tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83737387690506191992024-03-13T16:36:18.269-05:00Wogen Watch: An Online Archive for DeKalb, IllinoisFormer Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen resigned in embarrassment on December 14, 2009.Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-38404106341520588342010-02-02T19:53:00.001-06:002010-03-23T07:59:23.768-05:00"Wogen charged with DUI"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/02/01/28308559/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Monday, February 1, 2010 11:54 p.m.<br /><br />Wogen charged with DUI<br />By CARRIE FRILLMAN cfrillman@daily-chronicle.com<br /><br />DeKALB – Former 3rd Ward DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with driving under the influence.<br /><br />Wogen also was charged with texting while driving, according to a DeKalb Police report.<br /><br />Police received a call shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday that a driver had crashed into a light pole in the 1100 block of West Lincoln Highway, which is where the street intersects with Annie Glidden Road.<br /><br />He then headed south on Annie Glidden Road and turned onto Deerpath Lane, according to the report. Police located the 2004 Honda Element being driven by Wogen near the intersection of Deerpath Lane and Knolls Avenue.<br /><br />According to the police report, Wogen admitted that he was sending a text message when he struck a median sign and light pole at the nearby intersection. He then failed field sobriety tests, the report said.<br /><br />Wogen refused medical treatment, according to the police report, and was taken to the DeKalb Police Department where he posted bail and was later released.<br /><br />He was charged with driving under the influence, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content greater than 0.08, texting while driving and improper lane use. He is due in court March 12.<br /><br />DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen could not confirm Monday if this was the first instance in the city of a charge of texting while driving. A state law made it illegal to text while driving on Jan. 1.<br /><br />Wogen was elected as the 3rd Ward representative to the DeKalb City Council in April 2007. On Dec. 14, Wogen announced his resignation, citing personal reasons for stepping down. It followed the revelation that in 2008, Wogen’s now-defunct masonry company received six contracts with the city of DeKalb for maintenance projects.<br /><br />At the time, expenditures less than $20,000 didn’t require the authorization of the city council, only that of the city manager. All of the contracts awarded to Wogen’s company were for less than $20,000.<br /><br />Wogen pleaded guilty in early January to a single count of battery and received 18 months of court supervision. He originally faced two counts of domestic battery after police say he pushed his wife Aug. 16 during an argument. The first count was dropped, and the second was amended to a simple battery.<br /><br />Attempts to reach Wogen for comment were unsuccessful Monday.<br /><br />Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-59977749685817123002010-02-01T17:43:00.005-06:002010-02-03T16:04:01.770-06:00"Wogen arrested for DUI"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/02/01/49034388/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Monday, February 1, 2010 12:38 p.m. CST<br />Updated: Monday, February 1, 2010 12:44 p.m. CST<br /><br />Wogen arrested for DUI<br />By DAILY CHRONICLE<br /></div><div align="justify"><br />DeKALB – Former 3rd Ward DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen was arrested early Sunday morning for driving under the influence.<br /><br />Wogen also was arrested for texting while driving, according to a DeKalb Police report.<br /><br />Police received a call shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday that a driver had crashed into a light pole in the 1100 block of West Lincoln Highway, which is where the street intersects with Annie Glidden Road.<br /><br />They located the vehicle, a 2004 Honda Element being driven by Wogen, near the intersection of Deerpath Lane and Knolls Avenue, according to the police report.<br /><br />Wogen admitted to police that he was sending a text message when he struck a median sign and light pole at the nearby intersection. He then failed field sobriety tests.<br /><br />He was charged with driving under the influence, driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content greater than 0.08, texting while driving and improper lane use.<br /><br />Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-67374058107621186442010-01-08T18:10:00.002-06:002010-01-17T14:59:45.725-06:00"Wogen accepts plea deal in battery case"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/01/07/00431066/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Thursday, January 7, 2010 3:09 p.m. CST<br />Updated: Thursday, January 7, 2010 6:21 p.m. CST<br /><br />By CARRIE FRILLMAN – cfrillman@daily-chronicle.com<br /><br />Wogen accepts plea deal in battery case<br /><br />SYCAMORE – Former DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen accepted a plea agreement Thursday that will keep him out of jail if he complies with his sentence.<br /><br />Wogen was charged Aug. 16 with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery after police said he shoved his wife during an argument, causing her to fall onto a couch.<br /><br />Under Thursday's agreement, Wogen pleaded guilty to a single count of battery and received 18 months of court supervision. The first domestic battery count was dropped, and the second was amended to a simple battery, said Rachel McIntyre, an assistant state’s attorney for DeKalb County who prosecuted the case.<br /><br />"I'm never happy to be in court," Wogen said Thursday when asked how he felt about the ruling. "And I don't want to have to admit to something I didn't do ... but now I can move on with my life."<br /><br />Wogen also was ordered to pay a $200 domestic battery fee and $65 in court fees and to attend and complete an eight-week anger management program. As long as all the conditions of the plea agreement are met, Wogen's record will be free of a conviction, Circuit Judge Robbin Stuckert said Thursday.<br /><br />Stuckert added that Wogen is to have no violent contact with his wife. An order of protection for her was among the case's court documents Thursday. It is effective until Jan. 7, 2012, and takes into consideration that the couple may have some contact during divorce proceedings, which are currently underway.<br /><br />Before Thursday's plea agreement, the DeKalb County State's Attorney's Office filed a motion to introduce evidence of prior domestic violence acts, the most serious of which occurred five years ago, according to the motion. It states that Wogen "strangled the victim by placing both hands around her neck," and that he "abused the victim both verbally and emotionally."<br /><br />Police were called to Wogen's home in August, when his wife reported that Wogen pushed her in the chest during an argument, according to authorities and court documents, causing her to lose her balance and fall back onto a couch. His wife did not suffer any serious injuries, according to authorities.<br /><br />Wogen denied all allegations Thursday after the court proceedings.<br /><br />Although the case happened within the jurisdiction of DeKalb Police, DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said in August that he requested the sheriff's department handle the investigation so there was no conflict of interest.<br /><br />Wogen was elected as the 3rd Ward representative to the DeKalb City Council in April 2007. On Dec. 14, Wogen announced his resignation as 3rd Ward alderman, citing personal reasons for stepping down. DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said this week he hopes to appoint Wogen's replacement this month.<br /><br />Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-6359072016231775832009-12-19T12:06:00.001-06:002009-12-19T12:07:51.633-06:00"Letter: Learning from Victor Wogen"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/19/88803756/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Saturday, December 19, 2009 1:03 a.m.<br /><br />Letter: Learning from Victor Wogen<br /><br />When I listened to Victor Wogen’s resignation announcement and the interview that followed on WLBK, I had a familiar sinking feeling.<br /><br />It immediately reminded me of the phone conversation I had with him amidst the “smear mailer” scandal. For some reason, he has an aversion to accepting responsibility and a habit of displacing blame. I did not believe anything he told me in 2007, and I do not believe the claims he made on the radio the other day. Thankfully, his travesty of a political career is finally over.<br /><br />As local residents look forward, I think it is important to analyze what happened and reflect on some very important lessons.<br /><br />First, if you will recall, there were three candidates to choose from in the 2007 DeKalb 3rd Ward aldermanic race. In the city elections to come, please research each of the people running. If your schedule is too busy and you cannot attend a candidate forum, then e-mail or call them individually with your questions if certain issues are not discussed on their Web sites. Also, never make any decisions relying upon information found in a smear mailer or similar campaign literature that you receive.<br /><br />Secondly, when any candidate or official lies or engages in other unscrupulous activity, do not simply complain about the situation. Have the courage to organize and mobilize in a publicly assertive manner to respond so everyone knows that kind of unethical behavior will not be tolerated in the community. In my opinion, Mr. Wogen did not resign solely because he wanted to devote more time to his children, rather he knew more unflattering information would surface about him in the months to come.<br /><br />Lastly, understand that if this can happen once, then it can happen again. At this time, I ask all city residents to personally contact Mayor Kris Povlsen and ask him to properly vet all individuals whose names end up on his short list to fill the aldermanic position. Here we must be vigilant to ensure the nominee is someone who is as ethical and competent as he or she is thoughtful and engaging. The city has just experienced a scandal that many will not soon forget. Let’s make sure we follow through here and then hold all candidates and officials accountable in the future.<br /><br />John A. Duerk<br />DeKalb<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-4413978931965500332009-12-19T12:04:00.001-06:002009-12-19T12:05:59.618-06:00"Schaumburg: Addressing Mr. Wogen's concerns"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/19/37724693/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Saturday, December 19, 2009 12:44 a.m.<br /><br />Schaumburg: Addressing Mr. Wogen's concerns<br /><br />If you missed Monday morning's schmooze-fest on WLBK AM-1360 with now-former DeKalb 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen, you missed some head-shaking comments from Wogen.<br /><br />By now you know Wogen resigned his position of alderman during a Monday morning broadcast on WLBK. He presumably chose to make his announcement on the radio station because he views it as a Wogen-friendly media outlet. After all, he said WLBK "does the best job of any media source in this community." Nevermind the fact that WLBK spelled Wogen's name incorrectly in its story about his resignation on its Web site and that, oftentimes, a WLBK news story becomes a story because the Daily Chronicle reported it first.<br /><br />I guess that's what Wogen means when he says "best job." But I digress.<br /><br />After you get past Wogen's reason for resigning and his declaration that his biggest accomplishment in office was that he helped a resident paint a house, there are two interesting sound bites from the interview: his take on Daily-Chronicle.com story-commenters and his perception of the Daily Chronicle.<br /><br />On a side note, let me take this opportunity to explain that people who leave comments on stories at Daily-Chronicle.com or any other newspaper Web site are not "bloggers," and shouldn't be referred to as "bloggers." A blogger is someone who writes a Web log – called a blog for short. People who leave comments should be referred to as story-commenters or commenters.<br /><br />For Wogen's rant on story comments, however, he refers to story-commenters as bloggers. Here it is:<br /><br />"You definitely can't read that stuff, you know. It's garbage," Wogen said. "Honestly, these bloggers, they really need to be able to use their name. They're just cowards. The one thing I would say to those people is I would hate to be them. I would hate to wake up mad every morning and have to be them because they're not ever going to be happy. All they want to do is complain and complain. The sad part is a lot of those people actually ran for offices in the last election. And this community basically told them we don't want them. That's not what this community is looking for. But, yet, they still want to voice their opinion, and most of them do it anonymously."<br /><br />Let's dissect. First, he refers to the criticism, feedback and opinion of story-commenters as "garbage." I wonder if Wogen realizes that some of that criticism and feedback came from his constituents. But the best part is Wogen's thoughts on those who unsuccessfully ran for public office. In Wogen's world, if you lost an election, you no longer should be voicing an opinion, First Amendment be damned.<br /><br />Then, there is Wogen's rant on the Daily Chronicle, where he cites the coverage of the city contracts awarded to his now-defunct masonry business:<br /><br />"You know, we saved the taxpayers money by bidding on projects," Wogen said. "We did nothing wrong, but, yet, it was in the paper for seven, eight days, you know. Different articles, but it's the same article rehashed over and over. I guess I just don't understand why. If you print something once and, really, you've printed all the facts and nothing's been found wrong, why you beating a dead horse?<br /><br />"I think there's some point where you have to separate what a person does politically and what a person is doing personally," Wogen continued. "And if one's not affecting the other, then I have no idea why they mix them.<br /><br />"And that's my frustration with the Chronicle the whole time I've been in office. It seems like when they call and you give them information, it's never printed accurately. They always want to put their twist on it. Or they want to make the news instead of report the news. And I think at LBK, you guys report the news. People want to hear facts. They want to hear what the news is. I don't think they want the Chronicle to be the Enquirer and make up stuff."<br /><br />Oh, where do I begin? Here's how newspaper reporting works, Mr. Wogen. Stories develop over the course of days, even weeks. Each time there is a new development in a story, a new article is written to report on that development. Because newspapers can't assume someone has read every article about a story or issue, it must include background and "rehash" what has been reported to that point.<br /><br />A newspaper has three main types of articles, Mr. Wogen: straight-news articles, columns and editorials. News articles report the facts of a story. Columns tend to provide the opinion of the column writer. Editorials present the opinion and point of view of the newspaper as a whole. Perhaps you've confused opinion for "twist."<br /><br />Lastly, Mr. Wogen, when it comes to your assertion that information in the Daily Chronicle is "never printed accurately," you have never called our newsroom looking for a correction on any article written about the city contracts issue. That would indicate to me that the news was printed accurately.<br /><br />If you disagree, Mr. Wogen, please make us aware of any mistake we might have made. As we state on page A2 of every newspaper, accuracy is important to the Daily Chronicle. So, if we got something wrong, let us know so we can confirm it and correct it if need be.<br /><br />•••<br /><br />As of today, there is a change in our Letters to the Editor policy. Instead of only being allowed to publish one letter per month, you now will be allowed to publish one letter every 15 days, as long as the letter is originally written and addresses a local issue.<br /><br />•••<br /><br />Try as we might, the Daily Chronicle was unable to get NIU Police Chief Donald Grady on the phone this week to talk about his first week back on the job and to get his reaction to some new NIU initiatives.<br /><br />We called and e-mailed Grady every day since Monday because we know the public wants to hear from him. We'll keep trying.<br /><br />• Jason Schaumburg is editor of the Daily Chronicle. E-mail him at jschaumburg@daily-chronicle.com. You also can follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DC_Editor.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-41289746923744357832009-12-16T22:12:00.003-06:002009-12-16T22:29:49.780-06:00"Our View: Help wanted:
3rd Ward
alderman"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/15/18672920/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:10 p.m. CST<br /><br />Our View: Help wanted:
3rd Ward
alderman</div><div align="justify"><br />Victor Wogen closed the book on his tenure as DeKalb 3rd Ward alderman on Monday.<br /><br />Wogen, who is going through a divorce and faces two domestic battery charges, cited personal reasons – and not the controversy surrounding city contracts awarded to his now-defunct masonry business – for his resignation.<br /><br />His departure is good news for 3rd Ward residents, who had been without representation since Oct. 26, the last time Wogen showed up for a City Council meeting. Now it’s time for those residents to move on.<br /><br />DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen will appoint someone to fill Wogen’s vacancy, since there are less than 18 months remaining in the term. After that, the seat will be up for election in April 2011.<br /><br />We encourage 3rd Ward residents to get involved. If you ever envisioned serving your community or thought you could make a difference, now’s the time to make yourself heard.<br /><br />Politics and government aren’t for everybody. It takes thick-skinned individuals able to absorb criticism to succeed. You must be willing to objectively look at each situation and make an assessment based on what you believe is the right thing to do. Sometimes, the right thing to do requires an unpopular choice. The best public-office holders are able to make unpopular decisions, knowing that they are for the ultimate good.<br /><br />Public officials are held to a higher standard, both on the job and in their personal life. Half the battle is understanding this concept and applying it to personal and political decisions.<br /><br />If this sounds like you, then you might be able to serve the 3rd Ward and its residents.<br /><br />Mayor Povlsen hopes to have the seat filled and the new alderman sworn in by the end of January. If you’re interested, you should call the mayor at 815-748-2099 or e-mail him at kris.povlsen@cityofdekalb.com.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-46653328379668982522009-12-15T20:50:00.013-06:002010-03-28T15:51:11.589-05:00An analysis of Wogen's resignation announcement<div align="justify">It has been a long two and a half plus years. When I reflect upon Victor Wogen's <a href="http://www.1360wlbk.com/podcasts/?p=episode&name=2009-12-14_wogen.mp3">resignation announcement</a> from yesterday morning on WLBK, I can't help but think the following:</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">First, this man is in serious denial, i.e. he really believes that he helped local citizens during his tenure. However, if you listen to the interview closely, he simply cannot share a substantive list of accomplishments to date, and more than once he makes reference to painting a resident's home shortly after taking office.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Secondly, Mr. Wogen didn't resign to focus on his children, rather he's afraid of what the immediate future holds: a possible conviction for misdemeanor battery, and the likelihood that more unpleasant details about his personal and professional life will surface in the wake of his divorce proceedings.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Thirdly, he intentionally sought WLBK to make this announcement because he wanted to frame the story himself. Mr. Wogen has not trusted the <em>Daily Chronicle</em> since it exposed him as a liar after the election in the spring of 2007. Back then they reported the news and he attempted to spin the stories to minimize the political damage. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Fourthly, his 'After School Special' analysis of anonymous blogging is weak - at best. The primary focus of online discussion should always be the credibility of the information provided, not whether a person chooses to use his or her real name when contributing a story comment or a blog post.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Lastly, his criticism of the council demonstrates his lack of insight on the deliberative process. Policymaking is very challenging - it is hard work that often involves study, debate, and compromise on issues that people have strong opinions about. How could Mr. Wogen not know this when he ran for the office of alderman, and why did he bother to stay this long if that's how he really feels?</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">We could go on about Mr. Wogen, but this seems like a good place to stop. I'm satisfied that he no longer holds the position of alderman and that someone else will have the chance. Let's hope that Mayor Povlsen nominates somebody who is honest, competent, and engaging - somebody who will represent his or her constituents well.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-73872694852956197232009-12-15T18:29:00.015-06:002011-12-23T16:37:23.021-06:00VICTOR WOGEN: THE LITANY<ul><li><div align="justify">Filed bankruptcy on at least two occasions and failed both times because he didn't abide by the federal court's rules.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Employment terminated at Custom Stone Works, Inc.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Sued by multiple parties for personal and other professional reasons.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Owed the City of DeKalb and Internal Revenue Service money.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Circulated a false rumor during the 2007 Election that another candidate had withdrawn from the race when she hadn't.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Misrepresented the professional title of someone who gave a testimonial on his campaign website.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Distributed a 'smear mailer' to Third Ward residents during the 2007 Election and then lied to the community about his role until the <span style="font-style: italic;">Daily Chronicle</span> later uncovered his deceit.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Criticized the newspaper for its coverage of his scandalous behavior.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Allowed his daughter to enter the political fray by sending a letter to the newspaper in his defense.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Waited more than five months after the election to submit a letter to the newspaper addressing public concerns.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Never fully explained how he paid for his campaign.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Formed a company, Masonry Works, LLC, and took six construction contracts from the City of DeKalb without publicly disclosing the business activities.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Did not pay workers prevailing wages on a construction project in Elgin, Illinois in accordance with state law.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Had his company involuntarily dissolved by the state.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Arrested for domestic battery against his wife in August of 2009, and then accused of choking and abusing her five years prior in a motion from the State's Attorney.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Only told his constituents about his living outside the Third Ward when the newspaper ran a story and then continued to do so for months afterward.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Eventually could not be reached by phone because his was disconnected.</div></li><li><div align="justify">In danger of home foreclosure.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Shamelessly used his family to evoke sympathy about his problems.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Owes the Illinois Tollway thousands of dollars in fines.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Missed a number of council meetings.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Rarely contributed any substance to policy discussions.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Criticized members of the city council and the democratic process during his resignation announcement.</div></li><li><div align="justify">Accomplished very little in 2.5+ years of disservice.</div></li></ul>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-49464731386369102822009-12-14T16:59:00.007-06:002009-12-15T06:57:33.887-06:00"Victor Wogen resigns as alderman"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/14/38898697/index.xml<br /><br />By ELENA GRIMM – egrimm@daily-chronicle.com<br /><br />Created: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:51 a.m. CST<br />Updated: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 12:21 a.m.<br /><br />Victor Wogen resigns as alderman<br /><br />DeKALB – DeKalb alderman Victor Wogen stepped down from office early Monday morning, citing that a difficult divorce is making it hard for him to represent the community.<br /><br />He announced his resignation about 8 a.m. on WLBK 1360-AM. In the 12-minute interview with morning-show host Terry Ryan, Wogen said his decision was based solely on personal reasons and not to controversy surrounding city contracts awarded to his now-defunct masonry company.<br /><br />"With what we're going through in the personal life, the alderman position in the whole scheme of things is really, really not important to me at this point," Wogen said on-air. "And I think for me and my kids to move forward, we need to just concentrate on what we need to do for the future and we need to move on."<br /><br />Wogen was charged in August with two counts of domestic battery after police said he shoved his wife during an argument. The case is scheduled for a status hearing Jan. 7.<br /><br />DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said he had spoken to Wogen and knew about his plans to resign.<br /><br />"We've talked about this for the last couple of months," Povlsen said. "I encouraged him to really evaluate his life and his ability to responsibly serve the citizens of the 3rd Ward, and he came to the decision it was important he move on and attend to issues in his personal life."<br /><br />Wogen faxed a letter of resignation to Povlsen at City Hall on Monday. In the letter, Wogen stated that "it has been an honor to serve the residents of the 3rd Ward and I wish you and the rest of the city future success."<br /><br />Attempts to reach Wogen for comment were unsuccessful.<br /><br />Because there are less than 18 months left in Wogen's term – his seat is up for election in April 2011 – the mayor can appoint someone to fill the vacancy. A special election is held if there are more than 18 months left in a vacant officeholder's term, according to city code.<br /><br />Anyone interested in the seat can call or e-mail Povlsen, who hopes to have a new alderman sworn in by the end of January.<br /><br />"The good news is, in terms of meetings, this is our last one until January," Povlsen said. "I would hope over the next two to three weeks, I can talk to the aldermen and get a sense of who they would support."<br /><br />One resident urged that process be done with care.<br /><br />"I encourage Mayor Povlsen, when you do go through the process of vetting... that you vet these people, or the person, thoroughly so we have an idea of who is going to be filling the position of the alderman of the 3rd Ward," said John Duerk during a public comments portion of the meeting.<br /><br />Fines dropped<br /><br />Before his resignation, Wogen was facing fines totaling $500 for missing two regular city council meetings in November. According to city code, aldermen can be fined if they don't provide a good reason for being absent.<br /><br />The fines were dropped Monday as he is no longer a sitting alderman.<br /><br />"Since Mr. Wogen is no longer a member of the city council, it is my opinion he cannot be fined," City Attorney Norma Guess said.<br /><br />Regarding the absence policy, Povlsen said that typically, aldermen call in advance if they know they won't be attending a meeting.<br /><br />But although a fine has not been imposed on an alderman before, he does not think this instance will set a precedence of bringing on fines every time an alderman is absent, with or without good reason.<br /><br />"One thing I don't like about the policy is that aldermen and the mayor do a lot more work than attend a meeting," Povlsen said.<br /><br />However, if an alderman is forgoing duties for an extended period of time, "action needs to be taken," he said.<br /><br />Reforms get green light<br /><br />The DeKalb City Council approved major changes to financial policies on Monday.<br /><br />Povlsen broke a tie vote of 3-3, with aldermen Brendon Gallagher, Dave Baker and Brent Keller opposing the series of changes that gives the council more power in spending decisions that stemmed from Wogen's former company performing work on public projects in 2008.<br /><br />The sticking point was whether the city council should have control over all purchases over $10,000 or $20,000. Baker made an amendment, which failed, that would allow the city manager to approve fuel purchases up to $20,000, but that all other spending under $10,000 would be the council's authority.<br /><br />Debate centered around whether giving the council more spending discretion may result in specially called meetings to take care of routine business, thus slowing down government.<br /><br />In the end, the council kept that spending threshold at $20,000 – unless it involves a city worker or elected official. If an employee or official has financial interest and the contract is between $1,500 and $20,000, the city council must now take action.<br /><br />Another change requires city council members to file a disclosure statement and statement of economic interests.<br /><br />The latest firestorm surrounding Wogen is not the first. Before taking office in 2007, he admitted to having a hand in getting a controversial political brochure into voters' mailboxes the day before the election, in which he beat three-term incumbent Steve Kapitan by 14 votes out of 854 cast.<br /><br />Wogen initially denied any involvement with the anonymous mailing, but later, after being confronted with a report from a postal employee who saw Wogen bring the brochures to the post office, he admitted he helped pay for their postage.<br /><br />• Daily Chronicle reporter Dana Herra contributed to this report.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.<br /><br /><br />EARLIER VERSION<br /><br />http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/14/38898697/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:51 a.m. CST<br />Updated: Monday, December 14, 2009 12:59 p.m. CST<br /><br />Victor Wogen resigns as alderman<br /><br />DeKalb's 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen resigned Monday, announcing his decision about 8 a.m. on WLBK 1360-AM.<br /><br />DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said Monday morning he had spoken to Wogen and knew about his plans to resign. Povlsen expected to receive a formal letter from the alderman today.<br /><br />"We've talked about this for the last couple of months," Povlsen said. "I encouraged him to really evaluate his life and his ability to responsibly serve the citizens of the 3rd Ward, and he came to the decision it was important he move on and attend to issues in his personal life."<br /><br />On the radio, Wogen said his decision is related to a difficult divorce and concerns in his personal life, and not to controversy surrounding city contracts awarded to his now-defunct masonry company.<br /><br />Wogen was charged in August with two counts of domestic battery. Police said Wogen shoved his wife during an argument. The case is scheduled for a status hearing Jan. 7.<br /><br />"With what we're going through in the personal life, the alderman position in the whole scheme of things is really, really not important to me at this point," Wogen said on-air. "For me and my kids to move forward, we need to just concentrate on what we need to do for the future and move on."<br /><br />Wogen missed two city council meetings in November. The city council was to consider fining Wogen for those absences at tonight's city council meeting.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-19341718859649176322009-12-12T15:58:00.011-06:002009-12-15T22:01:43.207-06:00Something for the critics to ponder...<div align="justify">Whenever I read people's criticisms of local 'city watchers', I always think of a popular quote by <a href="http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/information/biography/klmno/mead_margaret.html">Margaret Mead</a> that reads as follows: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." She's right, and therefore, none of us should be waiting for a groundswell of public support. Armed with solid facts and analysis, we must remain steadfast in our belief that we deserve better from public officials. In this situation, we seek to shape public policy as well as restore credibility to our local governing institutions. The only way this will ever happen is if we continue speaking out.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">For those new to the blog, please read this post: <a href="http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/2007/06/some-questions-and-answers-with-wogen.html">"Some questions and answers with Wogen Watch"</a>. Thank you for stopping by!</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-51284731152954203832009-12-11T05:44:00.003-06:002009-12-11T05:47:46.961-06:00"Missing alderman could face fines"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/10/28647728/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:43 p.m. CST<br />Updated: Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:44 p.m. CST<br /><br />Missing alderman could face fines<br /><br />DeKALB – A city alderman may be fined $500 for missing recent meetings.<br /><br />The city council may impose the fine on 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen if it is deemed that he did not have a good and sufficient cause for being absent at city council meetings held Nov. 9 and Nov. 23. The fine is $250 for each meeting missed.<br /><br />The absence policy is outlined in city code, and the vote to fine Wogen was put on Monday’s city council meeting agenda at the request of Mayor Kris Povlsen, City Manager Mark Biernacki said at a news conference Thursday.<br /><br />Wogen does not have to be present for the vote, Biernacki said.<br /><br />Wogen could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon; his provided cell phone number was disconnected.<br /><br />Also on Monday, the city council is expected to take final action on reforming financial policies that relate to elected officials or city employees doing business with the city. These policies stem from public projects that Wogen’s now-defunct masonry company performed in 2008 by submitting the lowest bid quote to the city.<br /><br />Because each of the six projects was less than $20,000, they didn’t require city council action, according to state statute. If changes are approved, the city council would have purchasing powers on projects where a city employee or elected official has direct or indirect financial interest, unless the payment is under $1,500.<br /><br />Also, the council passed, on first reading, to have control over all spending that is greater than $10,000; state statute gives that power to purchases exceeding $20,000.<br /><br />Biernacki said that while he will “respect and follow through” with the council’s decision, it will largely delay operations. For example, fuel purchases are often done in bulk, with purchases upwards of $13,000 each fill-up.<br /><br />There were 16 bulk fuel purchases in 2009, Public Works Director Rick Monas said.<br /><br />The new policy would require holding special city council meetings for the sole authorization of such spending, Biernacki said.<br /><br />A public hearing will be held Monday on the tax levy, which needs to be passed by the end of the year.<br /><br />In November, aldermen approved increasing the tax rate 4 percent, from 60 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation to 62.5 cents. Biernacki said he’s recommending a further increase of 70 cents per $100 EAV to offset impact to the general fund.<br /><br />A tax rate of 62.5 cents per $100 EAV would cost the average owner of a $200,000 home an extra $17 per year. A tax rate of 70 cents per $100 EAV would cost the same homeowner an extra $67 per year.<br /><br />Under the 62.5 cent scenario, the general fund would have to come up with $700,000 to pay pension obligations. At the 70-cent rate, about $200,000 would be drawn from the general fund to pay pensions, about the same as this year.<br /><br />The extra $700,000 to pay pensions would be in addition to a $2.5 million to $3 million shortfall expected this fiscal year.<br /><br />“And it doesn’t look like it’s getting better,” Biernacki said.<br /><br />One major cost-saving measure is being introduced: Phasing out city contributions to health insurance premiums for retired workers.<br /><br />The city council also may take action Monday to reduce health care costs by $5.5 million over 10 years by phasing out coverage for retirees’ dependents and non-bona fide retirees.<br /><br />Non-bona fide retirees are city employees who retired without meeting age and years-of-service requirements.<br /><br />Also on the agenda:<br /><br />• A consideration of a five-year plan for budgeting and distributing Community Development Block Grants.<br />• An audit report for Fiscal Year 2009.<br />• A resolution to start charging a fee to oversize and overweight vehicles that use city streets.<br />• Approving licenses for three tattoo business applicants.<br /><br />If you go<br /><br />What: DeKalb City Council meeting<br />When: 6 p.m. Monday<br />Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved. </div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-9183265873865488222009-12-10T19:22:00.011-06:002009-12-10T20:44:54.572-06:00The pattern of sleazy behavior continues...<div align="justify">Many of us will never forget the infamous smear mailer that Victor Wogen circulated to Third Ward residents during his campaign in April 2007. If you recall, it included a picture of incumbent Steve Kapitan's house with a list of code violations as well as other comments that painted Mr. Kapitan as pro-gay and a socialist. Then Mr. Wogen lied to the entire community about his knowledge of the mailer, and shortly thereafter, the <em>Daily Chronicle</em> <a href="http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/04/19/news/news01.txt">uncovered</a> his dishonesty.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Well, now it appears (in addition to his many <a href="http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/search/label/Legal%20Issues">other problems</a> - civil and criminal; political, personal, and professional) that Mr. Wogen has been cheating the State of Illinois by not paying tolls when he travels on area interstate highways. As of November 23, 2009, he owed the Illinois Tollway $2,191.10, and if he failed to pay by December 7, 2009, that amount increases to $7,441.10 (to view the official record, click <a href="http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt221/wogenwatch/IllinoisTollway-FinalOrderofLiabili.jpg">here</a> - and then click the image to enlarge it). So, Mr. Wogen gets to attack Mr. Kapitan for the condition of his (Mr. Kapitan's) home while he (Mr. Wogen) doesn't pay for his use of the toll road?! I don't think so.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-68277047241664602212009-12-07T22:08:00.006-06:002009-12-07T22:26:46.735-06:00Once again, Alderman Wogen is nowhere to be found<div align="justify">Public service can't mean all that much to Alderman Wogen when he misses the last two Committee of the Whole meetings, last two regular council meetings, and the last two Financial Advisory Committee meetings. Someone (i.e. Mayor Povlsen) needs to explain to residents of the Third Ward how they are being represented when Wogen doesn't show up and cannot be reached by email or phone.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-43753039895913809932009-11-30T22:30:00.000-06:002010-04-09T13:48:19.682-05:00"Our View: Absences leave 3rd Ward without representation"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/28/78537973/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Saturday, November 28, 2009 12:27 a.m. CST<br /><br />Our View: Absences leave 3rd Ward without representation<br /><br />DeKalb's 3rd Ward had been saddled with enough of a problem when its alderman's recent business dealings with the city were called into question.<br /><br />But now Victor Wogen has just stopped showing up at city council meetings.<br /><br />Wogen missed both of November's meetings, as well as a special meeting between the city council and the Finance Advisory Committee. When the Daily Chronicle tried to reach him Tuesday, his cell phone number had been disconnected. He didn't respond to an attempt to reach him via e-mail.<br /><br />It might have been awkward for him to attend the recent meetings, considering that the council was discussing changes to policies when there's a financial conflict of interest at hand. The changes stem from public projects that Wogen's now-defunct masonry company performed in 2008 by submitting the lowest bid quote to the city. Each of the six projects was less than $20,000, so they didn't require city council action.<br /><br />Mayor Kris Povlsen said he thinks Wogen should make public statements about his status on the council, but Povlsen said that was Wogen's decision.<br /><br />But it's clear that the situation can't continue. DeKalb's 3rd Ward needs a representative. Voters elected Wogen. If he continues to miss council meetings, then he isn't doing his job.<br /><br />According to city ordinance, any council member who isn't at a meeting without a good reason can be fined. Povlsen said city officials might need to take action in the near future, and that should happen as soon as possible.<br /><br />Wogen is certainly not the first public official to face controversy. This state has a long list of officials that have been under fire for many reasons. But most of them still performed their duties. Some resigned. Doing nothing is the worst option. The 3rd Ward deserves better than that.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-64285240072911668112009-11-25T20:08:00.002-06:002009-11-25T20:10:48.490-06:00"City to look into Wogen's absences"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/24/59695643/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10:37 p.m. CST<br /><br />By ELENA GRIMM - <a href="mailto:egrimm@daily-chronicle.com">egrimm@daily-chronicle.com</a><br /></div><br /><div align="justify">City to look into Wogen's absences<br /><br />DeKALB – Along with taking action to prevent business dealings with a city employee or elected official from going unnoticed, the city council may be taking action regarding an alderman's absences from recent meetings.<br /><br />Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen missed both regular city council meetings in November, plus a special meeting between the city council and the Finance Advisory Committee.<br /><br />Wogen's absence on Monday was publicly noted during the meeting by both members of the public and by a fellow alderman, but the council did not further discuss his absence.<br /><br />Mayor Kris Povlsen said Tuesday that he has been in contact with the 3rd Ward alderman as recently as a week ago and that Wogen is making some personal decisions. Povlsen said he thinks Wogen needs to make some public statements about his status on the council, but noted that was Wogen's decision.<br /><br />If that wasn't done in the near future, Povlsen said city officials would have to take some action.<br /><br />Wogen's cell phone number was disconnected when the Daily Chronicle attempted to reach him Tuesday. Wogen did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.<br /><br />According to city ordinance, any council member who isn't at a meeting without a good reason can be fined. It's up to the members present at the meeting to determine what constitutes as an adequate reason for missing.<br /><br />Alderman on Monday did discuss making changes to policies when there's a financial conflict of interest at hand – proposed changes that stem from public projects that Wogen's now-defunct masonry company performed in 2008 by submitting the lowest bid quote to the city.<br /><br />Because each of the six projects was less than $20,000, they didn't require city council action, according to state statute.<br /><br />Revisions to city policy, which follow state law, passed on first reading Monday and will be up for a final vote Dec. 14. If approved, those changes would give the city council more power over the purse strings.<br /><br />Before voting, several amendments were made to the ordinance to grant the city council more power.<br /><br />Not only will the council have a say when elected officials have a financial interest, but all city employees who have a business interest with the city that is "above and beyond their normal job" would be subject to the same limitations, City Manager Mark Biernacki said.<br /><br />The council also wants the final say on all purchases exceeding $10,000 – regardless of whether an elected official or employee is involved. And any contracts between $1,500 and $10,000, in which an elected official or employee is financially involved, would require council approval.<br /><br />Giving council authority on smaller purchases will slow government, Biernacki said.<br /><br />"I respect council's wishes but I think it's a mistake in the long run," he said. "Certainly there was a desire – which I support – to limit council involvement in city work, but to go one step farther and limit the city manager's spending authority will result in slowing down of city business and normal day-to-day operational issues."<br /><br />Povlsen said he was pleased with the direction new policies are going.<br /><br />The council has taken the task to examine how the city is spending money "very seriously," he said.<br /><br />Though elected officials wouldn't be banned from doing business with the city, Povlsen said the changes reflect more disclosure and a greater role that the city council will have in making spending decisions.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-33317391711305429632009-11-24T20:42:00.002-06:002009-12-12T09:44:54.743-06:00"Protests continue at DeKalb City Council meeting"<div align="justify">http://www.northernstar.info/article/9340/<br /><br />Published on Tuesday, November 24, 2009<br /><br />Protests continue at DeKalb City Council meeting<br />By DEMARCUS ROBINSON<br /><br />For the second DeKalb City Council meeting in a row, a protest by citizens was held at 5:15 p.m. at the intersection of First Street and Lincoln Highway to protest city ethics.<br /><br />Citizens came with an array of props such as vacuums and brooms, to illustrate their belief that city ethics need to be cleaned up.<br /><br />The spark for public outcry came when Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen was discovered to have entered into a contract with the city, using his privately owned masonry company, Masonry Works LLC.<br /><br />Wogen was not in attendance Monday night or during the Nov. 9 meeting.<br /><br />The council discussed the issue of city contracts.<br /><br />The protestors in attendance agreed with some of the proposed changes that would broaden the scope of who would be under more scrutiny.<br /><br />“This should not be just limited to aldermen,” NIU graduate student John Duerk said. “It should be all city officials whether elected or appointed.”<br /><br />Fourth Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher motioned to have the spending authority of the city manager reduced to $10,000 in an effort to support transparency within the city.<br /><br />Any city business under $20,000 can be approved by the city manager without going before the council.<br /><br />City Manager Mark Biernacki appreciated that some sought transparency, though some of the proposed amendments would inhibit day-to-day duties.<br /><br />“I know people don’t like the fact that I let contracts to Victor Wogen,” Biernacki said.<br /><br />To limit the city manager to the point that it slows daily activity is not smart, Biernacki said.<br /><br />Amendments were made to the ordinance, and it will be brought back during the Dec. 14 meeting.<br /><br />The item on the agenda that took the majority of the council’s energy revolved around Ordinance 09-71, levying taxes for corporate purposes of the city of DeKalb, for the tax year 2009.<br /><br />The council was presented with several options of what amounts to levy, with all amounts being used to cover mandated pension costs for the police and fire departments.<br /><br />Under current suggestions, the debt incurred by the city will continue to grow.<br /><br />“Somewhere down the line, our kids are going to have to come up with this money by 2033,” said Mayor Kris Povlsen.<br /><br />The council did not come to a resolution as to what the remedy would be, and a motion was passed to bring back the item for a second reading during the Dec. 14 meeting.<br /><br />Many people in the crowd showed visible signs of disappointment with some of the ideas proposed by the council, which did not sit well with some members, though they understood their displeasure.<br /><br />“It’s easy to criticize and say no taxes,” Povlsen said. “At some point in time, we’re going to have to expect more help from our citizens to help with this problem.”<br /><br />Other council members want to see a change in rationale and for residents to keep money within the community.<br /><br />“We need to encourage residents to spend here, but also need to get rid of relying on sales tax dollars,” said Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker.<br /><br />A public hearing took place during the meeting for four separate establishments seeking to open shops in the downtown district.<br /><br />Due to the planned location of Euro Tattoo, 128 E. Lincoln Highway, it was recommended that it not be given one of two licenses for downtown because it would be within 500 feet of another establishment, Out On A Whim, 127 E. Lincoln Highway, which is already considered a body art establishment under Illinois state law. </div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-37540960792219152132009-11-24T08:39:00.002-06:002009-12-12T09:45:16.009-06:00"DeKalb citizens group wants 'clean sweep' of city hall"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/24/67211399/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:02 a.m. CST<br /><br />By JOHN PUTERBAUGH jputerbaugh@daily-chronicle.com<br /><br />DeKalb citizens group wants 'clean sweep' of city hall<br /><br />DeKALB – About a dozen DeKalb citizens gathered Monday evening to collectively call for a "clean sweep" of city government.<br /><br />Armed with brooms, mops and a vacuum cleaner, members of DeKalb Citizens for Transparency recited chants and marched from First Street and Lincoln Highway to the DeKalb Municipal Building on Fourth Street ahead of the DeKalb City Council meeting.<br /><br />"We would like open government," group spokeswoman Kay Shelton said. "We would like transparent government. We would like free, open competition for city contracts."<br /><br />Specifically, the group expressed its discontent with a lack of transparency as it pertains to businesses of elected or appointed city officials getting city contracts for projects.<br /><br />The DeKalb City Council voted 5-0 Monday on first reading of an ordinance that would give that body more power in authorizing spending when a fellow council member has financial interest in the contract. Aldermen Bertrand Simpson and Victor Wogen were absent from the meeting.<br /><br />If approved when it is brought back for final reading Dec. 14, contracts in which an alderman is financially involved would require council approval, among other changes to how the city does business.<br /><br />One suggestion that was supported by aldermen Monday is to include all city employees when it comes to financial ties to a city contract.<br /><br />The overhaul in financial policy derived from one alderman’s work on public projects in 2008. Wogen, the 3rd Ward alderman, provided the lowest quote on six contracts with the city of DeKalb, winning the maintenance jobs. Because each project was less than $20,000 they didn't require city council action, according to state statute.<br /><br />"When an alderman gets a contract and people don't know about it, citizens start to lose trust in elected officials," Shelton said. "Openness is the only way to get that trust back."<br /><br />Members of DeKalb Citizens for Transparency attend city council meetings and get together on an as-needed basis to discuss relevant issues, said John Durek, a political science graduate student at Northern Illinois University who's been involved with the group for about two years.<br /><br />"I'm interested in being an active citizen," Durek said. "It's not something we should just talk about; it's something we should do. The city was never going to discuss this issue of contracts for aldermen until our group brought it up."<br /><br />Lynn Fazekas, former DeKalb mayoral candidate, said that she isn't simply against city officials doing private work with the city in all circumstances, but that she just wants more disclosure and transparency when it does happen. As it stands, she said, the problem is that independent local businesses might be discouraged from submitting bids on projects if they believe a city official's business will be awarded the contract because of favoritism.<br /><br />• Daily Chronicle reporter Elena Grimm contributed to this report.<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-32544263883169371722009-11-22T21:18:00.001-06:002009-11-22T21:19:53.515-06:00"Commission has gone astray"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/20/59276787/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Friday, November 20, 2009 10:57 p.m. CST<br /><br />Letter: Commission has gone astray<br /><br />To the Editor:<br /><br />With former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin saturating the media last week promoting her book “Going Rogue,” the title of the book struck a very familiar chord with me. Most notably, due the recent discussions of a committee sanctioned by the Mayor Kris Povlsen and the city of DeKalb.<br /><br />In case you missed it, the DeKalb Citizen’s Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) at its Sept. 21 meeting spent a great deal of time discussing ways to silence citizens who choose to express their opinions on issues affecting DeKalb though the media (story comments). Quoting now from the official meeting minutes:<br /><br />“It was suggested that the CCEC speak to the Daily Chronicle to see what can be done regarding untruths and personal attacks on the city and its employees.”<br /><br />The membership of this committee has chosen to classify the public’s disagreement as misinformation. What are they threatening to do? Boycott the Chronicle’s advertisers? Sue the bloggers? Put duct tape over our mouths? The purpose of the committee is to enhance the community, not silence its citizens or the media.<br /><br />The official minutes also mention a comment by committee member Brad Pietens, who said “i tmight not be a good idea to let the Chronicle know the bloggers are affecting the city.” Committee member Cohen Barnes also stated “there are not enough people countering these bloggers.”<br /><br />The official minutes show committee members that were present for this discussion were Chairman Tom Matya, Barnes, Susan Johnson, Mike Mooney, Pietens, Paul Rasmussen and Lisa Small.<br /><br />It also should be noted that committee member Johnson, representing herself as a CCEC member in front of the DeKalb City Council on Nov. 9, proceeded to make, what I believe, was a very distasteful comment about our Native American community. Her exact quote was: "I think I can beat everybody because I've been here. My family chased the Indians out of Afton Township”<br /><br />I found this to be in bad taste.<br /><br />I don’t believe these CCEC members are faithfully engaged in the specified purpose of this committee, and I call upon the members of the committee to resign their positions. In the event that they do not, I call upon Mayor Povlsen, who continually advocates transparency in government, to dissolve the membership of this committee immediately.<br /><br />Mark Charvat<br />DeKalb<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-43432029867768806412009-11-20T10:38:00.000-06:002009-11-20T10:39:57.178-06:00"City contracts with aldermen on agenda"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/19/12611133/index.xml<br /><br />Created: Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:45 p.m. CST<br /><br />By ELENA GRIMM egrimm@daily-chronicle.com<br />City contracts with aldermen on agenda<br /><br />DeKALB – The city council Monday is expected to make changes to financial policies that relate to aldermen doing business with the city.<br /><br />An ordinance will be presented that gives the city council more power in authorizing spending when a fellow council member has financial interest in the contract. Contracts between $1,500 and $20,000, in which an alderman is financially involved, now will require council approval.<br /><br />Another change caps the total amount an alderman – or his or her business – can receive in one year at $25,000.<br /><br />Unrelated to an alderman's financial interest, another change proposes that the city manager be the sole authority on purchases between $10,000 and $20,000, whereas department heads currently can make such purchases. The idea behind this is to keep control centralized and reduce potential problems, City Manager Mark Biernacki said Thursday afternoon at a news conference.<br /><br />The overhaul in financial policy derived from one alderman’s work on public projects in 2008.<br /><br />Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen provided the lowest quote on six contracts with the city of DeKalb, winning the maintenance jobs. Because each project was less than $20,000 they didn't require city council action, according to state statute.<br /><br />Also on Monday, the DeKalb City Council is expected to respond to an agreement that gives Target Corp. a tax break on its DeKalb distribution center after the company failed to meet required employment levels.<br /><br />At the last city council meeting, it was suggested to give a partial abatement to the company rather than ask for all tax dollars back. The partial abatement would use a pro rata approach, given that the company fulfilled 87 percent of employment levels, or 434 employees out of the required 500.<br /><br />When asked whether staff preferred no abatement or a partial abatement, Biernacki said there was no recommendation, and that it would be up to the council to decide. Target representatives are expected to be at Monday's meeting, he said.<br /><br />Four public hearings will be held at Monday's meeting on four applications the city has received for its recently created tattoo business license. The four applicants are for Proton Studio, 120 S. Fourth St.; Campus Tattoo, 1022 W. Lincoln Highway; Out on a Whim, 127 E. Lincoln Highway; and Euro Tattoo, 128 E. Lincoln Highway.<br /><br />However, city law doesn't allow two body art establishments within 500 feet of one another, and not more than two in the downtown area. Out on a Whim and Euro Tattoo are too close, and those two businesses, along with Proton Studio, are all proposed for downtown locations.<br /><br />The council is expected to grant licenses at the Dec. 14 meeting.<br /><br />Also on the agenda:<br /><br />• A consideration to hire a consulting group to perform an analysis on transit needs for the Voluntary Action Center, using Federal Transit Agency funds.<br /><br />• A consideration of a snow removal plan for the upcoming snow season, which would plow all streets but salt only major thoroughfares.<br /><br />• A consideration of closing the County Home TIF District because the cost for redevelopment has been fully recovered by the increased increment. If approved, the TIF would be dissolved 13 years early and more than $600,000 would be distributed back to taxing bodies.<br /><br />• An estimate of the property tax levy is to be received and filed, with a public hearing and final vote made Dec. 14.<br /><br />If you go<br /><br />What: DeKalb City Council meeting<br />When: 6 p.m. Monday<br />Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb<br /><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-11778293008484565312009-11-18T08:19:00.005-06:002009-11-20T22:37:31.110-06:00"Clean-up DeKalb City Hall” - Novermber 23, 2009<div align="left"><strong>DeKalb Citizens for Transparency<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">AKA The Mop & Bucket Brigade</span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>PRESS RELEASE</strong></div><div align="justify"><br /><strong>What:</strong> “Clean-up DeKalb City Hall” Rally and March*<br /><br /><strong>When:</strong> Monday, November 23, 2009, 5:15-6pm<br /><br /><strong>Where:</strong> Begins at Lincoln Highway and First Street; ends at City Hall<br /><br />“Attention, attention…we need a clean-up in aisle…I mean, Ward Three.”<br /><br />In the wake of the Wogen–Biernacki downtown construction contract scandal, local city watchers demand reform in how their city operates. Now that our public officials have had weeks to discuss the matter (and multiple citizens have made great suggestions), it is time members of the Council adopted new measures to guarantee that corruption never gains a foothold in our government. Note: This scandal has caught the attention of the Sunlight Foundation, a think tank and investigative organization in Washington, DC.<br /><br />*Armed with personal vacuums, mops and buckets, spray cleaners and rags – all for symbolic protest, city watchers will rally at the corner with signs and a megaphone (for “speak-outs”) to inform people sitting in their cars at the stoplight about unscrupulous local politics. Then they will chant while marching eastward on Lincoln Highway, turn right at Fourth Street, and proceed to the Municipal Building to rally before the Committee of the Whole meeting.<br /><br /><br />-END- </div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-40228167492324677592009-11-17T18:20:00.002-06:002009-11-17T18:22:31.410-06:00"DeKalb Commission should focus on city business, not newspaper's online comments"<div align="justify">http://www.northernstar.info/article/9191/<br /><br />DeKalb Commission should focus on city business, not newspaper's online comments<br /><br />By THE EDITORIAL BOARD<br />Last updated on 11/16/2009 at 10:02 p.m.<br /><br />DeKalb’s Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission decided during its September 21 meeting that the city needs to talk with DeKalb’s local newspaper, the Daily Chronicle.<br /><br />According to the minutes from the meeting, the reasoning behind this talk is to limit the “untruths and personal attacks on the City and its employees.” The committee also discussed having members of the community and members of the committee write letters to the Chronicle “to counteract this and look to the Chronicle for accountability.”<br /><br />The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission is concerned that those who comment on the Chronicle’s Web site will sway the vote of council members on city projects. However, couldn’t the city government monitoring comments and peoples’ opinions on city business be considered unlawful based on the First Amendment? When citizens are stating their personal opinion on a matter discussed by the city council, the City of DeKalb should not have the authority to say their opinion is wrong by asking the Chronicle to take down a comment that it does not like. The Chronicle has guidelines for those who are posting, one of which is “do not post potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.”<br /><br />The city should have trust in the Chronicle and its ability to monitor comments. Committee member Lisa Small said “the Chronicle may be motivated to take action if they are pressured by their advertisers,” according to the meeting minutes.<br /><br />Chapter 65 of DeKalb’s Municipal code, titled “Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission,” states that the commission was created to “prepare, analyze, recommend and implement a plan to further enhance the appearance, quality of life and reputation of the city of DeKalb.”<br /><br />The comments on the Chronicle seem trivial when the city is looking at a tremendous shortfall in revenue. At the DeKalb City Council meeting on Oct. 27, Rudy Espiritu, DeKalb assistant city manager, projected the city might see a $2 million to $3 million shortfall in revenue.<br /><br />Perhaps the commission should have used its time to discuss possible ways to help the city find a way out of said shortfall. Even discussing projects able to be put on hold to save the city money would have been more beneficial.<br /><br />The city should have greater concerns than anonymous people screaming at each other on the Internet. </div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-89622763398791964862009-11-10T22:59:00.022-06:002009-11-11T12:39:12.168-06:00From insensitivity to subversion of the U.S. Constitution...<div align="justify">...we simply can't let this slide.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">During the council meeting last night, Susan Johnson, the owner of American Title Guarantee, introduced herself by making a disturbing comment with regards to her family's history in the area: "I think I can beat everybody because I've been here - my family chased the Indians out of Afton Township so many years ago that, you know, we've just been here forever." This is beyond offensive - it's morally despicable, really. If you watch the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhmFRcG9MX4">video clip</a> and listen very closely, you'll hear people in the audience laughing, as if genocide is a laughing matter. Ms. Johnson is also a member of the Citizen's Community Enhancement Commission, a commission that has discussed <a href="http://www.citybarbs.com/?p=2683">ways to suppress local dissent</a> because the monied interests are afraid of those who question and / or oppose their agenda. So much for the Freedom of Speech.</div><div align="justify"><br />If you find any of this upsetting, click <a href="http://www.americantitleguaranty.com/?page_id=42">here</a> and send her a personal message. She needs to hear from you.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-67192494926712055592009-11-10T18:49:00.002-06:002009-11-10T19:44:34.291-06:00Where in the world is Alderman Wogen?<div align="justify">Slick Vic didn't make it to the council meeting last night. Hmmm. This is interesting since there was a 'good government' rally downtown and then a march to City Hall. Do you think that he stayed home so as to not further humiliate himself? I mean, if he knew about the events that were planned earlier, it's conceivable that he didn't want to face more public criticism - especially in front of so many local business leaders.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-55757946042406335762009-11-10T06:42:00.004-06:002009-12-12T09:45:57.359-06:00"Citizens protest DeKalb governmental practices"<div align="justify">http://www.northernstar.info/article/9061/<br /><br />Citizens protest DeKalb governmental practices<br />By DEMARCUS ROBINSON<br /><br />Monday night, prior to the DeKalb City Council meeting, a group of 13 concerned residents organized a protest of DeKalb governmental practices.<br /><br />The protest took place at the intersection of First Street and Lincoln Highway, and once the protest was over the participants attended the city council meeting and voiced their opinions.<br /><br />The group could be considered a watch dog group.<br /><br />“We call ourselves a group of city watchers, and we’ve been involved in watching the actions of city government for quite some time,” said DeKalb resident Lynn Fazekas.<br /><br />The members of the group put together a flier with a list of seven demands that they believe would improve government operations.<br /><br />At the center of the demands was a commitment to be made to the highest standards of ethical conduct at all departments and levels of city government.<br /><br />Another point of concern regarded the actions of Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen and called for the immediate termination of all staff involved in his Masonry Works employment arrangement with the city.<br /><br />Wogen was not present at the city council meeting.<br /><br />Fazekas said the point of critical mass was finding out that aldermen and city employees do extra work without the citizens knowing about it.<br /><br />Another point of interest of the group was censorship.<br /><br />“The latest revelation is that the Citizens Community Enhancement Commission actually talked about at their Sept. 21 meeting, pressuring a local daily newspaper to remove online comments that are unflattering to the city,” Fazekas said.<br /><br />There was also concern raised about how decisions are made.<br /><br />“It’s problematic because the city manager gets to decide when there are expenditures under $20,000,” said John Duerk, NIU graduate student.<br /><br />Some feel that more scrunity is a possible solution to these concerns.<br /><br />“I think that there needs to be more disclosure in how the city does business,” Duerk said.<br /><br />The Freedom of Information Act is a way for citizens to gain access to government information, but some feel that it does not do enough.<br /><br />Duerk feels that strides have been made, but that citizens should be provided with whatever documents that they request, and not just what officials want to provide. Some protestors want the city officials to realize change in procedure is needed because the economy is changing.<br /><br />“I feel they need to realize that it’s time to adapt,” said Mac McIntyre, a DeKalb resident. “The climate has changed, the economy has changed; they can’t continue with a plan that we need to borrow money to compete.”<br /><br />The fact that there has been a warning of a possible $2 million or $3 million shortfall is a wake up call, McIntyre said.<br /><br />McIntyre also believes that a citizen review board would be a good idea to have in place to overlook things such as spending.<br /><br />There are individuals who may call the protesters “whiners and complainers,” Fazekas said, but she said they view themselves as otherwise.<br /><br />“On this list of demands you will not find a complaint,” Fazekas said. “You will find ideas for action that will lead to better city government, which is all we want.”<br /><br />Many of the protestors said that the protest came together rather quickly, but that it is not specifically a one-time deal.<br /><br />“I could see us doing it again, maybe in a couple of weeks,” Fazekas said. “We have to wait and see how the situation turns out.”</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373738769050619199.post-10849713261030519412009-11-04T19:15:00.001-06:002009-11-04T19:17:21.178-06:00"City government needs major reform"<div align="justify">http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/03/78289092/index.xml<br /><br />Tuesday, November 3, 2009 9:03 p.m.<br /><br />To the editor:<br /><br />As both a concerned citizen and a student of political science, I frequently question the motivations of political actors while analyzing the operation of governing institutions. If you have been following the newspaper and blogs in recent years, then you know that some local officials have serious credibility problems. Personally, I find it all rather unsettling because political corruption starts somewhere, and public confidence plummets when citizens feel they cannot trust the individuals elected and appointed to govern on their behalf.<br /><br />Amidst the discussion of city contracts being awarded to sitting alderman, City Manager Mark Biernacki defends choosing Alderman Wogen’s now-defunct, private company on the grounds that he saved us money. This morally bankrupt rationalization leaves me with two questions. First, if he truly cares about the taxpayers, then why isn’t his primary concern the manner in which the city conducts its business? Secondly, why isn’t he concerned about who the city conducts its business with?<br /><br />The more I think about this whole ordeal, the more I am convinced that projects of this nature should always be examined by the entire council. Honestly, I do not trust the city manager to make good decisions with his existing unilateral, discretionary expenditure power. Furthermore, I believe that it is far too convenient that Alderman Wogen ran for office and won in 2007 when these 2008 contracts involve work inside the Third Ward.<br /><br />Since we live in a democracy, we deserve better from our city leaders. We should not accept their exercises in poor judgment and the weak excuses that follow – excuses that are geared toward placating voters, not resolving the larger problems. We must firmly insist upon a change of actors as well as the normative behavior that permeates City Hall. Biernacki and Wogen should take the only respectable course of action at this point: resign immediately. Moreover, a new policy should be enacted that not only constrains the city manager’s ability to act in a unilateral capacity, but also promotes greater disclosure. Please e-mail and call your alderman to demand reform today.<br /><br />John A. Duerk<br />DeKalb<br /></div><div align="justify"><br />Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.</div>Wogen Watchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01613210745407331848noreply@blogger.com1