-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
Last year, former 36th Ward Ald. William J.P. Banks wrote himself a $291,708 check when he shut down his campaign committee, and former Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont took $36,157 from her still-active campaign fund.
Some other big beneficiaries of campaign cashouts: former state Sen. James DeLeo, D-Chicago, who took $271,681, and ex-state Rep. Angelo “Skip” Saviano, R-Elmwood Park, keeping $219,093. Each took the money in 2013.
Then there’s former state Rep. Ralph Capparelli, D-Chicago, who walked away with $583,357 between 2006 and 2010 — more than anyone else has pocketed in this legalized money-grab.
With $162 billion more from taxpayers, couldn’t you deliver a few bond upgrades, too
A largely unasked question is becoming glaring: Is Illinois doing all it should to use artificial intelligence to make government cost less and work better? So far, the evidence says no.
Everybody needs a side hustle these days, and mine is Ukraine, where I am now.
Summary and audio linked here.
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Audio and summary
The corruption and graft in this state is so dizzying that I don’t even know how to respond.
I used to think it was just the Democrat Machine. Now I know that it’s all of them.
Given that there are almost no good people in government here that would step up and fix these things, it’s easier to just close up shop and leave.