Now THAT’S a flyer!

EDITOR’S NOTE: WHAT’s “a flyer”?

I believe he is referring to the Beret Brothers. Nice.

EDITOR’S NOTE: And stylish!

You know, a flyer or a handbill, the one with the two buffoons in red hats!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Oh, THAT “flyer.”

I hope Schmidt wins but I see that Ryles is running a pretty good behind the scenes campaign. What I mean by that is over spring break he had a number of people going door to door advocating for his candidacy. I see his team talking to people, sending out emails, posting to a Facebook page, etc.

I have seen only one person advocating for Schmidt outside. I see the facebook items that Schmidt is doing too. I think Ryles folks are getting their message out to a broader audience for whatever reason.

I think Schmidt is running on his record, which I think is very good; but the message is not getting out to the community.

The Ryles lawn signs exceed the Schmidt lawn signs; which may not mean anything, but I think Schmidt has to really ramp up his campaign this final weekend if he wants to win.

I hope I am incorrect about my perception of the Ryles campaign. I am worried that Schmidt has underestimated Ryles.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If the television show “Seinfeld” proved anything, it’s that you can’t underestimate the mass appeal of “nothing.” But if Park Ridge taxpayers can’t find the internal motivation to vote for a mayor with the most taxpayer-friendly record since at least Marty Butler, they will get what they deserve – “good and hard,” as H.L. Mencken once wrote.

Rumor has it there is a Jan Schackowsky endorsement just issued in favor of Ryles and the Mayor has sent a copy of it to his supporters. What the hell is she doing sticking her nose into this sleepy little local election!?! And more so… what the hell is Ryles doing asking for or accepting this kind of endorsement in what is supposed to be a non-partisan local election???

Geez… $10,000 from the old Homeowners, $1000 from a City union local and now this with Schakowsky. How badly do these people supporting Ryles want to defeat the Mayor? And what’s in it for all of them???

Any chance you have seen the Mayor’s message to his supporters and might be able to post it for all to see?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Considering that one of Ryles’ main men is former mayor Howard “Let’s Make A Deal” Frimark, “what’s in it for all of them?” would likely have something to do with real estate development, most likely in Target Area 4 of the Uptown TIF district – where then-ald. Robert Ryan (a Frimark and Ryles supporter) tried his darnedest to get the City to spend over $700,000 to purchase a parking lot from Bill Scharringhausen (a Frimark and Ryles supporter).

We’ll see what we can do.

Now the latest word is Jan Schakowsky has endorsed Ryles and the forces of the Democratic party are doing phone banking and out with more volunteers.

Wonder if he plans to advertise her support? Would she help or hurt him here in Park Ridge?

EDITOR’S NOTE: It all depends how much Park Ridge voters like their highly-partisan Congresswoman meddling in non-partisan elections.

The mayor’s message is on his website. I also heard it will be published in the local Herald.

Correction: the mayors message will be published in The Journal.

EDITOR’S NOTE: What “mayor’s message” are you talking about

Anon 2:54 asked, so I went to the mayors website and there was a message there.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We assume you mean “Why Mayor Dave Schmidt Deserves Your Vote On April 9.” Yes, it’s on his website.

To follow up on my other post which has not yet been put up on the board, what gives here??

Someone claims an endorsement yet there is no press release, no information anywhere on the net….zippo, and the election is Tuesday. And this supposed endorsement happened on a Friday afternoon?? Anyone with a brain knows that is the worst time to release good news (and best to release bad news).

IF (big if) the “rumor” is true this has to be the most poorly handled endorsement in history.

EDITOR’S NOTE: See our UPDATE to today’s post.

The text of the Schakowsky copy from Schmidt’s email is as follows:

“Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, April 9th, suburban Cook County voters head to the polls to decide township, mayoral, city council, and school board elections. Congresswoman Schakowsky has endorsed candidates in some of these races:

Arlington Heights:

Mayor – Mark Hellner

Evanston:

Township Supervisor – Gary Gaspard

Evanston Township District 202 School Board:

Elena Garcia Ansani Bill Geiger

Gretchen Livingston

Evanston Ward 5 Alderman – Dolores Holmes

Evanston Ward 6 Alderman – Mark Tendam

Maine Township School Distric 207 Board: Jin Lee

Morton Grove:

Mayor – Larry Gomberg

Niles:

Mayor – Andrew Przybylo

Park Ridge:

Mayor – Larry Ryles

Democrats are running full slates of candidates in Maine, Northfield, and Wheeling Townships. If you have some free time this weekend or on Tuesday, they could use your

help! Turnout in these elections is historically low, so volunteer Get Out The Vote efforts can make all the difference. Come out this weekend and Tuesday to help out! Canvassing or phone-banking will be taking place all weekend:

Alex Armour – Political Director, Schakowsky for Congress”

EDITOR’S NOTE: And you can see the genuine article embedded in our UPDATE of today’s post.

I guess I will have to take your word for it as I can find nothing anywhere that even references this. Excepting of course the poster who brought it up and you. I think you have a typo in youlsr update…..”According to an sent out by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky’s office, she has endorsed mayoral challenger Larry Ryles….” An what?? A press release?? Who did she send it to?? I can find nothing anywhere on the internet.

Again, I will repeat what I said earlier. They do an endorsement on a Friday afternoon when there are no publications or local papers anywhere for the entire weekend and none between now and election day unless I am mistaken. They supposedly did this this afternoon and yet there is still no information anywhere about it as of 8PM this evening?? I even looked at Ryles website and the only think new on there is an event for the community groups on Sunday at the Senior Center. Maybe he plans to announce it there?? hahaha

This has to be the most poorly handled endorsement in history. This is just crazy!

Even more reason not to vote for Larry Ryles. Being affiliated with Frimark and getting campaign contributions from PR employees union was more than enough. Mayor Schmidt has done what has needed to be done-question the status quo and bring some fiscal sanity to the operations of PR. He has gone far to repair the damage done by Frimark and some on the council who cared more about themselves than the city. Let’s hope the turnout is there to re-elect Mayor Schmidt.

This Schakowsky “endorsement” looks more like a rubber stamp, minus any due diligence. How can she endorse someone who basically has no platform?

Anon 405 Just because you’ve seen only one person out there for Schmidt doesn’t exactly mean there are more meanout there for Ryles though it could be true.

Have you been driving around town everyday and literally not seen hardly any Schmidt goers? Plus not everyone chooses to put up signs on their front lawns.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The old adage is: “Signs don’t vote.” But a decent number of signs gives the appearance of legitimacy and support.

7:24:

I agree. That is why I was so blown away about no announcement. To me an endorsement (or at least a meaningful endorsement) is at least a letter talking about the candidate and why they will do a good job yada yada yada. Normally there would be a press release so it would be in the local papers and media (what little there is). Ryles is just one of many names on a list and there is not even a comment form Schakowsky. Rubber Stamp is a good word. The odds a probably good that she has never even met Ryles.

I can’t see this making much difference unless they are really able to rally some folks for phone and door to door.

I saw that you are in the process of an aldermanic endorsement. The patch put up the 2nd ward and the comments are pretty interesting.
http://parkridge.patch.com/articles/park-ridge-second-ward-candidates-talk-top-priorities#photo-13882940

Here’s Milissis’ latest post on his Facebook page MilissisForAlderman:

Somebody much wiser than me aptly called the final days before an election “The Silly Season” because it is the time when the side that thinks is losing throws everything they’ve got at the candidate who is ahead, trying to tarnish his name, his reputation and his record.

Let’s avoid the silliness by doing a fact check.

I am not a career politician. I am an attorney by profession and work for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a federal manager. I am very proud of what I do, am happy doing it and have absolutely no plans to abandon my promising career. I have been involved as a volunteer in my community from the first day I moved to Park Ridge and have served twice as a Park District Commissioner and currently serve on two City Commissions. These are all volunteer, non-paying positions. Being active and staying involved in your community doesn’t make you a career politician but an interested citizen. My only aspiration is to do what is best for my neighbors.

Partisan politics have no place in Park Ridge City Council matters. The law prohibits candidates from running for alderman or mayor in the City of Park Ridge on a party ticket. National parties and their platforms have absolutely nothing to do with our local issues. Partisan politics can not address the Uptown TIF and can’t offer solutions for our flooding issues. My opponent is trying really hard to make this about politics which I have refused to do. Party affiliation is irrelevant to our issues and I find it troubling that my opponent seems to put an undue emphasis on that matter. National party platforms have no place in our City matters. That’s the way it has been and that is how it will continue to be. The multitude of endorsements I have received have come from local elected officials who would identify themselves with either party. They endorsed me because of my experience, attendance at every single city council and committee of the whole meeting, ideas and proposed solutions to the issues affecting our City. Finally, the local newspaper that endorsed me over my opponent is neutral to partisan politics.

Milissis’ post from this morning on https://www.facebook.com/MilissisForAlderman:

“Let’s do some more fact checks.

For the record, I am against future large-scale condo unit/apartment developments in our city and would vote them down if elected. They are a strain to our already taxed infrastructure and schools. My opponent has made one particular p…roposed development on Northwest Highway and Greenwood Avenue his top priority. The development got voted down by the Planning and Zoning Commission, as I had predicted. The developer will now appeal it to the City Council. As I have stated previously I can guarantee you that if I am elected I will vote against it because of my above stated position. My opponent simply did not like it when I pointed out at a candidate’s forum the fact that the proposed development he keeps touting as his top priority is not in the 2nd Ward. That does not mean I am for it being built or that I don’t care about it.

Let’s talk about attendance. I have attended pretty much every single council meeting and committee of the whole meeting in the past ten months. My opponent hasn’t attended a single meeting. How is he going to draft and introduce legislation? How will he perform with Roberts Rules of Order, procedures, regulations etc.? What does his persistent lack of attendance of council meetings at City Hall say about commitment or willingness to put the time and effort to learn how the City works? It’s easy to have complaints and pet projects but it is a whole other thing to know what to do about them and how to do it. Reading minutes of the meetings online is not an acceptable alternative for somebody who wants the responsibility of representing the 2nd Ward residents as their alderman during this critical time in our city’s history.”

It is interesting to see that Milissis is a Frimark cash contributor and backer.
Cash contributions leave a trail.

That’s a game changer for me.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dave Schmidt ran for 1st Ward alderman as a “Frimark guy” but, once he got in office and observed Frimark up close and personal, figured out Frimark’s deal and became an opponent. We get the sense that Milissis has experienced the same epiphany.

I love this blog (especially around election time) and the dialogue and sharing of information/opinion it generates.

I should probably stay out of it as it is not even my ward, but I do have to say the 12:53 post is so typical. You take out the hammer and bang on all these aldermen and others about their donations to Frimark but somehow Milissis gets a pass??

I guessing he will get your endorsement.

EDITOR’S NOTE: As Einstein observed: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Milissis (and Schmidt) have shown they’re not insane – which can’t be said for all the Frimark (and Frimark clone, Ryles) supporters.

Milissis on his personal fb page has liked ryles campaign fb page though he hides that on his campaign fb page. Playing both sides is more like it not epiphany. He also ran for township assessor looking for a 30k salary. He gave speeches then that he wanted to help the community. He lost then moved on rather than trying to help or run again. Next park board appointment and gave speeches he wants to help people. Ran for that office then moved on rather than sticking with that cause. Interviewed three times fir planning and zoning and dipietro and others did not recommend him. Insanity you say? Doing same thing over and over you say? Pubdog you yourself criticized him in past and he has done nothing to change hus pattern. Milissis runs loses runs loses gives same speeches same routine plays both sides.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Yes, we did criticize him. Although from the way you describe it, Milissis keeps trying different things intead of the same thing.

Anon 12:53 since what Milissis contributed to a Park Ridge mayoral candidate eight years ago is important and relevant to how you will vote for alderman in the 2nd Ward then what George Korovilas contributed in 2009 (http://www.city-data.com/elec2/10/elec-PARK-RIDGE-IL-10.html) and 2010 (http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/illinois_park_ridge_60068.asp?cycle=10) to banker to the mob (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-01/news/ct-met-giannoulias-bank-loans-20100401_1_michael-giorango-bank-s-loans-banking-consultant turned Illinois State Treasurer and failed senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias. Alexi drove a bank to the ground and thanks to the repeated support of people like Korovilas he was elected State Treasurer where he mismanaged a college savings plan losing $150 million dollars of Illinois taxpayer money (http://www.journalstandard.com/state_news/x532571621/Giannoulias-faces-Bright-Start-college-savings-trouble). How’s that for a deal breaker? I know I won’t be supporting someone displaying Korovilas’ kind of judgment. At least Milissis learned from his mistake and steered clear of Frimark for the next eight years.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Somebody’s contributions to state or national parties or candidates may have some relevance, but we tend not to give it all that much weight unless it is repeated and substantial – and the candidate to whom the contribution is made is so corrupt or otherwise objectionable that it reflects seriously bad judgment by the contributor. We don’t think Giannoulias fits that description, even if he may not have been our cup of tea.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We get the sense that Milissis has experienced the same epiphany.

Puhleeseeeee—————

Having this been noted for a while why not come out and say he endorses Schmidt? Maybe distance himself from the Frimark history?  In talking, he has lost people over this.  There is even him mentioning on his door to doors his aspirations to become Mayor my neighbor told me……
http://youtu.be/5wfp5oHH5-g?t=2m30s
 What sense does that give you?

I read what seems to be his response above on his attendance, why the poor attendance of less than 70% in his prior chairs?  Why did Rich not endorse him at time of his zoning interview but now for Alderman?  I think it is comical that he gets endorsements with a history that is as bad as his.

October 2012 Park Ridge Herald Advocate — Mr Milissis is a perpetual public office seeker having attempted twice to run for Maine township assessor and failing to win bid for election to park district board after a lackluster 12 month appointment to it.

So how long till he gets your endorsement?

EDITOR’S NOTE: We view the fact that Mr. Milissis actually runs for offices rather than simply seeks appointive positions as a plus.

5:47:

Very valid criticism which the editor would gleefully use against any elected official or candidate (or volunteer for that matter) who is not on his “team”. If it happens to be someone he likes, these issues are completely mitigated (see 12:53 above for example)!!

The ole’ double standard!

EDITOR’S NOTE: More like a non-existent “ole’ [sic] double standard” – unless you can show us a post or an Editor’s Note in which we criticized someone for running for an assortment of public offices.

The comments to me seem to show an effort by Korovilas to overcome the most obvious shortcoming he has as a candidate. His glaring lack of involvement in a community he’s lived in for the past ten years. He’s trying to beat up Milissis over his continued interest in his community and trying to turn that sustained engagement into something sordid just because he failed to do it. I’m voting for someone who has been committed enough to attend city hall meetings, show up for ALL of the candidates debate and who has been willing to address questions in a public forum. Korovilas only showed up at the republican women’s event where the format only allowed 5 minutes of him talking and no chance for the audience to ask him any questions. Sounds a lot like Ryles. I’m voting for Milissis.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Like it or not, that’s what people do during election season.

And because nobody other than Mayor Dave Schmidt (at his Town Hall meeting and debates at the Senior Center on Feb. 7) and the Park Ridge Republican Women (at their traditional non-debate candidates “forum” on March 7 at South Park fieldhouse) even held an event where the aldermanic candidates could make the cases for their candidacies on a side-by-side basis, this kind of back-and-forth sniping is what we’re left with.

Maybe in 2015 both the League of Women Voters and the Chamber of Commerce – and perhaps some other local organizations – will see fit to expand their focus to the aldermanic races.

Pubdog. You have stated that career politicians are not to be trusted. Someone who runs unsuccessfully for numerous offices may not be a career politician but at least an aspiring one. Here is a cut and paste from one of your older posts:

You may remember Troutman for her quote, which allegedly was recorded by the feds: ”Most politicians are hos.” “Ho,” as in people of loose moral standards who sell themselves for money or other favors.

We’re not sure exactly how accurate Ms. Troutman’s assessment of those people who make a career out of politics might be, although we’re not inclined to strongly disagree with her. That would be hard to do, given all of the successful criminal prosecutions of state, county and City of Chicago politicians and their henchmen over the years.

In his column, Brown went on to describe how “[b]ribes are for chumps like Troutman” because the sharpest, most experienced politicians have more subtle ways of doing business with the people who are interested in pay-to-play government, and don’t ever really have to ask for the favors they are interested in giving out.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since you appear to be a bit confused by our post of 08.08.08, we’ll try to make it clearer for you: we don’t consider anybody who merely runs for Park Ridge local governmental offices “career politicians” because the kind of undue influence to which we were referring in that post requires that the “politician” actually WINS and obtains the office(s) sought. Which is why we went on to write that:

“So the next time our City Council, School Board or Park Board members duck into another closed session, or circulate “confidential” memos among themselves, or negotiate sweetheart deals with their friends or campaign contributors, or just do something that doesn’t make sense to us, we are entitled to ask: ‘Who’s getting what, and why?'”

When it comes to higher office, Republican or non-partisan, Mr. Milissis will have to take a back seat to another young dad with a comfortable family business background and a hefty track record of volunteer accomplishments in Park Ridge: Mel Thillens. This will be true whether or not his Legacy referendum passes or not.

Which mayoral candidate benefits from high / low turnout on Tuesday? What is known about early voting turnout this year compared with ’09?

EDITOR’S NOTE: The COMMUNITY “benefits” from the higher turnout, and early votimg has reportedly significantly higher than 4 years ago.

My name is George Korovilas and I am running for 2nd ward alderman. I noticed my name, as well as my opponent making comments on this site that address my positions. Therefore, I would like to address them myself so there is no confusion. There are many priorities that I have slated on my agenda. There is the stopping of the proposed 80 unit apartment complex which was over the density requirement by almost 100%. I along with a few 2nd ward residents attended EVERY single zoning meeting and spoke to the commission regarding this project. My opponent, who stated that he “did not understand” why I would care about this project since it is not in our ward (http://youtu.be/0YMg9ziZv5I?t=21m8s) went on to say that he would go to EVERY zoning meeting on this project. My opponent in fact showed up to ZERO meetings. The zoning commission had a straw vote before the last meeting and this project was slated to pass. After the meeting, on account of those that showed up and spoke to the commission, two members switched their vote and this project was denied. The editor can confirm this by calling the zoning commission. GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!
Another priority is cutting the FAT out of our city budget. An example of this: Our city attorney BUZZ makes over 300 thousand dollars every FISCAL year (http://www.parkridge.us/assets/1/Documents/MasterContractList011612.pdf) on PART TIME work. We can hire a full time attorney between 70 and 100 thousand a year (Saving the taxpayers 200 thousand dollars a year). We can also implement an energy saving plan at city hall, which has already been implemented at the park distract as well as Maine Township YET the City of Park Ridge did not even want to hear of the plan. This is a guaranteed savings of 62 thousand dollars a year. Just these two ideas will save the taxpayers of Park Ridge close to 300 thousand dollars EVERY year. This is just me scratching the surface. Imagine how much more waste we can find and CORRECT!
This leads me to my next priority—FLOODING. My opponent has attended every single council meeting (since handing in his application to run for alderman) YET FAILED to once address the council on WHY our WARD was picked LAST to fix the flooding problem when he was there. My opponent now is trying to convince the residents of the 2nd ward that he will LEAP frog over the other wards to have ours fixed first. Are we to believe that the other aldermen, who have already voted on this, are going to now change their minds? What I propose is to take MY Tax Saving ideas (almost 300 thousand dollars a year) and put that to work FIXING our flooding problem ASAP. Also, I find it ignorant to state that since someone does not physically attend the council meetings that they do not care. I have watched and/or read most council meetings and COW meetings for the last 10 years. IF my opponent believes he knows more about “Roberts Rules of Order”, then I challenge him to a friendly test that a third party person can write up and may the best man win.
Another Priority is reducing ordinances and regulations that have started to burden the homeowner. Do you realize that we now need a permit just to lay sod in our front yards? How silly is this? According to BUZZ, we also need PERMISSION to trim ANY tree branch in our back yard from the forester, otherwise we can get fined. The permit process is a mess. It should all be streamlined. I have even spoken to business leaders in our ward that wanted to have an Octoberfest but it was so difficult to find out exactly what was needed that they abandoned the idea.
Another Priority is the TIF. My opponent keeps saying we just need to bring more business into Park Ridge. We all KNOW we need to do this. But the Mckenna Cain report stated that even if the uptown was FULLY developed, we would still be losing money. Therefore, let us refinance the TIF ASAP. This will save us 1.2 million dollars a year. Let us contact Cook County Assessor and have the Uptown TIF be assessed by individual parcels rather than by neighborhood blocks (just like we are—are they special over there?). This will raise an additional 250 thousand dollars a year. We can then renegotiate with the parks and schools to lower our burden since uptown is NOT fully developed and lastly we can extend the loan on the TIF saving us millions as well.
I believe in MULTI tasking. These Priorities are not in any order. We can accomplish them all at the SAME time. I have not seen anything in print or in talks with my opponent showing WHAT or HOW he wants to accomplish anything in our ward. The only answers I keep getting is that “he is willing to learn”. Really? I have sent an email to this editor almost a month ago asking to sit down with him to discuss the issues and the differences between myself and my opponent. The response I got was that, this was not necessary because the editor will just look to see what is out there to make his endorsement. I emailed my brochure to him to make sure he knows what I want to do and today I have written this up to show the public. I have no idea what my opponent wants to do for our ward! I read his brochure which only says to vote for him because of his appointments to positions. Nothing on what he wants to do. Also, just to show character. My signs in my ward have been disappearing over the nights. A GOP man was almost arrested four days ago trying to take my sign down on woodland ave. I did not want to press charges cause this is so silly. But I did call the GOP and spoke to them. At first they said it was a crazy person doing this until I informed them I had a license plate and name. If they can just tell their people to stop that would be great. He apologized and said it will not happen again. Unfortunately, my signs now went missing at Wally’s. I spoke to the owner who was upset and said he will take my opponent’s sign down as well. I told him it was not necessary. I just want to know if he took them down. This is what I have been facing. So let us talk issues and leave the political nonsense out of it.
Thank you for your time,
Dr. George Korovilas

EDITOR’S NOTE: We try to limit our candidate endorsements to publicly available information so that all candidates are operating on as level playing field as they create for themselves.

One more thing pubdog. Milissis campaign facebook page gives a big shout out to Sam spiros Markos for being the type of business man park ridge should support (give breaks to?)…I remember you stated that Markos was a huge contributor to frimark and believe you characterized it as pay to play. Is milissis involved in such pay to play tactics or just clueless of Markos’ prior political contributions/friends? I also note most Greek Americans (rightly or wrongly ) contributed to Alexis campaigns including milissis in laws and other relatives. Besides alexi is not a former mayor of park ridge who is still trying to influence our local politics by getting cozy with current candidates. Has milissis publicly renounced frimark? If so why is he publicly praising one of frimarks biggest contributors?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Markos appears to be the kind of guy who hedges his political bets, which is why we understand he also contributed at least $1,500 to Frimark’s opponent, Michael Tinaglia.

Markos sounds like milissis in that regard. He has attempted to befriend ryles (see nikos milissis facebook personal page and ask Larry himself) while also trusting to ride Dave schmidt’s coat tails. Aren’t these the type of “politicians” your blog denounces? Bet hedgers say what you want to hear types? The more I hear about him from people (mostly negative) the more it appears he is of the Markos frimark mulligan mold of aspiring politician.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Markos strikes us as a William Cellini wannabe, so he’ll never run for office himself. Mulligan was a one-trick pony who was over her skis on just about everything but aboortion. And Frimark showed what he is during the four years he was in office. We’d like to think neither Milissis NOR Korovalis are from any of those molds.

Your blog from the frimark schimdt race said that Markos gave money only to frimark NOT schimdt. No bet hedging that year? You went on to criticize this norridge business man that milissis now praises on his facebook page. Milissis lack of judgment on this certainly must leave a bad taste in your mouth? Here is a cut and paste from 2009
Over $24,000 has come from Norridge resident Sam Spiros Markos and a collection of his businesses, many of whom are based out of offices in the strip shopping center on Dempster next to his now-leveled Crystal Palace banquet hall. $7,200 of that was contributed to Frimark’s original election bid, but a whopping $17,000 has come from Markos Inc. since Frimark’s election – including a few thousand dollars used by Frimark to help elect 6th Ward Alderpuppet Tom Carey in 2007.

And another $30,000-plus has come from just 15 individuals and their businesses, including that $1,500 in the last couple of months from Oakbrook Terrace’s Park Ridge Tax & Livery, Ltd., under new owner (and Oakbrook Terrace resident) Dean Dinev, who is currently trying to keep any spare taxi licenses out of the hands of competitor American Taxi.

In contrast, challenger Dave Schmidt, who is running a true “grass-roots campaign, has collected only $26,062 ($2,600 of his own money). His biggest contributor is Park Ridge resident Tony Svanascini, who contributed $4,646 for a campaign event and whose company, Park Ridge-based Americaneagle.com, Inc., services the City’s website on a contract given out years ago, before Schmidt became an alderman and in such a small dollar amount that it did not even need Council approval. Schmidt’s next biggest contributors (after himself) are his brother ($1,000), his law firm ($1,000), and one of his law partners ($1,000).

We don’t see many Markos- or Park Ridge Taxi-style pay-to-play opportunities there.

But while Schmidt’s avoidance of the pay-to-play to which Frimark seems to gravitate would be reason enough for us to endorse Schmidt, there are many more reasons that deserve mention.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Apparently neither Markos nor Dinev viewed Schmidt as having the easy “virtue” of Frimark – hence no contributions to Schmidt.

We skimmed Milissis’ Facebook page and couldn’t find his “praise” for Markos. But if you want to direct us and our readers to it, please do.

Sorry. Forgot to cut and paste from milissis facebook page about Markos. Here it is.

Nicholas Milissis for Park Ridge 2nd Ward Alderman
Apr 2 at 6:49pm ·

Today I had the opportunity to speak with a longtime Park Ridge businessman who owns one of the biggest retail income-generating businesses for the City which is located in the 2nd ward. Sam Markos is a successful businessman and owner of the Crystal Landings Mall on the corner of Dempster and Potter. That mall houses businesses such as CVS Pharmacy, Andrew’s Open Pit Restaurant and Four Seasons Market, generating thousands of dollars in retail sales for our City.

These are the type of commercial property ventures and “business generators” that we need to support as a City. We need to ensure they continue to bring in the much needed and sorely lacking retail revenue that will help alleviate the burden on the beleaguered taxpayers.

At the end of our conversation, Sam endorsed my candidacy. With his permission, my signs are proudly displayed on his property indicating his support. Thank you Mr. Markos for your trust in me.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We stand by our previous comments about Markos. We await word of how much cash he threw into Milissis’ campaign kitty.

Milissis seeking markos support and then praising the Cellini wannabe concerns this voter especially when I read some of your other posts about Markos overreaching to get special zoning the type of stuff Korvilas has been fighting against. Here is what I read that scared me that milissis is seeking out Markos support.

That kind of hedging also suggests that the Markos interests may be more like “players” than like “good government” types, especially now that we’re getting a whiff of the newest aroma emanating from City Hall in connection with this week’s Park Ridge Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda [pdf]. That agenda indicates that somebody has applied for “several variances” of a “major” nature for the property at 2648 Dempster Street – the Markos property – “as part of the construction of a new CVS Pharmacy.”

The City’s website has posted no other reports or documentation to explain anything more about the variances being sought, or what the exact nature of Thursday night’s ZBA proceeding will be. Maybe that shouldn’t be surprising given Park Ridge’s “A Culture Of Secrecy” and the fact that it took more than a year from the date Trader Joe’s signed its lease in Uptown for the City to admit that Trader Joe’s had committed to a store in Park Ridge, but it is troubling nonetheless.

These variances for CVS will be considered by the sitting ZBA members [pdf], who serve as our new zoning code’s enforcers in major variance matters such as this. And if you don’t know what the ZBA procedures are in connection with major variances, you might want to take a look at the relevant sections of the City’s new Zoning Ordinance [pdf].

A CVS pharmacy may be a fine addition to the northwest edge of Park Ridge; and if that provides a nice pay day for the Markos Family so much the better – so long as that pay day doesn’t come at the expense of Park Ridge taxpayers or violate the zoning ordinance. If it does, you can be sure the Watchdog will pick up the scent.

EDITOR’S NOTE: And we did not discover anything that smacked of any impropriety. So your point is…?

Sean Sullivan also endorsed milissis. Pubdog you have had some choice words for Sullivan’s management style and judgment on 207. He likes milissis.

Nicholas Milissis for Park Ridge 2nd Ward Alderman
Mar 29 near Park Ridge ·
More elected officials, current and former, are coming forward to endorse me as the best candidate for this race. These are people who have spent their entire lives in this city and who just like me have volunteered their time and energy to help our local community. They have recognized my dedication, commitment and long involvement in our community and believe that I have the experience and motivation to do the best for the 2nd ward. Today I thank Sean Sullivan, current President of the District 207 High School Board for his endorsement.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our opinion of Mr. Sullivan’s service on the D-207 board is well-known.

Interestingly enough, Facebooker, you’ve been spending all these posts simply slamming Milissis in a guilt-by-association way. When we were questioning the possible quid pro quo for Markos’ support of Frimark, it was a couple years AFTER he and his businesses had thrown thousands of dollars into Frimark’s campaign fund AND in response to his seeking zoning variances for his shopping center.

Is Markos throwing thousands of dollars at Milissis? Is Markos seeking any kind of zoning deals from the City? If not, then your analogy breaks down into big pieces.

Sorry. I didn’t realize that if pubdog didn’t find it … It didn’t happen. Look into milissis playing up to ryles (you can’t like milissis for that. Ryles is frimarks puppet according to pubdog). Still open minded about milissis after discovering he is such a bet hedger? If so then why rag on Larry for accepting frimark support. Maybe ryles is just hedging his bets milissis Markos style. Or maybe ryles had an undisclosed epiphany about frimark like the one you believe milissis had?

EDITOR’S NOTE: No, it’s just that we don’t share your penchant for finding tidbits of unrelated information that can’t be factually linked to each other.

For example, what exactly is your proof of “Milissis playing up to Ryles”? Did Milissis offer to carry Ryles’ books home from school, or buy him a vanilla Coke at the malt shop?

My name is Nicholas Milissis and I am a candidate for 2nd ward alderman.

I came into this race a gentleman and intend to exit it as one. I refuse to roll in the mud and lower my standards in order to engage in desperate last minute ploys. I have been walking my ward since last September and have had the opportunity to visit thousands of residents, hear from them, discuss the issues and speak to them about my top priorities and very specific solutions I suggest.

I have had the opportunity to also be questioned on my ideas thoroughly by the press and public at the first candidate’s debate hosted by the mayor and which my opponent chose not to attend. I was questioned thoroughly by a whole list of Park Ridge elected officials both current and former on my plans. I attended an editorial board at the Journal and Topics newspaper with all PR aldermanic candidates where I sat side by side with my opponent and we were questioned thoroughly on a wide variety of subjects by the long time editor of the newspaper. I was thoroughly questioned on my plans and ideas for the 2nd ward by the current alderman of 18 years Rich Dipietro.

In every single case my ideas were recognized as the most realistic, valid and logical. My positions have been tested, judged and endorsed over my oponnents every time. It’s very hard to overcome that but when the going gets tough I guess everything is game. As I said I refuse to roll in the mud but feel the need to address the libelous allegations made by my opponent in an attempt to once again turn this into a partisan race.

I wouldn’t even begin to know what my opponent is referring to when he speaks of “GOP staff”, signs and arrests. My staff consists of myself and my wife along with some neighbors and relatives who helped us out one weekend by delivering some literature. If he indeed ran into somebody removing his signs and he had their information I would suggest he contact the authorities at once.

I find the sign talk ironic coming from my opponent who has made it his tactic to target homes that display my signs, visit them and then display his signs next to mine. I was the first one to place my signs at Wally’s. When I went by to pick up an order the next day the owner apologized for having displayed my opponent’s signs next to mine. The owner relayed to me that my opponent “flew into his store and was very upset that he was displaying Milissis signs.” The owner not wanting a scene in his store or trouble just let him display his also. My opponent’s signs have been displayed next to mine at that establishment for weeks without incident. If he wants to find out what happened to them he should ask the owner. My signs are still there contrary to Korovilas’ allegations that the owner was going to take them down.

The Sam Markos post on my FB page was partly posted as a warning to my opponent that I had received permission to display my signs at that mall because shortly after putting my signs up there he went and sandwiched them between his own without having obtained permission from the owner. Markos took Korovilas’ signs down because my opponent had clearly trespassed on private property.

As I’ve stated before I believe all this is silly and that posts like the ones above detract from the real issues and are basically smoke and mirrors at the last minute. I feel confident that I have done everything in my power to be honest and open with the residents of the 2nd and that I have clearly and consistently communicated my ideas and positions to them through a variety of mediums. I am heartened by the fact that I hear the same feedback from the residents I see during my campaigning. I’m a true fiscal conservative and have one interest to serve: That of the taxpayers of Park Ridge. I look forward to their decision on Tuesday knowing I’ve done everything I could to let them know what my priorities are and how I will address them.

I thank this blog for being an unabashedly critical but overall fair and consistent voice for the taxpayers of this City. I have been the subject of its scrutiny in the past and don’t mind if I continue to be in the future. When you throw your hat in to assume the responsibility of representing your fellow citizens scrutiny and accountability should be part of the job.

It’s quite interesting that Korovilas’ priorities for the city are ever changing and never consistent. First, he began with a list of personal problems as his top priorities in his first interview with the Journal. “When asked to name some of the top issues facing the city, Korovilas said he would like to see a curbside leaf pick-up program added, fewer permit requirements for residents who want to keep up their properties, and the addition of more police officers. Korovilas cited an incident where he felt a police officer took too long to respond in order to take a report.” http://parkridge.suntimes.com/16773456-781/contested-races-expected-in-park-ridges-2nd-6th-wards.html. Second, at the Park Ridge Republican Women’s forum, he spent his five minutes talking about his frustrations – mainly, a proposed property in the 3rd ward, which he defined as an issue “dear to his heart”. This issue is a one of thousands that would come before the council and would not effect the 2nd ward unless dozens of factors come into play. The first being that the property would have to be approved, which it was not been to date. Why this would be a priority for 2nd ward residents is a mystery. He also accused the city of secret meetings and keeping the residents in the dark. Apparently, Korovilas had not attended any city council meetings since he was unaware that they are video taped and available for public view. Now, Korovilas claims to watch meetings online, but clearly this started after the candidate’s forum. And third, Korovilas realized he had to talk about issues that may actually affect his neighbors and gave the Tribune different priorities he had: “Korovilas said his main plans are to lesson the regulations on homeowners and get the work on flooding in the 2nd Ward done sooner by using money that would be saved under a new plan he’d present. He also said the village is spending too much on its attorney and can save money through energy efficiency.” http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-26/news/ct-tl-park-ridge-aldermen-election-preview-20130328_1_2nd-ward-park-ridge-city-council-meetings. These statements are non-sensical to say the least– how will these questionable “savings” from the city be collected and handed out to just one ward? Just because you say the grass is purple doesn’t mean it is. The Tribune discredited Korovilas’ rantings about the supposedly overpaid part-time attorney in the same article, yet Korovilas disregards this fact and repeats his accusations. I’m not sure he understands that residents actually read the article and are not as stupid as he believes. (I’d personally like to know how much money the city has spent in legal fees dealing with Korovilas and his complaints.) It is noted that Korovilas did not show to the debate at the Senior Center to really discuss the issues and differences with Milissis (and it is now understandable why). What I see in Korovilis is someone whose true motive is a personal one as he initially stated in the December 4, 2012 article. Savings for the city is a recent thought, yet clearly an undeveloped one. The flooding issue wasn’t a concern of his in December, it has become one in the last few weeks. He keeps coming up with different “issues” to appear as if he’s interested in the ward, but the truth cannot be masked, espcially when it comes in the form of a print article to which he gave an interview. To make up for his inconsistancy and his inability to properly explain his new ideas, he has resorted to attacking his opponent. He speaks more of his opponent than he does of himself. If Korovilis had much to say and believed in it, he would dedicate his energy on that instead of what his opponent did 8 years ago.

Which brings me to another point. Korovilas has not shown any volunteerism within his community over the last 10 years he’s lived here. He wants to represent this ward, but cannot give its residents a reason to believe he’s vested in its overall well-being. Only someone like Korovilis can take a resident who has made numerous efforts to participate in the growth and benefit of our city and make it a bad thing. Korovilas takes issue with the fact that Milissis was passed over for the planning and zoning committee. At least Milissis applied for this position along with a dozen other residents, which is more than can be said for Korovilas, although he appears to be obsessed with that committee. No reason was given for why one resident was selected and the others were not. But in his true self-serving fashion, Korovilis disregards Milissis’ appointment and re-appointment on two other commissions over the last 8 years. He ignores Milissis’ attributes and magnifies what is truly insignificant and irrelevant. What I haven’t seen from Korovilis is any attempt to volunteer his time and efforts for the betterment of our community. It’s easy to stand on the sidelines and criticize others who put in all the sweat and work that he refuses to do. All I see from Milissis is consistancy, logic, a desire for the best interests of the ward and its residents, and a history of selflessness. His past positions appear to be non-paying ones, numerous and his volunteerism continuous. What I see from Korovilas is a bitter middle-aged man who cant focus enough to figure out what priorities the city needs, but only his own. It is offensive that Korovilas thinks 2nd ward residents are so ignorant and can be fooled by last minute baseless attacks to make up for his lack of vision. Such negativity and disingenuity have no place in our ward or our city.

Tidbits of information similar to those that at least two bloggers used to establish a connection/affiliation between milissis and dick Barton and milissis and Wally dudycz? Or tidbits like the ones used to try and establish a connection between ryles and frimark? At least ryles had the sense to write letters to the editor denying frimark had any position in his campaign. Milissis has yet to publicly renounce frimark or Barton or dudycz or mulligan or Sullivan or Markos etc. (ie those that pubdog criticized by a guilt by association method which is not valid to apply to milissis?). I hope you haven’t violated your policy of not meeting with candidates to ensure all get treated equally?

EDITOR’S NOTE: You mean “tidbits of information” like the headline “Frimark Backs Ryles” in the November 28, 2012 Park Ridge Journal, with an accompanying story? And all those photos by the Ryles Campaign of Frimark with Ryles and at Ryles’ campaign events?

Do you have any headlines and newspaper stories like that about Frimark, Barton, The Dude, Rosie, Sully or Markos backing Milissis, or Milissis campaign photes of those folks at Milissis’ campaign events?

I see we have had an active Sunday evening of mud slinging!! “He took my sign!!” “No he took my sign!!”

What to ya say we elevate the conversation and discuss “bathroom gate” at the Senior Center??”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Let’s not and just say we did.

More tidbits (they sure are piling up) Did you notice former ald curt Edlund and Maureen stauts endorsed Larry ryles?! Pubdog if Larry is as bad as you say he is (frimark connection and all) you must question these former elected officials judgment in supporting ryles over can do little wrong in the eyes of pubdog schimdt. Right? Or are their and the numerous other former elected official endorsements irrelevant? Consider the following milissis post on his campaign facebook page (as opposed to the hidden personal fb page). This in addition to the Markos Sullivan and DiPietro (who according to pubdog was responsible for the tiff and other ills of the city) endorsements.

Nicholas Milissis for Park Ridge 2nd Ward Alderman
Apr 1 at 8:12pm ·
My sincere thanks to two of our former 2nd Ward Aldermen Curt Edlund and Maureen Strauts for endorsing my candidacy. I very much enjoyed hearing from them and their experience on the council. It was interesting to hear them speak about the issues they had to deal with when serving on the council. At the same time they had the chance to thoroughly question me on my ideas and positions on what needs to be done to put our city and ward in the right path. It is reassuring to know that honorable public servants like Maureen and Curt agree with me and believe in my candidacy.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The records of each of those former City officials speak for themselves.

PREDICTIONS: Ryles for Mayor, Milissis for the 2nd Ward, Shubert for the 4th Ward, LaVecchia for the 6th Ward!….looks like Frimark’s going to take over city hall once again….

EDITOR’S NOTE: Opinions, and predictions, vary.

Just curious, has anyone endorsed Korovilas?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ryles? Frimark? Wietecha? Bernick? Markos (playing both sides)?

Anon 657am- typical ignorant post. You are 0-3. Nice try. Frimark backs Ryles. So now, every losing aldermanic candidate will get people to try to associate Frimark with their opponent? “Silly season” it is.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Does Frimark have political “cooties”?

Pubdog. Go to nikos milissis face book page. It is hidden so you must first go to one of his campaign fb page friends like Lena memmos milissis and then on her friend list nikos milissis appears. Go to his “likes” and under the other category a few under “re elect Rick biagi” and in between “Greek American foundation s blue masque ball” and “pick wick theater” we see “Larry ryles for mayor of park ridge”. Does Dave know bc milissis on campaign fb excludes any reference to Larry and quotes only Dave.

EDITOR’S NOTE: No, Facebooker, but thanks for pointing that out. Now, do you have any of those “Frimark Backs Milissis” headlines, or any Frimark and Milissis chummy campaign photos like we asked you to provide?

Facebooker, contrary to what your name alludes to you don’t seem to know much about how Facebook works or are pretending not to because it is convenient to your agenda. Liking a page on Facebook ensures you get updates when that page is updated and you get notified of the latest posts. It’s not a declaration of undying loyalty as you’re trying to pass it on. I followed your instructions and found Milissis also likes Dave Schmidt for Mayor along with several other local officials or candidates pages, as I would expect someone who is as involved as Milissis to be. Nice try once again. The endorsement is out why don’t you move along. Your cheap ploys are getting tiresome. Do you really think voters are that naive?

Pubdog. The only tidbits connecting Barton and frimark to milissis were your numerous posts about it when he last was active in local politics. But if you were wrong about him being frimark and Barton s best boy and being groomed for council seat by them what else are you wrong about? Ryles? City priorities? Only time will tell.

EDITOR’S NOTE: It usually does.

I’m sorry but I’ve looked all over but I can’t find any infro on when the polling places open and close.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Mike, dude, it’s been 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for like…a decade or so.

Thanks, PubDog, for being the media. Period.
And I say that as a politician you don’t think a lot of. Your service is irreplaceable, man.

EDITOR’S NOTE: You’re welcome.

We don’t think a lot of ANY “politician.” In fact, we consider “politician” as an epithet of the magnitude of the ones George Carlin once couldn’t say on t.v.

But if you truly do consider yourself a “politician,” perhaps you’ve got other redeeming qualities to compensate for that glaring defect.