video details how Daley's organization uses clout

A Proviso Probe reader sent me a link to a video from the blog/video blog Chicago Clout. The video is titled, "Connecting the Dots Patrick McDonough" which isn't very self-explanatory.

McDonough is a whistleblower about corruption in City of Chicago contracting. If I followed the story correctly in the video, McDonough was the person who got the ball rolling in the Hired Truck Scandal.

The video portrays Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) as a politician who is being influenced by campaign contributions to vote against his constituent's interests.

The northwest portion of Harmon's Senate district included Bensenville. Bensenville is one of the communities that would be adversely affected if O'Hare Airport were expanded.

(The Harmon-O'Hare connection does provide a reason why Harmon was carrying Mayor Richard M. Daley's water on legislation affecting Midway Airport.)

The video explains how Daley or his allies used union members as political workers under the auspices of the unions having their own political operation.

Q: What did you have to do politically, Pat, to keep your job?

Pat McDonough: We were expected to work precincts. We mainly worked through Plumbers Local 130. We were sent to assigned targeted areas which is called the Political Action Task Force of Plumbers Local 130. So we were sent to any area throughout the city that was targeted by what the Mayor wanted.

Union members who did the political work were rewarded with promotions, overtime and benefits.

To me this sounds quite a bit like the unhealthy--illegal?--relationship between SEIU 73 and Eugene Moore and Emanuel "Chris" Welch. Moore is the Cook County Recorder of Deeds, former Proviso Township Democratic Committeeman and political boss with significant influence at Proviso Township High Schools (District 209). Welch is the president of the D209 board of education.

LABOR, Stan Fields advocating privatizing services in Mundelein [D209]

SEIU 73 seems heavily invested in the political machine of Eugene Moore and Chris Welch. One particular staff member in particular seems to push members to work for Moore and Welch allied campaigns.

Tuesday night SEIU 73 held a meeting at the Maywood Public Library. The local told its members and supporters about which candidates it is supporting. Part of the way SEIU 73 pushed Welch-backed candidates is to raise the threat of privatization at Proviso Township High Schools if Charles Flowers becomes president of the board of education.

Superintendent Stan Fields is Welch's superintendent. What did Fields do at his previous district? He backed privatization.

Below I excerpted some of the minutes of meetings from Mundelein High School.

January 27, 2004

It was moved by Ms. Beutlich, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, that the Board of Education of Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120 contract with Sodexho School Services for the provision of custodial, maintenance and grounds services for a period of five years, with a full review at the one year point before continuation of services.

AYE: Ms. Beutlich, Mr. Lieberman Mr. Hannigan, Mr. Ortega, Mr. Hitzke, Ms. Schroeder, Ms. Kennedy.

NAY: None
ABSENT: None

May 24, 2005

SECURITY SERVICES
Mr. Specht stated he had spoke with the District’s attorney and been advised to change the language in the motion. The new language would allow us to accept the bid then negotiate with the union.

It was moved by Mr. Hitzke, seconded by Mr. Wirt, that the Board of Education of Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120 approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to identify Andy Frain Services as the lowest responsible bidder for security services in an amount estimated at $280,288.

Upon roll call, the following members voted:
AYE: Mr. Hitzke, Mr. Wirt, Ms. Kennedy
NAY: Mr. Munley
ABSTAIN: Mr. Ortega

The motion passed 4 – 1.

June 21, 2005

Kevin Bennett, IEA representative for MESA, asked the Board to consider the advantages of keeping current security employees rather than outsourcing.

SECURITY SERVICES CONTRACT
A discussion of the merits of keeping current security staff vs. outsourcing was held.

It was moved by Mr. Wirt, seconded by Mr. Specht, that the Board of Education of Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120 approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to accept the bid for security services from Andy Frain Services in an amount estimated at $280,288.

Upon roll call, the following members voted:
AYE: Mr. Wirt, Mr. Specht
NAY: Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Munley
ABSTAIN: Mr. Ortega
ABSENT: Mr. Hitzke

The motion failed 2-2.

May 23, 2006

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – DISCUSSION
FY07 Tentative Budget
The FY07 tentative budget was discussed. It is hoped to have the FY07 budget finalized at the August Board meeting.

Security Bids
The Board discussed the pros and cons of outsourcing security. They requested a comparison table of security personnel including number of personnel, hours, and responsibilities. Discussion will continue at the June Board meeting.

June 15, 2006

1.Bids
Bid for Security Services
It was moved by Mr. Wirt, seconded by Mr. Hitzke, that the Board of Education of Mundelein Consolidated High School District 120 move to accept the May 10, 2006 bid of Andy Frain Services subject to prorating the first year for a start date of August 1, 2006, and subject to attorney approval of a written contract.

Upon roll call, the following members voted:
AYE: Mr. Wirt, Mr. Hitzke, Mr. Specht.
NAY: Ms. Havlik, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Munley, Mr. Ortega