dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Civil War-era tax ledger shows Lake County history within the numbers

A tax ledger donated last week to the Fremont Township assessor 's office offers a unique snapshot of a long-gone era in Lake County .
Remarkably well-preserved , the slim bound book contains listings for taxes paid by every township property owner in 1864 .
Many of the listed names are familiar to this day -- some through the streets named after them in various communities .
Taken as a whole , the meticulously handwritten pages of names and numbers provide a sense of the area 's rural roots .
By comparing the listings with old maps available on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the rich and locally famous owned property .
Aside from its potential for genealogical research , the book is n't necessarily a historical treasure .
But it is an interesting document to be savored by those who value the past and are fascinated with how the suburban landscape has evolved .
`` I 'm intrigued by stuff like this , '' said Fremont Township Assessor Joe Herchenbach .
`` I 'm an appraiser nerd . ''
A few fun facts quickly emerge from the roughly 50 pages of data contained in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 inches .
For example , property typically was valued at $ 3 to $ 4 per acre , compared with today 's starting assessment price of $ 60,000 to $ 75,000 for the first acre in a parcel of raw land , Herchenbach said .
The number of taxpayers and the amounts paid are hard to comprehend .
`` It looks like there were about 500 taxpayers ( in 1864 ) .
Now we have over 12,000 , '' Herchenbach said .
The total of the taxes collected in 1864 was $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I.J .
Hoyt , the town collector .
That total is much less than many individual property owners ' tax bills today in the 36-square-mile township .
The breakdown of the taxes paid in Fremont Township in 1864 includes $ 379.31 in a handwritten category identified only as `` war , '' a nod to aid provided to those who served .
State records show 1,890 men from Lake County fought in the Civil War .
The war tax in 1864 raised funds for bounties paid to men who enlisted , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dunn Museum operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District .
In 1862 , for example , the bounty was $ 25 .
Most men gave the money to their families to help support them , Dretske said .
The volume also contains an alphabetical list of the value of personal property , though it provides no further details .
`` Here 's one ( listing ) for $ 1,200 .
That seems to be the biggie , '' Herchenbach noted .
It 's not hard to imagine Hoyt or someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ink well handy to dip their quill pen .
Where did the ledger come from and how did Herchenbach get it ?
`` Since I 'm the history guy in our family , I ended up with it and basically sat on it , '' says Vern Paddock , a McHenry resident whose family has deep history in Lake County .
The ledger previously belonged to Paddock 's mother , who was 101 when she died in 2017 .
Her maiden name was Tekampe , a name woven into township government and agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1855 .
William was Paddock 's mother 's grandfather .
`` How she ended up with ( the ledger ) , I do n't know , '' said Paddock , who 's retired from the McHenry County clerk 's office .
`` I basically had it sitting on a shelf down in the basement with some other things . ''
Paddock said he did n't know what to do with the ledger until it came to mind last week out of the blue and he brought it to the Fremont Township assessor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any of those books and I 've never seen one , '' said Fremont Township Clerk Christina McCann .
`` It was fun to see the family names that are still around , '' said township Supervisor Diana O'Kelly .
`` It 's just fun history . ''
McCann has been using a scanner to digitize township records and make them available under the history section on the township website .
They include 111 years of handwritten records of town meetings , beginning with the first in 1850 .
`` My guess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home based on who was serving at the time , '' McCann said .
Such records should have gone to the county , but often individual tax assessors and others such as school directors would keep them in their homes , Dretske added .
For whatever reason the ledger was saved , the intent is to share .
`` I hope to reproduce the document and post it on our website for public viewing , '' McCann said .

Civil War-era tax ledger shows Lake County history within the numbers
A tax ledger donated last week to the Fremont Township assessor's office offers a unique snapshot of a long-gone era in Lake County.
Remarkably well-preserved, the slim bound book contains listings for taxes paid by every township property owner in 1864. Many of the listed names are familiar to this day -- some through the streets named after them in various communities.
Taken as a whole, the meticulously handwritten pages of names and numbers provide a sense of the area's rural roots. By comparing the listings with old maps available on the Lake County website, one can see where the rich and locally famous owned property.
Aside from its potential for genealogical research, the book isn't necessarily a historical treasure. But it is an interesting document to be savored by those who value the past and are fascinated with how the suburban landscape has evolved.
"I'm intrigued by stuff like this," said Fremont Township Assessor Joe Herchenbach. "I'm an appraiser nerd."
A few fun facts quickly emerge from the roughly 50 pages of data contained in the ledger, which measures about 10 by 16 inches.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer A tax ledger from 1864 donated to the Fremont Township assessor's office contains familiar names.
For example, property typically was valued at $3 to $4 per acre, compared with today's starting assessment price of $60,000 to $75,000 for the first acre in a parcel of raw land, Herchenbach said.
The number of taxpayers and the amounts paid are hard to comprehend.
"It looks like there were about 500 taxpayers (in 1864). Now we have over 12,000," Herchenbach said.
The total of the taxes collected in 1864 was $5,043.06, including $2.23 paid by I.J. Hoyt, the town collector. That total is much less than many individual property owners' tax bills today in the 36-square-mile township.
The breakdown of the taxes paid in Fremont Township in 1864 includes $379.31 in a handwritten category identified only as "war," a nod to aid provided to those who served. State records show 1,890 men from Lake County fought in the Civil War.
The war tax in 1864 raised funds for bounties paid to men who enlisted, according to Diana Dretske, curator and historian for the Dunn Museum operated by the Lake County Forest Preserve District.
In 1862, for example, the bounty was $25. Most men gave the money to their families to help support them, Dretske said.
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer The tax ledger contains familiar suburban names. It had belonged to McHenry resident Vern Paddock's mother, who died a few years ago at 101 years old..
The volume also contains an alphabetical list of the value of personal property, though it provides no further details.
"Here's one (listing) for $1,200. That seems to be the biggie," Herchenbach noted.
It's not hard to imagine Hoyt or someone else making the entries by candlelight with an ink well handy to dip their quill pen.
Where did the ledger come from and how did Herchenbach get it?
"Since I'm the history guy in our family, I ended up with it and basically sat on it," says Vern Paddock, a McHenry resident whose family has deep history in Lake County.
The ledger previously belonged to Paddock's mother, who was 101 when she died in 2017. Her maiden name was Tekampe, a name woven into township government and agriculture since brothers John and William Tekampe arrived in 1855. William was Paddock's mother's grandfather.
"How she ended up with (the ledger), I don't know," said Paddock, who's retired from the McHenry County clerk's office. "I basically had it sitting on a shelf down in the basement with some other things."
- Paul Valade | Staff Photographer A tax ledger from 1864 turned over to the Fremont Township assessor's office is an interesting read for history buffs. Fremont Township Assessor Joe Herchenbach looks it over.
Paddock said he didn't know what to do with the ledger until it came to mind last week out of the blue and he brought it to the Fremont Township assessor's office.
"We don't have any of those books and I've never seen one," said Fremont Township Clerk Christina McCann.
"It was fun to see the family names that are still around," said township Supervisor Diana O'Kelly. "It's just fun history."
McCann has been using a scanner to digitize township records and make them available under the history section on the township website. They include 111 years of handwritten records of town meetings, beginning with the first in 1850.
"My guess is they were stored in a private home based on who was serving at the time," McCann said.
Such records should have gone to the county, but often individual tax assessors and others such as school directors would keep them in their homes, Dretske added.
For whatever reason the ledger was saved, the intent is to share.
"I hope to reproduce the document and post it on our website for public viewing," McCann said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Amid anonymous mailers and robocalls, Elk Grove mayor starts 'naming names'

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Tuesday lashed out at a local developer and other political opponents , accusing them of being behind a series of anonymous robocalls and campaign-style mailers ahead of a March 17 term limits referendum that could remove him from office .
It 's not the first time the mayor has spoken from the village board dais about Mario Gullo of George Gullo Development Corp. , but his public statements during a board meeting Tuesday night were his most direct and extensive about Gullo and others to date .
`` Enough is enough , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received over the weekend .
`` Tonight , I 'm gon na start naming names .
This is gon na stop .
This is not Elk Grove Village .
This is not our community . ''
Johnson then launched into a half-hour speech contesting a recent robocall about his political consultant , Kitty Weiner , and her Entertainment Management Group , which books the village 's summer concerts , and mailers that question campaign contributions and village contracts .
But perhaps his most pointed remarks were reserved for Gullo , whom the mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
Gullo , through his attorney Kim Walberg , has previously denied the charge .
Late Tuesday night , she said she was n't in a position to respond to the mayor 's comments point by point , not having seen video of the meeting .
But she did provide a copy of a Jan. 15 cease-and-desist letter sent to village officials in which she threatened legal action should the mayor `` continue to defame ... Mr. Gullo by falsely asserting that he is responsible for mailers , robocalls , the term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
By the end of the verbal onslaught , Johnson took inspiration from `` It 's a Wonderful Life , '' comparing himself to main character George Bailey and Gullo to antagonist Henry Potter .
`` It did n't become Pottersville .
It stayed Bedford Falls , '' Johnson said .
`` I 'm waiting for Clarence to come down .
It 's not gon na become Gulloville .
It 's gon na stay Elk Grove Village . ''
`` Elk Grove Village , keep the faith .
We 're gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit against the village nearly a year ago to block a forcible annexation of unincorporated properties he owns along Higgins Avenue .
Johnson on Tuesday insinuated that the developer 's motivations were financial , because Gullo 's gravel lots -- which would be against village codes -- are used for leased truck parking .
`` Truck parking is a cash business , '' Johnson said .
`` It must be a hell of a lot of cash . ''
The mayor claims Gullo put up Jeff Ziemann to run for village board in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign workers of printing and paying for anti-Johnson mailers .
Johnson on Tuesday also took aim at Ziemann himself , mentioning Ziemann 's recent Jan. 14 arrest in Elk Grove on a charge of battery of a woman , and a Dec. 3 arrest in Mount Prospect on a charge of obstructing/resisting a peace officer .
The mayor 's remarks came a day after a Cook County judge ordered the village clerk to certify resident Tim Burns ' term limits question , which will ask voters whether the mayor and trustees should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consecutive 4-year terms .
Johnson is finishing his sixth straight term .

'Enough is enough': Amid anonymous mailers, robocalls, Elk Grove mayor starts 'naming names'
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Tuesday lashed out at a local developer and other political opponents, accusing them of being behind a series of anonymous robocalls and campaign-style mailers ahead of a March 17 term limits referendum that could remove him from office.
It's not the first time the mayor has spoken from the village board dais about Mario Gullo of George Gullo Development Corp., but his public statements during a board meeting Tuesday night were his most direct and extensive about Gullo and others to date.
"Enough is enough," Johnson said about a mailer attacking him received over the weekend. "Tonight, I'm gonna start naming names. This is gonna stop. This is not Elk Grove Village. This is not our community."
Johnson then launched into a half-hour speech contesting a recent robocall about his political consultant, Kitty Weiner, and her Entertainment Management Group, which books the village's summer concerts, and mailers that question campaign contributions and village contracts.
But perhaps his most pointed remarks were reserved for Gullo, whom the mayor accused of being behind the anonymous smear campaign.
Gullo, through his attorney Kim Walberg, has previously denied the charge.
Late Tuesday night, she said she wasn't in a position to respond to the mayor's comments point by point, not having seen video of the meeting. But she did provide a copy of a Jan. 15 cease-and-desist letter sent to village officials in which she threatened legal action should the mayor "continue to defame ... Mr. Gullo by falsely asserting that he is responsible for mailers, robocalls, the term limits referendum, or other similar activities."
By the end of the verbal onslaught, Johnson took inspiration from "It's a Wonderful Life," comparing himself to main character George Bailey and Gullo to antagonist Henry Potter.
"It didn't become Pottersville. It stayed Bedford Falls," Johnson said. "I'm waiting for Clarence to come down. It's not gonna become Gulloville. It's gonna stay Elk Grove Village."
"Elk Grove Village, keep the faith. We're gonna get through this."
Gullo filed suit against the village nearly a year ago to block a forcible annexation of unincorporated properties he owns along Higgins Avenue. Johnson on Tuesday insinuated that the developer's motivations were financial, because Gullo's gravel lots -- which would be against village codes -- are used for leased truck parking.
"Truck parking is a cash business," Johnson said. "It must be a hell of a lot of cash."
The mayor claims Gullo put up Jeff Ziemann to run for village board in 2019 and accused one of Ziemann's campaign workers of printing and paying for anti-Johnson mailers.
Johnson on Tuesday also took aim at Ziemann himself, mentioning Ziemann's recent Jan. 14 arrest in Elk Grove on a charge of battery of a woman, and a Dec. 3 arrest in Mount Prospect on a charge of obstructing/resisting a peace officer.
Ziemann didn't respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
The mayor's remarks came a day after a Cook County judge ordered the village clerk to certify resident Tim Burns' term limits question, which will ask voters whether the mayor and trustees should be able to serve no more than two consecutive 4-year terms. Johnson is finishing his sixth straight term.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Opponents making case against Barrington Animal Hospital proposal

Opponents continued to make their case about noise and traffic concerns Tuesday night before the advisory Barrington plan commission on why an animal hospital 's proposal to relocate in a vacant bank building should be denied .
Barrington Animal Hospital would renovate the 4,885-square-foot structure last occupied by Fifth Third Bank at 353 W. Northwest Highway .
Established in the early 1900s at 216 S. Northwest Highway , the animal hospital wants village approval to have a full-service facility with more parking on the same street .
Plan commission members could hold the fifth session of the animal hospital 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled meeting Feb. 11 .
The hearing began in October and eventually will result in a plan commission recommendation to the village board .
`` We 'll certainly not conclude tonight , '' plan commission Chairwoman Anna Bush said at the top of Tuesday 's fourth session .
`` There will be another meeting . ''
Under a revised plan , Barrington Animal Hospital proposes 74 dog kennels as part of a phased-in project reaching 12,570 square feet .
An addition focusing on veterinary operations would be built first , followed by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day care , grooming and other services within three years .
In a continuation of the opponents ' case that began Jan , 14 , attorney William Graft represented Charles Van Fossan and questioned witnesses about concerns such as noise and parking Tuesday .
Van Fossan is president of Van Fossan and Associates Inc. at 321 W. Northwest Highway near the animal hospital 's proposed location .
Graft quizzed acoustical engineer Nathan Sevener on the issue of dog noise that 's been raised by the opponents .
Sevener , who works for Soundscape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the animal hospital proposal .
Sevener , testifying over the telephone from Michigan , said sound of about six dogs from an animal hospital in Oswego were used to create a model showing there would not be noise problems from the Barrington proposal .
`` We can put that sound level into our model and propagate it out to the community , '' Sevener said .
Michael Matthys , vice president of Orland Park-based Linden Group Architects , testified that 50 parking spaces planned for the relocated animal hospital would be enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if ( the parking ) was difficult , '' Matthys said to Graft .
`` We optimized the parking for the site . ''
Joanna Krol , a veterinarian who works at Barrington Animal Hospital , is part of a team seeking to build the new location .
Graft asked if she 's concerned the animal hospital 's proposed `` big , large complex operation '' is not being welcomed by the potential neighbors , which include Barrington Community Child Care Center .
`` I hope you find that this is a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that we 're going to bring something really good to the community .
I love the business model .
I did it for 10 years in the city ( of Chicago ) , and it 's a wonderful service .
People loved it . ''

Opponents making case against Barrington Animal Hospital proposal
Opponents continued to make their case about noise and traffic concerns Tuesday night before the advisory Barrington plan commission on why an animal hospital's proposal to relocate in a vacant bank building should be denied.
Barrington Animal Hospital would renovate the 4,885-square-foot structure last occupied by Fifth Third Bank at 353 W. Northwest Highway. Established in the early 1900s at 216 S. Northwest Highway, the animal hospital wants village approval to have a full-service facility with more parking on the same street.
Plan commission members could hold the fifth session of the animal hospital's public hearing as soon as the next scheduled meeting Feb. 11. The hearing began in October and eventually will result in a plan commission recommendation to the village board.
"We'll certainly not conclude tonight," plan commission Chairwoman Anna Bush said at the top of Tuesday's fourth session. "There will be another meeting."
Under a revised plan, Barrington Animal Hospital proposes 74 dog kennels as part of a phased-in project reaching 12,570 square feet. An addition focusing on veterinary operations would be built first, followed by a second building for the kennel, dog day care, grooming and other services within three years.
In a continuation of the opponents' case that began Jan, 14, attorney William Graft represented Charles Van Fossan and questioned witnesses about concerns such as noise and parking Tuesday. Van Fossan is president of Van Fossan and Associates Inc. at 321 W. Northwest Highway near the animal hospital's proposed location.
Graft quizzed acoustical engineer Nathan Sevener on the issue of dog noise that's been raised by the opponents. Sevener, who works for Soundscape Engineering of Chicago, has been consulting on the animal hospital proposal.
Sevener, testifying over the telephone from Michigan, said sound of about six dogs from an animal hospital in Oswego were used to create a model showing there would not be noise problems from the Barrington proposal.
"We can put that sound level into our model and propagate it out to the community," Sevener said.
Michael Matthys, vice president of Orland Park-based Linden Group Architects, testified that 50 parking spaces planned for the relocated animal hospital would be enough.
"So, you're asking if (the parking) was difficult," Matthys said to Graft. "We optimized the parking for the site."
Joanna Krol, a veterinarian who works at Barrington Animal Hospital, is part of a team seeking to build the new location. Graft asked if she's concerned the animal hospital's proposed "big, large complex operation" is not being welcomed by the potential neighbors, which include Barrington Community Child Care Center.
"I hope you find that this is a great service," Krol said, "and that we're going to bring something really good to the community. I love the business model. I did it for 10 years in the city (of Chicago), and it's a wonderful service. People loved it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Baseball coach who died alongside Kobe Bryant grew up in Mount Prospect

A native of Mount Prospect -- along with his wife and daughter -- was among the nine people killed in the helicopter crash in Southern California Sunday that also claimed the lives of NBA great Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter .
Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli , 56 , grew up in Mount Prospect and his family moved to the West Coast when he was in fifth grade .
His younger brother , Tony , is the sports information director and baseball announcer at OCC .
`` I speak with his dad every Sunday at 9:30 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Amanda Batinich , told ABC 7 Chicago .
`` When he called me back Sunday at 4 p.m. that was unusual .
I thought he was calling to tell me about Kobe .
Then he nonchalantly added that John , his wife and daughter were with them , '' she told ABC 7 .
`` I said , 'John who ? '
And that is when he said , 'John my son . '
And he was quite distraught obviously . ''
The Altobellis are survived by a son , J.J. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( The Altobellis ) were very important to us , '' Geri Hurley , who grew up with his family , told NBC Chicago .
`` He was a good guy , with great roots right here in Mount Prospect . ''
`` We have lost a member of our OCC family , and our hearts are broken , '' college President Angelica Suarez said in a statement .
`` Coach Altobelli was a giant on our campus . ''
The season opener for the team was Tuesday and the team elected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been Altobelli 's 28th year .
He won 705 games and won four California community college state championships , including last year 's .
He was named the National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association .
His brother was to announce the game .

Baseball coach who died alongside Kobe Bryant grew up in Mount Prospect
Associate coach Nate Johnson, left, hugs Tony Altobelli during a ceremony held for John Altobelli, the late head coach of Orange Coast College baseball, who died in a helicopter crash alongside former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant in Costa Mesa, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. His wife Keri and youngest daughter Alyssa were also victims of the crash. Associated Press
Judy Pratt lays flowers down at a memorial for John Altobelli, the late head coach of Orange Coast College baseball, who died in a helicopter crash alongside former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant in Costa Mesa, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. His wife Keri and youngest daughter Alyssa were also victims of the crash. Associated Press
Players of the Orange Coast College baseball team embrace each other while headed to the dugout after a ceremony held for John Altobelli, the late head coach of Orange Coast College baseball, who died in a helicopter crash alongside former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant in Costa Mesa, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020. Associated Press
John Altobelli, who lived in Mount Prospect until fifth grade, died in Sunday's crash in California that killed Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter. Also among the nine dead were Altobelli's wife Keri and daughter Alyssa. Associated Press
A native of Mount Prospect -- along with his wife and daughter -- was among the nine people killed in the helicopter crash in Southern California Sunday that also claimed the lives of NBA great Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter.
Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, 56, grew up in Mount Prospect and his family moved to the West Coast when he was in fifth grade. His younger brother, Tony, is the sports information director and baseball announcer at OCC.
"I speak with his dad every Sunday at 9:30 in the morning," Altobelli's cousin, Amanda Batinich, told ABC 7 Chicago.
"When he called me back Sunday at 4 p.m. that was unusual. I thought he was calling to tell me about Kobe. Then he nonchalantly added that John, his wife and daughter were with them," she told ABC 7.
"I said, 'John who?' And that is when he said, 'John my son.' And he was quite distraught obviously."
The Altobellis are survived by a son, J.J., and a daughter, Alexis.
"(The Altobellis) were very important to us," Geri Hurley, who grew up with his family, told NBC Chicago. "He was a good guy, with great roots right here in Mount Prospect."
"We have lost a member of our OCC family, and our hearts are broken," college President Angelica Suarez said in a statement. "Coach Altobelli was a giant on our campus."
The season opener for the team was Tuesday and the team elected to go on with the game. It would have been Altobelli's 28th year. He won 705 games and won four California community college state championships, including last year's. He was named the National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. His brother was to announce the game.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--11th District Republican candidates aligned on several key issues

Apart from their appearance and background , voters could have a hard time differentiating between Krishna Bansal of Naperville and Rick Laib of Joliet based on their policies .
The two candidates , vying for the Republican nomination in the 11th Congressional District primary race on March 17 , express similar views on many key issues .
Both staunchly oppose abortion rights , support President Donald Trump 's tax cuts for corporations and handling of foreign policy and believe in less government interference in people 's lives .
Laib , 44 , is a sergeant in the Will County sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' 86th House District .
His campaign 's main focus is `` providing for true freedom and restraining evil , '' he said in a recent interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board .
He characterized legal abortion as a societal evil that needs to be rolled back .
Bansal , 49 , is a first-generation immigrant from India and a small-business owner who ran unsuccessfully for Illinois ' 84th House District seat .
`` I came to the country around over 20 years back , with the desire to live the dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country has given me a lot .
I was able to build a very successful business ... and raised a beautiful family here . ''
But that dream has become unattainable for many , he said .
`` The United States that used to be is no more there .
It 's changing , '' he said .
Bansal has worked with Naperville 's planning and zoning commission and mayor 's office and believes more first-generation immigrants need to get involved in community affairs and civic agencies .
`` They need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who 's a citizen , '' he said .
Laib and Bansal credited Trump 's tax cuts for helping many corporations bring back jobs from overseas , and they lauded the administration 's rollback of business regulations as removing barriers .
`` They are freely allowed to develop their businesses as they see fit , '' Laib said .
`` There 's a spirit that is encouraged when that 's allowed to happen .
`` People are more willing to try .
People are more willing to take risk . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a free market approach and not intervening to reduce wealth and income inequalities .
`` Wherever socialism has been adapted or where government has tried intervening too much to bring this equality , that system has failed , '' Bansal said .
`` America is all about you work hard , you get rewarded . ''
On Trump 's impeachment proceedings , neither candidate believes there is much weight to the Democrats ' case .
`` There has been an agenda to have President Trump removed before he was even sworn into office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case that 's being made is saying that we 're trying to hold the president accountable and we 're doing this for the best of the country .
I 'm not persuaded that 's the case . ''
`` I have seen no evidence of any kind of a misdemeanor or quid pro quo that can be tried to the level where it is at this point . ''

11th District Republican candidates aligned on several key issues
Apart from their appearance and background, voters could have a hard time differentiating between Krishna Bansal of Naperville and Rick Laib of Joliet based on their policies.
The two candidates, vying for the Republican nomination in the 11th Congressional District primary race on March 17, express similar views on many key issues.
Both staunchly oppose abortion rights, support President Donald Trump's tax cuts for corporations and handling of foreign policy and believe in less government interference in people's lives.
Laib, 44, is a sergeant in the Will County sheriff's office and ran unsuccessfully for Illinois' 86th House District.
His campaign's main focus is "providing for true freedom and restraining evil," he said in a recent interview with the Daily Herald Editorial Board.
He characterized legal abortion as a societal evil that needs to be rolled back.
Bansal, 49, is a first-generation immigrant from India and a small-business owner who ran unsuccessfully for Illinois' 84th House District seat.
"I came to the country around over 20 years back, with the desire to live the dream," Bansal said. "This country has given me a lot. I was able to build a very successful business ... and raised a beautiful family here."
But that dream has become unattainable for many, he said.
"The United States that used to be is no more there. It's changing," he said.
Bansal has worked with Naperville's planning and zoning commission and mayor's office and believes more first-generation immigrants need to get involved in community affairs and civic agencies.
"They need to be part of the system (as) anyone who's a citizen," he said.
Laib and Bansal credited Trump's tax cuts for helping many corporations bring back jobs from overseas, and they lauded the administration's rollback of business regulations as removing barriers.
"They are freely allowed to develop their businesses as they see fit," Laib said. "There's a spirit that is encouraged when that's allowed to happen.
"People are more willing to try. People are more willing to take risk."
The duo supports the federal government's taking a free market approach and not intervening to reduce wealth and income inequalities.
"Wherever socialism has been adapted or where government has tried intervening too much to bring this equality, that system has failed," Bansal said.
"America is all about you work hard, you get rewarded."
On Trump's impeachment proceedings, neither candidate believes there is much weight to the Democrats' case.
"There has been an agenda to have President Trump removed before he was even sworn into office," Laib said. "The case that's being made is saying that we're trying to hold the president accountable and we're doing this for the best of the country. I'm not persuaded that's the case."
Bansal echoed those sentiments.
"I have seen no evidence of any kind of a misdemeanor or quid pro quo that can be tried to the level where it is at this point."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Harmon names new Senate leadership team, and Link's not on it

SPRINGFIELD -- New state Senate President Don Harmon , an Oak Park Democrat , announced his leadership team Tuesday on the first day of the 2020 legislative session .
Noticeably absent from the list is Indian Creek Democrat Terry Link , who was an assistant majority leader under Cullerton .
Chicago newspapers have identified Link as the unnamed senator who cooperated with the FBI and wore a wire in conversations with indicted former Rep. Luis Arroyo .
Link has denied the allegation and has not been charged with any wrongdoing .
Maywood Democrat Kimberly Lightford will remain the chamber 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cunningham will become an assistant majority leader and president pro tempore -- a position once held by Harmon under former President John Cullerton before he changed the caucus ' leadership structure .
Des Plaines Democrat Laura Murphy will serve in another newly created position -- that of deputy majority leader .
Aurora Democrat Linda Holmes , previously a majority caucus whip , will ascend to assistant majority leader as well .
Peoria Democrat Dave Koehler and Chicago Democrats Iris Martinez and Tony Munoz already held assistant majority leader positions and will retain them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority caucus chair , and Chicago Democrat Jacqueline Collins will be the deputy majority conference chair , a newly created position .
She was previously a majority caucus whip .
The three new majority caucus whips will be Chicago Democrat Omar Aquino , Tinley Park Democrat Michael Hastings and Harvey Democrat Napoleon Harris .

Harmon names new Senate leadership team, and Link's not on it
Oak Park Democrat Don Harmon was elected president of the state Senate on Jan. 19 in Springfield. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP
SPRINGFIELD -- New state Senate President Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat, announced his leadership team Tuesday on the first day of the 2020 legislative session.
Noticeably absent from the list is Indian Creek Democrat Terry Link, who was an assistant majority leader under Cullerton. Chicago newspapers have identified Link as the unnamed senator who cooperated with the FBI and wore a wire in conversations with indicted former Rep. Luis Arroyo. Link has denied the allegation and has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Maywood Democrat Kimberly Lightford will remain the chamber's majority leader, while Chicago Democrat Bill Cunningham will become an assistant majority leader and president pro tempore -- a position once held by Harmon under former President John Cullerton before he changed the caucus' leadership structure.
Des Plaines Democrat Laura Murphy will serve in another newly created position -- that of deputy majority leader.
Aurora Democrat Linda Holmes, previously a majority caucus whip, will ascend to assistant majority leader as well. Peoria Democrat Dave Koehler and Chicago Democrats Iris Martinez and Tony Munoz already held assistant majority leader positions and will retain them.
Chicago Democrat Mattie Hunter will remain majority caucus chair, and Chicago Democrat Jacqueline Collins will be the deputy majority conference chair, a newly created position. She was previously a majority caucus whip.
The three new majority caucus whips will be Chicago Democrat Omar Aquino, Tinley Park Democrat Michael Hastings and Harvey Democrat Napoleon Harris.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--11th District Democratic hopefuls debate the wealth gap

Democratic candidates running in the 11th Congressional District disagree on taxing the rich .
The race pits centrist four-term lawmaker U.S. Rep. Bill Foster against progressive Democrat Rachel Ventura in the March 17 primary .
Ventura , 38 , of Joliet , said many members of Congress illustrate the nation 's wealth gap problem .
`` Forty percent of Congress is made up of multimillionaires , '' she said .
`` Bill Foster is the 34th richest person in Congress .
That 's not a true representation of what we have in our country . ''
Ventura said Foster is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes artificial intelligence and automation are the biggest concerns .
`` The most pressing issue we have is the growing wealth gap in America , '' she said .
`` American families who struggle paycheck to paycheck , the climate crisis and the health care prices . ''
She said Americans need living wage jobs , a national $ 15-an-hour minimum wage adjusted to inflation and a tax on the rich .
Foster , 64 , of Naperville , said while a wealth tax is a reasonable idea , he has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said access to subsidized education is a greater equalizer for young people starting out in life .
`` So they do n't end up with these massive debts that are really crippling our young people 's ability to get on with their lives and to purchase houses , participate in our economy , '' he said .
Foster said automation is one of the main drivers accelerating the wealth gap , the loss of manufacturing jobs , and causing wage depression .
Smaller banks ' `` bread and butter of issuing mortgages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift to online lending businesses , he said .
Ventura argued automation in some industries , such as recycling , could help create jobs , reduce costs , and improve working conditions .

11th District Democratic hopefuls debate the wealth gap
Democratic candidates running in the 11th Congressional District disagree on taxing the rich.
The race pits centrist four-term lawmaker U.S. Rep. Bill Foster against progressive Democrat Rachel Ventura in the March 17 primary.
Ventura, 38, of Joliet, said many members of Congress illustrate the nation's wealth gap problem.
"Forty percent of Congress is made up of multimillionaires," she said. "Bill Foster is the 34th richest person in Congress. That's not a true representation of what we have in our country."
Ventura said Foster is out of touch with his constituents because he believes artificial intelligence and automation are the biggest concerns.
"The most pressing issue we have is the growing wealth gap in America," she said. "American families who struggle paycheck to paycheck, the climate crisis and the health care prices."
She said Americans need living wage jobs, a national $15-an-hour minimum wage adjusted to inflation and a tax on the rich.
Foster, 64, of Naperville, said while a wealth tax is a reasonable idea, he hasn't seen a "workable scenario." He said access to subsidized education is a greater equalizer for young people starting out in life.
"So they don't end up with these massive debts that are really crippling our young people's ability to get on with their lives and to purchase houses, participate in our economy," he said.
Foster said automation is one of the main drivers accelerating the wealth gap, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and causing wage depression.
Smaller banks' "bread and butter of issuing mortgages is being wiped out" as customers shift to online lending businesses, he said.
Ventura argued automation in some industries, such as recycling, could help create jobs, reduce costs, and improve working conditions.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--14th District GOP candidates share plans to save, revamp Social Security

All seven GOP candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the 14th Congressional District believe in making sure Social Security is solvent for those who now rely on the program or soon will .
But they do n't agree on the best way to save it , and one candidate went as far as to call for winding down Social Security and replacing it .
The GOP candidates shared three main ideas last week to ensure Social Security survives for at least the near future .
State Sens .
Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove and Sue Rezin of Morris support an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for benefits , as does Anthony Catella of St. Charles .
Oberweis said people are living much longer than they were in the program 's early days .
He called for raising the qualifying age to as late as 69 over a 20- to 30-year time frame .
`` That 's not what people want to hear , but I 'm saying it straight and true , '' Oberweis said .
`` It 's going to take an increase in that age limit . ''
Rezin said she supports raising the qualifying age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old people should be before accessing Social Security .
`` As we are trying to figure this out , it 's important to make sure we do not take that check that many senior citizens rely on to pay their bills and cut that check , '' she said .
Catella said in his answer that he supports welfare reform and raising the retirement age .
`` It 's not the popular thing to do , but sometimes we have to make the right decisions that will help us in the long run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the answer is continuing to support President Donald Trump 's economic policies that put more people into the private-sector workforce .
More workers mean more people paying into the pool of Social Security funds .
`` We have record unemployment , '' Gradel said .
`` Private-sector opportunities will shore up our entitlements . ''
Woodstock resident Catalina Lauf , Jerry Evans of Warrenville and James Marter of Oswego all agreed the federal government has all the money it needs to operate Social Security .
`` Why are n't we trimming the fat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Lauf said .
`` There are so many agencies and departments in Washington that do nothing .
There 's so much taxpayer money that 's going into the swamp .
We need to focus on that and then solve Social Security . ''
Evans said he also believes the answer is more fiscal responsibility .
He proposed an amendment to the Constitution requiring Congress to pass a balanced budget every year .
He would also put Social Security into its own budget with money that could not be spent anywhere else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opt-out of Social Security .
`` We need a complete revamp , '' Evans said .
`` It starts with fiscal responsibility , and it ends with compassion . ''
Marter also supported the concept first voiced by former Democratic Vice President Al Gore to place Social Security in a `` lockbox '' of funds that ca n't be touched by another government agency or program .
But that 's a short-term solution , Marter said .
His long-term plan calls for allowing people to opt-out of Social Security .
He would then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by diverting the money people pay into Social Security into safe , private investments .
`` Social Security is a Ponzi scheme , '' Marter said .
`` If you were a financial adviser trying to sell this product right now , someone would probably come and arrest you .
I 'll opt out right now .
If you put that money in the bank at a normal interest rate starting back when I was 16 working as a lifeguard , I 'd be so much better off right now . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second debate at 7 p.m. Thursday at Batavia City Hall .
The sprawling 14th Congressional District includes parts of DuPage , Kane , Lake , McHenry and Will counties .

14th District GOP candidates share plans to save, revamp Social Security
All seven GOP candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the 14th Congressional District believe in making sure Social Security is solvent for those who now rely on the program or soon will.
But they don't agree on the best way to save it, and one candidate went as far as to call for winding down Social Security and replacing it.
The GOP candidates shared three main ideas last week to ensure Social Security survives for at least the near future.
State Sens. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove and Sue Rezin of Morris support an increase in the minimum age to qualify for benefits, as does Anthony Catella of St. Charles.
Oberweis said people are living much longer than they were in the program's early days. He called for raising the qualifying age to as late as 69 over a 20- to 30-year time frame.
"That's not what people want to hear, but I'm saying it straight and true," Oberweis said. "It's going to take an increase in that age limit."
Rezin said she supports raising the qualifying age, but she did not suggest how old people should be before accessing Social Security.
"As we are trying to figure this out, it's important to make sure we do not take that check that many senior citizens rely on to pay their bills and cut that check," she said.
Catella said in his answer that he supports welfare reform and raising the retirement age.
"It's not the popular thing to do, but sometimes we have to make the right decisions that will help us in the long run."
Ted Gradel of Naperville said the answer is continuing to support President Donald Trump's economic policies that put more people into the private-sector workforce. More workers mean more people paying into the pool of Social Security funds.
"We have record unemployment," Gradel said. "Private-sector opportunities will shore up our entitlements."
Woodstock resident Catalina Lauf, Jerry Evans of Warrenville and James Marter of Oswego all agreed the federal government has all the money it needs to operate Social Security.
"Why aren't we trimming the fat so that we can afford Social Security?" Lauf said. "There are so many agencies and departments in Washington that do nothing. There's so much taxpayer money that's going into the swamp. We need to focus on that and then solve Social Security."
Evans said he also believes the answer is more fiscal responsibility. He proposed an amendment to the Constitution requiring Congress to pass a balanced budget every year. He would also put Social Security into its own budget with money that could not be spent anywhere else. He also supports allowing people to opt-out of Social Security.
"We need a complete revamp," Evans said. "It starts with fiscal responsibility, and it ends with compassion."
Marter also supported the concept first voiced by former Democratic Vice President Al Gore to place Social Security in a "lockbox" of funds that can't be touched by another government agency or program. But that's a short-term solution, Marter said. His long-term plan calls for allowing people to opt-out of Social Security. He would then "repeal and replace" Social Security by diverting the money people pay into Social Security into safe, private investments.
"Social Security is a Ponzi scheme," Marter said. "If you were a financial adviser trying to sell this product right now, someone would probably come and arrest you. I'll opt out right now. If you put that money in the bank at a normal interest rate starting back when I was 16 working as a lifeguard, I'd be so much better off right now."
The candidates are scheduled to meet for a second debate at 7 p.m. Thursday at Batavia City Hall.
The sprawling 14th Congressional District includes parts of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-28--Lawmakers aim to end state-to-state corporate poaching

SPRINGFIELD -- Two Democratic lawmakers unveiled legislation Tuesday to form a multi-state compact in which each member state would vow not to use company-specific tax incentives to lure businesses away from another member state .
Rep. Bob Morgan , of Deerfield , and Sen. Ram Villivalam , of Chicago , introduced identical legislation that would establish the `` Phase Out Corporate Giveaways Interstate Compact . ''
`` These kinds of tax breaks have historically been justified as a necessary evil , '' Morgan said during a Statehouse news conference Tuesday .
`` A necessary expense to bring jobs and business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to keep jobs from leaving the state of Illinois as they hold us hostage , because other states are offering them tax incentives . ''
The proposal is part of a nationwide effort to phase out all tax incentive programs aimed at luring businesses to move across state lines , or to prevent them from moving .
Similar legislation has already been introduced this year in New York , Florida , New Hampshire , Hawaii , West Virginia , Iowa and Maryland .
Dan Johnson , a lobbyist for the Coalition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that so far , Missouri and Kansas are the only states that have formalized such an agreement .
However , that deal to end what many people in the region were calling a modern-day `` border war '' was limited to six counties that make up the Kansas City metropolitan area , which straddles both sides of the state line .
The deal does not apply statewide in either state .
Villivalam said economic development tax incentives create an uneven playing field because some businesses get them while others do n't .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we see and generate a race to the bottom , '' he said .
`` This is because companies have too frequently been given tax credits tax incentives to choose a location that they would have chosen anyway .
So instead of creating additional jobs , they deplete the community 's tax base . ''
Senate Bill 2502 and House Bill 4138 would enter Illinois into the Phase Out Corporate Giveaways Interstate Compact .
That would involve an agreement not to use tax incentives or grants to lure a specific company away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purposes of relocating a corporate headquarters , manufacturing facility , office space or other retail development .
That prohibition , however , would not apply to tax incentives that are available generally to all businesses such as workforce development grants .
It also would not apply to company-specific incentives offered by local governments or incentives offered to companies already located in Illinois .
The bills also call for establishing a national board that would make recommendations about how to phase out other kinds of corporate incentives .
Although the initiative is being sponsored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backing of the conservative group Americans for Prosperity , which was founded in 2004 by the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch .
`` We do n't like government picking winners and losers in the economy .
Usually when they do , they usually pick wrong , '' said Brian Costin , deputy state director for AFP 's Illinois chapter .
The House bill was assigned Tuesday to the Revenue and Finance Committee .
The Senate bill was not yet assigned to a substantive committee Tuesday .

Lawmakers aim to end state-to-state corporate poaching
Peter Hancock/Capitol News IllinoisSen. Ram Villivalam, left, and Rep. Bob Morgan, both Democrats, discuss their proposal for a multi-state compact that would agree not to use tax incentives to poach businesses from one state to another.
SPRINGFIELD -- Two Democratic lawmakers unveiled legislation Tuesday to form a multi-state compact in which each member state would vow not to use company-specific tax incentives to lure businesses away from another member state.
Rep. Bob Morgan, of Deerfield, and Sen. Ram Villivalam, of Chicago, introduced identical legislation that would establish the "Phase Out Corporate Giveaways Interstate Compact."
"These kinds of tax breaks have historically been justified as a necessary evil," Morgan said during a Statehouse news conference Tuesday. "A necessary expense to bring jobs and business to our state, but in many ways to keep jobs from leaving the state of Illinois as they hold us hostage, because other states are offering them tax incentives."
The proposal is part of a nationwide effort to phase out all tax incentive programs aimed at luring businesses to move across state lines, or to prevent them from moving. Similar legislation has already been introduced this year in New York, Florida, New Hampshire, Hawaii, West Virginia, Iowa and Maryland.
Dan Johnson, a lobbyist for the Coalition to Phase Out Corporate Tax Giveaways, said that so far, Missouri and Kansas are the only states that have formalized such an agreement. However, that deal to end what many people in the region were calling a modern-day "border war" was limited to six counties that make up the Kansas City metropolitan area, which straddles both sides of the state line. The deal does not apply statewide in either state.
Villivalam said economic development tax incentives create an uneven playing field because some businesses get them while others don't.
"Corporate giveaways have grown this business inequality that we see and generate a race to the bottom," he said. "This is because companies have too frequently been given tax credits tax incentives to choose a location that they would have chosen anyway. So instead of creating additional jobs, they deplete the community's tax base."
Senate Bill 2502 and House Bill 4138 would enter Illinois into the Phase Out Corporate Giveaways Interstate Compact. That would involve an agreement not to use tax incentives or grants to lure a specific company away from any other compact member for the purposes of relocating a corporate headquarters, manufacturing facility, office space or other retail development.
That prohibition, however, would not apply to tax incentives that are available generally to all businesses such as workforce development grants. It also would not apply to company-specific incentives offered by local governments or incentives offered to companies already located in Illinois.
The bills also call for establishing a national board that would make recommendations about how to phase out other kinds of corporate incentives.
Although the initiative is being sponsored by two Democrats, it also has the backing of the conservative group Americans for Prosperity, which was founded in 2004 by the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch.
"We don't like government picking winners and losers in the economy. Usually when they do, they usually pick wrong," said Brian Costin, deputy state director for AFP's Illinois chapter.
The House bill was assigned Tuesday to the Revenue and Finance Committee. The Senate bill was not yet assigned to a substantive committee Tuesday.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--'He is ours': Hundreds show up to pay respects to 'unclaimed veteran' in Elgin

When John James Murphy died in Elgin last month , he was an `` unclaimed veteran '' whose relatives could n't be found or contacted to take care of his burial .
On Wednesday , he was unclaimed no more .
Hundreds of people from Elgin and as far as Chicago , Aurora and Naperville attended his visitation and service after the owners of an Elgin funeral extended an open invitation to the community .
The funeral home took on the task of having his military burial approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .
`` He is ours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at the beginning of the service held at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin , eliciting a chorus of `` amen '' and applause .
Murphy , 71 , died Dec. 18 at a hospital in Elgin after having lived since 2017 at River View Rehab Center in Elgin .
He was a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1969 and earned several awards , included the Vietnam Service Medal .
The Daily Herald first reported that funeral homeowners Joy and Dan Symonds had invited the community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook more than 1,200 times in less than 24 hours and was picked up by local radio and TV media .
`` I did n't think so many people would be here , '' said Cliff Hall of Palatine , a U.S. Navy veteran who attended the funeral after reading the story in the newspaper .
`` This is incredible . ''
Bev Beaman and Judy Koberling , friends of Murphy 's at River View Rehab Center , agreed .
`` It 's fantastic , '' Beaman said .
`` I did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Koberling , who said she was his girlfriend .
Murphy , who grew up in Chicago 's Bridgeport neighborhood and had a passion for airplanes , said many members of his family died young while he lost touch with others , the two women said .
He never combed his hair , liked to joke around and was a leader who looked out for others , they recalled .
People started lining up before the 10 a.m. visitation Wednesday under the watchful eye of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the funeral home .
`` Veterans all over should be honored .
No veteran should have to be alone , '' Patriot Guard member Hank Clemmensen of Libertyville said .
Tyler Carlson of Elgin came with his 12-year-old son Truman and other members of Trail Life Troop 8757 out of Harvest Bible Church in Elgin .
`` I am excited and ready to listen about his life and understand who he was , and what he did as a veteran , '' Truman said .
The crowd included lots of veterans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Elmhurst , who just got out of active service with the U.S. Army .
`` It 's a sort of brotherhood , '' Palmer said .
`` Everyone deserves a send-off with people that served with the same ideals . ''
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley and Elgin Interim Fire Chief Robb Cagann attended the service , along with several members of their departments .
There were also people like Sonia Alfaro of Streamwood , who came with her mother and brought a bouquet of red roses .
`` I wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted him to be accompanied by people who appreciated his service and what he did for his country , '' she said .
The Symonds , who were partially reimbursed by the VA for funeral expenses , said they were grateful for the outpouring of support .
`` It 's a beautiful , God-blessing thing that we have here today , '' Dan Symonds said .
A procession with an escort from the Kane County sheriff 's office and others drove to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood , where Murphy was buried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salute .
U.S. Army Reserves Maj. Christina Rudolph of Elk Grove Village was among about 150 people who went to the cemetery , where her father also is buried .
Rudolph was among active-duty military members who offered to be pallbearers for Murphy .
`` It was an opportunity to come home , '' she said , `` and welcome another brother into a beautiful cemetery and wonderful resting place . ''

'He is ours': Hundreds show up to pay respects to 'unclaimed veteran' in Elgin
When John James Murphy died in Elgin last month, he was an "unclaimed veteran" whose relatives couldn't be found or contacted to take care of his burial.
On Wednesday, he was unclaimed no more.
Hundreds of people from Elgin and as far as Chicago, Aurora and Naperville attended his visitation and service after the owners of an Elgin funeral extended an open invitation to the community. The funeral home took on the task of having his military burial approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
"He is ours," the Rev. Tim Perry said at the beginning of the service held at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home in Elgin, eliciting a chorus of "amen" and applause.
Murphy, 71, died Dec. 18 at a hospital in Elgin after having lived since 2017 at River View Rehab Center in Elgin.
He was a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1969 and earned several awards, included the Vietnam Service Medal.
The Daily Herald first reported that funeral homeowners Joy and Dan Symonds had invited the community to participate. The story was shared on Facebook more than 1,200 times in less than 24 hours and was picked up by local radio and TV media.
"I didn't think so many people would be here," said Cliff Hall of Palatine, a U.S. Navy veteran who attended the funeral after reading the story in the newspaper. "This is incredible."
Bev Beaman and Judy Koberling, friends of Murphy's at River View Rehab Center, agreed. "It's fantastic," Beaman said.
"I didn't think it would affect me so much," said Koberling, who said she was his girlfriend.
Murphy, who grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood and had a passion for airplanes, said many members of his family died young while he lost touch with others, the two women said. He never combed his hair, liked to joke around and was a leader who looked out for others, they recalled.
People started lining up before the 10 a.m. visitation Wednesday under the watchful eye of the Illinois Patriot Guard Riders, who held U.S. flags along the entrance to the funeral home.
"Veterans all over should be honored. No veteran should have to be alone," Patriot Guard member Hank Clemmensen of Libertyville said.
Tyler Carlson of Elgin came with his 12-year-old son Truman and other members of Trail Life Troop 8757 out of Harvest Bible Church in Elgin. "I am excited and ready to listen about his life and understand who he was, and what he did as a veteran," Truman said.
The crowd included lots of veterans and service members, such as Joran Palmer of Elmhurst, who just got out of active service with the U.S. Army.
"It's a sort of brotherhood," Palmer said. "Everyone deserves a send-off with people that served with the same ideals."
Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley and Elgin Interim Fire Chief Robb Cagann attended the service, along with several members of their departments. There were also people like Sonia Alfaro of Streamwood, who came with her mother and brought a bouquet of red roses.
"I wanted to come to support a veteran. I wanted him to be accompanied by people who appreciated his service and what he did for his country," she said.
The Symonds, who were partially reimbursed by the VA for funeral expenses, said they were grateful for the outpouring of support.
"It's a beautiful, God-blessing thing that we have here today," Dan Symonds said.
A procession with an escort from the Kane County sheriff's office and others drove to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where Murphy was buried with military honors, including a rifle salute.
U.S. Army Reserves Maj. Christina Rudolph of Elk Grove Village was among about 150 people who went to the cemetery, where her father also is buried. Rudolph was among active-duty military members who offered to be pallbearers for Murphy.
"It was an opportunity to come home," she said, "and welcome another brother into a beautiful cemetery and wonderful resting place."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--'Baseball was his life, really': Childhood friend says of coach who died in Bryant crash

Growing up on Albert Street in Mount Prospect , John Altobelli and John Moran were best buddies .
It was a simpler time during the late 1960s .
The duo would make forts in the nearby cornfield , play catch in the easement between houses and games on the street with other kids from the neighborhood .
Those memories came rushing back , Moran said , when news broke of Altobelli 's unexpected death Sunday morning in Southern California .
`` We were just super happy kids , '' Moran said , adding he and `` Johnny '' played together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When it 's someone you knew from back home , it hits home .
He 's a family man just like I am . ''
Altobelli , 56 , along with his wife , Keri , and roughly 13-year-old daughter , Alyssa , were among nine people killed in the helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter , Gianna , aka `` Gigi . ''
Alyssa and Gigi played on the same basketball team , according to Altobelli 's younger brother , Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa , California , where his family moved after leaving Mount Prospect when he was in fifth grade .
Moran 's family also moved to Florida around the same time .
Now 57 , Moran lives in Tucson , Arizona , and has three sons .
He and Altobelli did n't really keep in touch except for a chance reunion in Chicago years later as adults when they drank beer together and caught up on each other 's lives .
`` Baseball was his life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He knew he wanted to do that and he made a career out of it . ''
Altobelli coached 27 seasons at Orange Coast and was named a national coach of the year by the American Baseball Coaches Association .
He led Orange Coast to more than 700 victories and four state titles , according to the community college .
The way people describe Altobelli as an adult is exactly how Moran remembers Altobelli 's father .
`` His dad was super involved with kids in the neighborhood , '' Moran said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball and `` taught me how to ride a bike .
`` It 's not a surprise that ( Johnny ) ended up in that capacity as a coach for that long period of time . ''
Altobelli had five siblings in addition to Tony , the sports information director and baseball announcer at Orange Coast College .
`` We have lost a member of our OCC family , and our hearts are broken , '' college President Angelica Suarez said in a statement .
`` Coach Altobelli was a giant on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason Kehler said in a statement Altobelli personified what it means to be a baseball coach : `` The passion that he put into the game , but more importantly his athletes , was second to none -- he treated them like family . ''
The Altobellis are survived by a son , J.J. , a former college baseball player and current Boston Red Sox scout , and a daughter , Alexis .
A GoFundMe page set up by the Red Sox to help with funeral costs , Alexis ' college tuition and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 201,500 of a $ 500,000 goal by 5 p.m. Wednesday .
`` As J.J. and his sister Lexi cope with the immense sadness stemming from this accident , we want to rally to raise money for them .
Ensuring that J.J. and Lexi do n't have to worry about financial insecurity moving forward is the least we can do , '' according to the fundraising page .

'Baseball was his life, really': Childhood friend says of coach who died in Bryant crash
A photo of the Wildcats football team in Mount Prospect that included John Altobelli and John Moran, who both lived on Albert Street and were close friends in the 1960s. Courtesy of John Moran
Growing up on Albert Street in Mount Prospect, John Altobelli and John Moran were best buddies.
It was a simpler time during the late 1960s. The duo would make forts in the nearby cornfield, play catch in the easement between houses and games on the street with other kids from the neighborhood.
Those memories came rushing back, Moran said, when news broke of Altobelli's unexpected death Sunday morning in Southern California.
"We were just super happy kids," Moran said, adding he and "Johnny" played together on a youth football team. "When it's someone you knew from back home, it hits home. He's a family man just like I am."
Altobelli, 56, along with his wife, Keri, and roughly 13-year-old daughter, Alyssa, were among nine people killed in the helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, aka "Gigi." Alyssa and Gigi played on the same basketball team, according to Altobelli's younger brother, Tony.
John Altobelli was the longtime baseball coach at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, where his family moved after leaving Mount Prospect when he was in fifth grade.
Moran's family also moved to Florida around the same time. Now 57, Moran lives in Tucson, Arizona, and has three sons.
He and Altobelli didn't really keep in touch except for a chance reunion in Chicago years later as adults when they drank beer together and caught up on each other's lives.
"Baseball was his life, really," Moran said. "He knew he wanted to do that and he made a career out of it."
Altobelli coached 27 seasons at Orange Coast and was named a national coach of the year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. He led Orange Coast to more than 700 victories and four state titles, according to the community college.
The way people describe Altobelli as an adult is exactly how Moran remembers Altobelli's father.
"His dad was super involved with kids in the neighborhood," Moran said, adding he would organize games, coach baseball and "taught me how to ride a bike.
"It's not a surprise that (Johnny) ended up in that capacity as a coach for that long period of time."
Altobelli had five siblings in addition to Tony, the sports information director and baseball announcer at Orange Coast College.
"We have lost a member of our OCC family, and our hearts are broken," college President Angelica Suarez said in a statement. "Coach Altobelli was a giant on our campus."
Orange Coast Athletic Director Jason Kehler said in a statement Altobelli personified what it means to be a baseball coach: "The passion that he put into the game, but more importantly his athletes, was second to none -- he treated them like family."
The Altobellis are survived by a son, J.J., a former college baseball player and current Boston Red Sox scout, and a daughter, Alexis.
A GoFundMe page set up by the Red Sox to help with funeral costs, Alexis' college tuition and living costs had raised more than $201,500 of a $500,000 goal by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
"As J.J. and his sister Lexi cope with the immense sadness stemming from this accident, we want to rally to raise money for them. Ensuring that J.J. and Lexi don't have to worry about financial insecurity moving forward is the least we can do," according to the fundraising page.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-01-29--Optimism, calls for ethics reforms highlight Pritzker's address

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov .
J.B. Pritzker struck a tone of optimism and accomplishment in his annual State of the State Address on Wednesday , declaring `` the old patronage system needs to die '' as he outlined his policy goals for 2020 .
`` Those who would shout doom and gloom might be loud -- using social media bots and paid hacks to advance their false notions -- but they are not many , '' Pritzker said in his speech to members of the House and Senate on the floor of the House .
`` You see , we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from people concerned with one thing and one thing only -- predicting total disaster , spending hundreds of millions of dollars promoting it , and then doing everything in their power to make it happen . ''
The governor laid out broad policy goals in the speech , emphasizing a need for ethics reform in the wake of an ongoing federal investigation which resulted in a guilty plea on bribery and tax fraud charges from former Democratic state Sen. Martin Sandoval on Tuesday .
`` And now we have to work together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our political system for far too long .
We must root out the purveyors of greed and corruption -- in both parties -- whose presence infects the bloodstream of government , '' he said .
Pritzker spoke of revolving-door prohibitions and lobbying bans for sitting lawmakers .
He also emphasized pension reform and reforming the criminal justice system by phasing out cash bail among other legislative action .
He urged clean energy reforms , but said , `` the old ways of negotiating energy legislation are over .
It 's time to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to sign an energy bill written by the utility companies . ''
Pritzker said it 's time to empower local governments to consolidate some of the 7,000 government units in the state , and he emphasized `` job creation , education and job training programs , child care and pre-school , and a focus on building essential tools of success such as high-speed Internet in all corners of our state . ''
But for Republicans watching the speech there was a major omission : a commitment to a proposal they call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take the power of drawing legislative districts out of the hands of lawmakers and give it to an independent commission .
`` I 've never seen this state so divided against Chicago as what I see it now and I , as I talk to people , the biggest reason for that is the Democrats have given themselves so much power and such a supermajority by gerrymandering maps , '' Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady , a Republican from Bloomington , said .
`` The rest of the people in the state feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maps `` leads to the corruption that we have '' by allowing corrupt elected officials to remain in power by tipping the electoral scales in their favor .
While Brady called Pritzker 's address a `` good speech '' -- one that was often threaded with bipartisan applause -- he and fellow Republicans said they wanted to see a greater focus on growing jobs .
`` I think the speech was well written , and the bipartisan applause was much about the storytelling , '' he said .
Pritzker devoted much of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passage of a balanced budget ; a $ 45 billion capital improvements bill ; legalization of recreational marijuana ; and criminal justice reforms that mean people will no longer have their driver 's licenses suspended or revoked for unpaid parking tickets or fines .
But he said more needs to be done in the coming year , especially in promoting racial diversity and social equity .
`` Bit by bit , inch by inch , I am working hard to reverse the harm that has been done to people and communities that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government policies and elected officials who were content to simply ignore them , '' Pritzker said .
Those remarks received high praise from members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus .
But they also said they intend to make sure Pritzker follows through on the commitment , especially in the distribution of jobs created through the capital plan .
`` There are no other communities in the state of Illinois that have been ignored like the black communities , '' Rep. La Shawn K. Ford , a Chicago Democrat , said during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech .
`` So we are grateful that we voted for almost a $ 50 billion capital bill to rebuild Illinois .
… That means that this caucus will stand strong to work with the governor 's administration and urge our constituents to urge the governor to rebuild our black communities . ''
While the policy agenda that Pritzker laid out focused mainly on positive-sounding initiatives , the issue of ethics reform was foremost on the minds of most lawmakers , Republicans and Democrats .
Their concerns were heightened this week after Sandoval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure to be a focus of attention next Tuesday , Feb. 4 , when former Rep. Luis Arroyo , a Chicago Democrat , is scheduled to be arraigned on federal bribery charges .
`` On Jan. 9 , I was sworn in as a state representative and that afternoon I was called a corrupt politician , '' freshman Rep. Maurice West , a Rockford Democrat , said during the black caucus news conference .
`` And though I could get mad about that , I could n't because of the history of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Veteran state Sen. Dale Righter , a Mattoon Republican who has announced he wo n't seek re-election this year , said he was disappointed in how little Pritzker spoke about the need for ethics reform .
`` The governor who is the leader of a party that is drowning in corruption devoted four paragraphs of an 80-paragraph speech to corruption , '' Righter said in an interview .
`` He spent twice as much time talking about the flags outside the Thompson Center than he did about corruption within his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . ''
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin , of Western Springs , said in a separate news conference that there is broad bipartisan support for ethics reform .
But he argued that the roadblock to passing such reforms is House Speaker Michael Madigan .
`` I would just say it 's up to him , '' Durkin said in a news conference .
`` He 's the one who has the agenda .
He 's the one who calls the bills on whether or not they 're going to be placed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So he needs to know that we 're willing to move forward . ''
Madigan , the Chicago Democrat who has been speaker for all but two years since 1983 , said , `` for the first time in a long time , we come into a legislative session with the opportunity to build on success . ''
`` While we have seen major steps forward , we have also seen the good work of the many honest members of this Legislature be overshadowed too often by the wrongdoing of individuals who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madigan said .
`` It 's clear that we must take significant steps within the coming weeks to restore confidence in state government .
But let 's be clear : bad actors will always try to game the system and break the law .
We must commit to sending the clearest sign the game is over and every step will be taken to prosecute . ''

Optimism, calls for ethics reforms highlight Pritzker's address
In his first year in office, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker accomplished virtually all his campaign goals. Pool photo by E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune
Gov. J.B. Pritzker shakes Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke's hand before his annual State of the State Address on Wednesday. Also pictured are Justices Thomas Kilbride and P. Scott Neville Jr. Jerry Nowicki/Capitol News Illinois
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pauses while legislators applaud his call to root out corrupt public officials during his State of the State address at the Illinois Capitol, Wednesday in Springfield. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register via AP
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. J.B. Pritzker struck a tone of optimism and accomplishment in his annual State of the State Address on Wednesday, declaring "the old patronage system needs to die" as he outlined his policy goals for 2020.
"Those who would shout doom and gloom might be loud -- using social media bots and paid hacks to advance their false notions -- but they are not many," Pritzker said in his speech to members of the House and Senate on the floor of the House. "You see, we're wresting the public conversation in Illinois back from people concerned with one thing and one thing only -- predicting total disaster, spending hundreds of millions of dollars promoting it, and then doing everything in their power to make it happen."
The governor laid out broad policy goals in the speech, emphasizing a need for ethics reform in the wake of an ongoing federal investigation which resulted in a guilty plea on bribery and tax fraud charges from former Democratic state Sen. Martin Sandoval on Tuesday.
"And now we have to work together to confront a scourge that has been plaguing our political system for far too long. We must root out the purveyors of greed and corruption -- in both parties -- whose presence infects the bloodstream of government," he said.
Pritzker spoke of revolving-door prohibitions and lobbying bans for sitting lawmakers. He also emphasized pension reform and reforming the criminal justice system by phasing out cash bail among other legislative action.
He urged clean energy reforms, but said, "the old ways of negotiating energy legislation are over. It's time to put consumers and climate first. I'm not going to sign an energy bill written by the utility companies."
Pritzker said it's time to empower local governments to consolidate some of the 7,000 government units in the state, and he emphasized "job creation, education and job training programs, child care and pre-school, and a focus on building essential tools of success such as high-speed Internet in all corners of our state."
But for Republicans watching the speech there was a major omission: a commitment to a proposal they call "fair maps," which would take the power of drawing legislative districts out of the hands of lawmakers and give it to an independent commission.
"I've never seen this state so divided against Chicago as what I see it now and I, as I talk to people, the biggest reason for that is the Democrats have given themselves so much power and such a supermajority by gerrymandering maps," Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady, a Republican from Bloomington, said. "The rest of the people in the state feel neglected."
He said partisan-drawn legislative maps "leads to the corruption that we have" by allowing corrupt elected officials to remain in power by tipping the electoral scales in their favor.
While Brady called Pritzker's address a "good speech" -- one that was often threaded with bipartisan applause -- he and fellow Republicans said they wanted to see a greater focus on growing jobs.
"I think the speech was well written, and the bipartisan applause was much about the storytelling," he said.
Pritzker devoted much of his speech to celebrating accomplishments from 2019 -- passage of a balanced budget; a $45 billion capital improvements bill; legalization of recreational marijuana; and criminal justice reforms that mean people will no longer have their driver's licenses suspended or revoked for unpaid parking tickets or fines.
But he said more needs to be done in the coming year, especially in promoting racial diversity and social equity.
"Bit by bit, inch by inch, I am working hard to reverse the harm that has been done to people and communities that have been left behind over many generations by government policies and elected officials who were content to simply ignore them," Pritzker said.
Those remarks received high praise from members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. But they also said they intend to make sure Pritzker follows through on the commitment, especially in the distribution of jobs created through the capital plan.
"There are no other communities in the state of Illinois that have been ignored like the black communities," Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, a Chicago Democrat, said during a black caucus news conference after Pritzker's speech. "So we are grateful that we voted for almost a $50 billion capital bill to rebuild Illinois. … That means that this caucus will stand strong to work with the governor's administration and urge our constituents to urge the governor to rebuild our black communities."
While the policy agenda that Pritzker laid out focused mainly on positive-sounding initiatives, the issue of ethics reform was foremost on the minds of most lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats.
Their concerns were heightened this week after Sandoval's guilty plea. And they are sure to be a focus of attention next Tuesday, Feb. 4, when former Rep. Luis Arroyo, a Chicago Democrat, is scheduled to be arraigned on federal bribery charges.
"On Jan. 9, I was sworn in as a state representative and that afternoon I was called a corrupt politician," freshman Rep. Maurice West, a Rockford Democrat, said during the black caucus news conference. "And though I could get mad about that, I couldn't because of the history of how things have been operating in our state."
Veteran state Sen. Dale Righter, a Mattoon Republican who has announced he won't seek re-election this year, said he was disappointed in how little Pritzker spoke about the need for ethics reform.
"The governor who is the leader of a party that is drowning in corruption devoted four paragraphs of an 80-paragraph speech to corruption," Righter said in an interview. "He spent twice as much time talking about the flags outside the Thompson Center than he did about corruption within his own party. He missed a huge opportunity here."
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, of Western Springs, said in a separate news conference that there is broad bipartisan support for ethics reform. But he argued that the roadblock to passing such reforms is House Speaker Michael Madigan.
"I would just say it's up to him," Durkin said in a news conference. "He's the one who has the agenda. He's the one who calls the bills on whether or not they're going to be placed in a committee or for a vote. So he needs to know that we're willing to move forward."
Madigan, the Chicago Democrat who has been speaker for all but two years since 1983, said, "for the first time in a long time, we come into a legislative session with the opportunity to build on success."
"While we have seen major steps forward, we have also seen the good work of the many honest members of this Legislature be overshadowed too often by the wrongdoing of individuals who have sought to put themselves first," Madigan said. "It's clear that we must take significant steps within the coming weeks to restore confidence in state government. But let's be clear: bad actors will always try to game the system and break the law. We must commit to sending the clearest sign the game is over and every step will be taken to prosecute."