DeKalb mayor Cohen Barnes is hoping to become the Democratic candidate in this month’s primary election for Illinois House District 76 representative. In his introductory statement during a candidates’ forum, Mayor Barnes said, “We’ve hired over 20 police officers in the last year alone — and firefighters.” The statement is unusual in at least two…
Category: Political Campaigns
Scott McAdams showed us who he is three years ago
Truly, a thousand words here. If Scott McAdams’ recent behavior shocks you, it might be you’re unaware of the extent of a run-in the alderman had with a towing company three years ago that resulted in a police investigation into possible official misconduct. Here’s the setup: DeKalb Police (DPD) receive a courtesy call from the…
A fine example of “something to run on” in the 5th Ward aldermanic race
Daily Chronicle is reporting that a petition for an order of protection (OP) against 5th Ward alderman Scott McAdams has been dismissed. A DeKalb woman who last month requested an order of protection against 5th Ward Alderman Scott McAdams, alleging verbal and emotional abuse, told a DeKalb County judge Friday that she no longer wishes…
Evidence contradicts Scott McAdams’ testimony in ballot petition challenge
Fifth Ward alderman Scott McAdams is running for reelection in City of DeKalb’s Consolidated Election in the spring, and he’s faced challenges to his ballot nominating petitions. The city’s electoral board threw out the challenges in a 2-1 vote yesterday and, unless the challengers prevail in court, McAdams will remain on the ballot for the…
Ward meeting discovery: Alderman McAdams is having trouble keeping up
Fifth Ward alderman Scott McAdams held a ward meeting last week. I’ve listened to a recording of it that’s making the rounds. One item of note from the meeting is the alderman’s admission that he’s not read the draft update of DeKalb’s comprehensive plan even though the city is collecting public input. I’ve transcribed his…
Public officials’ ill-advised campaign contributions
We’ve talked about ethics issues and Bill Nicklas before, in the context of his outside employment, which — shamefully — the city council has so far failed to address. Now we see Mr. Nicklas, DeKalb city manager since the beginning of 2019, has been making political contributions to Illinois Representative Jeff Keicher. (“Report Received Date”…
A case for redistricting DeKalb from scratch
DeKalb’s recipe for seven wards and seven aldermen is not written in stone, and it hasn’t always looked like this. For example, the city used to have at-large aldermen. We can change it again if we assemble the political will. My aim here is to provoke thoughts about alternatives as DeKalb discusses redistricting work post-Census.…
DeKalb Township, that ship has sailed
DeKalb Township has begun posting its meetings on YouTube. In this video from Wednesday night, the township spends the first 20 minutes of its monthly meeting trying to put new township clerk Andrew Tillotson in his place for exercising his First Amendment rights. Trustees express concern about how the new township clerk’s public comments might…
DeKalb County Clerk’s Office has released the final election counts
These are the numbers for the City of DeKalb races. Link to the posting in the City Barbs Facebook Group
Who gets my vote for mayor and why
Mayor Jerry Smith stood by while other city officials threatened, without cause, the imminent eviction of residents from their homes above Lord Stanley’s. Mayor Jerry Smith stood by as his city manager heaped insults and threats upon me and defamed me during council meetings. Mayor Jerry Smith has just endorsed Cohen Barnes for mayor. How…