING YOUR THOUGHTS IN REGARDS TO FORMER MAYOR GORDON-FOR MAYOR. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE THOUGHTS OF GORDON HIMSELF, AS WELL AS THE RESDIENTS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, IF FORMER MAYOR PATRICK GORDON WERE TO DECIDE THAT HE WOULD LIKE ANOTHER CHANCE AT BEING OUR MAYOR AGAIN, WHAT WOULD HE DO TO CHANGE THIS HUGH MESS KELLY HAS GOTTEN US INTO? HOW MANY KELLY SUPPORTERS WOULD BACK GORDON, AND GORDON WHERE WOULD YOU START, HOW COULD YOU HELP, IS THERE ANYTHING KELLY AND THIS ADMINSTRATION HAS DONE THAT YOU COULD/WOULD CHANGE???? I HAVEN'T HEARD OF ANY RUMORS OF ANYONE RUNNING FOR MAYOR, IF ANYONE IS GOING TO RUN? THEY BETTER START NOW BECAUSE IT WILL BE A LONG ROAD, LIKE THE ONE I NOW HAVE TO TRAVEL HOME TO C.A.N THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD READS, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

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2/10/2008
Seriously how many resident would actually vote Gordon back in office? just curious. Well I am one of many who would vote for Gordon if he even thought about running for Mayor again. Unfortunatly I voted for Kelly against Gordon and I am now paying for it, with all of the rest of you. Had we all known Kelly would be such a ruthless person, I'm sure Gordon would still be Mayor and our town wouldn't be so screwed up right now. Yes we would still have issue's like all other towns do, But I can't imagine it would be anything like it is right now. I'd say "MAYOR GORDON Start Campaigning"
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2/10/2008
I keep on hearing that people are not gong to recycle because of the new waste contract. I cannot believe it. Why would anyone who recycles now, stop recycling just because of the horrible refuse contract? You will not be punishing the Mayor, the Bobble Heads or the administration that negotiated the contract. You are only punishing yourself and your kids. KEEP ON RECYCLING BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!! I would have liked to see a bid providing a choice for stickers and/or bulk pick-up. That was not done. That is the mistake. 25% of the people chose to pay as they went with the sticker process. 75% chose to use the bulk system. We took the choice away from 100% of the people, and that is the problem. The problem is not the toters. Keep on putting all your recyclables out there to help make this planet a little better. Hopefully recycling will increase because you don't have to go to City Hall to get blue bags. If you don't want to haul the extra toter to your curb, give me a call, and I will do it for you.
Chuck Toland
Bobblehead 4th Ward
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2/10/2008
Lets get that petition going!!! We need to get rid of the Queen ASAP. I park in a private lot at the Metra Station - just so I do not have to deal with the mess she has made over there and GUESS WHAT - the guy who owns the lot just told me that the City has contacted him and told him he can not let people park there any longer - the City spent a lot of money on the new lot and they need people to park in the new lot for revenue. I just wonder how much money the city paid him to shut his lot down. I am certain he got a good chunk of change!!! Disgusting!
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2/10/2008

To anyone that has a business in the newly annexed property at 167th and cicero. Keep in mind that at least one of the aldermen have a business in their home.