A Champaign County Community Blog

Upcoming Town Halls on county issues
got a new comment by Local Yocal

Every one of these proposals to reduce the inmate population runs completely counter to what is done in Champaign County. Were you to suggest these to the State's Attorney, she would laugh in your face. "They are criminals. We aren't supposed to be nice to them," she will likely say.

Cisaves.com half price gift certificate deals
got a new comment by Cisaves

Thanks Mark. The deals that do have expirations are set by the advertisers. We always try to get them to eliminate them or make them as lengthy as possible. In most cases the advertiser will still accept the certificate after the expiration date, they are mostly in place simply for long term tracking purposes.<br /><br />Also all advertisers will accept the certificates within the 5 year span in which you mentioned for the purchase amount.<br /><br />Thanks

Sorry guys, you vote, we decide.
got a new comment by Team Gorilla Penis

Its been a bad few months for Republicans. Now we have Kermath who dropped out of the race... Probably tired of taking daggers in the back from his fellow Rpublicans. Kyle Harrison drops out. Them the GOP on GOP hit piece on Meister in Sunday's News-Gazette so he's now on politician death watch.. With all the Republicans going down, you'd think Michael Richards polished off a handle and drove through the Champaign GOP headquarters.<br /><br />Will there be any Republicans on the ballot in November who actually ran in primaries by the time its done?

Downtown Hotel Incentive Approved, Who's Unhappy?
got a new comment by Hit Girl

My understanding is that the new commenting policy will be in conjunction with the new software. Semi-anonymous commenting will still be allowed as long as there is an account with a valid email address. Users will be encouraged to post under real names, although I doubt there will be much verification unless there are suspected spoof names. Thus "narc" will be verified, but could still be somewhat anonymous.

Champaign County Local Food Policy Council--Reminder
got a new comment by pattsi petrie

I hope that some of the "end users" are applying to be on the council, such as restaurants, hospitals, university dining services, jail, Common Ground Food Co-op, Prairie Fruit Farms, etc. You get the idea.

We continue to push
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

<br />So even though there is no contract with another party, you couldn't revisit the issue because the school board had notify the parties to a contract that doesn't exist? That is pretty creative right there! <br /><br />Jamar, the school board has hardly been impressive on this issue. I appreciate that you are making the effort to seek out feedback and ensure that the concerns of your constituents are considered. In theory, that is what elected officials are supposed to do.

Savoy chiropractor leads petition challenge against Triptych Brewing
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

<br />It was also reported to me that there was a very impressive show of support for Triptych and the protesting businesses held their ground, seemingly unwilling to compromise. <br /><br />The next step is a vote by the village council. Just because the planning commission recommends allowing a special use permit, it does not mean that the village council will accept their recommendation.

Campaign Filings
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

Frerichs:<br />$375,932.82 cash on hand, $75930 in, $26,565 out<br /><br />Jakobsson:<br />$18,232.20 cash on hand, $2970 in, $1003 out<br /><br />Danos (filed on paper):<br />$14.01 cash on hand, $2737 in, $4661.73 out<br /><br />Farney (filed on paper):<br />$2161 cash on hand, $2425 in, $3101.45 out<br /><br />Hulten: $16,286.63 cash on hand, $5230 in, $10,648.69 out<br /><br />Business Empowered PAC: $25,097.64 cash on hand, $4057.61 in, $0 out

Is Economic Development a Jobs Scam?
got a new comment by Charles Schultz

So for the average joe, how does one measure the degree of transparency in Champaign? How does one know what is not there in plain-to-see black-and-white?<br /><br />I have been encouraged to talk to City Planners, but I have no idea how to even start the conversation. "So, Mr. City Planner, tell me what you are not being transparent about." :)<br /><br />I am just starting to read the Introduction of this book and am trying to set some local context for myself to operate within.

This Month in Unit 4
got a new comment by Charles Schultz

Don't know where else to put this, but last night Ileana Saveley was appointed to the vacant Board Member position. Congrats and kudos to the candidates who expressed a passion and desire to be involved.

This whole Holderfield situation can't be good.
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

LOL! It was just a matter of time before I was outed, but "my prize" in this is the thought that voters might pay more attention to local candidates in the future. Voters might be more likely to focus on credentials and challenge candidates as to why those qualifications are relevant to the job they are applying for. Blog readers might be inspired to run for precinct committeeman or get more involved with the community in other ways. I am simply passionate about the political process and hope that more voters become more engaged and become more informed. Knowing that I might have played a small part in that is all the prize I'll ever need. Call me complacent if you want, but don't suggest that I can be influenced with political bribes. Nothing could be further from the truth.

People are free to support (or not support) whoever they want. When people don't support you, your cause, or your candidate, it isn't productive to attack people simply because they are not on your side. People catch on to this bullying tactic (flame-throwing as I often refer to it) and start to distance themselves from you. People with this type of profile will often find themselves isolated and they have no one to blame but themselves. The constant **** talking, name-calling, and spreading of false rumors is simply not attractive.

Bud, I post under my real name and can hold my own. I'm not sure what "start holding their mouthpiece responsible" means, but I really look forward to you trying.

As I've been saying for a long time, I'm looking forward to focusing on credentials and what the candidates bring to the table. I can't wait for the general election to heat up!

Center for Public Integrity--Illinois
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

<br />I thought you meant 11th worst, but it is actually 11th best.

Never a dull moment...
got a new comment by pattsi petrie

Matt, I understand the suggestion.But where is the learning? Now, I as an uncaring, the whole world outside of my abode is my own garbage can to do as I want citizen will not even have a nano second of a thought as I litter because I know that someone else is going to come along and pick up for me and learn a lesson from picking up my thoughtlessness. When in fact that same person, no matter under what osposis is doing this work, could be helping build a rain garden, install rain barrels, mow the lawn of someone who can not longer do the job, run errands for the same person, etc.

Tim Johnson to retire, prefers Jerry Clarke to replace him
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

Adam won a highly-contested race and outsted an incumbent dem Bob Flider before the lines were re-drawn. He definately has the potential for primetime. We'll have to wait to see if Chapin Rose steps up.

Good God, imagine Chapin running for US congress, Adam getting appointed as the nominee for Chapin's seat, and Adam's seat being up for grabs. I'm not saying it's likely, but this has the potential to get even more interesting.

Imminent Mass Layoffs at Yahoo!
got a new comment by Jeff Kibler

Things sound "positive," but I've not heard much. In Swisher's latest report, it appears the advertising side (which has stake in Champaign, I believe) may not be affected this round. Phew.<br /><br /><a href="http://allthingsd.com/20120404/its-official-yahoo-lays-off-2000-employees/" rel="nofollow">allthingsd.com/.../</a>

Gas Prices
got a new comment by pattsi petrie

The data I have seen puts Illinois #3 as most expensive related to gas. Whether #3 or #7, the question is how are the taxes being used.

Precinct Committeemen Hear Two Different Arguments
got a new comment by Just Sayin'

Isnt it time for another post bashing Holderfield?

We aren't getting enough of the drama caused by your unrequited love and all...

Predictions Revisited
got a new comment by Wendy Edwards

You may well be right that the spread in the primary won't be a factor at all in November. I saw it as a sign that there were some divisions in the party, rather than as any kind of statement about Wysocki herself. That said, I doubt there would be a lot of Dems who would vote for a Republican candidate over her just because of internal party stuff; I wouldn't.

A Memorable Penny For Your Thoughts - Wednesday
got a new comment by Eric Bussell

<br />Specifically, what is Holderfield going to to clean up the office?<br /><br />Johnny, what do pensions have to with anything? Linda Frank announced her plans to retire, so what conspiracy theory is out there that brings her pension into play? <br /><br />Has anyone heard anything about those special interests that Gordy lined up?? I heard he did it from the book depository building. <br />

Winkel, not running, beats Holderfield
got a new comment by Wendy Edwards

IIRC, the Underwood robocalls didn't have the best audio, so it's possible that some people might have heard "Underwood" as "Holderfield."