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THE BUGLE FEBRUARY 14, 2013
News
Teachers to review McMichael candidacy never questioned “This complaint had Valley View contract nothing to do with Steve By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter
By Laura Katauskas Staff Reporter
Working without a contract since last summer, Valley View School District 365u teachers are expected to vote this month on a revised proposal. The majority of certified and classified members of the district voted down the first proposal, marking the first time members rejected a contract in nearly a decade. Both parties continued negotiations, with issues at heart for teachers revolving around salary, higher insurance premiums, and changes to the daily schedule. Teachers say the main issue with the contract was the fact that the salary schedule proposed would not offset the rise in insurance costs. In addition there were proposed
changes being made to daily schedules that members could not agree with. “We are in the process of finishing up reviewing the tentative agreements, getting it out to the members, scheduling information meetings and then taking it to a vote,” said Victoria Sutterlin, president of The Valley View Council, Local 604 of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.“Throughout this entire process of negotiating a new contract, the teachers’ and support staff’s main focus continues to be educating the children as well as providing them with experiences and support that go beyond the classroom.” The teacher’s contract expired in August and members will continue to work off this contract until a new contract is approved.
Steve McMichael continues to vie for the Romeoville mayor spot, the question of his candidacy never an issue. The State Board of Elections held a hearing last week based on a complaint revolving around campaign disclosure rules filed by Trustee Ken Griffin, naming the Citizens for Steve McMichael, the Pro arena football team Chicago Slaughter, and Mongo McMichaels Restaurant.However, Steve McMichael, himself, was not included on the complaint. “This complaint had nothing to do with Steve. He was never accused of doing anything wrong and the question of his candidacy was never an issue,” said Lisa Raucci, McMichael’s attorney. Raucci said furthermore what was alleged in the complaint is not true. A number of items were alleged including the fact that the Chicago Slaughter was promoting McMichael. Raucci said McMichael had nothing to
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do with that and that was for the benefit of Slaughter.The value of an ad placed by the restaurant, which bears only his name, was questioned and the campaign staff was alleged to have filed paperwork incorrectly. “Part of the problem is Mr. Michael’s notoriety,” said Raucci. “Some people see an opportunity to put out a T-shirt and market it without conferring with him and decide to pursue this on their own.” The hearing was held to first determine if the complaint was filed on justifiable grounds. The matter will then go before the General Counsel of the Board of Elections whether or not they agree or disagree. If it’s determined that it was filed justifiably, it could require
(McMichael). He was never accused of doing anything wrong and the question of his candidacy was never an issue.” Lisa Raucci, McMichael’s attorney
a public hearing to hash out the details. It is the duty of the plaintiff to provide probable cause that it was not falsely filed and carries the burden of proof. Board of Elections procedures state in the matter of a first violation, if the complaint was upheld, a fine would be issued. McMichael is facing current Mayor John Noak in the upcoming election April 9. Former contender Fred Dewald recently dropped from the race for health reasons.