Wogen Watch: An Online Archive for DeKalb, Illinois

"Wogen charged with DUI"

2010-02-02T19:53:00.001-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/02/01/28308559/index.xml

Created: Monday, February 1, 2010 11:54 p.m.

Wogen charged with DUI
By CARRIE FRILLMAN cfrillman@daily-chronicle.com

DeKALB – Former 3rd Ward DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with driving under the influence.

Wogen also was charged with texting while driving, according to a DeKalb Police report.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Attempts to reach Wogen for comment were unsuccessful Monday.

Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Wogen arrested for DUI"

2010-02-01T17:43:00.005-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/02/01/49034388/index.xml

Created: Monday, February 1, 2010 12:38 p.m. CST
Updated: Monday, February 1, 2010 12:44 p.m. CST

Wogen arrested for DUI
By DAILY CHRONICLE

DeKALB – Former 3rd Ward DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen was arrested early Sunday morning for driving under the influence.

Wogen also was arrested for texting while driving, according to a DeKalb Police report.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Wogen accepts plea deal in battery case"

2010-01-08T18:10:00.002-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2010/01/07/00431066/index.xml

Created: Thursday, January 7, 2010 3:09 p.m. CST
Updated: Thursday, January 7, 2010 6:21 p.m. CST

By CARRIE FRILLMAN – cfrillman@daily-chronicle.com

Wogen accepts plea deal in battery case

SYCAMORE – Former DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen accepted a plea agreement Thursday that will keep him out of jail if he complies with his sentence.

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.

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.

"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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

Wogen denied all allegations Thursday after the court proceedings.

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.

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.

Copyright © 2010 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Letter: Learning from Victor Wogen"

2009-12-19T12:06:00.001-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/19/88803756/index.xml

Created: Saturday, December 19, 2009 1:03 a.m.

Letter: Learning from Victor Wogen

When I listened to Victor Wogen’s resignation announcement and the interview that followed on WLBK, I had a familiar sinking feeling.

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.

As local residents look forward, I think it is important to analyze what happened and reflect on some very important lessons.

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.

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.

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.

John A. Duerk
DeKalb

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Schaumburg: Addressing Mr. Wogen's concerns"

2009-12-19T12:04:00.001-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/19/37724693/index.xml

Created: Saturday, December 19, 2009 12:44 a.m.

Schaumburg: Addressing Mr. Wogen's concerns

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.

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.

I guess that's what Wogen means when he says "best job." But I digress.

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.

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.

For Wogen's rant on story comments, however, he refers to story-commenters as bloggers. Here it is:

"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."

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.

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:

"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?

"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.

"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."

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.

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."

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.

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.

•••

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.

•••

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.

We called and e-mailed Grady every day since Monday because we know the public wants to hear from him. We'll keep trying.

• 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.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Our View: Help wanted: 3rd Ward  alderman"

2009-12-16T22:12:00.003-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/15/18672920/index.xml

Created: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 11:10 p.m. CST

Our View: Help wanted: 3rd Ward  alderman

Victor Wogen closed the book on his tenure as DeKalb 3rd Ward alderman on Monday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If this sounds like you, then you might be able to serve the 3rd Ward and its residents.

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.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

An analysis of Wogen's resignation announcement

2009-12-15T20:50:00.013-06:00

It has been a long two and a half plus years. When I reflect upon Victor Wogen's resignation announcement from yesterday morning on WLBK, I can't help but think the following:

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.

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.

Thirdly, he intentionally sought WLBK to make this announcement because he wanted to frame the story himself. Mr. Wogen has not trusted the Daily Chronicle 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.

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.

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?

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.

VICTOR WOGEN: THE LITANY

2009-12-15T18:29:00.015-06:00

Filed bankruptcy on at least two occasions and failed both times because he didn't abide by the federal court's rules.
Employment terminated at Custom Stone Works, Inc.
Sued by multiple parties for personal and other professional reasons.
Owed the City of DeKalb and Internal Revenue Service money.
Circulated a false rumor during the 2007 Election that another candidate had withdrawn from the race when she hadn't.
Misrepresented the professional title of someone who gave a testimonial on his campaign website.
Distributed a 'smear mailer' to Third Ward residents during the 2007 Election and then lied to the community about his role until the Daily Chronicle later uncovered his deceit.
Criticized the newspaper for its coverage of his scandalous behavior.
Allowed his daughter to enter the political fray by sending a letter to the newspaper in his defense.
Waited more than five months after the election to submit a letter to the newspaper addressing public concerns.
Never fully explained how he paid for his campaign.
Formed a company, Masonry Works, LLC, and took six construction contracts from the City of DeKalb without publicly disclosing the business activities.
Did not pay workers prevailing wages on a construction project in Elgin, Illinois in accordance with state law.
Had his company involuntarily dissolved by the state.
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.
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.
Eventually could not be reached by phone because his was disconnected.
In danger of home foreclosure.
Shamelessly used his family to evoke sympathy about his problems.
Owes the Illinois Tollway thousands of dollars in fines.
Missed a number of council meetings.
Rarely contributed any substance to policy discussions.
Criticized members of the city council and the democratic process during his resignation announcement.
Accomplished very little in 2.5+ years of disservice.

"Victor Wogen resigns as alderman"

2009-12-14T16:59:00.007-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/14/38898697/index.xml

By ELENA GRIMM – egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

Created: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:51 a.m. CST
Updated: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 12:21 a.m.

Victor Wogen resigns as alderman

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.

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.

"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."

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.

DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen said he had spoken to Wogen and knew about his plans to resign.

"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."

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."

Attempts to reach Wogen for comment were unsuccessful.

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.

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.

"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."

One resident urged that process be done with care.

"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.

Fines dropped

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.

The fines were dropped Monday as he is no longer a sitting alderman.

"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.

Regarding the absence policy, Povlsen said that typically, aldermen call in advance if they know they won't be attending a meeting.

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.

"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.

However, if an alderman is forgoing duties for an extended period of time, "action needs to be taken," he said.

Reforms get green light

The DeKalb City Council approved major changes to financial policies on Monday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Another change requires city council members to file a disclosure statement and statement of economic interests.

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.

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.

• Daily Chronicle reporter Dana Herra contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

EARLIER VERSION

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/14/38898697/index.xml

Created: Monday, December 14, 2009 9:51 a.m. CST
Updated: Monday, December 14, 2009 12:59 p.m. CST

Victor Wogen resigns as alderman

DeKalb's 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen resigned Monday, announcing his decision about 8 a.m. on WLBK 1360-AM.

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.

"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."

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.

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.

"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."

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.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

Something for the critics to ponder...

2009-12-12T15:58:00.011-06:00

Whenever I read people's criticisms of local 'city watchers', I always think of a popular quote by Margaret Mead 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.

For those new to the blog, please read this post: "Some questions and answers with Wogen Watch". Thank you for stopping by!

"Missing alderman could face fines"

2009-12-11T05:44:00.003-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/12/10/28647728/index.xml

Created: Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:43 p.m. CST
Updated: Thursday, December 10, 2009 10:44 p.m. CST

Missing alderman could face fines

DeKALB – A city alderman may be fined $500 for missing recent meetings.

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.

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.

Wogen does not have to be present for the vote, Biernacki said.

Wogen could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon; his provided cell phone number was disconnected.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There were 16 bulk fuel purchases in 2009, Public Works Director Rick Monas said.

The new policy would require holding special city council meetings for the sole authorization of such spending, Biernacki said.

A public hearing will be held Monday on the tax levy, which needs to be passed by the end of the year.

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.

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.

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.

The extra $700,000 to pay pensions would be in addition to a $2.5 million to $3 million shortfall expected this fiscal year.

“And it doesn’t look like it’s getting better,” Biernacki said.

One major cost-saving measure is being introduced: Phasing out city contributions to health insurance premiums for retired workers.

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.

Non-bona fide retirees are city employees who retired without meeting age and years-of-service requirements.

Also on the agenda:

• A consideration of a five-year plan for budgeting and distributing Community Development Block Grants.
• An audit report for Fiscal Year 2009.
• A resolution to start charging a fee to oversize and overweight vehicles that use city streets.
• Approving licenses for three tattoo business applicants.

If you go

What: DeKalb City Council meeting
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

The pattern of sleazy behavior continues...

2009-12-10T19:22:00.011-06:00

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 Daily Chronicle uncovered his dishonesty.

Well, now it appears (in addition to his many other problems - 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 here - 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.

Once again, Alderman Wogen is nowhere to be found

2009-12-07T22:08:00.006-06:00

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.

"Our View: Absences leave 3rd Ward without representation"

2009-11-30T22:30:00.000-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/28/78537973/index.xml

Created: Saturday, November 28, 2009 12:27 a.m. CST

Our View: Absences leave 3rd Ward without representation

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.

But now Victor Wogen has just stopped showing up at city council meetings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"City to look into Wogen's absences"

2009-11-25T20:08:00.002-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/24/59695643/index.xml

Created: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10:37 p.m. CST

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

City to look into Wogen's absences

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.

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.

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.

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.

If that wasn't done in the near future, Povlsen said city officials would have to take some action.

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.

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.

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.

Because each of the six projects was less than $20,000, they didn't require city council action, according to state statute.

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.

Before voting, several amendments were made to the ordinance to grant the city council more power.

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.

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.

Giving council authority on smaller purchases will slow government, Biernacki said.

"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."

Povlsen said he was pleased with the direction new policies are going.

The council has taken the task to examine how the city is spending money "very seriously," he said.

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.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Protests continue at DeKalb City Council meeting"

2009-11-24T20:42:00.002-06:00

http://www.northernstar.info/article/9340/

Published on Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Protests continue at DeKalb City Council meeting
By DEMARCUS ROBINSON

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.

Citizens came with an array of props such as vacuums and brooms, to illustrate their belief that city ethics need to be cleaned up.

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.

Wogen was not in attendance Monday night or during the Nov. 9 meeting.

The council discussed the issue of city contracts.

The protestors in attendance agreed with some of the proposed changes that would broaden the scope of who would be under more scrutiny.

“This should not be just limited to aldermen,” NIU graduate student John Duerk said. “It should be all city officials whether elected or appointed.”

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.

Any city business under $20,000 can be approved by the city manager without going before the council.

City Manager Mark Biernacki appreciated that some sought transparency, though some of the proposed amendments would inhibit day-to-day duties.

“I know people don’t like the fact that I let contracts to Victor Wogen,” Biernacki said.

To limit the city manager to the point that it slows daily activity is not smart, Biernacki said.

Amendments were made to the ordinance, and it will be brought back during the Dec. 14 meeting.

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.

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.

Under current suggestions, the debt incurred by the city will continue to grow.

“Somewhere down the line, our kids are going to have to come up with this money by 2033,” said Mayor Kris Povlsen.

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.

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.

“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.”

Other council members want to see a change in rationale and for residents to keep money within the community.

“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.

A public hearing took place during the meeting for four separate establishments seeking to open shops in the downtown district.

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.

"DeKalb citizens group wants 'clean sweep' of city hall"

2009-11-24T08:39:00.002-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/24/67211399/index.xml

Created: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:02 a.m. CST

By JOHN PUTERBAUGH jputerbaugh@daily-chronicle.com

DeKalb citizens group wants 'clean sweep' of city hall

DeKALB – About a dozen DeKalb citizens gathered Monday evening to collectively call for a "clean sweep" of city government.

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.

"We would like open government," group spokeswoman Kay Shelton said. "We would like transparent government. We would like free, open competition for city contracts."

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.

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.

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.

One suggestion that was supported by aldermen Monday is to include all city employees when it comes to financial ties to a city contract.

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.

"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."

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.

"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."

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.

• Daily Chronicle reporter Elena Grimm contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Commission has gone astray"

2009-11-22T21:18:00.001-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/20/59276787/index.xml

Created: Friday, November 20, 2009 10:57 p.m. CST

Letter: Commission has gone astray

To the Editor:

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.

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:

“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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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”

I found this to be in bad taste.

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.

Mark Charvat
DeKalb

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"City contracts with aldermen on agenda"

2009-11-20T10:38:00.000-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/19/12611133/index.xml

Created: Thursday, November 19, 2009 11:45 p.m. CST

By ELENA GRIMM egrimm@daily-chronicle.com
City contracts with aldermen on agenda

DeKALB – The city council Monday is expected to make changes to financial policies that relate to aldermen doing business with the city.

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.

Another change caps the total amount an alderman – or his or her business – can receive in one year at $25,000.

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.

The overhaul in financial policy derived from one alderman’s work on public projects in 2008.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The council is expected to grant licenses at the Dec. 14 meeting.

Also on the agenda:

• A consideration to hire a consulting group to perform an analysis on transit needs for the Voluntary Action Center, using Federal Transit Agency funds.

• A consideration of a snow removal plan for the upcoming snow season, which would plow all streets but salt only major thoroughfares.

• 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.

• An estimate of the property tax levy is to be received and filed, with a public hearing and final vote made Dec. 14.

If you go

What: DeKalb City Council meeting
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Clean-up DeKalb City Hall” - Novermber 23, 2009

2009-11-18T08:19:00.005-06:00

DeKalb Citizens for Transparency
AKA The Mop & Bucket Brigade

PRESS RELEASE

What: “Clean-up DeKalb City Hall” Rally and March*

When: Monday, November 23, 2009, 5:15-6pm

Where: Begins at Lincoln Highway and First Street; ends at City Hall

“Attention, attention…we need a clean-up in aisle…I mean, Ward Three.”

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.

*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.

-END-

"DeKalb Commission should focus on city business, not newspaper's online comments"

2009-11-17T18:20:00.002-06:00

http://www.northernstar.info/article/9191/

DeKalb Commission should focus on city business, not newspaper's online comments

By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Last updated on 11/16/2009 at 10:02 p.m.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

The city should have greater concerns than anonymous people screaming at each other on the Internet.

From insensitivity to subversion of the U.S. Constitution...

2009-11-10T22:59:00.022-06:00

...we simply can't let this slide.

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 video clip 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 ways to suppress local dissent because the monied interests are afraid of those who question and / or oppose their agenda. So much for the Freedom of Speech.

If you find any of this upsetting, click here and send her a personal message. She needs to hear from you.

Where in the world is Alderman Wogen?

2009-11-10T18:49:00.002-06:00

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.

"Citizens protest DeKalb governmental practices"

2009-11-10T06:42:00.004-06:00

http://www.northernstar.info/article/9061/

Citizens protest DeKalb governmental practices
By DEMARCUS ROBINSON

Monday night, prior to the DeKalb City Council meeting, a group of 13 concerned residents organized a protest of DeKalb governmental practices.

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.

The group could be considered a watch dog group.

“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.

The members of the group put together a flier with a list of seven demands that they believe would improve government operations.

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.

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.

Wogen was not present at the city council meeting.

Fazekas said the point of critical mass was finding out that aldermen and city employees do extra work without the citizens knowing about it.

Another point of interest of the group was censorship.

“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.

There was also concern raised about how decisions are made.

“It’s problematic because the city manager gets to decide when there are expenditures under $20,000,” said John Duerk, NIU graduate student.

Some feel that more scrunity is a possible solution to these concerns.

“I think that there needs to be more disclosure in how the city does business,” Duerk said.

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.

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.

“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.”

The fact that there has been a warning of a possible $2 million or $3 million shortfall is a wake up call, McIntyre said.

McIntyre also believes that a citizen review board would be a good idea to have in place to overlook things such as spending.

There are individuals who may call the protesters “whiners and complainers,” Fazekas said, but she said they view themselves as otherwise.

“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.”

Many of the protestors said that the protest came together rather quickly, but that it is not specifically a one-time deal.

“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.”

"City government needs major reform"

2009-11-04T19:15:00.001-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/11/03/78289092/index.xml

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 9:03 p.m.

To the editor:

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.

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?

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.

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.

John A. Duerk
DeKalb

"Our View: The appearance of impropriety"

2009-11-01T19:00:00.002-06:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/10/31/81913490/index.xml

Saturday, October 31, 2009 12:14am

The term "appearance of impropriety" has become such a cliche in today's society that it has its own Wikipedia entry, attributing the phrase to Biblical origins. Its versatility toward 21st-century parlance was proven again earlier this year when an "American Idol" contestant with personal ties to the show's management company was ousted to "avoid the appearance of impropriety."

The narrow path between what's right and what's legal can conceal a gulf of potential misconduct. That's why it's not enough for public officials to simply avoid improper conduct, but also its very appearance. Everyone from St. Paul to Simon Cowell has understood this well-worn concept. Unfortunately, it seems to have escaped the notice of DeKalb City Manager Mark Biernacki and 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen.

Biernacki said when he awarded six work bids in 2008 to a masonry company owned Wogen, he did not consider it "an issue worth making a mention of." The bids totaled $52,880, but because each was less than $20,000, they did not require authorization by the city council; they merely needed Biernacki's approval.

Biernacki said the intentions were good, to do the work at the lowest cost and within the law. But it should have been clear to anyone that additional due diligence was required. If Biernacki was going to hire one of his bosses, he should have made sure the others knew it.

Most of Wogen's peers on the city council say they were not aware he owned the now-defunct Masonry Works LLC. But one alderman did know it, and that, of course, is Wogen. He, even more than Biernacki, should have had the common sense to tell his fellow aldermen when he was bidding on projects and when his company was awarded the work.

That sort of voluntary openness leads to good government. The opposite is true when officials stay mum on clear conflicts of interest, so long as everything is legal. That environment encourages a widening of that gulf between what's right and what's legal, a gray area that tends to breed waste and corruption if allowed to fester.

Now, DeKalb officials are looking to strengthen disclosure rules. That's a good idea, but one that would not have been necessary if someone had simply stood up and said, "Oh, by the way ..."

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

Email sent to City Hall

2009-10-28T16:17:00.009-05:00

The following public officials were sent this message: the Mayor, all seven of the aldermen, the City Clerk, the City Manager, and the Director of Public Works.

Subject: "Welcome to Wogen Watch!"

Dear Officials at City Hall,

After the 'smear mailer' debacle amidst the 2007 Election, we all knew it was only a matter of time before Alderman Wogen sparked another controversy for himself. For that reason, it is imperative that Wogen Watch continue providing local citizens with the information they need to know about the unscrupulous behavior of the individuals representing them. The more that has been uncovered over the past two and a half years, the more an unsettling pattern reveals itself. We deserve better representatives in the City of DeKalb, and Wogen Watch is determined to help bring that about by posting new articles, documents, video, and commentary that informs the public.

Please drop by the blog to read the latest post when you have a moment.

Here is a recent post that you might find of interest: "More details on how Wogen failed to pay his workers".

The countdown to the 2011 Election is on!

Sincerely,

Wogen Watch

*Wogen Watch is delighted to report that there have been thousands of visits to the blog with some visitors spending more than an hour reading dozens of posts.

"Policies vary to avoid conflict of interest"

2009-10-28T15:12:00.003-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/10/27/52661539/index.xml

October 27, 2009 10:20pm

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

Neighboring communities run the gamut when it comes to allowing elected officials to be contracted for city work.

In Belvidere, the practice is outright prohibited.

“It’s a conflict of interest,” said Belvidere City Finance Manager Pat Chamberlin, adding that she believes it’s an unwritten rule rather than something that’s set down in local law.

In Rochelle, two council members are paid on-call firefighters, who supplement the full-time fire department when needed. And another council member is a local real estate agent and developer whose business often brushes shoulders with city affairs, Rochelle City Manager Ken Alberts said.

“Whenever there were any issues or agenda items that related to his clients or his development, then, of course, he abstained from the voting,” Alberts said.

DeKalb City Council members are considering revising financial policy after it was disclosed that 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen’s company was awarded six contracts totaling $52,000 in 2008. Currently there are no restrictions or requirements for disclosure on city officials winning contracts for public projects. The city is considering creating a more transparent process.

Rochelle follows similar guidelines as DeKalb when it comes to spending authority. Expenditures under $20,000 – such as those awarded to Wogen’s company – can be approved by the city manager without city council action.

But Rochelle’s city manager purposefully discloses aldermanic business ties with the city to other officeholders to avoid an appearance of conflict of interest.

“Part of my responsibility is to make sure they’re aware of it,” Alberts said.

Sycamore also defers to state law when it comes to local policy. However, there hasn’t been an instance of an alderman wanting to do work for the city that City Manager Bill Nicklas can recall.

“Obviously, the topic invites judgments about what is legal, but also what may be the appearance of a conflict,” Nicklas said. “Outside of the legal parameters, there’s always that question that the elected body has to determine.”

Nicklas said if the question ever came before Sycamore, “I would think that our elected officials would make that disclosure.” And Nicklas said if he was aware of an alderman having business interests in a project, he would disclose that information himself.

On county projects, DeKalb County Board members can also bid on a project, win the competition, and abstain from voting if the project comes before the board.

But county policy prohibits a county board member from being privy to the bidding process.

“The person who bids could not have participated in structuring the bid and could not know anything other than what’s been publicly released about the bid request,” DeKalb County Administrator Ray Bockman said. “They couldn’t use their position on the county board to gain advantage of the bidding process.”

Local policy differs greatly from city to city because each municipality is given its own discretion on how it spends money, as long as it’s within the law.

The Illinois Municipal League, a statewide lobbying and educational organization for municipalities, advocates for keeping decision-making local. The IML defers to state statute when it comes to city contracts with aldermen.

Larry Frang, executive director of IML, said that interpreting that statute would require a legal opinion. He said the IML urges city officials to talk with an attorney to make sure they’re in compliance with the law. But the league has no stance on the ethical implications.

“There’s a lot of things we might give people advice on; conflict of interest is not one of them,” Frang said.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

More details on how Wogen failed to pay his workers

2009-10-28T00:06:00.025-05:00

If you follow the links below, then you can read the official correspondence about Alderman Wogen failing to pay his employees prevailing wages while in charge of Masonry Works, a company that is now defunct because it was involuntarily dissolved by the state.

[Note: After clicking the link you can click the body of the letter to magnify it.]

Someone who violates the law like this should never receive contracts from the City of DeKalb - regardless of how low his quotes (bids) are, nor should he be allowed to operate anywhere inside the city limits. This is our community and it's time we took it back from unscrupulous officials.

"More disclosure likely when aldermen do business with the city"

2009-10-27T18:15:00.005-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/10/26/93657407/index.xml

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

DeKALB – City council members will continue to be allowed to do business with the city, but there will likely be greater awareness when that happens.

During their regular Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night, aldermen made several suggestions about the type and amount of disclosure they think is needed. But overall sentiment was that having business-savvy elected officials do business with the government they serve is not a concern if the process is legal and saves money.

“I don’t think we would be doing ourselves a service to the community to say to council people, ‘You can’t do business with the city,’” 6th Ward Alderman Dave Baker said.

“We’ve had several business people in this community who have served on this council in the past and continue to serve on this council that have provided some valuable input,” 7th Ward Alderman Brent Keller said.

The discussion derived from one alderman’s work on public projects in 2008. Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen won six out of eight contracts with the city of DeKalb because he provided the lowest quote for the maintenance jobs.

The six projects that the now-defunct Masonry Works LLC won totaled $52,880, though each individual project cost less than $20,000. Expenditures less than $20,000 don’t require authorization by the city council but can be approved by the city manager, according to state and city law.

When he learned of the connection Wogen had to these downtown repairs, Mayor Kris Povlsen called for more transparency and asked that the council revise its financial policy to either limit or prohibit an alderman doing business with the city.

He said Monday that any amount of work that a city council member is party to – regardless of cost or accordance to state law – should be disclosed to the city council beforehand.

Fourth Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher suggested that aldermen submit an annual disclosure statement that would list all business information for that person.

Other suggestions involved tweaking financial and purchasing policies for better clarification.

After the discussion, several residents complained of mistrust and mismanagement.

“Why is it a matter of how much money we save rather than how we do business?” asked John Duerk, a political science graduate student. “Even if it’s not illegal, it certainly is an exercise in poor judgment.”

Kay Shelton said she was concerned with what she said was an investigation by the Illinois Department of Labor on Wogsn’s Masonry Works. She said residents she has spoken with are “disgusted,” but not surprised by the activity between an alderman and the city.

But aldermen supported how the rules are generally written, with room for improvement.

“Should there be certain prohibitions? Perhaps. I’m not aware on my time on the council of any inappropriate behavior in any sort of way,” 1st Ward Alderman Bertrand Simpson said. “I’m quite happy with the way the rules are currently.”

What’s next?

Revisions to the purchasing policy and financial administration policy, including disclosure requirements, will be presented to the DeKalb City Council at a future meeting.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"DeKalb City Council discusses aldermen's city contract rights"

2009-10-27T18:13:00.002-05:00

http://www.northernstar.info/article/8769/

DeKalb City Council discusses aldermen's city contract rights
By AMANDA PODGORNY

DeKalb City Council aldermen voiced their opinions on limiting aldermen’s ability to work on city contracts during Monday’s committee meeting.

This comes after DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen and City Manager Mark Biernacki received several questions regarding Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen’s involvement in city contracts.

Wogen’s company, Masonry Works, LLC, held six contracts with the city during the summer of 2008 to do masonry work in the downtown area. Wogen’s company is not currently operating.

“There has been significant discussion about this throughout the city,” Biernacki said.

There is no ordinance banning aldermen from doing business with the city, as long as certain procedures and state statutory limitations are followed, City Attorney Norma Guess said in an Oct. 20 press release.

The state statute states that projects less than $20,000 can be administratively approved by the city manager without council action. If the project does happen to go to an alderman, no current local or state law states he must disclose his ownership in the company to the council or citizens of DeKalb.

None of Wogen’s projects were more than $20,000, and according to the press release, the total of the six separate projects was $52,880.

Biernacki suggested two options to the aldermen.

“We can out-right ban it or perhaps require there be more control, limitations and disclosure,” Biernacki said.

First Ward Alderman Bertrand Simpson does not believe there is a need for change in the city’s code.

“I myself am happy with the way things are,” Simpson said.

Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker stated that he has been the president of Copy Services, 1005 W. Lincoln Highway, for 31 years and said his experience as an entrepreneur has offered a unique point of view to the council.

“We want the diversity on the council,” Baker said. “I don’t think that we’d be doing a favor to the community by saying [aldermen can’t] do business with the city.”

Baker was weary of the timing of this proposed change and said it would only be fair to consider this change 180 days before the next local election so that this would only impact aldermen.

“[The council] shouldn’t try and change this mid-stream,” Baker said.

Fourth Ward Alderman Brendon Gallagher said aldermen holding contracts with the city can be a blurry issue.

“Can aldermen do business with the city?” Gallagher said. “You are walking a very fine line.”

Gallagher suggested aldermen be required to fill out annual disclosure that lists aldermen’s businesses and any other business-related information, to be filed around November or December.

Baker suggested a similar idea that would require the city to find out if an alderman or city official have a part in a company before “cutting a check.”

“The city would not cut a check without knowledge of a council member owning a company,” Baker said.

Biernacki will take the aldermen’s suggestions, and this issue will be brought back to the council at a later time.

"Aldermen: Wogen's masonry work went unnoticed"

2009-10-26T05:41:00.007-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/10/23/65661752/index.xml

October 23, 2009 11:55pm

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

DeKALB – Those who work closely with Alderman Victor Wogen on city business say that they were unaware his masonry business had won multiple contracts, valued at more than $50,000.

It was legal for the city to award the contracts to the alderman, but fallout has prompted city officials to consider revising DeKalb's financial policy, possibly to exclude or limit elected officials from doing business with the city. The city council is expected to discuss a revised policy Monday at its regular meeting.

The contracts went over the heads of Wogen's fellow aldermen, who say they don't often talk about each other's business – literally.

The now-defunct Masonry Works LLC won contracts on six projects in 2008 that totaled $52,880. Work included tuckpointing, weatherproofing and other repairs to exterior walls of downtown buildings that had been exposed from demolition projects.

Each project individually cost less than $20,000. Expenditures less than $20,000 don’t require authorization by the city council but can be approved by the city manager, according to state and city law.

Private business

Since Wogen's former masonry business has been brought to light, "we're learning more than we might have known before," 6th Ward Alderman Dave Baker said.

What was known before wasn't much.

Aldermen said they don't often discuss their livelihoods with each other. Most of the aldermen interviewed for this story said that, although they may know the type of work colleagues do, specifics about employers are unknown.

"There are no informal council meetings where we talk about our daily lives," 1st Ward Alderman Bertrand Simpson said.

Aldermen say they knew Wogen he was in the masonry business, but they did not know his company's name. Wogen said he doesn't know the companies other aldermen work for, either.

Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker said he was aware Wogen had bid on projects, but defended the practice, saying it had been lawful and saved money because Wogen offered the lowest price.

"As far as what he bid on or what he didn't bid on, he didn't share that on a case-by-case basis. I knew he bid on a few of them," Baker said. "If he was the low bidder then there's nothing out of the ordinary that would raise an eyebrow or a red flag for any of us."

When Masonry Works worked on about a dozen projects in downtown DeKalb last year – six for the city and the rest for private businesses – Wogen said he would stop at work sites occasionally to see how projects were progressing, but that the work was performed by his employees.

It was a small company before it ran out of business last fall, he said. There weren't any company trucks to accompany workers to job sites, so there were no signs carrying name or his company's name as they worked.

The check registry

Each month, the mayor and council receive the city check registry and it is often 20 or emore pages long. The city council doesn't review the register as a group, but each individual member can take as much or as little time as he likes to run through the books.

Nothing requires the city manager to hand over the detailed financial report, but City Manager Mark Biernacki said that it has been customary to do so for years.

"Most of us, I think, are scanning it for unusual items," 2nd Ward Alderman Tom Teresinski said.

It wouldn't seem unusual to see a check written to a masonry company for repair work.

"Quite frankly, as it relates to the Vic Wogen case specifically, if we went down that (registry), we wouldn't have known that that was his business," Mayor Kris Povlsen said.

Biernacki said that, even though the law was followed, contracting with an alderman was "not anything thought of to be an issue worth making a mention of." He said Friday that he is still researching if there were any cases prior to Wogen's in which an alderman had done work for the city.

Neither Wogen nor Biernacki recalled the specific dates that work began and ended, but it spanned the summer months.

Povlsen was an alderman in 2008 that August, when he was appointed to fill the term vacated by Mayor Frank Van Buer, who died in July 2008. Teresinski filled Povlsen's 2nd Ward seat in September. Current aldermen Ronald Naylor, Brent Keller, Simpson and Baker also were in office in 2008.

Biernacki didn't recall whether Van Buer had been aware of any Masonry Works projects, he said.

Seeing the forest and the trees

Povlsen acknowledged that both as an alderman and a mayor, he hasn't spent a great deal of time going through the check registry.

"Going line item through line item through line item – that to me would be micromanaging," he said. "I have issues that are important on a daily basis related to policy development and all kinds of issues as opposed to how much we spend on two or three hundred checks written in a month."

Simpson stressed that aldermen work part time and that the city has a full-time staff.

"The big-picture issues we're aware of but when it comes to the day-to-day running of the city, aldermen don't always know," he said.

Baker agreed that it doesn't make sense to pay staff only for aldermen to micromanage what staff are paid to do.

Aldermen agreed that having more scrutiny over the check registry is not an adequate way to control who gets paid for what. On Monday, they may decide to require disclosure if an alderman is contracted by the city, limit what work can be done or prohibit that scenario altogether.

They could also ask that more projects come before the city council for approval. Baker said he would like to see the threshold where council action is needed on an expenditure dropped from $20,000 to $10,000.

"The argument is that would slow down the city business too drastically. My position has been let's slow it down," Baker said. "The times have changed. We don't have the money to spend that we might have had years ago."

If you go
What: DeKalb City Council meeting
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

Latest articles from the Daily Chronicle

2009-10-23T17:49:00.006-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/10/22/28032411/index.xml

"Contracts for DeKalb alderman prompt policy talk"

October 22, 2009 8:09pm

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

DeKALB – The city is considering changes to its financial policy, months after the mayor learned a sitting alderman's masonry business won more than $50,000 in city contracts that didn't require city council approval.

The now-defunct Masonry Works LLC, owned by Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen, won contracts on six projects in 2008 that included tuckpointing, weatherproofing and other repairs to exterior walls of downtown buildings that had been exposed from the demolition of adjacent buildings. Wogen was an alderman at the time the contracts were awarded.

Masonry Works was the low bidder on all six projects, which totaled $52,880. Each project individually cost less than $20,000. Expenditures less than $20,000 don't require authorization by the city council, but can be approved by the city manager, according to state and city law.

Mayor Kris Povlsen was an alderman in 2008 until that August, when he was appointed to fill the term vacated by Frank Van Buer, who died while in office. Current aldermen David Baker, Brent Keller, Ronald Naylor, and Bertrand Simpson also were in office in 2008.

Povlsen said Thursday that, when he learned a few months ago about the work performed by Masonry Works, he asked that the purchasing policy be reviewed by the city council.

"I don't like to give the appearance of anything that might be construed as inappropriate," Povlsen said.

The city council on Monday is scheduled to consider prohibiting or limiting work that aldermen can do for the city. Povlsen said that he would like to see an ordinance created that, at minimum, requires disclosure of funds paid to an alderman or to his or her employer for work on city projects.

Wogen competitively bid on eight projects and submitted the lowest quotes for six of those, City Manager Mark Biernacki said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

"Our intentions were good," he said. "Do this at the lowest cost possible and do it within the law."

Wogen defended the contracts.

"We're still citizens of the community; we still have careers, we still need money," he said.

After material and labor expenses, the company made a profit of about $4,200, Wogen said.

But Wogen is also supportive of the mayor's call for transparency.

"I think for perception reasons, it's a good idea what the mayor is going to pursue," he said. Before he submitted quotes, Wogen said that he checked that the process was legal.

Biernacki said there may have been one other instance of an alderman performing city work since he began as city manager, but that he would need to research before giving a definitive answer. He did not know if an instance occurred under past managers, but said that the purchasing policy has been in place for "many, many years."

The dollar thresholds – such as any expenditure exceeding $20,000 requires a formal bidding process and council approval – follow state statute, he said.

Purchases of $10,000 or less may be made without a bid process, and purchases between $10,001 and $19,999 require an informal bidding process, where two price quotes are solicited from at least two qualified vendors.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"DeKalb contracts for alderman prompt policy talk"

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/10/22/03518407/index.xml

October 22, 2009 10:59pm

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

DeKALB – The city is considering changes to its financial policy, months after the mayor learned a sitting alderman’s masonry business won more than $50,000 in city contracts that didn’t require city council approval.

The now-defunct Masonry Works LLC, owned by Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen, won contracts on six projects in 2008 that included tuckpointing, weatherproofing and other repairs to exterior walls of downtown buildings that had been exposed from the demolition of adjacent buildings. Wogen was an alderman at the time the contracts were awarded.

Masonry Works was the low bidder on all six projects, which totaled $52,880. Each project individually cost less than $20,000. Expenditures less than $20,000 don’t require authorization by the city council but can be approved by the city manager, according to state and city law.

Mayor Kris Povlsen was an alderman in 2008 until that August, when he was appointed to fill the term vacated by Frank Van Buer, who died while in office. Current aldermen David Baker, Brent Keller, Ronald Naylor, and Bertrand Simpson also were in office in 2008.

Povlsen said Thursday that, when he learned a few months ago about the work performed by Masonry Works, he asked that the purchasing policy be reviewed by the city council.

“I don’t like to give the appearance of anything that might be construed as inappropriate,” Povlsen said.

The city council on Monday is scheduled to consider prohibiting or limiting work that aldermen can do for the city. Povlsen said that he would like to see an ordinance created that, at minimum, requires disclosure of funds paid to an alderman or to his or her employer for work on city projects.

Wogen competitively bid on eight projects and submitted the lowest quotes for six of those, City Manager Mark Biernacki said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

“Our intentions were good,” he said. “Do this at the lowest cost possible and do it within the law.”

Wogen defended the contracts.

“We’re still citizens of the community; we still have careers, we still need money,” he said.

After material and labor expenses, the company made a profit of about $4,200, Wogen said.

But Wogen is also supportive of the mayor’s call for transparency.

“I think for perception reasons, it’s a good idea what the mayor is going to pursue,” he said. Before he submitted quotes, Wogen said that he checked that the process was legal.

Biernacki said there may have been one other instance of an alderman performing city work since he began as city manager, but that he would need to research before giving a definitive answer. He did not know if an instance occurred under past managers, but said that the purchasing policy has been in place for “many, many years.”

The dollar thresholds – such as any expenditure exceeding $20,000 requires a formal bidding process and council approval – follow state statute, he said.

Purchases of $10,000 or less may be made without a bid process, and purchases between $10,001 and $19,999 require an informal bidding process, where two price quotes are solicited from at least two qualified vendors.

Also on the agenda:

The city council will consider completing downtown streetscape work in 2010 instead of in 2011. Work on Lincoln Highway was scheduled for 2010 and work on Locust Street for 2011, but low bids on construction projects and input from downtown merchants may have both projects done next year. The Lincoln Highway portion would be done first, with the Locust Street improvements to follow.

The Fiscal Year 2010 first quarter financial report and a DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport economic development impact study will be presented.

A resolution authorizing PSA Dewberry architectural firm to design renovations to the police station, particularly in the telecommunications center.

A resolution approving transportation improvement projects for the airport for 2010 and 2011.

If you go

What: DeKalb City Council meeting
When: 6 p.m. Monday
Where: DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. in DeKalb

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

Press Conference - Part 1

2009-10-22T21:49:00.002-05:00

Press Conference - Part 2

2009-10-22T21:46:00.002-05:00

*This video shot by DeKalb County Online.

"DeKalb City Council considers city contract policy"

2009-10-22T05:48:00.004-05:00

http://www.northernstar.info/article/8686/

Thursday, October 22, 2009

DeKalb City Council considers city contract policy
By AMANDA PODGORNY

The city of DeKalb announced Tuesday that it will consider making possible changes to its policies about aldermen working on city contracts.

This comes after DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen and City Manager Mark Biernacki have received several questions regarding Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen’s involvement in city contracts.

Wogen’s company, Masonry Works, LLC, held six contracts with the city during the summer of 2008 to do masonry work in the downtown area. Wogen’s company, which is not currently operating, was responsible for doing masonry wall repairs at 229 E. Lincoln Highway, 235 E. Lincoln Highway and 231 E. Lincoln Highway as well as repairing the wall facade at 345 E. Lincoln Highway and two other contracts.

“All these jobs we did, we were the lowest bidder on,” Wogen said.

Biernacki stated that the motivation for accepting Wogen’s bids was to accomplish things that needed to be done and be cost-effective while doing so.

“Our intentions were good in that we tried to have these projects done at the lowest cost to the taxpayer,” Biernacki said in a press release.

City Attorney Norma Guess said in a press release that aldermen can do business with the city “provided certain procedures and state statutory limitations are followed.”

“According to our city attorney, no laws have been broken,” Povlsen said. “We went out to get a quote and Victor came in with the lowest quote.”

Wogen also checked with Guess prior to putting in the bids.

“We checked with the city attorney to make sure there was no conflict of interest,” Wogen said.

Biernacki said that this issue of aldermen working on city contracts was on a list of various things that the council was to address as part of its longer term review and overhaul of financial policies.

Povlsen wanted to bring this issue before the council sooner.

“From my point of view, this is a lack of transparency,” Povlsen said. “We want to show that I am not a crook and that the city manager is not trying to do business out the back door.”

Fifth Ward Alderman Dave Baker does not feel that there is a need for a change in the municipal code.

“There are already state laws in place to have aldermen recluse themselves from votes if they have a personal gain from the vote,” Baker said. “I don’t really think the system needs to change.”

Wogen has no issue with this decision.

“If the community feels that aldermen shouldn’t be able to do [this], then I have no problem with that,” Wogen said.

Povlsen hopes that the council will do one of two things.

“I think there are plenty of business-people in the city that we can one, ban alderman from city business altogether or at the very least, have business with city council members brought to a public forum,” Povlsen said.

In Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code, titled “City Council,” “If a member has a direct financial interest, or is interested in a matter before the council, the member shall not speak or address the council or any other city body on that matter. He shall advise the council that he has a direct financial interest in the matter prior to any other council discussion or action on the matter.”

The state law also states that if the lowest quote happens to be from a city council member or the employer of a city council member, then that city council member must abstain from voting on the award if its approval requires city council action.

Currently, there is no ordinance directly prohibiting alderman from holding contracts with the city.

According to state and city law, projects less than $20,000 can be administratively approved by the city manager without council action.

None of Wogen’s projects were more than $20,000 and according to the press release, the total of the six separate projects was $52,880.

“We all had careers before we became alderman,” Wogen said. “But I don’t really have an issue with the city considering this.”

The city council will discuss this issue at the committee of the whole meeting on Monday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.

A press release from city hall...

2009-10-20T21:18:00.005-05:00

Genuine interest in policy change or just empty political spin? What are your thoughts?

City of DeKalb
200 South Fourth Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-748-2090
815-748-2091 (fax)
Press Release

DATE: October 20, 2009
FROM: Mark Biernacki, City Manager
PHONE: 815-748-2090

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of DeKalb to Consider Limiting Aldermen’s Ability to Work on City Projects

At its October 26, 2009 Committee of the Whole meeting, the City Council will discuss possible changes to its policies and procedures as they relate to Aldermen working on City projects. City Manager Mark Biernacki said the Council was scheduled to consider some rule changes at a later date as part of its longer term review and overhaul of its financial policies. However, DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen will be asking the City Council to give this topic more immediate attention. “We need to address this now in light of questions I have been receiving on the propriety of the City’s procedures when it authorized Alderman Victor Wogen to work on several downtown maintenance projects,” said Povlsen.

According to City Attorney Norma Guess, the City’s current rules do not preclude an Alderman from doing business with the City provided certain procedures and State statutory limitations are followed. The State Statutes and City’s rules require appropriate quotes, bids, and/or requests for proposals from qualified businesses or individuals. According to State law, if the low quote happens to be from a City Council member or the employer of a City Council member, then that City Council member must abstain from voting on the award if its approval requires City Council action. However, according to State and City law, projects with a price tag of less than $20,000 can be administratively approved by the City Manager without Council action.

Biernacki said Wogen submitted the lowest quotes on six out of eight separate maintenance jobs on various downtown properties in 2008. The two other maintenance projects were performed by other contractors. “All of the projects involved restoring and weather proofing brick and masonry building walls exposed to the elements as a result of the City’s acquisitions and demolition activities on adjacent properties,” he said. “Our intentions were good in that we tried to have these projects done at the lowest cost to the taxpayer. Since his quotes were the cheapest of those received and were less than $20,000, I authorized him to proceed with the work,” Biernacki said. The total cost of the six separate projects was $52,880.

“Since taking office, it has been my goal to make the City more transparent in all of its practices and procedures,” Povlsen said. “While our Legal Department has said no rules or laws have been broken, I am still not satisfied with the way our current regulations or past practices have allowed certain things to occur.” He said some of the options for the City Council to consider include an outright ban on Council members doing any business with the City or require there to be more controls, disclosures, and limitations in those instances where it may be allowed to continue. “For me, transparency is the key. Anything we can do to avoid the appearance of impropriety is good for the City and the DeKalb community.”

Wogen profits from his aldermanic seat

2009-10-19T17:35:00.014-05:00

You knew it would only be a matter of time before another scandal broke.

Now, it appears that Alderman Wogen made tens of thousands of dollars last year doing masonry work for the city, and interestingly, local officials paid him in increments that fell below the $20,000 threshold that requires council approval.

How much do you want to bet that City (Mis-)Manager Mark Biernacki is partly responsible for this?

So, why the hell would any local official want to do business with someone who is not only a political hack and known liar, but who also has been sued in the past for shady business dealings?

Could it be a lack of a moral compass? A dysfunctional longing to join Wogen in the nearest gutter?

Furthermore, if the alderman made so much money, then why hasn't he paid his bills?

Lastly, when is Elena Grimm, the city reporter over at the Daily Chronicle, going to start investigating these matters instead of making local bloggers bring them to light?

Please check out this great article: "Alderman ReNews DeKalb for TIF Money," over at City Barbs.

The list of accomplishments still hasn't arrived

2009-10-14T10:45:00.024-05:00

Back on September 26th, Wogen Watch issued a challenge to Alderman Wogen by asking him to email in a list of his accomplishments since he took office in May 2007. Not surprisingly, an email hasn't arrived in the two and a half weeks since that post.

Now, either the alderman has been totally absorbed by the problems that he has brought upon himself (e.g. work related and personal lawsuits over the years, his arrest for battery in August, and divorce from his estranged wife) or he knows that he doesn't have any accomplishments to share with people. All of this is totally unacceptable.

If you've ever attended a council meeting or watched one on television, then you know he doesn't offer much of anything either in policy discussions or the ward reports (unless he's making excuses for his living situation - to see the video, click here, and for an analysis, click here). Often he looks like a cross between a school kid who didn't finish his homework and someone who's totally lost on certain issues altogether.

It's nauseating to think there's still one and a half years left in his term because that means constituents won't receive the service they deserve while they wait for the next embarrassing scandal to break.

However, where Alderman Wogen fails miserably to take the initiative, it's encouraging to see that Alderman Gallagher has developed a website where constituents can follow his council activity (for the article in the Daily Chronicle, click here). If you will notice, the site includes not only a "Submit Your Ideas" option, but also an "accomplishments" section.

Remember Slick Vic's now defunct, 2007 campaign site with its empty slogans and gross misrepresentations, complete with preposterous quotes from people like Jill Draves? Speaking of Ms. Draves, does anyone know if she still feels the same way toward Wogen as she did back then?

The Wogen legal update

2009-10-11T13:43:00.011-05:00

Beyond the alderman's domestic battery (#2009CM001236) and his divorce (#2009D0002666) cases, he is being sued by U.S. Bank National Association (#2009CH000366) for not paying his bills (this is related to his mortgage foreclosure). In the last of these cases, not only are Slick Vic and his estranged wife Kathy defendants, but also CitiFinancial Services, Inc. and the Northern Illinois Gas Company.

You would think that when someone has major debts to pay over a period of years that he or she would make that a top priority, not running for alderman or playing on a softball team. Responsible people find additional work so as to not put their family members at risk of being homeless. Also, it's interesting that Slick Vic has only secured legal representation for his criminal case and not the other two.

*All of this information is available at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore, Illinois.

An analysis of Wogen's statement

2009-09-30T19:39:00.019-05:00

The following quotes have been taken directly from Alderman Wogen's statement before the City Council on Monday, September 28, 2009.

"I know that being in the public eye that everything is public, but it would be nice to have some privacy, to not get drug through the mud every time something happens to me. I don't expect sympathy from anybody, just a little bit of respect and privacy."

Yes, Alderman Wogen, you are a PUBLIC servant, and that means whatever you do will be held up to PUBLIC scrutiny. Also, it's very telling how everything that goes wrong "happens" to you, as if you don't have any control over your life. YOU lied about the mailer. YOU allegedly pushed your wife. YOU chose not to tell your constituents when YOU originally left the ward. What "happens" to YOU is YOUR fault. Respect?!?!? Where's your respect for Steve Kapitan and the council, your wife and family, your constituents and the city?

"I hate to be nailed down to a date, but I'm trying to get back into the ward as soon as I can. I'm doing my due diligence, trying to find a place that me and my children and my dog can live."

Of course you don't want to be specific about a date because then you'd be on record promising to resolve the matter by a specific deadline - a condition we all know that you wouldn't keep (just like you didn't follow the established conditions when you filed bankruptcy). Moreover, if you don't want people's sympathy and you do want some privacy, then why are you making reference to your children and dog?

"I did check with the City Attorney before I did this. I did check with the state statutes. As the blogs say and the websites say there's no law against - I'm doing nothing absolutely wrong."

When did you speak with the City Attorney and why didn't you come forward about your current address sooner? Furthermore, there is a difference between an act being illegal and it simply being wrong. While it's not illegal to leave the ward without telling your constituents, that doesn't make your course of action right. You had an obligation to tell people, especially since you knew it would take weeks to find a new place to live.

"An example I had is what happens if one of the alderman's houses burned down? What do you do then? It's going to take three to six months to rebuild a home."

Alderman Wogen, are you serious about this analogy? When someone loses his or her home to fire, it is usually unintentional and unexpected (unlike your irresponsible behavior). In addition, the people directly involved are 'victims' because they are displaced and have lost their personal belongings. For you to equate your situation with theirs is insulting.

"So, you know, I understand why people pick on me - I totally understand that, and respect that."

Unfortunately, no you don't, and that's part of the reason why you keep making poor choices that only cause you more public humiliation; assuming that you have a conscience and the capacity to feel embarrassed about what you've done. These words are a blatant attempt to evoke sympathy, to portray yourself as a victim, and communicate a false submission to moral authority. You're being totally disingenuous.

Wogen speaks at the council meeting. What is your reaction?

2009-09-29T19:35:00.002-05:00

A challenge for the alderman

2009-09-26T17:30:00.006-05:00

It's easy for a politician to claim that he or she cares about his or her constituents, but what really matters is how that individual goes about representing the people's interests and helping those in need. This is not a naive ideal, rather a guiding principle for anyone who truly cares about the state of our democracy. Alderman Wogen has held office since May of 2007, and it is unclear what his list of accomplishments are to this point - a list that citizens of the Third Ward are entitled to. Representing your constituents is central to serving on a council, but what's equally important is cultivating relationships through other activities such as volunteer work. If you were victorious in your bid for a local office, wouldn't you make it a priority to assist your neighbors on a regular basis? Wogen Watch challenges the alderman to email in a list of his accomplishments thus far so they can be posted here for the community to read.

The Daily Chronicle should change its name to the Contradictory Chronicle

2009-09-25T23:39:00.011-05:00

Something isn't right over at the Daily Chronicle. That doesn't come as a surprise to many people. After publishing two stories about Alderman Wogen - the first on his arrest (notice how the comments section is missing below the article) and the second on his current living situation (that has probably been going on longer than five weeks), they write and print an editorial that defends the hack. Can someone please explain how this makes sense? So, it's alright for them to use Wogen's problems to sell papers (yes, they used him as filler - crime and scandal are easy to report on), but it's wrong for anyone in the community-at-large to be concerned about his behavior?

"Our View: Fuss over alderman misplaced"

2009-09-25T10:15:00.003-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/09/24/99313092/index.xml

"Our View: Fuss over alderman misplaced"

DeKalb 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen says he has been living outside of his ward for five weeks.

Wogen is accused of shoving his wife and has been charged with domestic battery. The decision about that belongs in a courtroom.

But some people think it's unacceptable that Wogen has been living outside his ward. Not outside the city, not outside the state, but outside his ward.

We're not forming an opinion here on Wogen's effectiveness as an alderman. And we're not forming an opinion about his personal strife – a judge or jury will listen to the facts and reach a conclusion in that matter.

We are saying this residency drama is much ado about nothing. Maybe it's better said that it's much ado about displaced and misplaced opinions. You think Wogen isn't doing his job as an alderman? Let him know at the ballot box at the next opportunity.

The fact that Wogen is, he says, temporarily living outside his ward does not affect his ability to represent constituents one whit.

City code is silent on the question of residency requirements. That's right – city code doesn't even require the alderman to live in his ward. State law leaves decisions about how to handle these situations to city councils and mayors.

Mayor Kris Povlsen appears to be a voice of reason in this situation. He doesn't seem to think Wogen's residency will be a long-term problem and seems to take Wogen at his word that the alderman will move back into his ward.

“He is an individual that wants to represent his citizenry while he’s going through these difficult times,” Povlsen said.

For his part, Wogen says he's still available to constituents by phone. He said he hopes to secure a place to live – in his ward – within a couple of weeks.

It might be a novel idea, but we believe him.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

Five questions that need to be answered

2009-09-23T19:26:00.006-05:00

1. If Alderman Wogen cares so much about his constituents, why has it taken the newspaper publishing a story for this information to be made public?

2. Did the alderman move out of his house prior to, or as a result of, the August 16th incident with his wife?

3. What aldermanic responsibilities have been neglected amidst his divorce proceedings and absence from the ward?

4. Why does Mayor Povlsen find it necessary to speak on behalf of (and defend) the alderman, who has brought all of this upon himself?

5. When is the alderman going to start taking responsibility for his actions?

"Wogen living outside ward for five weeks"

2009-09-23T13:56:00.002-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/09/22/27972020/index.xml

Wogen living outside ward for five weeks

By ELENA GRIMM - egrimm@daily-chronicle.com

DeKALB – A city alderman says he is looking at apartments to rent after living outside of the district for five weeks.

Third Ward Alderman Victor Wogen said Tuesday that he has been living with his brother in the city’s second ward since being charged last month with domestic battery after police say he shoved his wife during an argument.

Wogen said he will be back in the ward within two weeks, though not back home.

“Within the next couple weeks I will be back in the ward and back to a somewhat normal life,” he said.

Wogen is still listed as living at 729 N. 11th St., according to City Clerk Steve Kapitan and the city’s Web site. But Kapitan said that Wogen “hasn’t indicated to us what his [current] address is.”

Because there aren’t residency requirements for aldermen spelled out in city ordinance – or what to do in circumstances like this – city officials looked to state law for guidance.

“My understanding of that is the city code is silent on that question,” Kapitan said.

According to state law, “corporate authorities” – the council and mayor – can decide when a sitting alderman’s seat becomes vacant due to his or her removal from the ward when the move is “more than temporary.”

Wogen said that he consulted with the city attorney on his living situation, who told him that living outside the ward for up to 60 days would be fine, but that 90 days “would be pushing it.”

The city council could address the third ward alderman’s seat by putting it on the agenda for a meeting, Kapitan said. Wogen would have to recuse himself from voting.

But Mayor Kris Povlsen doesn’t think it will get to that point.

“I don’t believe it will be an issue that we will have to deal with as a board unless this should drag out for a month,” he said.

Povlsen said he has spoken with Wogen about his living situation.

“He is an individual that wants to represent his citizenry while he’s going through these difficult times,” Povlsen said.

Wogen said he was “put in a tough spot and really had no options,” and that he’s still available to his constituents by phone.

The mayor also said that it goes beyond Wogen’s situation – and even beyond adding language to the city ordinance relating to aldermanic residency.

As the census approaches, Povlsen said the city will be looking into the council structure as a whole, possibly moving to an alderman-at-large approach rather than representation through geographic districts.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

The stakes are much higher this time around

2009-09-22T21:54:00.012-05:00

With an election on the line back in April of 2007, Victor Wogen blatantly lied about his knowledge of the smear mailer that circulated to residents of the Third Ward just before Election Day (he even lied right to people's faces when they questioned him). How did the truth get out? We had to rely on an employee at the Post Office and reporters at the Daily Chronicle to uncover what really happened. Now, it's not illegal to lie in a situation like that - despicable hacks with political ambition do it all of the time, however, it is totally unethical and makes people question your motivations and character.

Fast forward to August of 2009 and you'll find the alderman at the center of yet another controversy - this time accused of committing misdemeanor battery against his wife of all people. According to reports, Wogen claims that all he did is engage in a brief verbal dispute. His wife says otherwise. Just who are we to believe? If you're a reasonable person, then you'll let this case make its way through the judicial process and wait for the outcome. That said, he certainly has more to lose in this scandal, and therefore, a much greater incentive to lie when telling his account of the events that transpired. We all have our own flaws, but do you see a pattern developing here (think back to his other financial and legal problems)? And this is just what we know about...

Local citizen's correspondence with Mayor Povlsen RE: Alderman Wogen

2009-09-22T18:36:00.010-05:00

Note: John Duerk has chosen to share this correspondence exclusively here. As a friendly reminder, Wogen Watch encourages all local citizens to share their communication(s) with public officials on related matters, so the whole community can read the exchange. Please send your emails to: wogenwatch@yahoo.com

Original letter sent via email:

John A. Duerk
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
DeKalb , IL 60115

September 21, 2009

Mayor Kris Povlsen
City of DeKalb
200 South Fourth Street
Room 203
DeKalb , IL 60115

RE: Current Residence of Alderman Wogen

Dear Mayor Povlsen:

It has been brought to my attention that Alderman Wogen is not currently living in the Third Ward for his own personal reasons. Since the council is a representative body and each alderman is elected by only the citizens of their respective wards, it is imperative they maintain a residence within the boundaries that have been established. Not only does this guarantee constituent interests are best represented during the policymaking process, but it also helps foster social capital by strengthening bonds between public officials and our local citizens. As mayor, you have a responsibility to investigate this matter and see that it is resolved immediately.

I request that you respond to my concerns in writing. This is the professional approach that guarantees each of us knows exactly what the other person has said. Unlike a phone conversation, when you craft a formal letter you cannot be misunderstood if your points are clearly stated.

Sincerely,

John A. Duerk, Ph. D. Student

Cc: Alderman Simpson, First Ward
Alderman Teresinski, Second Ward
Alderman Wogen, Third Ward
Alderman Gallagher, Fourth Ward
Alderman Naylor, Fifth Ward
Alderman Baker, Sixth Ward
Alderman Keller, Seventh Ward

Email response from Mayor Povlsen:

I have talked to Alderman Wogen who will address this at the next CC Meeting.

Email rebuttal from John Duerk:

Mayor Povlsen,

Thank you for responding to my email.

I eagerly await to see how this matter is addressed by Alderman Wogen at the next council meeting on Monday, September 28th, and, more importantly, how it is finally corrected.

Sincerely,

John Duerk

A thought about the Daily Chronicle's coverage of Wogen's arrest last month

2009-09-21T20:19:00.009-05:00

"YOUR TOWNS. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEWSPAPER."

Really?

On Monday, August 17, 2009, the Daily Chronicle printed a story about Alderman Wogen's arrest for allegedly pushing his wife during an argument at their home. Interestingly, the paper did not include a comments section for the online version like it does many of the other stories that it publishes on a regular basis. While the editor gets to decide what will or will not appear in print or online, it's unsettling to think people were denied an immediate forum to discuss the incident (even if they found other places to do so). Wogen Watch feels that it's professionally inconsistent for someone to think a story merits coverage while at the same time denying people the space to respond - especially when the paper is supposed to be for us.

Anonymous tip on Wogen's current residence

2009-09-20T18:09:00.010-05:00

It has been reported that Slick 'I don't know where that smear mailer came from' (or is it 'I didn't push her'?) Vic is living on Laurel Lane, which is in the Second Ward (just click the links to check the maps for yourself).

If you have a problem with an alderman living outside the ward he is supposed to represent, then please contact the mayor to express your concern:

Mayor Kris Povlsen

City of DeKalb
200 South Fourth Street
Room 203
DeKalb, IL 60115

Email: kris.povlsen@cityofdekalb.com
Phone: 815-748-2099

Note: Wogen Watch encourages you to send an email to the Mayor and request that he respond in writing so he can't feed you misinformation over the phone that can later be denied.

Does anyone know where Alderman Wogen is living these days?

2009-09-19T12:59:00.005-05:00

How can someone represent his or her constituent's interests if he or she is no longer living in the ward? He or she can't.

So, where in the city is Alderman Wogen? Please read "Where's Wogen?" over on City Barbs.

"DeKalb alderman arrested for alleged domestic battery"

2009-09-18T00:08:00.002-05:00

http://www.northernstar.info/article/7652/

DeKalb alderman arrested for alleged domestic battery

By SHAUN ZINCK

Last updated on 08/23/2009 at 7:57 p.m.

A DeKalb alderman was arrested and charged with domestic battery on Sunday, Aug. 16, according to court documents. Victor Wogen, 3rd Ward alderman, said his wife called the police after an argument and claimed he pushed her, causing her to fall onto a couch.

Wogen denies the allegations.

“We had a 30-second argument at most,” he said in a phone interview. “We exchanged words and I walked out.”

Wogen said he was on his way to play softball in Rollo when the argument happened. He said the argument took place at 11:30 a.m. He left the house at 11:33 a.m. for his game starting at 12:30 p.m.

DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said the decision to hand the investigation over to DeKalb County was his own.

“We could have handled the investigation,” Feithen said, “but because he is a city alderman we didn’t want to leave any doubt in the citizen’s mind that he got special treatment.”

Feithen said in cases of domestic battery the accused person must spend the night in jail.

Wogen said he was frustrated that he had to spend the night in jail, but understood why it was in place.

Wogen said he is currently going through a divorce, and believes the accusation is “a tactic to make [him] look bad.”

"DeKalb alderman charged with domestic battery"

2009-08-18T17:49:00.002-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2009/08/17/95530660/index.xml

By KATE SCHOTT kschott@daily-chronicle.com

DeKalb alderman charged with domestic battery

DeKALB – DeKalb City Council Alderman Victor Wogen was charged Sunday with two counts of misdemeanor domestic battery after police say he shoved his wife during an argument.

Wogen, 39, was arrested Sunday by the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. He was elected in April 2007 as the Third Ward representative to the DeKalb City Council.

Police were called early Sunday afternoon to Wogen's home, where 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. The Daily Chronicle does not print the names of domestic violence victims.

"Beyond that, all I can tell you is that the victim did not require medical attention," DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Kevin Hickey said. "There was no serious injury whatsoever. Our detectives found probable cause at the end of their investigation to warrant charges."

Wogen's wife told police that this was not the first time a physical altercation had happened between her and her husband but said it is the first time she has called police, according to court documents.

Victor Wogen said he has "never, ever done this before" and denied pushing his wife on Sunday. He said he is in the process of a divorce and "it's getting pretty ugly." Victor Wogen said he was preparing to go to a softball game, like he does every Sunday, when he and his wife had a 30-second verbal argument. No children were present, he said.

"I was nowhere near her. The closest I was [to her] was 6 or 8 feet. We were in separate rooms. I don't know where this is coming from," Wogen said.

Wogen said he was halfway to his game when he got a call from DeKalb Police and was asked to go to the department. When he arrived, Wogen said, he was told that his wife was accusing him of pushing her.

Although the case happened within the jurisdiction of DeKalb Police, DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen said he requested the sheriff's department handle the investigation.

"This is kind of a standard practice when we might have a conflict," Feithen said. "Since he is a sitting aldermen, it made sense to us to ask the sheriff's department to handle the investigation. We just don't want to be in a position where somebody is questioning whether we made the right call because it was an alderman."

Circuit Court Judge Robbin Stuckert approved an emergency order of protection Monday afternoon against Victor Wogen, covering Wogen's wife and the couple's two daughters. Wogen was ordered to stay away from his wife's workplace and not to discuss the criminal charges or order of protection with his children.

Wogen was free on $1,000 bail Monday, according to jail and court records.

Wogen said he was frustrated with the legal system, saying he had never been charged with domestic violence before.

"I don't understand how someone can make an accusation with no proof and someone else can be thrown into jail," he said. "I spent the night in jail for doing nothing."

Both domestic battery charges are Class A misdemeanors, which are each punishable by less than one year in jail. Wogen is next scheduled to be in court at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 11.

Copyright © 2009 Daily Chronicle. All rights reserved.

"Alderman Wogen seeks to set the record straight"

2007-10-04T07:38:00.002-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/10/03/opinions/letters/letters01.txt

Editor:

To the residents of the 3rd Ward and DeKalb:

I would like to clear up some of the misperceptions that people have of me.

First and foremost, I am not anti-gay. I believe that people have the right to live their lives and not be discriminated against, no matter what sex, race or religion they are. I know that the infamous campaign flier that was sent in April implied just the opposite. The flier was not an accurate account of who I am. The people who created the flier obviously believed they were supporting me. I would argue that's not so. I believe they didn't care who won as long as it wasn't my predecessor.

Secondly, I am getting some negative feedback for voting to spend dollars downtown. I believe that the downtown is important for the community. We all need a place where we can go to shop and eat with our neighbors. I doubt that people feel that way when they shop at the big box stores on Sycamore Road. This ball was rolling long before the other new aldermen and I took office. We are trying to keep the positive momentum going. I'm not saying that DeKalb will be the next Naperville, but I believe that most of the people in this community would like to have something similar.

Next, there's a perception that I have been bought and paid for by builders and developers. This is far from the truth. The majority of my supporters don't have anything to do with construction. Yes, I do sell architectural precast. But I don't have any customers within miles of here. I believe that development, whether commercial or residential, is vital to the success of our community. I also believe that overdevelopment can be just as harmful.

Lastly, I would just like to say that I'm trying to do the best I can for every resident of this community. I don't have all of the answers, and not everyone is going to agree with or like me. I've learned to accept these facts, as hard as it may be. I don't think any person walks around wanting people to not like them. That's not human nature. It is, however, a truth in politics.

I believe that DeKalb is moving in the right direction and together we can keep making it a great place to raise families.

VICTOR WOGEN
3rd Ward alderman
DeKalb

Third Ward resident meets with Alderman Wogen

2007-09-21T18:03:00.004-05:00

Met with Victor this afternoon, and we went over a number of issues, mostly about perception, and how his initial lie has snow-balled with other things to create what I kept calling the "layer cake" that he's facing at present.

We started by having him explain to me what he hoped to achieve with our meeting. Always helps if you know what the other guy is hoping will happen.

He said he simply wanted to explain why he ran for alderman, and wanted to understand my issues with him. The entire conversation was as cordial and pleasant as any I have had with anyone. No heated words were exchanged, nor did tempers flare. It was just like talking with a neighbor or a co-worker.

I started by mentioning the flier issue, but quickly moved on, agreeing that I needed to say it as the basis for the remainder of the conversation. I then mentioned the promised editorial, and the lack thereof to-date. Noted that this makes it appear that the editorial promise is another lie, even if he hasn't meant it to be.

I mentioned his campaign promises to be a watchdog for the taxpayers, and his voting record on spending thus far.He explained the issue with the consultant, and after hearing his response, reminded him that he should have asked a few questions of city staff before voting as he did. Told him he needed to make sure he asks all the right questions.

Explained that, because of the bankruptcy stuff posted here, as well as his current position as alderman, that folks perceive that he's "bought and paid for". He acknowledged, throughout the discussion, that he understands that perception is important, and that he needs to work very hard to change that perception.

Told him that he should use the website more. He indicated that no other alderman has a website ... I challenged him to be the first, and lead the way for the others to follow. He is taking that under advisement.

Gave him my take on the smoking ban vote, and told him that he needs to pick and choose "which hill he wants to die on" ... in other words ... does he want to risk his reputation and relationships with the mayor and the council over issues that are dead-and-buried.

Reminded him that while he certainly needs to get opinions, he needs to make sure that the people offering those opinions are folks who live and work here. Have a core group you trust, but be sure and try to get a sense from the ward about what they think.

Kept pressing home the point that he has a perception out there that he's not everything he says he is, and only he can change that by taking a hit and letting people know his stance on key issues, even if it means eating some crow in the process.

He did promise that, in the next two weeks, he will be appearing on WLBK, and will be writing at least a letter to the editor (he admitted that his relationship with the Chronicle was, well, strained), explaining his stance on some issues that have been raised here.

He wants to start ward meetings to keep people informed and involved in ward issues. He indicated that he would use his website more as an informational and announcement site, so that everyone can access the information without having to call him.

He appreciated the fact that I have posted here under my own name, and did offer up an apology if anyone in his support circle has been offensive or rude.

He has indicated that he will be e-mailing the owners of this blog to request an opportunity to post a message of his own to all of us, and I indicated that I thought that might not be a bad idea ... as long as he is willing to accept the fact that he might get shredded in the comments section.

For my part, I have promised that my posts will, from now on, focus on his voting record, and holding him accountable for his actions from today forward. Whatever happened in the past is in the past, but that past is always going to be there in formulating my opinion on whether he is being honest with us on future issues.

I did get the sense that he hadn't realized how badly our perception of him has been skewed by all of the "layer cake" issues that he's handled, and that he now realizes that he must outline, for us, what he really stands for, in order for him to try and break that perception and get down to business.

As a side note, I did bring up the yard sign "issue" ... he told me that they got the signs in Elgin, and that he would be happy to get me the records to prove costs.

As I was not meeting with him to get that type of information, I did not press him to provide it. I reserve the right to ask for it later, but wanted to stay focused on the conversation at hand.

All in all, I really think he didn't realize just how angry people are, and just how badly the perception of who he is, and what he stands for, were blown up as a result of the whole flier issue and its aftermath.

I think he has a game plan in mind to try and right the ship. And although I gave him what I thought was sound advice on how to rectify the situation, and how to attack his job as alderman, I made it clear that my ideas were his to do with as he wished, and that it was not my intention to be, or become, his adviser or political adviser.

Just passing along some thoughts and ideas for him to think about.

Let's hope that he will indeed do that, and solicit the input from everyone in the ward ... supporters, non-supporters, and those on the fence alike.

Brien

Yet another question for Alderman Wogen

2007-09-02T23:49:00.002-05:00

If you can't pay your mortgage, then how did you pay your property tax bill?

-First installment paid on 5/31/2007 in the amount of $1,161.95
-Second installment paid on 8/16/2007 in the amount of $1,161.95

This doesn't make any sense.

Become your own Wogen Watcher!

2007-08-23T17:54:00.003-05:00

Many local citizens have expressed their disgust with Alderman Wogen's lying and some have even raised more questions about possible corruption at City Hall. You can empower yourself to help ensure that we don't encounter this kind of sleazy behavior in the future by:

- Attending council meetings at city hall on alternating Monday evenings at 7pm to hear what Alderman Wogen says first-hand and how he votes on local issues. Also check the previous meeting minutes to see how information is (or isn't) recorded.

- Calling the alderman at home (815-517-0384) and telling him that he owes the community answers to the many questions that local citizens have raised.

- Typing "Victor Wogen" and "Alderman Wogen" into Google Alerts so you can receive email updates every time his name makes the local paper.

- Writing letters to the editor of the local papers, including the Daily Chronicle, MidWeek, Northern Star, and DeKalb County Online when he casts a(nother) misguided vote. Also send a copy to Wogen Watch at wogenwatch@yahoo.com.

- Joining the discussion here at Wogen Watch by posting comments (or questions) on any of the blog posts you find interesting. Feel free to remain anonymous.

If we want greater accountability in local government, then our public officials must know that they cannot act with impunity. After all, the fate of our community is at stake.

Wogen's supporters are sadly, but not surprisingly, in denial

2007-08-22T16:03:00.002-05:00

Yes, denial runs awfully deep my friends. Over the past couple of months, the author(s) of Wogen Watch has (have) read every comment that readers have left. In some cases, I (we) have responded with my (our) own comments that are always signed "-Wogen Watch". If you notice, neither the alderman's supporters or the alderman himself have answered any of the questions presented here or provided any real evidence to refute our claims. What do they offer the Third Ward and City of DeKalb? Nothing more than empty conjecture in the form of excuses and political spin, which is quite common when you're dealing with people who know nothing about serving the public with integrity. Hell, they probably don't know what the word "integrity" means.

While some complain that Wogen Watch operates with anonymity, the main reason is that this site is merely a clearinghouse of information and a forum to promote discussion about Alderman Wogen (and anyone he's connected to politically). I'm (we're) not running for office myself (ourselves), rather keeping an eye on the elected officials who claim to represent our best interests. Does that make this blog as bad as Citizens for a Better Third Ward? No. Wogen Watch is just trying to educate the public and allow people to communicate their views (none of which have been censored thus far). On the other hand, the citizen's group supported the campaign of a lying political hack and may have connections inside city hall thereby creating a real conflict of interest for our local government. By the way, has the alderman come clean about this matter? No, he hasn't, and this isn't surprising given what we know about his character.

People have also expressed concern over my (our) decision to post information about Alderman Wogen's legal and financial business as well as questioning the legitimacy of the letter to the editor his daughter wrote in his defense last spring. First, as citizens of this community, we have a right to know if a candidate (or official) owed the city money, is being sued (by 1. Nicor Gas; 2. H & R Accounts; 3. Lask Roofing & Siding), is on the verge of losing his or her home, has filed for bankruptcy, and gets fired from his or her job - especially when 1) that individual attacked the incumbent over code violations on the incumbent's home...and 2) now will make decisions involving public funds. Secondly, his daughter did send a letter to the local newspaper (with help?) for the entire community to read. Are we supposed to take it seriously? No. Actually, I (we) feel sorry for her because her father created this mess and other family members didn't have the sense to keep her out of it.

So, where does this leave Alderman Wogen? Some local citizens have said that they don't want anything to do with him. The author(s) of this blog agree with that position. I'm (we're) not going to give him the opportunity to feed me (us) another line - another worthless, disingenuous sales pitch coated in sleaze. In many ways, the next three and a half years will be awfully lonely for the guy. After all, how would you feel if everywhere you went in town, people either thought you were a pathetic liar or they associated you with a scandal that many won't soon forget? Wow, that reminds me (us), Corn Fest will be pretty awkward for him this weekend. How much do you want to bet that City Clerk Donna Johnson will be there to give him a big hug in public? Too bad that won't make any of this go away.

Exploring the city clerk's involvement in Wogen-gate

2007-08-15T19:45:00.002-05:00

"Jon Zahm, a former candidate for Maple Park village president who runs a political consulting group...declined to say who asked him to write the freedom-of-information request that turned up the information. Zahm's wife, Jennifer Hansen, dropped the request off at the DeKalb City Clerk's Office on April 3...Zahm said he would not name the people affiliated with the group because they felt privacy was necessary and feared possible repercussions if Kapitan was re-elected...According to Zahm, a few people from the group approached him about getting the code violation information. He said some of the members are residents of the 3rd Ward, and others have an interest in the area."

Source: "Political consultant got information for Wogen mailing"

The above quote is very telling indeed. Who would Steve Kapitan of retaliated against had he won the election (and with knowledge of the mailer's origin)? Do you get the feeling that someone at city hall was (more) involved, and that Zahm knows how local citizens would react if they discovered an elected official used his or her office to orchestrate this political attack? Hmmm. Since City Clerk Donna Johnson processed the FOIA request (concerning the code violations on Kapitan's house), one has to wonder if she played a greater role in this whole debacle given her relationship with Alderman Wogen. The more I/we think about the matter, the more disturbing it becomes. After all, Wogen didn't have any political experience. Moreover, he had very little political ambition until this opportunity came along. Someone here in town had to coach the guy into running for office - someone with contempt for Steve Kapitan, knowledge of our local government, and connections to campaign contributions.

Alderman Wogen's pending foreclosure in a broader context

2007-08-15T18:58:00.002-05:00

When banks lend money to people with sketchy credit histories - people who can't manage their finances responsibly, the effects can be felt in other parts of the economy. Alderman Wogen isn't just on the verge of putting his own family on the street, he's contributing to a larger national problem with far-reaching implications: market instability. This is yet another reason why "Slick Vic" is nothing more than a sorry hack who's bankrupt on multiple levels - from the personal to the political and everything else in between.

http://www.business-standard.com/smartinvestor/storypage.php?leftnm=0&subLeft=2&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;chklogin=N&autono=294677&tab=r

Trouble in the mortgage market
SUBPRIME MARKET CRISIS IMPACT: FAQ
Bloomberg Mumbai August 16, 2007

What is happening in the mortgage market?

The riskiest segment of the US mortgage market, which serves borrowers with poor credit histories at high interest rates, has seen rising default rates in recent months.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said lenders began foreclosure against more than one of every 200 US mortgage borrowers in the fourth quarter, a record.

What types of loans are considered 'subprime'?

There are "no doc" loans. That's when you get a loan without giving the lender any documentation about your income. There are also "low doc" loans, or when you get a loan with just a little paperwork about your employment and income.

The number of non-traditional loans extended with low or no documentation jumped from 53.9 percent in 2003 to 65.7 percent in 2005, according to First American Loan Performance, which tallies home mortgage data.

How did this crisis come about?

While subprime mortgages have spread credit more widely and helped more people buy their own homes, critics contend a hot real estate market encouraged lenders to get more aggressive and offer increasingly complicated terms that borrowers did not always fully understand. These risks are being exposed as the housing market cools.

What's happening to the lenders?

Waning demand from investors for home loans has toppled more than 70 mortgage companies and half a dozen hedge funds in the US since the start of last year. Concern over rising defaults has prompted bankers to reduce credit lines for home lenders.

Why is the meltdown among subprime lenders having an impact on the whole US stock market?

There is concern that the crisis could spread to more mainstream lenders and worsen the US housing slowdown. Delinquencies often foreshadow future loan failures and those bad credits could damage other mortgage-backed investments held by a wide range of investors.

Some economists worry that as house prices fall and lenders tighten credit terms, consumers will curb spending and drag down the US economy.

What would be the damages?

The US subprime mortgage crisis will cost credit investors about $150 billion in losses worldwide, according to Calyon, the investment banking unit of Credit Agricole SA, France's third-largest bank by market value.

Foreclosures may reach 20 percent of the $1.3 trillion of subprime mortgages outstanding, according to a research note. Assuming investors can recoup half their investments, losses would be $130 billion, it said.

A further $20 billion could also be lost from the $1 trillion of outstanding Alt-A mortgages offered to borrowers with better credit who fell just short of typical standards. Various other estimates for total subprime losses range from $50 billion to $200 billion, according to the report. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke last month cited potential estimated losses of between $50 billion and $100 billion.

What's the outlook?

Some analysts believe the crisis in the subprime mortgage market could boost the chances of the Federal Reserve cutting its target for benchmark interest rates.

One of the factors driving the poor performance of subprime mortgages has been a series of interest rate increases by the Fed. From 2004 to last summer, benchmark rates rose 4.25 percentage points to 5.25 percent. That has led to a steep rise in payments on adjustable rate mortgages.

"The Fed is aware of the situation, and how raising rates might worsen the situation. " said John Kriz, managing director of real estate finance at Moody's Investors Service, a leading credit ratings agency. "Our view is that it is less likely that rates will rise and more likely they will fall."

The Fed may have done enough after adding $62 billion to the banking system on August 9 and 10 and pledging further funds as necessary, says Dominic Konstam, head of interest-rate strategy at Credit Suisse in New York. Stocks rallied worldwide on Wednesday, while the ECB said today it's optimistic that "market conditions are normalising.''

Additional articles:

- "Many homes lost to foreclosures"
- "Foreclosures Up 55% In First Half Of 2007"
- "Climbing out of foreclosure"

Why did "Slick Vic" owe the City of DeKalb hundreds of dollars?

2007-08-14T19:32:00.002-05:00

According to the file from Alderman Wogen's 2003-2004 failed bankruptcy attempt, he owed the City of DeKalb $527.36 and we would like to know what for. Could this be unpaid water or garbage bills, parking tickets, code violations on his home (wouldn't that be ironic), or a combination of the aforementioned? Moreover, since he's been in a financial tailspin for years, who paid it off and when?

Three strikes for City Clerk Donna Johnson

2007-08-14T17:33:00.001-05:00

"...Johnson stated that she would not oppose efforts to make publically available DVDs of meetings..." Source: "Shut Up" on City Barbs, July 29, 2007.

First, City Clerk Donna Johnson processed the FOIA request on Steve Kapitan's home to help make the "smear mailer" that Alderman Wogen distributed to the community before the April 17th election. Then, she sanitized the public comments of concerned citizens who objected to Victor Wogen's campaign tactics when they spoke at council meetings. Now, she's either unaware of, or withholding details about, city policy.

At the Committee of the Whole meeting last night, the city manager's office claimed that making records more available to the public is a strategic goal. This statement follows a letter sent to Lynn Fazekas last week where City Manager Mark Biernacki writes: "Currently, DVDs of any City Council meeting are available for purchase at City Hall for $5.00. This price helps defray the cost of the materials to produce the disk." As far as we know, this policy didn't just take effect.

So, why didn't the city clerk tell Lynn Fazekas when they met in mid/late July? You would think that if city hall is attempting to provide greater access, then all officials would be informed about the changes that have already been made. Is this an oversight, or did she (Donna Johnson) purposely withhold the information so the city could later publicly promote itself in response to the concerns and suggestions of local citizens?

Note: Please read "Council Pre-Watch: Public Access" on City Barbs because it inspired this post.

"Public access to DeKalb records must be improved" by Lynn Fazekas

2007-08-14T08:54:00.001-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/08/13/opinions/opinions01.txt

Public access to DeKalb records must be improved

Editor:

Last month in a letter to the editor I criticized the DeKalb city clerk's performance in regard to city council meeting minutes (July 14, “Clerk's summaries are biased, incomplete”). My gripe at that time focused mostly on content, but the other side of that coin is public access to records of city business.

It is easy to find people who are frustrated in trying to inform themselves using meeting minutes, mostly because they can't be accessed with technology that is widely available elsewhere. For example, not all of the minutes are online, and the online minutes can't be searched via keyword. A group of the frustrated recently requested a look at this lag in the city's online presence, and I am delighted to note that it has become an item on the agenda for the DeKalb City Council's Committee of the Whole meeting at 6 p.m. Aug. 13 in council chambers.

As it happens, the city has been working on low-cost and no-cost projects related to issues brought up by the group. Therefore, a portion of Monday's meeting will be devoted to staff's updating of the city council on the latest developments and receiving further direction from the council. If you have opinions about these matters, now is a good time to phone your alderman and make them known.

LYNN A. FAZEKAS
DeKalb

The night is a draw for Alderman Wogen

2007-08-13T21:39:00.001-05:00

Why? During the "REPORTS-COMMUNICATIONS" portion of the regular council meeting he finally made a follow-up statement about the ongoing (?) community projects in the Third Ward. The alderman did encourage people to help out with painting and light carpentry on several homes. However, during the earlier Committee of the Whole Meeting, he voted "yes" to delay the September 1st effective date of the smoking ban out of fear that it would hurt business in local bars and taverns. This is putting economics before public health. Moreover, it flies in the face of the research that has already been done. As Mayor Van Buer pointed out, DeKalb has/had the opportunity to be a leader on this issue, and yet Alderman Wogen chooses money over people's ability to breathe clean air.

For more information on the smoking ban (and the possible creation of a new Class A liquor license): "DeKalb smoking ban still begins Sept. 1"

Almost 90 days of little or nothing

2007-08-03T16:37:00.001-05:00

Many credible politicians make it a point to accomplish a list of goals during their first 90 (to 100) days in office. Well, it looks like Alderman Wogen is inept at something else folks: first managing his finances and staying employed, then telling the truth, and now leading the community. Should we be surprised? Not really. If you read the "Reports - Communications" section of the council minutes for May, June, and July, then you will see that Wogen has said very little about the Third Ward (with the exception being the meeting on inauguration night, May 14). Where is the much-needed action he claimed would distinguish him from Steve Kapitan? One would think that if you were taking the initiative and working on projects (like his supporters claim), then you would share this at each meeting - especially since the council convenes every two weeks (which is more than enough time to finish a project or two).

The following quote from his website is rather ironic: "...many 3rd Ward citizens have shared concerns about a twelve year city council incumbent who fails to care for the ward...fails to follow through..."

What does it mean when people file Chapter 13?

2007-07-31T11:07:00.002-05:00

The following information has been taken directly from the United States Bankruptcy Court's website. We encourage you to read it for legal background on Wogen's failed attempts to file Chapter 13 in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004. Remember, in both instances the trustee asked that the case be dismissed and the court agreed because the debtors (the Wogens) did not abide by the terms of the plan.

"Under this chapter, debtors propose a repayment plan to make installments to creditors over three to five years...."

".....By filing under this chapter, individuals can stop foreclosure proceedings and may cure delinquent mortgage payments over time. Nevertheless, they must still make all mortgage payments that come due during the chapter 13 plan on time....."

".....In order to complete the Official Bankruptcy Forms that make up the petition, statement of financial affairs, and schedules, the debtor must compile the following information:

1. A list of all creditors and the amounts and nature of their claims;

2. The source, amount, and frequency of the debtor's income;

3. A list of all of the debtor's property; and

4. A detailed list of the debtor's monthly living expenses, i.e., food, clothing, shelter, utilities, taxes, transportation, medicine, etc....."

".....When an individual files a chapter 13 petition, an impartial trustee is appointed to administer the case. 11 U.S.C. § 1302. In some districts, the U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator (2) appoints a standing trustee to serve in all chapter 13 cases. 28 U.S.C. § 586(b). The chapter 13 trustee both evaluates the case and serves as a disbursing agent, collecting payments from the debtor and making distributions to creditors. 11 U.S.C. § 1302(b)....."

"....Filing the petition under chapter 13 'automatically stays' (stops) most collection actions against the debtor or the debtor's property. 11 U.S.C. § 362. Filing the petition does not, however, stay certain types of actions listed under 11 U.S.C. § 362(b), and the stay may be effective only for a short time in some situations....."

".....Within 30 days after filing the bankruptcy case, even if the plan has not yet been approved by the court, the debtor must start making plan payments to the trustee. 11 U.S.C. § 1326(a)(1)....."

".....The provisions of a confirmed plan bind the debtor and each creditor. 11 U.S.C. § 1327. Once the court confirms the plan, the debtor must make the plan succeed. The debtor must make regular payments to the trustee either directly or through payroll deduction, which will require adjustment to living on a fixed budget for a prolonged period. Furthermore, while confirmation of the plan entitles the debtor to retain property as long as payments are made, the debtor may not incur new debt without consulting the trustee, because additional debt may compromise the debtor's ability to complete the plan. 11 U.S.C. §§ 1305(c), 1322(a)(1), 1327....."

".....In any event, if the debtor fails to make the payments due under the confirmed plan, the court may dismiss the case or convert it to a liquidation case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. 11 U.S.C. § 1307(c)....."

Source: Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Basics

City Clerk Donna Johnson hears from the Illinois Attorney General's Office

2007-07-27T00:21:00.002-05:00

Note: Mr. John A. Duerk received a cc: of the letter sent to the city clerk in response to his complaint about her failure to post the June 11th minutes online until mid July. Here is an excerpt:

Dear Clerk Johnson:

"I am writing regarding a complaint that our office received related to the City of DeKalb and its application of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, 5 ILCS 120. Mr. John A. Duerk filed a complaint with our office specifically alleging that the City of DeKalb did not post its June 11th meeting minutes on its website.

Please be advised.....a public body that has a website that a full-time staff of the public body maintains must post the minutes of a regular meeting of its governing body.....on the public body's website within seven days of the approval of the minutes....."

Terry Mutchler
Public Access Counselor
Assistant Attorney General

When a picture is worth a thousand...questions?

2007-07-26T10:53:00.001-05:00

According to Dictionary.com, the word "oath" is defined as "the form of words in which such a statement or promise is made." Promise? To whom and for what? Since Alderman Wogen could not have paid for his campaign himself (see the posts below), are the residents of the Third Ward really his first priority? The adjoining picture is truly ironic.

Source: "Taking Oath: Wogen sworn in without much controversy"

Wogen's attempt to file for bankruptcy

2007-07-25T23:16:00.002-05:00

Note: The following excerpts are from the 2003-04 Chapter 13 plan that the Wogens did not abide by the terms of. Hence, the judge dismissed their case. There is also a 2002-2003 case file that ended with the same result.

Given all that we know at this point, how could he afford to run for alderman without some financial backers...and what do they expect in return? I mean, printing 1,800 glossy "smear mailers" alone is a major expense. Ah, the truth will eventually come out.

United States Bankruptcy Court
Northern District of Illinois

IN RE:
Victor L. Wogen
Kathy J. Wogen
Debtors

Chapter 13
Case No. 03-76502

December 17, 2003

Original Chapter 13 Plan

"The debtor will make current monthly payments, as listed in the debtor's schedule J-increased or decreased as necessary to reflect changes in variable interest rates, escrow requirements, collection costs, or similar matters - directly to the following creditors holding claims secured by a mortgage on the debtor's real property:

Creditor: Washington Mutual, monthly payment, $765.00
Creditor: Citifinancial, monthly payment, $232.00"

March 12, 2004

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE'S MOTION FOR DISMISSAL COMBINED WITH TRUSTEE'S OBJECTION TO CONFIRMATION OF CHAPTER 13 PLAN FILED 3/01/2004

"Lydia S. Meyer, the standing Chapter 13 trustee for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division, by and through her attorney, Kathleen A. McCallister, has filed papers with the court requesting that confirmation of your Chapter 13 Plan be denied and your case be dismissed."

April 15, 2004

MOTION TO MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC STAY; OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE TO DISMISS THE CHAPTER 13 CASE

"5. That by failing to make current mortgage payments, the Debtors has failed to provide WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK with adequate protection for it security, contrary to the requirements of the Bankruptcy Code."

June 2, 2004

TRUSTEE'S RESPONSE TO DEBTOR(S)' MOTION TO SUSPEND OR ABATE PAYMENTS

"1. Relevant case information:
A. Date case filed...December 19, 2003
B. Total needed to complete plan...$44,640.00
C. Total paid in...$3,245.00
D. Balance due...$41,395.00
E. Payments monthly/directly...$1,240.00
F. Plan percentage (approximately)...58%
G. Months left to complete...31

2. Objection - The trustee objects to the debtor(s)' Motion to Suspend or Abate Payments for the following reasons:

- The Chapter 13 plan is significantly in default, and the trustee will pursue dismissal of the case.

- Debtors plan payments are $1,240.00/month and debtors are behind $2,955.00. The last payment was received on 3/24/04. Debtors have failed to provide proof that they paid repairs in excess of $2,480.00 also motion fails to state which months should be suspended."

August 27, 2004

ORDER OF DISMISSAL

"THIS MATTER coming before the Court on the Motion to Dismiss filed herein by Lydia S. Meyer, the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division and the Court being fully advised in the premises; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this case be and the same is hereby dismissed."

November 3, 2004

Trustee's Final Report

The most interesting items on the long list of Claimants the Wogens owe(d) money are the following:

"007 Internal Revenue Service...$507.00
004 City of DeKalb...$527.36"

How unlucky: THIRTEEN questions for Alderman Wogen

2007-07-20T17:30:00.001-05:00

1. What is your political connection to Donna Johnson and how did that connection help you in the April 17th election?

2. Why would you knowingly distribute a “smear mailer” that refers to former Alderman Steve Kapitan as ‘extremely pro-gay’ if you don't have a problem with homosexuality?

3. Under what circumstances did you lose your job at Custom Stone Works, Inc.?

4. Why is the city clerk, Donna Johnson, sanitizing the statements of local residents who criticize you for lying? (Please don't reference Robert's Rules of Order because we've already heard that nonsense from your ally.)

5. Could you please list five aldermanic activities that you have either organized or participated in (excluding meetings - either at city hall or KJ's) to help the Third Ward?

6. Why did you miss the July 16th council meeting?

7. What is your relationship with local contractors and developers?

8. Are you a fan of Joseph McCarthy, the former Wisconsin senator who accused numerous people of being communists in the 1950s? After all, your mailer inferred that Steve Kapitan is a socialist.

9. Why do you refer to Jill Draves as an “NIU faculty member” on your website when she’s a staff member?

10. Since you have been sued a few times for not paying debts, you attempted to file bankruptcy, and your home might be foreclosed on, which members of the local “power elite” paid your campaign expenses and how much did they spend?

11. Who coached your daughter to write that letter to the editor in your defense?

12. What really goes on at KJ’s Tap & Grill with regards to local politics?

13. When are you going to tell the whole community the truth about the “smear mailer” that you put stamps on and sent out?

Is Donna Johnson getting the point? Maybe...maybe not.

2007-07-19T11:41:00.002-05:00

Please read the "Citizen Comments" for both the June 11th and June 25th meetings which are now available online. If you notice, the city clerk did a much better job summarizing Ms. Kay Shelton's statement on June 25th than on May 29th. Of course, Shelton spoke about Corn Fest (June 25th) and not Alderman Wogen's campaign (May 29th), so that might explain the difference.

At this point, we still have concerns about Johnson's selective application of Robert's Rules of Order (which is only a guide). It appears that if you make a relatively benign statement, then her summary will be fair. However, if you criticize a family friend and political ally, then you can expect her to break out the bleach so no one (in the future) really understands why you spoke in the first place.

For evidence, please read Mr. John Duerk's official statement before the council and Johnson's summary for the May 29th meeting (found under "Citizen Comments"). You should also read Lynn Fazekas' letter to the Daily Chronicle. We encourage all concerned residents to contact the city clerk about any inadequacy or inconsistency found in the minutes:

Ms. Donna Johnson, City Clerk
City of DeKalb
200 South Fourth Street
Room 213
DeKalb, IL 60115

Ph: 815-748-2095
Email: djohnson@cityofdekalb.com

By the way, we are happy to see that the June 11th minutes FINALLY appear online after having been approved weeks ago.

Frances Loubere's follow-up email to City Clerk Donna Johnson

2007-07-18T18:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Ms. Johnson:

During our conversation directly following Monday's City Council meeting, you stated several reasons as to why citizen comments are not summarized in the minutes. This is what I heard:

-You stated that Robert’s Rules of Order specifies that citizen comments not be summarized.

-You said you had been taking minutes for many years and you knew your job well.

-You emphasized that many city councils produce only “action” minutes with no summaries of anything but DeKalb approaches this differently and does summarize council members' comments but not citizen comments.

-You stated that the reason for not summarizing citizen comments is that it is very difficult for you to accurately represent the citizen's intent and because the citizen, unlike a council member, would not be there at the next meeting to approve or amend the summary of what he or she said.

This last reason surprised me partly because some citizen comments from various meetings have been selectively summarized.

After some thought, I have concluded that your concern about accuracy can be addressed. We are now in the age of technology. If a draft version of meeting minutes were to be posted online and made available in your office prior to the meeting, those who spoke during the previous meeting as well as anyone else interested, could examine this document and bring up any concerns before the minutes were approved. As happens now, following approval, the final version could then be posted.

As I was pondering this issue, I did a quick Google search which demonstrated that this is the way many councils and organizations handle their minutes.

During our conversation on Monday night, you commented that hardly anyone looks at past minutes and you based this opinion on how few people had come to ask you for copies prior to minutes being available on the web page. However, the Internet is transforming this. While we may never know how many people view the minutes online, it’s a safe bet that the easy availability of information has increased the number dramatically and I would think we would want to do all we can to encourage this sort of citizen participation.

Please understand that the reason I, and others, persist with all these issues, from questions about Victor Wogen’s election to questions about the meeting minutes, is because the response has been far from adequate. Dismissing those who continue to ask questions by saying “some people will never be satisfied” or “it’s time to move on” is avoiding the issue. Moving on before the problems are properly addressed is likely to create more problems for the future.

As I stated to you individually, I have no interest in personally attacking you or anyone. My concerns are about the minutes and the election. I respect you do not have an easy job and the current scrutiny makes it more stressful. I respect City Council members, too. Observing the number of members who needed to abstain from voting regarding money allocation reinforced the public service values all of you have. This is appreciated. Similar values motivate me to speak out about regarding these current important issues.

I hope you will seriously consider the suggestion regarding the minutes. Thank you for reading this.

Sincerely,

Frances Loubere
Third Ward Resident

Frances Loubere's statement for the DeKalb City Council: July 16, 2007

2007-07-17T07:03:00.001-05:00

Good Evening. My name is Frances Loubere. I have lived at XXXXX for 22 years. I spoke before this Council on June 11 regarding Victor Wogen’s election.

I am here today for two reasons.

First: To discuss the inadequate and, until today, unavailable minutes of that meeting.

Second: To reiterate my questions from a month ago and ask, again, that these be part of the public record.

Regarding the minutes.

While they were approved on June 25, they were not posted online until today. I checked frequently.

Perhaps I am naïve, but having worked up the nerve to speak before the council, the audience and cable channel viewers, I assumed my comments would be noted. But -- the minutes report only: “Ms Frances Loubere, 826 N. 7th Street, spoke regarding the results of the recent Third Ward election.”

Why did I speak? What did I say? How is anyone to know either now, or in the future?

An accurate summary (and it doesn’t have to be verbatim) of comments is surely necessary:

For our democratic process

For transparency

For accountability

Legally

For the historic record.

Why was my June 11 statement drained of useful information? For that matter, why were the comments of the three citizens who spoke on May 29 also neutralized?

The paltry summary of my statement is tantamount to censorship because I observe that the minutes do summarize particular content from Mr. Wogen’s response – his understandable desire to get past the issue. But what is the issue? It’s not reported.

On June 11, Victor Wogen (and if he was here I’d thank him) did respond to one of my requests. He publicly stated that he is not anti-gay and would have voted the same way as his predecessor did in 1998. In the minutes, the City Clerk chose to ignore this important statement.

I request, for the record, that future minutes of these meetings reflect accurately and fairly what is said and that council members not rubber stamp approval.

Regarding my questions from June 11, intended for the public record:

These are directed to the whole Council:

Who was responsible for the infamous flyer?

Who paid and how much was spent?

What has been done to find out?

Will Mr. Wogen and Council members distance themselves from those responsible for the flyer and repudiate last minute election smear tactics?

If these things won’t be done, why not?

Democracy requires vigilance, trust, transparency and accountability.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Thank you

Highlights of the July 16th council meeting!

2007-07-16T22:38:00.001-05:00

Yes folks, here they are for your interest and amusement:

- Frances Loubere made an eloquent statement about the City Clerk's failure to post the council minutes online for the June 11th meeting as well as the clerk's habit of neutralizing public comments. Ms. Loubere also reiterated a series of unanswered questions about Alderman Wogen's campaign and the April 17th election.

- City Clerk Donna Johnson made a pathetic appeal for local citizens to ask her questions about how she performs (?) her job (in response to public criticism in the Daily Chronicle and perhaps here on Wogen Watch too). We have a question for you Donna: When the hell are you going to retire and let someone with more credibility serve our community?

- Alderman Wogen didn't attend, and I didn't know if I should laugh or cry when I saw his empty seat. While his absence doesn't exactly help the Third Ward, maybe this is addition by subtraction. What do I mean? It is one less chance for him to make some kind of mistake that we all have to live with.

Response to complaint filed with the Illinois Attorney General

2007-07-14T23:20:00.002-05:00

The Illinois Attorney General's Office responded to John Duerk's complaint about the City Clerk's failure to post the June 11th council minutes online. An excerpt from the letter he received Friday, July 13, 2007 reads:

"We have received your request on July 10, 2007, and will process this request promptly to determine what action our office may undertake to assist you. The Open Meetings Act has both civil and criminal enforcement. Section 120/3 authorizes any person, including the State's Attorney of the county in which the alleged noncompliance has occurred to bring a civil action within 60 days after the meeting has occurred, and authorizes the State's Attorney to bring civil or criminal action within 60 days after the violation has been discovered by the State's Attorney."

An email has also been sent to DeKalb County State's Attorney Ron Matekaitis.

Lynn Fazekas' letter to Chronicle about council minutes

2007-07-14T10:13:00.001-05:00

"Clerk's summaries are biased, incomplete"

A side effect of Victor Wogen's aldermanic campaign last spring is interest in the activities of the city clerk. In my opinion Donna Johnson has never shared a satisfactory reason for failing to notify Steve Kapitan, per the privacy provisions of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, before handing over personal information that may have benefited his political opponent.

My focus has since landed on DeKalb City Council meeting minutes. Here are Johnson's summaries of citizens' comments made at the May 29 meeting:

“Ms. Kay Shelton, 1006 N. 15th St., DeKalb, expressed her opinion regarding the recent 3rd Ward election in which she was a losing candidate.”

“Mr. John A. Duerk, 310 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, expressed his opinion regarding the recent 3rd Ward election.”

“Ms. Lynn Fazekas, 422 Lucerne Lane, DeKalb, expressed her opinion regarding the recent 3rd Ward election. Further, she addressed Ordinance 07-49, and stated she could not understand why it was not sent back.”

While I did not expect Ms. Johnson to write, “expressed utter revulsion with Mr. Wogen's campaign and distrust of his representing the Third Ward,” clearly these summaries are meaningless to anyone who didn't actually attend the meeting. It's dismaying to think that this is the one official written record of the proceedings.

It's even more dismaying to detect a bias. Here is a tiny excerpt from the minutes of the Feb. 26 council meeting, during the Third Ward campaign:

“Mr. Steve Irving, developer of the project, came to the podium to speak on the issue. Mr. Irving stated that Ald. Kapitan ... has badgered the residents of Colonial House ... used abusive behavior to his wife while in her office ... Kapitan planted some evergreens at his home that are planted too close together, but that is not his concern.”

Of what possible value are personal remarks about Mr. Kapitan's shrubbery?

Then there's the matter of timely access to minutes. The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires them to be posted at the city's Web site no later than seven days after council approval. The May 29 minutes were approved June 11 but not posted until June 21 - after a citizen called to ask about them. The June 11 minutes were approved June 25 and, as of this writing - July 12 - have not yet appeared.

It's time to discuss how we might manage accurate, complete and unbiased records of council business, produced within the lawful deadlines.

COMING SOON: Excerpts from Wogen's bankruptcy files

2007-07-11T00:04:00.003-05:00

That's right folks, Wogen Watch has gotten its hands on his federal court bankruptcy case files from just a few years back. Excerpts will be posted as soon as we sort through them!

For background on some of his other financial / legal problems, please read the following case excerpts:

http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/2007/06/wells-fargo-bank-na-v-victor-l-wogen.html

http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/2007/06/lask-roofing-siding-v-victor-l-wogen.html

http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/2007/06/h-r-accounts-inc-v-victor-wogen-and.html

http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/2007/06/nicor-gas-company-plaintiff-v-victor.html

Draves' silence is deafening

2007-07-10T15:25:00.002-05:00

I sent an email (pasted below) to Jill Draves about her endorsement of Alderman Wogen and she did not respond. At this point, it seems she doesn't have a problem being associated with him, nor does she have a problem being misrepresented (on his site) as an "NIU faculty member" when in fact she's a staff member.

Her quote:

"As a long time resident, Victor appreciates the special relationship between DeKalb and the NIU community. A world class school and a world class city deserve a world class guy. Victor Wogen is a world class guy, and I'm glad to support him for the City Council." Jill Draves - NIU Faculty Member

Email from Wogen Watch:

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Ms. Draves:

Hello. I'm curious to know if you still feel that "Victor Wogen is a world class guy" in the wake of the 'smear mailer' controversy.

Please feel free to check out Wogen Watch at http://wogenwatch.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your time!

-Wogen Watch

Here's another Q & A with Wogen Watch

2007-07-07T00:39:00.001-05:00

How do you feel about the letter to the editor that Wogen's daughter wrote in his defense?

I've read the letter a few times and I find it very interesting because I don't know many children who use words like intentional, malicious, slander, and mudslinging in their writing. Beyond that, I feel bad for her because she's too young to fully understand the implications of her father's actions.

Where are the June 11th minutes?

2007-07-06T01:05:00.001-05:00

Anonymous message received on Thursday, July 5, 2007.

As of 4:30 p.m., Thursday, July 5th, the minutes for the June 11th meeting are not on the City of DeKalb web site in violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. City Clerk Donna Johnson has seven days to make approved meeting minutes available to the public, and if a city has a web site, that includes posting them on the web, too.

Please refer to: (5 ILCS 120/2.06) (from Ch. 102, par. 42.06), Sec. 2.06. Minutes, 3 (b) at the Text of Statute link at:

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/government/open_meetings.html

Attorney General Lisa Madigan's Office would be happy to provide training on both the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act as described here:

http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/government/pac_training.html

Also, Steve Kapitan complained about Johnson's minutes during the interchange with Steve Irving at the meeting on February 26th. He was pretty steamed about it. Kapitan questioned what Johnson wrote down as minutes and he did not like what was written about him in the minutes for the February 12th meeting. When questioned, Johnson replied that she only writes down a summary of what she heard.

Donna Johnson's first response to criticism

2007-07-05T13:48:00.001-05:00

Note from John Duerk: I sent the original email to the mayor and a cc: to the city clerk, city manager, and the council.

Click here to see that message.

Date: Monday, June 25, 2007

Mr. Durek,

You seem to have a misunderstanding of what City Council minutes are for. Minutes are to have a record of what action is taken by the City Council, not to record everything that is said by Council members, staff or the public. Many communities only do “action” minutes. That is motions, seconds and votes – no comments at all. In DeKalb, we try to summarize Council comments as to the reasoning for the action taken.

Apparently you have not taken an interest in reading Council minutes in the past or you would be aware that I do not summarize comments from anyone speaking from the public, unless it is specific to an item appearing on the agenda for action. You may want to read Robert’s Rules of Order which is the guide I use when our Municipal Code has not specified otherwise. It states, “The name and subject of a guest speaker can be given, but no effort should be made to summarize his remarks.”

I find it very disheartening that you would address messages to other people in which you refer to my work as “a product of someone’s personal laziness, professional indifference, or political manipulation” in the same sentence that you refer to your displeasure with another person’s unethical tactics. Do you consider that to be an example of good ethics? I don’t, but I will try very hard to view it as a mistake in judgment that I can forgive. I do hope you can also find a way to forgive others for mistakes made.

If you have any other questions about the operations of my office, please feel free to contact me: 815-748-2095 of http://us.f827.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=djohnson@cityofdekalb.com

Donna Johnson
City Clerk

Frances Loubere's letter to the Daily Chronicle

2007-07-02T18:26:00.001-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/06/20/opinions/opinions01.txt

It's time to clear the air about the infamous flier

On June 11, I addressed the DeKalb City Council regarding 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen's election. This was the third meeting at which residents spoke in dismay and anger; for the first time Mr. Wogen responded, briefly. This wasn't reported in the Chronicle, and as of June 18 there were no minutes online for the last two meetings.

For weeks, the now-infamous political flier was in the news. Those responsible remain silent. Victor Wogen again claimed he had no idea who put it together. For the first time he stated publicly he was not anti-gay and would have voted the same way as his council predecessor, Steve Kapitan, did in 1998, adding sexual orientation to the human-rights ordinance.

Mr. Wogen's city council response was not enough. It came after pressure, and questions remain unanswered. Not surprisingly, many still distrust him. What have Mr. Wogen and the council done to:

Investigate responsibility and funding sources for the flier?

Publicly distance themselves from those who constructed and supported the flier?

Publicly repudiate dirty politics?

Victor Wogen wants to rebuild trust and put this behind him. He hoped his response on June 11 would help do this. I understand wanting to “move on.” I do, too. This whole issue is tiresome, disappointing and depressing.

However:

Trust is precarious.

With a rotten foundation it disintegrates.Moving on too soon leaves trust festering.

Cynicism and secrecy continue the rot.

They spawn nasty politics,which, like vermin, breeds in the dirt.

Avoidance is not an answer.

Sitting tight is not an answer.

Shrugging is not an answer.

Anonymity is not an answer.

Badmouthing the watchdogs - not an answer.

The answer lies in open examination, admission and assertive investigation. I'm still waiting for the definitive letter, guest column, council statement or radio interview.

In the bigger picture, this issue is not going away, nor should it. The integrity of local government depends on it. Against the ongoing backdrop of lies and corruption at the national level, vigilance locally has never been more vital.

"City Clerk or City Censor?" by Dan Kenney

2007-07-02T17:53:00.001-05:00

It seems that City Clerk Donna Johnson has a problem hearing Mr. Wogen’s name anytime a citizen says it. If you attend the City Council meetings and then read Ms. Johnson’s minutes of those meetings you may wonder if you were in the same room.

Let me give a recent example in addition to the ones already described on this site. On June 11th, Frances Loubere made an eloquent and impassioned statement directly to Mr. Wogen during the public comments portion of the regular city council meeting. She cited specific comments that Mr. Wogen had said to her in the past.

An example is the following quote from her statement: "You assured me that you are not anti-gay and had affirmed this with leaders in the gay community." Followed by "I suggested you make your position public and you agreed this was an excellent idea. You reiterated this on May 14th when you approached me in the hallway, prior to this meeting." She added: "So, I ask these questions, again - for the public record."

Then, for the first time, Mr. Wogen actually responded at the end of the meeting when council members make their final statements. He said (and I paraphrase from what I heard because unfortunately our city clerk Ms. Johnson chose not to record all of what he said) that he would like to move on and that he was not anti-gay, and that if he had been on the council at the time then he would have voted the same as Kapitan (opposing discrimination against gays).

In other words, Alderman Wogen could also be considered "pro-gay," - a serious contradiction since he used this issue against Kapitan on the slanderous mailer during the campaign.

Yet here is how our city clerk summarized Frances Loubere's statements and Mr. Wogen's response in the minutes of June 11th:

"L. Citizen's Comments - Ms. Frances Loubere spoke regarding the results of the recent 3rd Ward Election. "

"M. Reports Communications - Ald. Wogen responded to comments made by Ms. Frances Loubere. he noted he would like to get past the issue, move on and do a good job for the 3rd Ward, and hopefully all can move forward together."

I don’t think there is any doubt what is happening here with our public record. The city clerk has taken it upon herself to be judge and censor of what is allowed into the public record and what is not. And the rubber stamp council just goes along approving the lies of omission.

I hope those who have spoken so far about the issue of Mr. Wogen’s shameful behavior take their comments to the city council again with copies to hand out to everyone present and to the city clerk of their statement and that they read their statements again for the public record. Only this time I hope that all four do it on the same night. Because Ms. Johnson obviously didn’ t hear what I heard.

Also, if you listen closely you may hear what I hear. The fabric of democracy unraveling in DeKalb. You may post this on your site if you wish or post it under comments.

Blatant misrepresentation on www.Wogen3rdWard.com

2007-07-01T11:05:00.001-05:00

On his web site, Alderman Wogen refers to Ms. Jill Draves as an "NIU Faculty Member" (a title reserved for professors) when in fact she is a "staff" member (a secretary).

Click this link to see for yourself: NIU's College of Education

Did Wogen purposely distort her status with the university to build his own credibility during the campaign? Given what we now know about him, it's a real possibility.

Would you want your name associated with Victor Wogen's lying and deceit?

2007-06-30T09:55:00.001-05:00

I wonder if these people still feel the same about Alderman Wogen now that they know he's been connected to the 'smear mailer':

--> "Victor is a positive role model for the youth of DeKalb..." - Peggy Marchini

"Role model"? Does anyone with a conscience really want his or her children looking up to Wogen?

--> “Victor knows anything worth while takes hard work and cooperation...DeKalb City government could use his know how and abilities." - Mike Wood

"Hard work"? Didn't Wogen get fired last year?

--> "Victor Wogen is a world class guy, and I'm glad to support him..." - Jill Draves

"A world class guy"? Can't we find someone better in our community - someone who doesn't mislead us?

Would you want to be associated with lying and deceit and to have yourself quoted on a site that anyone with Internet access can read?

Alderman Wogen and City Clerk Donna Johnson?

2007-06-30T01:41:00.001-05:00

I think we need to ask what the political connection is here. Three citizens speak out against Wogen at the May 29th council meeting and all three statements are sanitized in the council minutes.

Please read the following:

- "Wogen barely beats Kapitan" (note the photo of them hugging)
- "Regular Meeting of City Council, May 29th" ("Citizen Comments")

Another question and answer(s) with Wogen Watch

2007-06-30T00:15:00.001-05:00

What are some of your other thoughts about Wogen's campaign?

Hmmm. Well, I've heard that he contacted Kay Shelton, another candidate in the Third Ward aldermanic race, and suggested they develop a strategy to defeat Steve Kapitan. This is not only disturbing...it doesn't make any sense. What could one candidate possibly offer another in a race at this level? It's not like Wogen could appoint Ms. Shelton to a city position if she decided to bow out and support his efforts.

Also, Wogen's web site is laughable. Why? There isn't any substance to be found on it - it's fluff. I mean, the site is full of political cliches like "I promise to be a taxpayer watchdog." Who hasn't heard that before? Voters should have asked Wogen where he stands on a series of local issues and why he thinks he's qualified to be their alderman. If you were running for office and your ward included downtown, wouldn't you have posted something on your site about the ongoing revitalization along Lincoln Highway (especially when you're touting yourself as working in construction)?

Kay Shelton's statement before the city council on May 29, 2007

2007-06-26T06:58:00.005-05:00

Truth, justice, and the American Way shouldn’t just be a fantasy from an old TV show. I want it in the public record that there were numerous reports in the media regarding nonsense in the recent local election. I do not believe that enough people understand the seriousness of how important voting is. Not everything made it into the media, yet.

I found out after the election that some voters and reporters were told that I dropped out of the race. Other voters were told that I was not a real candidate but that I was a “plant” by Kapitan to split the vote so he would win. That disinformation has as much truth to it as Elvis Presley is alive and well, and living in DeKalb.

When I was a kid, I played softball on a team that lost every game. But, I would rather lose honestly, fairly, and with honor than to win through lying, cheating, and dishonor. I learned when I was a kid that it’s not who wins or loses but how you play the game. Based on the election antics, I suppose soccer Coach Wogen never learned the same valuable lesson.

I heard Coach Wogen’s apology a couple of weeks ago on the radio. Let’s try a sports analogy (although from baseball) to make sure everybody understands how serious lying is. I had the privilege and honor to meet U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, easily one of the most honest, unbiased, and fair individuals I will ever meet. Prosecutor Fitzgerald also has the best and most memorable description of lying, which is like “. . . throwing sand into the umpire’s face.”

Lynn Fazekas' statement before the city council on May 29, 2007

2007-06-24T13:16:00.001-05:00

I am also a casualty of the Third Ward dirty politics. My trust in city government is shaken. Of course it starts with last month’s Campaign Adventure in Ward 3. As I wrote in a letter to the Daily Chronicle, published May 5th, “There is no credibility there, no trust.” Unquote.

But it goes beyond that. Other events of the past few weeks have not worked to restore confidence. It would seem, for example, that anyone could stroll into City Hall and leave with personal information about my neighbors and me. That issue should be aggressively addressed. As far I as I can tell, it has not.

And when I sought help with this disturbing perception? I found that my own alderman no longer returns my phone calls.

So now I’m paying close attention, right? And something I might have completely missed before really sticks out. Namely, the May 14th passage of Ordinance 07-49, which amends the Plan Commission Code of Ethics.

Aldermen and city staff struggled to agree on an interpretation of the intent of this amendment—and never did. Yet it passed, unanimously. With language that was deemed merely “adequate.”

Generally speaking, such ambiguity is a potential path to litigation, isn’t it? How is this watching out for our tax dollars? I cannot figure out why it is that this ordinance did not get sent back to the drawing board. It certainly should have. “Adequate” is not good enough. And yes, one word can make a difference.

What’s more, this whole situation makes me wonder who is really running the show here. And whether the buck really stops with the people we get to vote for.

Some questions and answers with Wogen Watch - Part 1

2007-06-22T00:16:00.003-05:00

How do you feel about the "smear mailer" that Alderman Wogen placed postage on and sent out just before the election?

Well, honestly, former alderman Steve Kapitan should take better care of his house. I mean - come on, the code violations are an embarrassment. That said, associating Kapitan with socialism and homosexuality simply plays on people's fears. Of the two associations, I'm more concerned with the second because calling someone "extremely pro-gay" implies that you are anti-gay and that you're trying to court the anti-gay vote in the community. Beyond the lying, this says even more about Victor Wogen's brand of politics.

Is it appropriate to post excerpts of court files involving someone's financial business?

Absolutely. If a person is being sued because he or she does not pay his or her debts, then one has to wonder how responsible that person is with money. While I am not interested in a public official's middle school report card or whether or not he or she visits the dentist twice a year, I am concerned with a person's financial decision-making abilities. After all, the city council votes on issues involving how money is spent. In addition, the court cases raise other imporant questions: how does someone pay for a campaign when he or she cannot pay his or her own bills? Also, if a person is on the verge of losing his house, then why is he running for office and not working multiple jobs to save it?

I noticed that Custom Stone Works, Inc., "terminated" Wogen's employment last year. Why post this information in the blog?

People should know that he lost his job, and they should ask him why. Have you ever been fired? I haven't. I've always wondered about people who can't stay employed because it says something about their abilities, sense of ethics, or both. When it comes to public office, I want the most qualified candidate and not the person who leaves me with doubts as to whether they can handle the responsibility.

Why the community needs this watchdog

2007-06-06T22:44:00.001-05:00

After discussing the Wogen controversy with several people - people who live in and outside of DeKalb - it occurred to me that the community needs a blog solely dedicated to monitoring his activities. Why? Elected officials who deliberately mislead the public cannot be trusted to make sound policy decisions. Consequently, we must be vigilant over the next four years, and part of that vigilance includes mobilizing the citizenry in the event Alderman Wogen exercises poor judgment again.

This is where you come in. Are you willing to email the Alderman or call him at home, write a letter to the editor of the Daily Chronicle, or confront him by speaking at a city council meeting? Most important of all, are you willing to walk a picket line? If so, then please contact Wogen Watch at wogenwatch@yahoo.com and state what you're willing to do. In addition, send an email if you hear that he's up to something shady that everyone needs to know about. Since DeKalb is a small city with only seven council members, it does not matter which ward you live in because Alderman Wogen may cast a deciding vote that ultimately affects your well-being.

In the meantime, I encourage every member of this community to speak out in some way about the April 17 election. Please tell Alderman Wogen that you'll be watching and feel free to contact him any way you choose:

DeKalb Alderman Victor Wogen, Third Ward
729 North 11th Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-517-0384
Fax: 815-517-0382
victor.wogen@cityofdekalb.com
victor@wogen3rdward.com

If you need a map to his home, then please click here.

Wells Fargo Bank, NA v. Victor L. Wogen; Kathy J. Wogen...

2007-06-01T23:56:00.002-05:00

Case No.: 07CH120

Wells Fargo Bank, NA - Plaintiff

v.

Victor L. Wogen AKA Victor Wogen;
Kathy J. Wogen AKA Kathy Wogen;
Citifinancial Services, Inc.;
Nicor Gas Co.;
Lask Roofing & Siding, Inc.;
Unknown Owners and Non-record Claimants

- Defendants

FILED May 3, 2007

COMPLAINT TO FORCLOSE MORTGAGE (excerpts)

4. Information concerning said mortgage:

a) Nature of instrument: Mortgage
b) Date of the Mortgage: September 6, 1996
c) Name or Names of the Mortgagors: Victor L. Wogen and Kathy J. Wogen

h) Amount of original indebtedness, including subsequent advances made under the mortgage: $78,681.00

j) Statement as to defaults: The Mortgage is in default due to the failure of the mortgagor to pay the monthly installments of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and any other escrow items that may apply, for the period December 2006 through the present. There remains an outstanding principal balance of $65,687.33 with interest accruing at $13.27 per diem plus attorney's fees, foreclosure costs, late charges, advances and expenses incurred by the Plaintiff as a result of the default.

A complete copy of this file can be obtained at the Office of the Circuit Clerk, DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 West State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178.

Lask Roofing & Siding v. Victor L. Wogen and Kathy J. Wogen

2007-06-01T23:28:00.002-05:00

Case No.: 06-SC-1534

Lask Roofing & Siding, Inc. - Plaintiff (Judgment Creditor)

v.

Victor L. Wogen and Kathy J. Wogen - Defendants (Judgment Debtors)

FILED April 25, 2007

Amount of Judgment: $6,874.00
Balance Due: $6, 874.00
Name of Employer: Harvey Cement Products, Inc.

WAGE DEDUCTION NOTICE (excerpt)

Notice: The Court has issued a wage deduction summons against the employer named for above wages due or about to become due to the judgment debtor. The wage deduction summons was issued on the basis of a judgment against the judgment debtor in favor of the judgement creditor in the amount stated above.

CERTIFICATE OF ATTORNEY OR PLAINTIFF-JUDGMENT CREDITOR (excerpt)

3. Allowable costs previously expended:

a) Initial filing fee: $100.00
b) Original and alias Summons: $199.00
c) Filing and Summons cost of prior supplementary proceedings: $50.00

5. Statutory interest due on Judgment from the date above (January 3, 2007): $201.00

DEDUCT: Total amount paid by or on behalf of the Judgment debtor prior to this proceeding: $337.50

BALANCE DUE PLAINTIFF-JUDGMENT CREDITOR: $7,086.50

A complete copy of this file can be obtained at the Office of the Circuit Clerk, DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 West State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178.

H & R Accounts, Inc. v. Victor Wogen and Custom Stone Works, Inc.

2007-06-01T22:45:00.002-05:00

Case No.: 05 SC 1183

H & R Accounts, INC. - Plaintiff (Judgment Creditor)

v.

Victor Wogen - Defendant (Judgment Debtor)

Amount of Judgment: $3,237.92
Balance Due: $1,529.35
Name of Employer: Custom Stone Works, Inc.

FILED November 7, 2006

WAGE DEDUCTION NOTICE

Notice: The Court has issued a wage deduction summons against the employer named for above wages due or about to become due to you. The wage deduction summons was issued on the basis of a judgment against you in favor of the judgement creditor in the amount stated above. This judgment is a lien on the judgment debtor's wages until the total amount is paid.

FILED November 13, 2006

INTERROGATORIES/ANSWER TO WAGE DEDUCTION PROCEEDINGS (Signed by Agent, William D. Pulak, on behalf of Custom Stone Works, Inc.)

Debtor's (Victor Wogen's) employment was terminated and last wages paid on 10/24/06.

FILED December 13, 2006

NON-WITHHOLDING WAGE DEDUCTION ORDER

The employer has filed an Answer showing no funds available to the Judgment-Creditor due to non-employment or bankruptcy of the Judgment-Debtor.

That the employer is hereby discharged on its no funds Answer and these proceedings are dismissed.

A complete copy of this file can be obtained at the Office of the Circuit Clerk, DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 West State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178.

Nicor Gas Company v. Victor Wogen and Kathy Wogen

2007-06-01T22:20:00.002-05:00

Case No.: 05 SC 878

Nicor Gas Co.

v.

Victor Wogen and Kathy Wogen

FILED IN OPEN COURT September 14, 2005

ORDER

Amount of Judgment: $2, 442.64
Amount of Costs: $156.00

Judgment in Favor of: Plaintiff - Nicor Gas Co.

Defendant(s) - Victor Wogen and Kathy Wogen

IT IS ORDERED that Judgment be entered as set forth herein, in the amount indicated, together with costs.

FILED November 21, 2005

SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT

Judgment Creditor, Nicor Gas Company.....received full payment, releases and satisfies the Judgment entered.....against Judgment Debtor.....in the sum of $2,442.64 plus interest, costs, and attorney's fees.

ORDER

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that in accordance with Section 12-183(h) of the Code of Civil Procedure, the Judgment rendered in favor of the Judgment Creditor and against the Judgment Debtor be and is hereby vacated.

A complete copy of this file can be obtained at the Office of the Circuit Clerk, DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 West State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178.

Wogen visits petition-signing, tells women ‘Apology was meant for you'

2007-05-19T21:55:00.002-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/05/06/news/news01.txt

Wogen visits petition-signing, tells women ‘Apology was meant for you' By Aracely Hernandez - Staff Writer

DeKALB - A group gathering signatures on a petition asking for an alderman-elect's resignation got a visit from him Saturday afternoon.

Victor Wogen - who last month beat out three-term incumbent Steve Kapitan for the right to represent the 3rd Ward - stopped by the parking lot at Lincoln Highway and Fourth Street where members of Citizens for Victor Wogen's Resignation had set up shop.

Wogen thanked Sarah Corrigan and Christine Kahle, who have spearheaded the petition, for their involvement in the 3rd Ward.

“That apology was meant for you,” he said, referring to a public apology he made Friday during an interview on local radio station WLBK.

Some 3rd Ward residents are asking for Wogen's resignation because he first denied, then later acknowledged, that he had a role in a controversial flier that hit mailboxes the day before the April 17 election. The flier, by the anonymous group Citizens for a Better 3rd Ward, used two Web sites as sources in characterizing Kapitan as the “go to guy in DeKalb” for socialists and “extremely pro-gay.”

Kahle said Wogen told her before the election that he had “nothing to do” with the flier, when in fact he put postage on copies of the flier. Kahle said Wogen later revised that to mean he had nothing to do with the production of the flier.

Similarly, Wogen initially told the Chronicle he had nothing to do with the flier. However, after being confronted with a report from a postal employee who saw him bring copies of the mailer to the post office, Wogen later acknowledged he added postage to them.

On Saturday, Wogen said he was no longer talking to the Chronicle because the newspaper has misquoted him.

Across the street from Kahle and Corrigan, Wogen's daughter Tessa and two of her friends were wearing “I support Victor Wogen” T-shirts.

Wogen said he had learned from the experience to be clearer when he says things.

Just before Wogen's visit, Kahle said it would ideal for Wogen to resign. Wogen has said he won't.

“We just want him to understand that he did his constituents wrong,” Corrigan said.

Kahle said that eventually the group will work with Wogen to make the 3rd Ward a better place.

“We'll work in conjunction with him, not necessarily with him,” she said.

“We're not going to be fighting him for four years,” Corrigan said.

But she said the group would continue to collect signatures. People can sign the petition online at citizensforwogenresignation.com.

Kahle and Corrigan said they have collected 100 signatures, including those online.

Kahle's husband, Mark, said about 10 petition forms have been downloaded from the Web site in the last few days.

Aracely Hernandez can be reached at ahernandez@daily-chronicle.com.

Wogen says he's sorry, but won't resign

2007-05-19T21:51:00.003-05:00

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2007/05/05/news/news02.txt

Wogen says he's sorry, but won't resign By Benji Feldheim - Staff Writer

DeKALB - Third Ward Alderman-elect Victor Wogen publicly apologized Friday morning for initially saying he had no knowledge of or involvement with a controversial campaign mailer before the April 17 election, but later admitting to adding postage to the fliers before they were sent.

During a live interview on WLBK with T.D. Ryan, Wogen apologized to 3rd Ward residents and 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan. He re-iterated that he did not read the flier carefully before sending it out.Wogen said he would not resign from his recently elected position and clarified why he has not publicly commented on the situation until Friday.

“I felt there was so much animosity and anger out there that people wouldn't actually listen to what I was saying,” said Wogen. “Now that it's ... well I wouldn't say it has calmed down, but it's calmed down a little bit more, people are a little more apt to listen to what I'm saying.”

The flier was made by a group called Citizens for a Better 3rd Ward. No one has come forward to acknowledge being involved with this group.

“We have no idea who they are,” said Wogen during the interview.

Printed on the flier were housing-code violations levied against Steve Kapitan, as well as Web site references describing him as “extremely pro-gay” and the “go-to guy in DeKalb” for socialists. The allegations are based on an obscure Web site run by an Ohio man and a passing reference to Kapitan in an interview published in the Socialist Worker newspaper. The Ohio Web site also rated several other former and current DeKalb aldermen as “extremely pro-gay.”

“Code violations I can live with, those are just facts,” said Wogen about the flier's content. “But the socialist (reference) and ‘extremely pro-gay' should not have been on there.”

Wogen said he would've “read it more thoroughly and the postage would not have been put on” if he could face the situation again. He also said he would “read all the material that's handed to me when I become the alderman of the 3rd Ward.”

In response to the efforts by a group called Citizens for Wogen's Resignation, who have been circulating a petition for him to step down as alderman, Wogen thanked Sarah Corrigan and Christine Kahle, who have spearheaded the petition, for their concern with issues within the ward.

Corrigan said she e-mailed Wogen after hearing the broadcast, thanking him for the apology. Corrigan said she wrote in the e-mail that she hopes people who are now petitioning for his resignation can work together with him while he is in office. The group will still continue collecting signatures, regardless of Wogen's statement that he will not resign.

“A lot of people are still angry about this, and won't accept anything less than his resignation,” said Corrigan. “But eventually we will have to work with him as an alderman and not shun him.”

During the interview with Ryan, Wogen talked about gathering a volunteer group of between 15 and 20 people to help others fix up their homes in the 3rd Ward. He offered the services of the group to help Kapitan renovate his own house.

“I can't re-iterate how sorry I am for misleading people,” said Wogen. “In the last two weeks, I have matured quite a bit as far as how I will speak and how I will talk. I will make sure people understand when I am talking.”

Benji Feldheim can be reached at bfeldheim@daily-chronicle.com.

Wogen needs to discuss mailings

2007-05-19T21:49:00.001-05:00

http://www.star.niu.edu/articles/?id=36377

From the Editorial Board Postcard controversy
Wogen needs to discuss mailings

Published on: Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Newly elected 3rd Ward Alderman Victor Wogen's role in the recent mailer controversy is not entirely clear. What has become clear, however, is that a certain level of deception and loose ethical standards were employed by the then-candidate and current alderman.

Wogen originally denied playing any part in the mailing of postcards that labeled incumbent Steve Kapitan as "pro-gay" and "pro-socialist" during the campaign.

Wogen even went so far as to personally tell two citizens he had no idea who sent the mailers and that he received one at his own home. Then, less than two weeks later, he acknowledged that he paid postage for the postcards to be sent.

Now, Wogen says he is done discussing the matter.

While Wogen may decline to discuss the situation, 3rd Ward citizens deserve to know what happened.

Government bodies aim to serve the public, but how can the public know exactly who is representing them when that official refuses to talk?

Politicians who attack an opponent's character while disregarding their own platform is nothing new.

The public, however, has a right to expect that their elected officer is straightforward and honest.

Wogen may be done talking about this issue, but DeKalb citizens shouldn't be until they receive some kind of acknowledgement from the newly elected alderman.

We're asking for further elaboration about Wogen's involvement with the mailers and, if some fault is found regarding an attack on Kapitan, that he accept responsibility.

We think a reasonable discussion of the circumstances that led to this situation is in order.

3rd ward residents want Wogen's head after mailer

2007-05-19T21:44:00.001-05:00

http://www.northernstar.info/articles/?id=36355

3rd ward residents want Wogen's head after mailer
Published on: Monday, April 30, 2007

Article by: Julia HaugenCity Reporter • jhaugen@northernstar.info

DeKALB A group of 3rd Ward residents are campaigning to get newly-elected Alderman Victor Wogen to either resign or to publicly apologize for his role in sending out a controversial mailer.

The group is asking Wogen to step down and allow a new election to take place, but Wogen refuses to quit.

In an interview last week, Wogen said he was done discussing the mailer.

Sarah Corrigan and Christine Kahle, representatives of the group, have written letters, addressed the city council, and voiced their concerns on the radio. City attorney Norma Guess told the two at last week's city council meeting there is no legal reason the city can refuse to let
Wogen take office.

"We're putting together a petition. That's all we can do," Corrigan said. "We hope to make enough noise. That he's done talking now is unacceptable."

Corrigan and Kahle originally approached Wogen before the election to ask about a postcard they received listing code violations on the incumbent Steve Kapitan's house. The card also stated that Kapitan was "pro-gay" and "pro-socialist." When Wogen denied knowledge of the postcard, both women said they voted for him.

Last week Wogen admitted to paying postage on the postcards. Corrigan and Kahle said they feel cheated with this recent development. In response, they have started a petition seeking Wogen's resignation.

Going door-to-door is slow, said Kahle. Helping with the petition is Mark Kahle, who is building a Web site that will link residents to the petition on the Internet.

Even though the petition is open to only 3rd Ward residents, Kahle has received calls from people throughout DeKalb.

"People are responding because he'll be making decisions for the whole city," she said.

Corrigan said the group is in touch with State Representative Bob Pritchard's office.

"We want his help putting something on the books in case this happens again," Corrigan said.

"We hired [Wogen]. We should be able to fire him."