I have to say, I appreciate Jay Radke taking the time to write a letter to the paper attempting to legitimize actions related to the twice-a-month meetings Trustees Sigwalt and Humpfer held improperly at Carpentersville Fire Station #3 during the past year. (For those who don’t know, Radke replaced Bob Sperlazzo as Chairmain of the Fox Valley Citizens for Legal Immigration [FVCLI], a few months ago). It was such a nice gesture to explain how welcoming their organization is, and how open it has been in providing a forum for the community to address their elected Village officials.
However, it seems the reality does not match the rhetoric.
It is unfortunate that this organization expresses support for Trustees Humpfer and Sigwalt to “provide a forum for us to address our grievances to the village without a limit on the amount of time we could speak.” Yet that “forum” was established through deceptive and closed practices.
Before using the Carpentersville & Countryside fire station to meet with constituents, Sigwalt did indeed have the permission required.”
The whole truth is that permission for the use of the room was obtained under false pretenses.
Trustee Sigwalt admitted that she told Village Manager Craig Anderson that this was for meetings with “constituents”, not “Fox Valley Citizens for Legal Immigration”.
Anderson said since Humpfer and Sigwalt are meeting as part of an organization, the group must meet certain criteria, pay a fee and provide proof of insurance.
Manager Anderson stated that he learned that FVCFLI was meeting there only when a complaint was received in late December. Why did Trustees Sigwalt and Humpfer feel it necessary to keep the fact that they were meeting with FVCFLI a secret from the Village Manager?
Of course, FVCFLI “operates in the full light of day”, right? Only if that light is during a total solar eclipse, apparently.
For instance, Radke’s letter states:
All meetings FVCLI members have attended have been open to the public, advertised on a Web site and by other means.
I hope they will take steps to back up that. But, as a concerned citizen visiting the site regularly for more than a year, I did not ever see an announcement of any such meetings. Further, even as knowledge of the meetings began to come to light, the website still contained no mention of them.
Trustee Humpfer is quoted in the Courier-News (Jan 17, 2008) as saying that they have moved their meetings to a private residence. The change of venue suggests an understanding that they did not have rightful use of the Village meeting room. Still, there is no notice provided to the public on the organization’s website, although this Friday is the one before the next Village Board meeting, which is when these meetings were discovered to be occurring.
Also, on at least one occasion, Trustee Sigwalt proudly announced an FVCFLI event during her trustee report. Yet, these Friday meetings were never mentioned. Why not? Especially if they were “open to the public”.
If the group and the trustees really wanted to show they were as open and welcoming as they would have us believe, they would be more forthcoming with the public and present the hard data to back it up.
FVCLI has held public meetings at both the Carpentersville and West Dundee VFW clubs. The fees requested have been paid and all requirements of the clubs have been followed.
That is all well and good. But the fees were not paid for using Village facilities for over a year. And, the requirements were not met. Weren’t these the trustees who were so adamant about the Village needing every penny they can get access to?
Despite the claims by Mr. Radke, the facts remain that Trustees Sigwalt and Humpfer were not honest with the Village Manager and staff. In fact, as demonstrated by what has been put forth in this article, FVCFLI seems to be continuing in the tradition of half-truths and omissions that Sigwalt and Humpfer have perpetrated. Seeing as those trustees led many of these meetings, should we be surprised that this “skill” was learned?
Certainly questions, like those raised by Ms. Chinwah in the Daily Herald on Jan 13th, remain as to why they operated in this manner?
Review of Village Board meetings reveals a number of questionable actions by these two trustees, especially in regard to members of this organization. Regardless of whether comments were “scripted” or members were provided information not offered to the rest of the residents in the community, these two trustees have acted dishonestly and have appeared to provide preferential treatment to members of an organization formed in part to support their re-election campaign platform.
Still, John and Jane Carpentersvillian may ask themselves why any of this is a big deal?
To answer that question, they should ask themselves why things took so long to get done in Carpentersville? Why did the roads and sidewalks get in such a state of disrepair? Why is retail coming to towns around the Village, but not to Carpentersville? Why are city taxes among the highest in the area? Why does Carpentersville have such a poor image and reputation? And, even, why did the Village fail an unheard of 4 consecutive audits from 1999 – 2003?
Well, things like this may likely begin to provide answers. And, that is why it is important that we not let these things go unaddressed. When you have an issue to raise to your Village officials … will they address it, or must you be part of a special interest group?
In the past, I have contacted President Sarto about issues in the Village. At times, I have received the answer that he is in the minority on the Board and therefore makes it more difficult to get things passed, even that the Village needs. (Which makes it all the more amazing that he has been the major catalyst in finally getting things moving that have been sorely needed in this town.) The fact that Sigwalt and Humpfer are part of the majority on the Board, means that groups like Fox Valley Citizens can wield greater control and influence over what happens in the Village. Or, is it that Sigwalt and Humpfer can do as they like, and say they have the support of “constituents”? Kind of like having your own shadow government, especially when there are members who “hold positions of responsibility in village, township, fire and county governments.”
Only by expressing your disapproval of this behavior can we approach a certainty that our government is truly working for the betterment of the Village, and getting things back into the hands of the people, instead of the issues raised by special interests.
Mr. Radke expresses an aspect of FVCFLI’s mission:
We support the efforts of any public servant/politician willing to uphold the laws of the United States, State of Illinois, every county and village in the Fox Valley.
To that end, I hope that they also support upholding the laws and ordinances of Carpentersville. Something that isn’t completely clear.
Related stories:
- C’ville Village President blast secret meetings – Daily Herald
- 2 C’ville trustees’ meetings targeted – Courier-News
- Jan 2nd Village Board meeting – Carpentersville Action Network
- Confirmed: Trustees held meetings improperly – Carpentersville Action Network
- Burning Down the Village – Carpentersville Action Network
Carpentersville Action Network 
16 comments
Jan 28, 2008 at 11:26 am
At a Glance
I guess, I’m just wondering that if this is designed to be a public meeting why was it seemingly limited to Sigwalt & Co? Why not invite all the Board members?
And, if it is to allow discussion in a public forum, why would not some type of changes have been suggested for the Village meetings that would have attempted to have this as a part of the normal Village business?
And, why now is this “public meeting” being held in a private home?
And, why is it only with this organization?
Jan 28, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Bill Sarto
These are all fair and worthwhile questions you raise.
What’s truly at the heart of these “secret meetings” is the big question: WHY have two or more trustees been involved in meeting so frequently with a well organized group of supporters? What is their agenda? Why are these meetings necessary? Not only have they been meeting on Friday’s before the Village board meetings but a smaller core group of this same organization have been meeting on Sunday afternoons as well. Why all the meetings?
This type of activity supported and encouraged by Village trustees does not bode well for an open and honest government. This harkens back to those days when public officials who were members of radical groups would meet and conduct government business in “secret” behind closed doors clearly out of sight of the general public and the light of day. It begs the question, what do they have to hide?
A formal request has been submitted to the Kane County State’s Attorney for a full investigation of these activities. It’s time that some sunlight be shone into this “darkness” that has infected our Village government.
Jan 28, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Art
Chrysippus, your post is as an excellent response to Radke’s letter to the editor (which reads more like damage control than anything else).
I too have visited these folks’ website many times (I read their articles-and then glance at their slogan every once in a while for a good laugh) and I don’t recall reading anything about these meetings either.
It seems that rather than serving the village and their constituents, Sigwalt and Humpfer are using their positions as trustees for the benefit of their advocacy group (and their political careers) regardless of whether their actions affect Carpentersville negatively or not.
I wonder how many Carpentersville residents are actually aware of their antics. I was surprised to read Chinwah’s article and couldn’t believe it was approved by the Daily Herald editors who seem to be fans of Sigwalt and Humpfer (along with Chris Bailey as their biggest cheerleader).
Jan 28, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Chrysippus
Though it kinda got buried on the “New Comment Policy” comments, “Casual Observer” makes a comment that deserves the be brought forward into this discussion and be reinforced.
The things that Trustees Humpfer and Sigwalt have done — which they have admitted to doing — should result in the resignation of their seats.
I hope that there will be at least a few people at the next meeting on Feb 5th who will sign up to come before the Board to demand precisely that. (Maybe we should all get together on Friday night to strategize about this. 😉 )
After all, it isn’t like Sigwalt and Humpfer are making public apologies for their actions. They continue to have these meetings.
Just look at The Trouble with Carpentersville series for a brief history of what they’ve been involved in.
They continue to do what they have been doing.
Why? Because they are apparently convinced that they can continue to disregard the rest of Carpentersville, and get away with it.
Are they right?
Have they been given enough passes in the last 8-9 years that they can just go about doing whatever they feel — even using Village staff and resources to further their agenda and political careers?
The response of the public in the coming weeks and months will answer that question. And I hope the answer that comes back — sooner, rather than later — is a deafening roar of …
“We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore!”
Jan 29, 2008 at 11:47 am
At a Glance
Don’t you have the feeling that our Government Officials have lost sight of the fact that they are supposed to be working for the people? It seems like this is really the prevailing attitude that is displayed everywhere. Only special interest groups, lobbyists, or campaign supporters are given any consideration.
I agree; we must take back our government, at all levels and hold those that do not understand they are public servants, accountable for their actions – or inactions!!! While it is difficult to take direct action at the Federal Government level, we have personal access at the local level and we need to let the Trustees know we are paying attention and are “mad as hell, and aren’t going to take this anymore”. Demand their resignations and get people that know they are accountable to all of us, not just the special interests.
It sure would be nice to see people working for US for a change!!!
Jan 29, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Paul Calusinski
At a Glance,
It would be nice, the people would have something to look forward to. Maybe we could stop Judy & Co. from taking over our village with their agenda, instead of the people’s agenda.
Jan 30, 2008 at 8:41 am
Dennis Carr
“I hope they will take steps to back up that. But, as a concerned citizen visiting the site regularly for more than a year, I did not ever see an announcement of any such meetings.”
I will try to make sure you get an invitation! Might be a good way to ask some up front questions of you!
[Moderated: Bill Sarto] says:
“What’s truly at the heart of these “secret meetings” is the big question: WHY have two or more trustees been involved in meeting so frequently with a well organized group of supporters? What is their agenda? Why are these meetings necessary?”
I have to make sure he gets invited too.
After watching Billy on TV, I ask the same question, Why Are These Meetings Necessary?
“We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore!”
Nothing newer that that dumb statement? Plagism is not nice!
[Moderated]
Jan 30, 2008 at 9:17 am
Chrysippus
Well, Dennis, even if I got an invite, I’m rather certain I would not be welcome. I would probably be “barred from attending … for cause”, just like two other “constituents” of Paul and Judy.
Perhaps you could explain how Paul and Judy’s “constituents” can be “barred from attending” a supposedly “public meeting”?
Jan 30, 2008 at 9:54 am
Bill Sarto
A quick update. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has sent letters to myself and all the Trustees “cautioning the public body” (Village Board) concerning these meetings that have been held by two trustees with the Fox Valley Citizens for Legal Immigration.
While the letter writer indicates that currently it doesn’t appear that the Open Meetings Act was “triggered”, these meeting could violate the “spirit” of the law. The inquiry to the Attorney General’s Office that generated the letter came from a staff member of the Courier-News.
Jan 30, 2008 at 10:34 am
At a Glance
It has been my experience, that when there is involvement in meetings that are held with a group or organization on a regular basis, the views of that group tend to take on more importance, often “shutting out” or ignoring the views of others that may differ with them.
I would have thought that people that have asked to represent the views and values of our community, our Trustees, would understand the importance of including everyone. It is not only important to listen to those that openly express their views and ask for the Trustees involvement, but just as important to go out and solicit the thoughts and views of everyone that they can in order to get a better perspective on the views of their constituents.
By getting so close to any group, it would seem that the views of that group are disproportionately weighted in representation of the views that group holds.
Here we have members of the Board that regularly attend a meeting with those that have views they already hold which seems to limit their real understanding of the needs of the community at large. If the Trustees are advocates for any group or organization, it is difficult at best, to be representatives of the entire community, a position they sought when running for office. It would be far better for the Village to have Sigwalt and Humpfer resign and let others that are open to doing good for all the citizens be placed on the Board.
Jan 30, 2008 at 1:42 pm
James
As I mentioned before – it’s interesting how little has been done in the area of anti-illegal immigration…
– Maybe the people who get all kinds of support from rallying behind the Illegal Immigration cause can’t actually do anything about it once they are in office? Maybe local gov’t can’t effectively solve this issue? If local gov’t should be able to solve the illegal immigration problem, it’s apparently not being solved by the people who have been elected with that mandate.
– Maybe the people who get all kinds of support from rallying behind the Illegal Immigration cause don’t want to see the problem actually be solved… on what cause would they then campaign? Could that explain why when someone wants to collect data about illegals in C’ville, information that (if the anti-illegal candidates are correct) would prove to everyone the need to focus on the issue as a Village, those people attempt to block that from happening?
We have some people who are very good at finding the issues that impassion the numbers they need to be elected, but don’t seem to skilled at a.) actually solving those problems or b.) doing much else to improve the community.
The issue of immigration is being used as a vehicle to win elections, and the biggest group getting “played” are the citizens most passionate about ridding the area of illegal immigrants! The rest of us are left with a village that is neither cohesively focused nor effective enough to make other needed improvements.
Jan 31, 2008 at 10:53 am
At a Glance
Amen James!!!
Very well said… For controversial issues, it is better for the candidates to talk about “fixes” to perceived problems than to actual fix them.
With the majority on the Board, why didn’t Sigwalt & Co do what they said they were going to do? I’m happy they didn’t because it would have left Carpentersville in a very bad state but they ran on the platform to fix the problem. Does it no longer exist or was Sarto right that this is not a local issue and they just wanted to make us believe they knew better?
We saw the Federal Government do the same thing. They actually came up with a bill that was rejected by the majority…and the illegal immigration problem continues to get worse. Now its election year and we are hearing it all over again. The same with gay marriage and abortion. 2004 was all about these two issues and with the majority in congress, the Supreme Court, and a president “behind” the laws to “fix” the problems, nothing was done. For at least 30 years this has been the lies that have been used to get elected and since We the People do not hold them accountable, they get away with it….
Jan 31, 2008 at 12:28 pm
carpentersville2
It would of been nice for Mr. Sarto and this site to get the facts and the results of an investigation before both of you started spewing venomous allegations of illegal activity by the two Trustees in question. It would behoove both of you to get the facts straight before you make a big deal and embarrass Carpentersville over such non sense.
Jan 31, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Chrysippus
We hear that the AG’s office issues a “cautionary note” about these meetings, and it’s called “nonsense”?!
As for the facts, there have been plenty supplied here. Which ones need to be “set straight”?
I do agree, though, that the meetings and actions, in particular by those trustees involved, have been another embarrassment to the Village. I have merely pointed it out.
If I hadn’t, it seems likely the embarrassments would continue. At least now we have the opportunity to clear the obstacles out of our way and move forward unimpeded.
Jan 31, 2008 at 2:08 pm
At a Glance
I wonder if the Attorney General is really saying the actions of Sigwalt and Humpfer in issuing a Cautionary note, are not in issue. Do we assume that they, after or before attending the meetings of the organization, do not speak to any other Trustees about any of the information that is being discussed at those meetings? If that is supposed to be believed, then it is just a coincidence that the Sigwalt & Co trustees are always in strict alliance. I might be a little cynical but I just have my doubts that there is not any collaboration otherwise, why the secret meetings and why are some people not allowed to attend?
If they do talk, would that not in essence provide a quorum, if not in fact? They have definitely stated that they are very aware of the Open Meetings rules and what constitutes a quorum. So, trying to coordinate their actions while maintaining a “non-quorum” may require some contact, correspondence or discussions. And, of course they would not talk about any information that might be discussed at the private meetings – yeah and the Pope isn’t Catholic.
Let’s hear from Sigwalt and Humpfer about their roles in these meetings. What do they talk about? Why are they there? What reports to the community do they provide from their involvement with the organization? Who else is invited to attend, at their request, or in their place, if the organization wants to have someone from the Board in attendance? Why are they such a major part of the business of Carpentersville that it would warrant their involvement to the degree it obviously has? I’m just curious. If there is nothing to hide, why hide it?
Jan 31, 2008 at 3:03 pm
James
I don’t see any “venomous accusations of illegal activity” in my post. In fact, I didn’t even mention the “secret meetings” or the investigation of them.
I simply see trustees running on certain issues, and then (with a majority of the Board) those same issues not being worked on, and in fact blocking efforts to collect data they must agree would prove their case.
Leads me to two conclusions, either these Trustees are not skilled enough to actually solve the problem upon which they built their election campaign, or don’t care to solve it for fear of losing the ability to campaign upon that issue.
Nothing venomous…