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  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families Business
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat Democrat
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens Government
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Fire
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Features
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries Fire
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown Baby Boomers
  • Illinios Industrial Energy Consumers, information ad
    Get information on the Illinois Energy Omnibus Bill in Springfield Business
  • State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District.
    Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District News
  • Dad and daughter reunited Lebving Law firm photo
    Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation Dads' Rights
  • 11-03-25 OFPD Coffee living alone
    Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 Baby Boomers
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
  • Chicago ranks as 161st worst city for crime in new national survey Chicago
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Kat Abughazaleh raises over $520,000 in Q2 of 2025 with more than $630,000 cash on hand for 2026 Democratic primary election elections
  • Silent Threat: The True Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries — How to Stay Safe and Respond to a Battery Fire Fire

Tag: election

Nearly every congressman, candidate has taken money from AIPAC

Posted on March 23, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Nearly every congressman, candidate has taken money from AIPAC
Nearly every congressman, candidate has taken money from AIPAC

Nearly every congressman, candidate has taken money from AIPAC In the heated battle for the 3rd Congressional District in the March 20, 2018 Democratic Primary, which has one of the largest concentrations of Arab American voters in the country, incumbent conservative Dan Lipinski squeaked out a slim victory over liberal challenger Marie Newman. For the…

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Blogger, Commentary, Government, National, Opinion, Orland Park, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Crestwood, saving money at the expense of the public

Posted on March 9, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Crestwood, saving money at the expense of the public
Crestwood, saving money at the expense of the public

Crestwood, saving money at the expense of the public

In the heated race for the 6th Cook County Board District, Patricia Joan Murphy offers taxpayers a better chance of standing up to tax increases. Crestwood Mayor Lou Presta reflects Crestwood’s record of failing to defend taxpayer rights. Crestwood’s history and recent newspaper disclosures about Presta’s past problems with tax debt and red light cameras raises serious questions

By Ray Hanania

(Published in the Southwest News Newspaper Group March 8, 2018)

I first became acquainted with Crestwood in the late 1970s when a police officer there called claiming then Mayor Chester Stranczek ordered police to shoot stray dogs. The order would “save money” by not requiring the village to chase them down.

After I wrote the story, Stranczek and officials there got angry, first because I wrote the story and second because I refused to identify the officer, the whistle blower who I consider to be a hero. The anonymous phone threats wouldn’t stop.

Crestwood was known for refunding resident property taxes, and that meant they needed to find ways to save money. But it just doesn’t seem that the price the public has to pay so Crestwood can “save money” hasn’t been worth it at all.

A red light camera in Chicago, USA. Français :...
A red light camera (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I made it a habit not to drive through Crestwood, fearing I might get pulled over and who knows what could happen in a Crestwood jail? They might force me to drink the water there.

As it turned out, to save money, Crestwood officials figured they could save money by ignoring EPA safety regulations, mixing poisoned water into the village water system between 1985 and 2007. How many people got cancer from that outrageous “money-saving” practice?

The tiny, 3-square-mile village of under 11,000 residents can’t seem to get away from officials who want to “save money.”

Both ABC TV’s “I-Team” and the Chicago Tribune have slammed Crestwood for their abusive red-light camera system. In fact, of 85 suburban communities that have red light cameras, the Chicago Tribune asserts Crestwood is the “most prolific ticketer in the suburbs.”

Many of the Crestwood red light camera intersections have been denounced as “traps” intended to squeeze drivers for their money, rather than to make the community safer, as Crestwood asserts on its village website.

That’s a history no one should be proud of. So, I am surprised that the mayor there, Lou Presta, instead of rolling up his sleeves to change that poor public image, is instead running for the 6th Cook County District seat that was held for many years by the late Joan Patricia Murphy. Murphy died in September 2016 and was succeeded by Edward Moody, who decided not to run for election.

Murphy’s daughter, Patricia Joan Murphy, is on the ballot running to succeed where her mother left-off and is in a head-to-head battle with Crestwood’s Mayor, Presta to win the March 18 Democratic primary. Donna Miller is also in the race.

I know both Murphy and Presta, although not very well. Murphy has reached out repeatedly to provide me with information about her candidacy but Presta and Miller have not. When I did research on the three candidates, Crestwood’s pathetic history kept dominating the Google searches.

And there is the Sun-Times disclosure that Presta owes a lot of money in back taxes. Presta says it’s from a bad investment and he’s paying it all back.

I’m not sure how a person who owes the IRS can stand up for the needs of taxpayers. But that’s what Presta claims.

IN OTHER RACES: Bob Fioretti is mounting a strong campaign to unseat Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who was bruised by a stupid political decision to impose a one cent per ounce tax on sweetened drinks and soda pop. Even her supporters abandoned her when County Commissioner Sean Morrison introduced a repeal ordinance that passed despite her objections. Fioretti is a credible anti-tax alternative.

Kwame Raoul’s TV Commercials touting his candidacy for Illinois Attorney General are pretty lame. Raoul succeeded Barack Obama in the Illinois Senate. But then I heard him speak at a candidate’s breakfast hosted by the Lyons Township Democratic organization. I was moved by his comments and understanding of the issues including fighting gun related crimes, being an independent voice, and standing up to Gov. Rauner. I wish he would have put “that candidate” in his TV Ads. He is a very powerful speaker, not a meek successor to Obama. That needs to come out in the next two weeks because right now, name recognition is the driving force for most voters.

(Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Contact him through his webpage at www.RayHanania.com.)

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Blogger, Commentary, elections, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland

Lipinski-Newman Congressional fight has nation’s attention

Posted on February 15, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Lipinski-Newman Congressional fight has nation’s attention
Lipinski-Newman Congressional fight has nation’s attention

Lipinski-Newman Congressional fight has nation’s attention Six term Congressman Dan Lipinski is no stranger to controversy. Appointed to succeed his father Bill, Dan Lipinski has faced criticism from Day One. He’s no media darling and his conservative Democratic beliefs often pit him against more liberal and “progressive” colleagues. This year’s election challenge from Marie Newman…

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Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, elections, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Lisa Hernandez fundraiser March 7

Posted on February 14, 2018September 25, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Lisa Hernandez fundraiser March 7

Lisa Hernandez fundraiser March 7 I’m locked in the primary battle of my political career. My opponent is spreading lies like a running faucet. Years of hard work for our community is under threat of being wiped out for good. We must take a stand and speak up for the residents of the 24th District….

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Chicago, elections, Events, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Illinois Candidates showcase Arab American breakfast event Sunday Feb 18

Posted on February 12, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Illinois Candidates showcase Arab American breakfast event Sunday Feb 18
Illinois Candidates showcase Arab American breakfast event Sunday Feb 18

Illinois Candidates showcase Arab American breakfast event Sunday Feb 18 More than a dozen Democratic candidates vying for contested races in the March 20 Illinois primary election have confirmed their appearances at the annual Candidate’s Breakfast hosted by the state’s largest Arab American political organization. The Arab American Democratic Club will host candidates running for…

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elections, Events, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Cook County GOP Chairman Endorses Bruce Rauner for Re-election

Posted on February 2, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cook County GOP Chairman Endorses Bruce Rauner for Re-election
Cook County GOP Chairman Endorses Bruce Rauner for Re-election

Cook County GOP Chairman Endorses Bruce Rauner for Re-election Cook County Republican Party Chairman Sean M. Morrison announced his personal endorsement of Governor Bruce Rauner for re-election this morning. Citing Governor Rauner’s tireless efforts to rebuild the Republican Party in Illinois and fight one party rule in Springfield as the two central reasons for Chairman…

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Government, News, Politics

Woman legislators join in endorsing Marie Newman for Congress

Posted on January 22, 2018January 22, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Woman legislators join in endorsing Marie Newman for Congress
Woman legislators join in endorsing Marie Newman for Congress

Woman legislators join in endorsing Marie Newman for Congress Chicago’s Top Progressive Female Legislators Back Marie Newman for Congress. Newman Kicks Off the ‘Year of The Woman’ With Support from Chicago’s Powerhouse Female Legislators This week, nine of the top female legislators in the Chicago area joined together to endorse Marie Newman in her bid…

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elections, Government, News, Politics, women

Angeles Sandoval announces bid for 7th Dist. Cook County seat

Posted on December 15, 2017December 15, 2017 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Angeles Sandoval announces bid for 7th Dist. Cook County seat

Angeles Sandoval announces bid for 7th Dist. Cook County seat CHICAGO, IL — Surrounded by community leaders from the Southwest Side of Chicago, Democrat Angeles “Angie” Sandoval, formally announced her bid to become the next Cook County Commissioner of the 7th District. She will become the newest and only “Latina” on the Cook County Board….

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News

Arab American Democratic Club urges Pritzker to apologize

Posted on December 13, 2017August 23, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Arab American Democratic Club urges Pritzker to apologize
Arab American Democratic Club urges Pritzker to apologize

Arab American Democratic Club urges Pritzker to apologize Arab Americans in Illinois called on gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker Wednesday to publicly apologize for insensitive comments he made in which he accused a Muslim American group of being “terrorists” when he ran for Congress in 1998. Arab American Democratic Club President Samir Khalil said the comment…

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Chicago, elections, Government, News, Orland Park, Suburban Chicagoland

Cindy Masover Announces Run for 58th House Seat

Posted on September 26, 2017September 26, 2017 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cindy Masover Announces Run for 58th House Seat
Cindy Masover Announces Run for 58th House Seat

Cindy Masover Announces Run for 58th House Seat Cindy Masover has announced she will run for State Representative of the 58th District. An attorney, small business owner, and mother of two daughters from Highland Park, Cindy is uniquely positioned to represent the 58th District. “I have decided to run for State Representative to be an…

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Government, News, Politics

Video: Kennedy takes gun violence personally

Posted on July 25, 2017September 25, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Video: Kennedy takes gun violence personally
Video: Kennedy takes gun violence personally

Video: Kennedy takes gun violence personally To my dad, gun violence is personal. He understands how gun violence can affect individuals, families and communities. He wants to make sure everyone affected can get the help they need and, most of all, he wants to stop this violence from happening in the first place. My dad…

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news release, Politics, Releases

Cheney launches campaign to unseat Roskam

Posted on July 11, 2017July 11, 2017 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Cheney launches campaign to unseat Roskam
Cheney launches campaign to unseat Roskam

Cheney launches campaign to unseat Roskam Carole Cheney, a close aide to Congressman Bill Foster has thrown her hat into the ring to challenge one of Foster’s Republican Party colleagues, Peter Roskam. Roskam is one of the most rightwing members of the Congress who has thrived on voter apathy. Roskam is also considered one of…

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News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

DuPage accuses Muslim woman of forging election petitions

Posted on June 15, 2017November 9, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on DuPage accuses Muslim woman of forging election petitions
DuPage accuses Muslim woman of forging election petitions

DuPage accuses Muslim woman of forging election petitions Lisle Woman Accused of Forging Petitions for Seat on COD Board of Trustees DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin announced today that Rafath Waheed, 61 (d.o.b. 7/21/1955) of 6193 Hickory Drive, Lisle, has been charged with submitting forged petitions to earn a seat on the College…

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Crime, DuPage, News

Illinois Associated Fire Fighters Endorse Pritzker for Governor

Posted on May 27, 2017September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Illinois Associated Fire Fighters Endorse Pritzker for Governor

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Endorses JB Pritzker for Governor Today, the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois announced their endorsement of JB Pritzker for Governor at a press conference in Peoria. The endorsement comes after careful consideration of every candidate in the race and their commitment to fighting for Illinois working families. The Associated…

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Politics, Releases

Orland Fire Protection District swears in Trustees

Posted on May 23, 2017September 28, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Orland Fire Protection District swears in Trustees

Orland Fire Protection District swears in Trustees Evoy elected to second term as Orland Fire Protection District Board President; former OFPD Commissioner Craig Schmidt elected to first term as OFPD Trustee Christopher Evoy was elected to a second term as President of the Orland Fire Protection District Board of Trustees at its meeting Tuesday night…

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Editors Pick, Features, News

Pritzker slams Rauner for avoiding budget issue

Posted on May 16, 2017October 13, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pritzker slams Rauner for avoiding budget issue
Pritzker slams Rauner for avoiding budget issue

Pritzker slams Rauner for avoiding budget issue Rauner Runs Away When Questioned About Approaching Budget Deadline Chicago, IL – Yesterday, while hundreds of protestors attended the March to Springfield to demand a state budget after over two years of inaction, Bruce Rauner ran away from reporters’ questions regarding the approaching budget. Watch for yourself here. It comes as…

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Politics, Releases

Kennedy endorsed by Southern Illinois Democrats

Posted on May 14, 2017May 27, 2017 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Kennedy endorsed by Southern Illinois Democrats
Kennedy endorsed by Southern Illinois Democrats

Kennedy endorsed by Southern Illinois Democrats First major endorsement in the governor’s race goes to Chris Kennedy two weeks after announcing his campaign Chris Kennedy, Democratic candidate for governor, received the endorsement of the Southern Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association yesterday. This is the first major endorsement in the Democratic race for governor. “The SIDCCA insists…

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Politics, Releases

Why is my TV clogged with election Ads?

Posted on May 14, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Why is my TV clogged with election Ads?
Why is my TV clogged with election Ads?

Why is my TV clogged with election Ads? Nauseating political commercials have already started to clog our Spring season television viewing, and it has a lot to do with the fact that the three candidates for governor in Illinois are among the richest people around. Republican Bruce Rauner, one of the most incompetent governor’s Illinois has…

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Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

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    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
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  • NEWS
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families
    October 29, 2025
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat
    October 29, 2025
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    October 29, 2025
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured
    October 28, 2025
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday
    October 26, 2025
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