Proviso School Board President Chris Welch has sued the District's former lawyers, Burt Odelson and Mark Sterk, of Odelson & Sterk, Ltd. He has also sued his former employer, James J. Roche, of James J. Roche & Associates. Here is the text of Welch's complaint against them:
COUNT I
RETALIATORY DISCHARGE
1. Welch is an attorney currently working as a Partner in the law firm of Sanchez, Daniels and Hoffman LLP in Chicago.
2. From June 16, 2003, to May 21, 2007, Welch worked as an employee for Third-Party Defendant James Roche (“Roche”) at his law firm, James J. Roche & Associates. (collectively “Third Party Defendants”)
3. In addition to his legal duties, from November 7, 2001 to the present, Welch has been a member of the Proviso High School District 209 ("District 209") Board of Education. Since April 1, 2003, Welch has served as the Board's president.
4. Counter-Defendants Burton S. Odelson (“Odelson”), Mark Sterk (“Sterk”) are attorneys who manage and control the law firm of Odelson & Sterk, Ltd. (collectively “Counter-Defendants”)
5. At all times relevant to this Complaint through July 12, 2007, and May 21, 2007, respectively, Odelson & Sterk, Ltd., did legal work for Maywood School District 89 (“District 89”) and District 209.
6. Beginning December 13, 2006, and monthly thereafter, officials at District 209 began questioning Odelson & Sterk’s legal bills.
7. Shortly after District 209 challenged Odelson & Sterk’s legal bills, Roche called Welch into his office to complain about the problems that Odelson & Sterk were having getting their legal bills approved by District 209.
8. On information and belief, on or about May 21, 2007, Odelson & Sterk called James Roche, blaming Welch for their impending dismissal as attorneys for District 209, and requested that Welch be fired in retaliation for his role in uncovering Odelson & Sterk’s alleged overbilling and unauthorized charging.
9. On May 21, 2007, after Odelson & Sterk called James Roche, Roche called Welch and left a message for him to report to Roche’s office to discuss his employment status.
10. On May 21, 2007, Roche told Welch that, if District 209 fires Odelson & Sterk, not to report to work ever again.
11. On information and belief, on May 21, 2007, District 209 fired Odelson & Sterk for allegedly billing the district for legal work that was either not done or not authorized.
12. On May 22, 2007, Roche fired Welch in retaliation for Odelson & Sterk’s firing as counsel for District 209.
13. As a result of his illegal termination, Welch suffered a loss of income.
14. On information and belief, Odelson, Sterk and Roche agreed to try to use Welch’s employment position as leverage to try to coerce him to use his position as Board President of District 209 to get the District to continue to use Odelson & Sterk, despite the fact that Odelson & Sterk were overbilling the District and, when that did not happen, agreed to have Welch terminated at Roche’s firm.
15. It is against pubic policy in Illinois for an individual or group to condition a person’s employment on his approval, in a role unconnected to his employment, of fraudulent billing of a government entity.
WHEREFORE, for all of the foregoing reasons, Counter-Plaintiff Emanuel C. Welch respectfully request that the Court find that Roche and James Roche and Associates discharged Welch solely for his failure to allow Odelson & Sterk to overbill District 209, and prays that judgment be entered against Third Party Defendants, James Roche, and James Roche and Associates, in a sum to be determined at trial, that the Court assess punitive damages against Third Party Defendants, and for other and further relief that this court deems just.
COUNT II
CIVIL CONSPIRACY
1-14. Counter-Plaintiff realleges paragraphs 1-14 of Count I as paragraphs 1-14 of this Count II as if they were set forth herein.
15. Counter-Defendants and Third Party Defendants conspired with each other to have Roche terminate Welch from his employment in retaliation for Welch’s failure to support Counter-Defendants in their scheme to overbill District 209.
WHEREFORE, for all of the foregoing reasons, Counter Plaintiff Emanuel C. Welch prays that judgment be entered against Counter Defendants, Odelson, Sterk and Odelson & Sterk and Third Party Defendants, James Roche, and James Roche and Associates, on this Count II, that compensatory damages be assessed in a sum to be determined at trial, that the Court assess punitive damages against all defendants, and for other and further relief that this court deems just.
COUNT III
DEFAMATION
1-14. Counter-Plaintiff realleges paragraphs 1-14 of Count I as paragraphs 1-14 of this Count III as if they were set forth herein.
15. On July 11, 2007, in retaliation for their firing in District 209 and their impending firing in District 89, Odelson & Sterk wrote a memorandum to the School Board of District 89, the Regional Superintendent of Schools, the Chicago Sun Times, the Chicago Tribune, the U.S. Attorney, the State’s Attorney, the Daily Southtown, the Forest Park Review, and the Pioneer Press. (Attached hereto as Exhibit 1)
16. In his July 11, 2007 memorandum, Mr. Odelson states, in pertinent part, as follows:
the Sanchez firm, although a noted and experienced defense firm as well as real estate and commercial experience (sic) has zero experience in school law. Mr. Welch will claim that he is the ‘experience’, which stems from his short tenure as attorney for School District 88 until his dismissal and then his rehiring by School District 88 after the last School Board election in April when the majority of the Board changed in Mr. Welch’s favor.
Further, he says:
I cannot now, legally, morally or professionally stand by and watch from the sideline as Mr. Serpico rewards Mr. Welch by handing him the legal representation of School District 89 after Mr. Welch conveniently accommodated Mr. Serpico’s desire to hire Mr. Delgado in School District 209.
Finally, he states:
I feel legally obligated to inform the proper authorities as well as the media, and most importantly the Regional Superintendent of Schools of the actions about to take place at the July 12, meeting of School District 89. . . If nothing else, the public will be aware and should monitor the legal bills of Morton College, School District 209, School District 88 and School District 89 as the dust settles and the political muscle that has been flexed is now extended to reap the benefits of years of political work.
17. On information and belief, on or about May 22, 2007 or at some time better known to Defendants, Odelson called three of Welch’s clients, Hoover-Schrum School District 157, Posen-Roberts District 143 ½ and Community High School District 218 and made similar disparaging comments imputing Mr. Welch’s lack of integrity in the performance of his professional services and duties.
18. The statements made by Odelson in his July 11, 2007 memo to District 89 accuse Welch of criminality and acting in a way that shows a lack of integrity in the performance of his professional services and duties.
19. On information and belief, the statements made by Odelson on or about May 22, 2007 or on dates better known to Defendants (noted in paragraph 17, above) to three of Welch’s clients accuse Welch of criminality and acting in a way that shows a lack of integrity in the performance of his professional services and duties.
20. Because of the disparaging statements made by Odelson to Welch’s clients, Welch was injured in that two of the three clients, Hoover-Schrum School District 157, Posen-Roberts District 143 ½ , terminated their relationship with Welch costing him substantial revenue.
21. The statements published by Odelson regarding Welch were false and were made knowing they were false or with reckless disregard for whether they were true or false and without reasonable grounds for believing they were true.
22. The statements made by Odelson regarding Welch were made with actual malice, evil motive and with an intent to injure Welch without just cause and were defamatory per se for which Welch is entitled to compensatory damages.
23. Alternatively, the statements made by Odelson regarding Welch were made with actual malice, evil motive and with an intent to injure Welch without just cause and were defamatory per quod for which Welch is entitled to special damages including the revenue lost from his former clients.
WHEREFORE, for all of the foregoing reasons, Counter Plaintiff Emanuel C. Welch prays that judgment be entered against Counter Defendants, Odelson, Sterk and Odelson & Sterk on this Count III, that compensatory damages be assessed in a sum to be determined at trial, that the Court assess punitive damages against all defendants, and for other and further relief that this court deems just.
COUNT IV
TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS
1-21. Counter-Plaintiff realleges paragraphs 1-21 of Count III as paragraphs 1-21 of this Count IV as if they were set forth herein.
22. On or before May 22, 2007, Welch had an expectation of a continuing business relationship with Hoover-Schrum School District 157, and Posen-Roberts District 143 ½.
23. Counter-Defendants knew of Welch’s expectation of the continuing business relationship with Hoover-Schrum School District 157, and Posen-Roberts District 143 ½.
24. On information and belief, Counter Defendants deliberately disparaged Welch to his clients with the intention of interfering with his expectation of a continued business relationship with Hoover-Schrum School District 157, and Posen-Roberts District 143 ½.
25. On information and belief, because of Defendants’ deliberate and false disparagement of Welch, Welch lost his business relationship with Hoover-Schrum School District 157, and Posen-Roberts District 143 ½, suffering a loss of income.
WHEREFORE, for all of the foregoing reasons, Counter Plaintiff Emanuel C. Welch prays that judgment be entered against Counter Defendants, Odelson, Sterk and Odelson & Sterk, on this Count IV, that compensatory damages be assessed in a sum to be determined at trial, that the Court assess punitive damages against all defendants, and for other and further relief that this court deems just.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Did SD209 Board Member Theresa Kelly Go On A Junket???
At the most recent Proviso School Board meeting, a presentation was given to the Board of Education by a sales lady from ENI consulting company. The consulting company reportedly was selling career coaches, coaches who would help teachers do their jobs better. The sales lady was reportedly invited to speak to the Board by Proviso Board member Theresa Kelly just six months after the company allegedly paid for Theresa Kelly's airfare to Scottsdale, Arizona for a junket. Kelly attended the junket with one of the district's principals, an English teacher and a former employee of the district who now works for the Regional Superintendent.
Did the consulting company pay for Theresa Kelly's trip to Scottsdale, Arizona? Is Theresa Kelly now pushing the district to hire the company in exchange for the trip?
Did the consulting company pay for Theresa Kelly's trip to Scottsdale, Arizona? Is Theresa Kelly now pushing the district to hire the company in exchange for the trip?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Is Cook County Regional Superintendent of Schools Abusing Authority???
The Insider has learned that Cook County Regional Superintendent of Schools, Charles Flowers, is possibly abusing his authority in school districts across Cook County. Schools in Proviso Township are being specifically targeted. The Regional Superintendent, who is primarily responsible for ensuring teachers and administrators have certificates up to date and schools comply with life safety laws, has been harassing school districts for credit card statements, legal invoices, employment contracts, etc. Flowers has also developed a pattern of sending former, disgruntled employees who now work for his office back to their former jobs to conduct inspections in their old districts. Districts across Cook County have responded by lodging complaints at the State Board of Education.
Has Charles Flowers lost his mind again? Is he abusing his authority as Regional Superintendent of Schools? Should he be tossed out?
Has Charles Flowers lost his mind again? Is he abusing his authority as Regional Superintendent of Schools? Should he be tossed out?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Proviso Hires New, Award Winning Superintendent!!!
Proviso Township High Schools District 209 has ended its superintendent search by placing Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart, an award winning superintendent and noted school reformer, in the top spot.
At Monday night's board meeting the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education unanimously accepted the recommendation of the search firm and welcomed Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart with a three year contract.
This decision was made after a thorough search, which included considerable community input.
"We were fortunate to have a number of highly qualified candidates who shared our vision for the education of our young people and the development of our schools," said PTHS 209 Board President Chris Welch. "After an exhaustive review process, we were convinced that Dr. Collins-Hart was the best person for the job. We are excited to bring her talent, dedication and vision to the service of our Proviso students and families."
Dr. Collins-Hart was selected from a field of four exceptional finalists, all of whom underwent a rigorous review process by the PTHS 209 search committee, said Welch.
Collins-Hart most recently served as Superintendent for the Bertie County Schools in North Carolina. There, she was credited with helping move the county schools forward with innovative curriculum and grant funding.
Among other awards, Collins-Hart received the 2006 Superintendent of the Year award from the American Cancer Society for the South Atlantic Region 4 and a Leadership Award in 2005 from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro National Alliance of Black School Educators. She's also been cited for her work in closing the achievement gap in equity education by author Glenn Singleton in his 2005 book Courageous Conversations about Race: a Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools.
Most of Collins-Hart's work has involved raising the standards of classroom instruction, closing achievement gaps between various student demographics, and improving curriculum development, alignment, and implementation. She also possesses a noteworthy track record of sound fiscal management and accountability at both primary and secondary levels of education.
Dr. Collins-Hart received her Bachelor's degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, two Master's degrees from East Carolina University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.
Collins-Hart's contract as PTHS 209 Superintendent begins July 1, 2008.
At Monday night's board meeting the Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education unanimously accepted the recommendation of the search firm and welcomed Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart with a three year contract.
This decision was made after a thorough search, which included considerable community input.
"We were fortunate to have a number of highly qualified candidates who shared our vision for the education of our young people and the development of our schools," said PTHS 209 Board President Chris Welch. "After an exhaustive review process, we were convinced that Dr. Collins-Hart was the best person for the job. We are excited to bring her talent, dedication and vision to the service of our Proviso students and families."
Dr. Collins-Hart was selected from a field of four exceptional finalists, all of whom underwent a rigorous review process by the PTHS 209 search committee, said Welch.
Collins-Hart most recently served as Superintendent for the Bertie County Schools in North Carolina. There, she was credited with helping move the county schools forward with innovative curriculum and grant funding.
Among other awards, Collins-Hart received the 2006 Superintendent of the Year award from the American Cancer Society for the South Atlantic Region 4 and a Leadership Award in 2005 from the Chapel Hill-Carrboro National Alliance of Black School Educators. She's also been cited for her work in closing the achievement gap in equity education by author Glenn Singleton in his 2005 book Courageous Conversations about Race: a Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools.
Most of Collins-Hart's work has involved raising the standards of classroom instruction, closing achievement gaps between various student demographics, and improving curriculum development, alignment, and implementation. She also possesses a noteworthy track record of sound fiscal management and accountability at both primary and secondary levels of education.
Dr. Collins-Hart received her Bachelor's degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, two Master's degrees from East Carolina University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas.
Collins-Hart's contract as PTHS 209 Superintendent begins July 1, 2008.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Proviso East Student Killed In Maywood!!!
According to reports in the Proviso Herald, Maywood police had no suspects or motive Tuesday morning in the Monday night fatal shooting of a 17-year-old Bellwood resident.
Tawanna Ford was shot once in the head around 8 p.m. Monday while sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle traveling near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Ninth Avenue, police said.
"A couple of guys were standing near Ninth and Washington, and one of them fired a gun at the car," said Sgt. Tim Curry said.
"When (the driver) realized that (Ford) had been hit, he rushed her to Westlake (Hospital in Melrose Park). (The injury) was too serious for Westlake, so they transported (Ford) to Loyola (University Medical Center in Maywood), where she was pronounced dead (at 10:29 p.m.)."
Curry said he didn't know how many shots were fired.
"The bullet that struck (Ford) in the head apparently entered the car through the driver's side rear window," he said. "The motive is unknown; there doesn't appear to be one. But we don't believe it was gang- or drug-related."
Ford, who just completed her third year at Proviso East High School, was on target to graduate a semester early, in December 2008, according to Principal Milton Patch.
"It is truly a very sad day for the Proviso East community, and I only hope that someday decision makers will rise up and take a positive stand to eradicate the violence that consumes our community," Patch said in a statement to Proviso East staff.
Patch said he previously had been Ford's principal at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Bellwood.
"I was her principal since she was in second grade and had known her and her mother most of her life," he said.
"She always had a smile on her face. She was a hard worker, and there's nothing she wouldn't do for anyone."
Patch said Ford planned to attend Triton College in River Grove from January until August 2009 and then transfer to a college in Florida.
The Proviso East principal said a memorial service for Ford is scheduled for June 14, but he had no further details Tuesday morning.
A social worker is available at Proviso East for any students in need of counseling, Patch said.
Tawanna Ford was shot once in the head around 8 p.m. Monday while sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle traveling near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Ninth Avenue, police said.
"A couple of guys were standing near Ninth and Washington, and one of them fired a gun at the car," said Sgt. Tim Curry said.
"When (the driver) realized that (Ford) had been hit, he rushed her to Westlake (Hospital in Melrose Park). (The injury) was too serious for Westlake, so they transported (Ford) to Loyola (University Medical Center in Maywood), where she was pronounced dead (at 10:29 p.m.)."
Curry said he didn't know how many shots were fired.
"The bullet that struck (Ford) in the head apparently entered the car through the driver's side rear window," he said. "The motive is unknown; there doesn't appear to be one. But we don't believe it was gang- or drug-related."
Ford, who just completed her third year at Proviso East High School, was on target to graduate a semester early, in December 2008, according to Principal Milton Patch.
"It is truly a very sad day for the Proviso East community, and I only hope that someday decision makers will rise up and take a positive stand to eradicate the violence that consumes our community," Patch said in a statement to Proviso East staff.
Patch said he previously had been Ford's principal at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Bellwood.
"I was her principal since she was in second grade and had known her and her mother most of her life," he said.
"She always had a smile on her face. She was a hard worker, and there's nothing she wouldn't do for anyone."
Patch said Ford planned to attend Triton College in River Grove from January until August 2009 and then transfer to a college in Florida.
The Proviso East principal said a memorial service for Ford is scheduled for June 14, but he had no further details Tuesday morning.
A social worker is available at Proviso East for any students in need of counseling, Patch said.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Proviso West and Proviso East Celebrate Graduations!!!
The Insider has learned that Proviso West and Proviso East High Schools will celebrate their respective graduations at the UIC Pavilion on Sunday, May 25, 2008. The Proviso West graduation will begin at 1pm and the Proviso East graduation will begin at 6pm. Sources say both schools are graduating record numbers and students at both schools have received in excess of $3 million in scholarships. Congratulations Proviso High Schools!!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Walt "Coach" Sawosko, Sr. Has Died...
Walt Sawosko, Sr., the founder of the Proviso West Holiday Basketball tournament, has died. Insider sources say the Proviso legend passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2008 with family members by his side. Services are planned for Thursday and Friday with Visitation occurring at Conroy Funeral Home on Cermak Road in Westchester from 3pm-9pm on Thursday. Funeral services will be held on Friday at Sawosko's beloved Grace Lutheran Church in Westchester.
Friday, May 02, 2008
Our Deepest Sympathy Goes Out To Don Sloan & Family!!!
The Insider has learned that the mother of Proviso Township Trustee Don Sloan passed away recently. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sloan and his family.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Maywood Hit Hard By Foreclosures!!!
Chuck Feldman of the Proviso Herald reports on foreclosures in Proviso Township. According to Feldman, a few communities in Proviso Township had some of the highest rates of new foreclosure cases in the Chicago area in 2007, according to the National Training and Information Center.
NTIC, a Chicago non-profit group that has been working to reduce foreclosures since 1998, released a list in March of the foreclosure rates of 263 Chicagoland communities. The rankings are based on the number of new foreclosure cases per square mile in each community for 2007.
Although its increase in new foreclosure cases between 2006 and 2007 was 7.7 percent, compared to 251 percent in 2007 from 233 percent in 2006, Maywood ranked first for 2007 with 93 new foreclosure cases per square mile.
Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough said he is unsure why the village heads the list.
"I don't know -- unless our community has been targeted because we're a majority minority community," he said. "Maywood is not really a really poor community; our median income is around $38,000. We've tried to educate our residents (about foreclosures) where we can with forums, but often that's after the horses have gotten out of the barn."
High rates of new foreclosures are common throughout the region, and Yarbrough said he believes that's often because those seeking a first-time mortgage or refinancing a home are misled by financial lenders.
"A lot of people get into these deals based on whatever the lender tells them," he said. "Once you get to the closing table, it's hard to get up and walk away. People can be very vulnerable in these situations, and they often are taken advantage of."
Few concerns
In Hillside, foreclosure cases have not been a big problem, Village Administrator Russ Wajda said. Hillside had 38 new foreclosure cases in 2006 and 52 new cases in 2007, according to NTIC.
One reason Hillside has not been hit as hard as other communities is its older population, Wajda said.
"Perhaps most of the homes are paid off," he said. "If there's no mortgage, there's no foreclosure."
In Melrose Park, Mayor Ron Serpico isn't overly concerned that foreclosures in the village increased from 75 in 2006 to 136 in 2007.
"It's a trying time, but we haven't found it to be a tremendous problem for us," Serpico said, adding that Melrose Park may be faring better than some communities because of a low number of home sales.
"There is little the village can do to address foreclosures, he said. "It's up to the state and federal government. That's not part of what we do. Can you imagine if we had any funds, how many people could we save? It's a virtual impossibility."
While the federal government has been concerned with foreclosures, its focus has not been on homeowners, Andrea Frye, NTIC spokeswoman, said.
"Up 'til now, it has to do with how we fix the financial markets and help Wall Street," she said. "We've been screaming for a long time that homeowners need relief."
Foreclosure causes
One of the reasons foreclosures have increased is structural. Mortgage brokers work on commission and get paid up front. The mortgages are then sold to investment companies, and the brokers have no more responsibility.
"Because the commitment to that loan was very short term, what we found was that people were placed into loans that were not going to be permanently affordable," Frye said.
An example is adjustable rate loans. A mortgage with a 30-year payback, for example, would start off with a lower or "teaser" interest rate for the first two years. The loan then increases to the full interest rate. For homeowners who are barely making their loan payments at the lower rate, an increase can be deadly.
Jim Shilling, a professor of finance at DePaul University's Center for Real Estate Research, said a number of economic factors have exacerbated the problem.
First, housing prices are down. If housing prices were rising, a homeowner at risk of foreclosure could merely sell their property. In a sinking market, selling would leave the homeowner still owing money.
Second, employment is down, especially higher-paid manufacturing jobs. At the same time, the cost of gasoline is at a record high, leaving homeowners with less money to pay their mortgage.
No one wins when a property is foreclosed upon, Shilling said. The homeowner loses their home and has their credit rating damaged. The neighborhood or community is disrupted.
Also, while foreclosures have been occurring more with lower end homes, the overall real estate market is negatively impacted. It's a bit like climbing a ladder, Shilling said.
"Purchasers of starter homes hope for significant property value gains," he said. "They then trade up to the next rung on the ladder. That increases housing prices. The middle (of the market) trades up, too. If the lower end experiences capital losses, it means less demand for the middle and the high."
NTIC, a Chicago non-profit group that has been working to reduce foreclosures since 1998, released a list in March of the foreclosure rates of 263 Chicagoland communities. The rankings are based on the number of new foreclosure cases per square mile in each community for 2007.
Although its increase in new foreclosure cases between 2006 and 2007 was 7.7 percent, compared to 251 percent in 2007 from 233 percent in 2006, Maywood ranked first for 2007 with 93 new foreclosure cases per square mile.
Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough said he is unsure why the village heads the list.
"I don't know -- unless our community has been targeted because we're a majority minority community," he said. "Maywood is not really a really poor community; our median income is around $38,000. We've tried to educate our residents (about foreclosures) where we can with forums, but often that's after the horses have gotten out of the barn."
High rates of new foreclosures are common throughout the region, and Yarbrough said he believes that's often because those seeking a first-time mortgage or refinancing a home are misled by financial lenders.
"A lot of people get into these deals based on whatever the lender tells them," he said. "Once you get to the closing table, it's hard to get up and walk away. People can be very vulnerable in these situations, and they often are taken advantage of."
Few concerns
In Hillside, foreclosure cases have not been a big problem, Village Administrator Russ Wajda said. Hillside had 38 new foreclosure cases in 2006 and 52 new cases in 2007, according to NTIC.
One reason Hillside has not been hit as hard as other communities is its older population, Wajda said.
"Perhaps most of the homes are paid off," he said. "If there's no mortgage, there's no foreclosure."
In Melrose Park, Mayor Ron Serpico isn't overly concerned that foreclosures in the village increased from 75 in 2006 to 136 in 2007.
"It's a trying time, but we haven't found it to be a tremendous problem for us," Serpico said, adding that Melrose Park may be faring better than some communities because of a low number of home sales.
"There is little the village can do to address foreclosures, he said. "It's up to the state and federal government. That's not part of what we do. Can you imagine if we had any funds, how many people could we save? It's a virtual impossibility."
While the federal government has been concerned with foreclosures, its focus has not been on homeowners, Andrea Frye, NTIC spokeswoman, said.
"Up 'til now, it has to do with how we fix the financial markets and help Wall Street," she said. "We've been screaming for a long time that homeowners need relief."
Foreclosure causes
One of the reasons foreclosures have increased is structural. Mortgage brokers work on commission and get paid up front. The mortgages are then sold to investment companies, and the brokers have no more responsibility.
"Because the commitment to that loan was very short term, what we found was that people were placed into loans that were not going to be permanently affordable," Frye said.
An example is adjustable rate loans. A mortgage with a 30-year payback, for example, would start off with a lower or "teaser" interest rate for the first two years. The loan then increases to the full interest rate. For homeowners who are barely making their loan payments at the lower rate, an increase can be deadly.
Jim Shilling, a professor of finance at DePaul University's Center for Real Estate Research, said a number of economic factors have exacerbated the problem.
First, housing prices are down. If housing prices were rising, a homeowner at risk of foreclosure could merely sell their property. In a sinking market, selling would leave the homeowner still owing money.
Second, employment is down, especially higher-paid manufacturing jobs. At the same time, the cost of gasoline is at a record high, leaving homeowners with less money to pay their mortgage.
No one wins when a property is foreclosed upon, Shilling said. The homeowner loses their home and has their credit rating damaged. The neighborhood or community is disrupted.
Also, while foreclosures have been occurring more with lower end homes, the overall real estate market is negatively impacted. It's a bit like climbing a ladder, Shilling said.
"Purchasers of starter homes hope for significant property value gains," he said. "They then trade up to the next rung on the ladder. That increases housing prices. The middle (of the market) trades up, too. If the lower end experiences capital losses, it means less demand for the middle and the high."
District 209 Looking For Input On Superintendent Search...
Chuck Feldman of the Proviso Herald reported recently on the search for a new Superintendent. According to Feldman, seeking public input online and through a series of community meetings are part of the planned process as Proviso High School District 209 seaches for a new superintendent.
The Board of District 209 has hired School Exec Connect, a Highland Park firm with a history of conducting searches for school superintendents and other academic administrators, to coordinate its search. The decision for a superintendent's search was made by the Board in March, after members decided not to extend the one-year contract of Bob Libka.
"We want input from the community on this (search)," said Board President Chris Welch, who added he hopes to have a new superintendent selected by the end of June.
Starting this week, District 209 residents should be able to use the district's Web site, www.pths209.org, to provide feedback to be used in the search for a new superintendent.
Representatives of School Exec Connect are planning some community meetings, but have not yet set dates for those gatherings.
The plan, Welch said, is for School Exec Connect to choose four to six candidates from those who apply for the superintendent's position. After conducting interviews, the Board then will narrow the field to two or three and visit the current home districts of the final candidates before making a choice.
District 209's new superintendent will be the district's fourth since the 2005-06 school year and seventh since the 1998-99 year.
Some believe the high turnover in the job could hinder potential candidates from applying; other don't believe it will be a problem.
"Our job is to go out and find someone," said Ed Olds, one of the two School Exec Connect principals working on the District 209 superintendent search. "Everything has its challenges, but this definitely can be done."
Tom Madden, the other principal from the search firm involved with District 209, said the high turnover of superintendents "will be a flag" to those looking into the position. However, he also said he believes there are good candidates who will be attracted by the challenge of working, and staying, in District 209.
Welch said he doesn't expect the high turnover of past superintendents to be a problem in finding a strong replacement for Libka.
"(School Exec Connect) already has had a lot of interest in the position just from posting it on their Web site," he said. "Proviso is a very attractive place to work. After some short-term (superintendents) who followed Greg Jackson, who was here for a long time (2000 to 2005), I'd say we're now ripe to have someone in here again for a long time. I know if I was looking for a job as a superintendent I'd love to work here in Proviso."
The Board of District 209 has hired School Exec Connect, a Highland Park firm with a history of conducting searches for school superintendents and other academic administrators, to coordinate its search. The decision for a superintendent's search was made by the Board in March, after members decided not to extend the one-year contract of Bob Libka.
"We want input from the community on this (search)," said Board President Chris Welch, who added he hopes to have a new superintendent selected by the end of June.
Starting this week, District 209 residents should be able to use the district's Web site, www.pths209.org, to provide feedback to be used in the search for a new superintendent.
Representatives of School Exec Connect are planning some community meetings, but have not yet set dates for those gatherings.
The plan, Welch said, is for School Exec Connect to choose four to six candidates from those who apply for the superintendent's position. After conducting interviews, the Board then will narrow the field to two or three and visit the current home districts of the final candidates before making a choice.
District 209's new superintendent will be the district's fourth since the 2005-06 school year and seventh since the 1998-99 year.
Some believe the high turnover in the job could hinder potential candidates from applying; other don't believe it will be a problem.
"Our job is to go out and find someone," said Ed Olds, one of the two School Exec Connect principals working on the District 209 superintendent search. "Everything has its challenges, but this definitely can be done."
Tom Madden, the other principal from the search firm involved with District 209, said the high turnover of superintendents "will be a flag" to those looking into the position. However, he also said he believes there are good candidates who will be attracted by the challenge of working, and staying, in District 209.
Welch said he doesn't expect the high turnover of past superintendents to be a problem in finding a strong replacement for Libka.
"(School Exec Connect) already has had a lot of interest in the position just from posting it on their Web site," he said. "Proviso is a very attractive place to work. After some short-term (superintendents) who followed Greg Jackson, who was here for a long time (2000 to 2005), I'd say we're now ripe to have someone in here again for a long time. I know if I was looking for a job as a superintendent I'd love to work here in Proviso."
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cook County Fire Suit Costs Taxpayers One Hundred Million!!!
Victims of the fatal 2003 fire at the Cook County Administration Building have settled lawsuits for a combined $100 million, their attorneys announced Monday afternoon.
The final three defendants, including the City of Chicago, averted a trial by agreeing to settle for about $75 million. Last week, Cook County and six other defendants settled for about an additional $25 million.
Jury selection was to begin Monday in the courtroom of Cook County Circuit Judge William Maddux. But lawyers instead spent much of the day meeting with Maddux behind closed doors.
WOW!
The final three defendants, including the City of Chicago, averted a trial by agreeing to settle for about $75 million. Last week, Cook County and six other defendants settled for about an additional $25 million.
Jury selection was to begin Monday in the courtroom of Cook County Circuit Judge William Maddux. But lawyers instead spent much of the day meeting with Maddux behind closed doors.
WOW!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Former Maywood Police Officer Wade Cleared!!!
According to Chuck Feldman of the Proviso Herald, a former Maywood police officer was acquitted April 14 by a jury in Cook County Circuit Court on charges of criminal drug conspiracy.
Arian Wade, 36, was charged in January 2005 in connection with a narcotics investigation aimed at individuals who sought to bribe police officers to not interfere with drug trafficking in Maywood. Wade worked for the Maywood police department for eight years.
Operation Pocket Change was initiated in August 2004 and conducted by investigators from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Maywood Police and the Cook County Sheriff's Police. The operation was prompted by a man approaching a Maywood police officer about taking a weekly bribe to protect various street corners on which transactions were taking place, prosecutors said. That exchange led to three officers posing as crooked cops who accepted approximately $1,200 a week to ignore drug operations in the area, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Wade was charged after phone taps used in the operation allegedly caught him tipping off an individual who was under investigation.
Wade's attorney, James Kogut, said the person allegedly tipped off by his client -- Hosie Thurman, a leader of the Gangster Disciples -- was used by Wade as "a street contact."
"Police officers are trained to use street contacts to get information," Kogut said. "(Wade) used (Thurman) to get information, but they turned that against him."
Kogut said there was no real evidence against Wade.
"(Less than four hours) is a short time for a jury to deliberate on a case like this one," Kogut said. "The fact that the jury was able to (acquit Wade) in that short of a time shows the failure of the state's case to support the allegations." The trial started March 31.
Wade was placed on paid administrative leave after the January 2005 criminal charges were filed against him, but was fired Aug. 1, 2005 for theft, official misconduct and lying to superior officers, among other charges brought forth by then-Police Chief James Collier to the five-member Maywood Fire and Police Commission.
Arian Wade, 36, was charged in January 2005 in connection with a narcotics investigation aimed at individuals who sought to bribe police officers to not interfere with drug trafficking in Maywood. Wade worked for the Maywood police department for eight years.
Operation Pocket Change was initiated in August 2004 and conducted by investigators from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Maywood Police and the Cook County Sheriff's Police. The operation was prompted by a man approaching a Maywood police officer about taking a weekly bribe to protect various street corners on which transactions were taking place, prosecutors said. That exchange led to three officers posing as crooked cops who accepted approximately $1,200 a week to ignore drug operations in the area, according to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Wade was charged after phone taps used in the operation allegedly caught him tipping off an individual who was under investigation.
Wade's attorney, James Kogut, said the person allegedly tipped off by his client -- Hosie Thurman, a leader of the Gangster Disciples -- was used by Wade as "a street contact."
"Police officers are trained to use street contacts to get information," Kogut said. "(Wade) used (Thurman) to get information, but they turned that against him."
Kogut said there was no real evidence against Wade.
"(Less than four hours) is a short time for a jury to deliberate on a case like this one," Kogut said. "The fact that the jury was able to (acquit Wade) in that short of a time shows the failure of the state's case to support the allegations." The trial started March 31.
Wade was placed on paid administrative leave after the January 2005 criminal charges were filed against him, but was fired Aug. 1, 2005 for theft, official misconduct and lying to superior officers, among other charges brought forth by then-Police Chief James Collier to the five-member Maywood Fire and Police Commission.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Threatening Message Closes Schools In SD88!!!
According to a report in the Proviso Herald, a Bellwood elementary school and middle school will be closed Tuesday after a threatening message was found Monday afternoon on a bathroom stall.
Bellwood police received a call from school officials at 2 p.m. Monday who reported a message was found written in the bathroom at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, 2501 Oak St. The message, written in marker, read "Prepare to die 4/22/08," according to police.
School District 88 Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks took the advice of the police department and closed the school until further notice. Roosevelt Middle School, 2500 Oak St., will also be closed Tuesday as a precaution.
Bellwood Deputy Police Chief Richard Blass said bomb dogs from the Cook County Sheriff's Emergency Service Unit did a sweep of the building and found nothing. He said he hopes to have school back in session Wednesday.
Bellwood Police Commander Kevin Davis said the closing of the schools was a precautionary measure.
"In this day and age you have to be safe than sorry, especially after this incident at Northern Illinois University," he said. "You have to take precautions in this day and age."
As of Monday afternoon, Davis said there had been no arrests and police had no leads.
Anyone with information regarding the threatening message is asked to contact the Bellwood Police Department at (708) 547-3528.
Bellwood police received a call from school officials at 2 p.m. Monday who reported a message was found written in the bathroom at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, 2501 Oak St. The message, written in marker, read "Prepare to die 4/22/08," according to police.
School District 88 Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks took the advice of the police department and closed the school until further notice. Roosevelt Middle School, 2500 Oak St., will also be closed Tuesday as a precaution.
Bellwood Deputy Police Chief Richard Blass said bomb dogs from the Cook County Sheriff's Emergency Service Unit did a sweep of the building and found nothing. He said he hopes to have school back in session Wednesday.
Bellwood Police Commander Kevin Davis said the closing of the schools was a precautionary measure.
"In this day and age you have to be safe than sorry, especially after this incident at Northern Illinois University," he said. "You have to take precautions in this day and age."
As of Monday afternoon, Davis said there had been no arrests and police had no leads.
Anyone with information regarding the threatening message is asked to contact the Bellwood Police Department at (708) 547-3528.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Foul Play Alleged Over Melrose Park Little League Money...
The Chicago Tribunte reports in great detail on allegations of mis-spent Melrose Park Little League money:
A former treasurer of the Melrose Park Little League is accused of stealing more than $24,000 from two bank accounts held by the non-profit group, according to a lawsuit filed by the state attorney general's office.
Over a 10-month period starting in May 2003, Lisa A. Zito wrote two checks worth $1,160 to her mother, made $7,374 in payments on her husband's American Express card and withdrew $3,756 at ATMs, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday. She also wrote 11 checks worth $10,200 to cash and another, worth $350, to herself.
Zito has told the Tribune that others in the association were responsible for the missing funds. She said her tires were slashed and a sex toy was put on her front porch after she raised questions about the league's finances in 2005.
Five members of the league's board of directors have signed affidavits stating that the board did not authorize Zito to withdraw those funds and the payments were not made for legitimate business purposes. Messages left for two board members were not returned Saturday.
Without the board's knowledge, Zito opened a second account in the league's name at TCF National Bank, where she already had a personal account, according to an affidavit signed by league treasurer Sam Scardino.
Zito, the only person authorized to make payments from the new account, used it to siphon away more than $11,000 from the league, according to the lawsuit. She is also accused of taking more than $13,000 from the association's account at Banco Popular.
The lawsuit asks a court to award civil penalties and require Zito to pay restitution and fully account for how the money was spent. The attorney general's charitable trusts office has been investigating the case for roughly the past year, a spokeswoman said.
A former treasurer of the Melrose Park Little League is accused of stealing more than $24,000 from two bank accounts held by the non-profit group, according to a lawsuit filed by the state attorney general's office.
Over a 10-month period starting in May 2003, Lisa A. Zito wrote two checks worth $1,160 to her mother, made $7,374 in payments on her husband's American Express card and withdrew $3,756 at ATMs, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday. She also wrote 11 checks worth $10,200 to cash and another, worth $350, to herself.
Zito has told the Tribune that others in the association were responsible for the missing funds. She said her tires were slashed and a sex toy was put on her front porch after she raised questions about the league's finances in 2005.
Five members of the league's board of directors have signed affidavits stating that the board did not authorize Zito to withdraw those funds and the payments were not made for legitimate business purposes. Messages left for two board members were not returned Saturday.
Without the board's knowledge, Zito opened a second account in the league's name at TCF National Bank, where she already had a personal account, according to an affidavit signed by league treasurer Sam Scardino.
Zito, the only person authorized to make payments from the new account, used it to siphon away more than $11,000 from the league, according to the lawsuit. She is also accused of taking more than $13,000 from the association's account at Banco Popular.
The lawsuit asks a court to award civil penalties and require Zito to pay restitution and fully account for how the money was spent. The attorney general's charitable trusts office has been investigating the case for roughly the past year, a spokeswoman said.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Former Forest Park Cop Pleads Guilty???
The Insider is receiving tips that former Forest Park copper Mike Murphy has plead guilty to the indictment against him. Does anyone have the details?
Friday, April 18, 2008
Did You Feel The Earthquake?
Residents in the Chicago area felt at least one aftershock Friday, hours after a 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled skyscrapers in Chicago's Loop and homes in Cincinnati. No major injuries or damage were reported.
The follow-up tremor registered at 4.5 on the Richter Scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At last three other aftershocks were measured at 2.5, 2.5, and 2.6, the National Earthquake Center reported.
The follow-up tremor registered at 4.5 on the Richter Scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At last three other aftershocks were measured at 2.5, 2.5, and 2.6, the National Earthquake Center reported.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What's going on in SD88?
David Pollard of the Proviso Herald wrote an interesting story on SD88. Read the story below and comment on what you think is going on in SD88:
While some District 88 School Board members say dissension among officials is harming students' education, at least one maintains the board is making progress.
Bellwood School District 88 board member Althea Busby compared the board to passengers on a sinking boat.
"We're all in a boat with a hole in it," she said. "Instead of working together to plug the hole, there are some who are putting more water in the boat."
Busby said a change is needed soon.
"When are we as a Board of Education going to take education seriously?" she said. "I grieve because our children aren't being educated properly."
She said action taken at March 31 board meeting, when District 88 Board Member Marilyn Thurman proposed a motion to remove the school district's research evaluation and assessment position, was an example of the school board not focusing on education. Bellwood School Board President Tommy Miller seconded Thurman's motion and it was put to a vote.
The motion failed with three board members voting against it, two in favor and two abstaining.
Busby said she was speaking out of frustration because some members of the board wanted to get rid of the position, which she believes is needed.
"Every time we seem to get ahead in some areas there are factions that seem to pull us back," she said. "The director of evaluation and assessment knows where we were (in terms of academic test scores), where we are and how far we can get."
She said the position is essential to charting the students' academic performance in the district.
"How else can you do that?" she said. "Can you ask a teacher? This is the accountability factor for us to chart our students' academic performance."
Miller said he looked at eliminating the position as way to save $90,000 per year.
"Every year about this time there has been some complaint about a superintendent," Busby said. "This (is the time) when the (board's) concentration should be on the upcoming year."
"There are going to be some disagreements, but we are striving for the wrong things," she added.
Board Member Ronald Anderson said board members' hidden agendas have caused tension.
"The board president thinks he is the board," he said. "He wants to be the board and the superintendent. It's difficult when (superintendents) have that kind of pressure on them and are tiptoeing around."
The district has had a revolving door of superintendents, with four leaving the position since 2005. The current superintendent, Rosemary Hendricks, will start her second year of a three-year contract at the end of May.
Miller didn't respond to Anderson's accusations, but said on every board there are always varying opinions.
"I see a board working," he said. "When you are trying to make decisions, not everyone is going to agree. "On the board people have other opinions and you're not going to come up with the same ideas."
Board member Maria Castrejon agreed with Miller.
"It's never perfect," she said. "Everyone has their own ideas and has a voice. I think we'll be okay."
Miller said the main focus of the board should be doing what is best for the school district.
"The bottom line is you keep working for the kids," he said.
While some District 88 School Board members say dissension among officials is harming students' education, at least one maintains the board is making progress.
Bellwood School District 88 board member Althea Busby compared the board to passengers on a sinking boat.
"We're all in a boat with a hole in it," she said. "Instead of working together to plug the hole, there are some who are putting more water in the boat."
Busby said a change is needed soon.
"When are we as a Board of Education going to take education seriously?" she said. "I grieve because our children aren't being educated properly."
She said action taken at March 31 board meeting, when District 88 Board Member Marilyn Thurman proposed a motion to remove the school district's research evaluation and assessment position, was an example of the school board not focusing on education. Bellwood School Board President Tommy Miller seconded Thurman's motion and it was put to a vote.
The motion failed with three board members voting against it, two in favor and two abstaining.
Busby said she was speaking out of frustration because some members of the board wanted to get rid of the position, which she believes is needed.
"Every time we seem to get ahead in some areas there are factions that seem to pull us back," she said. "The director of evaluation and assessment knows where we were (in terms of academic test scores), where we are and how far we can get."
She said the position is essential to charting the students' academic performance in the district.
"How else can you do that?" she said. "Can you ask a teacher? This is the accountability factor for us to chart our students' academic performance."
Miller said he looked at eliminating the position as way to save $90,000 per year.
"Every year about this time there has been some complaint about a superintendent," Busby said. "This (is the time) when the (board's) concentration should be on the upcoming year."
"There are going to be some disagreements, but we are striving for the wrong things," she added.
Board Member Ronald Anderson said board members' hidden agendas have caused tension.
"The board president thinks he is the board," he said. "He wants to be the board and the superintendent. It's difficult when (superintendents) have that kind of pressure on them and are tiptoeing around."
The district has had a revolving door of superintendents, with four leaving the position since 2005. The current superintendent, Rosemary Hendricks, will start her second year of a three-year contract at the end of May.
Miller didn't respond to Anderson's accusations, but said on every board there are always varying opinions.
"I see a board working," he said. "When you are trying to make decisions, not everyone is going to agree. "On the board people have other opinions and you're not going to come up with the same ideas."
Board member Maria Castrejon agreed with Miller.
"It's never perfect," she said. "Everyone has their own ideas and has a voice. I think we'll be okay."
Miller said the main focus of the board should be doing what is best for the school district.
"The bottom line is you keep working for the kids," he said.
Proviso Says Goodbye to Arnie F. Bryant...
Our friends at the West Suburban Journal wrote this story about Arnie F. Bryant's Funeral:
“The hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life is to say good bye to him,” said John Taylor.
Arnie Bryant’s funeral was a testament to a remarkable life. His death triggered the sort of attention usually
reserved for revered politicians. His funeral included a motorcade comprised of area police departments to
proclamations from village presidents, judges, state representatives and churches.
Frankie, as friends and family called him, Proviso Township’s most popular social and political activist, died on
Apr. 8, from a brain hemorrhage. He was 49.
“He was more than a friend he was like a brother,” said best friend Taylor. He and Bryant met 22-years ago
while working at a university. “He founded a jobs for youth project that was a real hit for the city, but he took
little credit for the programs success. He was the guy behind the scenes who did all the work.”
Others would also describe Bryant as humble and compassionate.
“He was a Lunch Bucket Joe who fought for the little guy. He made life matter. He got involved in the affairs of
others to make a difference in their lives,” said Rev. Reginald Saffo, vice president of the NAACP.
Bryant helped define the social and political landscape of Proviso. He graduated from Proviso East High
School and became involved in community activism where he remained committed throughout his life. He
served as president of the Proviso NAACP for many years, Proviso Township trustee and in 2000 he incorporated the Leyden NAACP.
At the time of his death Bryant was the president of the Bellwood Library Board and hosted a local political talk radio show “View Points from the Other Side” on WJJG with co-host and Pioneer Press news editor Kevin
Beese.
Bryant’s no nonsense on-air personality was the same as it was off the air. He seemed to embody Proviso with all of its excitement, controversy and optimism.
“I first met Arnie when he was a young man in his 20s. We worked together at the public works department for the Village of Maywood. Even in his 20s you knew then he was going to be leader,” said Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough Sr. “There was something special about, Arnie.”
Bryant knew and worked with people from all walks of life. The variety of attendants at his funeral spoke to his diverse circle of friends and associates.
From day one he called me Uncle Frank, said Frank Pope of his first introduction to Bryant. “He was loving and kind, upright and just in all is ways.” “He would tell me, everyone should have an (Italian) Uncle Frank, but the truth is everyone should have a nephew like Arnie Bryant,” said Pope as he swallowed back tears.
Above all else, Bryant was best known for his commitment to family. His family was his bloodline.
“The passion he embodied was remarkable. My daddy was a great man. No one word can describe him… library, Proviso, NAACP… all pale in comparison to the great family man he was,” said Bryant’s daughter
Brittany.
Bryant was a devout Christian. He was baptized at Proviso Baptist Church and at the time of his death served as a member of New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church in Broadview led by Rev. Carl Hopson. Rev. Hopson described Bryant as a champion for all causes.
“My daughter Crystal went to college in Atlanta, said Hopson. She passed her exams but the college wouldn’t let her graduate. I called Arnie. He picked up the phone and called the university and Crystal walked across the stage,” eulogized Hopson followed by an enthusiastic, “Amen”.
Gladis was the love of his life. At Bryant’s funeral, Taylor spoke to Gladis’ from the pulpit, “in the twenty-two years that he and I were friends, he did not once fail to mention you in a conversation. You were the love of his life, Taylor said to Arnie’s widow Gladis.’
The couple had two children, Brittany and Frank (Alex), both of whom Bryant would gladly pass up an evening with the president to spend time with.
Brittany, a leader and activist like her father, heads the NAACP chapter in Las Vegas and will graduate from the University of Las Vegas Nevada in one month.
Frank, a football player and recent graduate from Walther Lutheran High School will head off to college this year. “Your father knew your heart, Frank… he knew your passion was in the theater,” said Taylor to the young Frank. “He would want you to follow your passion.
What do we tell future journalists, activists and educators about the legacy named Arnie Bryant?
We should tell them that there once was a guy here who lived larger than life, with a firm handshake, a bold commentary, a long stride, a penetrating eye, a giving spirit and a big-big heart.
At the funeral, Bryant’s family remembered the following words that he had once written down:
“I am the thought that slipped your mind; I am that homeless family you passed on the street. I am that feeling of regret you have for not giving to those who are less fortunate. I am the old winter coat you no longer wear, but refuse to give it to the needy. Who am I, I am your better part, I am your soul.”
Survivors include his wife, Gladis, daughter Brittany, son Frank, father Frank Anderson, a brother Raymond Bryant and sister Crystal King and a number of nieces and nephews.
“The hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life is to say good bye to him,” said John Taylor.
Arnie Bryant’s funeral was a testament to a remarkable life. His death triggered the sort of attention usually
reserved for revered politicians. His funeral included a motorcade comprised of area police departments to
proclamations from village presidents, judges, state representatives and churches.
Frankie, as friends and family called him, Proviso Township’s most popular social and political activist, died on
Apr. 8, from a brain hemorrhage. He was 49.
“He was more than a friend he was like a brother,” said best friend Taylor. He and Bryant met 22-years ago
while working at a university. “He founded a jobs for youth project that was a real hit for the city, but he took
little credit for the programs success. He was the guy behind the scenes who did all the work.”
Others would also describe Bryant as humble and compassionate.
“He was a Lunch Bucket Joe who fought for the little guy. He made life matter. He got involved in the affairs of
others to make a difference in their lives,” said Rev. Reginald Saffo, vice president of the NAACP.
Bryant helped define the social and political landscape of Proviso. He graduated from Proviso East High
School and became involved in community activism where he remained committed throughout his life. He
served as president of the Proviso NAACP for many years, Proviso Township trustee and in 2000 he incorporated the Leyden NAACP.
At the time of his death Bryant was the president of the Bellwood Library Board and hosted a local political talk radio show “View Points from the Other Side” on WJJG with co-host and Pioneer Press news editor Kevin
Beese.
Bryant’s no nonsense on-air personality was the same as it was off the air. He seemed to embody Proviso with all of its excitement, controversy and optimism.
“I first met Arnie when he was a young man in his 20s. We worked together at the public works department for the Village of Maywood. Even in his 20s you knew then he was going to be leader,” said Maywood Mayor Henderson Yarbrough Sr. “There was something special about, Arnie.”
Bryant knew and worked with people from all walks of life. The variety of attendants at his funeral spoke to his diverse circle of friends and associates.
From day one he called me Uncle Frank, said Frank Pope of his first introduction to Bryant. “He was loving and kind, upright and just in all is ways.” “He would tell me, everyone should have an (Italian) Uncle Frank, but the truth is everyone should have a nephew like Arnie Bryant,” said Pope as he swallowed back tears.
Above all else, Bryant was best known for his commitment to family. His family was his bloodline.
“The passion he embodied was remarkable. My daddy was a great man. No one word can describe him… library, Proviso, NAACP… all pale in comparison to the great family man he was,” said Bryant’s daughter
Brittany.
Bryant was a devout Christian. He was baptized at Proviso Baptist Church and at the time of his death served as a member of New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church in Broadview led by Rev. Carl Hopson. Rev. Hopson described Bryant as a champion for all causes.
“My daughter Crystal went to college in Atlanta, said Hopson. She passed her exams but the college wouldn’t let her graduate. I called Arnie. He picked up the phone and called the university and Crystal walked across the stage,” eulogized Hopson followed by an enthusiastic, “Amen”.
Gladis was the love of his life. At Bryant’s funeral, Taylor spoke to Gladis’ from the pulpit, “in the twenty-two years that he and I were friends, he did not once fail to mention you in a conversation. You were the love of his life, Taylor said to Arnie’s widow Gladis.’
The couple had two children, Brittany and Frank (Alex), both of whom Bryant would gladly pass up an evening with the president to spend time with.
Brittany, a leader and activist like her father, heads the NAACP chapter in Las Vegas and will graduate from the University of Las Vegas Nevada in one month.
Frank, a football player and recent graduate from Walther Lutheran High School will head off to college this year. “Your father knew your heart, Frank… he knew your passion was in the theater,” said Taylor to the young Frank. “He would want you to follow your passion.
What do we tell future journalists, activists and educators about the legacy named Arnie Bryant?
We should tell them that there once was a guy here who lived larger than life, with a firm handshake, a bold commentary, a long stride, a penetrating eye, a giving spirit and a big-big heart.
At the funeral, Bryant’s family remembered the following words that he had once written down:
“I am the thought that slipped your mind; I am that homeless family you passed on the street. I am that feeling of regret you have for not giving to those who are less fortunate. I am the old winter coat you no longer wear, but refuse to give it to the needy. Who am I, I am your better part, I am your soul.”
Survivors include his wife, Gladis, daughter Brittany, son Frank, father Frank Anderson, a brother Raymond Bryant and sister Crystal King and a number of nieces and nephews.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Arrangements for Arnie F. Bryant!!!
Arrangements have been made for Arnie F. Bryant:
Visitation will be held Friday, April 11, 2008 from 3pm to 7pm at Corbin Funeral Home located on the corner of 10th and Madison Avenue in Maywood, Illinois.
Wake will be held Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 9am to 10am at New Horizon Baptist Church located at 2000 Roosevelt Road, Broadview, Illinois.
Funeral serivces will immediately follow in the Wake from 10am-11:30am at New Horizon Baptist Church at 2000 Roosevelt Road, Broadview, Illinois.
Visitation will be held Friday, April 11, 2008 from 3pm to 7pm at Corbin Funeral Home located on the corner of 10th and Madison Avenue in Maywood, Illinois.
Wake will be held Saturday, April 12, 2008 from 9am to 10am at New Horizon Baptist Church located at 2000 Roosevelt Road, Broadview, Illinois.
Funeral serivces will immediately follow in the Wake from 10am-11:30am at New Horizon Baptist Church at 2000 Roosevelt Road, Broadview, Illinois.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Breaking News: Arnie Bryant Dies From Massive Stroke!!!
The Insider has received word from numerous sources across Proviso Township that Bellwood Library Board President and former Proviso Township Trustee Arnie Bryant suffered a massive stroke on Monday evening and was rushed to Loyola Medical Center in Maywood where he died at 4pm on Tuesday. According to sources, Bryant did not feel well on Monday and eventually suffered a stroke around 5:30pm. Sources tell the Insider that Bryant was in critical condition until about 3pm on Tuesday. Shortly after being taken off life support, Bryant passed away with family by his side. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Bryant family at this time.
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