Weisner...for the love of money?
We have been known to be critical from time to time of Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner on some poor policy decisions and things like wild spending, increasing taxes, rewarding cronies, that temp employee pension scheme thing and, oh yeah, collaborating with Bigelow to murder the historic drive-in theater based upon lies and a scam.
But, contrary to what some of the Weisner cronies think, it isn't personal and we wish Mr. Weisner good health and hope he lives a happy life when he retires to his primary home in Florida in 2009.
Then, we learn Tom Weisner is having a political fundraiser later this month. But, this time, we discover the fundraiser is celebrate his wedding anniversary. No, we aren't kidding and yes, we said wedding anniversary.
Tom & Marilyn Weisner are celebrating their PERSONAL wedding anniversary with a POLITICAL fundraiser. They've invited their "friends" to pay $500 per plate for the honor of celebrating with them.
Don't get us wrong. We are happy for their or anyone's wedding anniversary, but is this appropriate to get people to pay money to celebrate such a thing, with or without mixing politics? And, is it just us or does it seem a little bizarre to have a political fundraiser based upon a wedding anniversary?
One of our viewers pointed out the Tyco CEO was indicted for mixing his wife's birthday party with company business, so we would be interested in the legality of mixing a wedding anniversary with a political fundraiser, even in the Land of Corruption.
Another viewer said he would like to be rewarded with contracts from the City of Aurora (like Wegman Construction, Cordogan Clark, Engineering Enterprises, Mundy Landscaping, etc) and said he's not sure which is more weird...knowing campaign contributions are "helpful" or that he's contributing to a wedding anniversary.
Who came up with this? Gerry Gall-o-way? Next time we hear any complaints that anyone is getting "personal" about Tom Weisner's political conduct, you can blame Tom & Marilyn Weisner.
Let us know what you think...
But, contrary to what some of the Weisner cronies think, it isn't personal and we wish Mr. Weisner good health and hope he lives a happy life when he retires to his primary home in Florida in 2009.
Then, we learn Tom Weisner is having a political fundraiser later this month. But, this time, we discover the fundraiser is celebrate his wedding anniversary. No, we aren't kidding and yes, we said wedding anniversary.
Tom & Marilyn Weisner are celebrating their PERSONAL wedding anniversary with a POLITICAL fundraiser. They've invited their "friends" to pay $500 per plate for the honor of celebrating with them.
Don't get us wrong. We are happy for their or anyone's wedding anniversary, but is this appropriate to get people to pay money to celebrate such a thing, with or without mixing politics? And, is it just us or does it seem a little bizarre to have a political fundraiser based upon a wedding anniversary?
One of our viewers pointed out the Tyco CEO was indicted for mixing his wife's birthday party with company business, so we would be interested in the legality of mixing a wedding anniversary with a political fundraiser, even in the Land of Corruption.
Another viewer said he would like to be rewarded with contracts from the City of Aurora (like Wegman Construction, Cordogan Clark, Engineering Enterprises, Mundy Landscaping, etc) and said he's not sure which is more weird...knowing campaign contributions are "helpful" or that he's contributing to a wedding anniversary.
Who came up with this? Gerry Gall-o-way? Next time we hear any complaints that anyone is getting "personal" about Tom Weisner's political conduct, you can blame Tom & Marilyn Weisner.
Let us know what you think...
101 comments:
Sorry Tom, but this definitely crosses common sense and political ethics 101, let alone personal self-respect.
Celebrate your wedding anniversary with your wife, not your cronies.
I agree it's ridiculous and I'm really surprised someone around Weisner didn't say this was a dumb thing to do.
Weisner is mixing his personal life with politics and that is going to come back to haunt him.
I think public celebrations of wedding anniversaries are great!
I would gladly attend a dinner (even "dutch treat") and maybe even put $20 on a money tree for the happy couple. Hey, I've been married 28 years, and I know how unusual it is to stay happily married for a long time.
But $500?? (or $1000 for both hubby & me?) Holy cow! THAT'S just plain greedy. And ridiculous.
We'll be watching to see exactly who coughs up those big $ to help Mr. & Mrs. Weisner "celebrate". Now we'll be able to identify exactly who is in the inner circle of Aurora "crony-style" politics.
Has this story been picked up by the Chicago media ? It seems like something they would be interested in.
Great picture!
Bad idea to mix a wedding anniversary with politics. Even Bill Clinton wouldn't be silly enough to do that and his marriage is all political.
How come one of the post was removed? If was about Rick's comments and his being retired in 2009.
Oops, can you say backfire? If Tom & Marilyn didn't come up with this idea, they should fire whomever did.
I'm assuming they can't fire each other or that wouldn't make a happy anniversary!
I disagree with Tom Weisner on many things, but nothing personal against him. However, this is reeeeeeeeally absurd to mix a wedding anniversary with a political fundraiser and I agree completely it's inappropriate.
Great job Ald. Lawrence.
How completly inappropriate of Tom Weisner. How could his wife say "yeah this is a good idea" how selfrightous and pompous the both of them are.
The people of Aurora should be outraged at this guy.
and his wife.
I can't imagine they both thought this was a good idea. I would be embarassed to go to such a fundraiser.
I'll be interested to see which cronies are desperate enough show up to this.
Poor taste by Weisner. He's inviting his personal and political life to mix and it's a BAD idea.
I worked in his campaign and am so disapointed in him.
Did not know he was so greedy and vindictive.
I don't think there is anything illegal about this, but it certainly is "declasse".
Hey Openline,
How do I gmail you?
When I go to openlineblog(at)gmail.com I just get back to the blog site.
Dear Mr.Mayor:
If I were your wife, I'd be pissed.
Very tacky.
You think she did not know about it? Come on they are two peas in a pod. They are both tacky as they come.
The comment Rick made about Weisner is infantile and classless. He should have kept his thoughts to himself. Was his motive to increase his chances for the office of mayor? I'll be there for Rick's concession party in 2009.
I usually cringe at Openline's Weisner bashing as being too harsh. It turns me off. My assumption is that the voters elected him and I respect that process. I was pleasantly surprised with Openline's self admittal of criticism. I am also pleased the tone is mild for Openline. I can even agree with him on this issue.
However, I believe some of the "cronies" predated Weisner by decades and will survive for years after his term is over. So do not confuse the long term business community with a short term officeholder.
I do actually see visual concrete progress/change/results/action under Weisners term especially Downtown. Previous Mayors and the lack of actually seeing anything change much with my own 2 eyes Downtown dismayed me. Other than the casino downtown, the talk has been forever about downtown and at least something is going on. There may be a mistake, but is that not part of the process? I believe the Riverfront is the focus and is being handled well. Beach front and riverfront recapturing across the world confirms this.
I am not going to the political love dinner.
Lawrence's letter was uncalled for and meanspirited. His pathological habit of injecting venom wherever he can will surely backfire. Can't wait for HIS retirement party.
So then you think it is O.K. for this type of behavior by a Mayor?
TO: 8/13/07 11:48 AM
I disagree, Rick Lawrence was not injecting venom, he was letting average people know, how greedy and declasse this mayor is.
I would not know about this if Rick did not say anything.
Thanks Rick!
12:21, do you have a right to know? If it is legal then mind your own business. Even Lawrence says it is a few friends.
If not legal, then this is not the appropriate forum and Lawrence should "whistleblow" to the appropriate office. Is Rick jealous that Tom knows the political game and is better at it than him? Is Lawrences's sarcastic/facetious letter to the editor worth it for his own future? I say odd. I say 2 odds do not make Aurora better.
Few friends? at the Banquet Hall. Hmmm when I get a few friends together we go to the Roundhouse or some other nice restraunt. Nope this is for the connected and not the people of Aurora.
All fundraisers have a theme. It's not illegal and Rick will choke on his sour grape whine!
I asked my boss Bob Bonifas if he was going and he said he was. Figures.
thanks 2:21
I see your point. Ricks editorial is one of a kind. I do see now the purposely misstated phrase. I missed that between the sarcasm and facetiousness.
So let me see... we have purposely misstated phrases, sarcasm, facetiousness and help me out... is the overall tone that of anger, bitterness or jealosy?
Perhaps 2 or all 3? Or is this his unofficial announcement of an impending mayoral race and the ensuing battle?
How do you spell "Love" ?...........M-O-N-E-Y.
Really, What has this guy accomplished. Stover, at least had some accomplishments under his belt. This guy has been spouting off crap for two years now with very little to show. He has taken the safe road on each and everything he is willing to touch. Talk illegals and he flys to Mexico to get a sister city. Ask about economic development and he puts his head in the sand and supports one of the worst ED directors in the State (Jenkins).
We do have a city that you can no longer pee in your yard or hang christmas lights all year, oh and those toy plastic guns. Boy Tom what would we do without you. Very unimpressive. So without a stellar record of accomplishments who the hell would pay $500 to eat with you and your wife? The ones that you are funneling all our taxdollars too. Maybe we can get a list of those in attendance should not be too hard at all and then publish it and see how many aurora residents are going.
Nice set up. Bob is out of town.
Even if asked that question he would not answer and wonder who you are. Nice of you to use an anonymous blog for the attempt.
Openline is absolutely attending the event.
Tom uses the Daly machine, Barack
movement, Hillary express, Pelosi/Emanuel team, and the State of Illinois "member initiative" method all as examples of A+ fund raising.
Openline uses Chris Hanson Dateline hidden investigations, Allen Funts Candid Camera and Jerry Springer whackiness as examples of journalism.
So Tom can expect Openline inside with a hidden camera. Tom can also expect Openline's hired paparazzi to roll through the parking lot slowly with a video camera.
So which one of them is paranoid?
Oh yeah, Openline counts on an inside alderman to leak items!
Remember the Mayor Pro Tem issue and ballots? Openline obtained the email sent only to Alderman. Rick, was that you? Was that ethical?
3:56
how do you know it wasn't F.O.I.A?
Anyway if rick did pass it on It is not confidential and as far as I am concerned shows that he is about transparency. Which is good.
Not like Tom who leaks business plans that are confidential to the fishwrap to kill a move by a businessmen to make a profitable tax generating property out of the drive in so that he can pay back the Bigelows and kill the drive in!
Come on Rick is about the most straight shooting guy in this pis poor city. We need about 10 more alderman like him not to mention city staffers and a mayor.
I just have one question. How many goons does the mayor pay to monitor this site and spin his propaganda?
Be careful staffers if you are monitoring this site on city time for political purposes you are breaking the law!
I knew it...
4:26
The ballot appeared even before the vote was taken or at least the same day. FOIA was not possible. I believe it was legal and in the name of transparency as you state. That is why I asked if it was ethical, especially in the time frame it occurred.
I am no ones goon. I do this on my own and perhaps the off duty staffers will blitz this blog issue when they get off work tonight. I would certainly like to be paid though. If Rick has higher ambitions, I think that editorial was too much for the average voter. I am not sure how wise it was. He must be satisfied where he is at. We all know attacks do not work well in Aurora. Remember the last election?
I get invited to very expensive golf political outings occasionaly. Just another theme
like 2:49 says.
And the garbage sticker contract Rick had to intertwine has nothing to do with any of this. Rick is smart and he can too afford it. He should attend and get endorsements. Afterall he can't throw an "Enemies of Rick's Fundraiser" now can he? I bet he may be the first one to pull that off though.
How many canidates have you heard of that does a fund rasier for his wedding anniversary. It just seems tacky.
Rick is right in what he says. He is right that proably only corporate America could afford this or the contractors or other business people that are all cornies of Weisners.
I agree 5:08.
So we have Tom setting a new standard and Rick a very brave and bold person.
Very interesting it is.
I'll stick with this topic because I am not touching the abortion debate.
I think Lawrence never misses a chance at a low blow. He's got his panties in a bunch because this fundraiser is a sign that Weisner could be gearing up for an election. I think Lawrence would rather be anointed by the couple of dozen fans he has on this site. For the record, I hope Lawrence does challenge Weisner. I think getting his ass kicked would do wonders for the bloviating alderman.
Don't forger weisner's other accomplishment for D131. Tear down the Drive-In and Bigelow will donate 8.3 acres of land equal to 1.3 million dollars. Look at the mess going on now due to his help for D131. Where is this helpful mayor now in this for the sake of the students? Hey, maybe that is what the fundraised is really for.
Big, Bad Rick has a real decision to make here.... run for mayor or run against Tom's surprise candidate for ward 4. He has a professional lady, well educated and respected and elected to office previously. Ready to run. Either way, it's curtains for the awning boy.
That will make Rick just another transplanted loudmouth from New York. Kinda like now.
All I have to say is that this is a great post. Politicians are open to scrutiny; and this is a prime example of it. Do I think this is a very tacky and lame thing to do? Yes, do I think Tom is really pathetic, yes I do. However, satire has always been reserved for politicians (just look at all those cartoons).
I laughed out loud after reading Rick's letter, it was very creative.
The fact of the matter is that this is a fundraiser for companies that can afford it. Because the tickets are over $150; all the attendees need to be reported on the D-2 as itemized donations because of disclosure laws. You'll all see who is "buying" Aurora in January.
There are things that are technically legal but not quite ethical. Weisner is not being ethical for soliciting companies who want contracts with the City. In addition, he is a tasteless human being.
Weisner hasn't done anything downtown, the Vantreese project was started under Stover. All Weisner has is a couple of holes in the ground -- you think that is progress???
3:23p
...ever hear of a telephone. He'll be back within 10 days and who I am is of no consequence to you. Don't criticize anyone posting anonymously and then you do it yourself. What a dumbass.
Who gives a crap about Bob Bonifas. Ed is probably one of the most insecure guys you will ever meet. Bob likes to fly around and think he is important. Gary is//well Gary.
So it is a political event with the anniversary theme. To publically embarass and try to humiliate someone tells volumes about a person.
Usually Letterman, Leno the newspapers and columnist's use satire/ wit and such.
The police station has finally begun. It did not belong along the Fox River unless you wanted the holding cell customers to gaze out and be calmed by the flowing waters. The River is for the people and that environmental mess eons in the making on Rt 25 at least has a start. How many more generations did you want to think about it and look at it.
The holes signal progress.
The police will be picketing tomorrow and creating a stink about low morale and manpower shortage. There is a manpower shortage because no one could be hired because there is no where to house them. A new building was critical. Everyone before Tommy failed at building a station. Even the ex police chief himself. I am not as concerned about personal lives as I am about my safety. Thank God someone got it done before I died.
Oh gives us a freakin break. A new police station is going to save your life? NO the only reason the new police station is being built now is because the union for the employees was getting heat about the health and safety conditions in the old station (asbestos, lead, indoor air quality problems, mold, and much more). Do a little investigation, the NICOR water problem has nothing on this mess.
I meant before I died of old age.
Relax buddy, relax.
How many other reasons you want though?
Sorry Tom, but this definitely crosses common sense and political ethics 101, let alone personal self-respect-so right
I'm a little confused by the Weisner sympathizer-cronies. Are you saying the public shouldn't know about these things?
Alderman Lawrence's letter was very creative and Openline's post was brilliant, but it's not THEIR fault for Tom & Marilyn getting all this flack.
Tom is part of the gang that likes to do things the old-guard way, a bunch of people enriching themselves and choosing who gets to do the work of the cronies and get perks.
Rick is part of Aurora that wants results and doesn't look the other way on these idiotic things going on.
I consider mixing a wedding anniversary and political fundraiser an extremely inappropriate thing and I think the vast majority of Aurora would agree.
communication from the mayor's office to all the alderman is your public property and is NOT private info.
in fact, one could argue that such "group" lobbying by Weisner the mayor may even violate the open meetings act.
We should encourage full and complete transparency. Seems the Weisner folk always have something to hide.
Yup, Openline has been critical of Weisner's policies and poor decisions.
Tax increases? Raising fees? Being part of a pension scheme? Being part of a land donation scam? Rewarding cronies?
Weisner is guilty of ALL those
Just because old-guard cronies have been having their way with this community and exploiting us for years doesn't mean we should look the other way any longer.
My friend is developing a commercial property and he got a bunch of bids on landscaping. Guess who was far and away the highest? Weisner crony Mundy. Just imagine how he overcharges gov't if he's doing this to private enterprise.
Very Tacky- but at least Weisner is honest about Aurora's
YOU PAY TO PLAY structure.
Jim Meisch was not an exception-he just pled to a small count to avoid opening a BIG can of worms.
If you don't like corruption and incest-GET OUT OF AURORA!!
Lawrence is a sad, silly man. I can't wait to for his next petty blowup.
2:24 am
Could you please state facts.
I'm sure he was high, buy why?
You may be missing a basic but big fact that would be an easy explanation. Perhaps 2 big facts.
I'll give you time to think about it before I answer.
And no, for all the suspicious angry people who have a problem with our election process and disrespect the peoples choice, I do not work for Mundy, nor the Mayor, or affiliates.
7:37 O wow Rick should be scared..... I think Tom would have learned by what he tried to pull on Kifowit in ward 3 this last time.
The public see through him his is a loser.
You know what people. I think most of the residents of this town has a high opinion of Weisner. I really do. I'm not trying to be flippant or a wise-guy but I believe most of Aurorans are ignorant to Weisner's performance. Most read what the Beacon writes up which is hardly ever negative. And the Beacon writes alot more positive things to Weisner's credit. It really wouldn't surprise me to see him get re-elected for another term.
As for myself, anyone that the current mayor endorses for alderman, etc., I will not vote for. He has done enough damage, what could or would anyone he is for do? The man will not even give credit where credit is due, he should be shaking Vantreesse's hand and thanking him for what he has done for this city, instead of appaulding Shodeen for milking the taxpayers dry of their money.
8/14/07 8:13 PM
What you write in unfortunately true. People do not take the time to be informed as they should. A while back the Blog was talking about a City Watchdog group to keep tabs on things and report them back to the people. Too bad it was only Blog Talk and nothing really happened.
Weisner can justify the pricey dinner ticket for his 35th anniversary. Have you seen the price of Viagra lately?
The mayor is allowed to hold fundraisers to raise money for an election campaign. Nothing illegal about that. If he and his wife decide to tie it into a day that has special meaning to them, that's their decision, not some cranky alderman's. I don't know if Lawrence was trying to be humorous or not, but if so, he failed miserably. His letter comes across as mean-spirited and petty.
Not to everyone and that is the great thing.
Now the letter today from Annie Craig (You know Frank Craigs wife-the guy who lost against Lauzen), you know she is the one who worked on DEMS Wiesner and Chapa LaVia campaigns, you know the one who is on the aurora township as a dem) the dem politica hack. Her letter today is a disgrace. I do not know if they have any kids but if they were my parents I would be embarressed at their behavior. Just a few weeks ago Frank Craig wrote some sob story in the Beacon about how Lauzen is not getting anything done and the wonderful two Lindas, both fellow Dems are just ducky. The Craigs are predictable, political novices and just downright embarrassing.
forgot to add. That is why they should get along very well with the self-aborbed Weisners.
Your comment "The mayor is allowed to hold fundraisers to raise money for an election campaign. Nothing illegal about that." Is true.
Also, there is nothing illegal about being critical about such a lavish, grossly overpriced event. That is what politics is all about.
These invitations were sent to businesses that have contracts with the City. It is obvious that he is encouraging a PAY TO PLAY mentality in the City. He should be called on it.
Let's wait until the D2's are online to see if the usual suspects attend:
Bob Vaughn (contributed last time and got $80,000+ from the City)
Dave Hipp (who employed temp Vaughn and got a cut of his pay from the City)
R.C. Wegman (who had to build a parking garage because Leopardo is unable to do such a complex structure for the Police Station)
Mundy Landscaping (Who gets all the City's jobs)
Cordigan and Clark (even when we hire an out-of-state architecht this company still gets a piece of it)
Geneva Construction (who most of the time seems to be the only bidder on the streets -- interesting)
Klien, Thorp & Jenkins (our new legal department???)
Christopher Burke Engineering - who is making hundreds of thousands of dollars on a park??
Dolan and Murphy who made big money on the undervalued deal with the School district, and turned around and sold it to the City for big $$$.
Dan Shomon - who got Weisner's Obama endorsement and now makes $80,000 a year from the City
Shaw Environmental -- making hundreds of dollars on the "Mud Bank" called Shodeen without any progress.
The list will go on and on. Let's see how many of these Companies will pay the Weisner BIG BUCKS to continue sucking taxpayers money from them.
I thought Lawerence's letter to the editor was hilarious! The suggestion of Openlines watch group was good, but as usual people want them to do it and not get out and do anything for theirselves. That comment in the Beacon openline today from Annie Craig was something else. If you do not live in the City, keep your nose out of it's business. She has every right to day something and do something if she is in a school district here, but I certainly do not care about her opinion about Lawerence's letter. It is just down right tacky to me about this occasion. Since weisner is all for helping D131 it makes me wonder why he is not having this affair at the Roundhouse as this would be a way of helping out the district. Whoops, would be to easy for people to be there and see who attends and let everyone know. I do not mean Scott Aschlur in this statement either, so don't go there.
Honestly, it's not such a bad thing that he's using the money to go towards his campaign. People have fundraisers for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations, don't they? And it's not your business to judge what the money they raise is used for.
And it's his wife's choice too.
I'm not saying I support Weisner's decision, I'm just saying that you shouldn't lash out at him because of this decision.
And to 8/15/07 3:28 PM:
"-the guy who lost against Lauzen)"
That's a tad immature, don't you think? It seems your bitter against him because he had the guts to run against Lauzen in the first place, but then to bash him because he lost the race?
That's just how that little comment came off as. The rest of your comment seemed to point towards that too.
And allow me to point out that Lauzen ISN'T getting anything done.
That is all~
Lets hope so 5:28
Craig is a sore looser, that is the difference. Him and his wife write these trite letters in the Beacon thinking noone knows they are political hacks for the Democrats. I am a dem myself and cringe at the way they both conduct themselves. Annie's letter today was over the top and reminded me of a childs thoughts. They are both washed up as far as I am concerned.
The Police Union is planning on picketing this event. They all will know who tries to come in for it.
Didn't Irvin have a fundraiser for his birthday? I seem to remember something like that. Maybe Weisner is taking notes from his new buddy Irvin?
If "no class" Tom invites Hillary, "take evrything that isn't nailed down" when you leave to his party the Pipe Fitters better keep track of all the dishes and silverware.
Almost forgot to answer.
I believe Mundy is a union landscaper. Therefore his prices are higher and he has a selective market niche. This accounts for private union built buildings. I do not know about public work, but usually they go with low bid as far as I know.
So 2:24 , there you have it. If your friends building is union, then they stay Union to the end. If not Union, then he can hire cheap (illegal?) labor and feel proud.
Why are smart people condemned?
Jealousy?
6:36..I'm a Dem and you make me cringe.
And the point of Mundy being a union landscaper is? Does this mean no other landscaper that is union has not put in bids and their bids might have been lower?
sounds like weisner"jumped the shark" on this one. can't imagine marilyn coming up w/ this one, but she's the one who will suffer the embarrassment/ humiliation from this ill-wised decision. taking a sacred celebration between two people and turning it into a petty"Hogs eat at the trough" event where capitalists will gladly join this 3 ring circus and continue the plundering of aurora. I think tommy sees the end so he is going to grab all he can while he's still in power. THE SHAME OF IT ALL!!
Will Vickie Stull be at the head table?
Under the "head" table.
2:51p...Give me a break.
I heard a rumor that a little "birdie" contacted the Kane Co Sheriffs Office, State Police, and the Aurora Police about drunk drivers leaving the Pipe Fitters Banquet Hall. It seems that when there are large fund raisers at the Hall, drunk motorist are often seen leaving the parking lot swerving all over the roadway. In response to these dangerous situations, local, county, and state law enforcement officials will be patrolling Church Rd, Rt 56, and Farnsworth Ave, in an effort to prevent serious accidents. Each officer assigned to this patrol will take a "zero tolerance" approach with any drunk drivers they encounter. The officers fully understand their duties and know that no person is above the law.
That's ok pal
I drink carrot juice. You cops drink on the job anyway.
I can believe the mayor is celebrating his anniversary with a political fundraiser
what a disgrace,
I can't wait to see Gerry Galloway at Weisner's fundraiser. He fleeced Aurora taxpayers while he was looking for political gigs, but at least he has great ideas. In fact, instead of raising taxes, Weisner should have just had an annual citywide celebration for his wedding anniversary raising money to pay his cronies.
I'm all for enriching the cronies, just let Tom & Marilyn pay for it.
It would be really funny at Weisner's fundraiser if he needed to call, uh...the police.
The Police will be there for their own demonstration. You should all be there to support the POlice.
9:03 this is what people who have no shame or class do.
Did he send out the invitations on the Taxpayer's dollar like he did the memorial for his son? He did the same thing then, sent out over 1,000 invitations to all the crony's and businesses for a something as personal as a memorial? This guy is pathetic.
Guess what, Stephanie Kifowit is running for mayor,
How could anyone who gets an "invitation" for a $500.00 dinner ever decline and not be on the mayors shit list?
An offer you can't refuse.
I loved Marilyn's smackdown LTE of Alderman Lawrence. Snap!
Alderman Rick Lawrence offers his view below...
- - -
Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner has invited a few friends to celebrate his 35th wedding anniversary Aug. 23 at the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters union hall.
Like me, most people wish the mayor and his wife all the best and congratulations on their long marriage.
Regrettably, I will not be able to attend. At a cost of $500 per plate to have dinner with his honor and wife, I just can't afford it at this time.
With the kids going back to school, higher property taxes coming due in September, water and sewer bills, and the new garbage sticker price, my wife has put a limit on our spending.
I do encourage all architects, contractors, environmental firms, developers, landscapers and consulting firms to RSVP to the invitation and buy a table of 10 seats. This is a celebration of a union between two people and deserves nothing less than your full participation.
Because most couples are unlikely to have an extra $1,000 to attend a banquet, it is up to corporate America to help us celebrate this event.
Please do not misinterpret this invitation; this will not get you any special treatment or contracts with the city. It is merely to help the common man enjoy this fabulous occasion. The mayor is a true romantic.
Nothing says "I love you" like a political fund-raiser.
I will, however, plan to attend the mayor's retirement party in 2009.
When is Rick announcing his mayoral run? What is he waiting for, a fundraiser?
I'd love to see Rick run for mayor. Means the most lopsided victory in the history of Aurora Mayoral Campaigns....for Tom Weisner. I truly doubt Rick could get re-elected to his Alderman position after his constituents have had a full glimpse of his unhinged behavior. As a constituent, I know many people in the 4th Ward who truly regret voting for Rick in the first place (talk to any Freeman Mom). I don't know where his support will come from. Vantreese isn't a resident of Aurora, and he hasn't sold enough awnings to get the popular vote. Sorry, Rick...looks like one term and then back to anonymity.
If Rick doesn't run for Mayor it would be our loss. If he doesn't win, well we get what we deserve. Lawrence has gotten moredone in his brief tenure than any other Alderman in their entire career. Those of us who have suffered through the sidewalks being poured wrong for years were thrilled to see Rick out their supervising the job.
Rick is waiting for his wedding Anniversary
Rick is dead meat, but I'm glad he had the guts to try to show people how corrupt Aurora is.
It is a sinkhole, but let the people pay their incredible tax bills-guess they are too dumb to compare other towns rates.
Not knocking minorities, but once you cross the 50% level the change occurs very rapidily. By 2010 Aurora over 60%, 2015 70%- just check census figures of any city under rapid change.
That is why Uncle Tom needs a Mexican "sister City".
Was anyone able to snap a photo of the guest list (Wouldn't that be an interesting post!).
Hey %:47...(And the Beacon writes alot more positive things to Weisner's credit.)
Of course they do. Their in Weisnor's pocket!
Hey %:47...(And the Beacon writes alot more positive things to Weisner's credit.)
Of course they do. Their in Weisnor's pocket!
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