January, 2017 | West Cook News

Lyons Finance Committee presents warrants

By Jenie Mallari-Torres | Jan 28, 2017

The village of Lyons Finance Committee met Dec. 21 to present warrants.

Lyons Board of Trustees levies taxes

By Jenie Mallari-Torres | Jan 28, 2017

The village of Lyons Board of Trustees met Dec. 21 to levy taxes.

Lyons Board of Trustees hears public comments

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 28, 2017

The village of Lyons Board of Trustees met Jan. 3 to hear public comments.

Some AFSCME members disapprove of union's negotiating tactics

By West Cook News | Jan 27, 2017

Not all Illinois public employees who are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) are gung-ho and in lockstep with the government-worker union's negotiating tactics.

Dropping home values, high property taxes push Illinois toward financial cliff, analyst says

By West Cook News | Jan 27, 2017

Illinois residents burdened with falling home values and high property taxes are headed toward a cliff if Springfield doesn't do something soon to pull the state back from the precipice, a financial analyst said.

How Rauner’s wish list has fared in the General Assembly

By West Cook News | Jan 27, 2017

For the past two years, Gov. Bruce Rauner’s message has been consistent: Illinois needs major reform to avoid complete financial devastation.

Lyons Finance Committee presents warrants

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

The village of Lyons Finance Committee met Jan. 3 to present warrants.

Lyons Board of Trustees approves warrants

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 26, 2017

The village of Lyons Board of Trustees met Jan. 3 to approve warrants.

BGA: Chicago's plastic-bag tax faked 'green' crusade to rake in green

By West Cook News | Jan 24, 2017

The Better Government Association (BGA) recently suggested that the Chicago City Council’s new 7 cents-a-bag tax authorization is one more in a series of cloaked legislative efforts, wherein the stated purpose may obscure another motive.

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Critics point out hypocrisy in Madigan attack on Rauner regarding wealth and power

By West Cook News | Jan 24, 2017

There's a certain hypocrisy to House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) accusing Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of holding the budget process hostage for his wealthy friends and big business in general, a radio talk show's co-hosts said recently.

Embattled auditor general told to step aside

By West Cook News | Jan 23, 2017

The Chicago Tribune has called for embattled Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino to step aside until he resolves nagging campaign finance questions that his critics say major media outlets have largely ignored for months.

Frustrated Illinois manufacturer flees to Indiana's 'affordable shore' next door

By West Cook News | Jan 23, 2017

The president of a company that moved from Illinois to Indiana said recently on a Chicago radio talk show that he looks back on Illinois and hopes one day the state will get its act together.

Westchester fire commissioners review entry level firefighter list

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 22, 2017

The village of Westchester Fire and Police Commission met Jan. 4 to review the entry level firefighter list.

Bellwood trustees approve real estate tax levy

By Philip Gonzales | Jan 22, 2017

The village of Bellwood Board of Trustees met Dec. 21 to approve a real estate tax levy.

Cook County forest preserve commissioners review pending litigation

By Wadi Reformado | Jan 22, 2017

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 13 to review pending litigation.

Brookfield Parks and Recreation Commission presents program updates

By Lhalie Castillo | Jan 22, 2017

The village of Brookfield Parks and Recreation Commission met Dec. 20 to present program updates.

Lyons Finance Committee reviews financial report

By Jenie Mallari-Torres | Jan 22, 2017

The village of Lyons Finance Committee met Dec. 21 to review the financial report.

Analysis: Illinois has nation's steepest 'wealth flight' income differential

By West Cook News | Jan 20, 2017

After Illinois’ personal income tax was hiked just 2 points — from 3 to 5 percent — in early 2011, a record number of residents packed their bags, revealing what the Illinois Policy Institute termed “wealth flight.”