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  • Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving
    Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business

Tag: election

Voters should reject failed leadership in Lyons School District 103

Posted on March 25, 2019November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Voters should reject failed leadership in Lyons School District 103
Voters should reject failed leadership in Lyons School District 103

Voters should reject failed leadership in Lyons School District 103 In a heated election contest in the west suburban Lyons School District 103 where controversy, scandal and excessive spending dominate the board majority’s focus, voters need to take an active role in sweeping out the failed leadership and electing new trustees to restore the educational…

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Blogger, Commentary, Education, General Topics, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Taxes, Village of Lyons

Pawar gets endorsement of new Muslims group for Chicago Treasurer

Posted on February 13, 2019June 12, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Pawar gets endorsement of new Muslims group for Chicago Treasurer
Pawar gets endorsement of new Muslims group for Chicago Treasurer

Pawar gets endorsement of new Muslims group for Chicago Treasurer New Muslim Political Organization makes its first endorsements in Chicago City-Wide Elections: Ameya Pawar for City Treasurer and Anna Valencia for City Clerk. The Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition also released its list of Muslims running for office in Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs Today, on the first…

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

What Chicago mayor candidates are really saying about themselves

Posted on February 9, 2019November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on What Chicago mayor candidates are really saying about themselves
What Chicago mayor candidates are really saying about themselves

What Chicago mayor candidates are really saying about themselves Comparing the campaign TV ads of the various mayoral candidates says a lot about who they really are and what their priorities are, or are not. The  candidates for Chicago mayor define themselves in their TV campaign ads. Here’s what it looks like. Published in the…

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Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, elections, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania, Taxes

Orland residents call for Mehalek and Fenton to step down

Posted on February 7, 2019November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Orland residents call for Mehalek and Fenton to step down
Orland residents call for Mehalek and Fenton to step down

Orland residents call for Mehalek and Fenton to step down Voters call foul after a decision by Orland Park Village Clerk John Mehalek and Trustee Kathy Fenton is thrown out by a Cook County Circuit Court Judge. Mehalek and Fenton ruled that a slate of candidates for Orland Park trustee could not appear on the ballot…

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

District 103 Candidates Distribute Supplies To Students

Posted on January 21, 2019January 21, 2019 By Steve Metsch No Comments on District 103 Candidates Distribute Supplies To Students
District 103 Candidates Distribute Supplies To Students

District 103 Candidates Distribute Supplies To Students By Steve Metsch (Originally published in the Des Plaines Valley News) Four candidates seeking election to the Lyons School District 103 board spent part of Saturday giving supplies to kids and meeting with parents. Olivia Quintero, Winifred Rodriguez, Vito Campanile and incumbent Jorge Torres are running on the…

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Education, elections, Government, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Sandoval takes oath of office for sixth term

Posted on January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Sandoval takes oath of office for sixth term
Sandoval takes oath of office for sixth term

Sandoval takes oath of office for sixth term State Sen. Martin Sandoval declares that health care and immigrant rights will remain priorities as he returns to The Illinois Senate for a 6th Term in office Affordable health care, protecting immigrants’ rights, equitable K-12 funding, increasing public safety and creating more jobs will continue to be…

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Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

WGN Mayoral forum gives candidates chance to sparkle

Posted on January 10, 2019November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on WGN Mayoral forum gives candidates chance to sparkle
WGN Mayoral forum gives candidates chance to sparkle

WGN Mayoral forum gives candidates chance to sparkle WGN hosted a fast-paced mayoral forum that brought 13 of the city’s 21 candidates who are running for mayor to the forefront. Although the forum didn’t get down into deep details on issues, it gave the public a chance to get a broad sense of which candidate…

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Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, elections, Government, News, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Carole Ruzich leads new slate in Orland Village elections

Posted on December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Carole Ruzich leads new slate in Orland Village elections
Carole Ruzich leads new slate in Orland Village elections

Carole Ruzich leads new slate in Orland Village elections Veteran Orland Park Village Trustee Carole Griffin Ruzich will lead an independent slate of candidates including Kelly O’Brien and Devin Hodge for three seats in the Orland Park village elections in April 2019. Over 1500 petition signatures for Orland Park Trustee, exceeding the 645 required to…

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elections, Government, News, Orland Park, Politics, Releases

Mayoral candidate Gery Chico releases first Ad

Posted on November 15, 2018November 15, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Mayoral candidate Gery Chico releases first Ad
Mayoral candidate Gery Chico releases first Ad

Mayoral candidate Gery Chico releases first Ad We released our first digital ad last week, “Getting It Done On Education,” and we can’t wait for you to see it! Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have been struggling for too long, but with Gery’s experience as board president of CPS, he has a plan to strengthen and…

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Chicago, elections, Government, News, Politics

Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21

Posted on October 11, 2018October 11, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21

Arab American voters to rally for Democratic candidates Oct. 21 Dozens of Democratic candidates running in the November 6, 2018 General election will be showcased at the annual Candidate’s Breakfast & Brunch on Sunday, October 21 hosted by The Arab American Democratic Club. The keynote speakers at the event are Illinois House Speaker Michael J….

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breaking news, Editors Pick, elections, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Politics, Suburban Chicagoland

Republican Kelly urges Mayor Emanuel to stepdown

Posted on October 2, 2018October 2, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Republican Kelly urges Mayor Emanuel to stepdown
Republican Kelly urges Mayor Emanuel to stepdown

Republican Kelly urges Mayor Emanuel to stepdown During a recent appearance on the PBS show, “Chicago Tonight,” William J. Kelly, the only Republican candidate for Chicago mayor, blasted the Chicago media and national Democrats for giving Rahm a pass on the Chicago Public Schools sex abuse and rape scandal – a sharp contrast to their…

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News

In need of a “voter carwash” after governors’ debate

Posted on September 27, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania 2 Comments on In need of a “voter carwash” after governors’ debate
In need of a “voter carwash” after governors’ debate

In need of a “voter carwash” after governors’ debate The personal attacks in the first debate between Gov. Bruce Rauner and three challengers including J.B. Pritzker is disheartening for the future for the state of Illinois. Isn’t there anyone out there who has a great idea to save this state? Wake up people! When it…

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Blogger, Commentary, Government, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

Race leverages next election for Chicago mayor

Posted on September 19, 2018November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Race leverages next election for Chicago mayor
Race leverages next election for Chicago mayor

Race leverages next election for Chicago mayor Who will be Chicago’s next mayor? The decision will be made by Chicago’s racially divided voters, Blacks, Whites and Hispanics. The first run will see all of the racial blocks divided and the two candidates who receive the most votes — no one will win the 50 percent…

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Democratic faithful rally

Posted on September 13, 2018September 13, 2018 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Democratic faithful rally

Democratic faithful rally Fall Festers told “get out the vote” By Steve Metsch A well-attended Fall Fest, hosted by Citizens for Steve Landek, attracted some big names in the Democratic Party as they rallied the troops. The fest was held Sept. 8 on the sidewalk in front of the Lyons Township Democratic Organization, 7678 W….

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News, Suburban Chicagoland

Activists Vow to Continue Fight Against Illinois Voter Suppression

Posted on July 17, 2018 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Activists Vow to Continue Fight Against Illinois Voter Suppression
Activists Vow to Continue Fight Against Illinois Voter Suppression

Activists Vow to Continue Fight Against Illinois Voter Suppression Governor’s Veto Yet Another Reminder: Elections Matter Attention is now focused on the November elections and future legislation to secure elections and fight voter suppression, after Governor Rauner’s veto of SB 2273. The bill would have modified existing law to stop Illinois from sharing voter data…

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breaking news, elections, Government, News, Politics

McCarthy Statement on Recent Police-Involved Shooting

Posted on July 16, 2018March 17, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on McCarthy Statement on Recent Police-Involved Shooting
McCarthy Statement on Recent Police-Involved Shooting

McCarthy Statement on Recent Police-Involved Shooting Former Chicago Police Superintendent and Candidate for Mayor of Chicago Garry McCarthy issued this statement on rising violence in the City of Chicago: “These kinds of shooting incidents are a tragedy. As a city, we all lose when they occur. I offer my condolence to the victim’s family. At…

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breaking news, Chicago, elections, General Topics, Government, News, Police

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

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    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
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