From the Daily Herald
Program provides soldier with discounted home
By Georgia Evdoxiadis Garvey Daily Herald Staff
Published: 9/26/2007 12:17 AM
The building on Phillip Drive in Zion has been a house for some time.
But when former Marine Sgt. Miguel Delgado, his wife, Cristhian, and daughter Ohani move in this week, that's when the structure becomes a home.
And when one wounded Iraq war veteran's dreams come true.
"That's always been our plan, to buy a home," Miguel Delgado said, noting their income made it seem impossible. "It means the world to us."
That gratitude became the theme of the day Tuesday, when Deer Point Homes and the Wounded Heroes Foundation unveiled the first of three homes provided at a discount designed to make homeownership a reality.
"It's just amazing that so many people have come together," said former Army Sgt. Gabriel Garriga, who will move in just down the street from Delgado when his house is finished. "We're all very grateful for it."
But Richard Pietranek Sr., founder of Deer Point Homes, a Wauconda-based developer, said the gratitude extends in all directions.
"We are here to build the American dream for those who defend it," Pietranek said. "Please don't thank us."
Deer Point Homes and its subcontractors provided $150,000 in discounts on three houses in Zion to veterans who were seriously wounded in Iraq.
And the Wounded Heroes Foundation raised $60,000 more in grants, mortgage help and money for essentials for the same veterans.
"We have over 34,000 wounded. Their lives will never be the same again," Wounded Heroes co-founder Anna Sherony said. "Some of them can't even make change at Wal-Mart."
The organization chose the recipients for the houses by matching them with area builders who expressed interest in helping in the areas in which the veterans wanted or need to live.
"You can't listen to their stories without being moved," said Patrick Smith, vice president of Deer Point Homes, remembering the foundation asked at first for a small discount for the veterans. But all the developer's subcontractors donated something to the cause. "It's been such a wonderful experience."
Sherony, who estimated about 40 percent of the houses' costs will be covered by donations, said she hopes to take the housing program national but already has a list of veterans in other areas of Illinois who need the same kind of discounts Deer Point gave.
"If every builder was able to do that, there would be no heroes without homes, affordable homes," Sherony said.
And though there will be time for more work, everyone said, Tuesday was about giving the Delgados the gift they had been waiting for.
"I'm just anxious," Cristhian Delgado said before the unveiling. "I can't wait to get in there."
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
A Message from the NAR President
Having an efficient and effective National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to protect residential and commercial properties is essential to the purchase and transfer of real property in every state of the union.
I strongly suggest that you ask your Member of Congress to vote for the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007, HR 3121.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers essential protection for homeowners vulnerable to flooding and helps lower federal expenditures for disaster recovery. It is critical that flood insurance remain accessible and equitable for every property owner situated in a floodplain.
Floodwaters know no boundaries--virtually every state in the country has experienced significant flooding. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) floods were the number-one natural disaster in the United States, during the 20th century, in terms of the number of lives lost and property damage.
Sincerely,
Pat V. Combs, NAR President
I strongly suggest that you ask your Member of Congress to vote for the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007, HR 3121.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers essential protection for homeowners vulnerable to flooding and helps lower federal expenditures for disaster recovery. It is critical that flood insurance remain accessible and equitable for every property owner situated in a floodplain.
Floodwaters know no boundaries--virtually every state in the country has experienced significant flooding. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) floods were the number-one natural disaster in the United States, during the 20th century, in terms of the number of lives lost and property damage.
Sincerely,
Pat V. Combs, NAR President
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Governor's Veto Rewrite
I would like to hear our member's reaction to the news of the Governor's amendatory veto rewrite....
From CBS 2 Chicago
Governor Signs Property Tax Relief Bill
Veto Rewrite Would Give Homeowners A Break, Cost Big Business Big Bucks
Mike FlanneryReporting
(CBS) CHICAGO Homeowners in Cook County could be in line for some property tax relief. Governor Rod Blagojevich's plan would give individual homeowners a break, and cost big business big bucks.As CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, the governor signed his amendatory veto rewrite of the property tax relief bill in front of the North Side home of former firefighter Mike Vacala, his wife Linda and their daughter, Alexa."I believe it's good news," Vacala said. "It's something we need."The Vacalas said they paid $90,000 for their brick home about a dozen years ago. While sellers of similar houses nearby are now asking for $500,000, the Vacalas complain that soaring property tax bills have accompanied those soaring valuations. The governor's attempted rewrite of the legislation gives individual homeowners a bigger break on taxes, while socking it to property owned by business."Should big commercial developers pay more of their fair share in taxes, so that homeowners pay less?" Blagojevich said. "The answer is 'yes.'"To get a sense of the big money that is at stake in this pending battle, here are some key numbers: If the Illinois general assembly approves the governor's rewrite, a typical Lincoln Square neighborhood home would see its bill go down an extra $638 next year. Taxes on downtown's John Hancock Building would jump up $277,130; on Prudential Plaza, an astounding $534,782.Rep. John Fritchey noted that, if business interests succeed in killing the governor's veto rewrite, homeowners could end up with no property tax relief."He's running a very real risk of leaving taxpayers with nothing," Fritchey said. "And I can't believe that's in anybody's best interest."This fall's tax bills are currently expected to go out Oct. 15, payable Nov. 15.
From CBS 2 Chicago
Governor Signs Property Tax Relief Bill
Veto Rewrite Would Give Homeowners A Break, Cost Big Business Big Bucks
Mike FlanneryReporting
(CBS) CHICAGO Homeowners in Cook County could be in line for some property tax relief. Governor Rod Blagojevich's plan would give individual homeowners a break, and cost big business big bucks.As CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, the governor signed his amendatory veto rewrite of the property tax relief bill in front of the North Side home of former firefighter Mike Vacala, his wife Linda and their daughter, Alexa."I believe it's good news," Vacala said. "It's something we need."The Vacalas said they paid $90,000 for their brick home about a dozen years ago. While sellers of similar houses nearby are now asking for $500,000, the Vacalas complain that soaring property tax bills have accompanied those soaring valuations. The governor's attempted rewrite of the legislation gives individual homeowners a bigger break on taxes, while socking it to property owned by business."Should big commercial developers pay more of their fair share in taxes, so that homeowners pay less?" Blagojevich said. "The answer is 'yes.'"To get a sense of the big money that is at stake in this pending battle, here are some key numbers: If the Illinois general assembly approves the governor's rewrite, a typical Lincoln Square neighborhood home would see its bill go down an extra $638 next year. Taxes on downtown's John Hancock Building would jump up $277,130; on Prudential Plaza, an astounding $534,782.Rep. John Fritchey noted that, if business interests succeed in killing the governor's veto rewrite, homeowners could end up with no property tax relief."He's running a very real risk of leaving taxpayers with nothing," Fritchey said. "And I can't believe that's in anybody's best interest."This fall's tax bills are currently expected to go out Oct. 15, payable Nov. 15.
Monday, September 17, 2007
THANKS & CONGRATS
Thank you to everyone that participated in the RANWC Open House on Friday. A special thank you to Peggy Kayser and Donna Lundsford for their help with the RPAC/Government Affairs Booth.
Thank you to Congresswoman Melissa Bean for her time at the open house as well.
Congratulations to Chuck Wiercinski and Judith Halfman the winners of the iPod giveaways.
Thank you to Congresswoman Melissa Bean for her time at the open house as well.
Congratulations to Chuck Wiercinski and Judith Halfman the winners of the iPod giveaways.
Prospect Heights Mayor Steps Down
Prospect Heights mayor steps down
By Ashok Selvam Daily Herald Staff
Published: 9/15/2007 12:28 AM
Citing unspecified health issues, Prospect Heights Mayor Rodney Pace unexpectedly resigned Friday, ending his five years in office.
"I'm all right. I'm having a little problem," Pace, 49, said cryptically. "I just don't need the added stress right now that mayorship brings."
Voters elected the 49-year-old Pace to his second term in April, when he defeated Kurt Giehler and longtime foil Gerald Anderson. Health problems aren't new for Pace, as he made an extended six-week hospital visit during his second year in office. He was first elected in 2003.
Pace would not reveal what ailed him, saying only that symptoms had begun "flaring up" recently. He said he made the decision to leave after a doctor's appointment last week.
Pace wrote a letter to residents and the council announcing his departure. He said he's most proud of street improvements and increasing the city's contribution to the ailing police pension fund. He said he was saddened his health problems wouldn't allow him to devote "110 percent" to his post.
Pace, a construction executive with the Maman Corp. of Palatine, said he did not think his ailment would force him to miss work from his full-time job.
Prospect Heights in the interim is without a mayor. The city council will hold a special meeting Thursday where the council could elect an alderman to fill out the remaining 18 months of Pace's term.
While Pace said he wouldn't endorse any of the five, he did say Fourth Ward Alderman Patrick Ludvigsen would be the most qualified.
Ludvigsen, the council's senior alderman, served as a Prospect Heights Park District commissioner with Pace. The two remain good friends, with Ludvigsen saying Pace was the "hardest-working person for Prospect Heights."
"I would definitely say that I would be interested in the position," Ludvigsen said.
Politics and name-calling in Prospect Heights make the mayor a lightning rod for criticism, Ludvigsen said. Pace's temper, which he has acknowledged was occasionally problematic, was put to the test by a vocal opposition.
One of the leaders of the opposition who tested that temper was Anderson -- a former alderman who briefly served as mayor. He had little to say Friday about the man who twice defeated him for mayor, saying only that he was "amused" by the resignation.
"He was elected in April, correct? Right now we're in September?" Anderson said. "He barely got started in the new term, then all of a sudden for a number of reasons he decided to bail out? It's very amusing from the standpoint why somebody would do that."
Former Wheeling Village President Greg Klatecki, who resigned his post in April, said political pressure may have gotten to Pace. The two worked together, as their towns border each other, and the towns co-own Chicago Executive Airport.
"It was like me. When you're under a lot of pressure, it's hard to function," Klatecki said. "And we're not talking about a job where you make a lot of money."
Klatecki said Pace was not like most suburban politicians. He wanted to do what he thought was the right thing and didn't really care what people thought of him, Klatecki said.
"There was no pretense with Rodney," Klatecki said. "He didn't change after he got the title."
Mount Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks was shocked by the news.
"The last time I saw him, he was out doing the sandbagging for the big storm and the river coming up. … He loves his residents so much," Wilks said. "… I give him a lot of credit for all the different things that have happened in Prospect Heights. He's been, I think, a good leader for them in the last few years."
Pace said he's survived council meetings that often turned ugly and had to deal with the 2006 arson that burned down city hall.
He's watched voters reject multiple tax rate increase requests in his cash-strapped city, which he said had made governing difficult. In his resignation letter, he expressed frustration that he hadn't been able to persuade voters to support initiatives to improve the city.
He said he'll be all right. "A couple prayers from anybody will help; I'll take anything I can get. I know the power of prayer works wonders."
By Ashok Selvam Daily Herald Staff
Published: 9/15/2007 12:28 AM
Citing unspecified health issues, Prospect Heights Mayor Rodney Pace unexpectedly resigned Friday, ending his five years in office.
"I'm all right. I'm having a little problem," Pace, 49, said cryptically. "I just don't need the added stress right now that mayorship brings."
Voters elected the 49-year-old Pace to his second term in April, when he defeated Kurt Giehler and longtime foil Gerald Anderson. Health problems aren't new for Pace, as he made an extended six-week hospital visit during his second year in office. He was first elected in 2003.
Pace would not reveal what ailed him, saying only that symptoms had begun "flaring up" recently. He said he made the decision to leave after a doctor's appointment last week.
Pace wrote a letter to residents and the council announcing his departure. He said he's most proud of street improvements and increasing the city's contribution to the ailing police pension fund. He said he was saddened his health problems wouldn't allow him to devote "110 percent" to his post.
Pace, a construction executive with the Maman Corp. of Palatine, said he did not think his ailment would force him to miss work from his full-time job.
Prospect Heights in the interim is without a mayor. The city council will hold a special meeting Thursday where the council could elect an alderman to fill out the remaining 18 months of Pace's term.
While Pace said he wouldn't endorse any of the five, he did say Fourth Ward Alderman Patrick Ludvigsen would be the most qualified.
Ludvigsen, the council's senior alderman, served as a Prospect Heights Park District commissioner with Pace. The two remain good friends, with Ludvigsen saying Pace was the "hardest-working person for Prospect Heights."
"I would definitely say that I would be interested in the position," Ludvigsen said.
Politics and name-calling in Prospect Heights make the mayor a lightning rod for criticism, Ludvigsen said. Pace's temper, which he has acknowledged was occasionally problematic, was put to the test by a vocal opposition.
One of the leaders of the opposition who tested that temper was Anderson -- a former alderman who briefly served as mayor. He had little to say Friday about the man who twice defeated him for mayor, saying only that he was "amused" by the resignation.
"He was elected in April, correct? Right now we're in September?" Anderson said. "He barely got started in the new term, then all of a sudden for a number of reasons he decided to bail out? It's very amusing from the standpoint why somebody would do that."
Former Wheeling Village President Greg Klatecki, who resigned his post in April, said political pressure may have gotten to Pace. The two worked together, as their towns border each other, and the towns co-own Chicago Executive Airport.
"It was like me. When you're under a lot of pressure, it's hard to function," Klatecki said. "And we're not talking about a job where you make a lot of money."
Klatecki said Pace was not like most suburban politicians. He wanted to do what he thought was the right thing and didn't really care what people thought of him, Klatecki said.
"There was no pretense with Rodney," Klatecki said. "He didn't change after he got the title."
Mount Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks was shocked by the news.
"The last time I saw him, he was out doing the sandbagging for the big storm and the river coming up. … He loves his residents so much," Wilks said. "… I give him a lot of credit for all the different things that have happened in Prospect Heights. He's been, I think, a good leader for them in the last few years."
Pace said he's survived council meetings that often turned ugly and had to deal with the 2006 arson that burned down city hall.
He's watched voters reject multiple tax rate increase requests in his cash-strapped city, which he said had made governing difficult. In his resignation letter, he expressed frustration that he hadn't been able to persuade voters to support initiatives to improve the city.
He said he'll be all right. "A couple prayers from anybody will help; I'll take anything I can get. I know the power of prayer works wonders."
Friday, September 14, 2007
RTA Accepts Transit Rescue
RTA Accepts Transit Rescue
CHICAGO (WBBM/AP) - Commuters in the Chicago area can relax - at least for now.WBBM's John Cody reports that the RTA board accepted Governor Blagojevich's proposal to make cash advances to CTA and Pace to delay 'doomsday' plans that were set to take effect Sunday.During a morning meeting, the Regional Transportation Authority voted 10-2 to accept the state's bailout plan of the mass transit system.
Blagojevich will now advance $24 million to the CTA from an RTA subsidy fund used to underwrite the costs of providing rides to seniors, students and people with disability. He offered to advance Pace $54 million in state funds designated for paratransit service.
The offers contain no new money. RTA board members say the pressure is now on lawmakers to come up with a long-term solution. Legislators are expect to consider a plan as early as next week that would raise sales taxes in the Chicago area to shore up transit funding.
CTA contingency plans currently call for elimination of 39 bus routes effective Sunday, an increase in the base cash fare to $2.50, with a $3 rush hour "L" fare, the layoffs of 700 employees and deferral of heavy overhauls needed to keep aging buses and rapid transit cars from breaking down.
CHICAGO (WBBM/AP) - Commuters in the Chicago area can relax - at least for now.WBBM's John Cody reports that the RTA board accepted Governor Blagojevich's proposal to make cash advances to CTA and Pace to delay 'doomsday' plans that were set to take effect Sunday.During a morning meeting, the Regional Transportation Authority voted 10-2 to accept the state's bailout plan of the mass transit system.
Blagojevich will now advance $24 million to the CTA from an RTA subsidy fund used to underwrite the costs of providing rides to seniors, students and people with disability. He offered to advance Pace $54 million in state funds designated for paratransit service.
The offers contain no new money. RTA board members say the pressure is now on lawmakers to come up with a long-term solution. Legislators are expect to consider a plan as early as next week that would raise sales taxes in the Chicago area to shore up transit funding.
CTA contingency plans currently call for elimination of 39 bus routes effective Sunday, an increase in the base cash fare to $2.50, with a $3 rush hour "L" fare, the layoffs of 700 employees and deferral of heavy overhauls needed to keep aging buses and rapid transit cars from breaking down.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Up to Date Info on RTA/CTA
For up to date information on the RTA/CTA issue please visit http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/2007/09/13/is-it-legal-plus-mayor-governor-blasted-suburban-buses-left-out/
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Members meet with Senator Murphy after Legislative Breakfast
