Protesters against Sullivan

A protest crowd  gathered in front of State Rep. Ed Sullivan’s district office in Mundelein to protest his recently announced intention to vote for the same-sex marriage bill currently being considered in Springfield.

Representative Sullivan has described the response to his announcement as being “overwhelmingly positive.”   News of his announcement has generated a significantly negative reaction in many of the political groups, churches and private schools in the area, with many voters expressing a determination to challenge Sullivan in the Republican Primary next year.  We shall see if all this really gathers enough steam to promote a candidate that can unseat Rep. Sullivan.

Rep. Sullivan supports Gay Marriage

By Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune reporter  4/8/2013

State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr. of Mundelein said Sunday he will support a bill to allow gay marriage in Illinois, becoming the second House Republican to do so and first among leadership.


Sullivan, who is chairman of the House Republican campaign organization, said his decision to back same-sex marriage represented a personal and family evolution on the issue. Previously an opponent of civil unions, Sullivan told the Tribune that his mother-in-law, who lives in the southwest suburbs, has been in a same-sex relationship.
"The first reaction from people might be, 'Well he might be voting for that just because of his mother-in-law,'" Sullivan said. "The reality is, because my mother-in-law is gay, I have more of an understanding and familiarity with same-sex couples."


Sullivan said he believes more Republicans among the 47 in the House will sign on.
"There is tremendous momentum leading up to this vote. I think we're very close," he said. "There's many of my colleagues that have talked about this, that have said it's the right thing to do."

"This issue for me … goes to the core of fairness — marriage equality for all people. I think it is in line with … what I believe, and I personally believe it is in line with what our party believes, and that's trying to treat people with fairness," Sullivan said.
Sullivan said he believes his decision follows the wishes of voters in his northwest suburban district. He acknowledged that opponents cite their religious beliefs but said the bill contains strong religious protections.



"I try to err on the side of being a public servant and serving my district as opposed to potentially being a politician and just serving that subset (opposed based on religion) and those within my party who don't necessarily want this to pass," he said. "I look at this as a freedom, as a conservative view of treating people equally."

New place to Eat

Local reports have the Omega Restaurant opening up April 3rd.  Mundelein needs more businesses like this opening up in the heart of town.

Original Omega Restaurant   

10 E Maple Ave
Mundelein, IL 60060
(847) 566-5555

Schools in good health

Fremont Township Schools have been able to balance their books unlike other schools in Illinois.  The numbers from the chart below come from the Illinois State Board of Education.  Many other schools in the comment column are listed as "watch, early warning, or review".


Lake County District

                                                        FBRR   EXRV DCOH   STB     LTD         Total Score       Comments

Mundelein Cons HSD 120    2012    1.40     1.40     0.40     0.40     0.40             4.00               Recognition
                                             2011    1.05     1.40     0.40     0.40     0.40             3.65               Recognition

Mundelein ESD 75              2012    1.40     1.40     0.40     0.40     0.30             3.90               Recognition
                                            2011    1.40     1.40     0.40     0.40     0.30             3.90               Recognition

Fremont SD 79                   2012    1.40     1.05     0.40     0.40     0.30             3.55               Recognition
                                           2011    1.40     1.40     0.40     0.40     0.30             3.90               Recognition


FBRR - Fund Balance/Revenue Ratio - Weighting of 35%, EXRV - Expenditures/Revenue Ratio - Weighting of 35%, DCOH - Days Cash on Hand - Weighting of 10%, STB - Short-Term  Borrowing - Weighting of 10%, and LTD - Long-Term Debt - Weighting of 10%

Is there something that can be cut or reduced in the Federal Budget?


Congressional Research Service states the federal government spent nearly $3.7 million on former presidents last year. The costs cover $200,000 pension, compensation along with benefits for office staff, travel, office space and postage.

Expenses for President Georg W. Bush were just over $1.3 million.

President Bill Clinton expenses were just under $1 million.
President George H.W. Bush at nearly $850,000.
Present Jimmy Carter, came in at about $500,000.

 

New Face in Town