Fall is in the air in Seattle like the Midwest. The pictures taken in Seattle show a foggy afternoon and at the Pike Place Market fresh flowers, vegetables, and of course fish. It does not look like a Midwestern farmers’ market in the middle of October.
It could be according to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. A sheriff’s deputy supported the Sheriff’s opponent and “liked” the Facebook page of his opponent. Of course, the sheriff won re-election and the deputy who supported his opponent was terminated. The Court ruled that “liking” a candidate on the internet is the internet equivalent of displaying a political sign in one’s front yard which the Supreme Court has ruled is protected speech.
See Bland v. Roberts at http://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/Opinions/Published/121671.P.pdf
On Thursday October 10 – Help Heidi celebrate by stopping by her Studio at 1650 S Hance, Freeport. For details go to http://www.wholebodystudio.com/
Mr. Gitz correctly states in this article that the high real estate tax rate in Freeport discourages economic growth. Unfortunately, he just blames other taxing districts for the high tax rate stating that the City’s portion is relatively small which is correct. Mr. Gitz fails to state that the City of Freeport taxes everything else. If you go out to eat – special food tax. If you buy gas – special tax. If you sell your home – special tax ($4.00 per thousand of the sale price). Cable TV Taxes, telephone tax, electric tax – you name it Freeport taxes it. Look at your residential water bill – each month $10.00 capital improvement fee and $4.00 storm water fee – another $168.00 per year. If you are a small business look at your water bill – each month $10.00 capital improvement fee and $20.00 storm water fee – another $360.00 per year. Call them what you will, but to most of us they are just taxes! When looking at the tax burden – you must look at the overall picture. The City of Freeport is just as bad as the school district. In some ways worse since city bureaucrats pretend that they are fiscally responsible, but that is far from the truth. The present City Council does not know what “fiscal reponsibility” means.
To Mr. Gitz’s credit he does recognize there is a problem which is refreshing compared to his predecessor. But really Mr. Gitz – The City of Freeport shares the blame equally as far as contributing to the area’s economic situation.
As reported on Good Day Illinois, there was no sound at the Freeport City Council meeting on September 16 for those who were attempting to watch it on Comcast Channel 17. These meetings are rebroadcast on the following Monday at 6:00 pm for those who miss them. If you watched the rebroadcast on September 23, there was sound! At the beginning of the meeting, Alderman Koester’s wife called him advising him there was no sound for those watching the meeting on Channel 17. This was brought to the attention of Mayor Gitz who ignored the remark doing nothing. If you watched the meeting, it was obvious why he does not want sound!
Will this be a repeat of the last eight years when people complained and nothing was done?
iPads in principal are a good idea, but they will not help solve the basic issues before this Council. The majority of council members are either incapable or do not care about taking the time to address the issues facing the City of Freeport. Whether proposed ordinances and other issues to be addressed are on paper or on an iPad, it makes no difference if they cannot or do not read them. On balance it should save money since paper is expensive. Of course, the City will probably hire consultants to teach them how to use the iPads and that will cost the City a few thousand dollars! Then some members will still not be able to use them, and the City can send them to remedial courses at iPad University.
No sound for council meeting on September 16! Read Good Day Illinois for August 27 for a review of Gitz and his first 90 days.
Rescue Co. 1 of the New York Fire Department lost 11 firemen on September 11, 2001. This photo shows a memorial in the window of the firehouse in Manhattan which was placed there by the widow of one of the firemen. We must ever be vigilant and never forget that there are many people in the world who want to destroy this country. For a listing and pictures of all of the 343 firemen who died on September 11, go to http://nyfd.com/9_11_wtc.html
A long time, prominent resident of Freeport and graduate of Freeport High School when asked to comment on the new Burchard Street Water Tower said:
“Where is the Pretzel? Even the script on the tower for “City of Freeport” looks horrible. Who was the decision maker on this one? The script for “City of Freeport” conveys weakness instead of the boldness of a progressive and forward looking city.”
This is the opinion of one person – you look at it and decide! No matter what the damage is done!
If you like football, lots of area high school teams are playing tonight.
Guilford at Freeport – 7:15 pm
Stockton at Aquin – 7:30 pm
Lena-Winslow at Dakota – 7:30 pm
S. Beloit at Forreston – 7:30 pm
Orangeville at Millegeville – 7:30 pm
Galena at Durand – 7:30 pm
And don’t forget Lena Lions Fall Festival with all of its activities. Details at http://villageoflena.com/modules/contentbox/content/Resources/Events/lions.pdf
If you like Greek Food and music, you should go to Greek Fest at Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 108 N. Fifth Street in Rockford. It is 5 to 10 pm today, noon to 10 pm Saturday, and noon to 8 pm Sunday.
For more information go to http://gogreekfest.com/index.html
Good Day Illinois - Happenings in Northwest Illinois 