CAN YOU HEAR US NOW ALDERMAN ARENA?
THE VOTERS OF THE 45TH WARD HAVE FINALLY SPOKEN AND WE COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!
We know the election was February 26, 2019 but today sealed his fate. With the last few absentee ballots counted, Jim Gardiner is still at least 140 votes away from any chance of a runoff; CONGRATULATIONS ALDERMAN ELECT!
The board will still accept and count mail in ballots until the middle of March but the chance of enough coming in to change the results is slim to none.
Alderman Arena will no longer be in position to terrorize the residents or business owners of the 45th Ward.
TODAY IS A DAY TO CELEBRATE!!!!
We know the election was February 26, 2019 but today sealed his fate. With the last few absentee ballots counted, Jim Gardiner is still at least 140 votes away from any chance of a runoff; CONGRATULATIONS ALDERMAN ELECT!
The board will still accept and count mail in ballots until the middle of March but the chance of enough coming in to change the results is slim to none.
Alderman Arena will no longer be in position to terrorize the residents or business owners of the 45th Ward.
TODAY IS A DAY TO CELEBRATE!!!!
When the abuser forces the victim to lie for him?
It appears as though CBS enables the lie to perpetuate once again without doing any research at all. How is it they can allow these two to sit in front of the camera and say it's a "disgusting lie", when evidence of the call is readily available?
The fact that CBS Chicago then allows them to follow up with the old lie about it being a reaction to medication is even more astonishing. Where on this Event Query to do you see a request or a dispatch of an ambulance? You don't because it doesn't exist.
The facts are as follows:
Based on the information from the caller, the dispatcher labeled the call a DOMBAT; that means Domestic Battery.
In the RMKS or remarks, the dispatcher tells the officer to SCR (See Caller Regarding) HUSBAND FIGHTING.
Say what you will, but the based on a 911 call from the wife who lives at 4137 N. LeClaire about her husband fighting, the dispatcher labeled the call a Domestic Battery. It was Not listed as a Domestic Disturbance, Not a medical issue requiring an ambulance, but a DOMESTIC BATTERY!
Thank you CBS Chicago for campaigning for Alderman Arena and allowing him to once again get his wife (the possible victim here) to lie for him again.
Oh and CBS Chicago, you can get the attached query with this weird thing investigative reporters use called a FOIA REQUEST. It's really not that hard.
The fact that CBS Chicago then allows them to follow up with the old lie about it being a reaction to medication is even more astonishing. Where on this Event Query to do you see a request or a dispatch of an ambulance? You don't because it doesn't exist.
The facts are as follows:
Based on the information from the caller, the dispatcher labeled the call a DOMBAT; that means Domestic Battery.
In the RMKS or remarks, the dispatcher tells the officer to SCR (See Caller Regarding) HUSBAND FIGHTING.
Say what you will, but the based on a 911 call from the wife who lives at 4137 N. LeClaire about her husband fighting, the dispatcher labeled the call a Domestic Battery. It was Not listed as a Domestic Disturbance, Not a medical issue requiring an ambulance, but a DOMESTIC BATTERY!
Thank you CBS Chicago for campaigning for Alderman Arena and allowing him to once again get his wife (the possible victim here) to lie for him again.
Oh and CBS Chicago, you can get the attached query with this weird thing investigative reporters use called a FOIA REQUEST. It's really not that hard.
LIES, LIES AND MORE LIES
Once again we are reminded that Chicago Alderman John Arena is incapable of telling the truth; ABOUT ANYTHING!! He can't even be honest about
an endorsement. Hopefully the voters this time around will realize everything he puts out in mailer or online is a fabricated LIE!
an endorsement. Hopefully the voters this time around will realize everything he puts out in mailer or online is a fabricated LIE!
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AND THERE ARE PROBABLY 145 MORE REASONS NOT TO RE-ELECT JOHN ARENA!
Feel free to email content for our website that you think will help to wake up the voters of the 45th Ward. Once we fact check it, we will post it for you.
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IS ARENA TURNING A BLIND EYE TO CAMPAIGN DONORS AS TAXPAYERS GET FLEECED???
The Klee Building is a large piece of the Six Corners puzzle. The building holds 64 condos and over 19,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Developer Marc Sussman purchased the property under Chicago Klee Development Property LLC and manages the building through Six Corners Property Owners LLC.
Mark Sussman is also the president of the Six Corners Association and had an active roll in developing the 2013 Six Corners Master Plan as well as the revamped version rubber-stamped by city hall and soon to be released. And we're told he is also a member of Alderman Arena's super secret rubber stamp zoning committee.
The Commercial Property Executive reports that the Retail Vacancy Rate in the midwest for 2018 was just over 5%; actually down since 2016. Yet amazingly the Klee building has managed to maintain an average vacancy rate up over 30% for the past 9 years. We are sure Mr. Sussman is doing everything he can to get those store fronts filled, but one has to wonder with the recent news from State Representative Martwick and Alderman Arena of their attempts to crack down on those who take advantage of the law and commit "Vacancy Fraud".
We can't imagine the President of the Six Corners Association taking advantage of a tax loophole.
Mark Sussman is also the president of the Six Corners Association and had an active roll in developing the 2013 Six Corners Master Plan as well as the revamped version rubber-stamped by city hall and soon to be released. And we're told he is also a member of Alderman Arena's super secret rubber stamp zoning committee.
The Commercial Property Executive reports that the Retail Vacancy Rate in the midwest for 2018 was just over 5%; actually down since 2016. Yet amazingly the Klee building has managed to maintain an average vacancy rate up over 30% for the past 9 years. We are sure Mr. Sussman is doing everything he can to get those store fronts filled, but one has to wonder with the recent news from State Representative Martwick and Alderman Arena of their attempts to crack down on those who take advantage of the law and commit "Vacancy Fraud".
We can't imagine the President of the Six Corners Association taking advantage of a tax loophole.
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When we dig a little deeper we see the impact a building can have on a community and the taxpayer.
In 2004 Chicago Klee Development Property LLC purchased the property for $200,000 from the City of Chicago (taxpayers); even though the property at that time appraised for over $1.5 Million Dollars. Because the property was part of a TIF deal (we suggest you google Ben Joravsky from the Reader to get up to speed on TIF and how they really screw the taxpayer), Mr. Sussman's corporations collect TIF payments each year.
AND IT SHOULD BE NO SURPRISE THAT MR. SUSSMAN HAS DONATED $4,500 TO ALDERMAN ARENA IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. |
Feel free to check our math:
Here is the resolution Alderman Arena submitted for Marc Sussman
| john_arena_resolution_congratulations_extended_to_marc_sussman.pdf |
STAGED "ARREST" FOR PUBLICITY???
It's a well known fact that Alderman Arena is having trouble gaining Union support for the coming election. It looks like the only Unions left who will even take his calls are (SEIU) Service Employees International Union and (CTU) Chicago Teachers Union.
In an effort to gain union street cred, Alderman Arena took to the streets today for photo opps and fake arrests.
Fake Arrest:
At a time when Chicago Police resources are stretched thin preparing for possible violence in the coming days due to the possible outcome of the Van Dyke Trial, Alderman Arena decided today was the day to stage a FAKE arrest. He descended upon a planned protest of low wage workers marching in front of McDonald's HQ demanding a higher minimum wage. With photographers in place, Arena and Co. asked officers to arrest them. They were told there would be no arrests today. Arena continued to persist until officers were ordered to acquiesce to his demands. Alderman Arena and Alderman Mell cuffed themselves with pink flex cuffs they brought to the protest and staged a photo. They were then led off with over 50 low wage workers. But ultimately nobody was arrested. All were given citations (tickets).
HERE IS THE KICKER!!! The low wage employees and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky were the only people cited!!! So Arena gets his staged photo and the low wage workers have to deal with tickets they probably can't afford. Maybe the good alderman will pay their tickets for them.
Don't forget, this guy hasn't been to a protest since he took office not to mention one where he sort of, not really, actually didn't get arrested. The only thing transparent about this crooked politician is his blatant ability to lie about EVERYTHING.
Photo Op:
Then we have his morning with the rats at 5150 N. Northwest Highway. As you may recall, Arena lied, schemed and bullied his way into downzoning the property at 5150 N. Northwest Highway after a company already purchased the property and started work to gut and refurbish for a storage facility; they did NOT need a zoning change. Once Arena pulled the carpet out from under them, they sued and ultimately came to a settlement where they would be allowed to build a brand new building for their storage facility as long as they sold the other half of their property to a company that would build a 7 story low income housing development.
Fast forward to today. The developer is half way done with the project when it's discovered they are not using Union labor. Unions plan a Scabby the Rat Rally from 8am to 11am to draw attention to the lack of union workers employed for the project. The guy who negotiated the entire deal, the guy who could have demanded they use union workers if it was so important to him shows up for 20 min for a photo, then posts the pic on facebook feigning outrage over the lack of union labor.
HOPEFULLY THE VOTERS WILL WAKE UP THIS FOR THIS ELECTION AND REALIZE JOHN ARENA IS A SELF-SERVING LIAR WHO ONLY CARES ABOUT JOHN ARENA.
In an effort to gain union street cred, Alderman Arena took to the streets today for photo opps and fake arrests.
Fake Arrest:
At a time when Chicago Police resources are stretched thin preparing for possible violence in the coming days due to the possible outcome of the Van Dyke Trial, Alderman Arena decided today was the day to stage a FAKE arrest. He descended upon a planned protest of low wage workers marching in front of McDonald's HQ demanding a higher minimum wage. With photographers in place, Arena and Co. asked officers to arrest them. They were told there would be no arrests today. Arena continued to persist until officers were ordered to acquiesce to his demands. Alderman Arena and Alderman Mell cuffed themselves with pink flex cuffs they brought to the protest and staged a photo. They were then led off with over 50 low wage workers. But ultimately nobody was arrested. All were given citations (tickets).
HERE IS THE KICKER!!! The low wage employees and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky were the only people cited!!! So Arena gets his staged photo and the low wage workers have to deal with tickets they probably can't afford. Maybe the good alderman will pay their tickets for them.
Don't forget, this guy hasn't been to a protest since he took office not to mention one where he sort of, not really, actually didn't get arrested. The only thing transparent about this crooked politician is his blatant ability to lie about EVERYTHING.
Photo Op:
Then we have his morning with the rats at 5150 N. Northwest Highway. As you may recall, Arena lied, schemed and bullied his way into downzoning the property at 5150 N. Northwest Highway after a company already purchased the property and started work to gut and refurbish for a storage facility; they did NOT need a zoning change. Once Arena pulled the carpet out from under them, they sued and ultimately came to a settlement where they would be allowed to build a brand new building for their storage facility as long as they sold the other half of their property to a company that would build a 7 story low income housing development.
Fast forward to today. The developer is half way done with the project when it's discovered they are not using Union labor. Unions plan a Scabby the Rat Rally from 8am to 11am to draw attention to the lack of union workers employed for the project. The guy who negotiated the entire deal, the guy who could have demanded they use union workers if it was so important to him shows up for 20 min for a photo, then posts the pic on facebook feigning outrage over the lack of union labor.
HOPEFULLY THE VOTERS WILL WAKE UP THIS FOR THIS ELECTION AND REALIZE JOHN ARENA IS A SELF-SERVING LIAR WHO ONLY CARES ABOUT JOHN ARENA.
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ALDERMAN ARENA MAKES IT CLEAR TO DEVELOPERS
HE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
And the FOIA train keeps rolling in and shedding light on the antics of Chicago Alderman John Arena in the 45th Ward. We often believe where there is smoke in the 45th Ward, there is fire.
While the Nadig story is interesting in that it sheds a little light on Alderman Arena's secret zoning committee process and how he continues to push his own agenda regardless of community input, we think there is a much bigger story here.
Alderman Arena has figured out a way to circumvent the FOIA or Freedom of Information Act process. You see the only email address subject to FOIA is a city email address. Alderman Arena and some of his key staffers do not use their City of Chicago Aldermanic email addresses to conduct city business or any communication for that matter. Alderman Arena uses his campaign email address for everything.
The only reason residents are fortunate enough to get any info at all is because some of his staff actually uses their city email address which makes the entire email thread subject to FOIA when they are CC'd.
While the fact that a City of Chicago Alderman is allowed to conduct city business with ZERO transparency is extremely concerning to us, it's even more disturbing that he blatantly markets himself to developers. (Nadig News Story is attached to the button below)
Below is an email to a developer where we see that Alderman Arena signs off with his campaign email address and his campaign website, but he gives his City of Chicago Ward Office phone numbers. When you go to his campaign website, the first thing you aside from his smug face is a GIANT RED DONATE BUTTON.
Alderman Arena has blurred the lines between the 45th Ward Office and his Campaign. It's hard to differentiate between the two.
He sends letters to developers as:
Alderman John Arena
Maybe this isn't a big deal to some. But in our opinion it is a big deal when our public officials are allowed to circumvent a process put in place to allow the general public the opportunity to scrutinize their activity.
And it's an even bigger deal that he directs developers to his campaign website where they can have an opportunity to donate to his campaign
While the Nadig story is interesting in that it sheds a little light on Alderman Arena's secret zoning committee process and how he continues to push his own agenda regardless of community input, we think there is a much bigger story here.
Alderman Arena has figured out a way to circumvent the FOIA or Freedom of Information Act process. You see the only email address subject to FOIA is a city email address. Alderman Arena and some of his key staffers do not use their City of Chicago Aldermanic email addresses to conduct city business or any communication for that matter. Alderman Arena uses his campaign email address for everything.
The only reason residents are fortunate enough to get any info at all is because some of his staff actually uses their city email address which makes the entire email thread subject to FOIA when they are CC'd.
While the fact that a City of Chicago Alderman is allowed to conduct city business with ZERO transparency is extremely concerning to us, it's even more disturbing that he blatantly markets himself to developers. (Nadig News Story is attached to the button below)
Below is an email to a developer where we see that Alderman Arena signs off with his campaign email address and his campaign website, but he gives his City of Chicago Ward Office phone numbers. When you go to his campaign website, the first thing you aside from his smug face is a GIANT RED DONATE BUTTON.
Alderman Arena has blurred the lines between the 45th Ward Office and his Campaign. It's hard to differentiate between the two.
He sends letters to developers as:
Alderman John Arena
- His first line of contact is his CAMPAIGN email address which allows him conceal his communications from public view.
- Why in the world would he have his CAMPAIGN website plugged in between his contact info? Especially when he is clearly conducting City business with a developer?
- Then his remaining contact info are 45 Ward office phone numbers.
Maybe this isn't a big deal to some. But in our opinion it is a big deal when our public officials are allowed to circumvent a process put in place to allow the general public the opportunity to scrutinize their activity.
And it's an even bigger deal that he directs developers to his campaign website where they can have an opportunity to donate to his campaign
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"It's just bad for appearances and the auditors"?
When enough is enough, business owners finally come forward with evidence of what appears to be more wrongdoing by Arena.
For years we have heard about the Six Corners Association and how they have been abused by Alderman Arena. One alleged abuse was his demand that the Association pay for his travel expenses to attend Main Street America Conferences. We have always known he was using the SSA as his own personal slush fund, but we had no proof; UNTIL NOW!!
The Six Corners Association is a Non-Profit Organization established to manage the tax dollars the city collects from the Six Corners Special Service Area; see below.
Thanks to our good friend FOIA, we can see an email from Ed Bannon where he indicates that it is better that the Association purchase tickets to avoid bad appearances. They knew this was wrong and Ed had a plan to cover it up. While we understand board members traveling to these conferences to learn best practices to improve our community, why can't the alderman and his travel companion pay their own way?
Who knows what else taxpayers paid for; lavish dinners, tours, nights out on the town? WHO KNOWS?
An audit is conducted every year to ensure the non-profit is managing tax dollars properly. As hard as we searched, year after year, there is never a mention of any travel expenses. We actually discovered that the information for the 2013 audit was turned in by Ed Bannon 2 months late, as evidenced by his letter at the beginning of the audit. You can look at all of the audits and agreements by clicking the button below and you can look at the 2013 Audit below that.
It's interesting that Ed Bannon stepped down after 10 years as the Executive Director of the Six Corners Association only to find a job working in Alderman Arena's office as his Director of Business Administration.
WE ARE CALLING FOR A FORENSIC AUDIT OF THE SIX CORNERS ASSOCIATION!
THESE RUBBER STAMP AUDITS ARE CLEARLY LEAVING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS UNACCOUNTED FOR!
- HOW MUCH INFLUENCE DOES THE ALDERMAN HAVE OVER WHO IS MANAGING THE MONEY AND HOW IT'S SPENT?
- WE WANT TO KNOW IF THE ALDERMAN HAS BEEN TRAVELING TO THESE CONFERENCES EVERY YEAR AND WHO IS HE TRAVELING WITH?
- IS THE ALDERMAN TRAVELING ON TAXPAYER DOLLARS CONSIDERED A GIFT? WHY HAS HE NOT REPORTED IT? WHY HASN'T THE ASSOCIATION REPORTED IT?
- IS THIS CONSIDERED AN ETHICS VIOLATION BY THE ALDERMAN?
- The Association continues to raise the tax levy; hungry for more tax dollars!! Where are all these tax dollars going?
WE ALSO ASK OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS TO COME FORWARD WITH ANY INFORMATION
TO HELP STOP THIS BULLY OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY!
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Three Men and a Baby
It looks like Alderman Arena is not the only Illinois Politician too cheap to pay for parking in Wrigleyville.
Once again Arena is caught lying. When confronted about demanding a parking space in the 19th District Chicago Police Parking Garage, Arena first stated it never happened. He then admitted to parking there so his 75 year old mother could go to the game and have a short distance to walk to the park (we guess dropping mom off at the gate was too much for this genius to ponder).
It turns out this revealing selfie taken by Alderman Arena himself reveals who really went to the game May 11, 2018.
From Right to Left
Frank Avino Jr.- Norwood Park Township Democratic Committeeman
JC Strzalka-Steil- Field Director for Illinois State Representative Robert Martwick
Robert Martwick- Illinois State Representative and 38th Ward Democratic Committeeman
and of course the lying baby himself Chicago Alderman John Arena.
Of course he will continue make up lie after lie until he finds the one that will work for him. We would suggest these other politicians find another buddy to take to Cubs games, but it's likely Arena probably got the tickets for free too. JC Strzalka-Steil, run as far away from these clowns as you can; it's not too late for you.
Typical Illinois politicians can't pay for parking or tickets to a game, but have no problem over taxing our businesses and homes.
Once again Arena is caught lying. When confronted about demanding a parking space in the 19th District Chicago Police Parking Garage, Arena first stated it never happened. He then admitted to parking there so his 75 year old mother could go to the game and have a short distance to walk to the park (we guess dropping mom off at the gate was too much for this genius to ponder).
It turns out this revealing selfie taken by Alderman Arena himself reveals who really went to the game May 11, 2018.
From Right to Left
Frank Avino Jr.- Norwood Park Township Democratic Committeeman
JC Strzalka-Steil- Field Director for Illinois State Representative Robert Martwick
Robert Martwick- Illinois State Representative and 38th Ward Democratic Committeeman
and of course the lying baby himself Chicago Alderman John Arena.
Of course he will continue make up lie after lie until he finds the one that will work for him. We would suggest these other politicians find another buddy to take to Cubs games, but it's likely Arena probably got the tickets for free too. JC Strzalka-Steil, run as far away from these clowns as you can; it's not too late for you.
Typical Illinois politicians can't pay for parking or tickets to a game, but have no problem over taxing our businesses and homes.
DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?!?
You can only imagine the amount of email we receive about Alderman Arena. When we get a lot on one subject from several sources, we investigate.
THIS IS CONFIRMED!
On May 11, 2018 Alderman Arena walked into the 19th District Police Station at Addison and Halsted. He identified himself as Alderman Arena and stated he would like to park his personal car in the police parking lot so he and his family could go to the Cubs game. He was told the lot was full. He then responded, "I apparently didn't make myself clear, I AM ALDERMAN Arena!" He then went on to demand that they find room for him to park.
Once the officers realized this was the Alderman who makes complaints against officers, they allowed him to park in the area of the lot reserved for police officers and federal law enforcement.
CITY OF CHICAGO OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, WAKE UP!!!
This is clearly an abuse of power. This should be an easy one for you. There is a paper trail. We are told the district keeps a sign in sheet that will have the name Alderman John Arena along with his vehicle information on May 11, 2018. We are told this was the 2nd date he parked there within a week.
Apparently it's difficult for the alderman to scrape together the funds to park like everyone else on his 6 figure taxpayer paid salary.
Isn't this the same Alderman who paid top dollar for tickets during the world series to go see the Cubs in Cleveland. It appears as though he has money to pay top dollar and road trip to a game, but too cheap to pay for parking in his "hometown". (New Jersey is his real hometown).
"Two aldermen, John Arena and Ricardo Munoz took a road trip to Cleveland for the game, buying secondary market tickets." ...Chicago Tonight October 26, 2016.
THIS IS CONFIRMED!
On May 11, 2018 Alderman Arena walked into the 19th District Police Station at Addison and Halsted. He identified himself as Alderman Arena and stated he would like to park his personal car in the police parking lot so he and his family could go to the Cubs game. He was told the lot was full. He then responded, "I apparently didn't make myself clear, I AM ALDERMAN Arena!" He then went on to demand that they find room for him to park.
Once the officers realized this was the Alderman who makes complaints against officers, they allowed him to park in the area of the lot reserved for police officers and federal law enforcement.
CITY OF CHICAGO OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, WAKE UP!!!
This is clearly an abuse of power. This should be an easy one for you. There is a paper trail. We are told the district keeps a sign in sheet that will have the name Alderman John Arena along with his vehicle information on May 11, 2018. We are told this was the 2nd date he parked there within a week.
Apparently it's difficult for the alderman to scrape together the funds to park like everyone else on his 6 figure taxpayer paid salary.
Isn't this the same Alderman who paid top dollar for tickets during the world series to go see the Cubs in Cleveland. It appears as though he has money to pay top dollar and road trip to a game, but too cheap to pay for parking in his "hometown". (New Jersey is his real hometown).
"Two aldermen, John Arena and Ricardo Munoz took a road trip to Cleveland for the game, buying secondary market tickets." ...Chicago Tonight October 26, 2016.
ALDERMAN ARENA BRINGS BACK FUZZY MATH
Once again we have Alderman Arena misleading 45th Ward residents by withholding the details; we will call it another lie from
Alderman Lie-Alot.
Here is the breakdown:
Arena is quoted in a story from February 2017 that this high density project at 5150 N. Northwest Highway "will increase property tax revenue for the space from a projected $135,000 a year...to an estimated half a million annually from the combined storage, retail and residential. More than half will go to our schools" (cuz it's for the kids). He goes on to say this is "...a much better deal for the taxpayers..."
What he fails to reveal is that the project is requesting a minimum of $10.5 Million in city taxpayer dollars.
Let's see if we can work through Alderman Arena's fuzzy math that he believes is a "better deal for taxpayers".
Taxpayers would spend $10.5 Million to make $365,000 per year. It would take taxpayers almost 28 years to break even!
If Alderman Arena thinks this is a "better deal" for taxpayers, we can't imagine what other bright ideas he has for our tax dollars.
Alderman Lie-Alot.
Here is the breakdown:
Arena is quoted in a story from February 2017 that this high density project at 5150 N. Northwest Highway "will increase property tax revenue for the space from a projected $135,000 a year...to an estimated half a million annually from the combined storage, retail and residential. More than half will go to our schools" (cuz it's for the kids). He goes on to say this is "...a much better deal for the taxpayers..."
What he fails to reveal is that the project is requesting a minimum of $10.5 Million in city taxpayer dollars.
Let's see if we can work through Alderman Arena's fuzzy math that he believes is a "better deal for taxpayers".
- original plan requires no taxpayer dollars and will generate approximately $135,000 in tax revenue (did we mention no taxpayer dollars required?)
- new plan will generate approximately $500,000 in tax revenue or a difference of $365,000
- BUT THE NEW DEAL WILL COST TAXPAYERS A MINIMUM OF $10.5 MILLION!!!!
Taxpayers would spend $10.5 Million to make $365,000 per year. It would take taxpayers almost 28 years to break even!
If Alderman Arena thinks this is a "better deal" for taxpayers, we can't imagine what other bright ideas he has for our tax dollars.
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Arena upset about Girl Scouts stealing his spotlight!!!
Word is Arena was so upset that the Girl Scouts got more attention than his office, he had his chief of staff Owen reach out and reprimand the reporter.
When investigating corruption, they always say, "Follow the money!"
The Kozonis family owns Mega Properties and they own quite a bit of property in Jefferson Park. If you read the story below, you will also see they were given one property in particular for $1; yep, just one dollar.
Let's take a look at their donations to Alderman Arena:
So in 2016, after they got their land for $1 and as they started planning to build a tower at Lipps/Ainslie, they out-donated their ENTIRE 3 previous years.
Maybe this is just a coincidence.
Let's take a look at their donations to Alderman Arena:
- Donations to Alderman Arena from 2012 through 2014 totaled $1,250.
- They made no donations to Alderman Arena in 2015.
- The city land on Lawrence was sold to Mega Properties for $1 around October 2015.
- About 5 months later, in March of 2016, Maria Kozonis donates $1,000 to Alderman Arena in a single donation.
- Then in December 2016 Mega Properties donates another $500.
So in 2016, after they got their land for $1 and as they started planning to build a tower at Lipps/Ainslie, they out-donated their ENTIRE 3 previous years.
Maybe this is just a coincidence.
http://nadignewspapers.com/2017/02/21/lawrence-ave-redevelopment-moving-forward-after-nearly-15-years-of-delays/
Alderman Arena lies to the community again and again and again!
It appears as though Alderman Arena is incapable of telling the truth. In print and on video he has stated repeatedly that the project is "NOT FEASIBLE AT 4 STORIES!" Yet an email from the President & ceo of full circle communities states the exact opposite.
Alderman Arena applying pressure on business owners????
Somebody has been busy in the FOIA department. We have received a ton of emails that shed some light on how the worst Alderman in the history of the 45th Ward operates. It's going to take some time to get through these, but we will release them as we work through them.
They say where there is smoke there is fire.
On December 2, 2016 at 11:10 am (approximately 2 months prior to a community meeting on the project at 5150 N. Northwest Highway), an email is sent by Joshua Wilmoth (President of Full Circle Communities, Inc.) to 45th Ward Alderman John Arena.
Full Circle Communities is the developer that Arena is helping to build a 100 unit, 7 story building at 5150 N. Northwest Highway. The "seller" in this email is LSC; the owner of the property at 5150 N. Northwest Highway.
After lying to the Plan Commission and the Committee on Zoning to down-zone this property without the owner's knowledge and costing LSC hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight Arena in court, it appears as though Arena is now continuing his interference by working with the buyer to "apply pressure on the seller in coordination with" his office to extend the closing date of the sale.
Maybe this was just a presumptuous buyer who thought an Alderman was allowed to do that or maybe based on past experience with this alderman, this has become common practice. Arena's response at 2:09:38 pm suggests the later.
Alderman Arena doesn't correct Mr. Wilmoth. Alderman Arena doesn't tell him that of course he would not and could not use his office to pressure the seller to do anything in regard to their private transaction. Nope, Alderman Arena simply states "Great Update." and "We will be in touch to discuss next steps".
We would love to hear from LSC to reveal just how much undue influence the Alderman has interjected into this transaction.
They say where there is smoke there is fire.
On December 2, 2016 at 11:10 am (approximately 2 months prior to a community meeting on the project at 5150 N. Northwest Highway), an email is sent by Joshua Wilmoth (President of Full Circle Communities, Inc.) to 45th Ward Alderman John Arena.
Full Circle Communities is the developer that Arena is helping to build a 100 unit, 7 story building at 5150 N. Northwest Highway. The "seller" in this email is LSC; the owner of the property at 5150 N. Northwest Highway.
After lying to the Plan Commission and the Committee on Zoning to down-zone this property without the owner's knowledge and costing LSC hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight Arena in court, it appears as though Arena is now continuing his interference by working with the buyer to "apply pressure on the seller in coordination with" his office to extend the closing date of the sale.
Maybe this was just a presumptuous buyer who thought an Alderman was allowed to do that or maybe based on past experience with this alderman, this has become common practice. Arena's response at 2:09:38 pm suggests the later.
Alderman Arena doesn't correct Mr. Wilmoth. Alderman Arena doesn't tell him that of course he would not and could not use his office to pressure the seller to do anything in regard to their private transaction. Nope, Alderman Arena simply states "Great Update." and "We will be in touch to discuss next steps".
We would love to hear from LSC to reveal just how much undue influence the Alderman has interjected into this transaction.
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Then a few weeks later, Mr. Wilmoth appears to be asking permission to negotiate directly with the seller and without Alderman Arena.
Alderman Arena Lies Again: This time to residents of the 45th Ward, the City of Chicago Plan Commission, the Committee on Zoning and to the full City Council.
What will it take for the corruption to end? Lie after lie, yet no punishment for John Arena. It appears as though Chicago Alderman John Arena knowingly LIED to the Chicago Plan Commission, the Chicago City Council Committee On Zoning and the full City Council to change the zoning on property already under construction. Then he lies to residents that he had no contact with the developer and didn't know who owned the property.
At the very least, there must be an ethical violation?
This developer is lucky enough to have deep pockets to survive this assault by a morally corrupt alderman. Read the pages below from the lawsuit Arena didn't want the community to know about.
At the very least, there must be an ethical violation?
This developer is lucky enough to have deep pockets to survive this assault by a morally corrupt alderman. Read the pages below from the lawsuit Arena didn't want the community to know about.
I'm Not Answering Any More Questions: Arena refuses to accept community input.
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Arena's Brother Arrested for Domestic Battery: Looks Like Violence Against Women Runs in the Family
From the Chicago Tribune February 17, 2016
"David Arena, 47, of the 900 block of Garden Street, Park Ridge, was charged with domestic battery on Jan. 31, police said. He has a Feb. 6 court date."
We have seen evidence of John Arena committing domestic violence against his spouse and an unsuspecting woman at a campaign rally. Arena vigorously denies these charges despite the eyewitness accounts and undeniable evidence contained on this site. Now Arena's brother David, has been charged with domestic battery and has appeared in court to answer the charges that he battered a family member, probably his spouse. Clearly there is a pattern of violence against women which appears to have been fostered by a culture in which Arena and his brother grew up. Somehow they both have adopted the practice of physically battering those weaker than themselves in an effort to exert their authority be that in the home or in public. This latest development only underscores our view of Arena and lends additional credence to the claims of domestic battery by Arena himself.
"David Arena, 47, of the 900 block of Garden Street, Park Ridge, was charged with domestic battery on Jan. 31, police said. He has a Feb. 6 court date."
We have seen evidence of John Arena committing domestic violence against his spouse and an unsuspecting woman at a campaign rally. Arena vigorously denies these charges despite the eyewitness accounts and undeniable evidence contained on this site. Now Arena's brother David, has been charged with domestic battery and has appeared in court to answer the charges that he battered a family member, probably his spouse. Clearly there is a pattern of violence against women which appears to have been fostered by a culture in which Arena and his brother grew up. Somehow they both have adopted the practice of physically battering those weaker than themselves in an effort to exert their authority be that in the home or in public. This latest development only underscores our view of Arena and lends additional credence to the claims of domestic battery by Arena himself.
Arena Attacks the Mayor on CPS Indictments: Tries to Score Political Points For Teachers Union Control Of CPS Board
With the indictment of Barbara Byrd-Bennett and SUPES owner Gary Solomon over the contract kickback scandal, Arena leaps at the chance to score political points against Mayor Rahm Emanuel in his own delusional notion of running for mayor in the Chicago mayoral election in 2019. Arena has been a staunch advocate of an elected Chicago Public School Board vs. the current structure of mayoral appointment. This of course is due to his backing by the radical SEIU and the Chicago Teachers Union, who have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to his campaign and have been well rewarded by his efforts on their behalf.
As we have seen countless times, Arena pounces on any opportunity to grab the spotlight for his own political advantage and to serve his puppet masters, the radical leftist labor unions. It is truly appalling to watch Arena, a man with a failed career in the private sector and having been habitually unemployed, lie his way into office not once but twice, acting as the sage politician with the unassailable background who fancies himself the next mayor of Chicago. We at the IPSC look forward to his run. In that race he will face genuine opposition by well funded candidates and the Chicago political machine; in all probability, Daley nephew Patrick Daley Thomson. It is our fondest wish that Arena is handed the treatment he has unleashed on his opponents so that the larger Chicago public see him for what he is. Only then will the Chicago public be rid of him for good.
As we have seen countless times, Arena pounces on any opportunity to grab the spotlight for his own political advantage and to serve his puppet masters, the radical leftist labor unions. It is truly appalling to watch Arena, a man with a failed career in the private sector and having been habitually unemployed, lie his way into office not once but twice, acting as the sage politician with the unassailable background who fancies himself the next mayor of Chicago. We at the IPSC look forward to his run. In that race he will face genuine opposition by well funded candidates and the Chicago political machine; in all probability, Daley nephew Patrick Daley Thomson. It is our fondest wish that Arena is handed the treatment he has unleashed on his opponents so that the larger Chicago public see him for what he is. Only then will the Chicago public be rid of him for good.
Op Ed: Fool Me Once Shame On You; Fool Me Twice, Shame On Us: The SEIU Puppet Remains For Another 4 Years
As remarkable and sad as it is, we are stuck with John Arena for another four years. The barrage of negative ads and mailers against run-off opponent John Garrido proved in the end, too much to combat. The SEIU in-kind spending on the Arena campaign is like nothing seen in a municipal election in Chicago, this cycle spending close to $750,000 to keep their hand puppet Arena in office to do their bidding. Garrido, who ran a tireless and valiant grass roots campaign, was no match for such gargantuan spending by Arena's special interest group allies. While we have made this statement before, it bears repeating; How could an individual such as Arena, a habitually unemployed graphic artist with a failed business, rise to be successful running for public office? Arena was successful because in our opinion, he is a sociopath who is completely devoid of a conscience, who is willing to do and say anything about another person, knowing full well it is untrue. This is what he did once again to opponent John Garrido. The scurrilous attacks against Garrido were like nothing we have ever seen before. Politics, long ago was considered a somewhat noble profession borne of self sacrifice and duty to one's community. The gentleman farmer of early America who put his profession on hold to answer the call to serve his country only to return home to his former life once his term had ended. This is no longer the case and Arena takes full advantage of the gullibility of the public in his quest for continued reprieve from the unemployment line which he knew so well previously as a business failure. Has politics become the ultimate playground for the inept people in our society whose quest for continued power and purse at the expense of taxpayers drives them to do what most of us as good people could never imagine ourselves doing?
Arena has entrenched himself in office for another 4 years of tyrannical behaviour toward anyone who dare question him. Now freshly embolden by his recent election result, we believe that we as Ward residents, have seen nothing yet. His masters at the SEIU will continue to pull the strings as Arena's unjustified ego continues to grow. We have seen Arena stand accused on several occasions of corruption with continued investigation by the Legislative Inspector General for conduct unbecoming a public official. We have witnessed his assault of a woman at a public street dedication because she refused to remove a campaign button for candidate Garrido. When the women Regina Pryzby, sought justice with law enforcement for Arena's alleged battery, she received a turned back and refusal to do the right thing and hold this coward accountable. We can only hope that Ms. Pryzby's lawsuit will be successful but we are not holding our collective breath. From as the evidence suggests was Arena's personal and orchestrated stealing of his opponents campaign signage, the negative and untrue mailers against Garrido, all the way back to the first campaign and his lies and misrepresentations leading to untold damage to the reputations of his opponents, Arena is without substance and void as a person. Indeed as the evidence of the 911 call report appearing on this site suggests, even his family has not been immune to his abuse. In our opinion both definitions below of the word "Louse" fit Arena to a tee, for in our view, John Arena is truly a despicable louse.
1louse
noun \ˈlau̇s\
Full Definition of LOUSE
1plural lice \ˈlīs\ a : any of various small wingless usually flattened insects (orders Anoplura and Mallophaga)
parasitic on warm-blooded animals b : a small usually sluggish arthropod (as a biting louse) that lives on other
animals or on plants and sucks their blood or juices c : any of several small arthropods (as a book louse) that
are not parasitic
2 plural lous·es \ˈlau̇-səz\ : a contemptible person : heel
John Arena is in our opinion, a lowly parasite who feeds off the public trough to ingratiate himself at every opportunity. John Arena is as the above definition suggests, a contemptible person; a shit heel of the highest magnitude. We would love to believe that he will turn introspective and see the error of his ways. The constant and willing lies about his accomplishments, the continued lies and beratement of anyone who questions him and the utter refusal to conduct himself in an manner which is professional and respectful to those who have blindly and mistakenly supported him. We believe in karma. We believe that you cannot continue to manage yourself in this way and get away with it. We are truly convinced that with a person like Arena, if you give him enough rope, he will eventually hang himself with it. We titled this article as we did because in the end, we are to blame for Arena's being returned to office. Voting is a privilege and it is also a responsibility. A responsibility to do our homework and conduct appropriate due diligence about someone we are contemplating elevating to public office. There are those ardent Arena supporters who will take issue with this Op Ed piece. They were never who we were trying to reach. Its is everyone else, who may not be familiar with the truth about John Arena that matter to us. As the Arena camp scurries about threatening people they believe are responsible for this site, we will continue to maintain it in an effort to keep the public informed with "The Truth About John Arena".
As remarkable and sad as it is, we are stuck with John Arena for another four years. The barrage of negative ads and mailers against run-off opponent John Garrido proved in the end, too much to combat. The SEIU in-kind spending on the Arena campaign is like nothing seen in a municipal election in Chicago, this cycle spending close to $750,000 to keep their hand puppet Arena in office to do their bidding. Garrido, who ran a tireless and valiant grass roots campaign, was no match for such gargantuan spending by Arena's special interest group allies. While we have made this statement before, it bears repeating; How could an individual such as Arena, a habitually unemployed graphic artist with a failed business, rise to be successful running for public office? Arena was successful because in our opinion, he is a sociopath who is completely devoid of a conscience, who is willing to do and say anything about another person, knowing full well it is untrue. This is what he did once again to opponent John Garrido. The scurrilous attacks against Garrido were like nothing we have ever seen before. Politics, long ago was considered a somewhat noble profession borne of self sacrifice and duty to one's community. The gentleman farmer of early America who put his profession on hold to answer the call to serve his country only to return home to his former life once his term had ended. This is no longer the case and Arena takes full advantage of the gullibility of the public in his quest for continued reprieve from the unemployment line which he knew so well previously as a business failure. Has politics become the ultimate playground for the inept people in our society whose quest for continued power and purse at the expense of taxpayers drives them to do what most of us as good people could never imagine ourselves doing?
Arena has entrenched himself in office for another 4 years of tyrannical behaviour toward anyone who dare question him. Now freshly embolden by his recent election result, we believe that we as Ward residents, have seen nothing yet. His masters at the SEIU will continue to pull the strings as Arena's unjustified ego continues to grow. We have seen Arena stand accused on several occasions of corruption with continued investigation by the Legislative Inspector General for conduct unbecoming a public official. We have witnessed his assault of a woman at a public street dedication because she refused to remove a campaign button for candidate Garrido. When the women Regina Pryzby, sought justice with law enforcement for Arena's alleged battery, she received a turned back and refusal to do the right thing and hold this coward accountable. We can only hope that Ms. Pryzby's lawsuit will be successful but we are not holding our collective breath. From as the evidence suggests was Arena's personal and orchestrated stealing of his opponents campaign signage, the negative and untrue mailers against Garrido, all the way back to the first campaign and his lies and misrepresentations leading to untold damage to the reputations of his opponents, Arena is without substance and void as a person. Indeed as the evidence of the 911 call report appearing on this site suggests, even his family has not been immune to his abuse. In our opinion both definitions below of the word "Louse" fit Arena to a tee, for in our view, John Arena is truly a despicable louse.
1louse
noun \ˈlau̇s\
Full Definition of LOUSE
1plural lice \ˈlīs\ a : any of various small wingless usually flattened insects (orders Anoplura and Mallophaga)
parasitic on warm-blooded animals b : a small usually sluggish arthropod (as a biting louse) that lives on other
animals or on plants and sucks their blood or juices c : any of several small arthropods (as a book louse) that
are not parasitic
2 plural lous·es \ˈlau̇-səz\ : a contemptible person : heel
John Arena is in our opinion, a lowly parasite who feeds off the public trough to ingratiate himself at every opportunity. John Arena is as the above definition suggests, a contemptible person; a shit heel of the highest magnitude. We would love to believe that he will turn introspective and see the error of his ways. The constant and willing lies about his accomplishments, the continued lies and beratement of anyone who questions him and the utter refusal to conduct himself in an manner which is professional and respectful to those who have blindly and mistakenly supported him. We believe in karma. We believe that you cannot continue to manage yourself in this way and get away with it. We are truly convinced that with a person like Arena, if you give him enough rope, he will eventually hang himself with it. We titled this article as we did because in the end, we are to blame for Arena's being returned to office. Voting is a privilege and it is also a responsibility. A responsibility to do our homework and conduct appropriate due diligence about someone we are contemplating elevating to public office. There are those ardent Arena supporters who will take issue with this Op Ed piece. They were never who we were trying to reach. Its is everyone else, who may not be familiar with the truth about John Arena that matter to us. As the Arena camp scurries about threatening people they believe are responsible for this site, we will continue to maintain it in an effort to keep the public informed with "The Truth About John Arena".
Alderman Arena Assaults and Batters Woman at Public Street Dedication: The Pattern of Violence Against Women is Undeniable
As bizarre as this sounds, Chicago Police have confirmed that Alderman John Arena is the target of an investigation into allegations that he verbally assaulted and then forcefully shoved a woman during the ceremony for a street dedication. Apparently the woman was donning a campaign button for a rival of Arena running against him in 2015. Arena noticed the button and went completely "bezerk" based on bystander accounts. According to the story by CBS 2 this afternoon: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/09/02/woman-claims-alderman-touched-her-breast-shoved-her-for-refusing-to-remove-campaign-button/ the alderman grabbed the woman's breast as the story is told from the woman's husband who was standing next to her at the time.
DNAinfo's Heather Cherone who covers politics on the Northwest side of Chicago, wrote the story: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140902/jefferson-park/ald-arena-accused-of-pushing-poking-woman-wearing-rivals-campaign-button which tells of a woman, Regina Przby 55, who told police that Arena pushed, poked and verbally assaulted here. Ms Przby has told bystanders that Arena called her an "Evil Bitch" and the "F Bomb" was used by Arena several times during the assault. So not only does Arena have the temerity to deny what he has done in yet another well documented incident of abuse against women, now he has another public record of this behavior which all of his lies will not save him from the consequences of. Apparently the victim required medical attention due to injuries sustained in the battery by Arena. We are told that the victim will be pressing charges of assault and battery against the alderman. Chicago Police detectives have been interviewing witnesses and charges are expected to be filed as early as the end of this week. One need only look at the story below to firmly establish a pattern of violence against women by John Arena. In 2009, his wife Jill Arena called 911 and told the dispatch operator that her husband was battering someone in the home. It is unclear from the 911 dispatch report that his wife was the victim, but based on these two incidents, there is an established pattern of assaulting and battering women; this being the latest and most public example.
The question now becomes, will Arena succeed as before, in duping the public with another impotent excuse and his own false account of the incident that contradicts the physical injuries sustained by the woman, her account and the accounts of numerous eyewitnesses? In fact, a website warning the public of John Arena's domestic violence behaviour has been created. The website, which was put together by a group of women in Arena's neighborhood, http://www.johnarenadomesticviolencewatch.com provides the same evidence; the 911 dispatch report from 2009 as their contention of Arena's abhorrent behavior which is believed to be committed against the mother of his own children.
As bizarre as this sounds, Chicago Police have confirmed that Alderman John Arena is the target of an investigation into allegations that he verbally assaulted and then forcefully shoved a woman during the ceremony for a street dedication. Apparently the woman was donning a campaign button for a rival of Arena running against him in 2015. Arena noticed the button and went completely "bezerk" based on bystander accounts. According to the story by CBS 2 this afternoon: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/09/02/woman-claims-alderman-touched-her-breast-shoved-her-for-refusing-to-remove-campaign-button/ the alderman grabbed the woman's breast as the story is told from the woman's husband who was standing next to her at the time.
DNAinfo's Heather Cherone who covers politics on the Northwest side of Chicago, wrote the story: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140902/jefferson-park/ald-arena-accused-of-pushing-poking-woman-wearing-rivals-campaign-button which tells of a woman, Regina Przby 55, who told police that Arena pushed, poked and verbally assaulted here. Ms Przby has told bystanders that Arena called her an "Evil Bitch" and the "F Bomb" was used by Arena several times during the assault. So not only does Arena have the temerity to deny what he has done in yet another well documented incident of abuse against women, now he has another public record of this behavior which all of his lies will not save him from the consequences of. Apparently the victim required medical attention due to injuries sustained in the battery by Arena. We are told that the victim will be pressing charges of assault and battery against the alderman. Chicago Police detectives have been interviewing witnesses and charges are expected to be filed as early as the end of this week. One need only look at the story below to firmly establish a pattern of violence against women by John Arena. In 2009, his wife Jill Arena called 911 and told the dispatch operator that her husband was battering someone in the home. It is unclear from the 911 dispatch report that his wife was the victim, but based on these two incidents, there is an established pattern of assaulting and battering women; this being the latest and most public example.
The question now becomes, will Arena succeed as before, in duping the public with another impotent excuse and his own false account of the incident that contradicts the physical injuries sustained by the woman, her account and the accounts of numerous eyewitnesses? In fact, a website warning the public of John Arena's domestic violence behaviour has been created. The website, which was put together by a group of women in Arena's neighborhood, http://www.johnarenadomesticviolencewatch.com provides the same evidence; the 911 dispatch report from 2009 as their contention of Arena's abhorrent behavior which is believed to be committed against the mother of his own children.
Above: Original headline of Sun-Times story on Arena lawsuit which appears to state the basis of the suit by Regina Pryzyby.
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Above: Modified Sun-Times headline of the same story which appears to favor Arena and publish his "spin"
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Sun-Times Buckles to Arena Pressure To Slant Female Battery Lawsuit Story In His Favor: Other media outlets refuse to yield on story of woman filing suit against Arena for striking her at campaign event
In an unexpected turn of events, a recent alleged victim of assault and battery by alderman John Arena, has filed suit in Cook County District Court. This story was published yesterday January 14, 2015 by the Chicago Sun-Times. The original post headline (seen above) read :Suit: Ald. Arena 'pushed and struck' a woman supporting rival candidate. However, not long after that posting, the Sun-Times buckled under pressure to change the headline and tone of the story to Arena's favor. The new headline reads "Ald. Arena sued for battery; staff says suit 'motivated by politics'. Apparently the Sun-Times bowed to pressure from Arena's office or the alderman himself, to change the tone and tenor of the story to make Arena appear the victim despite according to several witnesses, having assaulted and battered a woman at a public dedication for wearing a campaign button of a rival of Arena in the upcoming aldermanic primary. (also see story "Alderman Arena Assaults and Batters Woman at Public Street Dedication: The Pattern of Violence Against Women is Undeniable) below. It appears NBC and other media outlets have kept to the story of the lawsuit or are taking a more even-handed approach to the story. It is no wonder the Sun-Times collapsed under pressure from Arena, a candidate they endorsed in the last aldermanic primary, rather than face the embarrassment of having supported a candidate where strong evidence has arisen of multiple incidents of battery against women. We call on the Sun-Times to not only stop their "spin doctoring" for Arena but also to retract their previous endorsement based solely on his behavior. Arena is an abuser of power in the worst way and should be held accountable for his actions not hide behind his office and pressure media outlets to carry his fictitious account of the facts.
In the story however, Arena accuses a rival candidate of being behind the lawsuit in a vicious display of dirty politics. Arena's spokeswoman was quoted in the article as alleging that “The claims made in this lawsuit filed by a supporter of Ald. Arena’s opponent, John Garrido, are false,” said Joanna Klonsky, a spokeswoman for Arena. “This suit is motivated by politics, as was another lawsuit dismissed just last week, which was filed by Garrido. This effort to score cheap political points harkens back to a kind of old Chicago politics that we should all have moved forward from by now.” This is indeed a laughable statement by the Arena camp. During the last primary and subsequent run-off election, Arena, spread lies about the other candidates in the media behind closed doors to both the Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune, damaging their reputations in order to get the papers endorsements. Arena also is alleged to have continually stolen other candidates signage. During the run-off election, Arena took hundreds of thousands of dollars in support from the SEIU and the labor unions, to lie in over a dozen mailers and on television ads, that his opponent took campaign donations from a company behind the Chicago parking meter deal which has so outraged Chicago residents. For the Arena camp and Arena himself to claim someone else is behind the lawsuit in which a woman who could not receive justice due to the alderman's influence over the process is inappropriate.
In an unexpected turn of events, a recent alleged victim of assault and battery by alderman John Arena, has filed suit in Cook County District Court. This story was published yesterday January 14, 2015 by the Chicago Sun-Times. The original post headline (seen above) read :Suit: Ald. Arena 'pushed and struck' a woman supporting rival candidate. However, not long after that posting, the Sun-Times buckled under pressure to change the headline and tone of the story to Arena's favor. The new headline reads "Ald. Arena sued for battery; staff says suit 'motivated by politics'. Apparently the Sun-Times bowed to pressure from Arena's office or the alderman himself, to change the tone and tenor of the story to make Arena appear the victim despite according to several witnesses, having assaulted and battered a woman at a public dedication for wearing a campaign button of a rival of Arena in the upcoming aldermanic primary. (also see story "Alderman Arena Assaults and Batters Woman at Public Street Dedication: The Pattern of Violence Against Women is Undeniable) below. It appears NBC and other media outlets have kept to the story of the lawsuit or are taking a more even-handed approach to the story. It is no wonder the Sun-Times collapsed under pressure from Arena, a candidate they endorsed in the last aldermanic primary, rather than face the embarrassment of having supported a candidate where strong evidence has arisen of multiple incidents of battery against women. We call on the Sun-Times to not only stop their "spin doctoring" for Arena but also to retract their previous endorsement based solely on his behavior. Arena is an abuser of power in the worst way and should be held accountable for his actions not hide behind his office and pressure media outlets to carry his fictitious account of the facts.
In the story however, Arena accuses a rival candidate of being behind the lawsuit in a vicious display of dirty politics. Arena's spokeswoman was quoted in the article as alleging that “The claims made in this lawsuit filed by a supporter of Ald. Arena’s opponent, John Garrido, are false,” said Joanna Klonsky, a spokeswoman for Arena. “This suit is motivated by politics, as was another lawsuit dismissed just last week, which was filed by Garrido. This effort to score cheap political points harkens back to a kind of old Chicago politics that we should all have moved forward from by now.” This is indeed a laughable statement by the Arena camp. During the last primary and subsequent run-off election, Arena, spread lies about the other candidates in the media behind closed doors to both the Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune, damaging their reputations in order to get the papers endorsements. Arena also is alleged to have continually stolen other candidates signage. During the run-off election, Arena took hundreds of thousands of dollars in support from the SEIU and the labor unions, to lie in over a dozen mailers and on television ads, that his opponent took campaign donations from a company behind the Chicago parking meter deal which has so outraged Chicago residents. For the Arena camp and Arena himself to claim someone else is behind the lawsuit in which a woman who could not receive justice due to the alderman's influence over the process is inappropriate.
Evidence Emerges of Domestic Battery By Alderman John Arena A website has released evidence it believes supports the many claims of domestic violence in the home of alderman John Arena. The site: www.johnarenadomesticviolencewatch.com, has published a document which they obtained via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. That document, which can be downloaded from their site, details a call to 911 by someone in the Arena home on August 27,2009 which, based on the details provided to the 911 operator, was classified as a domestic battery. In fact there is detail which further supports this contention. We have heard many rumors of this behavior by alderman Arena, where if true, is perhaps by far, the worst set of allegations against him to date. We urge everyone who visits this site to also look at the evidence provided on the site listed above and to draw their own conclusions.
We were shocked at the lengths both the alderman and his wife were prepared to go to mislead the public. A brief examination of the document to the left will shed light on the truth rather than the alderman's version of it. The document pictured clearly states "DOMBAT" under type of call and classifies it as "Domestic Battery". And also under "SCR" which stands for "See Caller Regarding" it is marked in capital letters "Husband Fighting". This is evidence which shows that this was a domestic battery call as it was classified as one by the 911 dispatch operator. The Arenas explanation of the call during the CBS-2 report claiming it as a call prompted by Arena's adverse reaction to medication for a sleep apnea condition is inconsistent with the evidence. If their story were true, then an ambulance and the Chicago Fire Department would have been dispatched rather than the Chicago Police. This was not the case. For the Arenas to outright lie on television about it is to trivialize the plight of scores of desperate women and children trapped in the cycle of domestic violence. According to the 911 call record shown here, John Arena is a liar. And like many abused spouses, he compelled his wife (the potential victim here) to lie publicly on his behalf.
Alert: IPSC Reacts To CBS-2 Story on Domestic Battery Robo Call: Arena's Explanation Not Consistent With The Facts
We at the IPSC are frustrated and extremely disappointed at the lack of responsible reporting that went on during the recent news story by CBS-2 about the political robo call to alderman Arena's home. The robo call was apparently prompted by information posted on a website which makes allegations about domestic battery against alderman John Arena and has posted a copy of a Chicago Police Department Event Query which details a 911 call to the Arena home on August 27th of 2009. The story by reporter Mike Parker was mishandled and improperly researched. The news piece which aired on April 9th, depicted Arena as a so-called "victim of a scurrilous mudslinging attack". Apparently the reporter did not look at the document (pictured below) which is available on the http://www.johnarenadomesticviolencewatch.com The document which the site claims was obtained via a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request, clearly shows that this was a domestic battery call. Parker even mistakenly referred to the incident as having occurred "that night" when the call was made at 11:34 that morning. While the authors of this site were not responsible for the recent robo call and have no knowledge of who is, the real story was not the robo call, but this document. We are deeply disturbed that this story was so badly mismanaged and appears to paint the alderman as a victim rather than ask the legitimate questions concerning the 911 call report itself. Questions about what the real activity was prompting the 911 call need to be answered.
We at the IPSC are frustrated and extremely disappointed at the lack of responsible reporting that went on during the recent news story by CBS-2 about the political robo call to alderman Arena's home. The robo call was apparently prompted by information posted on a website which makes allegations about domestic battery against alderman John Arena and has posted a copy of a Chicago Police Department Event Query which details a 911 call to the Arena home on August 27th of 2009. The story by reporter Mike Parker was mishandled and improperly researched. The news piece which aired on April 9th, depicted Arena as a so-called "victim of a scurrilous mudslinging attack". Apparently the reporter did not look at the document (pictured below) which is available on the http://www.johnarenadomesticviolencewatch.com The document which the site claims was obtained via a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request, clearly shows that this was a domestic battery call. Parker even mistakenly referred to the incident as having occurred "that night" when the call was made at 11:34 that morning. While the authors of this site were not responsible for the recent robo call and have no knowledge of who is, the real story was not the robo call, but this document. We are deeply disturbed that this story was so badly mismanaged and appears to paint the alderman as a victim rather than ask the legitimate questions concerning the 911 call report itself. Questions about what the real activity was prompting the 911 call need to be answered.
Caught On Tape: Arena's Continued Abuse of Ward Residents Captured On Camera
The video above was taken by the security camera at Hot Dog Express at 4300 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago's 45th Ward. A woman had apparently parked in front of the restaurant to pick up her carry out order and alderman Arena is seen here shouting and berating the woman for parking in front of a bus stop or loading zone. Arena is further seen berating the business owner for allowing people to park there, of which the business owner has no control of. This is just another in a long history in a short span of time, of alderman John Arena abusing, berating, yelling at and treating Ward residents with disrespect. The ISPC maintains that this is another example of Arena's abuse of women. From the domestic violence evidence appearing on this site, to the alleged assault and battery of a woman at a public dedication to screaming at a woman for double parking.
The video above was taken by the security camera at Hot Dog Express at 4300 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago's 45th Ward. A woman had apparently parked in front of the restaurant to pick up her carry out order and alderman Arena is seen here shouting and berating the woman for parking in front of a bus stop or loading zone. Arena is further seen berating the business owner for allowing people to park there, of which the business owner has no control of. This is just another in a long history in a short span of time, of alderman John Arena abusing, berating, yelling at and treating Ward residents with disrespect. The ISPC maintains that this is another example of Arena's abuse of women. From the domestic violence evidence appearing on this site, to the alleged assault and battery of a woman at a public dedication to screaming at a woman for double parking.
Arena's Chickens Come Home To Roost: Northwest Chicago residents furious over chicken processing plant as Arena cashes in after ABC-7 investigation
Alderman John Arena accepts a whopping $10,000 donation from Koch Foods, the multi-billion dollar chicken processing corporation, in exchange fodefending them publicly. The Koch Foods facility which is located in the 45th Ward on Chicago's Northwest-side is the site of numerous complaints from residents over the past several years. The donation is not only noteworthy due to its sheer size, but of Arena accepting part of it a few days before and the largest amount shortly after, an ABC-7 investigation on the issue with Koch Foods first aired.
Residents complain of noise, noxious odors of rotten meat and large semis barreling down the street, sometimes nearly missing residents. A recent ABC-7 I-Team investigation revealed the issues between residents and the meat processing plant, interviewing residents who have been complaining to alderman John Arena, yet getting no relief. The reaction from the corporate giant has been to claim that "We were here first" when residents complain of the noise, smells and dangerous large vehicle traffic coming from the processing facility. Koch Foods was the subject of a lawsuit filed by workers over unfair labor practices but was dismissed on a technicality. Those workers are represented by the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) the same union represented by Marina Faz-Huppert, an ally of Arena and failed candidate for alderman in the 45th Ward in 2011.
Arena is on camera during the interview serving as what is tantamount to a mouth piece for the company with claims of "reasonable discussions" and commitments from company officials to "clean up their act". Meanwhile Arena cashes his biggest donation to date, a whopping $10,000 in two installments from Koch Foods. The first installment for $1,000 was given to Arena on November 21st, just 4 days prior to his interview on the subject with ABC-7 news. The second installment, clearly payment for a job well done, was given to Arena prior to Christmas.
This is certainly not the first time however, that Arena has taken the side of those interests willing to write him checks in exchange for protecting their interest against those of the residents he was elected to serve. A developer in that same neighborhood, has recently broke ground on a 90+ unit low income housing development in a neighborhood where residents staunchly objected to its size and exacerbating an already crucial lack of parking in the area. Arena took numerous donations from this developer despite the objections of residents to the development.
Residents complain of noise, noxious odors of rotten meat and large semis barreling down the street, sometimes nearly missing residents. A recent ABC-7 I-Team investigation revealed the issues between residents and the meat processing plant, interviewing residents who have been complaining to alderman John Arena, yet getting no relief. The reaction from the corporate giant has been to claim that "We were here first" when residents complain of the noise, smells and dangerous large vehicle traffic coming from the processing facility. Koch Foods was the subject of a lawsuit filed by workers over unfair labor practices but was dismissed on a technicality. Those workers are represented by the United Food & Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) the same union represented by Marina Faz-Huppert, an ally of Arena and failed candidate for alderman in the 45th Ward in 2011.
Arena is on camera during the interview serving as what is tantamount to a mouth piece for the company with claims of "reasonable discussions" and commitments from company officials to "clean up their act". Meanwhile Arena cashes his biggest donation to date, a whopping $10,000 in two installments from Koch Foods. The first installment for $1,000 was given to Arena on November 21st, just 4 days prior to his interview on the subject with ABC-7 news. The second installment, clearly payment for a job well done, was given to Arena prior to Christmas.
This is certainly not the first time however, that Arena has taken the side of those interests willing to write him checks in exchange for protecting their interest against those of the residents he was elected to serve. A developer in that same neighborhood, has recently broke ground on a 90+ unit low income housing development in a neighborhood where residents staunchly objected to its size and exacerbating an already crucial lack of parking in the area. Arena took numerous donations from this developer despite the objections of residents to the development.
The IPSC Guide To "Pay To Play" Politics: Why Arena is Our "Poster Boy" For Public Graft And Corruption
Below is a picture of alderman John Arena adorned with the many logos of the special interests that he has cashed in with, in exchange for doing their bidding at his constituents' expense. We at the IPSC consider Arena to be the "Poster Boy" of Pay-To-Play politics in Chicago for his wanton disregard for the good of his community in favor of cashing in with the special interest support he has received over the last 4 years. We think it's important to provide the voting public with an illustration of just how willing he is to be bought and paid for by his masters, the special interest check writing squad.
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The Arena Puppet Masters: What They Gave And What They Got In Return
1. Koch Foods: Arena accepted a $1,000 donation in exchange for defending Koch Foods, a local chicken processing plant located adjacent to a residential area. Residents had complained to Arena of noxious smells and trucks barrelling down streets filled with children. Arena masqueraded as the "Peacemaker" but in reality received an additional $9,000 donation from Koch Foods just 4 days after defending them during a taped interview as part of an ABC-7 investigation. See "Arena's Chickens Come Home To Roost" on this home page. 2. The SEIU and The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL): During the 2011 campaign, Arena received over $400,000 in both direct donations and in-kind spending on hatchet job political mailers and TV ads lying about his opponents in both the primary and the run-off election. Since then, Arena has backed their cancellation of the concession contracts at O'Hare Airport, sponsoring an ordinance mandating an elected and union-controlled Chicago School Board and his latest anti-business stance in favor of a "Living Wage" ordinance that would seek to pay fast food workers $15 for flipping hamburgers. 3. The Chicago Dispatch Taxi Affiliation: Arena has received a $1,000 donation from this group and in return, he fought against the mandating of new health and safety regulations which sought to restrict the hours which taxi drivers could work as well as new accountability measures for accidents and injuries caused by fatigued drivers. 4. Chicago Teachers Union: Arena has steadfastly backed the Chicago Teachers Union in their drive for an elected school board rather than the current appointed one and received a $1,000 donation. This is motivated by their intention to use campaign money to control candidates and ensure the election of only those board members who will tow the line against accountability for teacher performance. |
Alderman John Arena tattooed with the logos of his favorite patrons. Special interest groups who have rewarded him well in exchange for his servitude in their interests. The IPSC considers Arena to be "The Poster Boy" for public graft and corruption in Chicago. |
5. AFSCME: The American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees has backed Arena consistently for his support of the "Living Wage", union contracts and towing the line of the radical elements of organized labor who seek to increase the wages of public employees far in excess of those in the private sector, holding taxpayers hostage to higher costs. Arena has received nearly $5,000 in donations from AFSCME since the election.
It will be interesting to see how motivated these entities, particularly the unions, are to finance Arena's campaign this time around given the defamation suit still in play by a former Arena opponent from the last election. We will keep the readers posted.
In another Pay-To-Play scandal, Arena was given a total of $7,650 over two years from 45th Ward businessmen Alexis Peric. Peric owns Arlington Glass & Mirror on Milwaukee Ave. Arena received these donations through his committees in exchange for representing Mr. Peric's interests before the Transportation and Right of Way Committee of which Arena is a member. Below is a chart which shows the other donations Arena has received in exchange for political favors before that same committee.
45th Ward Business Owner Alert
45th Ward business owners have been reporting incidents of pressure for donations in the city of Chicago. "Legislative Inspector General Ordinance 2-55-080 Complaints Against Aldermen And City Council Employees" Any complaints can be filed confidentially using the IG-Tipline (866) 448-4754 Online Fraud/Corruption Report Chicago Office of the Legislative Inspector General: File A Complaint Using The Link Below:
45th Ward business owners have been reporting incidents of pressure for donations in the city of Chicago. "Legislative Inspector General Ordinance 2-55-080 Complaints Against Aldermen And City Council Employees" Any complaints can be filed confidentially using the IG-Tipline (866) 448-4754 Online Fraud/Corruption Report Chicago Office of the Legislative Inspector General: File A Complaint Using The Link Below:
