Letter: Vote Bill Pysson for Boone County Board rep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

I urge you to vote for William (Bill) Pysson as your Boone County Board Representative, District 1.

Over the past three years, Bill Pysson has proven himself to be a trusted Boone County Watchdog and activist on all matters of government including our school system. Time and time again through his blog, boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com, he has drawn our attention to critical issues that affect our community that we need as a public to stand up and address.

Bill portrays the conduct and tenacity that we need on our County Board to maintain fiscal responsibility. Bill is a well-educated, experienced problem solver. Auditing is his greatest strength. On Nov. 6, please vote for Bill Pysson.

— Diann Helnore, Belvidere

Letter: Vote Bill Pysson for Boone County Board rep - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Read Bill’s response to organizations’ questionnaires

• To read Bill’s response to the ZONTA Club’s Candidates’ Night click on the following:   http://www.boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/candidates-night-october-15-2012.html
• To read Bill’s response to the questions regarding farmland protection click on the following:  http://www.boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/only-5-of-15-candidates-for-county.html
• To read Bill’s responses to the Rockford Register Star’s Candidate’s questionnaire , click on the following: http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2012/10/only-one-republican-responds-to.html

 

Also read this personal antidote as to why Bill is running:  http://boonecountywatch.blogspot.com/2012/10/why-bill-is-running-for-boone-county.html

 

Only 5 of the 15 Candidates for County Board Respond to questions from Farmland Protection Project

The above is taken from the Farmland Protection website:  http://fppbc.org/

 

Apparently Misters Walberg, Fidder and Grzybowski don’t need the votes of farmers or at least the farmers who are trying to save the county’s farmland.

 

 

Bill’s response to Farmland Protection Project request

Bill’s response to Farmland Protection Project request was based upon these three questions which were sent by letter on October 4, 2012. The complete letter follows the response.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

 

 

A few years ago many county residents feared that Boone County was becoming a massive subdivision with few if any working farms. The “Great Recession” changed many of our views. The major concerns today are: the number of empty and foreclosed homes in the towns and rural subdivisions; the falling real estate values and tax base; and JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.

Now is a very opportune time to review farmland protection programs and possibly alter them to today’s realities. Unlike residential real estate, farm land has increased in value over the last five years. That may make some farmland protection programs prohibitively expensive. National, state, county and municipal budgets are under heavy stress; subsequently government funds for farmland protection are subject to possible cuts.

Farm land protection is important to Boone County because Boone County will consist primarily of farmland for the next twenty to thirty years. During that time government and the county’s farmers must construct innovative plans to maintain productive farm land for the generations yet unborn.

Abiding closely to zoning ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan is the county’s primary tool. Industrial development as well as new residential subdivisions should be confined to the designated areas. This must be done without partiality.

There appears to be very few farms applying for the Agricultural Conservation Easement. Farmers often do so based upon their personal beliefs and generosity. Their gifts should be told in the local news media. Perhaps a plaque describing their donation should be placed at a prominent public place such as the statue at the fairgrounds.

The zoning ordinance granting a home site in exchange for agricultural easement appears to have been used just once. Perhaps the ordinance needs more publicity and perhaps to be revised. A sunset clause or a mandated county board review of the ordinance may encourage farmers and investors to apply for this zoning change now.

I trust that I have answered your three questions. My answers are very different from my thoughts of two or three years ago. In my view the “Great Recession” has changed the course of economic development for some time to come. Unfortunately I see no way for the county to increase funding for farmland protection in the next several years based upon the severity of county finances. However it should not change our furor to responsibly protect America’s and Boone County’s farmland. I look forward to reading all the candidates thoughts on this important topic.

Candlewick Lake Advertising

Election 2012

Open and transparent government will not be squashed like a bug.

 

Vote ONLY for Bill Pysson

 

 

 

The above ad paid by my opponents, was published in this week’s Shopper.  Their only message appears to be “they are united against me”.  Is it because I am the Democratic candidate or because I have expressed the people’s concerns?  BILL PYSSON—an advocate for open and transparent government.

AD for the future?

AFL-CIO recommends “NO” on Constitutional Amendment

My wife is a retired teacher, NEA, and several unions have supported my campaign.  Based upon these facts and my personal beliefs I happily endorse the AFL-CIO’s recommendation to “Vote No” on the Illinois Constitutional Amendment.

VOTE---VOTE---VOTE

Election Advertising: October 19, 2012

Election 2012: Boone County Board rivals address needs of women - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

By Jennifer Wheeler

RRSTAR.COM

                                                                                                                                                        

District 1 candidate Bill Pysson said the housing authority, Health Department and Sheriff’s Department must be held accountable to ensure that domestic abuse and homelessness are addressed.

The board has limited power over these agencies’ operations, members can ensure that those appointed to leadership positions are qualified and will disclose the groups’ finances. He said many board members are unwilling to question current practices.

“New volunteers are needed for the housing and health boards, and their meeting times should be moved from the noon hour to times when the public and prospective new members can attend,” Pysson said.

Click on the following to read about the other candidates:  Election 2012: Boone County Board rivals address needs of women - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Candidates Night October 15, 2012

Zonta’s Candidate Night is Monday, October 15, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Community Building, 111 West First Street Belvidere, Illinois

 

Bill’s speech:

 

Good evening. I am Bill Pysson, the Democratic candidate for District One, Boone County Board.

I wish to thank the Zonta Club for the opportunity to speak to you tonight regarding my aspirations for Boone County, the role of its county board, and how we can improve the county.

24 years ago my wife, our daughter then age 5 and our son, then age 3 and I moved here from McHenry County. We needed a bigger house to accommodate our growing children and desired a shorter commute for my wife’s teaching job in Marengo.

We feel we made a wise decision. Our children thrived in local schools and went on to the University of Illinois and are now pursuing their chosen careers in Chicago and Seattle.

I feel privileged to have been actively involved as an observer and participant in local government. I volunteered for numerous advisory groups at School District 100. I was actively involved in school referendum proposals, both on the “pro” and “con” side. I have been a member of the Bonus Township Planning Advisory Committee for five years.

The most important principle which I learned is that the citizens of Boone County demand and deserve the “full truth”. Anything less will in the end hinder real progress.

I began attending county board meetings at the request of several friends, who were also board members. They believed that speech, decorum and members’ actions were at times “inappropriate” when no member of the general public was present. I believe things are better now—not necessarily due to my actions.

I have questioned a number of the county’s actions. FOR INSTANCE, Four years ago the CPA audit was not available to the general public until September. The county’s fiscal year ends November 30. The audit was delivered 10 months after the year closed, just two months before the next fiscal year closes. State law requires that the audit be submitted to the Illinois Office of the Comptroller by June 1. I was told that that agency granted “an extension”. When I called the Comptroller no extension was requested by Boone County. Since 2009 I request in writing on June 1 the annual audit or the county’s written extension request.

ZONTA has requested my response to two questions:

First, Boone County’s number one problem is the economy and its effect on county finances. Sales taxes and other revenues are still down because of the “Great Recession”, state payments and transfers are late and grants are dwindling. Shortfalls have been covered by cutbacks on tax levies for the health and highway departments, drawing down special reserves and using Public Safety Building sales taxes for operations. This cannot continue much longer. Many question if the PSB tax will end in 2018 as promised. As a matter of trust, an advisory referendum should determine if the sales tax continues.

In regard to the second question: the homeless, victims of domestic violence and women’s health are most affected by three county agencies: Housing Authority, Health Department and the Sheriff’s Department. The county board has a limited degree of supervision over these agencies.

State law provides little financial oversight by the county board over housing and health boards. However the County Board Chairman with the board’s advice and consent appoints the board members of housing and health. In spite of questionable hiring practices and major omissions in board supervision, the directors of the two boards were reappointed.

This was not right. New volunteers are needed for the housing and health boards and their meeting times should be moved from the noon hour to times when the public (and prospective new members) can attend. Pressure from the public and the county board is needed to insure the needs of Boone County’s poor and innocent are better served by these two agencies.

The homeless and abused often need compassionate and effective law enforcement. As an elected official the Sheriff has a great deal of discretion in how he spends the money appropriated to his department by the county board. However the county board has budgetary responsibilities and should be demanding disclosure of all revenues received by the Sheriff’s Office and the office’s auxiliary activities. Proper accounting of expenditures is the responsibility of both the Sheriff and the county administration. Many current board members are not willing to ask question and unfortunately the Sheriff gives little information without being requested. This view is shared by me, some present board members and a local newspaper.

In addition to the above supervisory duties, members of the county board and the public should be better aware of what special programs exist for the homeless and abused. Perhaps there should be a summit of all involved agencies to outline what programs currently exist and how well they are working. The various charitable agencies and religious organization might also participate. After an evaluation perhaps new initiatives could be suggested.

Townships have responsibility for the indigent. They should also participate.

I thank you for listening I hope I gave you a picture of my views and what I will do as a member of the Boone County Board.

 

Below is the invitation letter.  Click on the photocopy to enlarge.

 

Democratic Draw Down/Pork Chop Dinner

facebook

Craig Schultz

Craig Schultz updated his status: "Thank you to all that came out to the VFW today and took part in our annual Draw Down/Pork Chop Dinner and fundraiser. The event was a rousing success! We raised approx $5000 dollars that will go far in our efforts to support our Democratic candidates in the upcoming election. I will have final totals in a few days to report to you! A special thank you to our Union brothers and sisters for their continued support in our endeavors. Election day draws near! I look forward to seeing you all at the polls! Thank you all again! Craig A Schultz Treasurer Boone County Democratic Central Committee"

email link: bill.pysson@gmail.com

Why Bill is running for Boone County Board

Why Bill is running for Boone County Board

By no means the only reason but typical of why change needs to happen here in Boone County is the long story how Citizen Pysson had such a long struggle with the board for them to comply with the state mandate regarding posting of board minutes.

Here for all our benefit is that story again, posted in 2010 on this blog.(http://boonecountywatchdog.blogspot.com/2010/12/boone-county-may-begin-posting-its.html) That story is the second most popular on that blog, 683 views at last count.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Boone County “may” begin posting its monthly board minutes

AG’s Access Officer requests written explanation concerning who maintains the county website.

As noted by this posting on another of my blogs [http://boonecountyminutes.blogspot.com/] I have requested since March that the Boone County Board Minutes be posted on the county’s website. Such posting is mandated by state law.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

March 8, 2010

Ken Terrinoni
County Administrator
Boone County Administration Campus
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 102
Belvidere, IL 61008

Dear Mr. Terrinoni:

I understand that you are the freedom of information officer. I have been unable to determine who was appointed the open meetings officer and therefore have made the assumption that you have been appointed to that post as well.

Back in early February 2010, I emailed the County Board Chairman, Robert Walberg, requesting that county board minutes be publish on the county’s web site. To date I have heard nothing from him or the county board. Based upon these facts I am contacted you today. I respectfully request that you respond to this request within thirty days.

I request that the Boone County Board begin posting the minutes of its meetings on its website as prescribed by law. I believe the appropriate legal citation is 5 Illinois Consolidated Statutes 120/2.06 b. That citation is below, please note the underlining which I provided you.

(5ILCS120/2.06)
Sec.2.06.
Minutes.
(a) All public bodies shall keep written minutes of all their meetings, whether open or closed, and a verbatim record of all their closed meetings in the form of an audio or video recording. Minutes shall include, but need not be limited to:
(1) the date, time and place of the meeting;
(2) the members of the public body recorded as either present of absent and whether the members were physically present or present by means of video or audio conference; and
3) a summary of discussion on all matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken.
(b) The minutes of meetings open to the public shall be available for public inspection within 7 days of the approval of such minutes by the public body. Beginning July 1, 2006, at the time it complies with the other requirements of this subsection, a public body that has a website that the full-time staff of the public body maintains shall post the minutes of a regular meeting of its governing body open to the public on the public body's website within 7 days of the approval of the minutes by the public body. Beginning July 1, 2006, any minutes of meetings open to the public posted on the public body's website shall remain posted on the website for at least 60 days after their initial posting.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation regarding this matter.

WILLIAM J. PYSSON
9592 Denver Drive
Belvidere, Il 61008
815 544 5115

CC: Robert Walberg
Marshall Newhouse
Kathy Hardwig
Daniel D. Anderson

This was Boone County’s answer. (Click on the photocopy to enlarge) A website upgrade is happening, however it is questionable if voters will be given any minutes. Neither the committee, the board nor its administrator indicate that they will comply with the law.

My answer was to take the law into my own hands—obtain the minutes and post them myself.

Since September the”new” Boone County website has been up and running but no board minutes. Minutes for the Health Board have been available for several years but nothing for the county board. In October and November I discussed with Chairman Bob Walberg the posting of the minutes. He stated that the county was not required to do so because it did not have a full time employee dedicated to maintaining the website. He stated that he received this opinion from the Boone County States Attorney, Michelle Courier. I personally talked to Ms. Courier after the November board meeting and she stated that she had called the Illinois Attorney General Office and based upon her research and the conversation with the AG’s Office gave the opinion that Boone County was not subject to the mandate. I stated to her I did not question her legal sources but believed the facts indicated Boone County had the necessary full time employees.

Back in April I also emailed the Public Access Officer at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office concerning this matter. That email as well as Boone County’s States Attorney response to my inquiry is shown below.

I received no reply from the state until this week when the Attorney General’s office telephoned me. Based upon our conversation and conversations the Access Officer had with the Boone County States Attorney, the following additional information is being requested. (See the Illinois Attorney General’s letter below and circled area) Basically a written explanation as to how the current website is maintained.

The Access Officer emailed this letter to the various board members. Knowing that many members do not regularly check their county email boxes I email the letter to their regular email addresses the AG letter along with this note:

In case you do not check your county email address on a regular basis, I am forwarding this letter from the Illinois Attorney General to Boone County States Attorney.

I still do not understand why Boone County Board refuses to post its minutes (which are usually less than 6 pages each month). I have requested posting of board minutes numerous times; to my county representatives, to the County Board President and to the Admin Committee. All to no avail.

As a final resort I filed this request to the Public Access Officer. Why must a citizen go to these extremes to be granted the access granted by law? The law granted the "full time employee exemption" so that townships and other political subdivision were not unduly financially burdened by a state mandate to post board minutes on the Internet when they did not have such facilities. Can Boone County really plead that posting monthly board minutes is a financial burden when the entire county budget (hundreds of pages) is posted? When monthly agenda for all county committees and the county board itself are posted each month on the county website?

The Illinois Attorney General apparently believes that my request deserves a review of the issues and facts. Are the taxpayers being well served when valuable time at the Boone County States Attorney and at the Attorney General Office are being wasted on whether Boone County must comply with the state mandate. Hundreds of dollars of taxpayers money are being wasted for the few pennies of costs entailed in posting six pages on the Internet. What is this proving?

I respectfully request that the new Boone County Board take action and order that Boone County Board Minutes be posted on the Boone County Website. BILL PYSSON

Page 31 on the Boone County Budget is shown below. $166,945 is budgeted for Information Technology. $44,ooo is paid for a computer coordinator and $19,387 for professional services for the website. Yet Boone County is claiming an exemption because it does not have a full time employee to imput the minutes onto the website.

Today I submitted the following Freedom Of Information Act request to gain a clear understanding if Boone County actually has a full time employee involved with the website.

UPDATE:

Just tonight the minutes for the Boone County Board were posted on the county’s website. All the approved minutes going back to January 2010 are listed.

The link is: http://www.boonecountyil.org/news/2010-county-board-minutes-available and http://www.boonecountyil.org/past-meetings?field_meetingtype_value_many_to_one=County%20Board

Bill’s response to Farmland Protection Project request

Bill’s response to Farmland Protection Project request was based upon these three questions which were sent by letter on October 4, 2012. The complete letter follows the response.

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

 

A few years ago many county residents feared that Boone County was becoming a massive subdivision with few if any working farms. The “Great Recession” changed many of our views. The major concerns today are: the number of empty and foreclosed homes in the towns and rural subdivisions; the falling real estate values and tax base; and JOBS, JOBS, JOBS.

Now is a very opportune time to review farmland protection programs and possibly alter them to today’s realities. Unlike residential real estate, farm land has increased in value over the last five years. That may make some farmland protection programs prohibitively expensive. National, state, county and municipal budgets are under heavy stress; subsequently government funds for farmland protection are subject to possible cuts.

Farm land protection is important to Boone County because Boone County will consist primarily of farmland for the next twenty to thirty years. During that time government and the county’s farmers must construct innovative plans to maintain productive farm land for the generations yet unborn.

Abiding closely to zoning ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan is the county’s primary tool. Industrial development as well as new residential subdivisions should be confined to the designated areas. This must be done without partiality.

There appears to be very few farms applying for the Agricultural Conservation Easement. Farmers often do so based upon their personal beliefs and generosity. Their gifts should be told in the local news media. Perhaps a plaque describing their donation should be placed at a prominent public place such as the statue at the fairgrounds.

The zoning ordinance granting a home site in exchange for agricultural easement appears to have been used just once. Perhaps the ordinance needs more publicity and perhaps to be revised. A sunset clause or a mandated county board review of the ordinance may encourage farmers and investors to apply for this zoning change now.

I trust that I have answered your three questions. My answers are very different from my thoughts of two or three years ago. In my view the “Great Recession” has changed the course of economic development for some time to come. Unfortunately I see no way for the county to increase funding for farmland protection in the next several years based upon the severity of county finances. However it should not change our furor to responsibly protect America’s and Boone County’s farmland. I look forward to reading all the candidates thoughts on this important topic.

BILL PYSSON

District One Candidate

Boone County Board

 

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

Boone County absentee ballots available - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

 

Absentee ballots are now available through Nov. 1 at the Boone County Clerk’s Office and on its website.

Absentee voting begins Oct. 15. Early voting begins Oct. 22 at the Boone County Clerk’s Office, 1212 Logan Ave., in Belvidere. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Residents must register to vote by Oct. 9.

Boone County absentee ballots available - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star