chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--How do you plan to spend your (coronavirus) summer vacation? We asked, you answered

How do you plan to spend your ( coronavirus ) summer vacation ?
We asked , you answered Share All sharing options for : How do you plan to spend your ( coronavirus ) summer vacation ?
We asked , you answered Summer ’ s just about here , and , with the coronavirus pandemic still gripping Illinois , we asked Chicagoans what they plan to do for their summer vacations this year .
Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity .
“ Staying in Chicago , supporting as many local businesses we can .
If COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a driving trip within 250-300 miles in September or October.
” — Robert Smolen “ All of my daughter ’ s travel softball games in Missouri and Indiana.
” — Jim Cooper “ As much as I LOVE to travel , it won ’ t be happening this summer.
” — Jo Ann Fields “ In my camper wherever parks are open .
We ’ ve already been to Jim Edgar state recreational area .
It was very pretty there : a birdwatcher ’ s paradise .
We are definitely staying closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Bobette Staley “ We were supposed to go to Hawaii for our 50th wedding anniversary.
” — Cheryl Thomas Johansen “ Same as the last three months : staying in the house , rewatching the same thing on Netflix over and over.
” — Kristin Annicks “ Unsure .
We have a vacation booked for California but feel uncomfortable flying at the moment .
Thankfully , we have till the end of the month to make a final decision.
” — Amber Nicole Alvarado “ Throwing a graduation party , spending time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” — Amy Awe “ It ’ s looking like a stay-at-home summer vacation , just like a stay-at-home spring fall and winter.
” — Darlene Kistler-Alvord “ I was hoping to go back to Spain this year and see the south , but I guess staying near home for the rest of the year is best for now .
Hoping to see more family , especially the grandkids.
” — Sandra Molina “ We were supposed to be in London , watching the Cubbies.
” — Amanda Swanson “ Sitting on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to music.
” — Peter J. Gallanis “ Out of Illinois as much as possible , family trips scheduled to Florida and Wisconsin .
Can ’ t wait !
” — Joey Lynn Battaglia-Pinaglia

Summer’s just about here, and, with the coronavirus pandemic still gripping Illinois, we asked Chicagoans what they plan to do for their summer vacations this year. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“Staying in Chicago, supporting as many local businesses we can. If COVID-19 continues to decline, I may think about a driving trip within 250-300 miles in September or October.” — Robert Smolen
“All of my daughter’s travel softball games in Missouri and Indiana.” — Jim Cooper
“As much as I LOVE to travel, it won’t be happening this summer.” — Jo Ann Fields
“In my camper wherever parks are open. We’ve already been to Jim Edgar state recreational area. It was very pretty there: a birdwatcher’s paradise. We are definitely staying closer to home and away from crowds.” — Bobette Staley
“We were supposed to go to Hawaii for our 50th wedding anniversary.” — Cheryl Thomas Johansen
“Same as the last three months: staying in the house, rewatching the same thing on Netflix over and over.” — Kristin Annicks
“Unsure. We have a vacation booked for California but feel uncomfortable flying at the moment. Thankfully, we have till the end of the month to make a final decision.” — Amber Nicole Alvarado
“Throwing a graduation party, spending time in our pool with friends and working.” — Amy Awe
“It’s looking like a stay-at-home summer vacation, just like a stay-at-home spring fall and winter.” — Darlene Kistler-Alvord
“I was hoping to go back to Spain this year and see the south, but I guess staying near home for the rest of the year is best for now. Hoping to see more family, especially the grandkids.” — Sandra Molina
“We were supposed to be in London, watching the Cubbies.” — Amanda Swanson
“Sitting on my patio drinking beer, BBQing and listening to music.” — Peter J. Gallanis
“Out of Illinois as much as possible, family trips scheduled to Florida and Wisconsin. Can’t wait!” — Joey Lynn Battaglia-Pinaglia
“Daydreaming about future travel.” — Jackie Veal
“Looking for a job!” — Joe Winiarski


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Dear Abby: Shopper turns hostile when asked nicely to move 6 feet away

DEAR ABBY : I encountered a frightening man in the hardware store the other day .
I was standing at the counter paying for an item when a man behind me came at me , inches from my face , in an aggressive and threatening way .
When I asked him if he could please step 6 feet away , he became even more hostile and accused me of asking in the wrong way .
In hindsight , I suppose I should have ignored him .
But his words shook me .
I didn ’ t speak disrespectfully to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was polite .
When I said I was just asking for the required space , he said he was showing me how thoughtless I am because I wasn ’ t wearing a mask or gloves .
Neither was he , nor were the employees and some other shoppers .
When I pointed that out , he countered even more loudly that I was the problem .
I just shook my head and left .
As I was leaving , he yelled after me that he hoped I got the virus and that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was huge , at least double my size .
He was clearly going out of his way to threaten me , if not to infect me .
I know I should not have responded , but for my own safety , I needed to politely ask him to back away .
If I ’ d had a smartphone , I might have called the police .
I go for a walk every day for exercise and to shop for necessary groceries .
I have experienced people in aisles coming very close to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for others .
Generally , most people are careful , respectful and even give a thank-you .
This man was aggressive for no reason .
What should I have done other than just walk quickly away ?
— THREATENED IN OAKLAND , CALIF. DEAR THREATENED : You did the right thing .
I seriously doubt the person worked in or even near a hospital , because if he did , he would have taken the proper safety precautions .
In these stressful times , people sometimes act out over perceived slights .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for trouble , the right thing to do was to get away as quickly and safely as possible .
The man was lucky the store management didn ’ t eject him .
DEAR ABBY : Several months ago , a friend of mine behaved badly and offended me and another dinner guest .
His wife shut him down fairly quickly .
The next day , when I tried to explain to him why what he did was inappropriate , he misinterpreted my comments and , because of his low self-esteem , became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person .
I immediately apologized but got no response .
Anyone who understands basic psychology will recognize this defensive and deflective self-defense mechanism for what it was .
Abby , these are people I love dearly .
Now they no longer speak to me , and I ’ m at a loss about what to do besides continue to pray for them .
Advice ?
— MISSING MY DEAREST FRIENDS DEAR MISSING : Your former friend appears to be both aggressive and hypersensitive .
Continue praying , but be careful what you pray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very high-maintenance .
Surely you can fill the emptiness with friends who are easier to get along with and who are willing to talk out difficult situations like adults .
If you do , I guarantee your life will be less stressful .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
To receive a collection of Abby ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — poems and essays , send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet , P.O .
Box 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
Shipping and handling are included in the price .

DEAR ABBY: I encountered a frightening man in the hardware store the other day. I was standing at the counter paying for an item when a man behind me came at me, inches from my face, in an aggressive and threatening way. When I asked him if he could please step 6 feet away, he became even more hostile and accused me of asking in the wrong way.
In hindsight, I suppose I should have ignored him. But his words shook me. I didn’t speak disrespectfully to him. Although I was alarmed, I was polite. When I said I was just asking for the required space, he said he was showing me how thoughtless I am because I wasn’t wearing a mask or gloves. Neither was he, nor were the employees and some other shoppers. When I pointed that out, he countered even more loudly that I was the problem. I just shook my head and left. As I was leaving, he yelled after me that he hoped I got the virus and that he worked in a hospital.
The man was huge, at least double my size. He was clearly going out of his way to threaten me, if not to infect me. I know I should not have responded, but for my own safety, I needed to politely ask him to back away. If I’d had a smartphone, I might have called the police.
I go for a walk every day for exercise and to shop for necessary groceries. I have experienced people in aisles coming very close to me. I step aside to give space for others. Generally, most people are careful, respectful and even give a thank-you. This man was aggressive for no reason. What should I have done other than just walk quickly away? — THREATENED IN OAKLAND, CALIF.
DEAR THREATENED: You did the right thing. I seriously doubt the person worked in or even near a hospital, because if he did, he would have taken the proper safety precautions. In these stressful times, people sometimes act out over perceived slights. With someone so angry, aggressive and clearly looking for trouble, the right thing to do was to get away as quickly and safely as possible. The man was lucky the store management didn’t eject him.
DEAR ABBY: Several months ago, a friend of mine behaved badly and offended me and another dinner guest. His wife shut him down fairly quickly. The next day, when I tried to explain to him why what he did was inappropriate, he misinterpreted my comments and, because of his low self-esteem, became offended even though he was the offensive person. I immediately apologized but got no response. Anyone who understands basic psychology will recognize this defensive and deflective self-defense mechanism for what it was.
Abby, these are people I love dearly. Now they no longer speak to me, and I’m at a loss about what to do besides continue to pray for them. Advice? — MISSING MY DEAREST FRIENDS
DEAR MISSING: Your former friend appears to be both aggressive and hypersensitive. Continue praying, but be careful what you pray for because this person appears to be very high-maintenance. Surely you can fill the emptiness with friends who are easier to get along with and who are willing to talk out difficult situations like adults. If you do, I guarantee your life will be less stressful.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. Shipping and handling are included in the price.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Danny Leake, Stevie Wonder’s longtime sound engineer, Lane Tech grad, dead at 69

Danny Leake was doing a live gig with the Queen of Soul when she pronounced that something sounded off .
Mr. Leake waited .
Franklin probably didn ’ t realize the breadth of his career as a sound engineer .
How he ’ d worked 28 years for Stevie Wonder , who called him “ a professional perfectionist.
” How he ’ d remixed or recorded Natalie Cole , Dennis DeYoung , Janet Jackson , Ramsey Lewis , Brian McKnight , Diana Ross , Tom Waits , Willie Nelson , the Police and Diana Ross .
“ Aretha thought he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was talking about , ” said his wife Fran Allen-Leake .
“ He very quietly said to her , ‘ Would you like to hear the playback ?
’ ’ ’ The diva assoluta snapped back : “ Yeah , I want to hear the damn playback !
” “ She listens to it , and her face just totally changed , ” said Mr. Leake ’ s wife , who was at the performance .
“ She realized this guy knows what the hell he ’ s doing.
” Nothing seemed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharpshooter .
Sound effects artist Lorita de la Cerna said that whenever the screaming started in recording studios , Mr. Leake would just sip his endless cups of coffee .
“ I was a sniper in the Vietnam war , ” he ’ d say .
“ This is nothing.
” Services were held last month for Mr. Leake , 69 , a resident of the Tri-Taylor neighborhood on the Near West Side , who died of a heart attack en route to a kidney dialysis appointment .
He broke racial barriers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his own mastering studio , Urban Guerrilla Boutique , and was a mentor to many others who went on to careers in sound .
“ At one point , he was one of the only black sound engineers in Chicago , ” said audio engineer Chris “ Godxilla ” Taylor .
“ He was my sensei.
” “ He taught me how to listen , ” said Vaughn Halyard , chief of the StoryLounge Media production company .
“ Close your eyes , ” Halyard said Mr. Leake would tell proteges .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ If it ’ s wrong , you should be able to hear it.
” From 1992 to 2018 , he toured with Wonder as his “ front of house ” engineer .
Each show meant integrating more than 50 audio sources , from the star to an ever-changing cast of accompanists .
“ It ’ s like you ’ re mixing a new record every night , ” Halyard said , “ and every song is a new single in real time.
” Wonder paid tribute to him in a memorial video , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thankful that in my life I met a man with the brains of Danny Leake , a man who spent so much of his life giving to others .
Such a kind human being , gentle spirit , never heard him raise his voice.
” Wonder added : “ I know the brains that he had , only because of the color of his skin , he didn ’ t go as far as he needed to go , and that ’ s completely unacceptable .
But you motivated so many people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ trusted him , ” said his famed bass guitarist Nathan Watts .
“ Danny was one of the best engineers .
He made my bass sound so good.
” Mr. Leake could joke with the Motown legend as if they were family .
At one show , Halyard said , a local mayor climbed onstage and launched into an awkward dance while clapping offbeat , and Mr. Leake radioed a message to Wonder , who is blind : “ Steve , you should be glad you can ’ t see this.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his parents Lessie Ruth and Preston Leake left their home in Sardis , Mississippi , and moved to Chicago .
He grew up in public housing in the Henry Horner Homes and attended Manley grade school and Lane Technical High School .
Around 14 , he picked up an uncle ’ s guitar and taught himself the basics .
He became good enough to be invited on the road with The Five Stairsteps of “ Ooh Child ” fame .
When he told his mom he ’ d have to miss his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour , she put her foot down .
“ You can do anything you want to after , ” she said , “ but today you ’ re going to be at that graduation.
” He went to the ceremony , then drove to catch up with The Five Stairsteps .
While serving in the Army in Vietnam , he and other soldiers formed a funky music group they called 100 % Pure Poison that became popular in Europe .
“ Danny still gets royalties ” from the band ’ s songs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army hitch was up , she said , he visited Abbey Road Studios , taking a course at the Beatles shrine .
Returning to Chicago , he got a bachelor ’ s degree in music studies from Roosevelt University .
“ There weren ’ t really any black engineers in Chicago floating around at that time , ” Mr. Leake recalled in a 2020 article for prosoundnetwork.com , which also quoted a 2007 interview he did with Pro Sound News .
“ So I ’ d say , ‘ Hey , how do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would laugh and walk away , and I ’ m , like , ‘ Damn , what ’ s so funny ?
’ ’ ’ He paid his bills by becoming a sought-after session guitarist .
All the while , he watched and listened , “ learning the engineering craft , ” his wife said .
He landed his first engineering job at P.S .
Recording Studios , 323 E. 23rd St .
In the late 1970s , he moved on to Chicago ’ s Universal Recording , a legendary studio known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverb .
When Universal closed , he struck out on a 1990 tour with Johnny Gill of New Edition , where he learned how to do live sound .
“ Well , the first gig was at the Tokyo Dome .
It was a festival with Hall and Oates , the Doobie Brothers , Sheila E. , ” he told prosoundnetwork.com .
“ There were 63,000 people .
I ’ d never seen a speaker that big in my life.
” When the crowd roared , “ I got addicted to the audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I had never experienced that before — 63,000 people all getting their vibe through me.
” Mr. Leake worked the Montreux Jazz Festival , Bonnaroo , Rock Over Rio and English festivals Including Glastonbury , the Isle of Wight and Queen Elizabeth ’ s Diamond Jubilee .
He kept his “ Be cool , everything ’ s gon na be all right ” demeanor even when he was the go-between for a pressure-filled satellite transfer between Wonder and super-producer Quincy Jones , according to record executive Jun Mhoon .
“ Quincy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housed his synthesizer with Danny , ” said Mhoon , who compiled the tribute video .
“ He spliced the music together.
” In 1995 , Mr. Leake asked producer-promoter Francesca Allen out .
They saw “ Apollo 13.
” After she returned home that night , “ We sat and talked on the phone about the movie for the next four hours , ” she said .
“ Books , movies and music — that was our thing .
And we did it for the next 25 years.
” In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is survived by daughter Nicole Rogers , son Christopher , brother Preston Sims and eight grandchildren .
At his funeral , his treasured guitars were on display , including a red Les Paul he bought from “ Pops ” Staple of the Staple Singers .
Wonder said he believes souls travel after death .
“ I ’ m hoping that Danny will travel , his soul will travel , ” he said , “ and he will be on this earth when it ’ s more heaven-like .
”

Danny Leake was doing a live gig with the Queen of Soul when she pronounced that something sounded off.
“This,” Aretha Franklin said, “is not gonna work.”
Mr. Leake waited. Franklin probably didn’t realize the breadth of his career as a sound engineer. How he’d worked 27 years for Stevie Wonder, who called him “a professional perfectionist.” How he’d remixed or recorded Natalie Cole, Dennis DeYoung, Janet Jackson, Ramsey Lewis, Brian McKnight, Diana Ross, Tom Waits, Willie Nelson, the Police and Diana Ross.
“Aretha thought he couldn’t possibly know what he was talking about,” said his wife Fran Allen-Leake. “He very quietly said to her, ‘Would you like to hear the playback?’ ’’
The diva assoluta snapped back: “Yeah, I want to hear the damn playback!”
“She listens to it, and her face just totally changed,” said Mr. Leake’s wife, who was at the performance. “She realized this guy knows what the hell he’s doing.”
Danny Leake on tour with Stevie Wonder in the 1990s. Provided
Nothing seemed to ruffle Mr. Leake, a former Army sharpshooter. Sound effects artist Lorita de la Cerna said that whenever the screaming started in recording studios, Mr. Leake would just sip his endless cups of coffee.
“I was a sniper in the Vietnam war,” he’d say. “This is nothing.”
Services were held last month for Mr. Leake, 69, a resident of the Tri-Taylor neighborhood on the Near West Side, who died of a heart attack en route to a kidney dialysis appointment.
He broke racial barriers to become a top sound engineer and founder of his own mastering studio, Urban Guerrilla Engineers, and was a mentor to many others who went on to careers in sound.
“At one point, he was one of the only black sound engineers in Chicago,” said audio engineer Chris “Godxilla” Taylor. “He was my sensei.”
“He taught me how to listen,” said Vaughn Halyard, chief of the StoryLounge Media production company.
“Close your eyes,” Halyard said Mr. Leake would tell proteges. “Stop looking at the needle. If it’s wrong, you should be able to hear it.”
From 1991 to 2018, he toured with Wonder as his “front of house” engineer. Each show meant integrating more than 50 audio sources, from the star to an ever-changing cast of accompanists.
“It’s like you’re mixing a new record every night,” Halyard said, “and every song is a new single in real time.”
Wonder paid tribute to him in a memorial video, saying: “I’m so thankful that in my life I met a man with the brains of Danny Leake, a man who spent so much of his life giving to others. Such a kind human being, gentle spirit, never heard him raise his voice.”
Wonder added: “I know the brains that he had, only because of the color of his skin, he didn’t go as far as he needed to go, and that’s completely unacceptable. But you motivated so many people, Danny, in your life.”
Wonder “trusted him,” said his famed bass guitarist Nathan Watts. “Danny was one of the best engineers. He made my bass sound so good.”
Mr. Leake could joke with the Motown legend as if they were family. At one show, Halyard said, a local mayor climbed onstage and launched into an awkward dance while clapping offbeat, and Mr. Leake radioed a message to Wonder, who is blind:
“Steve, you should be glad you can’t see this.”
Danny Leake while a student at Lane Tech. Provided
Young Danny was about 3 when he and his parents Lessie Ruth and Preston Leake left their home in Sardis, Mississippi, and moved to Chicago. He grew up in public housing in the Henry Horner Homes and attended Manley grade school and Lane Technical High School.
Around 14, he picked up an uncle’s guitar and taught himself the basics. He became good enough to be invited on the road with The Five Stairsteps of “Ooh Child” fame. When he told his mom he’d have to miss his 1969 Lane Tech graduation to go on tour, she put her foot down.
“You can do anything you want to after,” she said, “but today you’re going to be at that graduation.”
He went to the ceremony, then drove to catch up with The Five Stairsteps.
Danny Leake on leave during his days in the Army in the early 1970s. Provided
While serving in the Army in Vietnam, he and other soldiers formed a funky music group they called 100% Pure Poison that became popular in Europe.
“Danny still gets royalties” from the band’s songs, according to his wife.
When his Army hitch was up, she said, he visited Abbey Road Studios, taking a course at the Beatles shrine.
Danny Leake in the mid-1970s. Provided
Returning to Chicago, he got a bachelor’s degree in music studies from Roosevelt University.
“There weren’t really any black engineers in Chicago floating around at that time,” Mr. Leake recalled in a 2020 article for prosoundnetwork.com, which also quoted a 2007 interview he did with Pro Sound News. “So I’d say, ‘Hey, how do you get into that?’ Everybody would laugh and walk away, and I’m, like, ‘Damn, what’s so funny?’ ’’
He paid his bills by becoming a sought-after session guitarist. All the while, he watched and listened, “learning the engineering craft,” his wife said.
He landed his first engineering job at P.S. Recording Studios, 323 E. 23rd St. In the late 1970s, he moved on to Chicago’s Universal Recording, a legendary studio known for its early use of echo chambers and reverb.
When Universal closed, he struck out on a 1990 tour with Johnny Gill of New Edition, where he learned how to do live sound.
“Well, the first gig was at the Tokyo Dome. It was a festival with Hall and Oates, the Doobie Brothers, Sheila E.,” he told prosoundnetwork.com. “There were 63,000 people. I’d never seen a speaker that big in my life.”
When the crowd roared, “I got addicted to the audience,” he said in the interview. “I had never experienced that before — 63,000 people all getting their vibe through me.”
Mr. Leake worked the Montreux Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo, Rock Over Rio and English festivals Including Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight and Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. And he became president of the Engineering and Recording Society of Chicago — EARS.
Fran Allen-Leake and Danny Leake. Provided
He kept his “Be cool, everything’s gonna be all right” demeanor even when he was the go-between for a pressure-filled satellite transfer between Wonder and super-producer Quincy Jones, according to record executive Jun Mhoon.
“Quincy was in California, and Stevie actually housed his synthesizer with Danny,” said Mhoon, who compiled the tribute video. “He spliced the music together.”
In 1995, Mr. Leake asked producer-promoter Francesca Allen out. They saw “Apollo 13.” After she returned home that night, “We sat and talked on the phone about the movie for the next four hours,” she said. “Books, movies and music — that was our thing. And we did it for the next 25 years.”
In addition to his wife and mother, Mr. Leake is survived by daughter Nicole Rogers, son Christopher, brother Preston Sims and eight grandchildren.
At his funeral, his treasured guitars were on display, including a red Les Paul he bought from “Pops” Staple of the Staple Singers.
Wonder said he believes souls travel after death. “I’m hoping that Danny will travel, his soul will travel,” he said, “and he will be on this earth when it’s more heaven-like.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Cook County agency that’s under two reviews gave big bonuses to $225,750-a-year boss

A Cook County agency now under two separate reviews over insider dealings gave its $ 225,750-a-year executive director a $ 45,000 performance bonus last year — and plans to give him another for the same amount this year .
Since Robert Rose Jr. was hired in 2015 to run the Cook County Land Bank Authority , he has been paid more than $ 1.1 million — including $ 107,500 in bonuses , records show .
Rose was given those bonuses under the terms of employment contracts signed by Bridget Gainer , the elected Cook County Board member who , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founded the land bank and chairs its board of directors .
The extra payouts were for meeting specific performance goals that Rose set for himself .
But Gainer and other land bank officials won ’ t provide documents to show what Rose did to merit the additional tens of thousands of dollars a year he ’ s been paid .
Nor will they explain why they gave him bigger bonuses than his contract calls for .
The two reviews that the Land Bank now faces began after the Chicago Sun-Times reported in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Chester Wilson , chief of staff to Ald .
Carrie Austin ( 34th ) , to take ownership of a dilapidated , tax-delinquent South Side building Wilson owned — and wipe out the more than $ 200,000 in back property taxes , penalties and interest that he failed to pay for 10 years .
The land bank then sold the building for $ 40,000 over to Lisa Livingston , a day care-center operator Wilson had recommended as a buyer .
Livingston , who promised to rehab the property , also was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t disclose and land bank officials failed to discover .
Asked in November about the May 2018 transaction , Rose said the insider deal never should have been allowed and called it “ an absolute aberration ” for the land bank .
But he said he wouldn ’ t move to void the sale because Livingston already had invested in rehabbing the building .
The Sun-Times ’ report prompted Preckwinkle to order an audit of Rose ’ s agency and Patrick Blanchard , the county government ’ s inspector general , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose faced another controversy when the Sun-Times reported in February that the land bank sold his assistant Natasha Cornog a house in Oak Lawn , rejecting a higher offer .
Cornog took homestead property tax exemptions on that home and two others at the same time — only one is allowed — to get a total of more than $ 16,000 in tax breaks .
Rose ended up firing Cornog , and the Cook County assessor ’ s office said it would ask her to repay $ 5,911 .
Rose , 49 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troubles himself .
He ’ s paid $ 175,000 a year in salary plus $ 50,750 to use toward health care and retirement because he isn ’ t a county employee but instead runs the land bank as an outside consultant .
Which means , as his contract spells out , he ’ s responsible for paying state and federal taxes on his income .
But Rose owes more than $ 129,033 in state and federal income taxes , debts he racked up while working for the county , according to government records @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rose has filed .
In 2017 , the Internal Revenue Service put two liens on him .
For one of them , the IRS says he and his wife Misha Blackman owe $ 41,913 in taxes , penalties and interest from 2015 — his first year running the land bank .
The other says Rose owes $ 3,812 in taxes from 2009 .
According to federal court records in his ongoing bankruptcy case filed in 2017 , which was his second bankruptcy filing in five years , the IRS says Rose owes $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2017 .
Rose also owes $ 24,591 to the Illinois Department of Revenue for state income taxes that were due in 2016 , 2017 and 2018 , court records show .
The bankruptcy case shows Rose and his wife had a household income of $ 225,000 , with a monthly mortgage payment of $ 3,900 on their five-bedroom , 8,200-square-foot south suburban home .
Rose had the deeds on the home notarized by Cornog , his aide at the time , and another land bank staffer , when he transferred ownership of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled and then to trusts owned by Rose and Blackman while his ex-wife was suing him to collect a six-figure divorce settlement .
Though Rose and Blackman are behind on their income taxes , they are up to date on their property taxes , paying $ 28,409 last year on their home .
Rose won ’ t talk about any of this .
He declined interview requests , didn ’ t respond directly to questions and , in a written statement provided for him by his lawyer , said : “ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and my team have done at the Cook County Land Bank Authority .
I have served as Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Community Loan Fund , and I managed a $ 170 million loan fund portfolio as Director of Commercial Real Estate for Urban Partnership Bank .
I worked on transactions totaling over $ 1 billion while at GE Capital , and I earned an MBA from Cornell University .
My personal financial matters have no bearing on my ability to manage the work of the land bank.
” Gainer brought Rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a former board member , was a key figure in approving his bonuses .
Asked about those payments and his financial troubles , Gainer says : “ I want to draw the line between land bank performance and Rob Rose ’ s personal finances .
Rob is a good man , he does good things.
” Gainer says the agency pays for itself with money from selling the homes it buys .
In effect , Gainer says , that means taxpayers aren ’ t paying the salary or bonuses given to Rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff of county employees , who work in the county building at 69 W. Washington St. in the Loop .
In a written statement , the land bank ’ s board that Gainer heads lauded Rose for recruiting a cadre of African American developers to rehabilitate and sell the properties it buys or seizes .
“ These homes are now owned and occupied by families who desperately needed them and who are now stabilizing neighborhoods and generating property tax revenue , ” the board says .
“ We support Rob Rose.
” With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Board created the land bank in 2011 to buy or seize vacant or dilapidated homes and find individuals or developers to fix them up and flip them to new homeowners .
It was given extraordinary powers — including being able to wipe out any unpaid real estate taxes to make the properties more attractive to buyers — to help revive economically distressed communities .
The land bank began acquiring properties in 2014 under its first executive director , who was in the job for about a year .
When Rose was hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was chosen over six other applicants who were interviewed .
Rose left the Chicago Community Loan Fund to take the job .
This was months after a judge threw out Rose ’ s first petition for bankruptcy protection , which he filed in 2012 , after his ex-wife ’ s attorney complained that Rose had failed to disclose the salary of his current wife , who had filed her own bankruptcy case .
John Ostenburg , a former Park Forest mayor whose six-year term on the land bank ’ s board ended in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about Rose ’ s bankruptcy and presumed that the county had vetted Rose before he was hired .
Whatever background checking was done “ was never shared with me , ” Ostenburg says .
He says he was unaware how much Rose was given in bonuses , saying his yearly performance evaluation was done by Gainer and a few others , not by the full board .
Under Rose ’ s initial , March 2015 contract , he was paid $ 175,000 in salary and was eligible for a bonus of up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 added $ 50,750 to cover health care and retirement benefits and doubled his possible yearly bonus to as much as 20 % of the $ 225,000 guaranteed payout .
Rose ’ s first contract called for him to “ develop and submit performance goals , ” for which the board would assess how good of a job he was doing .
Subsequent contracts added that the bonuses would be “ payable solely at the discretion of the board of directors based upon his meeting or exceeding certain mutually agreed upon goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of directors.
” Rose got a $ 17,500 bonus in 2016 — 10 % of his pay .
The bonus was accompanied by a letter signed by Gainer that said : “ The board of directors has determined that Robert Rose exceeded agreed upon goals.
” In 2017 , the land bank gave him a $ 25,000 bonus — about 14 % of his salary .
The following year , his bonus was $ 20,000 — about 11 % .
In 2019 , the land bank gave him a bonus amounting to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 45,000 .
Asked for copies of Rose ’ s performance goals , the land bank ’ s board responded instead with a written statement .
“ One of the subsequent goals set by the Board and achieved by Executive Director Rose was the financial independence of the Land Bank , ” it said .
“ We attribute these achievements to a strong business model , excellent leadership and disciplined financial management .
”

A Cook County agency now under two separate reviews over insider dealings gave its $225,750-a-year executive director a $45,000 performance bonus last year — and plans to give him another for the same amount this year.
Since Robert Rose Jr. was hired in 2015 to run the Cook County Land Bank Authority, he has been paid more than $1.1 million — including $107,500 in bonuses, records show.
Rose was given those bonuses under the terms of employment contracts signed by Bridget Gainer, the elected Cook County Board member who, with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, founded the land bank and chairs its board of directors.
The extra payouts were for meeting specific performance goals that Rose set for himself.
But Gainer and other land bank officials won’t provide documents to show what Rose did to merit the additional tens of thousands of dollars a year he’s been paid. Nor will they explain why they gave him bigger bonuses than his contract calls for.
The two reviews that the Land Bank now faces began after the Chicago Sun-Times reported in November that the agency had made a deal with Chester Wilson, chief of staff to Ald. Carrie Austin (34th), to take ownership of a dilapidated, tax-delinquent South Side building Wilson owned — and wipe out the more than $200,000 in back property taxes, penalties and interest that he failed to pay for 10 years.
The land bank then sold the building for $40,000 over to Lisa Livingston, a day care-center operator Wilson had recommended as a buyer. Livingston, who promised to rehab the property, also was a Wilson business partner — which Wilson didn’t disclose and land bank officials failed to discover.
Asked in November about the May 2018 transaction, Rose said the insider deal never should have been allowed and called it “an absolute aberration” for the land bank. But he said he wouldn’t move to void the sale because Livingston already had invested in rehabbing the building.
The Sun-Times’ report prompted Preckwinkle to order an audit of Rose’s agency and Patrick Blanchard, the county government’s inspector general, to investigate. Both reviews are continuing.
Rose faced another controversy when the Sun-Times reported in February that the land bank sold his assistant Natasha Cornog a house in Oak Lawn, rejecting a higher offer. Cornog took homestead property tax exemptions on that home and two others at the same time — only one is allowed — to get a total of more than $16,000 in tax breaks. Rose ended up firing Cornog, and the Cook County assessor’s office said it would ask her to repay $5,911.
Rose, 49, who lives in Flossmoor, has financial troubles himself.
He’s paid $175,000 a year in salary plus $50,750 to use toward health care and retirement because he isn’t a county employee but instead runs the land bank as an outside consultant. Which means, as his contract spells out, he’s responsible for paying state and federal taxes on his income.
But Rose owes more than $129,033 in state and federal income taxes, debts he racked up while working for the county, according to government records and filings from the two bankruptcies that Rose has filed.
In 2017, the Internal Revenue Service put two liens on him. For one of them, the IRS says he and his wife Misha Blackman owe $41,913 in taxes, penalties and interest from 2015 — his first year running the land bank. The other says Rose owes $3,812 in taxes from 2009.
According to federal court records in his ongoing bankruptcy case filed in 2017, which was his second bankruptcy filing in five years, the IRS says Rose owes $104,442 — primarily for 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Rose also owes $24,591 to the Illinois Department of Revenue for state income taxes that were due in 2016, 2017 and 2018, court records show.
The bankruptcy case shows Rose and his wife had a household income of $225,000, with a monthly mortgage payment of $3,900 on their five-bedroom, 8,200-square-foot south suburban home.
Rose had the deeds on the home notarized by Cornog, his aide at the time, and another land bank staffer, when he transferred ownership of the home first to a company he controlled and then to trusts owned by Rose and Blackman while his ex-wife was suing him to collect a six-figure divorce settlement.
Though Rose and Blackman are behind on their income taxes, they are up to date on their property taxes, paying $28,409 last year on their home.
Rose won’t talk about any of this. He declined interview requests, didn’t respond directly to questions and, in a written statement provided for him by his lawyer, said:
“I am proud of the tremendous work that I and my team have done at the Cook County Land Bank Authority. I have served as Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Community Loan Fund, and I managed a $170 million loan fund portfolio as Director of Commercial Real Estate for Urban Partnership Bank. I worked on transactions totaling over $1 billion while at GE Capital, and I earned an MBA from Cornell University. My personal financial matters have no bearing on my ability to manage the work of the land bank.”
On Friday, after this article was posted online, the lawyer, Peter M. Katsaros, sent a letter calling Rose “an outstanding business executive who has led the Cook County Land Bank Authority very capably over the last five and a half years.” Katsaros also wrote “the article you posted this morning sports a racist point of view suggesting that Mr. Rose has to justify his salary and bonuses over the years to the public.”
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, who chairs the Cook County Land Bank Authority. Ashlee Rezin Garcia / Sun-Times
Gainer brought Rose to the land bank and, according to a former board member, was a key figure in approving his bonuses.
Asked about those payments and his financial troubles, Gainer says: “I want to draw the line between land bank performance and Rob Rose’s personal finances. Rob is a good man, he does good things.”
Gainer says the agency pays for itself with money from selling the homes it buys. In effect, Gainer says, that means taxpayers aren’t paying the salary or bonuses given to Rose to run the agency and oversee its staff of county employees, who work in the county building at 69 W. Washington St. in the Loop.
In a written statement, the land bank’s board that Gainer heads lauded Rose for recruiting a cadre of African American developers to rehabilitate and sell the properties it buys or seizes.
“These homes are now owned and occupied by families who desperately needed them and who are now stabilizing neighborhoods and generating property tax revenue,” the board says. “We support Rob Rose.”
With Gainer leading the way, the Cook County Board created the land bank in 2011 to buy or seize vacant or dilapidated homes and find individuals or developers to fix them up and flip them to new homeowners. It was given extraordinary powers — including being able to wipe out any unpaid real estate taxes to make the properties more attractive to buyers — to help revive economically distressed communities.
The land bank began acquiring properties in 2014 under its first executive director, who was in the job for about a year.
When Rose was hired as his replacement, Gainer says he was chosen over six other applicants who were interviewed.
Rose left the Chicago Community Loan Fund to take the job.
This was months after a judge threw out Rose’s first petition for bankruptcy protection, which he filed in 2012, after his ex-wife’s attorney complained that Rose had failed to disclose the salary of his current wife, who had filed her own bankruptcy case.
John Ostenburg, a former Park Forest mayor whose six-year term on the land bank’s board ended in December, says he didn’t know about Rose’s bankruptcy and presumed that the county had vetted Rose before he was hired. Whatever background checking was done “was never shared with me,” Ostenburg says.
He says he was unaware how much Rose was given in bonuses, saying his yearly performance evaluation was done by Gainer and a few others, not by the full board.
Under Rose’s initial, March 2015 contract, he was paid $175,000 in salary and was eligible for a bonus of up to 10%. A contract renewal in 2018 added $50,750 to cover health care and retirement benefits and doubled his possible yearly bonus to as much as 20% of the $225,000 guaranteed payout.
Rose’s first contract called for him to “develop and submit performance goals,” for which the board would assess how good of a job he was doing.
Subsequent contracts added that the bonuses would be “payable solely at the discretion of the board of directors based upon his meeting or exceeding certain mutually agreed upon goals and objectives as approved by the board of directors.”
Rose got a $17,500 bonus in 2016 — 10% of his pay. The bonus was accompanied by a letter signed by Gainer that said: “The board of directors has determined that Robert Rose exceeded agreed upon goals.”
In 2017, the land bank gave him a $25,000 bonus — about 14% of his salary. The following year, his bonus was $20,000 — about 11%. In 2019, the land bank gave him a bonus amounting to 20% of his salary and benefits — $45,000.
Asked for copies of Rose’s performance goals, the land bank’s board responded instead with a written statement.
“One of the subsequent goals set by the Board and achieved by Executive Director Rose was the financial independence of the Land Bank,” it said. “We attribute these achievements to a strong business model, excellent leadership and disciplined financial management.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--‘Exit Plan’: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau takes an unsettling trip to the suicide hotel

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau didn ’ t get as much credit as some of the other main stars of “ Game of Thrones , ” but his work as the despicable then heroic then despicable Jaime Lannister was a marvel of versatile acting throughout the run of the series .
He ’ s leading-man handsome , but character-actor good .
In the unsettling , beautifully photographed and existential psychological thriller “ Exit Plan ” from Denmark , Coster-Waldau trades his armor for the striped pajamas of a guest at a mysterious hotel in which you can check in any time you like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welcome to the Hotel Aurora .
In a 85-minute film that plays like an episode of “ Black Mirror , ” Coster-Waldau delivers a quietly powerful and heartbreaking performance as the sweet-natured and exceedingly polite Max , an insurance claims investigator looking into the mysterious disappearance of a middle-aged man who seemingly vanished from the face of the Earth six months ago .
( The man ’ s wife can not receive a settlement until there ’ s definitive proof of his death . )
Max ’ s investigation coincides and connects with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brain so large it can ’ t be surgically removed .
Max has only a short while to live — and even a shorter period of time during which he ’ ll be physically and mentally himself .
“ A tumor this size might change you , ” says his physician in a massive understatement .
Tuva Novotny turns in fine work as Max ’ s loving and loyal wife Laarke , who is putting up a brave front and doing her best to support Max but is beginning to falter under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Max hears her on the phone , telling someone , “ I don ’ t know how long I can cope with this.
” That ’ s when he makes the decision to travel to the Hotel Aurora , a fortress-like facility tucked away deep in the mountains , where anyone wishing to end their life for any reason can choose the method of assisted suicide and leave the world on their own terms .
“ Aurora … a Beautiful Ending , ” say the advertising materials .
You can die via “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a nice “ psychedelic inhalation ” ?
When Max checks in , he ’ s given the striped pajama uniform that looks like something a POW would be wearing , and he ’ s matched with a “ Parting Counselor ” who will help him prepare for his final day .
As Max socializes with some of his fellow guests , indulges in a poppy tea opium trip and remembers moments of bliss and turbulence with his beloved Laarke , we notice the Hotel Aurora has a chilling and ominous quality .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed guards ?
And why are certain areas strictly off-limits to guests ?
What ’ s going on behind those locked doors ?
And why did someone etch a message into a mirror saying , “ You Will Get Out ” ?
This is a starkly beautiful film , filled with breathtaking exteriors and byzantine interiors reflecting Max ’ s desire to fly free from his pain and his illness — and his increasing fears about the true nature of what is transpiring at the Hotel Aurora .
With echoes of such sci-fi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Invasion of the Body Snatchers , ” with a twist of “ The Twilight Zone , ” this is a film that provides more questions than answers but leaves plenty of food for thought .

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau didn’t get as much credit as some of the other main stars of “Game of Thrones,” but his work as the despicable then heroic then despicable Jaime Lannister was a marvel of versatile acting throughout the run of the series. He’s leading-man handsome, but character-actor good.
In the unsettling, beautifully photographed and existential psychological thriller “Exit Plan” from Denmark, Coster-Waldau trades his armor for the striped pajamas of a guest at a mysterious hotel in which you can check in any time you like, but you can never leave.
‘Exit Plan’
Untitled Screen Media presents a film directed by Jonas Alexander Arnby and written by Rasmus Birch. No MPAA rating. In Danish and English with English subtitles. Running time: 85 minutes. Available now on demand.
Welcome to the Hotel Aurora.
In a 85-minute film that plays like an episode of “Black Mirror,” Coster-Waldau delivers a quietly powerful and heartbreaking performance as the sweet-natured and exceedingly polite Max, an insurance claims investigator looking into the mysterious disappearance of a middle-aged man who seemingly vanished from the face of the Earth six months ago. (The man’s wife cannot receive a settlement until there’s definitive proof of his death.) Max’s investigation coincides and connects with his own tragedy: a tumor in his brain so large it can’t be surgically removed. Max has only a short while to live — and even a shorter period of time during which he’ll be physically and mentally himself.
“A tumor this size might change you,” says his physician in a massive understatement.
Tuva Novotny turns in fine work as Max’s loving and loyal wife Laarke, who is putting up a brave front and doing her best to support Max but is beginning to falter under the pressure. Late one night, Max hears her on the phone, telling someone, “I don’t know how long I can cope with this.” That’s when he makes the decision to travel to the Hotel Aurora, a fortress-like facility tucked away deep in the mountains, where anyone wishing to end their life for any reason can choose the method of assisted suicide and leave the world on their own terms.
“Aurora … a Beautiful Ending,” say the advertising materials. You can die via “a painless injection,” or how about a nice “psychedelic inhalation”? When Max checks in, he’s given the striped pajama uniform that looks like something a POW would be wearing, and he’s matched with a “Parting Counselor” who will help him prepare for his final day. As Max socializes with some of his fellow guests, indulges in a poppy tea opium trip and remembers moments of bliss and turbulence with his beloved Laarke, we notice the Hotel Aurora has a chilling and ominous quality. What’s with all the heavily armed guards? And why are certain areas strictly off-limits to guests? What’s going on behind those locked doors? And why did someone etch a message into a mirror saying, “You Will Get Out”?
This is a starkly beautiful film, filled with breathtaking exteriors and byzantine interiors reflecting Max’s desire to fly free from his pain and his illness — and his increasing fears about the true nature of what is transpiring at the Hotel Aurora. With echoes of such sci-fi classics as “Soylent Green” and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” with a twist of “The Twilight Zone,” this is a film that provides more questions than answers but leaves plenty of food for thought.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--LETTER: How the Cook County Land Bank helps revitalize black and brown communities

Editor ’ s note : As the Chicago Sun-Times has published multiple stories about the Cook County Land Bank , including today ’ s story about its top executive ’ s compensation , local businesses have expressed an interest in writing a letter explaining the Land Bank ’ s importance .
This is that letter .
As African American , Latino and women small business owners , community developers and economic development advocates , we are a testament to the power of the Cook County Land Bank Authority , which has been revitalizing black and brown communities like ours for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never needed it more than we do at this moment , when our country is entering the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression and our neighborhoods are seeing destruction in the aftermath of continued police brutality .
These events have the potential to set us back for a generation or more .
The Land Bank was formed in the wake of the recession of 2008 , which left enormous scars that are still visible today .
More than 200,000 housing units were vacant in the black and Latino communities where we live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pale in comparison to what is hitting us right now .
More than 42 million Americans have filed for unemployment since COVID-19 has crippled the economy , and numerous small South and West Side businesses have burned over the last week .
Grassroots development is more important than ever because the wealth that is generated in a community remains in and benefits that community .
That is why we need the work of the Cook County Land Bank , and we know from first-hand experience .
When the Land Bank was formed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working as small business owners and community developers who purchased homes that nobody else would touch — houses that were headed for demolition if we hadn ’ t come along to rehab them .
Before the Land Bank , navigating the Cook County Scavenger Sale was a nightmare of red tape , a maze of liens and confusing court processes .
Worse , most people never had a chance to get into the game because they did not have access to sufficient capital to work this system .
It was a business that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys ” like us to get into .
The Cook County Land Bank Authority changed that — and changed everything for us .
We — the independent community developers empowered by the Land Bank — are 400-plus strong .
Most of us are people of color and nearly 40 of us are women .
The Land Bank tore down barriers and democratized access to distressed properties .
It represents our interests at the Scavenger Sale .
It clears the red tape involved in purchasing these properties , giving us a chance to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the communities we call home .
Collectively , we have now rehabbed more than 600 single family homes that once stood vacant .
We have sought out our own financing , purchased our own materials , and recruited and managed our own construction crews .
It is shameful for anyone to attempt to discredit the value of our hard work or the Land Bank ’ s mission by suggesting that the Land Bank is in any way connected to the financial institutions that help us finance these properties .
It is certain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in our communities , these properties would still be an economic and social drain on our neighborhoods .
Together , we ’ ve helped generate $ 77 million in community wealth , which is the total amount of instant equity created when we sold rehabbed properties to their new owners .
Like Chicago after the fire of 1871 , we are known for rebuilding , block by block , community by community , and the Land Bank will enable this to happen .

Editor’s note: As the Chicago Sun-Times has published multiple stories about the Cook County Land Bank, including today’s story about its top executive’s compensation, local businesses have expressed an interest in writing a letter explaining the Land Bank’s importance. This is that letter.
As African American, Latino and women small business owners, community developers and economic development advocates, we are a testament to the power of the Cook County Land Bank Authority, which has been revitalizing black and brown communities like ours for the last seven years.
We have never needed it more than we do at this moment, when our country is entering the biggest economic crisis since the Great Depression and our neighborhoods are seeing destruction in the aftermath of continued police brutality. These events have the potential to set us back for a generation or more.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. Please include your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes.
The Land Bank was formed in the wake of the recession of 2008, which left enormous scars that are still visible today. More than 200,000 housing units were vacant in the black and Latino communities where we live and work. But that devastation may pale in comparison to what is hitting us right now. More than 42 million Americans have filed for unemployment since COVID-19 has crippled the economy, and numerous small South and West Side businesses have burned over the last week.
Grassroots development is more important than ever because the wealth that is generated in a community remains in and benefits that community. That is why we need the work of the Cook County Land Bank, and we know from first-hand experience. When the Land Bank was formed in 2013, some of us were already working as small business owners and community developers who purchased homes that nobody else would touch — houses that were headed for demolition if we hadn’t come along to rehab them.
Before the Land Bank, navigating the Cook County Scavenger Sale was a nightmare of red tape, a maze of liens and confusing court processes. Worse, most people never had a chance to get into the game because they did not have access to sufficient capital to work this system. It was a business that was almost impossible for the “little guys” like us to get into.
The Cook County Land Bank Authority changed that — and changed everything for us. We — the independent community developers empowered by the Land Bank — are 400-plus strong. Most of us are people of color and nearly 40 of us are women. The Land Bank tore down barriers and democratized access to distressed properties. It represents our interests at the Scavenger Sale. It clears the red tape involved in purchasing these properties, giving us a chance to create jobs for our neighbors and wealth for the communities we call home.
Collectively, we have now rehabbed more than 600 single family homes that once stood vacant. We have sought out our own financing, purchased our own materials, and recruited and managed our own construction crews. It is shameful for anyone to attempt to discredit the value of our hard work or the Land Bank’s mission by suggesting that the Land Bank is in any way connected to the financial institutions that help us finance these properties.
It is certain that without the Land Bank and without our work in our communities, these properties would still be an economic and social drain on our neighborhoods.
Together, we’ve helped generate $77 million in community wealth, which is the total amount of instant equity created when we sold rehabbed properties to their new owners.
Like Chicago after the fire of 1871, we are known for rebuilding, block by block, community by community, and the Land Bank will enable this to happen.
Bonita Harrison, KBM Realty
Leon Walker, DL3 Realty
Courtney Jones, Dearborn Realist Board
Ghian Foreman, Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative Anthony and Anton Downing, The Downing Brothers
Cornelius Griggs, GMA Construction
Bonita Harrison, KBM Realty
Nicole Harper, Xsell Enterprises
Candice Payne, 5th Group Realty
Kai Bandele, Bandele Properties
Rashauna Scott, Flippin in Heels
Keith Ray, Rayland Development
Meghan Harte, LISC Chicago
Lovise Jiles, MNK Realty
Jason and EJ Williams, Ultimate Real Estate
Paige Hansen, Optiv Properties
Raul Raymundo, The Resurrection Project
Melvin Thompson, The Endeleo Institute
Abraham Lacy, Far South CDC
Gabriela Roman, Spanish Coalition for Housing
Donna Clarke, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--General Iron’s city violations won’t be a factor in whether it gets new permit, state says

Since December , industrial metal shredder General Iron has been cited by the city of Chicago for almost three dozen violations of local law , including numerous cases of air pollution .
But as Gov .
J.B. Pritzker ’ s administration considers granting a construction permit that will help General Iron move its operations from Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side , state officials aren ’ t taking those citations into consideration .
The permit being considered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency would give a green light to the construction of the new facility and any required air pollution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental lawyers representing them say a draft permit written by regulators for the proposed Southeast Side operation is weak and doesn ’ t take into consideration the facility ’ s track record of problems on the North Side .
In March , one city inspector wrote that General Iron was a “ constant health hazard ” and described a “ pungent odor of sweet , burning metal that burns my nostrils and makes it uncomfortable for me to breathe in.
” On May 18 , the company was fined $ 6,000 by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clifton Avenue location , which is still closed .
As part of a partnership with Reserve Management Group , General Iron plans to move to South Burley Avenue and 116th Street along the Calumet River .
Lincoln Park residents have called for the facility to never reopen .
“ It is unconscionable for the state to be silent or to side in the best interest of these industries who are bad actors , ” said Olga Bautista , a Southeast Side community organizer .
That ’ s not how the Pritzker administration sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them from considering local pollution violations when deciding whether to issue a permit .
Many of the city violations have yet to be adjudicated .
“ While we are mindful of the situation with [ General Iron ] , we also must follow the law , ” said Illinois EPA spokeswoman Kim Biggs .
“ An applicant ’ s past or ongoing compliance issues should be addressed through the agency ’ s compliance and enforcement programs as permitting is no substitute for enforcement.
” The Illinois EPA is accepting public comments related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Susan Sadlowski Garza ( 10th ) recently vowed to oppose General Iron ’ s move to her ward .
Meleah Geertsma , a lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council , said the draft permit , as written so far , is a “ piece of junk ” that doesn ’ t protect the community .
For one , it doesn ’ t provide enough enclosure to contain emissions and airborne contaminants , like “ auto fluff , ” residue created when cars are shredded .
Pritzker ’ s EPA , she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law and not exercising its authority .
Separately , the city recently finalized rules for auto and metal shredders like General Iron , which call themselves recyclers , that are much stricter than what the Illinois EPA draft permit proposes .
A company spokesman says there are plenty of safeguards built into the design of the operation .
“ We are eager for the final permit to be issued so we can proceed with construction under the terms of the agreement reached with the city last fall , ” said Randall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and RMG .
“ We have designed and will operate a facility that not only is inherently green as a recycler but also meets and exceeds all environmental laws.
” Brett Chase ’ s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust .

Since December, industrial metal shredder General Iron has been cited by the city of Chicago for almost three dozen violations of local law, including numerous cases of air pollution.
But as Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration considers granting a construction permit that will help General Iron move its operations from Lincoln Park to the Southeast Side, state officials aren’t taking those citations into consideration.
The permit being considered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency would give a green light to the construction of the new facility and any required air pollution controls. Southeast Side community groups and environmental lawyers representing them say a draft permit written by regulators for the proposed Southeast Side operation is weak and doesn’t take into consideration the facility’s track record of problems on the North Side.
In March, one city inspector wrote that General Iron was a “constant health hazard” and described a “pungent odor of sweet, burning metal that burns my nostrils and makes it uncomfortable for me to breathe in.”
On May 18, the company was fined $6,000 by the city after two explosions at its 1909 Clifton Avenue location, which is still closed. As part of a partnership with Reserve Management Group, General Iron plans to move to South Burley Avenue and 116th Street along the Calumet River. Lincoln Park residents have called for the facility to never reopen.
“It is unconscionable for the state to be silent or to side in the best interest of these industries who are bad actors,” said Olga Bautista, a Southeast Side community organizer.
That’s not how the Pritzker administration sees it. Officials say state law prohibits them from considering local pollution violations when deciding whether to issue a permit. Many of the city violations have yet to be adjudicated.
“While we are mindful of the situation with [General Iron], we also must follow the law,” said Illinois EPA spokeswoman Kim Biggs. “An applicant’s past or ongoing compliance issues should be addressed through the agency’s compliance and enforcement programs as permitting is no substitute for enforcement.”
The Illinois EPA is accepting public comments related to the permit through Monday. Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10th) recently vowed to oppose General Iron’s move to her ward.
Meleah Geertsma, a lawyer for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the draft permit, as written so far, is a “piece of junk” that doesn’t protect the community. For one, it doesn’t provide enough enclosure to contain emissions and airborne contaminants, like “auto fluff,” residue created when cars are shredded. Pritzker’s EPA, she said, is taking an overly narrow interpretation of the law and not exercising its authority.
Separately, the city recently finalized rules for auto and metal shredders like General Iron, which call themselves recyclers, that are much stricter than what the Illinois EPA draft permit proposes. A company spokesman says there are plenty of safeguards built into the design of the operation.
“We are eager for the final permit to be issued so we can proceed with construction under the terms of the agreement reached with the city last fall,” said Randall Samborn, a spokesman for General Iron and RMG. “We have designed and will operate a facility that not only is inherently green as a recycler but also meets and exceeds all environmental laws.”
Brett Chase’s reporting on the environment and public health is made possible by a grant from The Chicago Community Trust.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Racial slurs spray-painted on Avondale home, garages: police

Police are investigating after someone spray-painted racial slurs on two Avondale garages Friday on the Northwest Side .
Officers responded @ @ @ @ @ damage in progress at 1:47 a.m. in the 3100 block of North Central Park Avenue @ @ @ @ @ .
Responding officers found racial slurs spray-painted on the garage doors of two homes in @ @ @ @ @ the front door of one of the homes , police said .
No arrests have @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Police are investigating after someone spray-painted racial slurs on two Avondale garages Friday on the Northwest Side.
Officers responded to two reports of criminal damage in progress at 1:47 a.m. in the 3100 block of North Central Park Avenue, according to Chicago police.
Responding officers found racial slurs spray-painted on the garage doors of two homes in the block, along with the front door of one of the homes, police said.
No arrests have been reported as detectives investigate.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Hold the deep fried candy bars — Illinois State Fair nixed over COVID-19 concerns

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time since World War II , Illinoisans will not be able to look forward to a summer filled with corn dogs , lemon shake-ups , the Butter Cow – or politicians trying to look at ease in their summer togs and wingtips at the state fair .
After suggesting the possibility weeks ago , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced Friday he was pulling the plug on the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair in deep southern Illinois , making them the latest events canceled because of public safety concerns over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some downstate Republicans .
It ’ s the first time the fair in Springfield has been canceled since 1945 , the final year of a four-year hiatus during the second World War .
In addition to the typical carnival rides , deep-fried food , concerts and livestock shows – and a cow sculpted from butter — the Illinois State Fair was also famous for devoting a day to each of the political parties , allowing politicians to hold campaign pep rallies , ice cream socials and other partisan events .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Illinois Department of Public Health and other experts : we have to prioritize keeping our people safe , ” Pritzker said in a statement .
“ Our state fairs are unmatched across the nation , and I look forward to gathering again to showcase the best of Illinois when it is safe to do so.
” Rep. Darren Bailey , who is suing the governor over his stay-at-home order , said the Chicago Democrat is sending a “ totally inconsistent message ” by canceling the state fairs because of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chicago .
“ Let ’ s not forget that we sit here and we see the people at these protests — Gov .
Pritzker , Mayor [ Lori ] Lightfoot and many others , representatives and senators from the Chicago area — walking arm-in-arm , side-by-side on a hot , sunny day protesting , ” the Republican from Xenia said .
Republican Rep. Tim Butler , whose district includes the Springfield fairgrounds , said he recognizes the concern over COVID-19 , but said he doesn ’ t know why the fairs couldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , such as hosting virtual concerts and livestock shows and limiting the number of vendors and visitors to the fairgrounds .
“ I think the potential existed to think of this in another way , but the avenue was never there from the governor ’ s operation to have those discussions , ” Butler said .
Responding to the Republicans , Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said , “ The Governor is extremely disappointed that he has to cancel the state fairs , but he has and will continue to make the tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe .
”

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time since World War II, Illinoisans will not be able to look forward to a summer filled with corn dogs, lemon shake-ups, the Butter Cow – or politicians trying to look at ease in their summer togs and wingtips at the state fair.
After suggesting the possibility weeks ago, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Friday he was pulling the plug on the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair in deep southern Illinois, making them the latest events canceled because of public safety concerns over the coronavirus.
Then Gov. Jim Thompson and his daughter Samantha, 7, ride the Giant Slide during opening ceremonies at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in 1985. AP file
The decision drew the ire of some downstate Republicans.
It’s the first time the fair in Springfield has been canceled since 1945, the final year of a four-year hiatus during the second World War.
In addition to the typical carnival rides, deep-fried food, concerts and livestock shows – and a cow sculpted from butter — the Illinois State Fair was also famous for devoting a day to each of the political parties, allowing politicians to hold campaign pep rallies, ice cream socials and other partisan events.
“This is the right choice based on guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health and other experts: we have to prioritize keeping our people safe,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Our state fairs are unmatched across the nation, and I look forward to gathering again to showcase the best of Illinois when it is safe to do so.”
Rep. Darren Bailey, who is suing the governor over his stay-at-home order, said the Chicago Democrat is sending a “totally inconsistent message” by canceling the state fairs because of the coronavirus while still attending protests against police brutality in Chicago.
House Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, top, and then Gov. Rod Blagojevich, bottom, attend the “Governor’s Day” rally at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in 2007. Seth Perlman/AP file
“Let’s not forget that we sit here and we see the people at these protests — Gov. Pritzker, Mayor [Lori] Lightfoot and many others, representatives and senators from the Chicago area — walking arm-in-arm, side-by-side on a hot, sunny day protesting,” the Republican from Xenia said.
Republican Rep. Tim Butler, whose district includes the Springfield fairgrounds, said he recognizes the concern over COVID-19, but said he doesn’t know why the fairs couldn’t have gone on with social-distancing measures, such as hosting virtual concerts and livestock shows and limiting the number of vendors and visitors to the fairgrounds.
“I think the potential existed to think of this in another way, but the avenue was never there from the governor’s operation to have those discussions,” Butler said.
A fair-goer points to the butter cow at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in 2004. Ted Schurter/The State Journal-Register file
Responding to the Republicans, Pritzker spokeswoman Jordan Abudayyeh said, “The Governor is extremely disappointed that he has to cancel the state fairs, but he has and will continue to make the tough decisions to keep the people of Illinois safe.”


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Police-involved shooting reported in Englewood

85 shot , 24 fatally , over Chicago ’ s most violent weekend of 2020 More than half of the @ @ @ @ @ shot on Sunday as the city reeled from violent protests Saturday night that led to @ @ @ @ @ implementation of a curfew .

Two suspected car thieves were shot by Chicago police Friday in Englewood on the South Side.
Just after 5 p.m., an officer with the auto theft task force saw a stolen car, a black Chevrolet sedan, in the 7000 block of South Green Street, CPD Chief of Operations Fred Waller said at a news conference at the scene.
The officer approached the car on foot, but the driver sped off and dragged the officer a short distance.
More officers responded, and one of them opened fire, striking the suspects, Waller said. The car crashed in an alley in the 7200 block of South Green, between Green and Halsted Street.
CPD Chief of Operations Fred Waller talks tor reporters Friday about a police-involved shooting in Englewood. Kathy Chaney/Sun-Times
The officer who was dragged was taken to an area hospital, where he is in good condition, Waller said. The suspects suffered non-life threatening injuries and are both in good condition at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Both suspects were taken into custody, and a weapon was recovered on the scene, according to a statement from police. Charges are pending.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating, and the officers have been placed on 30-day administrative leave, Waller said.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--A Cubs fan’s dilemma: How to root for the team without rooting for Donald Trump

What are you to do if you ’ re a fan of the Chicago Cubs but the team ’ s owners include a guy who ’ s leading the effort to reelect the most divisive , destructive and incompetent president in modern American history ?
We ’ d say there ’ s always the White Sox .
In all seriousness , we can think of several understandable reasons to remain a loyal Cubs fan despite that among the team ’ s owners is Todd Ricketts , finance chairman of the Republican National Committee .
Ricketts is spearheading the fundraising effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For one , the Ricketts family as a whole has done a good job of running the Cubs , even if they didn ’ t do enough to build up the bullpen last year .
It ’ s been awhile since anybody has called them “ lovable losers.
” For two , the Cubs as an organization has been a responsible corporate citizen .
The company has spent about $ 1 billion of its own money on renovating Wrigley Field , one of Chicago ’ s most prized landmarks , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and women-owned businesses when constructing Hotel Zachary next door .
Ninety million dollars in contracts went to Minority Business Enterprise certified businesses .
Cubs President Theo Epstein , speaking for the team , has been saying all the right things , too , in the wake of the protests over the killing in Minnesota of George Floyd .
The Cubs will form a “ diversity committee , ” he said , to improve on issues such as hiring and promoting .
Epstein himself is involved in helping Major League Baseball donate money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackie Robinson Foundation .
And , for three , for every Todd Ricketts — or the equally politically noxious patriarch of the family , Joe Ricketts — there ’ s a Laura Ricketts , a Joe Biden supporter who fights for the rights of gay and transgender people , or a Tom Ricketts , who does his darn best to keep his politics to himself and just wants to have a beer with you at Murphy ’ s Bleachers .
But you know what ?
All things are not equal .
Todd Ricketts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , working day and night for the reelection of a fraud who ’ s destroying our country .
That great bad is hardly cancelled out by the more honorable ways of his siblings and the Cubs organization .
If it bothers you that a little bit of the money you spend to buy a ticket to a Cubs game eventually makes its way into Todd Ricketts ’ pocket , and that from there a little bit makes its way into Trump ’ s reelection fund , well , it bothers us , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social values and commitments of the businesses they patronize , and so they should .
As long as Todd Ricketts is among the owners of the Cubs , plenty of Cubs fans — or ex-fans — will wonder what they are really rooting for .

What are you to do if you’re a fan of the Chicago Cubs but the team’s owners include a guy who’s leading the effort to reelect the most divisive, destructive and incompetent president in modern American history?
We’d say there’s always the White Sox.
In all seriousness, we can think of several understandable reasons to remain a loyal Cubs fan despite that among the team’s owners is Todd Ricketts, finance chairman of the Republican National Committee. Ricketts is spearheading the fundraising effort for President Donald Trump’s reelection.
Editorials bug Editorials
For one, the Ricketts family as a whole has done a good job of running the Cubs, even if they didn’t do enough to build up the bullpen last year. It’s been awhile since anybody has called them “lovable losers.”
For two, the Cubs as an organization has been a responsible corporate citizen. The company has spent about $1 billion of its own money on renovating Wrigley Field, one of Chicago’s most prized landmarks, and it made a particular effort to hire minority- and women-owned businesses when constructing Hotel Zachary next door. Ninety million dollars in contracts went to Minority Business Enterprise certified businesses.
Cubs President Theo Epstein, speaking for the team, has been saying all the right things, too, in the wake of the protests over the killing in Minnesota of George Floyd. The Cubs will form a “diversity committee,” he said, to improve on issues such as hiring and promoting. Epstein himself is involved in helping Major League Baseball donate money to groups like Black Lives Matter and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
And, for three, for every Todd Ricketts — or the equally politically noxious patriarch of the family, Joe Ricketts — there’s a Laura Ricketts, a Joe Biden supporter who fights for the rights of gay and transgender people, or a Tom Ricketts, who does his darn best to keep his politics to himself and just wants to have a beer with you at Murphy’s Bleachers.
But you know what? All things are not equal. Todd Ricketts is nonetheless doing a world of bad, working day and night for the reelection of a fraud who’s destroying our country. That great bad is hardly cancelled out by the more honorable ways of his siblings and the Cubs organization.
If it bothers you that a little bit of the money you spend to buy a ticket to a Cubs game eventually makes its way into Todd Ricketts’ pocket, and that from there a little bit makes its way into Trump’s reelection fund, well, it bothers us, too.
American consumers increasingly care about the social values and commitments of the businesses they patronize, and so they should. As long as Todd Ricketts is among the owners of the Cubs, plenty of Cubs fans — or ex-fans — will wonder what they are really rooting for.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com.


chicagosun-times--2020-06-12--Melania Trump delayed 2017 move to DC to get new prenup, new book says

WASHINGTON — First lady Melania Trump delayed her move to Washington after Donald Trump became president to gain leverage in renegotiating her prenuptial agreement , according to a new book .
The White House denounced the book after it became public on Friday .
Mary Jordan , author of the book “ The Art of Her Deal : The Untold Story of Melania Trump , ” wrote that the 2016 campaign had been rife with reports about Trump ’ s alleged infidelities and the first lady was learning new details about them from media reports .
Stephanie Grisham , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book was based on inaccurate information .
Jordan , a reporter for The Washington Post , wrote that the incoming first lady wanted time to cool off and amend her financial arrangement with Trump to ensure the financial future of both herself and their son , Barron .
Melania Trump has said that she wanted to wait until the end of the school year to move to Washington .
Citing interviews with several people close to the Trumps , Jordan wrote that during the campaign , Melania Trump thought a lot had changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been with him longer than any other woman and she believed she had made crucial contributions to his success , Jordan wrote .
She also wanted to ensure that Barron got his “ rightful share of inheritance , ” particularly if the president ’ s daughter Ivanka took the reins of the family business .
According to The Washington Post , Jordan conducted more than 100 interviews for her book , including with the first lady ’ s schoolmates in her native Slovenian and former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the book , which will be published June 16 .
Stephanie Grisham , a spokeswoman for Mrs. Trump , said the book was based on inaccurate information .
“ Yet another book about Mrs. Trump with false information and sources , ” Grisham said in an emailed statement .
“ This book belongs in the fiction genre.
” The first lady and Barron , who was 11 at the time , settled into the White House in early June 2017 and she seemed visibly happier by mid-2018 , the book said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , a key reason was that she had finally reached a new and significantly improved financial agreement with Trump , which had left her in a noticeably better financial position , ” Jordan wrote .
“ Those sources did not know precisely what she sought , but it was not simply more money.
” Jordan writes that Melania Trump wanted “ proof in writing ” that Barron would be treated more of an equal to Trump ’ s oldest three children when it came to financial opportunities and inheritance .
Among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible involvement in the family business , the Trump Organization , and ownership of Trump property , according to the book .
Quoting one person aware of the negotiations , Jordan notes that Barron has Slovenian citizenship , which could put him in a good position if he wanted to be involved in Trump business in Europe .
“ Melania wanted and got options for him , ” according to the book .

WASHINGTON — First lady Melania Trump delayed her move to Washington after Donald Trump became president to gain leverage in renegotiating her prenuptial agreement, according to a new book. The White House denounced the book after it became public on Friday.
Mary Jordan, author of the book “The Art of Her Deal: The Untold Story of Melania Trump,” wrote that the 2016 campaign had been rife with reports about Trump’s alleged infidelities and the first lady was learning new details about them from media reports.
Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for Mrs. Trump, said the book was based on inaccurate information.
Jordan, a reporter for The Washington Post, wrote that the incoming first lady wanted time to cool off and amend her financial arrangement with Trump to ensure the financial future of both herself and their son, Barron. Melania Trump has said that she wanted to wait until the end of the school year to move to Washington.
Citing interviews with several people close to the Trumps, Jordan wrote that during the campaign, Melania Trump thought a lot had changed since she signed the prenuptial. She had been with him longer than any other woman and she believed she had made crucial contributions to his success, Jordan wrote. She also wanted to ensure that Barron got his “rightful share of inheritance,” particularly if the president’s daughter Ivanka took the reins of the family business.
According to The Washington Post, Jordan conducted more than 100 interviews for her book, including with the first lady’s schoolmates in her native Slovenian and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
The Associated Press purchased an early copy of the book, which will be published June 16.
President Donald Trump dances with first lady Melania Trump at The Salute To Our Armed Services Inaugural Ball in 2017. AP
Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for Mrs. Trump, said the book was based on inaccurate information. “Yet another book about Mrs. Trump with false information and sources,” Grisham said in an emailed statement. “This book belongs in the fiction genre.”
The first lady and Barron, who was 11 at the time, settled into the White House in early June 2017 and she seemed visibly happier by mid-2018, the book said.
“According to three people close to Trump, a key reason was that she had finally reached a new and significantly improved financial agreement with Trump, which had left her in a noticeably better financial position,” Jordan wrote. “Those sources did not know precisely what she sought, but it was not simply more money.”
Jordan writes that Melania Trump wanted “proof in writing” that Barron would be treated more of an equal to Trump’s oldest three children when it came to financial opportunities and inheritance.
Among the items under discussion was Barron’s possible involvement in the family business, the Trump Organization, and ownership of Trump property, according to the book. Quoting one person aware of the negotiations, Jordan notes that Barron has Slovenian citizenship, which could put him in a good position if he wanted to be involved in Trump business in Europe.
“Melania wanted and got options for him,” according to the book.