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"Decemberists rain fire in July with Grant Park Symphony-by Dwight Casimere

There was fire in the sky as thunderstorms threatened to soak the more than
hundred thousand Fourth of July-like crowd that crammed the Pritzker
Pavilion and all of the surrounding lawn area to hear the Decemberists
perform their all-concert program of originals with the Grant Park Symphony
Orchestra. It was the last stop in a national tour of the indie-rock icons,
who have now gone mainstream with their first album release on a major
label. And to prove they're all grown up now, there they were playing with
the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra complete with score-in-hand with a dozen
original compositions scored for orchestra and the group, with
orchestrations written and conducted by Sean O'Laughlin. It was a brilliant
concert and if you missed it, it was the highlight of the Grant Park
Orchestra season.
First of all, I came to the concert with a group of University of Chicago
students who told me that, almost to a person, none of them had ever seen a
symphony orchestra in concert. I'm sure that was true for the vast majority
of the crowd. Secondly, one of them told me that she had seen the
Decemberists performing the same concert at an outdoor venue near Boston
where the tickets for the "populist summer concert" were 50 dollars apiece
and completely sold out. Grant Park remains the nation's only free outdoor
summer concert series. So, we were fortunate indeed, even if the weather was
iffy.
Much of The Decemberists music sounds like Irish sea chanties, so it only
added to the atmosphere when a mist of rain began to fall on the crowd. The
thunder and lightning of the approaching storm seemed to arrive right on
cue, even prompting a response from lead singer-guitarist Colin Meloy.
The highlights of the show were the opening numbers, "The Crane Wife 1 & 2,
" based on mystical oriental fables that Colin began working on in his
childhood and which formed the basis for the work and "The Perfect Crime
"2". His biting "Los Angeles I'm Yours" had the most terrific, satirical
lyrics. L.A. doesn't have a song, but they should adopt this one, even with
the biting social commentary. After completing the Mariner's Revenge Song,
Colin dispensed with the orchestra and invited the whole crowd on the back
lawn down to the front of the stage for a vintage rock scene. It was like
Woodstock all over again, but hippies didn't wear Abercrombie. I left
during all the clapping and hand-waving and jumped on my suburban-bound
Metra just as all the real fun began. Oh well, the kids seemed to be having
just as good a time without me, anyway. Let's
hope they come back when the groove is all-Mozart. For more information on
upcoming Grant Park concerts, visit www.grantparkmusicfestival.com

It brought founding music director to the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Long Yu, to the stage in his Ravinia debut . It also brought a debut performance for both the Chicago Symphony and Ravinia of Xing Qinghai’s “Yellow River Piano Concerto”, which the pair have recorded for the Deutsche Grammophon label. While Long Yu is a first-timer at Ravinia, at 24 years old, piano superstar Lang Lang is a Festival veteran with eight seasons to his credit.

It was an exceptional program, with Yu and Lang plunging headlong into Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major. At first, it appeared that Yu was rushing the tempos, but, upon reading the program notes, I learned that Mozart had written the piece for his star pupil, a young , vivacious pianist Maria Ann Barbara von Ployer, “Babette” to those who knew her. The work brims with youthful exuberance and was the perfect match for Lang’s showman-like skills. With his geometric hairdo and angular, tailored white silk jacket, Lang resembled a more sophisticated version of the twenty-something Michael Jackson in his ‘Thriller’ days, without the pretentious glove. It’s a pity that it was difficult to hear some of the really pretty decorative things he was playing in the cadenzas. The figurative embellishments simply got lost in the swell of the orchestra, the cicadas and the rustle of background noise that is Ravinia on a typical summer’s night.

Whatever minor disappointments were suffered in the Mozart were quickly banished in the second half with the Ravinia premiere of “Yellow River.” This was a lush, heartfelt piece that both the conductor and soloist relished in playing. Lang Lang’s playing dripped with emotion and there was no possibility of missing one single note of his suspenseful, thought-provoking playing.

He proved that music is an international language, capable of leaping across cultural and historical boundaries. Xinghai is one of modern China’s most revered composers, having won favor with both the notorious Mao and his more forward thinking successor, Zhou Enlai, who opened China to the West. The work was banned during the Cultural Revolution. One can easily see why. It’s soulful, defiant melodies would stir even the most docile spirit and Lang Lang captured its mood perfectly. At one point, he seemed to swoon as he leaned far back on his piano bench as if letting the music lift him into the evening air. The audience was not far behind. Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway appear in both recital and with the CSO in a program of Ibert, Dukas and Debussy. Then former Ravinia music director, maestro Christoph Eschenbach returns to the podium and to his beloved keyboard ofr Mahler‘s “Songs of a Wayfarer“ with Baritone Thomas Hampson and on the piano in a rare vocal recital with Tenor Nikolai Schukoff in music of Haydn, Schumann, Sibelius, Faure and Liszt. it’s a program not to be missed. For more information, visit www.ravinia.org.

JV Jazz blew into the Chicago theatre at the midway point of its international tour, but it might as well have been a homecoming for musicians Peter White, Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. Sponsored by “Smooth Jazz”, WNUA radio and JVC, the artists have become such a part of the musical tapestry of Chicago over the last 20 years, that host and evening WNUA personality Danae Alexander dubbed them “honorary” Chicago artists. The crowd seconded the motion with thunderous applause. Within seconds, trumpeter Rick Braun got the evening off to a sizzling start. The stage was darkened with cozy lighting, to resemble a night club and the tasteful colorful neon JVA Jazz logo hung in the background. Braun worked his way down the aisle from the back of the concert hall, wearing a bright, flamingo pink shirt and playing his signature gold and silver-belled custom horn to the delight of the audience.

After trading some hot licks with tenor sax man Richard Elliott, Braun launched into his mega-hit Notorious on his signature flugelhorn. The rich, sultry tones were straight out of the deep south, blending jazz, blues and soul. His playing was like a walk through New Orlean’s famed storyville, with echoes of Louis Armstrongs’ sighs and Dizzy’s rapid-fire arpeggios. Braun is a master of his instrument with an iron-lip that sent Maynard Ferguson-like notes flying from the upper register of his instrument into the furthest reaches of the Chicago theatres gilded balconies.

Richard Elliot mined the depths of his tenor sax to play some openinng solo bars that borrowed heavily from John Coltrane’s “Love Supreme, ” and Roland Kirk’s embellished virtuosity. He then launched into the title track from his upcoming CD “Magnificent.” Then an instrumental interpretation of a song from what he called “my all-time favorite group”; The Delfonics’ iconic “People Make The World Go ‘Round.” Of course, that invited a sing-along from the audience, yours truly included.

Peter White is the man with the flying fingers on guitar. His melodies soar, especially in the upper register where he plays some mandolin-like sounds that are simply delightful. He seems most comfortable with Caribbean-inspired fare. His exploration of soul was enlightening too, paying homage to a band from America that rocked his world while his fellow-British rockers-to-be were listening to the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones; The Isley Bros. A spirited romp through the Temptations’ landmark “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” with Rick Braun popping in just long enough to deliver some blistering licks on the trumpet reminded one of how these musicians and other smooth jazz artists have served to resurrect instrumental music at a time with the vocal trios and quartets of the R&B and Soul genres had virtually decapitated the jazz world. They were able to take those Classic R& B hits, put a creative instrumental spin on them and develop an entirely new genre. Voila! Smooth Jazz was born and an entire new generation of music lovers with it.

As good as all of the aforementioned artists were, none of them held a candle to guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Butler. He literally stole the show. He created an almost religious revival atmosphere with his soon-to-be-released single “Brand New Day.” Later in the program, he launched into a Bob Marley tribute that sounded more like the plaintive cries of folk balladeer Richie Havens in his Bitter End Café New York Village days. Standing there, playing his acoustic Gibson and singing in his heartfelt baritone, it became crystal-clear that after all of the highly amplified pyrotechnics of the evening, how powerful a statement one lone voice and a single well-played instrument can make. Jonathan Butler was an important element of the show that brought the music into focus and the audience to its feet. Now that’s Magnificent! For more on Smooth Jazz, JVC Jazz and WNUA, visit www.wnua.com.

Denyce Graves: A True Diva Descends on CSO-by Dwight
Casimere

The much anticipated solo concert by opera megastar,
Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves with the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra conducted by veteran opera maestro Emmanuel
Villaume was a world-class event in every sense. From
the moment she walked on stage in an asparagus green
empire gown, worthy of a Greek goddess, Graves exuded
star-power. This is a performer truly worthy of the
term Diva.
    The audience came to a hush as she poised herself
to begin the first notes. What came out was sublime.
Her concert explored the romantic repertoire of the
golden age of opera in the last decades of the
nineteenth century; Bizet's 'Carmen', in which she
appeared in the title role at Lyric Opera in the
2005-06 season, Saint-Saens 'Samson et Delilah",
Massenet's "Herodiade, Verdi's "Don Carlo", Cilea's
Adriana Lecouvreur, Mascagni's " Cavalleria Rusticana"
and a selection of Tradtional American Spirituals to
round things out.
    Each selection was presented as a showcase for
Grave's considerable vocal talents. Her most
successful arias were from the seldom heard "Celui
dont la parole" from Masssenet's "Herodiade",
selections from "Carmen", of course, and the "Acerba
volutta." from "Adriana Lecouvreur." All explored her
terrific range and ability for dramatic expression.
Her gestures were effective without being campy. At
one moment, she cast her head back and outstretched
her arms as if, symbolically, offering herself in
total, to the audience. The gesture brought thunderous
applause.
    Where she most excelled was when she relaxed and
eased into the Traditional Spiritual "Give Me Jesus."
The lush orchestration and interplay between her
voice, the flute, oboe and harp brought out the rich,
deep tones of her lower register. It was an
emotionally gripping moment that was the highlight of
the concert. There were encores, but after feasting on
the 'degustation' of her extensive romantic program
and finishing with the sorbet of her spirituals, I
was satiated. Nothing more was needed. Denyce Graves
will be featured in a Benefit Concert for the
Community Renewal Society Thursday, September 20th at
7pm at the Harris Theatre in Millennium Park. For
information, visit www.communityrenewalsociety.org.
Denyce Graves' Musicians Pension Fund Concert for the
CSO was generously sponsored by the Audrey Love
Charitable Foundation. Next, Symphony Center Presents
Chicago native Mavis Staples and the Blind Boys of
Alabama in concert, Tuesday, June 26th at 7:30pm. For
information, visit www.cso.org.

         The long-awaited Chicago premiere of The Color Purple is finally underway at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in downtown Chicago. While singer Fantasia is getting all of the notoriety on Broadway in the lead role of Celie, Chicago can pride itself on the
quality of this production. The high-energy cast sweeps the audience along in this epic tale of a young girl’s journey from male-dominated oppression to personal and spiritual growth and independence. The singing is among the best I’ve ever heard on stage, outside of Lyric Opera. The dance numbers, particularly the ones in Act One in the juke joint
and in Act Two in Clie’s evocation of Africa are simply dazzling.
         The Chicago premiere is especially significant because “The Color Purple” is produced by a stellar team headed by our very own Oprah Winfrey. Quincy Jones and the Nederlander organization round out an impressive list of producers. Opening night's red
carpet was equivalent to any Broadway opening. In fact, it more resembled a Hollywood premiere with producer Oprah resplendent in an Oscar de la Renta purple gown (Stedman, just out of camera-shot like a dutiful prince-consort), R. Kelly, Jesse Jackson,
Mayor and Maggie Daley, Roger and Chaz Ebert and more.
         At the heart of this production is a bravura performance by Chicago native Felicia P. Fields in the starring role of Sofia, the courageous and fiery mountain of a woman who is the heartbeat of the show. She is the polar opposite of Clie, played and sung by Jeannette Bayardelle. Where Nettie is victimized and struggling to find her identity, Sofia is self-assured and courageous to a fault. No man will ever dominate her and beat her as Clie has been. Her courage and outspokenness are both her downfall and her redemption. Did I mention former Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams as Nettie’s consort/mentor Shug Avery? This self-assured, unbelievably beautiful sexual dynamo deserves her
own show. I’d pay to see her, twice. She’s got the pipes, the moves and she can act, too!
         All of the performers are exquisite. The sets, costumes and lighting add to the magic. The musical transports you into the post-slavery, turn-of-the-last century world of Nettie, Celie, Mister, Harpo and Sofia. It is a world that is the predicate for black existence in this century. The Color Purple celebrates life and all of its struggles, hidden treasures, defeats and rewards. As the music and dance envelopes you, the lyrics serve
to draw you deeper into the stories of these characters that propel the musical.
         By now, you’ve read the book, seen the Academy Award winning film, most recently on cable. In a way, I’m glad I waited to see the musical until the Chicago production. I had just seen the film on cable a few nights before the Chicago premiere, so I was thoroughly backgrounded, but not prepared for the avalanche of emotion that the musical elicited. Jeannette Bayardelle is exceptional as Celie. Her plaintive voice and emotionally wrenching portrayal drive Celie’s struggles and triumphs deep into your soul. When she hit’s a high note at the end of her finale, your spirit soars along with hers.
         Of all the performers, the most powerful is Fields. A product of Antioch Baptist
Church in Chicago, and the local Chicago theatre scene, her fire and brimstone and Mahalia Jackson-like voice raise the roof on this stellar production.
         Go see “The Color Purple. “ It will enrich your life! For tickets and information, visit www.thecolorpurple.com or call the Cadillac Palace Theatre in the Loop.

Acting on the top issue raised by social service providers in a February forum, U.S. Representative Jerry Weller (R-Morris) on Tuesday hosted a roundtable meeting of agencies that provide affordable housing, and groups representing clients in need of affordable housing.
“At our community support roundtables in February, it became clear that the number one concern among the people providing social services in Will County is the availability of affordable housing for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities,” Weller said. “Housing is a basic need, but for too many people, it’s a struggle to put a roof over your head and still have money for other basic needs like clothes, food, and medication.”
February’s meeting was a chance for social service agencies to address Congress’s top Republican on social service programs. Rep. Weller is now the Ranking Member of the Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee. The body within the House Ways and Means Committee oversees more than $80 billion in federal programs, including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income SSI), and unemployment compensation. Affordable housing is a concern for many of the people enrolled in these programs.
“Consider an individual with a disability who relies on Supplemental Security Income,” Weller said. “Last year, that person received $632 a month. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Joliet is $719. Clearly, it will take a partnership of the federal government, and state and local agencies to help these people and others who struggle to afford to rent or buy a home.”
The Department of Housing and Urban Development will spend more than $20 billion on rent assistance for low-income families, seniors, and people with a disability in Fiscal Year 2007, Weller noted. In addition, Weller supported a bill that passed the H

ouse providing $1.4 billion over four years to make housing more affordable for low-income families. The Federal Housing Finance Reform Act (HR 1427) establishes an Affordable Housing Fund to distribute the money. Weller has also been a strong supporter of the low income housing tax credit.
“While we can increase our commitment to fund affordable housing programs in Washington, it’s really the local realtors and social service agencies that have their finger on the pulse of the problem locally,” Weller said. “I organized this meeting so they have a chance to listen and learn from each other, and to let them know my door is open to listen to ways to provide a better quality of life for those in search of affordable housing.”

Local Clergy step up support for fired worker
By: John Gabriel/TW
jtimesweekly@yahoo.com

Joliet Pastor and Reverend, Herb Brooks, was among the first to arrive on Friday, June 1st, to support fired Barbara Jones in her continuing efforts to win back her position with the Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center located at 12450 Walker Road in Lemont.
The Times-Weekly has covered Jones protests since she began contesting her dismissal in December 2006. Jones, so far has failed to gain a large number of people to support her efforts and her protests have failed to elicit any reaction from the personnel at the center except for one occasion when the Lemont Police came to ask the protesters to leave the property.
Reverend Brooks said he continues to support Jones even though up to this point she has not been successful. “I think justice needs to be served and right is right. So far they have refused to talk to us and in my opinion that is an admission of guilt; there is no legal or legitimate reason why this Lemont Rehab Center should not sit down and talk with us at the table and come to an agreement. The fact that they are staying inside and refusing to talk to us proves to me that they are wrong. I continue to believe that justice has to be served some way at some time,” Brooks said.
Barbara Jones alleges that she and ten other employees who sought union representation were dismissed because they attempted to organize and to restore medical benefits that were discontinued. Jones contends that she was officially dismissed because she dropped a patient’s food tray in the cafeteria. Neither Eric Rothner nor Frank Guajardo, both principals of the rehab center, have been willing to be interviewed.
Jones has attempted to fight her battle against the Lemont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center without the assistance of an attorney. That may have contributed to her failure to persuade the National Labor Relations Board to restore her to her former position. She claims she lost an opportunity to present her case to the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) because the decision of the NLRB came after the due date for filing a claim with the EEOC. Jones is a single mother whose income is insufficient to engage the services of an attorney specializing in labor law and few pro se litigants are successful in court.
Jones says she has requested the participation of Reverend Jesse Jackson but to date he has not assisted her and he has not confronted the management of the center on her behalf. It is unlikely the center will ever respond to the protests of a limited number of supporters. Her opponent’s strategy is clearly to pretend she is not there. Up to now it has been effective. The IBEW, which now represents the employees, has not made a physical appearance on Jones’ behalf during her protests at the rehab center.
Barbara Jones has the continuing support of local clergyman, including Rev. Herb Brooks, and Pastors Hector Edwards, Richard House, Craig Purchase, Isaac Singleton, and Ray Lesher and she seeks to add to that support from others including her church members.

            A proposed legislative amendment drafted by Senator Debbie Halvorson (D-40th Dist.) would change Will County Board hiring practices if approved and this doesn’t make everyone happy. The board is comprised of only 7 democrats and 20 republicans and the proposal is largely opposed by the majority side.
            According to Commissioner Frank Stewart, the current process is “full of scrutiny”. Right now candidates must present their credentials, letters of recommendation, etc. before the entire board and the majority of the board must approve the candidate for employment. The amendment, which the democrat members urged Halvorson to draft, suggests that department heads and the County Board Executive be the decision makers for new hires.
            “I’m very disappointed in the amendment”, said Commissioner John Gerl. “It eliminates a very needed set of checks and balances. The Executive would be allowed to hire at will. I don’t think this advances county politics”, Gerl said. Commissioner James Blackburn agrees with Gerl and also explained his concern that the Board was not given notification of the proposal and was made aware after it was already filed. ”This smacks of Chicago-style politics. The current system was established by the voters and it should not be done this way.”

Who are the people operating behind the scenes waging a seemingly unending battle to get Lorna Paisley into Joliet politics? The Times Weekly uncovered the fact that former Green Party Chairman Tim Tacker and Green party member Dan Kalnes were working diligently to assist her campaign for the 4th District Joliet City Council Seat prior to the April 17th Election. Also exposed was the fact that Kalnes had quietly gained access to the Will County Democratic office in Joliet in the period prior to the November 2006 Election and that his wife Abby Strasser had keys to the headquarters that gave the couple unrestricted access within that building. Kalnes operated under the guise of being a democrat at the time but admitted later that he was an active member of the Green Party. Kalnes denied any wrongdoing.
Lorna Paisley, in an interview on Monday May 21st, said she currently has no association with the Green Party but did file a professionally constructed “Petition For Discovery Recount” with the County Clerk on May 10th. The petition is drafted in legal vernacular and cites an authority pursuant to a particular Chapter and paragraph of the Illinois Compiled Statutes but Paisley denies that an attorney drafted the petition. Paisley did sign the document.
On May 21st Will County Clerk Nancy Schultz Voots conducted an official recount in response to that petition. Eight members of the Clerk’s staff, including the Clerk herself, conducted the recount that was observed by Mary Tatroe of the States Attorneys Office and Jamie Rough from Election Systems Software whose company is responsible for the voting system.
An entourage of five people accompanied Lorna Paisley. After being repeatedly pressed for an answer she conceded that an attorney who was present was there on her behalf but she refused to say who hired him or why, or at whose request he was representing her in the recount matter. After several requests for a straight-forward answer Paisley said, “He was there on my behalf.” When she was asked who paid for her attorney Paisley said, “I don’t know.” When Paisley was asked for her attorney’s name she responded arrogantly, “Why don’t you ask the County Clerk?”
Lorna Paisley was asked if she intends to continue to question the election results, she responded, “We haven’t decided.” But when asked who “We” are she refused to answer. The people who attended the recount on her behalf were Lisa Kraus, Janis Tomas, Patricia Reiss, Bruce Teyley, Chuck McCauley, and Daniel Gorman.
The recount was carried out meticulously and the final tally corresponded with the results of April 17th that determined the winner in 4th District to be Susie Barber. Barber was sworn in as Councilwoman for the 4th District on May 8th. Paisley could file challenges to the signatures of the voters but it is likely that the court would summarily dismiss such a request unless there was some indication of foul play in the election.
The election results were close, but they are not as intriguing as the mystery that surrounds Lorna Paisley and the friends whose identities she conceals, why her attorney should be a an unnamed figure in the shadows, or why she does not know who paid her attorney’s fees.
Why would an attorney file a Petition anonymously for a client? If someone other than an attorney produced Paisley’s Petition that person may be practicing law without a license and the mystery deepens. The recount proved to be legitimate, but Lorna Paisley’s friends, whom she refuses to identify, remains a secret?

more on story....Memorial Day “Click it or Ticket” Safety Belt Campaign to target nighttime drivers

            The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) are teaming up with more than 300 local police agencies to mount the largest ever nighttime safety belt enforcement effort in Illinois. During the Memorial Day “Click it or Ticket” mobilization, motorists can expect more than 3,600 safety belt enforcement zones statewide, with almost 700 enforcement zones planned for after dark, the time when surveys show more drivers fail to buckle up.
            “Memorial Day marks the beginning of the busy summer holiday travel season and reminds travelers that the single most important way to protect yourself and your family is by buckling up,” said IDOT Acting Secretary Milton Sees. “Governor Rod Blagojevich signed the primary safety belt law in 2003 and since then we have seen a 12 percent increase in belt usage while at the same time a sharp reduction in fatalities. But we know that safety belt use drops off at night, and that’s why it is so important that police departments across the state are stepping up their nighttime enforcement activities.”
            Studies have shown high-risk drivers buckle up less at night. In 2005, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 60 percent of all motor vehicle occupants killed during the night were unbelted. The statewide Memorial Day enforcement effort comes as IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety (DTS) and its traffic safety partners across the state are aiming to reach 90 percent safety belt compliance statewide and build on the safest year on Illinois roads in more than 80 years. Traffic fatalities fell below 1,300 for the first time since 1924, with more than 100 fewer people killed on Illinois highways during 2006 than 2005.
            Preliminary data shows there were 1,254 traffic deaths on Illinois roadways in 2006, the lowest total since 1,065 deaths recorded in 1924. Since 2003, traffic fatalities have dropped from 1,454 to 1,355 in 2004 and 1,363 in 2005. During that same timeframe safety belt usage has increased each year from 76 percent usage in 2003 to 88 percent usage in 2006.
            “Our officers will be placing special emphasis on both residential and rural roadways,” ISP Director Larry Trent said. “Whether running an errand during the day or driving at night on an expressway or interstate, motorists are at equal risk of being involved in a traffic crash. No matter the destination, always wear your safety belt. We won’t compromise on our efforts to save lives.”
            Illinois is striving to reach 90 percent safety belt compliance - during a statewide annual survey conducted in June - through high visibility enforcement, community education, and paid media. IDOT is calling on communities to join their Click it or Ticket campaign to reach 90 percent safety belt compliance statewide.
            Gov. Blagojevich has made improving traffic safety a priority for his administration and has actively supported legislation to reduce fatalities on our state’s highways. Some of the measures put into effect by Governor Blagojevich include:
•           A law that bans teen drivers from carrying more than one passenger for the first six months after receiving their license;
•           A law that bans cell phone use by drivers under 18;
•            Requiring drivers under 18 to make sure that their teen passengers are buckled properly in the front and back seats;
•           The primary safety belt enforcement law that allows officers to stop and ticket drivers for not wearing a safety belt; and
•           A law that raised the age at which children must be in a restraint system or booster seat from 4 to 8.
            For more information about traffic safety programs in Illinois, and to get involved in the effort to reach 90 percent safety belt compliance in Illinois, go to www.buckleupillinois.org.

Last Week Will County Executive Larry Walsh reported on his trip to Washington where he sought the release of funds allocated for Will County Projects. This week we continue our discussion with him on other issues.
County Executive Lawrence “Larry” Walsh turned his attention to the rapid growth of the county and to the influx of new businesses to the area. “Will County has always been primarily rural in nature, but we are losing more and more of our farm land to other uses. Growth is inevitable. People are attracted to Will County because we have so much to offer. We have space and we offer opportunity. Currently about 49% of the county is rural.”
“One of my major concerns is that of the large companies who move into these modern, huge facilities, some, for example, as large as 1.2 million square feet, who then out-source many of the jobs they have created. We need to stress the importance of corporations being employers and paying living wages and benefits.”
Walsh explained that companies often hire employees from other firms to fill jobs such as lift truck operators to avoid many costs and benefits. He said local government must work with such companies so they can provide jobs but do it without jeopardizing their positions in the business world. While he did not make any immediate suggestions for raising wages he did say that in today’s economic world even $13.50 an hour is not sufficient to sustain a decent standard of living under most circumstances.
Walsh spoke of how the “global economy” and local development of businesses by foreign companies might affect Will County. “John Grueling and the CED [Center for Economic Development] have traveled to China in search of investment in Will County. When they went to seminars and receptions the Chinese people knew a great deal about Will County, more so than they did of the people who went to China to represent us. I believe we are going to see some important investments in the county and with them the important creation of more jobs.”
Walsh said the county must not haphazardly throw open its doors to those who want to establish businesses here. The county has to examine the entire scheme of things and plan appropriately to avoid mistakes we might regret in time to come according to Walsh.
He enthusiastically discussed the possibility that Senator Barack Obama could become the next president of the U.S. He was asked: If Senator Obama becomes our next president might there be a place in Washington for Larry Walsh?
“Senator Obama is my very dear friend and if I were asked to be a part of his administration that would be an honor and a challenge, but you know my roots are here in Will County, my family is here, and my grandkids are here. I would certainly have to weigh that decision carefully. I enjoy my job as County Executive, and all of that enters into such a proposition; it would not be easy to decide.”

            With the skyrocketing costs of healthcare, deteriorating inner city schools and the number of uninsured people in Illinois climbing to nearly 1.5 million, members of the Illinois Faith Based Association (ILFBA) said “enough is enough, things have to change.” Hundreds of members of ILFBA drove from all corners of the state on May 16th to gather in Springfield calling for legislators to pass Governor Blagojevich’s ambitious proposal to provide affordable access to healthcare for all, make a historic investment in public schools, and relieve the tax burden on individuals by asking big businesses to pay their fair share. The group delivered legislators a joint letter signed by over 100 pastors from across the state. The letter reinforces the call to legislators to listen to their constituents, not lobbyists paid for by large wealthy corporations, and approve the Governor’s historic plan.
            “As a minister, it’s heartbreaking to see the members of my congregation struggling daily with the skyrocketing costs of healthcare, finding quality education for their children, and paying more than their fair share in taxes,” said Rev. Walter P. Turner III, pastor of New Spiritual Light Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago and president of the Illinois Faith Based Association, which represents hundreds of churches statewide. “Governor Blagojevich’s plan will help to alleviate the burdens of those families who are working hard by making large companies pay their fair share. I thank the Governor for taking such proactive steps to address the struggles of Illinois families.”
            Governor Blagojevich’s budget plan includes the Illinois Covered plan to provide affordable comprehensive insurance to all Illinoisans, the Helping Kids Learn plan to invest an additional $10 billion in Illinois schools over the next four years, the Tax Fairness Plan that requires wealthy businesses to pay their fair share and gives the middle class the relief it deserves, a transportation plan to improve Illinois’ roads and rail systems and create jobs, and a plan to address the state’s long-time pension deficit.
            “We are excited about coming to Springfield to talk to the various members of the legislature and to show our support of Governor Blagojevich’s plan to Invest in Illinois Families,” said Pastor Tony Pierce, Co-Senior Pastor of Heaven’s View Christian Fellowship in Peoria. “The members of the Illinois Faith Based Association are in favor of the Governor’s plan because we want to see more dollars flowing into the education of our children, especially to address the increasing achievement gap for the children that come from urban centers, where the funding doesn’t provide as many dollars as those in the suburbs. Also, the present healthcare crisis is breaking the backs of millions of American families. We need the dollars proposed in the Governor’s Tax Fairness Plan to help those families who are suffering in this present environment.”
            The Illinois Faith Based Association (IFBA) acknowledges God as the author and finisher of our faith. We believe that by this faith, our communities will be exalted. We reflect on the role of the church in the history of the United States and hereby assume the responsibility of implementing systemic revitalization of community, rejuvenation of people and the solidification of family. The Illinois Faith Based Association is wholeheartedly committed to this pursuit.

more on story....Let’s Help to Increase Homeownership
By. Harry C. Alford
NNPA Columnist

A new federal income tax deduction has the double benefit of reducing the tax burden on low and moderate income families while also helping promote homeownership throughout our nation. The new deduction enables qualified families who buy or refinance a home in tax year 2007 to deduct government and private mortgage insurance premiums paid on their loan.
Passage of this tax break is good for families and good for communities, and Congress should vote to continue the deduction – now scheduled to expire at the end of the year – into the future.
I have argued for a long time that our government should find ways to lesson the tax burden on Americans, and this tax change is focused directly on helping low and moderate income families. This change in tax law could mean an estimated $300 to $350 tax savings per family for those who qualify.
Under this new law, private and government mortgage insurance premiums are fully tax deductible for borrowers who buy or refinance a home this year if their adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less. Families with incomes of more than $100,000 and up to $109,000 will be eligible for a reduced deduction.
The National Black Chamber of Commerce believes that affordable housing is essential, and we have been working to help low and moderate income families find affordable homes. This tax deduction is a big step in the right direction in making the goal of affordable homeownership a reality for many African-Americans.
Homeownership also benefits communities, as people who own a home feel more invested in their neighborhoods, which in turn helps creates safer, more stable communities.
On the other side, studies show that communities with low ownership are inherently less prosperous, less stable, and suffer a disproportionate share of social ills, including higher crime rates, illiteracy, and unemployment. These communities become a blue print for a future ghetto. Such has been our plight as we witnessed Compton, Inglewood, Gary, Detroit, etc. turn from prosperity to blight.
This new tax break will also help narrow the homeownership gap for minorities. While Census figures show that the national homeownership rate is 68.9 percent, only about 46 percent of African Americans own their homes.
The National Black Chamber of Commerce supported passage by Congress of this deduction, along with a broad coalition of African-American, Hispanic, housing, consumer and taxpayer groups.
The approval of this new tax break was important because it’s the first time that mortgage insurance premiums are tax deductible. But the law provided the deduction only for 2007, and Congress should renew that provision beyond this year – and continue giving taxpayers this needed assistance.
Mortgage insurance is usually required by lenders on home loans when the buyer does not have at least 20 percent for a down payment. In today’s market, that 20 percent threshold is out of reach for many families. Consider this: the median price of a home today in our country is about $220,000, which means that a family would need to save $44,000 to have a 20 percent down payment.
That’s not very realistic to expect, and it is not what is happening in the real estate market. A recent study by the National Association of Realtors of home transactions between the middle of 2005 and the middle of 2006 found that the typical first-time buyer had a down payment of only 2 percent – far less than the traditional 20 percent required by lenders.
Our government policies should do as much as possible to help promote homeownership, especially in times like these when real estate market conditions are changing and people are increasingly worried about risky exotic home financing arrangements.
Thankfully, there are indications that Congress understands how important it is to extend this tax deduction. A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. House of Representatives have joined together to introduce legislation (HR 1813) to continue the mortgage insurance tax deduction.
The House and the U.S. Senate should get behind this bill, continue the tax deduction for mortgage insurance and show their continued support for strengthening homeownership in America. More of us should feel free to call their respective congressional office as well as their senators and simply voice support of this legislation. Simply say “I want the congressman/senator to support HR 1813. It is good for home owners and those who want to own a home. Thank you.” Simple calls and emails like that can make a difference. Politicians move to the lines of least resistance and listen to the mood of their constituents. It is important that they understand the mood of the people who can re-elect them or vote them out. You will get their attention if you show that you care and are watching them.
Harry Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO, of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org.

more on story....Will the entire village please stand up?
By: Nicole Jolicoeur/TW
njtimesweekly@yahoo.com

Violence usually begets nothing more than more violence. The recent heightened level of gang violence, shootings and mayhem caused at a local high school are evidence of this. Starting with one shooting that claimed the life of 19-year old, Devron D. Weddington, then another youth wiped out when 15-year old Michael W. Hamilton was fatally shot. In the midst of all the travesty, funerals and grieving it continues with police responding to more, possibly linked, violent drive-by shootings and incited rumors of shooting at Joliet West High School creating frenzy and panic for students, staff and parents who understandably bought into the scare knowing the track record for violence in their community. It’s a problem that is out of control and needs expedient resolution.
            Who’s responsible for the problem? Obviously those who pull the triggers. Are they however, the ones standing on the front line? Or are they a resulting party of failed citizens who’ve reached wits end, find no value to life (be it their own or others) after crossing paths with many other living souls who could’ve, should’ve, would’ve but didn’t reach out and pull them up saving them from a sinking pool of destruction. The pool of destruction for many of the violence pushers may have been child abuse or molestation that went ignored; a learning disability that wasn’t addressed; or maybe just a child who wanted to talk and nobody would bother to listen. How many times has a child been passed by while sinking with no good samaritan willing to throw out a lifeline to save them?
            Many of them will find a way to pull out of the pool by any means necessary even if this means clinging on to a post of crime, drug use, violence, etc. Once they grab a hold to that post many never let it go. And why should they, they ask. That is the post that was there for them when no one else cared. The post that provided a way out from continuing to face a deep pool of contents that hurt, scarred and shamed their young lives.
            Certainly there are some good samaritan posts called teachers, mentors and leaders who care and extend themselves as much as they can. Thank God for them. But where’s the rest of the village? History has proven there is tremendous power and strength in numbers. While we can no longer save Weddington or Hamilton, maybe the village can and will form a resolve to collectively save others. After the resolve is formed, those in positions of power must act responsibly and proactively- campaigning just as hard as they did to gain that power to create a non-violent, safe community. They need to be forced to make things happen, creating a positive reality instead of just optimistic debate.
            Optimism regarding the crisis is welcomed but as the Holy Bible clearly states “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). Nothing beats a failure but a try – so the entire village must start standing together one-by-one, day by day to throw out those lifelines and save the future. Are you willing to stand up?

more on story....Will the entire village please stand up?
By: Nicole Jolicoeur/TW
njtimesweekly@yahoo.com