Category: Commentary

Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund

September 30, 2023September 30, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pappas helps phone bank caller receive whopping $11,870 property tax refund By Maria Pappas “Your Property Taxes” column with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Helping taxpayers obtain refunds for property tax overpayments is one of the most rewarding parts of my job as Cook County Treasurer. My office recently helped a south suburban resident receive…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Government, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses

September 27, 2023October 28, 2023 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses By Ray Hanania Last year, a report was issued that showed that a major tax burden would slam commercial properties in Cook County. Cook County Asessor Fritz Kaegi reassessed properties in 2021 claiming it would ease the burden on homeowners. But in fact, it has…

Blogger, Business, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund

September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Many Cook County homeowners are losing thousands of dollars in savings because they are not taking advantage of property tax breaks. My office recently helped an older couple on Chicago’s North Side receive…

Blogger, Commentary, Cook County, Guest Commentary, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

Big franchise restaurants have turned a “tip” into corporate welfare

September 9, 2023September 23, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Big franchise restaurants have turned a “tip” into corporate welfare By Ray Hanania A tip is supposed to be an expression of how much a customer appreciates the efforts of employees of a business, usually the wait staff at restaurants. You expect someone you are paying to provide the best possible service to actually provide…

Blogger, Commentary, Employment, Opinion, restaurants

Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor

September 6, 2023September 6, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor By Ray Hanania Most people have come to know Orland Park Village Board meetings as a distasteful bully pulpit where Mayor Keith Pekau belittles his critics, lies and portrays himself as the victim of a vast conspiracy. Pekau claims everyone who criticizes his government actions defames…

Blogger, censorship, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Veterans, Veterans Column, women

Dads’ Rights Victory: In battle of aunts, our client gains time with orphaned niece

September 3, 2023September 3, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Dads’ Rights Victory: In battle of aunts, our client gains time with orphaned niece By Jeffery M. Leving A 3-year-old girl tragically became an orphan when both of her parents died. She has aunts who are still living – and we had to fight for one of them to see her own niece. I’ll talk…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Jeffery Leving, Law, Opinion

Taxpayers get help finding refunds for overpayments, missed exemptions

August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

Taxpayers get help finding refunds for overpayments, missed exemptions Your Property Taxes with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas By Maria Pappas Cook County owes refunds to thousands of property owners because of past overpayments and missed exemptions. Many homeowners who could use the extra money to pay bills, buy groceries and meet other needs have…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Cook County, Maria Pappas, Opinion, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes

America weakened by bullying, hatred and media hypocrisy

August 24, 2023August 24, 2023 Ray Hanania No Comments

America weakened by bullying, hatred and media hypocrisy By Ray Hanania Despite the misleading rantings and personal attacks from people on the Left, who believe stating “facts” is the same thing as “having” facts, former President Donald Trump is positioned to easily win the Republican Party nomination next year. The only uncertainty in the election…