As Promised: A YouTube

In a comment to another post I said that I would post a YouTube of  the segment of the July 3, 2007 meeting at which Trustee Judy Sigwalt and Paul Humpfer disagree on what part if any Humpfer played in the financial situation of this Village. Well, staying true to my promise, I am including that segment of the Village board meeting that involves this information. You can view this YouTube by clicking on the arrow on the picture.

Some Questions: “Pay To Play”

Now keep in mind that when Paul Humpfer was doing this “financial work” for the Village, he was doing it without pay and without legal authorization. What was the benefit that he gained? He was appointed to the Village board as a trustee, not once, but twice. He was reappointed after losing the election in 2005. Why? He was appointed to chair the Audit and Finance Commission. This was not my choice, but was forced upon me by the majority on the board.

You must ask yourself a few very important questions. Why was Paul Humpfer selected over anyone else to do this work? Why couldn’t the Village “hire” a competent Finance Director to do this work? Why was the Village paying a Finance Director if they couldn’t do the job? Mr. Bob Simpson was hired as a consultant to do the work. Why didn’t the Village hire Humpfer to do this financial work if only he and he alone was qualified to do this job? Why would Humpfer do this for free?

None of this makes any sense. To me, a former auditor with the state of Illinois for 28 years, I say something is terribly wrong with this situation on several levels.

Trustee Judy Sigwalt said that “she found Paul Humpfer.” Where did she find him?

In a letter written by Paul Humpfer’s ex-wife, Jackie Humpfer, she claims that Paul Humpfer worked on the Village finances at their home, with the following people present, Trustee, Judy Sigwalt, Former Village President, Mark Boettger and Former County Board Member, Don Rage. This letter by Jackie Humpfer was signed on December 13, 2007. I have the letter, so does the Kane County State’s Attorney. None of these people that former Mrs. Humpfer has identified were involved with the Village finances.  Trustee Sigwalt claims that Paul Humpfer worked with former and present Finance Directors. A couple  more questions must be asked. Why would our current Finance Director need the “help” of Paul Humpfer to do her job? By who’s authority does Paul Humpfer help with the finances of this Village. He certainly isn’t doing it with my consent or blessing. I do not believe that our current Finance Director needs Humpfer’s help to do her job. So what is really going on here?

These are all fair questions, that deserve real answers. NO TRUSTEE SHOULD BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH DOING “FINANCIAL WORK ON OUR VILLAGE FINANCE RECORDS. NO RESIDENT OF THIS VILLAGE SHOULD BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH THE FINANCES OF OUR VILLAGE. Was this “pay to play” on the part of the Village and Paul Humpfer? Was he promised a trustee position if he did the work? Trustee Sigwalt says that what Humpfer did was worth $100K, I think we have a governor of Illinois being asked those same type of questions right now by a federal prosecutor. However this seems to be true “quid pro quo”. Humpfer provided services and the Village received some “help” with its finances. Humpfer then was appointed to a trustee position. Was more than just a trustee’s position given in this case? Was money also given? A trustee position in the wrong hands can be very lucrative.

Was that an FBI agent applauding at the end of Sigwalt’s statement?

Will anyone respond to this? Let’s see…

Promises To Keep

I’ve never been one who prescribes to New Year’s resolutions. Frankly, they seem very self-serving and not very attainable. Let’s face it, if we haven’t done it by now, there is a better than even chance we won’t do it this year either. Though well intentioned as those who do offer up some resolution for the New Year may be, they are most likely doomed to fail before the bubbles go flat in that half empty bottle of cheap champagne that looked like a good idea when it was there in the “half off display rack”, only to realize, too late, that we truly do get what we pay for.

So, instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I’m going to do what I’ve done best in my life. That is keep my promises. I was given a very special gift many years ago by the sister of one of my best friends from High School. My friend’s sister was still in High School. We were both very young at the time. The book titled, Robert F. Kennedy: Promises To Keep, has not been far from my reach since 1969 when I received it as a Christmas gift. The book is worn, I’ve turned to it many times over the years. I look back at special quotes by Robert Kennedy often as a guide to my own personal and public life.

Those of us who have been fortunate to have been born in this great country have much to be thankful. We, who have been provided opportunities like no others on earth, should always remember that only by the grace of God have we been so blest. By our birthright we have been given tremendous advantage over many others less fortunate than us.

I have the added privilege and high honor to serve in public office. Make no mistake about it, this is a wonderful privilege and honor. If done right, public service is unlike any other calling in life. It’s a chance to do good for the benefit of many. It also carries with it a great responsibility to be fair, to be just and to serve the best interest of the public, even when the public may be wrong. Some may counter by saying that the public is always right. But, in truth, history has taught us that’s not true. In our own great nation, we not only condoned slavery, our government made it legal. In the 1950s we followed the hate mongering of United State’s Senator, Joseph McCarthy, who told us that we had to be watchful for Communists, in our government, in Hollywood, in the media… In short we were told that we couldn’t really trust anyone. Later that hateful period in our history came to be known as McCarthyism. The public bought into that hatred. This is what I find so compelling about Robert F. Kennedy, he worked for a while for the McCarthy committee on un-American Activities. But he quit after realizing that McCarthy was a fraud. Many good people had their lives destroyed by that narrow minded mob mentality that swept over our nation. Bobby Kennedy displayed his true moral courage by quitting that committee. He was only in his early 20s at the time. Both slavery and the era of McCarthyism are two glaring examples of when the public was on the wrong path. Yes, even in this great country, the public was poorly served by its leaders. It took courageous leadership to change public opinion on these important matters. As for slavery, and civil rights it took a bloody war and another 100 years to change public policy. Even today, after all that has happened, we still have some who hold on to fear and prejudice.  Thankfully, time, knowledge and wisdom has made a difference to the vast majority. Change does not happen over night, nor does it happen without moral courage and strong leadership.

In this coming New Year, I have promises to keep. That phrase comes from a poem by our great American poet, Robert Frost… “the woods are lovely, dark, and deep/ But I have promises to keep,/And miles to go before I sleep,/And miles to go before I sleep.”

A Very Happy New Year To All!

Happy Holiday’s

The Holiday Season

The holiday’s are upon us once again. Holiday’s mean different things to us. For many children it’s that wonderful time of year to hope and wish for many good things that will be left by Santa under their tree on Christmas morning. To some children less fortunate it’s a time for them to wonder why they didn’t get what they’d asked for from Santa. To many parents it’s a time to rejoice in the fact that life has been very good to them. While others wonder why they can’t find a job. The holiday’s mean different things to each of us. For some who are alone it’s a time to miss our loved ones. For others it’s a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate. Whatever this season means to you, I truly wish you the best. If times are hard, I wish you a better 2009. If times are good for you, I wish you continued success and happiness. To all, I wish you all the very best that life has to offer each and every one of you. If you know someone in need this holiday season reach out to them. If you aren’t in any condition to help, then, please  pass their name on to your church or the Salvation Army. Open your doors if you can and if you can’t do that,  open your heart to them. Do you realize that we have far too many of our veteran’s living on the streets in this country. Even one is too many, but we have thousands. Yes, these men and women have worn our nations uniform to protect us and yet they are alone and cold during this season of hope and love. There are organizations who work to get our military veteran’s off the streets and into a job and housing. They do need our help. If you want more information concerning helping a vet, you can contact our local V.F.W. Post 5915. Ask how you can help out. You can call the post at (847) 428-4836. God Bless You! Peace and Good Cheer To All.

Update on Holiday Events

I’m pleased to report that our first Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony went very well. Our Public Works Director, Bob Cole had everything set up and ready to go at 5:15 and I was honored to push the red button and light the tree. Assisting me in that effort was Trustee Linda Ramirez Sliwinski. I also want to thank Santa for stopping by to give gifts to the youngsters. He was driven in on a Fire Engine by our Fire Chief, John Schuldt. I think Chief Schuldt may have an inside track with Santa. Thanks to all the parents, teachers, students and, Ms. Ellen Bruning, the Principal of Parkview Elementary School for their participation in this holiday event. Also on hand were our Village Manager, Craig Anderson, our Finance Director, Lisa Happ, our Village Engineer, Scott Marquardt and our Economic Development and Special Projects Coordinator, Janice Murphy. There, but arriving late were Trustee, Ed Ritter and Park Committee Member, Kent Baldwin.

I also am pleased to report that the Christmas Program held by eight of our local churches was a real success. This ecumenical celebration of the true meaning of Christmas was a real uplifting spiritual community program. I’m happy to say that we had on hand from the Village of Carpentersville, Trustees Linda Ramirez Sliwinski, Ed Ritter and Kay Teeter along with myself of course. Also in attendance was  Joe Haimann, the Vice Chairman of our Planning and Zoning Commission. I believe that I can speak for everyone in saying that we appreciated this program and we recognize that our diversity is a true asset to our community. Thank You to our clergy who worked so hard to put this program together. A job well done!

Participating Churches:

Pastor Dexter K. Ball – Faithwalk Harvest Center

Pastor Rene R. Alverez – Comunidad Cristiana Cumberland

Pastor Fr. Moises Apostol – St. Monica Catholic Church

Pastor Phillip Zilinski – Fox Valley Baptist Church

Pastor Solomon Rogel – Iglesia Rebano Carpentersville

Pastor Fr. Antonio Cabello – Iglesia San Esteban Martir

Pastor Keith Johnson – New Generation Church

Pastor Rafael Escobar – Ministerios Vino Nuevo

Holiday Events

Coming This Week-

On Friday, December 12th at 5:15 pm, we will be hosting a Tree Lighting Ceremony at Carpenter Park. This program will feature the official lighting of our Holiday Tree. The tree is located at the corner of Carpenter and Cleveland. The program will include participation by Parkview Elementary School. I heard a rumor that Santa may stop by.

Christmas Program At Dundee-Crown

On Saturday, December 13th at 5:30 pm the Carpentersville Clergy will host their second annual Christmas Program. This program will be in the auditorium at Dundee-Crown High School. The program will feature participation from 8 local churches.  This ecumenical program is a wonderful way to help kick-off the Christmas season. This of course is a family program. If you’re looking for an enjoyable Christmas Program that’s free of charge, please mark this date on your calender. Come out and enjoy the evening with your family, friends and neighbors. Because this is a free event seating will be on a first come first serve basis.