dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--'I feel hopeful today': U.S. health workers start getting COVID-19 vaccine

The biggest vaccination campaign in U.S. history kicked off Monday as health workers rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic -- a day of optimism even as the nation 's death toll closed in on 300,000 .
`` I feel hopeful today .
Relieved , '' critical care nurse Sandra Lindsay said after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York .
`` I feel like healing is coming . ''
With a countdown of `` 3-2-1 , '' workers at Ohio State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first injections to applause .
And in suburban New Orleans , Steven Lee , an intensive care unit pharmacist at Ochsner Medical Center , summed up the moment as he got his own vaccination : `` We can finally prevent the disease as opposed to treating it . ''
Other hospitals around the country , from Rhode Island to Texas , unloaded precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech , with staggered deliveries set throughout the day and Tuesday .
A few other countries have authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started vaccinating people last week , and Canada , which began doing so on Monday .
For health care workers , who along with nursing home residents will be first in line for vaccination , hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world .
`` This is mile 24 of a marathon .
People are fatigued .
But we also recognize that this end is in sight , '' said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures , the first of nearly 3 million doses being shipped are a down payment on the amount needed .
More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week .
And later this week , the FDA will decide whether to green-light the world 's second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine , made by Moderna Inc .
While the U.S. hopes for enough of both vaccines together to vaccinate 20 million people by the end of the month , there wo n't be enough for the average person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is the light at the end of the tunnel .
But it 's a long tunnel , '' New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said .
Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions , not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers -- and then deliver a second dose three weeks later .
`` We 're also in the middle of a surge , and it 's the holidays , and our health care workers have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Sue Mashni , chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City .
Plus , the shots can cause temporary fever , fatigue and aches as they rev up people 's immune systems , forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations .
A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccinations .
Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated , while about a quarter do n't and the rest are unsure , according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , considered the world 's strictest medical regulator , said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine , which was developed at breakneck speed less than a year after the virus was identified , appears safe and strongly protective , and the agency laid out the data in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see .
`` Please , people , when you look back in a year and you say to yourself , 'Did I do the right thing ? '
I hope you 'll be able to say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence , ' '' Dr. Francis Collins , director of the National Institutes of Health , said Sunday on NBC 's `` Meet the Press . ''
`` People are dying right now .
How could you possibly say , 'Let 's wait and see ' ? ''
Still , the vaccine was cleared for emergency use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people was complete .
That research is continuing to try to answer additional questions .
For example , while the vaccine is effective at preventing COVID-19 illness , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases .
The shots still must be studied in children and during pregnancy .
But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify .
Also , regulators in Britain are investigating a few severe allergic reactions .
The FDA instructed providers not to give the vaccine to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients .
Associated Press writers Marion Renault , Andrew Welsh-Huggins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this report .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute 's Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

'I feel hopeful today': U.S. health workers start getting COVID-19 vaccine
Debbie Ford, MSN, RN, center, a chief nursing officer with Ochsner Medical Center, reacts Monday after receiving the coronavirus vaccine from Dr. Mona Moghareh, right, in New Orleans. Associated Press
The biggest vaccination campaign in U.S. history kicked off Monday as health workers rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic -- a day of optimism even as the nation's death toll closed in on 300,000.
"I feel hopeful today. Relieved," critical care nurse Sandra Lindsay said after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York. "I feel like healing is coming."
With a countdown of "3-2-1," workers at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center gave the first injections to applause.
And in suburban New Orleans, Steven Lee, an intensive care unit pharmacist at Ochsner Medical Center, summed up the moment as he got his own vaccination: "We can finally prevent the disease as opposed to treating it."
Other hospitals around the country, from Rhode Island to Texas, unloaded precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech, with staggered deliveries set throughout the day and Tuesday. A few other countries have authorized the vaccine, including Britain, which started vaccinating people last week, and Canada, which began doing so on Monday.
For health care workers, who along with nursing home residents will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.
"This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight," said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.
Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures, the first of nearly 3 million doses being shipped are a down payment on the amount needed. More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green-light the world's second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.
While the U.S. hopes for enough of both vaccines together to vaccinate 20 million people by the end of the month, there won't be enough for the average person to get a shot until spring.
"This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it's a long tunnel," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers -- and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.
"We're also in the middle of a surge, and it's the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace," said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people's immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.
A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccinations. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don't and the rest are unsure, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.
The FDA, considered the world's strictest medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was developed at breakneck speed less than a year after the virus was identified, appears safe and strongly protective, and the agency laid out the data in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.
"Please, people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, 'Did I do the right thing?' I hope you'll be able to say, 'Yes, because I looked at the evidence,'" Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." "People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, 'Let's wait and see'?"
Still, the vaccine was cleared for emergency use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people was complete. That research is continuing to try to answer additional questions.
For example, while the vaccine is effective at preventing COVID-19 illness, it is not clear if it will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.
The shots still must be studied in children and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.
Also, regulators in Britain are investigating a few severe allergic reactions. The FDA instructed providers not to give the vaccine to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.
Associated Press writers Marion Renault, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Tamara Lush and Kathy Young contributed to this report.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--With social distancing in place, Northwest suburban candidate filing begins for April 2021 elections

Last month 's presidential contest may still seem fresh in everyone 's minds , but candidates for a bevy of Northwest suburban political offices already are looking ahead to the April 2021 consolidated election .
Monday was the first day for folks seeking seats on most municipal boards -- as well as school district , library district , park district and township boards -- to file nominating petitions .
Not surprisingly , many did .
The races for municipal offices in Wheeling will be crowded .
Six trustee candidates filed for three board seats : incumbents Mary Papantos , Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Lee Waller , Laura Alicia Rodriguez and Kimberly Anne Scanlon .
Incumbent Village President Patrick Horcher filed to seek reelection and will be challenged by newcomer Steven Mark Smith .
Des Plaines will have several ballot showdowns , too .
Eighth Ward Alderman Andrew Goczkowski and former 8th Ward Alderman Michael Charewicz submitted petitions to succeed Matthew Bogusz as mayor .
Term limits prevent Bogusz from running again .
Five candidates filed for the 3rd Ward seat held by Denise Rodd , who also ca n't run again because of term limits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ T. Killian , Norbert J. Paprocki , Sean Oskerka and Robert K. Suriano .
And in Des Plaines ' 5th Ward , Jennifer Nutley will challenge incumbent Carla Brookman .
Two candidates , Justin Cochran and Jessica M. Mastalski , filed to run for city clerk .
Incumbent Mark Lysakowski filed for the 1st Ward post .
Patricia L. Smith filed for the 7th Ward post .
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes filed papers to seek a third term .
Six candidates filed for four village board positions : incumbents Jim Tinaglia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Will Beiersdorf , Wendy Dunnington and Nicolle Grasse .
In Buffalo Grove , incumbent trustees Andrew Stein , Lester Ottenheimer III and Joanne Johnson filed for reelection .
Former village trustee Michael Terson filed petitions to seek one of the three board seeks at stake in the April election .
He unsuccessfully ran for village president last year , losing to Beverly Sussman .
Terson said he intends to run for president again in two years .
`` I think it would make sense to go into that role with ... two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
In Rolling Meadows , after the Nov. 24 resignation of longtime Ward 1 Alderman Mike Cannon , two candidates filed Monday to fill the remaining two years on his term : Karen McHale and two-time mayoral candidate Dave Whitney .
Mayor Joe Gallo has nominated McHale to fill the seat until the spring ; a confirmation vote is scheduled for Tuesday 's council meeting .
In Ward 4 , Jenifer Vinezeano will be challenged by former Alderman Brad Judd .
Incumbent Nick Budmats filed in Ward 2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three board seats with 4-year terms : incumbents Vince Carbonaro , Aaron Reinke and Stephanie Z. Gandsey , and challengers Theresa Materna and Daniel H. Gunsteen .
Village President Kevin Wallace and Clerk Lorna Giless filed to retain their posts , too .
Despite his recent election to the state House , Brad Stephens will seek another term as Rosemont 's mayor .
Trustees Roger Minale , Harry Pappas and Ralph Dimatteo filed for their seats , too .
In Elk Grove Village , Mayor Craig Johnson filed petitions for a seventh term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jeff Franke submitted papers for board seats , too .
In Barrington , a slate of incumbent candidates led by Village President Karen Darch filed to run under the `` Barrington Forward '' banner .
Darch , seeking her fifth term , was joined by Clerk Tony Ciganek and Trustees Jennifer Wondrasek , Todd Sholeen and Mike Moran .
In Streamwood , Village President Billie Roth filed for reelection , as did Clerk Kittie Kopitke and trustees Michael Baumer and Bill Harper .
They were joined by Razwanul Haque , who 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 and a two-year trustee term in 2017 .
All those who filed in Hanover Park had previously announced their candidacies .
These included incumbent Rod Craig for village president , Kristy Merrill for village clerk , incumbents Bob Prigge and Sharmin Shahjahan , and newcomers Tonya Frosheiser , Syed Hussaini and Yasmeen Bankole for three , four-year trustee terms , and incumbent Liza Gutierrez for the one two-year trustee term .
Candidates for all boards except school boards filed petitions at the local offices Monday .
School board petitions are delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerk 's office opened several satellite offices Monday -- and only Monday -- to accommodate the anticipated surge in filings .
One was set up at the Old Orchard Country Club in Mount Prospect , where dozens of candidates gathered before filing started at 8 a.m. , each wearing masks to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus .
Early candidates were given numbers and asked to take spaced-apart seats in a ballroom until they were called to file their papers .
Some communities can have primary elections Feb. 23 before any April 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late last month in places such as Palatine , where incumbents Mayor Jim Schwantz , Village Clerk Marg Duer , District 1 Councilman Tim Millar , District 4 Councilman Greg Solberg and District 6 Councilman Brad Helms all filed for reelection .
• Daily Herald staff writers Elena Ferrarin , Charles Keeshan , Eric Peterson , Christopher Placek , Rick West and Steve Zalusky contributed to this report .

With social distancing in place, Northwest suburban candidate filing begins for April 2021 elections
Last month's presidential contest may still seem fresh in everyone's minds, but candidates for a bevy of Northwest suburban political offices already are looking ahead to the April 2021 consolidated election.
Monday was the first day for folks seeking seats on most municipal boards -- as well as school district, library district, park district and township boards -- to file nominating petitions. Not surprisingly, many did.
The races for municipal offices in Wheeling will be crowded.
Six trustee candidates filed for three board seats: incumbents Mary Papantos, Mary Krueger and Jim Ruffatto, and challengers Donald Lee Waller, Laura Alicia Rodriguez and Kimberly Anne Scanlon.
Incumbent Village President Patrick Horcher filed to seek reelection and will be challenged by newcomer Steven Mark Smith.
Two village clerk candidates filed: Deborah L. Acevedo and Kathryn M. Brady. Clerk Elaine Simpson isn't seeking reelection.
Des Plaines will have several ballot showdowns, too.
Eighth Ward Alderman Andrew Goczkowski and former 8th Ward Alderman Michael Charewicz submitted petitions to succeed Matthew Bogusz as mayor. Term limits prevent Bogusz from running again.
Five candidates filed for the 3rd Ward seat held by Denise Rodd, who also can't run again because of term limits. They are Eugene Fregetto, Shawn T. Killian, Norbert J. Paprocki, Sean Oskerka and Robert K. Suriano.
And in Des Plaines' 5th Ward, Jennifer Nutley will challenge incumbent Carla Brookman.
Two candidates, Justin Cochran and Jessica M. Mastalski, filed to run for city clerk.
Incumbent Mark Lysakowski filed for the 1st Ward post. Patricia L. Smith filed for the 7th Ward post.
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes filed papers to seek a third term. Six candidates filed for four village board positions: incumbents Jim Tinaglia and Richard Baldino, and newcomers Jim Bertucci, Will Beiersdorf, Wendy Dunnington and Nicolle Grasse.
In Buffalo Grove, incumbent trustees Andrew Stein, Lester Ottenheimer III and Joanne Johnson filed for reelection.
Former village trustee Michael Terson filed petitions to seek one of the three board seeks at stake in the April election. He unsuccessfully ran for village president last year, losing to Beverly Sussman.
Terson said he intends to run for president again in two years.
"I think it would make sense to go into that role with ... two years' experience, if I can," he said.
In Rolling Meadows, after the Nov. 24 resignation of longtime Ward 1 Alderman Mike Cannon, two candidates filed Monday to fill the remaining two years on his term: Karen McHale and two-time mayoral candidate Dave Whitney. Mayor Joe Gallo has nominated McHale to fill the seat until the spring; a confirmation vote is scheduled for Tuesday's council meeting.
In Ward 4, Jenifer Vinezeano will be challenged by former Alderman Brad Judd. Incumbent Nick Budmats filed in Ward 2.
In Bartlett, five people filed for three board seats with 4-year terms: incumbents Vince Carbonaro, Aaron Reinke and Stephanie Z. Gandsey, and challengers Theresa Materna and Daniel H. Gunsteen.
Trustee Renee Suwanski filed for a board seat with a 2-year term.
Village President Kevin Wallace and Clerk Lorna Giless filed to retain their posts, too.
Despite his recent election to the state House, Brad Stephens will seek another term as Rosemont's mayor. Trustees Roger Minale, Harry Pappas and Ralph Dimatteo filed for their seats, too.
In Elk Grove Village, Mayor Craig Johnson filed petitions for a seventh term. Trustees Pat Feichter, Chris Prochno and Jeff Franke submitted papers for board seats, too.
In Barrington, a slate of incumbent candidates led by Village President Karen Darch filed to run under the "Barrington Forward" banner.
Darch, seeking her fifth term, was joined by Clerk Tony Ciganek and Trustees Jennifer Wondrasek, Todd Sholeen and Mike Moran.
In Streamwood, Village President Billie Roth filed for reelection, as did Clerk Kittie Kopitke and trustees Michael Baumer and Bill Harper. They were joined by Razwanul Haque, who'd ran unsuccessfully for a four-year trustee term in 2019 and a two-year trustee term in 2017.
All those who filed in Hanover Park had previously announced their candidacies. These included incumbent Rod Craig for village president, Kristy Merrill for village clerk, incumbents Bob Prigge and Sharmin Shahjahan, and newcomers Tonya Frosheiser, Syed Hussaini and Yasmeen Bankole for three, four-year trustee terms, and incumbent Liza Gutierrez for the one two-year trustee term.
Candidates for all boards except school boards filed petitions at the local offices Monday. School board petitions are delivered to county clerks.
The Cook County clerk's office opened several satellite offices Monday -- and only Monday -- to accommodate the anticipated surge in filings. One was set up at the Old Orchard Country Club in Mount Prospect, where dozens of candidates gathered before filing started at 8 a.m., each wearing masks to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Early candidates were given numbers and asked to take spaced-apart seats in a ballroom until they were called to file their papers.
Election Day is April 6. Petition filing ends Dec. 21.
Some communities can have primary elections Feb. 23 before any April 6 showdowns. Filing for those contests occurred late last month in places such as Palatine, where incumbents Mayor Jim Schwantz, Village Clerk Marg Duer, District 1 Councilman Tim Millar, District 4 Councilman Greg Solberg and District 6 Councilman Brad Helms all filed for reelection.
• Daily Herald staff writers Elena Ferrarin, Charles Keeshan, Eric Peterson, Christopher Placek, Rick West and Steve Zalusky contributed to this report.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Buffalo Grove pleads with Pritzker to license marijuana dispensary

Buffalo Grove officials have sent a letter pleading with Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to help secure a state license allowing a medical marijuana dispensary in the village to offer recreational pot as well .
Under state law as it 's currently interpreted , Sunnyside at 830 Milwaukee Ave. lost its ability to add recreational marijuana sales without further state permission when it moved from its original location at 1623 Barclay Blvd .
If not for the move , the Cresco Labs-owned dispensary would not need the additional state approval .
The letter , which was approved last week by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very concerned that the approval of Cresco 's Buffalo Grove adult-use license has been held up for so long with no apparent resolution in sight .
Meanwhile , we have seen dispensaries open in neighboring communities . ''
The letter notes that the village and the state are losing tax revenue while the licensing issue remains unresolved .
`` Cresco has since been issued licenses for recreational cannabis sales in nearby communities , while Cresco 's Buffalo Grove adult-use license languishes , '' the letter states .
`` For nearly a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State of Illinois to issue an adult-use cannabis license at this new location . ''
The letter states that Cresco moved Sunnyside from its original location because it lacked the space , parking and safety measures needed to offer recreational sales .

Buffalo Grove pleads with Pritzker to license marijuana dispensary
Buffalo Grove officials have sent Gov. J.B. Pritzker a letter urging him to act on their request for a license allowing the Sunnyside medical marijuana dispensary in the village to start selling recreational pot. File Photo
Buffalo Grove officials have sent a letter pleading with Gov. J.B. Pritzker to help secure a state license allowing a medical marijuana dispensary in the village to offer recreational pot as well.
Under state law as it's currently interpreted, Sunnyside at 830 Milwaukee Ave. lost its ability to add recreational marijuana sales without further state permission when it moved from its original location at 1623 Barclay Blvd.
If not for the move, the Cresco Labs-owned dispensary would not need the additional state approval.
The letter, which was approved last week by the village board, reads, "We are very concerned that the approval of Cresco's Buffalo Grove adult-use license has been held up for so long with no apparent resolution in sight. Meanwhile, we have seen dispensaries open in neighboring communities."
The letter notes that the village and the state are losing tax revenue while the licensing issue remains unresolved.
"Cresco has since been issued licenses for recreational cannabis sales in nearby communities, while Cresco's Buffalo Grove adult-use license languishes," the letter states. "For nearly a year, we have been waiting for the State of Illinois to issue an adult-use cannabis license at this new location."
The letter states that Cresco moved Sunnyside from its original location because it lacked the space, parking and safety measures needed to offer recreational sales.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Contested mayoral races in Elmhurst, Lombard take shape on first day of candidate filing

As members of the electoral college cast ballots to affirm Joe Biden 's presidential victory , another local election season kicked off Monday with mayoral hopefuls across DuPage County officially launching their candidacies .
The start of candidate filing for most of the county 's elected posts already has produced contested mayoral races in Elmhurst and Lombard .
Candidates for mayoral , village board , city council , school board , library board and park board seats can file nominating petitions through Dec. 21 .
Here 's an early look at who 's running in some of the top races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three candidates to decide the race for the city 's next mayor .
The mayoral field as of Monday includes Ward 3 Alderman Michael Bram , Ward 5 Alderman Scott Levin and Ward 7 Alderman Mark Mulliner .
In the city 's 1st Ward , Jennifer Veremis , Susan Smentek and Kevin Flanagan are vying for a two-year aldermanic seat while incumbent Alderman Martha `` Marti '' Deuter is seeking another four-year term .
Veremis was appointed to her vacant city council seat in July .
In other council races , incumbent Jacob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dacre for the Ward 2 aldermanic seat .
Nektarious Arvanitis is running to represent Ward 3 .
Brian P. Cahill filed to retain the Ward 4 seat he 's held since his appointment in July .
Incumbent Tina Park filed in Ward 5 ; Yeena Yoo , Emily Bastedo and Peter M. Dabertin in Ward 6 ; and incumbent Michael Brennan in Ward 7 .
The full slate of candidates who secured the Glen Ellyn Civic Betterment Party nomination in a caucus-style primary earlier this month turned in nominating paperwork to the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's nominee for village president is Mark Senak , a sitting trustee and attorney .
Former Trustee Pete Ladesic says he 's also planning to run for village president independent of the party system that 's held influence over local politics since 1931 .
In 2015 , Ladesic , a homebuilder , won a third term on the village board without the Civic Betterment backing , duplicating a feat he first pulled off 12 years prior .
The party-backed candidates for the three trustee seats up for election in April are incumbent Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kelly Kalinich .
Library board candidates Susan Stott , Eric Mickle and Maryanne Deaton round out the party 's slate .
Keith Giagnorio will have to fend off at least one challenger in his bid for a third term as village president .
Trustee Reid Foltyniewicz is vying to unseat Giagnorio .
Three trustee candidates also filed Monday : Bradley Hanewall and Aaron Carlson in District 1 ; and Bob Bachner in District 6 .
The seats in Districts 1 , 3 and 6 will be on the ballot .
Rick Gieser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the village board .
Jeff Berger , Erik Crawford and Thomas Garvey also filed to run for trustee seats .
A slate of candidates led by incumbent Mayor Christopher Pecak filed to put their names on the ballot .
Joining Pecak on the slate are two trustee candidates -- William Trussell and Dan Grecco -- as well as village clerk contender Lorna Turner .
Pecak captured his first mayoral term after upsetting longtime incumbent Joe Broda in the April 2017 election .
This spring , Kristy Grau , another village clerk candidate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brummel is seeking a fifth term as mayor .
Brummel was first elected mayor in 2005 .
Aldermen Bill Weidner , Kathryn Davolos and Clare Barry are all running again to represent Wards 2 , 3 and 4 .
Jay Anderson , a recent appointee to fill a Ward 1 vacancy , has filed for a four-year term as alderman .
Julie Clark launched her bid to replace City Clerk Emily Larson , who is stepping down from the position .
Most of the city 's first-day filers were incumbents .
Mayor Ruben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the city council races , the incumbents running again include Lori Chassee in Ward 1 ; Heather Brown in Ward 2 ; Sandy Dimas in Ward 4 ; Christopher Swiatek in Ward 5 ; and Jeanne Short in Ward 6 .
In Ward 3 , Christine Dettman is vying to replace Michael Ferguson , who is not running for reelection .
Trustee Carl Sorgatz is running for village president .
Sorgatz has been a trustee since 2015 , and he 's been often at odds with current Village President Erik Spande over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September that he was not seeking reelection after serving eight years as village president and two as trustee .
Trustee Don Longacre is seeking a second term .
Newcomers Debra Piscola and Dan Janowick also have announced their trustee candidacies .
In Aurora , two challengers , Alderman Judd Lofchie and John Laesch , will take on incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin in the April election , a field that came into focus when the city 's weeklong filing period ended last month .

Contested mayoral races in Elmhurst, Lombard take shape on first day of candidate filing
As members of the electoral college cast ballots to affirm Joe Biden's presidential victory, another local election season kicked off Monday with mayoral hopefuls across DuPage County officially launching their candidacies.
The start of candidate filing for most of the county's elected posts already has produced contested mayoral races in Elmhurst and Lombard.
Candidates for mayoral, village board, city council, school board, library board and park board seats can file nominating petitions through Dec. 21.
Here's an early look at who's running in some of the top races:
Elmhurst
Voters will choose from at least three candidates to decide the race for the city's next mayor. The mayoral field as of Monday includes Ward 3 Alderman Michael Bram, Ward 5 Alderman Scott Levin and Ward 7 Alderman Mark Mulliner.
In the city's 1st Ward, Jennifer Veremis, Susan Smentek and Kevin Flanagan are vying for a two-year aldermanic seat while incumbent Alderman Martha "Marti" Deuter is seeking another four-year term. Veremis was appointed to her vacant city council seat in July.
In other council races, incumbent Jacob Hill is facing a challenge from Tristan Dacre for the Ward 2 aldermanic seat. Nektarious Arvanitis is running to represent Ward 3. Brian P. Cahill filed to retain the Ward 4 seat he's held since his appointment in July. Incumbent Tina Park filed in Ward 5; Yeena Yoo, Emily Bastedo and Peter M. Dabertin in Ward 6; and incumbent Michael Brennan in Ward 7.
Glen Ellyn
The full slate of candidates who secured the Glen Ellyn Civic Betterment Party nomination in a caucus-style primary earlier this month turned in nominating paperwork to the village clerk's office Monday.
The party's nominee for village president is Mark Senak, a sitting trustee and attorney. Former Trustee Pete Ladesic says he's also planning to run for village president independent of the party system that's held influence over local politics since 1931.
In 2015, Ladesic, a homebuilder, won a third term on the village board without the Civic Betterment backing, duplicating a feat he first pulled off 12 years prior.
The party-backed candidates for the three trustee seats up for election in April are incumbent Gary Fasules and two newcomers, Anne Gould and Kelly Kalinich. Library board candidates Susan Stott, Eric Mickle and Maryanne Deaton round out the party's slate.
Lombard
Keith Giagnorio will have to fend off at least one challenger in his bid for a third term as village president. Trustee Reid Foltyniewicz is vying to unseat Giagnorio.
Three trustee candidates also filed Monday: Bradley Hanewall and Aaron Carlson in District 1; and Bob Bachner in District 6.
The seats in Districts 1, 3 and 6 will be on the ballot.
Carol Stream
Rick Gieser and Matt McCarthy are seeking reelection to the village board. Jeff Berger, Erik Crawford and Thomas Garvey also filed to run for trustee seats.
Lisle
A slate of candidates led by incumbent Mayor Christopher Pecak filed to put their names on the ballot.
Joining Pecak on the slate are two trustee candidates -- William Trussell and Dan Grecco -- as well as village clerk contender Lorna Turner.
Pecak captured his first mayoral term after upsetting longtime incumbent Joe Broda in the April 2017 election.
This spring, Kristy Grau, another village clerk candidate, is running as an independent.
Warrenville
David Brummel is seeking a fifth term as mayor. Brummel was first elected mayor in 2005.
Aldermen Bill Weidner, Kathryn Davolos and Clare Barry are all running again to represent Wards 2, 3 and 4. Jay Anderson, a recent appointee to fill a Ward 1 vacancy, has filed for a four-year term as alderman.
Julie Clark launched her bid to replace City Clerk Emily Larson, who is stepping down from the position.
West Chicago
Most of the city's first-day filers were incumbents. Mayor Ruben Pineda is seeking a third term.
For the city council races, the incumbents running again include Lori Chassee in Ward 1; Heather Brown in Ward 2; Sandy Dimas in Ward 4; Christopher Swiatek in Ward 5; and Jeanne Short in Ward 6.
In Ward 3, Christine Dettman is vying to replace Michael Ferguson, who is not running for reelection.
Winfield
Trustee Carl Sorgatz is running for village president. Sorgatz has been a trustee since 2015, and he's been often at odds with current Village President Erik Spande over downtown Winfield redevelopment.
Spande said in September that he was not seeking reelection after serving eight years as village president and two as trustee.
Trustee Don Longacre is seeking a second term. Newcomers Debra Piscola and Dan Janowick also have announced their trustee candidacies.
Aurora
In Aurora, two challengers, Alderman Judd Lofchie and John Laesch, will take on incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin in the April election, a field that came into focus when the city's weeklong filing period ended last month.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Ravinia Festival mourns loss of longtime producer

Longtime Ravinia Festival employee Stephen R. Smoot , who produced hundreds of concerts at the Highland Park venue over the last 15 years -- including Martin Theatre recitals by soprano Renée Fleming , violinist Pinchas Zukerman , baritones Matthias Goerne and Thomas Hampson , and mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung -- died suddenly late last month , according to Ravinia representatives .
Smoot was 57 .
Ravinia representatives did not indicate cause of death .
Dubbed `` St. Stephen '' by pianist Kevin Cole for his ability `` to create logistic and artistic miracles , '' Smoot was known for his quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an unbelievable loss that I 'm still trying to process , '' Cole said of Smoot 's death on Nov. 27 .
Many concerts Smoot produced were broadcast on WFMT-98.7 FM , which will dedicate its 2021 series to his memory .
`` Stephen set an inspiring standard for all of us to follow .
We will miss his humor , as well as knowledge and passion for classical music , '' said Ravinia President and CEO Jeff Haydon in a prepared statement .
`` In our first conversation , Stephen told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of everything so the artists only had to worry about the performance . ''
A professional opera singer and cantor for several churches including Chicago 's Holy Name Cathedral , Smoot worked at the Lyric Opera of Chicago before joining the Ravinia Festival as artistic manager in 2005 .
Promoted to artistic producer , Smoot handled immigration procedures for Ravinia artists , booked the kids concerts and worked on productions like Leonard Bernstein 's `` Mass , '' which aired on PBS in May .
Former Ravinia CEO Welz Kauffman recalled Smoot 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis .
`` I will always value his calm and collegiality and attention to detail in these stressful situations , '' Kauffman said in a prepared statement .
`` Even when they sometimes resulted in the ridiculous , we could laugh , we could smile , and we could remember a job ultimately well-done . ''
The Smoot family asked that contributions be made to the Stephen R. Smoot Endowment to support Ravinia 's Reach Teach Play education programs .
For information on contributing , call ( 847 ) 266-5461 or email @ @ @ @

Ravinia Festival mourns loss of longtime producer
Longtime Ravinia Festival employee Stephen R. Smoot, who produced hundreds of concerts at the Highland Park venue over the last 15 years -- including Martin Theatre recitals by soprano Renée Fleming, violinist Pinchas Zukerman, baritones Matthias Goerne and Thomas Hampson, and mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung -- died suddenly late last month, according to Ravinia representatives.
Smoot was 57. Ravinia representatives did not indicate cause of death.
Dubbed "St. Stephen" by pianist Kevin Cole for his ability "to create logistic and artistic miracles," Smoot was known for his quick wit and generous nature.
"This is an unbelievable loss that I'm still trying to process," Cole said of Smoot's death on Nov. 27.
Many concerts Smoot produced were broadcast on WFMT-98.7 FM, which will dedicate its 2021 series to his memory.
"Stephen set an inspiring standard for all of us to follow. We will miss his humor, as well as knowledge and passion for classical music," said Ravinia President and CEO Jeff Haydon in a prepared statement. "In our first conversation, Stephen told me that his job was to think of everything so the artists only had to worry about the performance."
A professional opera singer and cantor for several churches including Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral, Smoot worked at the Lyric Opera of Chicago before joining the Ravinia Festival as artistic manager in 2005. Promoted to artistic producer, Smoot handled immigration procedures for Ravinia artists, booked the kids concerts and worked on productions like Leonard Bernstein's "Mass," which aired on PBS in May.
Former Ravinia CEO Welz Kauffman recalled Smoot's sense of humor was especially welcome during a crisis.
"I will always value his calm and collegiality and attention to detail in these stressful situations," Kauffman said in a prepared statement. "Even when they sometimes resulted in the ridiculous, we could laugh, we could smile, and we could remember a job ultimately well-done."
The Smoot family asked that contributions be made to the Stephen R. Smoot Endowment to support Ravinia's Reach Teach Play education programs. For information on contributing, call (847) 266-5461 or email donors@ravinia.org.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Illinois electors choose Biden as president, 20-0

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois members of the Electoral College have chosen Joe Biden for president .
The 20-0 vote in favor @ @ @ @ @ Monday was announced by the Illinois Electoral College chairwoman , Lori Lightfoot , the mayor @ @ @ @ @ Republican President Donald Trump .
`` The election is affirmed .
It is now time @ @ @ @ @ to move forward , transition in full , and embrace the promise of a new @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Their success is our success , and we need desperately to unite @ @ @ @ @ democracy and our residents deserve no less . ''
The electors , meeting in the @ @ @ @ @ social-distance rules because of the COVID-19 pandemic , also chose Biden 's running mate , @ @ @ @ @ president .
She is the first woman and first person of color to be elected @ @ @ @ @ 57.5 % of the Illinois vote to 40.6 % for Trump .

Illinois electors choose Biden as president, 20-0
President-elect Joe Biden listens during a Dec. 11 event to announce his choice for several positions in his administration at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del. Associated press
SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois members of the Electoral College have chosen Joe Biden for president.
The 20-0 vote in favor of the Democratic president-elect on Monday was announced by the Illinois Electoral College chairwoman, Lori Lightfoot, the mayor of Chicago. Biden defeated Republican President Donald Trump.
"The election is affirmed. It is now time for us as a country to move forward, transition in full, and embrace the promise of a new administration ...," Lightfoot said. "Their success is our success, and we need desperately to unite as a people. Our democracy and our residents deserve no less."
The electors, meeting in the Illinois House chamber while observing social-distance rules because of the COVID-19 pandemic, also chose Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, as vice president. She is the first woman and first person of color to be elected vice president.
Biden won 57.5% of the Illinois vote to 40.6% for Trump.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Fox Valley filing: At least 3 mayoral races will be contested in April

There will be at least three contested mayor and village president elections this spring in the Fox Valley area , including in St. Charles and Sugar Grove .
St. Charles aldermen Maureen Lewis and Lora Vitek are seeking to become the city 's next mayor and submitted their nominating petitions Monday , the first day of filing for most municipal and school positions in the April 6 consolidated election .
Incumbent Mayor Ray Rogina is n't seeking reelection .
Meanwhile , Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels , who has held the office since 1999 , is being challenged by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on the board less than two years .
Candidates for local seats have until the end of the business day Dec. 21 to submit their petitions .
`` With my role as alderman , I 've really started to enjoy making a difference in St. Charles , '' Vitek said Monday .
`` Given the landscape of Illinois and COVID , we 're going to need to be more creative in how we accomplish things in the city .
`` I have a business background and I work for an insurance company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just think there 's a lot of potential with things that are happening and changing in our community and around the country .
I 'm up for the challenge . ''
Lewis cited her 10 years experience as alderman as a plus .
`` It 's a challenge right now with the pandemic and trying to come out of it , and I think that 's where I can be helpful for the community and steer us in the direction we need to go , '' Lewis said .
`` And I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all businesses and people and residents of our community , '' she said .
`` We 've focused a lot on downtown , and I 'm pleased we have .
And I think it 's looking pretty good , but there are other areas that need attention . ''
In Sugar Grove , Konen is Michels ' first opponent since 2013 .
Konen was elected as a write-in candidate in 2019 ; much of her support came from people critical of a proposal to build a business and industrial park on 760 acres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There also will be a contested race for mayor of Aurora , where Alderman Judd Lofchie and resident John Laesch face incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin .
Aurora candidates filed their petitions in November .
Former Kane County Board member John Hoscheit , who left the board in December after a 24-year run , is seeking the 4th Ward seat on the St. Charles council .
He was an alderman from 1990 to 1994 .
He will face Laurel P. Moad and Bryan Wirball for the seat being vacated by Vitek .
Veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Arthur Lemke ( 2nd Ward ) also are being challenged -- Silkaitis by Richard Balla Jr. , and Lemke by Ryan S. Bongard .
Kimberly Malay , Steve Weber and Richard J. Artz filed for the 5th Ward position .
City Clerk Charles Amenta filed for 3rd Ward alderman .
In Geneva , Mayor Kevin Burns is seeking a sixth term .
Four other incumbents -- 1st Ward Alderman Mike Bruno , 2nd Ward Alderman Rich Marks , 3rd Ward Alderman Becky Hruby and 5th Ward Alderman Robert Swanson -- submitted petitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brad Kosirog filed for a two-year term .
Amy Mayer submitted a petition for the four-year 4th Ward seat .
In Batavia , 5th Ward Alderman Mark Uher filed for reelection .
Leah Leman filed for the 2nd Ward spot , and Sarah Vogelsinger filed for Ward 7 .
Kate Garrett filed for city clerk .
Acting Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine filed to be elected president .
She has had the position since the July 25 death of John Schmitt .
Trustees Jerry Glogowski and Laura Brehmer filed petitions for trustee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and James White filed for spots on the Sugar Grove village board .
Dawn Martin , Veronica Noland and Melissa Owens submitted petitions for the Elgin U-46 school board .
Owens and Noland are incumbents .
Jim Stombres , Kate Bell and Heidi Fairgrieve filed for St. Charles Unit District 303 school board .
Fairgrieve is an incumbent .

Fox Valley filing: At least 3 mayoral races will be contested in April
An earlier version misspelled Jennifer Konen's name.
There will be at least three contested mayor and village president elections this spring in the Fox Valley, including in St. Charles and Sugar Grove.
St. Charles aldermen Maureen Lewis and Lora Vitek are seeking to become the city's next mayor and submitted their nominating petitions Monday, the first day of filing for most municipal and school positions in the April 6 consolidated election. Incumbent Mayor Ray Rogina isn't seeking reelection.
Meanwhile, Sugar Grove Village President Sean Michels, who has held the office since 1999, is being challenged by village Trustee Jennifer Konen, who has been on the board less than two years.
Candidates for local seats have until the end of the business day Dec. 21 to submit their petitions.
"With my role as alderman, I've really started to enjoy making a difference in St. Charles," Vitek said Monday. "Given the landscape of Illinois and COVID, we're going to need to be more creative in how we accomplish things in the city.
"I have a business background and I work for an insurance company," she said. "I just think there's a lot of potential with things that are happening and changing in our community and around the country. I'm up for the challenge."
Lewis cited her 10 years of experience as alderman as a plus.
"It's a challenge right now with the pandemic and trying to come out of it, and I think that's where I can be helpful for the community and steer us in the direction we need to go," Lewis said. "And I want to be a community mayor, representing all businesses and people and residents of our community."
"We've focused a lot on downtown, and I'm pleased we have. And I think it's looking pretty good, but there are other areas that need attention."
In Sugar Grove, Konen is Michels' first opponent since 2013. Konen was elected as a write-in candidate in 2019; much of her support came from people critical of a proposal to build a business and industrial park on 760 acres of farmland at Route 47 and I-88.
There also will be a contested race for mayor of Aurora, where Alderman Judd Lofchie and resident John Laesch face incumbent Mayor Richard Irvin. Aurora candidates filed their petitions in November.
Other races
Former Kane County Board member John Hoscheit, who left the board in December after a 24-year run, is seeking the 4th Ward seat on the St. Charles council. He was an alderman from 1990 to 1994. He will face Laurel P. Moad and Bryan Wirball for the seat being vacated by Vitek.
Veteran aldermen Ron Silkaitis (1st Ward) and Arthur Lemke (2nd Ward) also are being challenged -- Silkaitis by Richard Balla Jr., and Lemke by Ryan S. Bongard.
Kimberly Malay, Steve Weber and Richard J. Artz filed for the 5th Ward position. City Clerk Charles Amenta filed for 3rd Ward alderman.
In Geneva, Mayor Kevin Burns is seeking a sixth term. Four other incumbents -- 1st Ward Alderman Mike Bruno, 2nd Ward Alderman Rich Marks, 3rd Ward Alderman Becky Hruby and 5th Ward Alderman Robert Swanson -- submitted petitions seeking 4-year terms.
Second Ward Alderman Brad Kosirog filed for a 2-year term. Amy Mayer submitted a petition for the four-year 4th Ward seat.
In Batavia, 5th Ward Alderman Mark Uher filed for reelection. Leah Leman filed for the 2nd Ward spot, and Sarah Vogelsinger filed for Ward 7. Kate Garrett filed for city clerk.
Acting Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine filed to be elected president. She has had the position since the July 25 death of John Schmitt. Trustees Jerry Glogowski and Laura Brehmer filed petitions for trustee, as did Bob Smith.
Rachel Rockwell and James White filed for spots on the Sugar Grove village board.
Dawn Martin, Veronica Noland and Melissa Owens submitted petitions for the Elgin Area School District U-46 school board. Owens and Noland are incumbents.
Jim Stombres, Kate Bell and Heidi Fairgrieve filed for St. Charles Unit District 303 school board. Fairgrieve is an incumbent.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Feder: Celebrated Chicago journalist Jeannie Morris dies

Jeannie Morris , a celebrated journalist , bestselling author , globe-trotting adventurer , and award-winning producer and reporter , blazed a trail for women as Chicago 's first female sports broadcaster , Robert Feder writes .
Morris , who turned 85 on December 2 , died Monday at her Chicago condominium .
For the past year she had been undergoing chemotherapy for appendiceal cancer , according to her family .
`` She had an incredible career and did a lot of amazing things both in and out of journalism , '' said her son , Tim Morris , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her life in TV , she traveled the world , pursued her passions and lived a lot of dreams that she probably never would have expected to . ''
Starting in 1967 -- at a time when women were virtually nonexistent in sportscasting -- Morris spent 24 years as a sports reporter , producer and host first at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and then at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 .
Her pioneering TV work followed stints as a sports columnist for Chicago 's American and sports reporter for the Chicago Daily News .
She began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnny Morris , '' reflecting the status of women in journalism at the time .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: Celebrated Chicago journalist Jeannie Morris dies
Jeannie Morris, a celebrated journalist, bestselling author, globe-trotting adventurer, and award-winning producer and reporter, blazed a trail for women as Chicago's first female sports broadcaster, Robert Feder writes.
Morris, who turned 85 on December 2, died Monday at her Chicago condominium. For the past year she had been undergoing chemotherapy for appendiceal cancer, according to her family.
"She had an incredible career and did a lot of amazing things both in and out of journalism," said her son, Tim Morris, a former Chicago TV sports producer. "Beyond her life in TV, she traveled the world, pursued her passions and lived a lot of dreams that she probably never would have expected to."
Starting in 1967 -- at a time when women were virtually nonexistent in sportscasting -- Morris spent 24 years as a sports reporter, producer and host first at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and then at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2.
Her pioneering TV work followed stints as a sports columnist for Chicago's American and sports reporter for the Chicago Daily News. She began writing under the byline of "Mrs. Johnny Morris," reflecting the status of women in journalism at the time.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Tell us about your favorite suburban landmark that's no longer around

The Daily Herald is putting together a special magazine called `` Remember When '' that takes a nostalgic look at the variety of suburban institutions -- restaurants , stores , music venues , entertainment centers and more -- that are no longer here .
Think Hans Bavarian Lodge , the great German restaurant in Wheeling ; or Adventure Land , the amusement park in Addison ; Crawford 's department store in Rolling Meadows ; Chateau Louise in West Dundee ; Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates ; or Bell 's Apple Orchard in Lake Zurich for inspiration .
Feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any of those or any other suburban icon that no longer exists , and include a photo of yours we can use .
Please limit your remembrance to 300 words and make sure you email your photo to us in the largest file possible .
Include the name of the photographer and some info about who is doing what in the photo .
Do n't have a picture ?
Do n't worry .
We might have one or know where to find one .
We 'll consider all submissions before Jan. 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dailyherald.com .

Tell us about your favorite suburban landmark that's no longer around
Cock Robin, known for its steakburgers and square scoops of ice cream, had locations in Naperville, Villa Park and other suburbs. It was a popular hangout for decades in downtown Wheaton. Daily Herald Archives
Hans Bavarian Lodge in Wheeling first opened as a roadhouse in the 1930s. In the 1950s and '60s, it was known as Ernie's Bavarian Lodge until Hans Ammeloux bought it in 1967 and put his name on it. In 1978, the Berghoff family bought the restaurant. Their popular Oktoberfest drew 30,000 people for the six-week annual event until the restaurant closed in 2000. Daily Herald file photo, 1979
Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates opened on June 6, 1980, with a concert by John Denver. The amphitheater, off Higgins Road and Route 59, closed in 1994. Daily Herald File photo, 1983
The Daily Herald is putting together a special magazine called "Remember When" that takes a nostalgic look at the variety of suburban institutions -- restaurants, stores, music venues, entertainment centers and more -- that are no longer here. Think Hans Bavarian Lodge, the great German restaurant in Wheeling; or Adventure Land, the amusement park in Addison; Crawford's department store in Rolling Meadows; Chateau Louise in West Dundee; Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates; or Bell's Apple Orchard in Lake Zurich for inspiration.
Feel free to send us a personal memory of any of those or any other suburban icon that no longer exists, and include a photo of yours we can use.
Please limit your remembrance to 300 words and make sure you email your photo to us in the largest file possible. Include the name of the photographer and some info about who is doing what in the photo. Don't have a picture? Don't worry. We might have one or know where to find one.
We'll consider all submissions before Jan. 15. Just email it to rememberwhen@dailyherald.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Fewer stores, more homes envisioned for Arlington Heights shopping center

Arlington Heights officials have proposed changing redevelopment plans for a Golf Road shopping center they 've been eyeing for a facelift for more nearly two decades .
Redevelopment of International Plaza on Golf east of Arlington Heights Road has been stalled amid lawsuits and economic recession -- a saga that began when the village included the 13-acre site in its 35-acre tax increment financing district in 2002 .
Commercial uses -- from a grocery store to restaurants -- have long been envisioned for the property .
But the latest plans now call for commercial uses only along the Golf Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , office or mixed-use in the rear portion , village officials said .
`` We did a study a few years ago and hired a consultant .
That study indicated that the ( size of the ) shopping center is larger than the market would dictate the need for , '' said Charles Witherington-Perkins , the village 's director of planning and community development .
`` There 's less and less retailers nowadays that would fill that center , or any redevelopment of the center .
So we 're making the plan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entice more development . ''
The village plans to convene public meetings of its redevelopment commission and a joint review board , composed of representatives of taxing districts in the village 's TIF 4 , to consider amending the redevelopment plan and project for the area .
The joint review board will meet at 3 p.m. Jan. 12 , followed by the redevelopment commission at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 .
The village board would be tasked with approving final changes .
Amid the earlier delays , the village earned state legislative approval in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 until 2037 , by which property taxes above a certain point are funneled into economic development efforts instead of local governments like schools , parks and the library .

Fewer stores, more homes envisioned for Arlington Heights shopping center
As plans to redevelop the International Plaza shopping center on Golf Road in Arlington Heights have stalled, village officials are proposing changes to include fewer commercial uses in any potential upgrade of the area. Daily Herald File Photo, 2008
Arlington Heights officials have proposed changing redevelopment plans for a Golf Road shopping center they've been eyeing for a facelift for more nearly two decades.
Redevelopment of International Plaza on Golf east of Arlington Heights Road has been stalled amid lawsuits and economic recession -- a saga that began when the village included the 13-acre site in its 35-acre tax increment financing district in 2002.
Commercial uses -- from a grocery store to restaurants -- have long been envisioned for the property. But the latest plans now call for commercial uses only along the Golf Road frontage, with some type of residential, office or mixed-use in the rear portion, village officials said.
"We did a study a few years ago and hired a consultant. That study indicated that the (size of the) shopping center is larger than the market would dictate the need for," said Charles Witherington-Perkins, the village's director of planning and community development. "There's less and less retailers nowadays that would fill that center, or any redevelopment of the center. So we're making the plan and the potential land uses more flexible to entice more development."
The village plans to convene public meetings of its redevelopment commission and a joint review board, composed of representatives of taxing districts in the village's TIF 4, to consider amending the redevelopment plan and project for the area. The joint review board will meet at 3 p.m. Jan. 12, followed by the redevelopment commission at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10.
The village board would be tasked with approving final changes.
Amid the earlier delays, the village earned state legislative approval in 2014 to extend the life of TIF 4 until 2037, by which property taxes above a certain point are funneled into economic development efforts instead of local governments like schools, parks and the library.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Why Illinois' electors say vote for Biden was more than symbolic

Casting Electoral College votes for president in Illinois -- mostly a symbolic gesture -- typically garners little notice , if any .
Illinois is a `` winner takes all '' state , meaning whoever wins the popular vote also secures the state 's 20 electoral votes , which were cast ceremoniously Monday for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris .
Biden-Harris secured 57.5 % or 3,471,915 of the votes on Election Day in Illinois .
All 50 states already have certified election results ensuring Biden will be the 46th president .
The Electoral College vote makes the result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- selected from each congressional district by the political party whose candidate was victorious -- this year 's vote was historic for a few reasons , said Kristina Zahorik of McHenry , a Democratic State Central committeewoman for the 14th Congressional District .
`` Most people do n't really need to pay attention to the Electoral College , and because of the drama and the strife surrounding this presidency , it has engaged people in the ( civic ) process unlike other years , '' said Zahorik , a first-time elector .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding and are more willing to be engaged in the process .
If that is , in fact , the end result , then we are all better off . ''
It also was a momentous vote because Harris will become the first woman and first Black woman to be vice president .
`` One of the things that I find particularly profound -- here we are at the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote , and we get to cast a vote for the first woman vice president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about election results spread by President Donald Trump and Republican supporters has undermined a long-trusted process , electors say .
Veteran elector Julia Kennedy Beckman of Darien said many electors felt a sense of relief and closure upon casting their votes .
It took about an hour for the electors -- who were tested for COVID-19 , socially distanced and wearing masks -- to cast their votes in person on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives .
There were no protesters .
No lengthy speeches .
Just a calm exercise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 11th Congressional District .
`` I 'm fervently hopeful that this is the beginning of a new day , '' said Beckman , who cast electoral votes twice before for President Barack Obama .
`` This has been four very , very difficult years .
We 've got some sanity and a lot of experience coming into the White House .
...
Even though this is very ceremonial , it 's very necessary .
We have done our part .
It ( now ) has to go to Congress and be recognized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're kind of holding our breath hoping everything goes well . ''
Beckman said electors do n't usually get much scrutiny during most presidential elections when the process works seamlessly with little doubt about the victor .
Abolishing the Electoral College process that many perceive as arcane would be one way to avoid future confusion about who won the election .
That 's what former state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash of Highland Park is working toward so voters can have a direct impact on selecting who leads the nation .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country should decide who the president is for the people , '' said Gash , an elector representing the 10th Congressional District and chairwoman of the Lake County Democrats .
Still , Gash said she cast her electoral vote because `` our very democracy was at stake . ''

Why Illinois' electors say vote for Biden was more than symbolic
Casting Electoral College votes for president in Illinois -- mostly a symbolic gesture -- typically garners little notice, if any.
Illinois is a "winner takes all" state, meaning whoever wins the popular vote also secures the state's 20 electoral votes, which were cast ceremoniously Monday for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Biden-Harris secured 57.5% or 3,471,915 of the votes on Election Day in Illinois.
All 50 states already have certified election results ensuring Biden will be the 46th president. The Electoral College vote makes the result official.
Yet, for state electors -- selected from each congressional district by the political party whose candidate was victorious -- this year's vote was historic for a few reasons, said Kristina Zahorik of McHenry, a Democratic State Central committeewoman for the 14th Congressional District.
"Most people don't really need to pay attention to the Electoral College, and because of the drama and the strife surrounding this presidency, it has engaged people in the (civic) process unlike other years," said Zahorik, a first-time elector. "I hope that people have a better understanding and are more willing to be engaged in the process. If that is, in fact, the end result, then we are all better off."
It also was a momentous vote because Harris will become the first woman and first Black woman to be vice president.
"One of the things that I find particularly profound -- here we are at the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, and we get to cast a vote for the first woman vice president," Zahorik said.
Misinformation and misrepresentation about election results spread by President Donald Trump and Republican supporters has undermined a long-trusted process, electors say.
Veteran elector Julia Kennedy Beckman of Darien said many electors felt a sense of relief and closure upon casting their votes.
It took about an hour for the electors -- who were tested for COVID-19, socially distanced and wearing masks -- to cast their votes in person on the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives.
There were no protesters. No lengthy speeches. Just a calm exercise of democracy, said Beckman, who represents the 11th Congressional District.
"I'm fervently hopeful that this is the beginning of a new day," said Beckman, who cast electoral votes twice before for President Barack Obama. "This has been four very, very difficult years. We've got some sanity and a lot of experience coming into the White House. ... Even though this is very ceremonial, it's very necessary. We have done our part. It (now) has to go to Congress and be recognized. They certify the vote. We're kind of holding our breath hoping everything goes well."
Beckman said electors don't usually get much scrutiny during most presidential elections when the process works seamlessly with little doubt about the victor.
Abolishing the Electoral College process that many perceive as arcane would be one way to avoid future confusion about who won the election. That's what former state Rep. Lauren Beth Gash of Highland Park is working toward so voters can have a direct impact on selecting who leads the nation.
"I don't think that 538 electors around the country should decide who the president is for the people," said Gash, an elector representing the 10th Congressional District and chairwoman of the Lake County Democrats. Still, Gash said she cast her electoral vote because "our very democracy was at stake."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Despite pandemic, Grayslake woman's mission to bring hospital patients holiday cheer continues

For 12 years , Grayslake resident Elizabeth `` Lyzzi '' Elliott has run HOPE Ornaments , a nonprofit which gives holiday ornaments to hospital patients .
So she 's used to working hard this time of year .
But the global pandemic has brought new challenges to her effort , making it more difficult to deliver ornaments at a time when there are more people in hospitals in need of cheering up .
Usually , the job of wrapping the thousands of unopened ornaments -- always in clear packing so patients can choose which one they want -- is done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But such gatherings are unsafe this year , so Elliott , 36 , is wrapping all of the ornaments by herself .
`` It keeps me busy , '' said Elliott , who projects positivity .
`` I have about 4,212 wrapped and ready to go , and I still need to purchase 614 ornaments and wrap them . ''
Elliott , who started the nonprofit in 2007 , has committed to donating ornaments at several suburban hospitals , including Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Barrington , Advocate Condell Medical Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Downers Grove .
While in past years she has been able to deliver some in person and see the joy they bring patients , pandemic restrictions have put an end to that particular joy .
`` At first it was really hard , '' Elliott said .
`` But the hospitals would come back and tell me the ornaments are making as big of an impact with staff handing them out .
That reassured me a lot and has given me a brighter outlook . ''
It is especially important that Elliott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a `` very , very high risk '' for COVID-19 due to a rare medical issue .
`` It 's a scary time , '' Elliott said .
`` I 'm doing my best to stay safe . ''
She suffers from `` really high blood pressure '' that causes her to unexpectedly pass out , making it too dangerous to drive .
She is anemic and her hearing is diminished .
She ca n't feel her legs below the knees and relearned to walk using her upper leg muscles .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting countless doctors , there are no answers as to what Elliott has .
While not as many people have been able to volunteer their time to help out this year , the project 's online GoFundMe campaign has brought in $ 2,535 so far , up from last year 's $ 1,650 .
`` It 's been a hard year , but seeing everyone come together to support HOPE Ornaments to bring holiday cheer to all these sick people has been beyond my expectation , '' Elliott said .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @

Despite pandemic, Grayslake woman's mission to bring hospital patients holiday cheer continues
For 12 years, Grayslake resident Elizabeth "Lyzzi" Elliott has run HOPE Ornaments, a nonprofit which gives holiday ornaments to hospital patients. So she's used to working hard this time of year.
But the global pandemic has brought new challenges to her effort, making it more difficult to deliver ornaments at a time when there are more people in hospitals in need of cheering up.
Usually, the job of wrapping the thousands of unopened ornaments -- always in clear packing so patients can choose which one they want -- is done by Elliot and a team of volunteers.
But such gatherings are unsafe this year, so Elliott, 36, is wrapping all of the ornaments by herself.
"It keeps me busy," said Elliott, who projects positivity. "I have about 4,212 wrapped and ready to go, and I still need to purchase 614 ornaments and wrap them."
Elliott, who started the nonprofit in 2007, has committed to donating ornaments at several suburban hospitals, including Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Lake Barrington, Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.
While in past years she has been able to deliver some in person and see the joy they bring patients, pandemic restrictions have put an end to that particular joy.
"At first it was really hard," Elliott said. "But the hospitals would come back and tell me the ornaments are making as big of an impact with staff handing them out. That reassured me a lot and has given me a brighter outlook." It is especially important that Elliott stays safe because she said she's at a "very, very high risk" for COVID-19 due to a rare medical issue.
"It's a scary time," Elliott said. "I'm doing my best to stay safe."
She suffers from "really high blood pressure" that causes her to unexpectedly pass out, making it too dangerous to drive. She is anemic and her hearing is diminished. She can't feel her legs below the knees and relearned to walk using her upper leg muscles.
Even after trips to the Mayo Clinic and meeting countless doctors, there are no answers as to what Elliott has.
While not as many people have been able to volunteer their time to help out this year, the project's online GoFundMe campaign has brought in $2,535 so far, up from last year's $1,650.
"It's been a hard year, but seeing everyone come together to support HOPE Ornaments to bring holiday cheer to all these sick people has been beyond my expectation," Elliott said. "I'm so thankful for everything."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--High school sports remain on 'pause.' IHSA hopeful for restart early in 2021.

The `` pause '' on winter high school sports continues , with one possible exception .
The Illinois High School Association board of directors announced Monday a season change for girls badminton , updated contact days , and reiterated a timeline on sport schedules will follow discussions with state officials .
The board voted to move girls badminton from spring to winter within the modified 2020-'21 calendar .
`` Given its status as a low-risk sport , we believe we can safely conduct badminton in the winter as soon as the current mitigations are lifted , '' IHSA executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have heard from our schools is this is an optimal time to conduct badminton as they look at balancing sports and facilities throughout the remainder of the school year . ''
The board also permitted the allowance of contact days for out-of-season sports as soon as the Illinois Department of Public Health and Gov .
J.B. Pritzker 's office lift Tier 3 mitigations .
Contact days will be restricted to six hours per student-athlete per sport each week , and can include practices , drills and intrasquad scrimmages allowable under IDPH guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @  -- conducted in-state or out of state -- is prohibited .
`` The board felt it was important for the physical and mental health of our student-athletes to resume contacts days for all out-of-season sports as soon as IDPH deems it safe , '' Anderson said .
`` Winter sports are not included , as we anticipate all low-risk winter sports will be able to begin their seasons at the same time .
`` Basketball remains the outlier in the equation .
We hope to be able to conduct basketball during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , basketball will be provided the same contact day opportunity as we determine where the basketball seasons fits best in the remainder of the school year . ''
The board plans to meet with representatives from IDPH and the governor 's office prior to January to develop a timeline for the resumption of winter sports .
The board would then call a special meeting to finalize scheduling for the winter , spring , and summer seasons .
`` The board reiterated Monday that they plan to do everything in their power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020-'21 , '' said Anderson .
`` There have been no cancellations of any sports , nor discussions about canceling any sports , thus far .
`` The board remains optimistic , especially as vaccines begin to be administered , that we will return to conducting IHSA sports early in 2021 . ''

High school sports remain on 'pause.' IHSA hopeful for restart early in 2021.
The Illinois High School Association's board of directors met on Monday, with little change to the current "pause" state of winter sports. Daily Herald File Photo
The "pause" on winter high school sports continues, with one possible exception.
The Illinois High School Association board of directors announced Monday a season change for girls badminton, updated contact days, and reiterated a timeline on sport schedules will follow discussions with state officials.
The board voted to move girls badminton from spring to winter within the modified 2020-'21 calendar.
"Given its status as a low-risk sport, we believe we can safely conduct badminton in the winter as soon as the current mitigations are lifted," IHSA executive director Craig Anderson said. "The feedback we have heard from our schools is this is an optimal time to conduct badminton as they look at balancing sports and facilities throughout the remainder of the school year."
The board also permitted the allowance of contact days for out-of-season sports as soon as the Illinois Department of Public Health and Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office lift Tier 3 mitigations. Contact days will be restricted to six hours per student-athlete per sport each week, and can include practices, drills and intrasquad scrimmages allowable under IDPH guidance. Competition against any other high school -- conducted in-state or out of state -- is prohibited.
"The board felt it was important for the physical and mental health of our student-athletes to resume contacts days for all out-of-season sports as soon as IDPH deems it safe," Anderson said. "Winter sports are not included, as we anticipate all low-risk winter sports will be able to begin their seasons at the same time.
"Basketball remains the outlier in the equation. We hope to be able to conduct basketball during the winter season, but if we cannot, basketball will be provided the same contact day opportunity as we determine where the basketball seasons fits best in the remainder of the school year."
The board plans to meet with representatives from IDPH and the governor's office prior to January to develop a timeline for the resumption of winter sports. The board would then call a special meeting to finalize scheduling for the winter, spring, and summer seasons.
"The board reiterated Monday that they plan to do everything in their power to provide a season for every IHSA sport in 2020-'21," said Anderson. "There have been no cancellations of any sports, nor discussions about canceling any sports, thus far.
"The board remains optimistic, especially as vaccines begin to be administered, that we will return to conducting IHSA sports early in 2021."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Believe Project: $100 to help friend with ovarian cancer

Today 's winner of a $ 100 bill through the Believe Project is Marie Jones-Stenger of Burlington .
She wants @ @ @ @ @ her friend .
Here is an excerpt of her story : '' Currently , she @ @ @ @ @ ovarian cancer and will be a candidate for a radical surgery soon .
She has @ @ @ @ @ managing her family of four children with the youngest being under 2 years old .
@ @ @ @ @ from home managing her ( job ) duties through it all .
`` I feel @ @ @ @ @ and overwhelmed to be honored this way . ''
• The Believe Project is awarding @ @ @ @ @ December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money @ @ @ @ @ for someone else .
Submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/ .

Believe Project: $100 to help friend with ovarian cancer
Today's winner of a $100 bill through the Believe Project is Marie Jones-Stenger of Burlington.
She wants to give the money to her friend. Here is an excerpt of her story:
"Currently, she is dealing with stage 4 ovarian cancer and will be a candidate for a radical surgery soon. She has been doing chemotherapy treatments, managing her family of four children with the youngest being under 2 years old. And she continues to work from home managing her (job) duties through it all.
"I feel she would be so grateful and overwhelmed to be honored this way."
• The Believe Project is awarding $100 each day in December to a different person with a great idea for how to use the money to do a good deed for someone else. Submit your idea in 150 words or fewer at events.dailyherald.com/believe/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-14--Democrats vote to end legislative investigation of Madigan

After just three hearings in four months , Democrats on the special committee probing House Speaker Michael Madigan 's alleged misconduct and role in a bribery scheme involving ComEd voted Monday to end their investigation .
Throughout the combative three-hour hearing , the three House Republicans and three Democrats clashed repeatedly over the rules of procedure , disagreed about the facts contained in the federal court documents and levied accusations of political stunts and a `` kangaroo court . ''
The House Democratic members -- Reps. Chris Welch , of Hillside , Natalie Manley , of Joliet , and Elizabeth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a motion , presented by Manley , that Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming of legislator .
With a deadlocked vote along party lines , the motion failed to pass .
Madigan issued a statement on Monday that criticized his Republican counterpart , Minority Leader Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs , who filed the petition creating the committee .
`` Jim Durkin insisted on initiating this political theater , and through this process we 've come to learn that he was involved in the very conduct he claims to be so offended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If Jim Durkin actually believes it is conduct unbecoming of a legislator to recommend people for jobs or help constituents , he might want to review his own hypocritical behavior .
Rather than finger pointing , I suggest we focus on the important work that lies ahead of us , '' Madigan said in the statement .
The Special Investigating Committee was formed in late August after the U.S. attorney 's office in Chicago charged ComEd in a deferred prosecution agreement that alleged ComEd officials conspired with Madigan 's associates to secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends in exchange for favorable legislation in the Illinois General Assembly .
The committee was tasked with investigating whether there was evidence to find Madigan 's conduct was unbecoming of a legislator and whether Madigan should face disciplinary proceedings .
Under the deferred prosecution agreement , ComEd admitted to the bribery scheme and agreed to pay a $ 200 million and cooperate with the investigation .
Madigan has not been charged with a crime and he denies wrongdoing .
He is mentioned in the deferred prosecution agreement and indictments as `` Public Official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former ComEd executive , Fidel Marquez , pleaded guilty to a role in the bribery scheme .
Last month , federal prosecutors in Chicago indicted four others -- Michael McClain , a former ComEd lobbyist and close Madigan confidant , former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore , former ComEd executive John Hooker , and Jay Doherty , a lobbyist who worked on contract for ComEd -- with bribery for allegedly conspiring to influence Madigan with no-work jobs and contracts to his associates .
Last month , Welch released hundreds of pages of documents that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including numerous emails between McClain and Marquez , Pramaggiore and others seeking favors for Madigan 's associates and individuals from his district .
The Republicans on the investigating committee -- Reps. Tom Demmer , of Dixon , Deanne Mazzochi , of Elmhurst , and Grant Werhli , of Naperville -- extensively referenced the emails to show McClain was working on behalf of Madigan , and with Madigan 's knowledge , to secure jobs , contracts and internships that were meant to curry favor with the Speaker .
`` This was not a mere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Mazzochi said in reference to an email from McClain instructing ComEd officials to add former CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Juan Ochoa to the ComEd Board of Directors at the request of Madigan .
Other emails show McClain asking the company to provide work for attorney Victor Reyes and his law firm , Reyes Kurson , again at the request of Madigan , who is referred to as `` our Friend . ''
In one email , McClain wrote , `` I am sure you know how valuable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' and then went on to write , `` I know the drill and so do you .
If you do not get involve [ sic ] and resolve this issue of 850 hours for his law firm per year then he will go to our Friend .
Our Friend will call me and then I will call you .
Is this a drill we must go through ? ''
Mazzochi said the exchange was `` not a job recommendation .
That is an unethical quid pro quo . ''
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no innocent explanation , '' she said .
The three Republican House members of the committee called for additional witnesses to appear before them , including those named in the federal indictment , but a motion to issue subpoenas failed to pass , with a partisan vote deadlocked at 3-3 .
In a news conference after the committee adjourned , Demmer said the Democrats on the House committee shut down their investigation .
`` It was our duty to conduct this investigation to support and try to rebuild the integrity and trust of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw under the leadership of Chairman Welch was a process that sought not to hear from additional witnesses , sought not to have adequate number of hearings and sought to bring the committee to a conclusion before we had the information necessary to make a qualified judgment , '' Demmer said .
The committee met twice in September , and has heard testimony from only one witness , David Glockner , the executive vice president of compliance and audit for Exelon Corporation , which is the parent company of ComEd .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suggest Durkin improperly sought ComEd jobs for his friends , citing an email from a lobbyist for the Illinois State Medical Society that asked McClain to consider recommending a woman who had been working in Durkin 's office .
Hernandez , along with her Democratic colleagues , maintained that McClain 's emails simply showed someone making job recommendations .
`` Recommending jobs is legal , and Leader Durkin asked for job recommendations too , '' she said .
`` In neither case is this illegal or unethical . ''
Furthermore , Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a power grab by Durkin in an effort to become the next House Speaker , even though he would need the votes of at least 15 House Democrats to be elected to the position .
`` This is a political show that was concocted by Minority Leader Durkin .
It was a plain power grab by the minority party , as the Republican members of this committee and petitioner have shown in spite of our attempts to conduct this investigation in a nonpartisan impartial manner , '' Welch said during a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own statement Monday , Durkin criticized the Democratic members of the committee for protecting Madigan .
`` The Democratic Party shows again today there is no limit to the lengths they will go to protect Speaker Madigan .
Chairman Welch , Rep. Hernandez and Rep. Manley have turned the rule of law on its head by refusing to investigate the charges and demand the testimony of Speaker Madigan in this scandal .
I call on Governor Pritzker to finally demand Speaker Madigan resign as it is clear he refuses to answer any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement reads .
• Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit , nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide .
It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation .

Democrats vote to end legislative investigation of Madigan
Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch, a Hillside Democrat, speaks at the end of a Special Investigating Committee into alleged misconduct of House Speaker Michael Madigan as Rep. Grant Wehrli, a Naperville Republican, looks on in the foreground. The committee's Democrats voted to end the investigation Monday after just three meetings in four months. Photo courtesy of Blueroomstream.com
After just three hearings in four months, Democrats on the special committee probing House Speaker Michael Madigan's alleged misconduct and role in a bribery scheme involving ComEd voted Monday to end their investigation.
Throughout the combative three-hour hearing, the three House Republicans and three Democrats clashed repeatedly over the rules of procedure, disagreed about the facts contained in the federal court documents and levied accusations of political stunts and a "kangaroo court."
The House Democratic members -- Reps. Chris Welch, of Hillside, Natalie Manley, of Joliet, and Elizabeth Hernandez, of Cicero -- voted no on a motion, presented by Manley, that Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming of legislator.
With a deadlocked vote along party lines, the motion failed to pass.
Madigan issued a statement on Monday that criticized his Republican counterpart, Minority Leader Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs, who filed the petition creating the committee.
"Jim Durkin insisted on initiating this political theater, and through this process we've come to learn that he was involved in the very conduct he claims to be so offended by -- recommending people for various jobs. If Jim Durkin actually believes it is conduct unbecoming of a legislator to recommend people for jobs or help constituents, he might want to review his own hypocritical behavior. Rather than finger pointing, I suggest we focus on the important work that lies ahead of us," Madigan said in the statement.
The Special Investigating Committee was formed in late August after the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago charged ComEd in a deferred prosecution agreement that alleged ComEd officials conspired with Madigan's associates to secure no-work jobs and contracts for Madigan's friends in exchange for favorable legislation in the Illinois General Assembly.
The committee was tasked with investigating whether there was evidence to find Madigan's conduct was unbecoming of a legislator and whether Madigan should face disciplinary proceedings.
Under the deferred prosecution agreement, ComEd admitted to the bribery scheme and agreed to pay a $200 million and cooperate with the investigation.
Madigan has not been charged with a crime and he denies wrongdoing. He is mentioned in the deferred prosecution agreement and indictments as "Public Official A."
In September, a former ComEd executive, Fidel Marquez, pleaded guilty to a role in the bribery scheme. Last month, federal prosecutors in Chicago indicted four others -- Michael McClain, a former ComEd lobbyist and close Madigan confidant, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd executive John Hooker, and Jay Doherty, a lobbyist who worked on contract for ComEd -- with bribery for allegedly conspiring to influence Madigan with no-work jobs and contracts to his associates.
Last month, Welch released hundreds of pages of documents that the committee had requested from ComEd, including numerous emails between McClain and Marquez, Pramaggiore and others seeking favors for Madigan's associates and individuals from his district.
The Republicans on the investigating committee -- Reps. Tom Demmer, of Dixon, Deanne Mazzochi, of Elmhurst, and Grant Werhli, of Naperville -- extensively referenced the emails to show McClain was working on behalf of Madigan, and with Madigan's knowledge, to secure jobs, contracts and internships that were meant to curry favor with the Speaker.
"This was not a mere job recommendation, this was a demand," Mazzochi said in reference to an email from McClain instructing ComEd officials to add former CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Juan Ochoa to the ComEd Board of Directors at the request of Madigan.
Other emails show McClain asking the company to provide work for attorney Victor Reyes and his law firm, Reyes Kurson, again at the request of Madigan, who is referred to as "our Friend."
In one email, McClain wrote, "I am sure you know how valuable [Reyes] is to our Friend," and then went on to write, "I know the drill and so do you. If you do not get involve [sic] and resolve this issue of 850 hours for his law firm per year then he will go to our Friend. Our Friend will call me and then I will call you. Is this a drill we must go through?"
Mazzochi said the exchange was "not a job recommendation. That is an unethical quid pro quo."
"These internal documents certainly confirm that there is no innocent explanation," she said.
The three Republican House members of the committee called for additional witnesses to appear before them, including those named in the federal indictment, but a motion to issue subpoenas failed to pass, with a partisan vote deadlocked at 3-3.
In a news conference after the committee adjourned, Demmer said the Democrats on the House committee shut down their investigation.
"It was our duty to conduct this investigation to support and try to rebuild the integrity and trust of the House of Representatives. But what we saw under the leadership of Chairman Welch was a process that sought not to hear from additional witnesses, sought not to have adequate number of hearings and sought to bring the committee to a conclusion before we had the information necessary to make a qualified judgment," Demmer said.
The committee met twice in September, and has heard testimony from only one witness, David Glockner, the executive vice president of compliance and audit for Exelon Corporation, which is the parent company of ComEd.
Democrats on the committee also used the emails to suggest Durkin improperly sought ComEd jobs for his friends, citing an email from a lobbyist for the Illinois State Medical Society that asked McClain to consider recommending a woman who had been working in Durkin's office.
Hernandez, along with her Democratic colleagues, maintained that McClain's emails simply showed someone making job recommendations.
"Recommending jobs is legal, and Leader Durkin asked for job recommendations too," she said. "In neither case is this illegal or unethical."
Furthermore, Democrats claimed that the committee's motive was a power grab by Durkin in an effort to become the next House Speaker, even though he would need the votes of at least 15 House Democrats to be elected to the position.
"This is a political show that was concocted by Minority Leader Durkin. It was a plain power grab by the minority party, as the Republican members of this committee and petitioner have shown in spite of our attempts to conduct this investigation in a nonpartisan impartial manner," Welch said during a news conference following the committee's adjournment.
In his own statement Monday, Durkin criticized the Democratic members of the committee for protecting Madigan.
"The Democratic Party shows again today there is no limit to the lengths they will go to protect Speaker Madigan. Chairman Welch, Rep. Hernandez and Rep. Manley have turned the rule of law on its head by refusing to investigate the charges and demand the testimony of Speaker Madigan in this scandal. I call on Governor Pritzker to finally demand Speaker Madigan resign as it is clear he refuses to answer any questions about his corrupt practices," the statement reads.
• Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-12-15--Feder: Chicago Reporter names Glenn Reedus interim editor

Glenn Reedus , a longtime Chicago journalist and former editor at the Chicago Defender and Chicago Crusader , has been @ @ @ @ @ of the Chicago Reporter , Robert Feder writes .
The future of the 48-year-old investigative @ @ @ @ @ doubt since September when Fernando Diaz was ousted as editor-in-chief and publisher , and the @ @ @ @ @ The interim role gives me the opportunity to bring Chicago Reporter readers true in-depth journalism @ @ @ @ @ facts , present them with balance and avoid conjecture and speculation as too often is @ @ @ @ @ Reedus said in a statement .
Get the full report , and more Chicago media @ @ @ @ @

Feder: Chicago Reporter names Glenn Reedus interim editor
Glenn Reedus, a longtime Chicago journalist and former editor at the Chicago Defender and Chicago Crusader, has been named interim editor and publisher of the Chicago Reporter, Robert Feder writes.
The future of the 48-year-old investigative news organization has been in doubt since September when Fernando Diaz was ousted as editor-in-chief and publisher, and the Reporter suspended publication.
"The interim role gives me the opportunity to bring Chicago Reporter readers true in-depth journalism that digs deep for the facts, present them with balance and avoid conjecture and speculation as too often is the case today," Reedus said in a statement.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.