Keep A Sense of Humor!

Try to have a few good laughs and enjoy the weekend!

Freewheeling PRU Briefs!

#1 -- The more efficient council of 7!

As our regular PRU readers know, the PRU Crew has a good time keeping up with the City calendar and reading through meeting minutes.

We noticed yesterday that a City Council COW Special Meeting (Closed Session) had been cancelled. The single agenda item (.pdf) listed was "III. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATING MATTERS, 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (2)"

That sounds important, doesn't it? Does anyone think that agenda item may have had something to do with the on-going discussions between the City and employees regarding wages and budget issues? If you said "yes" to both those questions, you are correct.

So why was the meeting cancelled? To get an answer, the PRU Crew did what it always does and we asked our sources.

The answer? Three of the Aldermen couldn't make it to the meeting; therefore, there would not be a quorum.

The reduced City Council of 7 -- the millions of dollars deficit gift that keeps on giving!


#2 -- An exercise in power?

One of our sources reports that Mayor Schmidtzkrieg has been reading up on what a Mayor and leadership is all about. The PRU Crew has been told to look forward to Mayor Schmidtzkrieg exercising his Mayoral powers -- the proper execution of which Mayor Schmidtzkrieg's predecessor never seemed to grasp.

The PRU Crew has gone back and forth with our source on this very cryptic tip, but our source won't budge and provide any further detailed information.

We're looking forward to the big reveal!


#3 -- Outside the lines with a hometown bent!

Most of our faithful PRU readers probably remember the discussion that took place a little more than 1 1/2 years ago to consider the adoption of a local recall ordinance. Our illustrious box of rocks, a.k.a. our City Council, thought a recall ordinance was a bad idea. At that time, 4th ward Alderman Jim Allspaghetti lead the charge against adoption of a recall ordinance -- with all manner of support from former Mayor Howard.

There were those who contended that without a State amendment providing for recall of elected officials, the City of Park Ridge couldn't adopt such an ordinance.

Yesterday's Chicago Tribune editorial about the actions of the Illinois House's Rules Committee makes it clear that those opposed to a local recall ordinance here in Park Ridge have a lot of support down in Springfield and elsewhere.

Here are the list of "supporters" opposed to a State recall amendment, as listed in the Tribune's editorial --

Speaker Michael Madigan (Chicago), Edward Acevedo (Chicago), Luis Arroyo (Chicago), Daniel Beiser (Alton), Maria Berrios (Chicago), Mike Boland (Moline), John Bradley (Marion), Daniel Burke (Chicago), Will Burns (Chicago), Linda Chapa LaVia, (Aurora), Marlow Colvin (Chicago), Barbara Flynn Currie (Chicago), John D'Amico (Chicago), Monique Davis, (Chicago), William Davis (Hazel Crest), Anthony DeLuca (Crete), Lisa Dugan (Bradley), Keith Farnham (Elgin), Sara Feigenholtz (Chicago), Robert Flider (Mt. Zion), Mary Flowers (Chicago), LaShawn Ford (Chicago), John Fritchey (Chicago), Esther Golar (Chicago), Careen Gordon (Coal City), Jehan Gordon (Peoria), Julie Hamos (Evanston), Betsy Hannig (Litchfield), Gregory Harris (Chicago), Elizabeth Hernandez (Cicero), Jay Hoffman (Collinsville), Thomas Holbrook (Belleville), Constance Howard (Chicago), Eddie Jackson Sr. (East St. Louis), Naomi Jakobsson (Urbana), Charles Jefferson (Rockford), Lou Lang (Skokie), Joseph Lyons (Chicago), Frank Mautino (Spring Valley), Karen May (Highland Park), Emily McAsey (Lockport), Kevin McCarthy (Orland Park), John McGuire (Joliet), Deborah Mell (Chicago), Susana Mendoza (Chicago), David Miller (Dolton), Elaine Nekritz (Northbrook), Harry Osterman, (Chicago), Brandon Phelps (Norris City), Dan Reitz (Steeleville), Al Riley (Olympia Fields), Kathleen Ryg (Vernon Hills), Michael Smith (Canton), Cynthia Soto (Chicago), Andre Thapedi (Chicago), Art Turner (Chicago), Patrick Verschoore (Milan), Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) Eddie Washington (Waukegan), Karen Yarbrough (Maywood), Michael Zalewski (Chicago).

Asshats all!

Oh my my my my my oh my mum!

-- with apologies to the Violent Femmes.


Take a look now, look what your Pub-dog's done!


O.k. -- we admit it -- we are being total slackers!

Coming to a Foreclosure Near You?

Last week a faithful PRU reader submitted the above photo of a home in the 2nd Ward that was foreclosed and boarded up -- a neighborhood eyesore to be sure.

Our reader informed us that he contacted his Alderman and the City about the house and received a reply from the City indicating that the City could not locate the owner -- the PRU Crew thinks whoever responded in this way probably wouldn't have any better luck finding their own ass with both hands and a flashlight.

Our undeterred faithful PRU reader conducted an internet search and found the ownership information. He then provided the ownership information to the City, at which point our faithful reader was informed that the City has given the owner 90 days to remove the boards, in accordance with the Park Ridge Property Maintenance Code (.pdf).

22-8-12 CLOSING WINDOWS AND OTHER OPENINGS

Any building that is not secured and is abandoned or vacant shall have all unsecured wall openings including, but not limited to, windows, doors, and porch openings boarded up or otherwise closed until the building is properly secured. No building opening shall be boarded up or otherwise closed for more than 90 days unless approved by the Housing Inspector or Building Official. (Ord 2006-01, 1/9/06, S24)

Our faithful PRU reader also contacted the owner about this property and received the following response --

From: "Henry Jones" <jonesrealtyreo.com>
To: xxxx@comcast.net
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 10:41:49 AM GMT -06:00
Subject: RE: xxxx Hoffman Park Ridge

This house is owned and being sold by the Federal Government of the United States of America. They tell me what to do, how to do and when to do….If it sells hey, I make a few bucks. If it don’t. I still got a few bucks…. It is what it is….. Thanks for the inquiry….

Jones Realty Co
329 W 18th Suite 413
Chicago, IL 60616
312.602.9830
Fax 312.829.6340
corporate website: www.itsmyagent.com
Henry Jones Managing Broker

Does anyone else get the feeling that the managing broker doesn't give a shit?

This is the exact type of situation for why our City officials should -- because they are what is supposed to stand between carpetbaggers, chaos, and the health and welfare of our community.

Really? City staff couldn't find the ownership information? Really? Did anyone even try?

We've received a few reports like this now and so we're going to tell everybody that it is not only true that the Good Lord helps those who help themselves, but also that City staff does too.

The economy isn't going to get better overnight, and neither are the foreclosures -- according to one source, Realty Trac (click on the "Bank Owned" tab), there are currently 175 bank owned properties in Park Ridge.

It seems worth everyone's time to know the Property Maintenance Code (.pdf).

To our faithful PRU reader -- the Crew thanks you for sharing the information with us, your effort on behalf of your neighborhood and community, and finally for your patience with us -- we realize it took us longer than it should have to catch on to what you were trying to make us understand.

Memorial Day, 2009

"Do you know what a soldier is, young man? He's the chap who makes it possible for civilized folk to despise war." -- Allan Massie

Enjoy some personal peace this holiday weekend.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way --

Good afternoon, PRU Readers. We had planned to put up our Memorial Day post and wish everyone a nice long weekend.

Instead, we feel PRU readers should check out the most current Pub-dog post!

To borrow a phrase -- hellooooo!

Smile for the Camera!

With one very notable exception, the PRU Crew hasn't found much to complain about regarding the Park Ridge Park District. In fact, we feel it's one of the more well-run local governing bodies that we've seen.

Our expectation is that, with most of the new crop of Park Board members, the Park Ridge Park District will continue to function pretty well.

So today the PRU Crew wanted to offer PRUdos to the Park Ridge Park District for making the effort to provide taxpayers with the opportunity to view Park Board meetings on video. Nothing fancy. Simply some straight up and unedited recordings of their meetings. We're betting this doesn't cost anywhere near the costs that were quoted to the City Council for taping meetings.

We understand that such recordings may not always "make our elected officials look their best," as we've been told our City Cluck Betty Henneman has been known to say, but not looking your best is part of the human condition on occasion.

We are also aware the local press doesn't like the idea of video taping meetings -- residents and taxpayers, able to see what actually took place at a meeting, may come to understand the shortcomings of our local press...and the dwindling subscriptions may dwindle even more.

Still, the PRU Crew feels that with the technology available there is nothing preventing either the Park Ridge City Council, the Niles-Park Ridge Community Consolidated School District 64, or Maine Township High School District 207 from video taping meetings, and uploading those videos to their respective web sites.

Maybe some nice Park Board member could let our three other local governing bodies know how it can be done.

Box of Rocks Council Recap!

At last night's City Council meeting, Boy Scout Troop 50 did the honors of the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the Council proceeded through the consent agenda items (.pdf).

Next up, Mayor Schmidtzkrieg read a National Public Works Week proclamation, then he let everyone know the process for selecting his replacement for a 1st ward Alderman is moving right along -- a committee of 1st ward residents will be meeting tonight to discuss the resumes submitted by 4 hopefuls. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg hopes to be able to make a recommendation to the Council on May 28th for Council discussion and questions at the June 1st Council meeting. The PRU Crew is aware of who the 4 hopefuls are, but we would only trade you a cup of warm milk for 2 of them.

Under the portion of the agenda that allows citizens to address the Council on non-agenda items, Ms. Judy Barclay of CURRB repute rose to speak about an upcoming Kalo Foundation event that will take place at the Park Ridge Public Library on June 16th at 2:00 pm.

Next, Mr. Dave Areen, a resident on the 700 block of North Lincoln Avenue asked about the issue of water runoff from the Park Ridge Country Club and if the Council would provide regular updates on flooding issues. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg asked that this item be placed on the next Public Works Committee of the Whole agenda for June 8th.

The last citizen to address the Council on a non-agenda item was Mr. George Kirkland of CORRECTS fame -- George, where have you been hiding for the past two years, man? It seems Mr. Kirkland is now concerned with visibility at intersections and would like to see the City enforce the ordinance governing the limits on height for the growth of bushes and trees. The PRU Crew feels this is a worthy cause and that Mr. Kirkland may find a kindred spirit in the Park Ridge Pedestrian.

The Council then moved on to the Public Works discussion item about the Forestry Appeal for 932 N. Western Ave. (.pdf) The 2nd ward's Lord of the Manor, Ald. Rich DiPietro, moved the appeal be granted under the conditions that, at the residents' expense, they agree to an inch-for-inch replacement of the tree being removed, and that the City Forester determine the number of trees to be replaced and the location of the trees in the community.

The 5th ward's Benedict Ald. Robert Ryan asked Public Works Director Wayne Zingsheim whether this would be "an issue of setting precedent" and whether it is "good or reasonable to set this public policy?" Public Work's Director Wayne Zingsheim answered that city staff "follows the rule of law" and that public policy is "up to the Council." And we see once again that Benedict Ryan doesn't know his representative policy-making ass from an unfilled pothole in the ground. Despite what should have been a clear and unequivocal explanation of the respective roles Aldermen and city staff play in municipal government, Benedict Ryan pressed on by then asking Zingsheim if this was a "best practice?" Zingsheim then offered that, "You can't replace a healthy tree of this size."

The 6th ward's Unfriendly Ghost, Ald. Tom Carey, then sought to cover his impending "yes" vote by reiterating that he is "under the impression this is a safety issue" and that he "supports [the removal of this tree] as a safety issue." Seriously. You can never be too careful when it comes to killer trees -- we bet people thought they were safe taking an after dinner stroll through their neighborhoods, but NO! Beware the killer trees!

Alderman and attorney James Allegretti (4th ward) offered that he's "not concerned with precedent" and that he's "a little bothered by an inch-for-inch replacement requirement." The PRU Crew is wondering if Ald. Allspaghetti has ever used legal precedent in his practice of law?

After further discussion about a Tree Ordinance Task Force, not yet in place, the Council voted 5 (DiPietro, Bach, Allegretti, Carey and Wsol) to 1 (Ryan) to approve the removal of this tree on the private property at 932 N. Western Ave.

The next discussion item on the Council agenda was the Finance and Budget Committees increases for the water rates and sewer fees.

On the issue of the water rates, Mr. Kirkland again addressed the Council suggesting that it is a more prudent fiscal practice to pass on the 15% increase in the cost of water to residents. Alderman Don Bachtard again stated his belief that the "City Manager hasn't done his due diligence" and that there are "other ways to make up for the budget shortfalls" and that there are some city departments that have "fewer than 10 people managed by a few managers." The PRU Crew wonders if Bachtard has bothered to consider individual function while he concerns himself with the size of city departments.

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg once again stated that the "City can't afford to absorb" these increases and that he would "love to see an Alderman amend this motion to increase the water rate to 15%" because the Aldermen are "making the [budget] problem worse."

No amendment was forthcoming.

The Council then voted 4 (Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, and DiPietro) to 2 (Bach and Wsol) to increase water rates by 5%. The estimated annual cost to the average Park Ridge household is $20.00

The Council then moved on to the establishment of a sewer enterprise fund. Alderman Allspaghetti said that "Park Ridge is an older suburb with a combined sewer system" and that he hopes this "fund will allow us to begin to set aside money and begin to have a separate system." Allspaghetti also offered that he believes the sewer enterprise fund was "originally Alderman Wsol's idea." Wrong-o Jimbo -- Ald. Wsooooolman has never had an original fiscally conservative idea during his entire term on the Council, but we expect that if, more likely when, Wsooooolman announces his intention to run for Mayor, you'll be behind him all the way.

The Aldermen voted 5 (Allegretti, Ryan, Carey, Wsol, and DiPietro) to 1 (Bach) to establish a sewer enterprise fund. The estimated annual cost to the average Park Ridge household is $40.00

Then it was on to the PRU Crews favoritest subject of all -- contributions to community groups (.pdf). Procedures and Regulations Committee chairman Ald. DiPietro asked Ald. Wsol to motion the matter for debate and approval.

For those readers who may not be aware, according to Roberts Rules of Order, it is a committee chairman who usually motions an item for debate and approval, unless he disagrees with the motion. The reason being, also according to Roberts Rules of Order, all motions are to be made in the affirmative. In other words, a motion is never made thusly -- "I move taxpayers not be allowed to take the Aldermorons out back to the woodshed and beat some sense into them."

The Lord of the Manor went on to explain that he is "concerned with going over budget" and that he believes there is "no question each group deserves and need these funds." DiPietro also went on to express that "residents have been told things like alley paving has to be put on hold and city staff has also been asked to pitch in" and further that telling residents and staff these things and then going over budget isn't wise.

Benedict Ryan said that "We've voted twice on this," proving yet again that Benedict Ryan doesn't get how government works, procedurally. Benedict Ryan also stated again, more specifically this time, that for "every $1 we give we get $20 in return" and that these groups "fulfill what government would normally do."

~~ If you'll excuse the Crew for a moment, we need to catch our breath and wipe the vomit from our mouths -- we thank you for your patience. ~~

We're not sure about what most other people believe, but the PRU Crew is certain that it has never been the intended role of city government to provide a Fine Arts Society, Civic Orchestra, Teen (recreation) Center, Youth (activities) Commission, Senior (recreation) Center, Historical Society, Cultural Arts Council, Kalo Foundation, Brickton Arts Center, Taxi Subsidies, or worthless noise monitors under the flagrantly fraudulent moniker of "Noise Abatement." But maybe that's just us, and we willingly admit we're curmudgeons about these sorts of things.

Despite the fact that only 5 of the 16 (do your own math!) community groups receiving funding have anything to do with "human needs", like food and shelter, the Aldermen vehemently discussed the necessity of funding for "human needs" and not once mentioned human hobbies.

Three residents rose to address the Council on this issue -- Mr. Mike Cavallo, Mr. Lloyd Godfrey and Ms. Bridgette Murphy -- and encouraged the Aldermen to reconsider these expenditures and stay within the budget.

Ms. Mary Shurder, Executive Director for the Center of Concern addressed the Council and let them know that the Board of Directors was aware of the City's budget issues and the alternative plan -- the one within the budget -- previously offered, and were "happy with that" but that the "need isn't going away."

The box of rocks, otherwise known as our very own City Council, even ignored the message implied in Ms. Shurder's address and carried on their lamentations of the "human needs" within Park Ridge.

Finally, Mayor Schmidtzkrieg said that he was the one who took this item off the City Council's consent agenda so that they could discuss this matter "one more time." Mayor Schmidtzkrieg went on to say, "The issue is, does the City have room for this increase and the answer is an emphatic no."

With that the Council voted 5 (Ryan, Carey, Wsol, Bach, and Allegretti) to 1 (DiPietro) to increase funding for community groups in an over-budget amount of $38,900.

Under new business, Ald. Bachtard said he hoped people would express their appreciation for our Police and Fire department personnel, in light of the two recent accidents that took place in town -- one of which cost one of his constituents his life.

In a more light-hearted moment of new business, Ald. Carey said the Youth Commission is undertaking its first fundraiser in an effort to provide self-support of its group. Ald. Carey stressed that, despite the number of Cubs fans in town, the Youth Commission will be holding a Sox Night on July 8th, and he hoped people would come out and support it. Mayor Schmidtzkrieg inquired if the reason the Youth Commission was holding a Sox Night was because "Sox tickets are easier to get than Cubs tickets?" Ald. Carey laughingly declined to answer.

With that, the Council adjourned the meeting.

The Care of Trees!

The City Council will hold its meeting tonight in City Hall at 7:30 pm. Once again on the agenda (.pdf) is discussion of trees!

The Council agenda specifically lists an appeal (.pdf) from homeowners on Western Ave. who seem to believe they are sharing their property with a potentially killer tree -- the only large tree currently growing on their property. According to our sources, the homeowners say this potentially killer tree could strike at any moment! Also, according to our sources, the homeowners may have a home addition in mind somewhere in their future -- if, of course, they can secure the blessings of liberty to themselves and their posterity by getting rid of this potentially killer tree.

Or they just may really really really hate yard work.

The PRU Crew feels these homeowners should quit trying to bullshit the Council about their extreme fear of this potentially killer tree. Didn't they notice the damn thing when they bought their house? If they want to build an addition, and this tree is in the way, they should say so. And the City Council should see fit to find a way to allow home improvements on private property that may require the removal of a tree.

Another tree, not specifically listed for discussion on the Council's agenda tonight, is the Park Ridge money tree! You know -- the one that grows the dollars the Council likes to give away to special interests! Tonight the special interests of community groups are scheduled to get the next bushel full of handouts (.pdf)!

The PRU Crew sure would like to see the Council harvest some dollars off that Park Ridge money tree to fill the growing deficit hole in the City budget!

Armed Forces Day -- May 16, 2009

Fly your flag and enjoy a long weekend!

Sublimely Mad As Hell!

Today's Pub-dog post offers up some observations well worth your time.

The PRU Crew was wondering if anyone would pick up on the idiocy of giving away $271,000 taxpayer dollars to community groups while potentially hamstringing physical functions at City Hall for a fraction of that amount.

We're pleased the Pub-dogs figured it out and are sharing it with the masses, for free.

If you haven't got a copy of today's Journal & Topics, you may want to spend the $.50 to read the two articles being referenced.

We warn you though, you may find yourself becoming mad as hell.

COW Recap!

In mathematics, Pi is what is known as a mathematical constant. In Park Ridge city government, a mathematical constant seems to be the City Council's insistence on growing our budget deficit.

Our sources report that at last night's City Council COW, our Aldermoorons again voted to grow the City's budget deficit by increasing funding to community groups over the already budgeted amount. The Lord of the Manor, 2nd ward Ald. Rich DiPietro, attempted to recommend an alternative budget amount that would have brought funding for community groups into line with what the original City budget had called for by moving to adopt a total funding level of $232,100.00. But the Aldermoorons would have none of that!

Aldermooron Frank Wsooooolman (7th ward) mooved to amend the amount of funding to the "same level as last year" -- $271,000.00 -- which is not the "same as last year" since the City Council added a new program for the coming year.

The new program added to the list of community group funding is being called "Noise Abatement", and funding for this will be $25,000.00 You didn't really think this City O'Hare Airport Commission would be established but not funded with tax payer dollars, did you?

All in, the City Council Aldermoorons added about $64,000.00 over the recommended budget amount -- $38,900.00 for previously funded community groups and $25,000.00 for the new "Noise Abatement" for the City's O'Hare Airport Commission.

Hell, it's just money. And who cares if the evidence suggests the noise monitors being contracted for from Bensenville won't be worth the time it takes to set them up in Park Ridge. The pols have to appear to be doing something!

During the discussion portion of the meeting, we are told the Aldermoorons could not seem to tell the difference between human needs services, such as the Center of Concern, Rainbow Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and "services" provided by various arts and recreation groups, such as the Fine Arts Society, Civic Orchestra, Teen Center and Senior Center. Aldermoorons Wsooooolman, Don Bachtard (3rd ward) and Benedict Ald. Robert Ryan (5th ward) took the time to again regale the assembly with their belief that giving away tax dollars to all these groups will produce a "return" to the community beyond the dollar amounts being doled out.

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg did take the opportunity to express his concern that the Council should understand the City budget is still $2 million in the hole and that they are "adding to the budget money we don't have." If they are going to recommend additional expenditures, they "should also be recommending commensurate cuts to cover those expenditures."

The PRU Crew gets the feeling that the "return" on these "investments" will produce barely more for the community of Park Ridge than did our "investment" in pursuit of a Peotone airport.

After voting unanimously to give tax dollars to these various community groups, the Council COW pies mooved on to other agenda items, but we'll leave coverage of all that for the local rags.

Finally, after going through the public agenda items and giving away public dollars to various private not-for-profit groups, the City Council again adjourned to closed session to discuss "collective negotiating matters". We're sure that went real well. You never can do enough to demonstrate to City staff how serious you are about containing expenses.

B.O.H.I.C.A.!

COW Meeting Tonight!

By -- Gary Larson, The Far Side.com

Tonight's City Council COW agenda (.pdf) includes something for everyone! Despite the intention of using COW meetings as committee of the whole formats for 2-at-a-time committee meetings, we see that every City Council committee will have their moment in the spotlight tonight.

We urge PRU readers to stop in at City Hall beginning at 7:00 pm this evening, and spend some time with your COW representatives who will be spending their time spending your money!

Happy Mothers Day!

Weekend Extra!

Stay Healthy!

Don't pick your nose or your neighbor's pocket and have a good weekend!

Spend Some Time With Your Money!

Funny you should mention it, Anonymous -- May 6, 2009 11:08 AM



It would appear that the City of Park Ridge is far leaner, if not meaner, than the reality you cited as being "roughly 70-80% of all public sector budgets are personnel (salary & benefits)."

Cutting personnel may be the lean, mean, dividend-providing machine that works for Wall Street, but we think it sucks as a first method of budget management for the City of Park Ridge, residents, and our workers.

Still, we feel nothing is off the table. Nothing. And nothing includes the wine and cheese crowds' love of spending time fawning over the merits of impressionist contributions to the human condition, along with consideration of whether or not the City should continue subsidizing 75% of alley paving projects.

We encourage everyone to spend some time with your money -- or at least with the City's plans for it on paper.

If you've never been through the City budget, here is a good place to start.

Mayor Schmidtzkrieg!

At last night's City Council meeting, 1st ward Alderman Dave Schmidtzkrieg took the oath of office and became Mayor Schmidtzkrieg of the City of Park Ridge!

Welcome to gavel management, Mayor Dave!

The PRU Crew saw that Cecil B. DeMelidosian had his trusty video camera at hand last night, and we hope to be able to embed another YouTube offering here on our blog.

After the swearing in of the City Cluck, Betty Henneman, and our new Mayor, the Council did discuss some matters of actual city business.

Mayor Dave was tasked with breaking a couple of tie votes, and under the Mayor's report portion of the agenda, Mayor Dave told the Council he believes they must again review and amend the city budget -- passing an unbalanced budget is not a responsible action.

The future is looking brighter already!

Peaceful Revolution!

'Spirit of 76' -- by Archibald MacNeal Willard


Good day PRU readers!

President John F. Kennedy once said, "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable." And the PRU Crew remains grateful to our Founding Fathers for undertaking violent revolution to secure our nation's independence and then installing a system by which posterity can partake of peaceful revolution, according to various election cycles.

Tonight, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall (.pdf), you may wish to witness what peaceful revolution looks like -- the peaceful transfer of power --

6. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE BY JUDGE JORGE ALONSO

a. Betty W. Henneman, City Clerk

b. David F. Schmidt. Mayor

c. Presentation of Badge of Office to Mayor David F. Schmidt

(RECESS FOR REFRESHMENTS)

Mayor-elect Dave Schmidtzkrieg will take the oath of office and become Mayor Schmidtzkrieg, here on PRU anyway. We expect the conventional press and most others to call him Mayor Schmidt.

How sweet it is!

Rockstar!

Have a rockin' weekend!

A PRU PSA!

Good morning PRU readers! Some of you may have noticed that the comments and comment function aren't available. Don't worry -- your comments haven't disappeared. Blogger is experiencing technical difficulties and until the problem is fixed we've had to take the comments offline.

Update -- Blogger reports the problem has been fixed.