dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations picks Libertyville for HQ

A global manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations and charging management software will open its first North American headquarters and production facility in Libertyville .
EVBox , a division of France-based Engie SA , will lease about 60,000 square feet at Innovation Park Lake County , the former Motorola Mobility campus on Route 45 , the company announced Tuesday morning .
The company also has offices in New York City , San Francisco and Los Angeles .
Because of its central location , the Libertyville headquarters will enhance the company 's North American presence , according to the company announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EVBox will be in closer proximity to its American customers -- allowing both communication and production to be quicker , smoother and more environmentally friendly , '' the statement reads .
Operations will start this summer .
EVBox initially expects to produce 200 DC charging units each week , which will create between 80 and 120 jobs .
Maryland-based developer BECO Management Inc. bought the sprawling 1.2 million-square-foot Motorola campus in 2014 and transformed it into Innovation Park , a multi-tenant workplace .
EVBox toured 33 U.S. cities before choosing Libertyville , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Midwest .
The company estimates there will be more than 6.5 million new electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2025 .
`` The new factory and headquarters demonstrate EVBox 's commitment to eMobility and helping achieve a zero-emission future , '' according to the announcement .
Libertyville officials welcomed the influx of new jobs to the community .
`` EVBox is an innovative firm that requires skilled labor , a creative environment and access to a large transportation network , '' Mayor Terry Weppler said .
According to company literature , EVBox was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2010 when the market for electric vehicles was in its infancy .
It became the sole supplier of public charging infrastructure in European cities including Amsterdam , Rotterdam and Monaco .
The company has grown from five founding members to more than 500 employees and continues to expand in central Europe .
It 's 13th global office opened Feb. 6 in Warsaw , Poland .
Interest in Innovation Park is replacing the memory of Motorola , which stunned the village when it left for Chicago .
The last of 2,500 Motorola employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BECO refashioned the campus to offer an `` experiential '' environment offering a health and wellness program consisting of massage , yoga , mediation and nutrition , for example , in addition to a fitness center .
`` While those with vested interest in downtown Chicago have proclaimed 'the death of suburban office ' or 'the millennial workforce is now urbanized , ' that is noise unsupported by the facts unfolding on the ground throughout suburban Chicagoland , '' Epstein said .
Other pending activity at Innovation Park includes Medline Industries ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the relocation of global headquarters by Valent Bioscience and Intermatic Incorporated , according to Epstein .

Manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations picks Libertyville for HQ
A global manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations and charging management software will open its first North American headquarters and production facility in Libertyville.
EVBox, a division of France-based Engie SA, will lease about 60,000 square feet at Innovation Park Lake County, the former Motorola Mobility campus on Route 45, the company announced Tuesday morning.
The company also has offices in New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Because of its central location, the Libertyville headquarters will enhance the company's North American presence, according to the company announcement.
"This new location means that EVBox will be in closer proximity to its American customers -- allowing both communication and production to be quicker, smoother and more environmentally friendly," the statement reads.
Operations will start this summer. EVBox initially expects to produce 200 DC charging units each week, which will create between 80 and 120 jobs.
Maryland-based developer BECO Management Inc. bought the sprawling 1.2 million-square-foot Motorola campus in 2014 and transformed it into Innovation Park, a multi-tenant workplace.
EVBox toured 33 U.S. cities before choosing Libertyville, according to Chris Epstein, president of BECO Midwest.
The company estimates there will be more than 6.5 million new electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2025.
"The new factory and headquarters demonstrate EVBox's commitment to eMobility and helping achieve a zero-emission future," according to the announcement.
Libertyville officials welcomed the influx of new jobs to the community.
"EVBox is an innovative firm that requires skilled labor, a creative environment and access to a large transportation network," Mayor Terry Weppler said.
According to company literature, EVBox was founded in the Netherlands and broke through in 2010 when the market for electric vehicles was in its infancy. It became the sole supplier of public charging infrastructure in European cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Monaco.
The company has grown from five founding members to more than 500 employees and continues to expand in central Europe. It's 13th global office opened Feb. 6 in Warsaw, Poland.
Interest in Innovation Park is replacing the memory of Motorola, which stunned the village when it left for Chicago. The last of 2,500 Motorola employees departed the sprawling Libertyville campus in 2014.
BECO refashioned the campus to offer an "experiential" environment offering a health and wellness program consisting of massage, yoga, mediation and nutrition, for example, in addition to a fitness center.
"While those with vested interest in downtown Chicago have proclaimed 'the death of suburban office' or 'the millennial workforce is now urbanized,' that is noise unsupported by the facts unfolding on the ground throughout suburban Chicagoland," Epstein said.
Other pending activity at Innovation Park includes Medline Industries' lease 150,000 square feet of office space and the relocation of global headquarters by Valent Bioscience and Intermatic Incorporated, according to Epstein.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Fire damages Willow Lake apartment building near Glen Ellyn

No injuries were reported Tuesday in a fire in an apartment complex between Lombard and Glen Ellyn .
Glen Ellyn @ @ @ @ @ top floor of a three-story apartment building in the Willow Lake complex just south of @ @ @ @ @ Swift Road .
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and began cleanup by 11:30 p.m .
Residents @ @ @ @ @ were evacuated from the building .

Fire damages Willow Lake apartment building near Glen Ellyn
No injuries were reported Tuesday in a fire in an apartment complex between Lombard and Glen Ellyn.
Glen Ellyn firefighters were called to the top floor of a three-story apartment building in the Willow Lake complex just south of North Avenue and west of Swift Road.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze and began cleanup by 11:30 p.m.
Residents and at least three dogs were evacuated from the building.
• Daily Herald photographer Mark Welsh contributed to this report


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Summer of road repairs ahead for Manchester Road in Wheaton

DuPage County government employees wo n't be the only drivers dealing with traffic disruptions during a summerlong construction project on a busy Wheaton street .
Contractors hired by the Illinois Department of Transporation will have to come up with a convoluted traffic control plan for the resurfacing of Manchester Road from County Farm Road to Gables Boulevard , just west of the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks .
That 1.2-mile stretch is expected to remain open during the project , but road repairs will stand in the way of drivers headed to the county complex , the courthouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of downtown .
Crews also will likely make accommodations for bus traffic around Monroe Middle School and the Jefferson Early Childhood Center , which itself will remain a construction zone until a new building opens to students next school year .
`` It is a pretty significant area that we 're doing , '' said Sarang Lagvankar , Wheaton 's senior project engineer .
IDOT is administering federal funds for the project and dictating the schedule .
The city anticipates work will begin in late May and last until August .
Engineers estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 175,000 for construction and just shy of $ 9,000 for construction observation , Lagvankar said .
The city council was slated Tuesday to approve the third phase of engineering services for the project .
Manchester -- the main arterial road connecting the city 's west and east sides -- has n't been repaved in about 15 years .
Also heavily used is the Manchester entrance to the county complex .
DuPage officials will advise drivers to instead use the entrance off County Farm Road .
The DuPage County Fair Association is looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the five-day run of the fair starting July 22 .
Organizers last year encouraged fairgoers to exit that way to an intersection with signals at County Farm to ease congestion on Manchester .
Guests also drove through the county complex to a parking lot on the north end of the fairgrounds when the city replaced a water main on Manchester last fall , Executive Manager Jim McGuire said .
`` We would like to direct all our traffic that way , '' McGuire said in an email Tuesday .
`` It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as having our guests leaving at a traffic-controlled intersection , onto a major north south roadway . ''
Lagvankar said officials will discuss the traffic flow around the fair , school activities and other obstacles with contractors .
All that will be determined after the state finalizes construction contracts .
`` There 's a lot of unknowns at this point without the state actually awarding the project , '' Lagvankar said .

Summer of road repairs ahead for Manchester Road in Wheaton
DuPage County government employees won't be the only drivers dealing with traffic disruptions during a summerlong construction project on a busy Wheaton street.
Contractors hired by the Illinois Department of Transporation will have to come up with a convoluted traffic control plan for the resurfacing of Manchester Road from County Farm Road to Gables Boulevard, just west of the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
That 1.2-mile stretch is expected to remain open during the project, but road repairs will stand in the way of drivers headed to the county complex, the courthouse, the county fairgrounds and neighborhoods west of downtown.
Crews also will likely make accommodations for bus traffic around Monroe Middle School and the Jefferson Early Childhood Center, which itself will remain a construction zone until a new building opens to students next school year.
"It is a pretty significant area that we're doing," said Sarang Lagvankar, Wheaton's senior project engineer.
IDOT is administering federal funds for the project and dictating the schedule. The city anticipates work will begin in late May and last until August.
Engineers estimate the city's share will cost roughly $175,000 for construction and just shy of $9,000 for construction observation, Lagvankar said. The city council was slated Tuesday to approve the third phase of engineering services for the project.
Manchester -- the main arterial road connecting the city's west and east sides -- hasn't been repaved in about 15 years.
Also heavily used is the Manchester entrance to the county complex. DuPage officials will advise drivers to instead use the entrance off County Farm Road.
The DuPage County Fair Association is looking to redirect traffic through the county complex for the five-day run of the fair starting July 22.
Organizers last year encouraged fairgoers to exit that way to an intersection with signals at County Farm to ease congestion on Manchester.
Guests also drove through the county complex to a parking lot on the north end of the fairgrounds when the city replaced a water main on Manchester last fall, Executive Manager Jim McGuire said.
"We would like to direct all our traffic that way," McGuire said in an email Tuesday. "It would take away inconvenience for our neighbors, as well as having our guests leaving at a traffic-controlled intersection, onto a major north south roadway."
Lagvankar said officials will discuss the traffic flow around the fair, school activities and other obstacles with contractors. All that will be determined after the state finalizes construction contracts.
"There's a lot of unknowns at this point without the state actually awarding the project," Lagvankar said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Feder: Chicago radio ratings: 93.9 Lite FM notches historic victory

WLIT 93.9-FM remained the most popular radio station in the Chicago area during January , according to Nielsen Audio figures @ @ @ @ @ writes .
It not only marked the third consecutive monthly win for the iHeartMedia adult @ @ @ @ @ first time 93.9 Lite FM has captured the top spot outside of its Christmas music @ @ @ @ @ November and December .
Mick Lee scored his fourth straight month as the market 's @ @ @ @ @ .
Lee doubles as program director of 93.9 Lite FM .
The first ratings survey @ @ @ @ @ good news to Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM , which bounced back from a @ @ @ @ @ Top 40 WKSC 103.5-FM , which widened its lead over Entercom Top 40 WBBM 96.3-FM @ @ @ @ @ , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Chicago radio ratings: 93.9 Lite FM notches historic victory
Mick Lee scored his fourth straight month as the market's No. 1 afternoon personality. Lee doubles as program director of 93.9 Lite FM.
WLIT 93.9-FM remained the most popular radio station in the Chicago area during January, according to Nielsen Audio figures released Tuesday, Robert Feder writes.
It not only marked the third consecutive monthly win for the iHeartMedia adult contemporary station, but the first time 93.9 Lite FM has captured the top spot outside of its Christmas music format, which runs during November and December.
Mick Lee scored his fourth straight month as the market's No. 1 afternoon personality. Lee doubles as program director of 93.9 Lite FM.
The first ratings survey of the year also brought good news to Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM, which bounced back from a monthslong slump, and iHeartMedia Top 40 WKSC 103.5-FM, which widened its lead over Entercom Top 40 WBBM 96.3-FM.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Gabutto Burger to open this spring on Randall Road in Elgin

Burgers with a Japanese twist are coming soon to the Randall Road corridor .
Gabutto Burger , which will serve up Japanese-style fast food in a fun atmosphere , is expected to open this spring in Elgin at 2502 Randall Road , just north of the tollway at Northwest Parkway and Randall Road .
For the past few years , owners Masaru Wachi and Chitaka Nishikiori have been running Gabutto Burger in Rolling Meadows .
However , they recently closed that location after more than three years in business , and are moving the entire Gabutto Burger operation to Elgin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chipotle .
For this venture , they 've added a new partner , Kenny Edwards .
Work is underway on the new spot , with renovations expected to be complete soon .
Wachi said the targeted opening date is mid March .
`` Kenny lives in the area and saw construction start for the Watermark apartments , and made an inquiry to the developer and was told that there will also be commercial retail spots built later , '' Wachi said .
From there , they followed their dream of bringing Gabutto Burger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a whole new set of customers .
Diners will find burgers inside with a special style at Gabutto Burger .
The burgers are a blend of ground beef , pork and then breading .
However , if diners prefer , there also are tofu , seafood and rice burgers on the menu , along with chicken .
To flavor their burgers , Gabutto Burger adds their secret recipe sauces , such as a demi-glace sauce or a Japanese-style terriaki sauce .
The burgers , they said , are prepared slowly over a low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flavor .
Gabutto Burgers are served between specialty home baked buns .
However , customers can also choose naan bread , rice patties or lettuce to wrap their burgers .
In addition to burgers , Gabutto Burger also will have fries , wings , drinks and more .
Wachi said the best-selling burger in Rolling Meadows was the shrimp burger .
It is made with ground white shrimp and chopped black tiger shrimp , and then breaded and fried .
The new Elgin location will have many of the old favorites that kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as some new gastro ideas that they will add to the menu , he said .
Wachi said they are excited to bring their concept to the Randall Road corridor .
`` We hope everyone can experience great tasting food with various flavors infused into each sandwich , as well as a place to come and enjoy a nice Japanese or craft beer , '' he said .
`` Although , we say Japanese twists , our burgers have borderless tastes -- there are Korean , Thai , Italian , etc @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake .
Contact her at randallbiz @ comcast.net or ( 847 ) 894-5036 .

Gabutto Burger to open this spring on Randall Road in Elgin
Burgers with a Japanese twist are coming soon to the Randall Road corridor.
Gabutto Burger, which will serve up Japanese-style fast food in a fun atmosphere, is expected to open this spring in Elgin at 2502 Randall Road, just north of the tollway at Northwest Parkway and Randall Road.
For the past few years, owners Masaru Wachi and Chitaka Nishikiori have been running Gabutto Burger in Rolling Meadows.
However, they recently closed that location after more than three years in business, and are moving the entire Gabutto Burger operation to Elgin, near Village Pizza and next to Chipotle. For this venture, they've added a new partner, Kenny Edwards.
Work is underway on the new spot, with renovations expected to be complete soon. Wachi said the targeted opening date is mid March.
"Kenny lives in the area and saw construction start for the Watermark apartments, and made an inquiry to the developer and was told that there will also be commercial retail spots built later," Wachi said.
From there, they followed their dream of bringing Gabutto Burger to the Randall Road corridor and to a whole new set of customers.
Diners will find burgers inside with a special style at Gabutto Burger. The burgers are a blend of ground beef, pork and then breading. However, if diners prefer, there also are tofu, seafood and rice burgers on the menu, along with chicken.
To flavor their burgers, Gabutto Burger adds their secret recipe sauces, such as a demi-glace sauce or a Japanese-style terriaki sauce. The burgers, they said, are prepared slowly over a low flame until it brings out the umami flavor.
Gabutto Burgers are served between specialty home baked buns. However, customers can also choose naan bread, rice patties or lettuce to wrap their burgers.
In addition to burgers, Gabutto Burger also will have fries, wings, drinks and more.
Wachi said the best-selling burger in Rolling Meadows was the shrimp burger. It is made with ground white shrimp and chopped black tiger shrimp, and then breaded and fried.
The new Elgin location will have many of the old favorites that kept Rolling Meadows area customers coming back, as well as some new gastro ideas that they will add to the menu, he said.
Wachi said they are excited to bring their concept to the Randall Road corridor.
"We hope everyone can experience great tasting food with various flavors infused into each sandwich, as well as a place to come and enjoy a nice Japanese or craft beer," he said.
"Although, we say Japanese twists, our burgers have borderless tastes -- there are Korean, Thai, Italian, etc."
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Kansas hires Air Force assistant Wallace for special teams

LAWRENCE , Kan. -- Kansas has hired Jonathan Wallace to coach special teams and running backs , completing an overhaul @ @ @ @ @ as the Jayhawks head into Year 2 of the former national championship-winning coach 's regime @ @ @ @ @ coaching tight ends at Air Force , and he spent the previous season at Bethel @ @ @ @ @ in Minnesota where he worked with recently promoted offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon .
Wallace also @ @ @ @ @ offensive graduate assistant at Auburn , where he played quarterback and wide receiver .
Wallace @ @ @ @ @ pair of bowl games and an appearance in the SEC title game as a coach @

Kansas hires Air Force assistant Wallace for special teams
LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas has hired Jonathan Wallace to coach special teams and running backs, completing an overhaul of Les Miles' staff as the Jayhawks head into Year 2 of the former national championship-winning coach's regime.
Miles announced the hiring in a statement Tuesday.
Wallace spent last season coaching tight ends at Air Force, and he spent the previous season at Bethel, a Division III school in Minnesota where he worked with recently promoted offensive coordinator Brent Dearmon.
Wallace also spent two years as an offensive graduate assistant at Auburn, where he played quarterback and wide receiver. Wallace helped the Tigers to a pair of bowl games and an appearance in the SEC title game as a coach.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--AP Source: Greg Olsen agrees to 1-year deal with Seahawks

CHARLOTTE , N.C. -- A person familiar with the situation says three-time Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen has agreed to a one-year , $ 7 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks .
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal has not been announced by the team .
Olsen was released by the Panthers earlier this month after nine seasons with the team amid a rebuilding process under first-year coach Matt Rhule .
Olsen has caught 718 passes for 8,444 yards and 59 touchdowns during his 13-year NFL career .
He spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bears .
Olsen had 52 catches for 697 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Panthers .
The 34-year-old Olsen chose the Seahawks after visiting with the Buffalo Bills and former coach Ron Rivera , now with the Washington Redskins .
Olsen has also been weighing a future in television broadcasting .
A two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award , Olsen was one of the most popular players on the Panthers for the better part of the last decade .
Olsen made it clear late last season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a rebuild because he wanted to win a Super Bowl .
ESPN was first to report the news .

AP Source: Greg Olsen agrees to 1-year deal with Seahawks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A person familiar with the situation says three-time Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen has agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal has not been announced by the team.
Olsen was released by the Panthers earlier this month after nine seasons with the team amid a rebuilding process under first-year coach Matt Rhule. Olsen has caught 718 passes for 8,444 yards and 59 touchdowns during his 13-year NFL career. He spent his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Olsen had 52 catches for 697 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Panthers.
The 34-year-old Olsen chose the Seahawks after visiting with the Buffalo Bills and former coach Ron Rivera, now with the Washington Redskins. Olsen has also been weighing a future in television broadcasting.
A two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Olsen was one of the most popular players on the Panthers for the better part of the last decade. Olsen made it clear late last season he wasn't willing to stick around for a rebuild because he wanted to win a Super Bowl.
The Seahawks finished 11-5 last season.
ESPN was first to report the news.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-19--Blagojevich is out of prison, back home; ex-Naperville hospital CEO calls commutation 'appalling'

Disgraced former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich is out of federal prison after President Donald Trump on Tuesday commuted his sentence , telling reporters the 14-year prison term was `` ridiculous . ''
`` Yes , we commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich , '' Trump told reporters just before boarding Air Force One for a campaign trip to the west coast .
`` He served eight years in jail , a long time .
He seems like a very nice person , do n't know him . ''
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that as of 7:24 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their custody .
Then he was seen in Denver International Airport , where he soon boarded a flight to Chicago .
After landing at O'Hare shortly before midnight Tuesday , Blagojevich spoke with WGN Channel 9 as he walked down the United concourse .
`` It 's great to be home .
There 's no place like home , '' he said .
Blagojevich confirmed that he had spoken to his family , including wife , Patti .
`` Patti 's the best person I 've ever known .
I 'm blessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he thanked the president and proclaimed his innocence .
`` I 'm profoundly grateful to President Trump , and it 's a profound and everlasting gratitude , '' Blagojevich told WGN .
`` He did n't have to do this ; he 's a Republican president and I was a Democratic governor .
I 'll have a lot more to say tomorrow . ''
A news conference is scheduled at 11 a.m. Wednesday at their Chicago home .
Blagojevich was accused of putting the former U.S. Senate seat of Barack Obama up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maywood Park horse-racing track owner John Johnston in exchange for legislation benefiting the racing industry , and trying to extort former Edward Hospital CEO Pam Davis .
The former governor said in Denver he `` followed the law every step of the way . ''
`` I 've said that all along , and that 's absolutely the case , and they 're the ones who did wrong and I think eventually the truth will win out , and the Bible teaches that , '' ABC 7 Chicago reported him saying .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corrupt criminal justice system that all too often persecutes and prosecutes people who did nothing wrong , who over-sentences people , show no mercy , and who are in positions who have no accountability , '' Blagojevich said .
`` They can do whatever they want .
They can put you into prison for things that are n't crimes . ''
The bureau earlier would not say when or how Blagojevich would be released from the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution in Colorado , saying release plans are not discussed for safety and security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' I wonder if I have time to get a run in , ' '' Blagojevich said , according to ABC 7 .
In 2010 , a jury agreed only that he lied to the FBI but deadlocked on the other charges , prompting a retrial .
After nine days of deliberations in June 2011 , jurors found Blagojevich guilty of 18 counts .
A judge sentenced him to 14 years in prison that December , and he reported the following March .
An appellate court in 2015 overturned five of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate seat scheme , but the court 's affirmation of the other charges still justified the sentence , it said .
Davis described Trump 's decision as `` appalling and frightening . ''
The head of the Naperville hospital wore a wire to provide evidence of a shakedown scheme against Edward that led to convictions of Blagojevich confederates and helped build the federal case against the governor .
Now retired , she said both Trump and Blagojevich `` totally abused the power entrusted to each of them . ''
`` I recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Davis said .
`` One of the reasons it was a long sentence is that ( Blagojevich ) never took individual responsibility for what he had done . ''
Trump had donated twice to Blagojevich 's campaign .
He questioned and fired the former governor from `` The Celebrity Apprentice '' on the eve of his trial in 2010 , telling him , `` You have a hell of a lot of guts . ''
`` I guess he 's not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November , '' House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , referring to the general election .
`` I 'm never going to be able to figure out how the president messages , nor the decision making that he does , '' Durkin said .
`` That 's something he 's going to have to explain , but I think he needs to explain to the people of Illinois who saw a governor destroy the integrity of this office but also did some very , very terrible things to the finances of this state . ''
Democratic Gov .
J.B. Pritzker also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Illinoisans have endured far too much corruption , and we must send a message to politicians that corrupt practices will no longer be tolerated , '' he said in a statement .
`` President Donald Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward his friends and condone corruption , and I deeply believe this pardon sends the wrong message at the wrong time . ''
In 2017 , an appeals court in Chicago took just three days to reject a request from Blagojevich for a new sentencing hearing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a stiff punishment but saying it was well within the sentencing judge 's discretion .
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up a Blagojevich appeal , leaving few options beyond an appeal to Trump .
Commutation reduces the sentence for a crime but does not eliminate the conviction .
The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission is moving to permanently take away Blagojevich 's law license .
A hearing previously scheduled for Tuesday , Feb. 25 , in Chicago `` will go forward as scheduled , '' commission spokesman Steve Splitt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2003 when construction executive Jacob Kiferbaum approached her regarding Edward 's plan to build a $ 218 million hospital in Plainfield .
If Davis hired his company and a politically connected financing firm , Kiferbaum promised , the then-Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board , appointed by Blagojevich , would approve the Plainfield project .
Health board member Stuart Levine , Kiferbaum and their confederate Tony Rezko , a Blagojevich fundraiser , all were convicted on corruption charges in relation to the Edward Hospital shakedown .
Edward never received approval for the hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the main event involving the governor , although the Edward issue did not surface in the Blagojevich case .
`` I think the most egregious piece was his interfering with health care , '' Davis said .
`` For anyone to do that is unconscionable and unethical ... taking away someone 's right to lifesaving treatment .
He never thought about that . ''
Former Blagojevich attorney Sam Adam Jr. described the commutation announcement as `` heartwarming , '' adding that he never believed his client 's actions amounted to criminal behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Adam said .
`` I 'm ecstatic ... to put a family back together on a case which in my humble opinion did n't call for a 14-year sentence . ''
Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has supported a shorter sentence for the ex-governor .
`` Former Gov .
Blagojevich betrayed the people of Illinois and engaged in a pattern of corrupt behavior for which he was held accountable and which cost him more than seven years of freedom , '' Durbin said .
Trump had given Blagojevich $ 7,000 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called it a `` tragedy '' in 2011 when Blagojevich got the federal prison sentence .
Could Blagojevich , a former congressman and state representative , run for office again ?
When the General Assembly impeached and removed him from office in 2009 , it also unanimously voted to bar him from holding public office again in Illinois .
But he could run for federal office again , including U.S. Congress , because there 's no constitutional provision saying a conviction disqualifies a person from it .
• Daily Herald staff reporter Barbara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Illinois contributed to this report .

Blagojevich is out of prison, back home; ex-Naperville hospital CEO calls commutation 'appalling'
The front page of the Daily Herald on Dec. 8, 2011 after from Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to prison. Daily Herald
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich shakes hands with a supporter Wednesday as he arrives home in Chicago after his release from Colorado prison late Tuesday. Blagojevich walked out of prison Tuesday after President Donald Trump cut short the 14-year prison sentence handed to the former Illinois governor for political corruption. Associated Press
Disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is out of federal prison after President Donald Trump on Tuesday commuted his sentence, telling reporters the 14-year prison term was "ridiculous."
"Yes, we commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich," Trump told reporters just before boarding Air Force One for a campaign trip to the west coast. "He served eight years in jail, a long time. He seems like a very nice person, don't know him."
The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that as of 7:24 p.m. Central Tuesday, Blagojevich was no longer in their custody. Then he was seen in Denver International Airport, where he soon boarded a flight to Chicago.
After landing at O'Hare shortly before midnight Tuesday, Blagojevich spoke with WGN Channel 9 as he walked down the United concourse.
"It's great to be home. There's no place like home," he said.
Blagojevich confirmed that he had spoken to his family, including wife, Patti. "Patti's the best person I've ever known. I'm blessed," he said.
In Denver, he thanked the president and proclaimed his innocence.
"I'm profoundly grateful to President Trump, and it's a profound and everlasting gratitude," Blagojevich told WGN. "He didn't have to do this; he's a Republican president and I was a Democratic governor. I'll have a lot more to say tomorrow."
A news conference is scheduled at 11 a.m. Wednesday at their Chicago home.
Blagojevich was accused of putting the former U.S. Senate seat of Barack Obama up for sale, soliciting campaign donations from Maywood Park horse-racing track owner John Johnston in exchange for legislation benefiting the racing industry, and trying to extort former Edward Hospital CEO Pam Davis.
The former governor said in Denver he "followed the law every step of the way."
"I've said that all along, and that's absolutely the case, and they're the ones who did wrong and I think eventually the truth will win out, and the Bible teaches that," ABC 7 Chicago reported him saying.
"I'm going to fight against the corrupt criminal justice system that all too often persecutes and prosecutes people who did nothing wrong, who over-sentences people, show no mercy, and who are in positions who have no accountability," Blagojevich said. "They can do whatever they want. They can put you into prison for things that aren't crimes."
The bureau earlier would not say when or how Blagojevich would be released from the Englewood Federal Correctional Institution in Colorado, saying release plans are not discussed for safety and security reasons.
"My first thought was, 'I wonder if I have time to get a run in,'" Blagojevich said, according to ABC 7.
In 2010, a jury agreed only that he lied to the FBI but deadlocked on the other charges, prompting a retrial. After nine days of deliberations in June 2011, jurors found Blagojevich guilty of 18 counts. A judge sentenced him to 14 years in prison that December, and he reported the following March. An appellate court in 2015 overturned five of those counts, particularly targeting the prosecution of the Senate seat scheme, but the court's affirmation of the other charges still justified the sentence, it said.
Davis described Trump's decision as "appalling and frightening." The head of the Naperville hospital wore a wire to provide evidence of a shakedown scheme against Edward that led to convictions of Blagojevich confederates and helped build the federal case against the governor.
Now retired, she said both Trump and Blagojevich "totally abused the power entrusted to each of them."
"I recognize it was a long sentence," Davis said. "One of the reasons it was a long sentence is that (Blagojevich) never took individual responsibility for what he had done."
Trump had donated twice to Blagojevich's campaign. He questioned and fired the former governor from "The Celebrity Apprentice" on the eve of his trial in 2010, telling him, "You have a hell of a lot of guts."
Trump's action Tuesday shook Illinois Republicans.
"I guess he's not concerned about the state of Illinois for next November," House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs said, referring to the general election.
"I'm never going to be able to figure out how the president messages, nor the decision making that he does," Durkin said. "That's something he's going to have to explain, but I think he needs to explain to the people of Illinois who saw a governor destroy the integrity of this office but also did some very, very terrible things to the finances of this state."
This is the front entrance of the federal prison in which former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Englewood, Colo. President Donald Trump on Tuesday commuted the 14-year prison sentence of the former governor. He had been found guilty of crimes that included seeking to sell an appointment to Barack Obama's old Senate seat and trying to shake down a children's hospital. - Associated Press
Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker also criticized the commutation o n Tuesday.
"Illinoisans have endured far too much corruption, and we must send a message to politicians that corrupt practices will no longer be tolerated," he said in a statement. "President Donald Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward his friends and condone corruption, and I deeply believe this pardon sends the wrong message at the wrong time."
In 2017, an appeals court in Chicago took just three days to reject a request from Blagojevich for a new sentencing hearing, agreeing his 14-year prison term for corruption was a stiff punishment but saying it was well within the sentencing judge's discretion.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up a Blagojevich appeal, leaving few options beyond an appeal to Trump.
Commutation reduces the sentence for a crime but does not eliminate the conviction.
The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission is moving to permanently take away Blagojevich's law license. A hearing previously scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Chicago "will go forward as scheduled," commission spokesman Steve Splitt said.
Davis' involvement began in 2003 when construction executive Jacob Kiferbaum approached her regarding Edward's plan to build a $218 million hospital in Plainfield. If Davis hired his company and a politically connected financing firm, Kiferbaum promised, the then-Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, appointed by Blagojevich, would approve the Plainfield project.
Health board member Stuart Levine, Kiferbaum and their confederate Tony Rezko, a Blagojevich fundraiser, all were convicted on corruption charges in relation to the Edward Hospital shakedown. Edward never received approval for the hospital.
The three trials served as opening acts for the main event involving the governor, although the Edward issue did not surface in the Blagojevich case.
"I think the most egregious piece was his interfering with health care," Davis said. "For anyone to do that is unconscionable and unethical ... taking away someone's right to lifesaving treatment. He never thought about that."
Former Blagojevich attorney Sam Adam Jr. described the commutation announcement as "heartwarming," adding that he never believed his client's actions amounted to criminal behavior.
"I couldn't be happier," Adam said. "I'm ecstatic ... to put a family back together on a case which in my humble opinion didn't call for a 14-year sentence."
Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has supported a shorter sentence for the ex-governor.
"Former Gov. Blagojevich betrayed the people of Illinois and engaged in a pattern of corrupt behavior for which he was held accountable and which cost him more than seven years of freedom," Durbin said.
Trump had given Blagojevich $7,000 in campaign donations over the years. He called it a "tragedy" in 2011 when Blagojevich got the federal prison sentence.
Could Blagojevich, a former congressman and state representative, run for office again?
When the General Assembly impeached and removed him from office in 2009, it also unanimously voted to bar him from holding public office again in Illinois. But he could run for federal office again, including U.S. Congress, because there's no constitutional provision saying a conviction disqualifies a person from it.
• Daily Herald staff reporter Barbara Vitello, The Associated Press and Capitol News Illinois contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--'The Celebrity Apprentice' and other things you might have forgotten about Blagojevich and his trial

There were many tentacles to the investigation of former Gov .
Rod Blagojevich , including suburban connections and a relationship with President Donald Trump .
Here are five things you might have forgotten .
1 . '
I have great respect for you' It was a flubbed Harry Potter reference that got former Blagojevich fired by Trump on `` The Celebrity Apprentice '' in 2010 , on the eve of Blagojevich 's trial .
`` It 's Slithering and it 's Hufflepuff and it 's Ravencloth ... '' Blagojevich tried to explain after Trump pointed his finger at the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The exchange continued after Trump asked who researched Blagojevich 's team 's project to create a Harry Potter display for Universal Studios in Florida .
`` Gov , I have great respect for you , '' Trump said .
`` I have great respect for your tenacity , for the fact that you just do n't give up .
But , Rod , you 're fired . ''
Blagojevich 's wheeling and dealing did n't just take place at the governor 's offices or at his home in Chicago .
A key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edward Hospital CEO Pamela Davis , who went to the FBI with a story of Illinois political cronies extorting the Naperville hospital for money in exchange for state approval to build a hospital in Plainfield .
Davis wore a wire and helped set in motion a federal wiretap of Illinois power broker Stuart Levine , resulting in a treasure trove of information that ultimately led to Blagojevich .
It was one of a number of suburban connections to the corruption case again Blagojevich .
The India House restaurant in Schaumburg , now closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunch for Blagojevich on Halloween 2008 .
His brother , Robert Blagojevich , later testified Raghuveer Nayak of Oak Brook offered to raise up to $ 6 million for the governor if he appointed Jesse Jackson Jr. to the U.S. Senate seat about to be vacated by Barack Obama .
Nayak and Jackson were n't charged , but Nayak later was sentenced on unrelated federal health care fraud charges and Jackson later resigned from his Chicago congressional seat amid a federal ethics investigation .
Suburban horse racing tracks figured into several of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty -- wire fraud , extortion , conspiracy and conspiracy to solicit a bribe .
Prosecutors said Blagojevich threatened in 2008 not to sign racetrack legislation into law to help struggling Maywood and Balmoral Park until their owner , John Johnston of Hinsdale , coughed up a $ 100,000 campaign contribution .
That contribution was never made , Blagojevich was arrested , and subsequently he signed the racetrack legislation .
Casinos sued the track owners and won damages , leading the racetracks to file for bankruptcy .
An appellate judge upheld the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was enough evidence `` to allow a rational jury to find a quid pro quo agreement '' between Johnston and Blagojevich .
Trump , a Republican , gave Democrat Blagojevich $ 7,000 in campaign funding -- $ 5,000 in 2002 and $ 2,000 in 2007 .

5 things you might have forgotten about Rod Blagojevich and his trial
A 2009 episode of "The Celebrity Apprentice" featured, in the back row from left, Curtis Stone, Michael Johnson and Rod Blagojevich, and in the front row, Bill Goldberg, Darryl Strawberry, Sinbad and Bret Michaels. Ali Goldstein/NBC
There were many tentacles to the investigation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, including suburban connections and a relationship with President Donald Trump. Here are five things you might have forgotten.
1. 'I have great respect for you'
It was a flubbed Harry Potter reference that got former Blagojevich fired by Trump on "The Celebrity Apprentice" in 2010, on the eve of Blagojevich's trial.
"It's Slithering and it's Hufflepuff and it's Ravencloth ..." Blagojevich tried to explain after Trump pointed his finger at the former governor and challenged his Harry Potter facts.
The exchange continued after Trump asked who researched Blagojevich's team's project to create a Harry Potter display for Universal Studios in Florida.
"Gov, I have great respect for you," Trump said. "I have great respect for your tenacity, for the fact that you just don't give up. But, Rod, you're fired."
2. Whistleblower at Naperville hospital
Blagojevich's wheeling and dealing didn't just take place at the governor's offices or at his home in Chicago.
A key figure in the case against him was Edward Hospital CEO Pamela Davis, who went to the FBI with a story of Illinois political cronies extorting the Naperville hospital for money in exchange for state approval to build a hospital in Plainfield.
Davis wore a wire and helped set in motion a federal wiretap of Illinois power broker Stuart Levine, resulting in a treasure trove of information that ultimately led to Blagojevich. It was one of a number of suburban connections to the corruption case again Blagojevich.
3. Deal making in Schaumburg
The India House restaurant in Schaumburg, now closed, was the setting for a fundraising lunch for Blagojevich on Halloween 2008. His brother, Robert Blagojevich, later testified Raghuveer Nayak of Oak Brook offered to raise up to $6 million for the governor if he appointed Jesse Jackson Jr. to the U.S. Senate seat about to be vacated by Barack Obama. Nayak and Jackson weren't charged, but Nayak later was sentenced on unrelated federal health care fraud charges and Jackson later resigned from his Chicago congressional seat amid a federal ethics investigation.
4. A Blagojevich 'quid pro quo'
Suburban horse racing tracks figured into several of the 17 counts on which Blagojevich was found guilty -- wire fraud, extortion, conspiracy and conspiracy to solicit a bribe.
Prosecutors said Blagojevich threatened in 2008 not to sign racetrack legislation into law to help struggling Maywood and Balmoral Park until their owner, John Johnston of Hinsdale, coughed up a $100,000 campaign contribution. That contribution was never made, Blagojevich was arrested, and subsequently he signed the racetrack legislation.
Casinos sued the track owners and won damages, leading the racetracks to file for bankruptcy. An appellate judge upheld the ruling in favor of the casinos, saying there was enough evidence "to allow a rational jury to find a quid pro quo agreement" between Johnston and Blagojevich.
5. Trump funds Blagojevich
Trump, a Republican, gave Democrat Blagojevich $7,000 in campaign funding -- $5,000 in 2002 and $2,000 in 2007.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--State senator proposes reduction in 23-year life span of TIF districts

Democratic state Sen. Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights is sponsoring a bill that seeks to reduce from 23 years to 10 the life span of a sometimes controversial but often used property tax incentive for redevelopment .
Tax increment finance districts , or TIFs , are frequently touted by developers and municipalities as tools for economic development of blighted or underused properties .
But other local taxing bodies , such as school districts , have sometimes cast a critical eye on the incentive because it freezes their property tax revenue from the improving site for nearly a quarter century .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
It is scheduled for a hearing before the senate 's revenue committee Wednesday .
The bill , which has a proposed effective date of July 1 , includes some new criteria to tighten the determination of whether a site is sufficiently `` blighted '' for use as a TIF district .
The district works by freezing property taxes within a designated area at the level of the first year .
As the property is improved and its value rises , the tax revenue increase goes to a municipally held fund to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private development .
Such districts historically have expired after 23 years or when all their public improvements have been paid off , which ever is first .
While TIF districts can be extended to as long as 35 years , Gillespie 's bill proposes allowing extensions only to 15 years .
Gillespie said her research determined that , on average , officials know if a TIF district has been successful within 10 years .
She also found TIFs are most successful when used for industrial redevelopments and least successful for retail .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in more redevelopment situations than was originally intended .
Gillespie said she anticipates some attempts to negotiate changes to the bill , but that it would keep its July 1 effective date if it passes on or before May 31 .
Mark Fowler , executive director of the Northwest Municipal Conference , said one thing the new bill does n't take into account is the number of times TIF districts have been retired early .
Though the conference probably wo n't establish a stance on the bill until next month , Fowler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to reform the TIF law as well as resistance to those efforts .
`` They 've been a very effective tool , '' he said .
Hoffman Estates has five active TIF districts , including one for redevelopment of the former AT & T campus into the Bell Works `` metroburb '' of offices , stores , and entertainment venues .
The project 's residential component was specifically excluded from the TIF .
Another , for 64 acres at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72 , was approved by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic Development Director Kevin Kramer said TIF districts are n't always the most effective tool for every situation , and his village did hope to make use of a proposed new `` Big Empties '' incentive for the AT & T campus .
That was designed not to freeze property taxes to local governments , but was n't approved in time by the state legislature .
Kramer said there are probably pluses and minuses to most available incentives , but there are also projects that can take longer than 10 years to fully @ @

State senator proposes reduction in 23-year life span of TIF districts
Democratic state Sen. Ann Gillespie of Arlington Heights is sponsoring a bill that seeks to reduce from 23 years to 10 the life span of a sometimes controversial but often used property tax incentive for redevelopment.
Tax increment finance districts, or TIFs, are frequently touted by developers and municipalities as tools for economic development of blighted or underused properties. But other local taxing bodies, such as school districts, have sometimes cast a critical eye on the incentive because it freezes their property tax revenue from the improving site for nearly a quarter century.
Gillespie introduced Senate Bill 2938 on Feb. 4. It is scheduled for a hearing before the senate's revenue committee Wednesday.
The bill, which has a proposed effective date of July 1, includes some new criteria to tighten the determination of whether a site is sufficiently "blighted" for use as a TIF district.
The district works by freezing property taxes within a designated area at the level of the first year. As the property is improved and its value rises, the tax revenue increase goes to a municipally held fund to pay for public improvements complementary to the private development.
Such districts historically have expired after 23 years or when all their public improvements have been paid off, which ever is first.
While TIF districts can be extended to as long as 35 years, Gillespie's bill proposes allowing extensions only to 15 years.
Gillespie said her research determined that, on average, officials know if a TIF district has been successful within 10 years. She also found TIFs are most successful when used for industrial redevelopments and least successful for retail.
She added her research found TIF districts are used in more redevelopment situations than was originally intended.
Gillespie said she anticipates some attempts to negotiate changes to the bill, but that it would keep its July 1 effective date if it passes on or before May 31.
Mark Fowler, executive director of the Northwest Municipal Conference, said one thing the new bill doesn't take into account is the number of times TIF districts have been retired early.
Though the conference probably won't establish a stance on the bill until next month, Fowler said there has been a history of efforts to reform the TIF law as well as resistance to those efforts.
"They've been a very effective tool," he said.
Hoffman Estates has five active TIF districts, including one for redevelopment of the former AT&T campus into the Bell Works "metroburb" of offices, stores, and entertainment venues. The project's residential component was specifically excluded from the TIF.
Another, for 64 acres at the northwest corner of routes 59 and 72, was approved by the village board last month.
Hoffman Estates Economic Development Director Kevin Kramer said TIF districts aren't always the most effective tool for every situation, and his village did hope to make use of a proposed new "Big Empties" incentive for the AT&T campus. That was designed not to freeze property taxes to local governments, but wasn't approved in time by the state legislature.
Kramer said there are probably pluses and minuses to most available incentives, but there are also projects that can take longer than 10 years to fully develop.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-19--Costco getting $5.5 million tax rebate to build second store in Naperville

Naperville City Council members want a second Costco in town enough to pay $ 5.5 million for it in the form of sales tax incentives .
The council unanimously approved a deal Tuesday night that Costco says will allow the retailer to buy 18.5 acres at the high-vacancy Ogden Mall , tear down several existing businesses and then build and profitably operate a new store .
Costco 's purchase of the site will result in the displacement of Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theatres , which has been in the strip mall since 1976 , but the H Mart Asian grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CVS and a Panera Bread on the property will be able to stay .
Mayor Steve Chirico recused himself from the discussion because he said his company , Great Western Flooring , works with Costco , and council member John Krummen was absent .
But the rest of the council voted to approve the deal , which will rebate 75 % of the city 's portion of the state-imposed sales tax and 75 % of the city 's own home-rule sales tax on all purchases made at the new Costco .
The Naperville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a plan its members believe will revitalize the East Ogden corridor , where business vacancies have been a challenge to fill since a Kmart at Ogden Mall closed in 2013 .
The new Costco `` will be a beacon to draw other successful businesses to that area of the city , '' Reba Osborne , the chamber 's director of government affairs , said .
The incentive the city approved Tuesday is projected to pay out the $ 5.5 million within five years of the store 's opening , based on expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in the first year and growing to $ 1.73 million in the fifth .
The deal is set to expire when $ 5.5 million is paid back to Costco or when 15 years passes -- whichever comes first .
It will not rebate any of the motor fuel tax from the gas station Costco plans to build .
Before the council voted in favor of the incentive , resident Barbara Grady asked the city to consider the many residential neighbors near the future Costco site when handling issues such as traffic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying it 's a mistake to displace the longtime Ogden 6 theater and bring in a business that not all residents can access without paying a membership fee .
Christine Jeffries , president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership , said the addition of Costco will help spark more investment and redevelopment in an area the city has been working to improve for years .
She said a nearby auto dealership has upgraded its landscaping and facade , two new restaurants have opened just east of the Ogden Mall site and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , burying power lines and planting more trees to beautify the corridor .
`` We needed a catalyst , '' Jeffries said .
`` Costco coming in is a catalyst for the whole East Ogden area . ''

Costco getting $5.5 million tax rebate to build second store in Naperville
The Costco at 75th Street and Rt. 59 soon won't be the only one in Naperville. Daily Herald file photo
Naperville City Council members want a second Costco in town enough to pay $5.5 million for it in the form of sales tax incentives.
The council unanimously approved a deal Tuesday night that Costco says will allow the retailer to buy 18.5 acres at the high-vacancy Ogden Mall, tear down several existing businesses and then build and profitably operate a new store.
Costco's purchase of the site will result in the displacement of Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theatres, which has been in the strip mall since 1976, but the H Mart Asian grocery store along with a bank, a CVS and a Panera Bread on the property will be able to stay.
Mayor Steve Chirico recused himself from the discussion because he said his company, Great Western Flooring, works with Costco, and council member John Krummen was absent. But the rest of the council voted to approve the deal, which will rebate 75% of the city's portion of the state-imposed sales tax and 75% of the city's own home-rule sales tax on all purchases made at the new Costco.
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce offered its support of a plan its members believe will revitalize the East Ogden corridor, where business vacancies have been a challenge to fill since a Kmart at Ogden Mall closed in 2013.
The new Costco "will be a beacon to draw other successful businesses to that area of the city," Reba Osborne, the chamber's director of government affairs, said.
The incentive the city approved Tuesday is projected to pay out the $5.5 million within five years of the store's opening, based on expected sales tax receipts starting at $1.25 million in the first year and growing to $1.73 million in the fifth.
The deal is set to expire when $5.5 million is paid back to Costco or when 15 years passes -- whichever comes first. It will not rebate any of the motor fuel tax from the gas station Costco plans to build.
Before the council voted in favor of the incentive, resident Barbara Grady asked the city to consider the many residential neighbors near the future Costco site when handling issues such as traffic. Resident George Howard spoke against the deal, saying it's a mistake to displace the longtime Ogden 6 theater and bring in a business that not all residents can access without paying a membership fee.
Christine Jeffries, president and CEO of the Naperville Development Partnership, said the addition of Costco will help spark more investment and redevelopment in an area the city has been working to improve for years.
She said a nearby auto dealership has upgraded its landscaping and facade, two new restaurants have opened just east of the Ogden Mall site and the city has been repainting electric boxes, burying power lines and planting more trees to beautify the corridor.
"We needed a catalyst," Jeffries said. "Costco coming in is a catalyst for the whole East Ogden area."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Arlington Heights looks to 'refresh' logo, marketing; will a horse still be featured?

Arlington Heights wo n't do a full-scale rebranding in concert with its ongoing Discover Arlington marketing campaign , but officials still plan to do a less-costly `` refreshing '' aimed at creating a consistent logo and tagline .
Village officials have debated making changes to their marketing efforts since at least 2012 , though a wider-scale branding overhaul was rejected by village board members two years ago as too costly -- $ 200,000 by some estimates .
But they still expressed a desire for an image `` cleanup . ''
To that end , trustees agreed to spend $ 35,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create three to five new logo and tagline concepts and determine if there 's an opportunity to unify existing logos used by village government .
There 's currently seven different logos in use across village departments -- from an image of the village hall clock tower on the Discover Arlington marketing logo , to a horse 's head in the shape of the letter A on the official village seal and affixed to public works vehicles .
The latter is a nod to Arlington International Racecourse .
But with the racetrack 's future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the horse will remain part of the logo and other branding efforts .
The board hired Springboard Brand & Creative Strategy , based in downtown Arlington Heights , to come up with logos , taglines , and a series of print and digital ads that promotes the village as a destination .
The firm 's work also is expected to include an evaluation and recommendations about the Discover Arlington logo and tagline `` Always More to Discover ! ''
in addition to the other logos that are n't used for marketing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proliferated throughout the village over time , so that is part of the scope : looking at bringing that back into scale and what can we do with that village logo ( and ) how can we get one more-cohesive message in our logo development , '' said Charles Witherington-Perkins , the village 's director of planning and community development .
Springboard , founded in 2002 by Rob Rosenberg , specializes in creating brand identities and advertising programs in the health care industry , with Northwest Community Healthcare , Friendship Village of Schaumburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a list of clients .
But the marketing firm also has done work for Rosemont , Aurora , and West Lafayette , Indiana , and was the preferred choice of an Arlington Heights staff committee that evaluated submissions from seven vendors who responded to a request for proposals last year .

Arlington Heights looks to 'refresh' logo, marketing; will a horse still be featured?
Arlington Heights currently has seven different logos in use across village departments. A rebranding initiative is aimed at creating a consistent logo and tagline. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights won't do a full-scale rebranding in concert with its ongoing Discover Arlington marketing campaign, but officials still plan to do a less-costly "refreshing" aimed at creating a consistent logo and tagline.
Village officials have debated making changes to their marketing efforts since at least 2012, though a wider-scale branding overhaul was rejected by village board members two years ago as too costly -- $200,000 by some estimates.
But they still expressed a desire for an image "cleanup."
To that end, trustees agreed to spend $35,000 this week on a consultant who will create three to five new logo and tagline concepts and determine if there's an opportunity to unify existing logos used by village government.
There's currently seven different logos in use across village departments -- from an image of the village hall clock tower on the Discover Arlington marketing logo, to a horse's head in the shape of the letter A on the official village seal and affixed to public works vehicles.
The latter is a nod to Arlington International Racecourse. But with the racetrack's future in limbo, it's unclear if the horse will remain part of the logo and other branding efforts.
The board hired Springboard Brand & Creative Strategy, based in downtown Arlington Heights, to come up with logos, taglines, and a series of print and digital ads that promotes the village as a destination. The firm's work also is expected to include an evaluation and recommendations about the Discover Arlington logo and tagline "Always More to Discover!" in addition to the other logos that aren't used for marketing.
"We have seven different logos that have proliferated throughout the village over time, so that is part of the scope: looking at bringing that back into scale and what can we do with that village logo (and) how can we get one more-cohesive message in our logo development," said Charles Witherington-Perkins, the village's director of planning and community development.
Springboard, founded in 2002 by Rob Rosenberg, specializes in creating brand identities and advertising programs in the health care industry, with Northwest Community Healthcare, Friendship Village of Schaumburg and the American Academy of Pediatrics among a list of clients.
But the marketing firm also has done work for Rosemont, Aurora, and West Lafayette, Indiana, and was the preferred choice of an Arlington Heights staff committee that evaluated submissions from seven vendors who responded to a request for proposals last year.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--Stances on drug treatment facility, recreational pot show contrast between Kane chairman candidates

The Democratic candidates for Kane County Board chairman agree mental health and addiction are key public health concerns for the county to address .
But , Corrine Pierog and Greg Elsbree differ on how they would have dealt with the controversial drug treatment facility that will open just outside Campton Hills despite years of efforts by that village and Kane County to stop it , and legalization of recreational pot .
Pierog said her daughter lived next to the former Glenwood School property targeted for the treatment center and opposed its plan .
Despite understanding the fears about the inexperience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the facility , Pierog `` thought this was something that was needed . ''
`` People were going to be able to get help and have it available to them .
I certainly thought the little village of Campton Hills would benefit from it , with people seeing what a beautiful community it is , '' she said .
`` A lot of people from Campton Hills are not going to be happy to hear that , but I thought they were making a very foolish move at the county level not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the original developers forced the county into voting to approve the plan and to pay nearly $ 6 million in a settlement agreement .
Recovery Centers of America bought the site after the rezoning .
It intends to open a treatment facility this spring .
Elsbree did n't specifically say if he favored the facility .
He said the opposition came from Campton Hills residents , who expressed their views to the county .
There was also no push for the facility because county officials have not emphasized the need to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
`` We have great local 708 boards that we depend on , '' Elsbree said .
`` But on the countywide level ?
No .
So I do n't think the county felt ( the drug treatment facility ) was a great need .
The county will remain getting pushback from the community if that facility is opened .
People just do n't want that in their backyard .
Sheriff Ron Hain has done a wonderful job trying to put some rehabilitation services in the jail , but even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financing for it . ''
Elsbree also pointed to the county board 's recent decision to ban recreational marijuana in unincorporated areas as shortsighted .
The board also imposed a county tax on the sales that occur in local cities and villages .
He said he does n't care if people use recreational marijuana , but thinks it 's unfair for the county to impose a tax without allowing the sales in the areas it controls .
`` So you 're going to put the burden of regulating it on the municipalities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we 'll take 3 % of that because we have a revenue issue , '' he said .
`` If you 're not going to be courageous enough to implement it , I do n't think they should take funding from it . ''
Elsbree said some of the recreational sales revenue could have helped fund county mental health services .
Pierog favors recreational marijuana sales .
She said she understands the sheriff has relatively few officers on patrol at any given time .
But just because the sales wo n't occur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreational marijuana wo n't be used there .
`` What will happen now is people will drive to North Aurora , take whatever they are taking and then be with marijuana in their system on whatever road they may be on , '' she said .
`` So the impact is going to throughout the county regardless . ''
The primary election is March 17 , but some early voting has already started .

Stances on drug treatment facility, recreational pot show contrast between Kane chairman candidates
The Democratic candidates for Kane County Board chairman agree mental health and addiction are key public health concerns for the county to address.
But, Corrine Pierog and Greg Elsbree differ on how they would have dealt with the controversial drug treatment facility that will open just outside Campton Hills despite years of efforts by that village and Kane County to stop it, and legalization of recreational pot.
Pierog said her daughter lived next to the former Glenwood School property targeted for the treatment center and opposed its plan. Despite understanding the fears about the inexperience of the initial developers and security of the facility, Pierog "thought this was something that was needed."
"People were going to be able to get help and have it available to them. I certainly thought the little village of Campton Hills would benefit from it, with people seeing what a beautiful community it is," she said.
"A lot of people from Campton Hills are not going to be happy to hear that, but I thought they were making a very foolish move at the county level not to support that project."
A lawsuit by the original developers forced the county into voting to approve the plan and to pay nearly $6 million in a settlement agreement. Recovery Centers of America bought the site after the rezoning. It intends to open a treatment facility this spring.
Elsbree didn't specifically say if he favored the facility. He said the opposition came from Campton Hills residents, who expressed their views to the county. There was also no push for the facility because county officials have not emphasized the need to improve mental health services despite the opioid crisis, he said.
"We have great local 708 boards that we depend on," Elsbree said. "But on the countywide level? No. So I don't think the county felt (the drug treatment facility) was a great need. The county will remain getting pushback from the community if that facility is opened. People just don't want that in their backyard. Sheriff Ron Hain has done a wonderful job trying to put some rehabilitation services in the jail, but even that was like pulling teeth to get financing for it."
Elsbree also pointed to the county board's recent decision to ban recreational marijuana in unincorporated areas as shortsighted. The board also imposed a county tax on the sales that occur in local cities and villages. He said he doesn't care if people use recreational marijuana, but thinks it's unfair for the county to impose a tax without allowing the sales in the areas it controls.
"So you're going to put the burden of regulating it on the municipalities, stay an arm's length away, but we'll take 3% of that because we have a revenue issue," he said. "If you're not going to be courageous enough to implement it, I don't think they should take funding from it."
Elsbree said some of the recreational sales revenue could have helped fund county mental health services.
Pierog favors recreational marijuana sales. She said she understands the sheriff has relatively few officers on patrol at any given time. But just because the sales won't occur in the unincorporated areas doesn't mean recreational marijuana won't be used there.
"What will happen now is people will drive to North Aurora, take whatever they are taking and then be with marijuana in their system on whatever road they may be on," she said. "So the impact is going to throughout the county regardless."
The primary election is March 17, but some early voting has already started.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-19--Feder: ABC 7's Bob Petty recalled as trailblazing journalist

Colleagues are remembering Bob Petty as a pioneering African-American news anchor , reporter and public-affairs host at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 @ @ @ @ @ , Robert Feder writes .
Petty died of lung cancer Tuesday at his home in @ @ @ @ @ 79 .
`` Bob Petty was an outstanding journalist , giving voice to thousands of @ @ @ @ @ 31-year career at ABC 7 , '' said Jennifer Graves , vice president of news @ @ @ @ @ He handled both anchor and reporting duties with poise , professionalism and grace and paved @ @ @ @ @ the first , full-time African-American anchormen in Chicago . ''
Get the full report , @ @ @ @ @ , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: ABC 7's Bob Petty recalled as trailblazing journalist
Colleagues are remembering Bob Petty as a pioneering African-American news anchor, reporter and public-affairs host at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 for more than three decades, Robert Feder writes.
Petty died of lung cancer Tuesday at his home in Hyde Park. He was 79.
"Bob Petty was an outstanding journalist, giving voice to thousands of important Chicago stories during his 31-year career at ABC 7," said Jennifer Graves, vice president of news at ABC 7. "He handled both anchor and reporting duties with poise, professionalism and grace and paved the way as one of the first, full-time African-American anchormen in Chicago."
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-18--'It sends a bad message': Republicans, others decry Blagojevich commutation, but not Durbin

President Donald Trump 's commuting of Gov .
Rod Blagojevich 's prison sentence Tuesday upended some political norms .
GOP lawmakers criticized the Republican president and Democrats with one exception -- Sen. Dick Durbin , who previously said the sentence was too long -- railed against Democrat Blagojevich .
`` I think it 's wrong and it sends a bad message to people in this country that ... you do n't have to pay your debt to society . ''
`` I completely disagree with the president .
Blagojevich has never demonstrated real remorse for his crimes against the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I disagree with the commutation of his sentence .
( Blagojevich 's ) actions caused great damage to our state .
Corrupt politicians need to be held accountable and shortening his sentence sends the wrong message at the wrong time as there is currently an ongoing and widespread public corruption investigation in Illinois . ''
`` In a state where corrupt , machine-style politics is still all too common , it 's important that those found guilty serve their prison sentence in its entirety .
Rod Blagojevich is certainly no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blagojevich betrayed the people of Illinois and engaged in a pattern of corrupt behavior for which he was held accountable and which cost him more than seven years of freedom .
`` At a time when corruption by elected officials is still in the headlines , Illinois and Washington should move quickly to establish stricter ethics requirements , including the full detailed disclosure of income , net worth , and income tax returns by all elected officials . ''
`` President Donald Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Illinois ' troubling history of corruption is no secret and Mr. Blagojevich 's attempt to sell a U.S. Senate seat is the epitome of corruption . ''
`` Rod Blagojevich 's sentence was commuted because he is friends with the president . ''
`` The former governor was afforded due process in his case .
I disagree with the president 's decision to intervene in the former governor 's sentence . ''

'It sends a bad message': Republicans, others decry Blagojevich commutation; Durbin doesn't
Rod Blagojevich is interviewed by media Tuesday night at Denver International Airport after he was released from a Colorado federal prison, as a result of his sentence on corruption charges being commuted by President Donald Trump earlier in the day. Courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
President Donald Trump's commuting of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's prison sentence Tuesday upended some political norms. GOP lawmakers criticized the Republican president and Democrats with one exception -- Sen. Dick Durbin, who previously said the sentence was too long -- railed against Democrat Blagojevich.
Here's a sampling.
"I think it's wrong and it sends a bad message to people in this country that ... you don't have to pay your debt to society."
-- Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, Western Springs
"I completely disagree with the president. Blagojevich has never demonstrated real remorse for his crimes against the people of Illinois. Justice has been shortchanged."
-- Republican State Sen. Dan McConchie, Hawthorn Woods
"I disagree with the commutation of his sentence. (Blagojevich's) actions caused great damage to our state. Corrupt politicians need to be held accountable and shortening his sentence sends the wrong message at the wrong time as there is currently an ongoing and widespread public corruption investigation in Illinois."
-- Republican State Rep. Grant Wehrli, Naperville
"In a state where corrupt, machine-style politics is still all too common, it's important that those found guilty serve their prison sentence in its entirety. Rod Blagojevich is certainly no exception."
-- Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider
"Former Gov. Blagojevich betrayed the people of Illinois and engaged in a pattern of corrupt behavior for which he was held accountable and which cost him more than seven years of freedom.
"At a time when corruption by elected officials is still in the headlines, Illinois and Washington should move quickly to establish stricter ethics requirements, including the full detailed disclosure of income, net worth, and income tax returns by all elected officials."
-- Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Springfield
"President Donald Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward his friends and condone corruption."
-- Gov. J.B. Pritzker
"Illinois' troubling history of corruption is no secret and Mr. Blagojevich's attempt to sell a U.S. Senate seat is the epitome of corruption."
-- Democratic State Sen. Melinda Bush, Grayslake
"Rod Blagojevich's sentence was commuted because he is friends with the president."
-- Democratic State Rep. Cristina Castro
"The former governor was afforded due process in his case. I disagree with the president's decision to intervene in the former governor's sentence."
-- Republican State Sen. John Curran, Downers Grove


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--Who was that guy with Blagojevich? Ex-St. Charles resident helped secure his release

In the midst of a freewheeling news conference Wednesday , former Gov .
Rod Blagojevich took a moment to thank a `` mystery man . ''
`` He 's quite a guy .
...
He 's the kind of guy who can get you out of prison if you find yourself stuck there , '' Blagojevich said after President Donald Trump 's commutation of his 14-year prison sentence on corruption charges .
The `` mystery man '' who flew home with the Chicago Democrat Tuesday from prison in Colorado was former St. Charles resident and Judson College alumnus Mark Vargas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' is how Vargas , a Blagojevich family friend and adviser , described the previous 24 hours .
`` It 's still a blur right now . ''
On Tuesday , political strategist Vargas was in Washington when Blagojevich 's wife , Patti , called him with the news .
`` I said , 'All right ...
I 've got to catch the next flight to Denver , ' '' he said .
The timing was a surprise , but the decision was n't .
Vargas became acquainted with Trump 's son-in-law Jared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal justice reform for the Washington Examiner .
`` We had a strong advocate in Jared .
...
He 's been very supportive of the governor 's release from prison , '' Vargas said .
But the president also knew Blagojevich from his 2010 stint on Trump 's reality TV show `` The Celebrity Apprentice '' and was highly critical of his sentence , Vargas said .
`` We knew we were on the radar , '' he said .
Vargas thought Blagojevich 's 2011 sentence was `` outrageous '' and contacted Patti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second appeal in 2018 .
`` I did n't know Rod or Patti beforehand , but I reached out and said I wanted to help . ''
Since then , he 's become close to the family , including Rod Blagojevich , through myriad emails .
When they met in person Tuesday night at Englewood Federal Correctional Institution , `` he said , 'Mark ? '
'' Vargas recounted .
`` I said , 'Governor ... it 's great to meet you . '
It felt like we 'd known each other for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vargas ' first brush with high-profile figures .
He interned for former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Plano , became acquainted with retired Gen. David Petraeus in Iraq working for the Department of Defense from 2008 to 2010 , and accompanied former Mexican President Vincente Fox on a tour of the U.S. in 2016 .
Asked what 's next for Blagojevich , who was defiant about his conviction and appeared to be in campaign mode Wednesday , Vargas said Blagojevich is interested in criminal justice reforms .
But `` his No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and being husband to Patti and father to his two girls . ''

Who was that guy with Blagojevich? Ex-St. Charles resident helped secure his release
Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.comRod Blagojevich family spokesman Mark Vargas, formerly of St. Charles, attends a news conference after he had advocated for the former governor's release from prison.
In the midst of a freewheeling news conference Wednesday, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich took a moment to thank a "mystery man."
"He's quite a guy. ... He's the kind of guy who can get you out of prison if you find yourself stuck there," Blagojevich said after President Donald Trump's commutation of his 14-year prison sentence on corruption charges.
The "mystery man" who flew home with the Chicago Democrat Tuesday from prison in Colorado was former St. Charles resident and Judson College alumnus Mark Vargas.
"It's been very surreal" is how Vargas, a Blagojevich family friend and adviser, described the previous 24 hours. "It's still a blur right now."
On Tuesday, political strategist Vargas was in Washington when Blagojevich's wife, Patti, called him with the news.
"I said, 'All right ... I've got to catch the next flight to Denver,'" he said.
The timing was a surprise, but the decision wasn't. Vargas became acquainted with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner after writing some op-ed pieces on criminal justice reform for the Washington Examiner.
"We had a strong advocate in Jared. ... He's been very supportive of the governor's release from prison," Vargas said.
But the president also knew Blagojevich from his 2010 stint on Trump's reality TV show "The Celebrity Apprentice" and was highly critical of his sentence, Vargas said.
"We knew we were on the radar," he said.
Vargas thought Blagojevich's 2011 sentence was "outrageous" and contacted Patti after the U.S. Supreme Court denied a second appeal in 2018.
"I didn't know Rod or Patti beforehand, but I reached out and said I wanted to help."
Since then, he's become close to the family, including Rod Blagojevich, through myriad emails.
When they met in person Tuesday night at Englewood Federal Correctional Institution, "he said, 'Mark?'" Vargas recounted. "I said, 'Governor ... it's great to meet you.' It felt like we'd known each other for 100 years."
It's not Vargas' first brush with high-profile figures. He interned for former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Plano, became acquainted with retired Gen. David Petraeus in Iraq working for the Department of Defense from 2008 to 2010, and accompanied former Mexican President Vincente Fox on a tour of the U.S. in 2016.
Asked what's next for Blagojevich, who was defiant about his conviction and appeared to be in campaign mode Wednesday, Vargas said Blagojevich is interested in criminal justice reforms. But "his No. 1 priority is just to enjoy being home and being husband to Patti and father to his two girls."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-19--George Ryan prosecutor calls Blagojevich 'a very flawed messenger'

Yes , his sentence was tough , but it does n't change the fact former Gov .
Rod Blagojevich was guilty of corruption after promising to clean up Illinois , said the former prosecutor who helped convict former Gov .
George Ryan in 2006 .
Hours after President Donald Trump commuted his 14-year sentence for extortion , Blagojevich held a news conference outside his Chicago home .
`` How do you properly thank someone for giving you back the freedom that was stolen from you ? ''
Blagojevich said .
`` It is a broken criminal justice system ... and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Attorney Patrick Collins , who led the legal team that successfully prosecuted Ryan for racketeering , disagreed .
`` I do n't see him ( Blagojevich ) as a person emblematic of a racist criminal justice system , '' the Lisle resident said .
`` I see him as a corrupt public official who attempted to sell his office and did it .
`` And very importantly , ( Blagojevich ) did it after the last governor of Illinois was convicted of corruption .
He went down a similar -- and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Blagojevich was found guilty in 2011 of shaking down a children 's hospital CEO and a construction company owner to get campaign donations , and of trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama to the highest bidder .
However , given his crimes were nonviolent , `` I thought the sentence was unduly harsh .
... Gov .
George Ryan got 6½ years , '' Collins said .
And as someone in private practice and who works as a defense attorney , `` I agree the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equity and access , '' he said .
Blagojevich `` has a right to speak out on it , but I think he 's a very flawed messenger . ''
After Ryan was convicted , Blagojevich pledged a cleaner administration , Collins said .
`` The wire taps show the underbelly of the administration and he has no one to blame other than himself . ''
`` For him to be an effective spokesperson on these important criminal justice issues , merely calling the system 'racist ' -- without providing examples or anecdotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the problems -- makes him sound like a politician seeking publicity rather than a sincere person committed to the cause . ''

George Ryan prosecutor calls Blagojevich 'a very flawed messenger'
Yes, his sentence was tough, but it doesn't change the fact former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was guilty of corruption after promising to clean up Illinois, said the former prosecutor who helped convict former Gov. George Ryan in 2006.
Hours after President Donald Trump commuted his 14-year sentence for extortion, Blagojevich held a news conference outside his Chicago home.
"How do you properly thank someone for giving you back the freedom that was stolen from you?" Blagojevich said.
"It is a broken criminal justice system ... and it's a racist criminal justice system."
Attorney Patrick Collins, who led the legal team that successfully prosecuted Ryan for racketeering, disagreed.
"I don't see him (Blagojevich) as a person emblematic of a racist criminal justice system," the Lisle resident said. "I see him as a corrupt public official who attempted to sell his office and did it.
"And very importantly, (Blagojevich) did it after the last governor of Illinois was convicted of corruption. He went down a similar -- and some would argue -- more corrupt road."
Blagojevich was found guilty in 2011 of shaking down a children's hospital CEO and a construction company owner to get campaign donations, and of trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama to the highest bidder.
However, given his crimes were nonviolent, "I thought the sentence was unduly harsh. ... Gov. George Ryan got 6½ years," Collins said.
And as someone in private practice and who works as a defense attorney, "I agree the criminal justice system has significant issues of equity and access," he said.
Blagojevich "has a right to speak out on it, but I think he's a very flawed messenger."
After Ryan was convicted, Blagojevich pledged a cleaner administration, Collins said. "The wire taps show the underbelly of the administration and he has no one to blame other than himself."
"For him to be an effective spokesperson on these important criminal justice issues, merely calling the system 'racist' -- without providing examples or anecdotes, or more importantly, recommending solutions to the problems -- makes him sound like a politician seeking publicity rather than a sincere person committed to the cause."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--'It was a big surprise for me': Panarin still confused about why he was traded to Columbus

Artemi Panarin minced no words and finally admitted what we all assumed : He was really upset when the Blackhawks traded him to Columbus during the 2017 off-season .
`` When I played here in Chicago I ( thought ) I would play here my whole life , '' Panarin said after scoring his 30th goal of the season during a 6-3 Rangers victory over the Hawks Wednesday at the United Center .
`` And then that happened .
It still confuse ( s ) me . ''
Panarin was one of the greatest free-agent discoveries not only by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NHL .
He won the Calder Cup as the league 's top rookie in 2015-16 by piling up 30 goals and 47 assists , then followed that up with a 31-goal , 43-assist campaign that saw the Hawks win 50 games .
It was during that second season when Panarin agreed to a modest two-year , $ 12 million contract .
He signed it to give the cap-strapped Hawks flexibility going forward .
`` Chicago 's pressed against the salary cap , '' Panarin told former agent Dan Milstein .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guy .
I want to play on a winning team .
`` Give them the flexibility so they can retain the guys or sign the new guys because it 's not about me .
I 'm young .
I 'm going to make plenty of money in my future . ''
Panarin 's price for that loyalty was a one-way ticket to Columbus in exchange for Brandon Saad and goalie Anton Forsberg .
It was a deal that incensed Patrick Kane , who had become fast friends with the talented , affable and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was not ready for that .
It was a big surprise for me .
I feel bad after trade . ''
Panarin said nobody from the Hawks called him last off-season to see if he wanted to return , but it 's highly unlikely that GM Stan Bowman could have afforded him .
Panarin ended up inking a seven-year , $ 81.5 million deal with the Rangers .
Before Wednesday 's game , Panarin and Kane took place in a ceremonial puck drop with Jack O'Callahan , a defenseman who was part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ice team .
O'Callahan got a big laugh out of the superstars by flinging the puck to Kane .
`` Well , I saw a Russian and an American facing off and I was like , 'There 's not a chance I 'm even going to risk this Russian winning that draw , ' '' O'Callahan said with a laugh .
`` So I kind of looked at Kaner and I just fired it through his legs and he just kind of started to laugh .
`` But I 'm sure he expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart we 're still teammates . ''
Which is exactly what Panarin and Kane wish they still were .
But that 's all in the past .
Now all Hawks fans can do is offer warm applause upon Panarin 's return once a year .
`` I love Chicago , '' Panarin said when asked if he still misses it .
`` Nice every time I come here .
Enjoy it .
It 's a great city and thanks ( to ) the fans for a warm welcome .
I appreciate it .
@

'It was a big surprise for me': Panarin still confused about why Blackhawks traded him
New York Rangers center Artemi Panarin said Wednesday he thought he would play for the Blackhawks for his "whole life." He was traded to Columbus in 2017. Associated Press
Artemi Panarin minced no words and finally admitted what we all assumed: He was really upset when the Blackhawks traded him to Columbus during the 2017 off-season.
"When I played here in Chicago I (thought) I would play here my whole life," Panarin said after scoring his 30th goal of the season during a 6-3 Rangers victory over the Hawks Wednesday at the United Center. "And then that happened. It still confuse(s) me."
Panarin was one of the greatest free-agent discoveries not only by the Hawks, but probably in the history of the NHL. He won the Calder Cup as the league's top rookie in 2015-16 by piling up 30 goals and 47 assists, then followed that up with a 31-goal, 43-assist campaign that saw the Hawks win 50 games.
It was during that second season when Panarin agreed to a modest two-year, $12 million contract. He signed it to give the cap-strapped Hawks flexibility going forward.
"Chicago's pressed against the salary cap," Panarin told former agent Dan Milstein. "I don't want to be that guy. I want to play on a winning team.
"Give them the flexibility so they can retain the guys or sign the new guys because it's not about me. I'm young. I'm going to make plenty of money in my future."
Panarin's price for that loyalty was a one-way ticket to Columbus in exchange for Brandon Saad and goalie Anton Forsberg. It was a deal that incensed Patrick Kane, who had become fast friends with the talented, affable and joking Panarin.
Said Panarin: "I was not ready for that. It was a big surprise for me. I feel bad after trade."
Panarin said nobody from the Hawks called him last off-season to see if he wanted to return, but it's highly unlikely that GM Stan Bowman could have afforded him. Panarin ended up inking a seven-year, $81.5 million deal with the Rangers.
Then again, if Bowman didn't sign Brent Seabrook to an eight-year, $55 million contract just before the 2015-16 campaign, things might have worked out differently.
After playing two more seasons in Chicago, it's quite easy to imagine Panarin signing an eight-year, $84 million deal. That, of course, is the exact same $10.5 million cap hit Kane and Jonathan Toews cost the Hawks.
Of course, we'll never know, and Panarin wasn't about to play "what-ifs" after Wednesday's game.
"I'm in New York right now and there's nothing else I can say about it," he said.
Before the Rangers dismantled the Hawks with a 5-goal third period, Panarin and Kane took part in a ceremonial puck drop with Jack O'Callahan, a defenseman who was part of the 1980 Miracle on Ice team. O'Callahan got a big laugh out of the superstars by flinging the puck to Kane.
"Well, I saw a Russian and an American facing off and I was like, 'There's not a chance I'm even going to risk this Russian winning that draw,' " O'Callahan said with a laugh. "So I kind of looked at Kaner and I just fired it through his legs and he just kind of started to laugh.
"But I'm sure he expected it. Even though we're generations apart we're still teammates."
Which is likely what Panarin and Kane wish they still were.
Now all Hawks fans can do is offer warm applause upon Panarin's return once a year.
"I love Chicago," Panarin said when asked if he still misses the city and the fans. "Nice every time I come here. Enjoy it. It's a great city and thanks (to) the fans for a warm welcome. I appreciate it."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-02-20--New brunch spot planned in old Passero storefront

A new downtown Arlington Heights eatery is planning to be open in time for Easter and Mother 's Day brunches this spring .
Scratchboard Kitchen will boast locally-sourced breakfast and lunch fare , and like the title suggests , everything made from scratch .
The 61-seat brunch spot is set to take over the 5 W. Campbell St. storefront that was the original location of Passero , the popular Italian American restaurant that doubled its size when it moved down the block to 3 S. Evergreen Ave. last December .
Scratchboard is the creation of owner Danielle Kuhn , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of her career in marketing and consulting , and Executive Chef Grace Goudie , a Hinsdale native who recently returned after working under noted Napa Valley , California , chef Thomas Keller at his Ad Hoc and The French Laundry restaurants .
Kuhn said she was drawn to the restaurant industry ever since her first job at a local Dunkin ' Donuts near Cleveland .
After years in the business world , she got married and moved to Arlington Heights , and decided to pursue her goal of opening a restaurant of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' a-ha ' moment , '' Kuhn said .
`` Now is the time to start doing this .
It 's now or never . ''
In anticipation of a mid-April opening , Scratchboard received its liquor license from the village this week .
Among the items Goudie is creating for the menu , the Dutch Baby will resemble a German-style pancake , but will be savory instead of sweet .
She also will put her twist on the Mediterranean dish Shakshouka , which is a tomato-based stew with poached eggs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turn it a little bit on its side , '' Goudie said .
Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends .

New brunch spot planned in old Passero storefront
A new downtown Arlington Heights eatery is planning to be open in time for Easter and Mother's Day brunches this spring.
Scratchboard Kitchen will boast locally-sourced breakfast and lunch fare, and like the title suggests, everything made from scratch.
The 61-seat brunch spot is set to take over the 5 W. Campbell St. storefront that was the original location of Passero, the popular Italian American restaurant that doubled its size when it moved down the block to 3 S. Evergreen Ave. last December.
Scratchboard is the creation of owner Danielle Kuhn, an Arlington Heights resident who spent the first part of her career in marketing and consulting, and Executive Chef Grace Goudie, a Hinsdale native who recently returned after working under noted Napa Valley, California, chef Thomas Keller at his Ad Hoc and The French Laundry restaurants.
Kuhn said she was drawn to the restaurant industry ever since her first job at a local Dunkin' Donuts near Cleveland. After years in the business world, she got married and moved to Arlington Heights, and decided to pursue her goal of opening a restaurant of her own.
"I had this 'a-ha' moment," Kuhn said. "Now is the time to start doing this. It's now or never."
In anticipation of a mid-April opening, Scratchboard received its liquor license from the village this week.
Among the items Goudie is creating for the menu, the Dutch Baby will resemble a German-style pancake, but will be savory instead of sweet. She also will put her twist on the Mediterranean dish Shakshouka, which is a tomato-based stew with poached eggs.
"I like to take a common dish and turn it a little bit on its side," Goudie said.
Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends.