patrick markham
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On the article The Lincoln-Way Area Honors the Veterans on Memorial Day
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On the article Stopped at the Door: Lincoln-Way High School D210 Boosts Security
patrick markham
10:51 am on Monday, January 21, 2013
Mokena 159
District 159 has a 6 point plan in progress. I must say we are somewhat concerned exactly what should be posted in the press. Transparency and information need to prevail However, we are reluctant to make public every step of increased security at the risk of impeding the effectiveness.
Notifying the public that “panic” buttons are placed is somewhat concerning. We will put out a public information fact sheet on the plan. We simply prefer to seek professional input on what to make wholly public. A personal concern of mine is any relatively intelligent intruder would then be able to impair any persons attempt to hit the panic button. (keep your hands where I can see them).I see no problem stating actions such as “cameras” as any intruder can readily see them.
We have the funds to do everything that optimizes safety/security. We are simply in the “process” and have not yet polished a release of information. I assure you, there is a comprehensive plan put forth from the Superintendent that is in transition.
Thanks for pointing out this option (software) I am sure it will be given due diligence.I can’t help but wonder, personally, how many ill intentioned intruders would “check in” at the front desk allowing for time for the software to do a background check. However, we certainly will look into if it can stop even one single instance of potential danger.
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On the announcement MJHS 7th and 8th Grade Girls Basketball Win BIG!!!!
patrick markham
10:12 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
ReplyI want to thank the new board and the administration for making it possible to bring back Extra-Curriculars. I assure you we will continue to fight to drive fees down further and hopefully eradicate them so all can participate.
Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
Albert EinsteinBasket ball team, don’t worry about winning or losing. Enjoy one shot, one rebound attempt, have fun at it. If you have fun you will do well at anything you do.
If each team member does one nice shot, one good rebound the team wins no matter what.
Remember the other team is made up of individuals worrying, feeling the pressure just like you. You win if you have fun.
Rather than saying “good luck” I will say “have fun”! Go enjoy the game, the moment, your other team members.
If you think you can , if you think you can't , your right!
How about a good old Yogi Bera Saying " 90% of sport is mental, the other half is physical".
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On the article Holland to Announce Re-Election Bid Tuesday
patrick markham
11:46 am on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
ReplyDear George , I commend that you care and you speak up diverse perspectives make for a sound govt.
However, credit where credit is due might we also rememember Mayor Holland is the ONLY mayor in area that has made tax rebates to taxpayers, i believe more than just a one time effort!
If someone has a bump, or a problem, that is NOT reason to put him in stocks, in my experience the ONLY people that do not incur problems or bumps are the ones that do not do anything. If you are working you will have problems, bumps, hiccups. So here is to a WORKING Mayor Holland that sees fit to find ways to REDUCE and REBATE taxes!
Semper Fi.
patrick markham -
On the Blog Post CARE159 Mokena
patrick markham
11:52 am on Saturday, September 22, 2012
ReplyBravo! It is so good to see these blogs, comments used for a great cause. Bullying.
Please become more active. There should NOT be any division between the District and the Parents, especially when it comes to this subject.
However, as they say, for the "bad" to succeed , all it takes is for the good people to do nothing. C. Martinez , perhaps ensure anyone on here knows of the web site on facebook also , please
Patrick Markham -
On the article D159 Board Reduces Transportation Director Job, Clarifies Budget
patrick markham
9:34 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
ReplyWith Regards to 210 Salary. This decision, was discussed for about 9 months. The salary comparison was brought up and we were informed.
Dist 843 may be closer to our figures, past director and 843 runs more routes than 210 ,
Bottom line, if you compare the work , the job, 159 Does 10% of other district in regards to Route Management.
Also, 20% of our "busses" broke down in first week of school, after having all summer to get them in tip top shape.
I don’t want to bash the Trans Dir. let’s not armchair quarter back a decision of 2/3 majority of the board. My explanation to you was my best attempt to say what I could publicly about this decision without denigrating the Director.
If i got , districts 843, 210 mixed up or whatever was discussed over the nine month decision when speaking without notes, as a courtesy to you, don’t bang me up if i got districts 843, 210 mixed up or whatever was discussed over the nine month decision.
It was not simply a monetary decision. I don’t want to go into all the considerations, reasons discussed for this decision and more than the majority of the board vote accordingly.
Further, it was discussed to have the new business manager take on some of our trans dir duties.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong
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On the article D159 Board Reduces Transportation Director Job, Clarifies Budget
patrick markham
9:30 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
ReplyWith Regards to 210 Salary. This decision, was discussed for about 9 months. The salary comparison was brought up and we were informed. Dist 843 may be closer to our past director and 843 runs more routes than 210 , bottom line
if you compare work , job, 159 Does 10% of other district in regards to Route Management. 20% of our "busses" broke down in first week of school, after having all summer to get them in tip top shape.I dont want to bash the Trans Dir. lets not armchair quarter back a decision of 2/3 majority of the board. If i got , when speaking without notes as a courtesy to you, dont bang me up if i got districts 843, 210 or whatever was discussed over the nine month decision.
It was not simply a monetary decision. I dont want to go into all the considerations, reasons discussed for this decision and more than the majority of the board vote accordingly.
Further, it was discussed to have the new business manager take on some of our trans dir duties.
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong
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On the article D159 Board Reduces Transportation Director Job, Clarifies Budget
patrick markham
9:12 am on Saturday, September 8, 2012
ReplyMr. Rooney,
If i "misspoke" it again points to need for better financial data needed from Administration. (looking forward to that with new business manager). Here is SALARY: sorry, it is actually higherTransportation Director Total Salary
Salary IMRF FICA Medicare Med/Life Total
2007 $43,628.00 $608.89 $2,729.55 $638.31 $608.89 $48,213.64
2008 $45,809.01 $4,674.80 $2,864.79 $670.04 $630.48 $54,649.12
2009 $49,015.63 $5,090.21 $3,063.43 $716.58 $498.00 $58,383.85
2010 $52,447.00 $5,756.14 $3,276.37 $766.24 $553.68 $62,799.43
2011 $53,162.20 $6,366.93 $3,318.67 $776.13 $582.72 $64,206.65
2012 $54,596.84 $6,889.96 $3,428.29 $801.84 $608.88 $66,325.81
Raise 37.57% $18,112.17 -
On the article Rt. 30 Raffle: A Week 2 Winner and a New Shop Adds a Tasty Prize
patrick markham
2:53 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
ReplyBravo! Patch great creative support of local business. Kudos!
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On the article D159 Leaders: What Were They Paid in 2012?
patrick markham
11:41 am on Monday, July 30, 2012
ReplyQUEST: Balance the budget, spend only what we have coming in, AND IMPROVE the educational experience of the students, children. Large challenge but IT CAN BE DONE! I am challenged to listen, respond and explain questions. I have no real venue, or way to create an open forum for all (Don’t get me wrong I truly appreciate this forum). Any ideas are welcome, how to create a real time or a weekly posting for all the community to interact and all the elected board members to interact.
We HAVE changed the rules in the District board meetings; allowing for ALL public attending to comment on every vote the board makes prior to it making any given vote.
I have limited space here so to recent questions:
For “let’s do what’s” points, salaries etc. As your elected representative on the board, I say: ‘not on my watch”. However, I am not trying to speak for the board here, only as one elected representative.
It should be known my position on business manager salary; I suggested a 25% DECREASE, NOT Increase.
As to the rest of spending, I can only say given the proposed budget is NOT balanced and is Overspending. I will do my best to present a “balanced” budget for discussion at one of the upcoming board meetings.
For C Tinsdale: YES publish ALL tax money spending! Let’s follow some of the Township members / County Board Members that have forged the way by putting the County Check Book online. BRAVO!
Vigilance IS the price of good government;as is transparency
patrick markham
11:07 am on Friday, May 24, 2013
We lose 1000 WW2 vets every day nationwide!
We will be hosting our annual Memorial Day Program, Wreath Laying, Flag changing etc. The Lincolnway Cadets 210 will perform the ceremony. (Flag).
AT SMITH CROSSING SENIOR LIVING
The ceremony starts at 11:00, and usually lasts about an hour. We will be outside again at the front entrance, weather permitting of course, but so far it looks like the weather will be okay. Fingers crossed. We will have water, lemonade, and lemon bars after the ceremony.
All gave some, some gave all ! Semper Fi
Patrick Markham