Saturday, November 21, 2009

McCormick Place is "Broken"

  • For the third time in two weeks, the high cost of doing business with McCormick Place has cost the city another important trade show.

    Now Jerry Roper, one of the most respected convention veterans in Chicago, is not pulling any punches as he offers advice to halt the exodus.

    "It's broken at McCormick Place and we have to fix it," Roper told CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine.
This on the heels of another show cancellation. And what's causing all these massive costs?
  • "There's no doubt in my mind that that should not have taken place," Roper said. "You have union issues, and you have shows leaving, and you've got pressure from either legislators (saying) 'Do this for me, do that for me. I want to get one of my friends or relatives a job there.'"

    Six-figure-salary jobs. Combing McPier's $300 million budget, we found 45 of 500 McPier employees have annual salaries of more than $100,000. That's nearly 1 in 10, compared to 1 of every 30 city of Chicago employees earning more than $100,000.
But we thought the mayor said hiring was all fixed and the federal monitor could leave town? Wait a minute...it's all fixed? Or it's all "fixed"? Suddenly, everything becomes clear.

Labels:

108 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

But we thought the mayor said hiring was all fixed and the federal monitor could leave town? Wait a minute...it's all fixed? Or it's all "fixed"? Suddenly, everything becomes clear.

What is this "fixed" you speak of?

11/21/2009 12:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The MPEA is more crooked than the city, county, and water reclamation district combined. The media looks to look a contracts (especially contracts for security services) and hiring. A sharp lawyer needs to file a Shakman-type lawsuit against them.

11/21/2009 12:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's "Fixed" alright !

The Fed Monitor needs to stay in Chicago for a long, long time. Daley is full of shit and everyone is starting to find that out.

You actually need a letter from a political "boss" or union big wig to get a job there. If they real investigate they'll need a bunch of investigators to root out the machine politics & favor system in this "closed hiring" shop.

11/21/2009 12:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When you host a show at McCormack Pl. the union has to pay for the outfit no shows. The union also charges $100.00 for the exibitor to plug in a coffee pot.

And these idiots wonder why they are leaving town, I always thought that when the China Town outfit ran things the shows would have left 30 years ago.

11/21/2009 12:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

while mccormick place is certainly to blame the stealing begins the minute you land at ohare or midway airports and doesn't end until you leave town---- daley has turned this city into the rip off capital of the world and it involves both visitors and people who were born and raised here---

11/21/2009 01:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Since early 80's every mobbed up or alderman appointee, same difference as I see it...ex convict cops/fired but cut a deal to turn evidence on other cops to stay out of jail dirtbag who wanted employment with the McCormick teamsters was given a job. Whatever the job title, the new employee had a free ride along with a wink and a nod to steal these vendors blind on top of the extorted prices to plug in the extension cord or unload a couple of boxes. That any conventions continued to come to Crook town by the end of the 90's defied all points of economic 101 on how to do business and control your bottom line. McCormick Place may as well be converted into a combo parking lot with shuttles for Museum Campus and the rest a big impound lot for all our illegals impounded vehicles after Jan 1st.

11/21/2009 01:25:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Detroit

11/21/2009 01:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT --

Chicago in general is "broken." Heard on TV tonight that the CTA is now mothballing its top-secret underground bunker "megastation" downtown, the one that would have run trains direct to O'Hare and Midway --after spending TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN MILLION DOLLARS on this hole in the ground.

So what if we don't have the Olympics? The Daley Crime Family is going to bankrupt us just the same -- like SCC said, "We could actually be witnessing the dissolution of the last of the Rust Belt cities before our very eyes."

New sidewalks, trees, planters, streetlights...in front of vacant storefronts, failing condominium projects, massage parlors, and "payday loan" operations.

MAYOR DALEY IS CLINICALLY INSANE.

11/21/2009 03:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh Please!

Did Daley's jab at media mean he's ready to leave? Analysis: Mayor Daley's decision to blame the media for Oprah Winfrey's career-altering choice to pull the plug on her syndicated talk show after her 25th season is preposterous. But it's also incredibly revealing. When the mayor said, "You keep kicking people, and people will leave," he just might have been talking about himself. Daley has been on the warpath about the media in recent months -- to the point of aggressively challenging reporters.

11/21/2009 05:05:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The same legislators that "encouraged" University of Illinois administrators to accept their friends kids as students. Now these legislators can act surprised and fir the administrators.

It is time to fire every elected official in Illinois and start over.

11/21/2009 06:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Channel 7 just said" World of Wheels" is leaving to Rosemont!

That is a cool car show!

Daley better do something fast! Or there won't be anything left to steal!

11/21/2009 06:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ask anyone in Local 134 and they will tell you that the guys lucky enough to get into McCormick Place all have some sort of pull and most are dogs making 150K a year. They are stealing the place blind (legend has it someone once stole a boat, shut down the electricity in the elevator shaft so they could hang the boat in the shaft until it was retrieved later, and when the Otis guys came in and turned the power back on, the elevator crushed the fucking boat) and they drink, snort coke and play cards all day.

The gravy train, due to corruption, has been allowed to become a tsunami and now it's all over. Let them all go sit at the hall with the rest of the dog asses.

11/21/2009 06:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You think Oprah will buy McCormick place and take it with her when she moves?

11/21/2009 07:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Hey, I'm Just Saying said...

"Unless they really do something, Chicago's title of Convention Capital may go the same way as Hog Butcher to the World."

((((((((((((((((((((((( * )))))))))))))))))))))))


OR, our new title can be "Convention Butcher to the World."

11/21/2009 07:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Years ago I worked on the McCormick Place South Hall expansion (on the outsourced development team) and was utterly dismayed by continual incompetence of McPier staffers and senior management. Being smart evidently was a detriment. Being marginally competent was clearly not a requirement. EVERYONE was a political hack, clouted hire, related to some other big politician, arrogant, missing innate ability to perform their job descriptions.

Guy who ran project eventually went to Walsh Construction (any surprise?) as executive. No wonder McPier's Navy Pier and McCormick Place operations remain unprofitable.

11/21/2009 07:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Daley "Titanic" is sinking! The secret is out on how he makes all his money! He has "pawned" most everything in the city and McCormick Place was his last "cookie jar!" Ok, Ok, I will cut the price of a case of pop to $60! Ok? And even throw in a bag of ice, OK? The name Chicago = Scam City!

11/21/2009 07:51:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Every rock in the city is being turned over now! Aldercreatures are scurrying for cover! "I dunno nuttin!" The Pyramid scheme is collapsing! The "magicians" are beginning to rat each other out on how all the scams in Chicago work! Daley's "huff" over the Scott question proves he is sweating big time! Daley is running out of things to hock! It was actually Professor Daley in the library with the candlestick! Are the cuffs too tight, sir?

11/21/2009 07:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you're going to convince conventions and their people to stay here, you'll have to convince them that there REALLY WILL be a change.

Privatize it and revise work rules.

Eliminate employees with criminal records.

Renegotiate union contracts.

Cut out non-essential employees no matter who their political sponsor is or publish the names and political sponsors of the clouted people that cannot be fired.

Vote out all incumbents.

11/21/2009 08:11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the big ? how will this affect our contract,thats alot of tax $$$ down the drain.masters,masters,fuck u shortshanks!

11/21/2009 08:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its about time the press in this city did its job.

11/21/2009 08:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nov 20, 2009 1:58 pm US/Central
Another Convention Leaves McCormick Place


CHICAGO (CBS) ―

Another convention is leaving Chicago, although this time, it's only heading a jog northwest to Rosemont.

Championship Auto Shows Inc. has held its O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels Show at McCormick Place for all of its 48-year history. But come next March, it will be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont instead.

11/21/2009 08:36:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's all part of the King Daley machine! It's pay to play and if you want to do business there you will pay the machine.

11/21/2009 08:46:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For years it has been a safe haven for mob connected. Out of sight out of mind. This can be another big blow to Daley when the start saying who has the $100,000 no work jobs, (just show up). Sometimes.

11/21/2009 09:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daley must feel the heat now. He cannot force the companies to use McCormick for conventions. This will cost the city big money. The patronage there with wing nut carpenters is shocking. He will be forced to make changes.

11/21/2009 09:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Another Great job by the Daley Management Team and Crime Cabal.

11/21/2009 09:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM

AS IN THE U.S.S.R. - UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC???

11/21/2009 09:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On the same day the papers reported the latest show to leave Chicago they also reported across the board increases in fees for the Chicago Park District. Totally un-related of course.

11/21/2009 09:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Did Daley's jab at media mean he's ready to leave? Analysis: Mayor Daley's decision to blame the media for Oprah Winfrey's career-altering choice to pull the plug on her syndicated talk show after her 25th season is preposterous. But it's also incredibly revealing. When the mayor said, "You keep kicking people, and people will leave," he just might have been talking about himself. Daley has been on the warpath about the media in recent months -- to the point of aggressively challenging reporters.

11/21/2009 05:05:00 AM
IT IS JUST DALEY'S TIME-PROVEN METHOD OF GETTING THE MEDIA TO LAY OFF OF HIM, HE ACTS LIKE HE IS A VICTIM, AND THE BIG-BAD MEDIA IS PICKING ON HIM, WHEN ON RARE OCCASIONS, THE MEDIA GETS THE BALLS TO ASK SOME REAL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CORRUPT HELL-HOLE OF CHICAGO. THEN, DALEY CRIES LIKE A BABY, AND THE MEDIA WIMPS LAY OFF OF HIM FOR AWHILE. WHEN THINGS GET TOO HOT, DALEY JUMPS ON A JET WITH HIS ENTOURAGE, ON OUR TAX-DOLLAR, AND FLIES OFF SOMEWHERE IN THE NAME OF GOING ON SOME BULLSHIT CITY-RELATED FACT-FINDING MISSION, [AKA. SIGHT-SEEING AND PARTYING VACATION WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY, ON THE TAXPAYERS DOLLAR, INSTEAD OF STAYING IN SHITCAGO AND DOING YOUR JOB], FOR A WEEK OR SO. AND WHY ARE WE STILL PAYING FOR CPD BODYGUARDS TO GUARD HIS WORTHLESSNESS WHEN HE'S OUTSIDE THE CITY, WHILE THERE ARE POLICE MANPOWER SHORTAGES EVERYWHERE IN THE CITY? YOU ARE ALL BEING SCAMMED, GOOD PEOPLE, AS USUAL, BUY THE KING OF SHYSTERS, AND HIS CABAL OF CORRUPTION.

11/21/2009 09:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lets not forget, that security at trade shows in Vegas and in Orlando are run by former chicago police officers. Who really owns the companies is anyone's guess.

11/21/2009 10:13:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". That’s you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM

McCormick Place if far from being the fighting ground against the wealthy. McCormick Place the way I see it is fucked up as any other major department in the city, full of "friends and family" overly paid for what they do. Please explain to me who really works at McCormick Place. If any body works there, it’s probably those illegal workers sweeping up the floors during events making 7 dollars and hour, don’t tell me it’s the unionized workers that make good pay for lifting boxes. If there’s any department that’s the fighting ground against the wealthy it’s the Police and Fire department. If anybody has to worry about getting hurt and being underpaid it’s them not McCormick place.

11/21/2009 10:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The inflated prices for soda, rolls, or liquor also apply at the hotels downtown. The hotels will not let you hold a hospitality welcome in your room after a day of seminars. You must use a designated room and buy everything from them and pay their inflated prices. We had to sneak in liquor in suitcases .

11/21/2009 10:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The final nail in the coffin will be if the Auto Show cancels. This is one of the biggest and famous conventions that come through our crooked city. However, Daley will just make up a "not having our convention in Chicago this year tax," and still grab some cash.

11/21/2009 10:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

After Dickie breaks the city, I'm gonna open up a fly-by-night church and liquor sto' in the block 37 building. I'll need to hire off-duty PO's for security.
I'm gonna look into opening up a Rim store to sell DUBS on the State street side; cause you know, those other stores will close on State because they have to pay too much taxes to the king. I think I can knock out a window and turn it into a garage door entrance from State street. I'll turn Macy's into a Men's sleeping room only place and steal business from PGM. The ladies can sleep in th Old Navy building down the street. I'm gonna start a petition to re-name Chicago. I was thinking West Detroit or maybe Gary Northwest. That's my plan.

11/21/2009 11:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is Chicago becoming like Detroit? I hope not.

Check out the latest that has happened in Detroit:

80,000 seat Pontiac Silverdome sells for $583,000. (YES THE WHOLE 127 ACRE COMPLEX)

http://www.carliniscomments.com/archives/239-COMMERCIAL-PROPERTY-BARGAINS-DOMED-STADIUM-FOR-PRICE-OF-A-MIDDLECLASS-HOUSE.html#extended

11/21/2009 11:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its about time the press in this city did its job.

11/21/2009 08:26:00 AM

Some watchdog the press is. More like a lap dog.

11/21/2009 12:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

You sir are fn hilarious, or a patronage hack, or a ..

11/21/2009 12:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Um, Chicago is broken. Most corrupt city in the nation, always has been and always will be.

11/21/2009 12:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

11/21/2009 12:36:00 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM

What are you talking about you hack. McCormick place is a taxpayer owned entity. It should not be making money, it should be breaking even. The benefit to the taxpayers is the tax revenue generated at hotels, restaurants, car rental company's. etc.

You may be union workers, but unlike real union workers, you are on the payroll 365 days a year. You have medical insurance, and most importantly, you do very little work.

Now as for the price gouging by McPier, they too need to quit with the $100 for a case of soda bullshit along with all the other overpriced crap.

So, see you in Vegas.

11/21/2009 01:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

New sidewalks, trees, planters, streetlights...in front of vacant storefronts, failing condominium projects, massage parlors, and "payday loan" operations.

MAYOR DALEY IS CLINICALLY INSANE.

11/21/2009 03:15:00 AM

That's to keep the revs happy so that they will keep telling their flocks to vote for da mare.

Quid Pro Quo you know.

11/21/2009 01:10:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

McCormick Place isn’t broken, McCormick Place is a Total Loss.

I heard it costs $175 to plug a coffee pot in these days.

Lets also give some of the credit to someone else who is just as loveable as Daley. That of course is the notorious Mike Madigan who owns most of the jobs at MEPA.

11/21/2009 01:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM
So much "winning" was going on that the "wealthy" decided to play elsewhere

11/21/2009 01:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Scott question was insulting. But Daley has been combative on other subjects while watching his approval rating plunge to a personal low of 35 percent.

Another fluffy story by FRAN....mayor chucky,i just love you and i am so sorry these other nasty reporters have the nerve to ask you,oh great one,mean questions....SPEILMAN. FRANNY,are you also a city worker or are you going to retire soon and get a city job?

11/21/2009 01:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do your research and consider supporting some officers who are running for office in 2010.

Brock Merck, a Green Party candidate for Commissioner of the 9th District of Cook County

John Garrido, Republican Party candidate for President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
www.Garrido2010.com

Michael Carroll, 46th Ward Alderman.
http://www.Carroll46.com

11/21/2009 02:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SCC. Why are you purposely ignoring the fact that we now have 3 officers running for office?

You always preach we should do something and get involved. Now we have officers running, and you remain silent.

What's up?

11/21/2009 02:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Years ago I worked on the McCormick Place South Hall expansion (on the outsourced development team) and was utterly dismayed by continual incompetence of McPier staffers and senior management. Being smart evidently was a detriment. Being marginally competent was clearly not a requirement. EVERYONE was a political hack, clouted hire, related to some other big politician, arrogant, missing innate ability to perform their job descriptions.

Guy who ran project eventually went to Walsh Construction (any surprise?) as executive. No wonder McPier's Navy Pier and McCormick Place operations remain unprofitable.

Exactly, this is one of the biggest problems there! the unions gave major concessions last contract, crew sized were cut, they no longer get time and a half when starting after 430pm, the contractors tho, still charge exorbinant fees for floor space, the food service(LEVY) continues to charge over-inflated prices for food, taxes on hotels continue to gauge, etc. these are the real reasons shows are leaving.

11/21/2009 02:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Easy to drop the blame for high operating costs @ the feet of the Unions. The Daley Legacy, always make sure you have a Scape Goat & STICK IT IN HIS AS WHEN IT'S EXPEDIENT!!

11/21/2009 03:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.
11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM

AS IN THE U.S.S.R. - UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC???
11/21/2009 09:42:00 AM


NO! We have Obama as president... It's now the U.S.S.A. - United States of socialist America. Power to the peeps!

11/21/2009 03:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whats the rumor about one of his bodyguards was told to go through a changing traffic signal by his WORTHLESSNESS only to receive a ticket which he was expected to pay and keep his mouth shut.

11/21/2009 03:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When the mayor said, "You keep kicking people, and people will leave," he just might have been talking about himself. Daley has been on the warpath about the media in recent months -- to the point of aggressively challenging reporters.

11/21/2009 05:05:00 AM


While being interviewed last week about Michael Scott's death. Daley stated" Michael really loved Chicago like I use to." Is he hinting about leaving. We can only hope.

11/21/2009 03:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a great interview by a professional journalist. Would Mayor Mumbles even allow a one on one interview?


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/cityinsider/detail?entry_id=52062

11/21/2009 03:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I used to work at McCormick Place in the early 90's. I bought a UNION card for $500.00 (Carpenters) and worked the shows. made UNION scale for building sets like the erector sets you used to get for christmas. It was soooo bad there that when an exhibitor was leaving to pack up they would give away their product in the booth because it cost too much to pay us the OT to pack it up for them to take to another show. I saw an exhibitor plug a cord into a electric sockett and got reamed by the monitors down there. This guy went over, unplugged it and told the exhibitor he had to order an electrician for $200.00 So he wrote up the order the electrician came over and plugged in the cord just like the exhibitor, took all of 20 seconds. As far as the boat story goes, it's true. They stole the boat and it went NB on LSD before anyone knew what happenned, gotta love the OUTFIT guys down dare. But the BEST gig there is the DECORATORS UNION, almost twice the scale of a Carpenter to do less than hald the work.

11/21/2009 04:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Why do you think the younger daley is off living in Moscow out of the reach of federal subpoenas? I hear he has a job there as a professional vodka taster.

11/20/2009 05:48:00 PM

Watched the Billy Dec video. Young Daley is sure packing on the pounds. But then, being banished to Siberia has got to suck. And tell me, how did he get such a short stint in the army? Seems like he was in and out in a year. Most enlisted are being re-deployed over and over.

11/21/2009 07:00:00 AM

Enlistedmen are released after their full tour of duty unless they re-enlist, but they still owe uncle sam up to 8 years. They can be called up at any time during that 8 year period like I was back in the 90's. Da crime family is trying to keep lil johnny out of prison so moscow doesn't look bad.

11/21/2009 04:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

On the news it was said that 10% of the empployees (I think around 100) make more than $100,000. Someone please publish the employee list, tax dollars are used to pay McPier, why isn't this FOIAable? It's like the CTA and Public schools for these criminals, there is no Shakman rule so they can hire whatever tied-up incompetent they want.

11/21/2009 05:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.

11/21/2009 12:39:00 AM
***********************************
BLOW ME ASSHOLE.... UNION IS ANOTHER TERM FOR "PROTECT THE INCOMPETENT IDIOTS" YOU BETTER WAKE THE FUCK UP DUDE. WHEN ALL THE $$$ IS GONE, YOUR "UNION" AINT GOING TO BE ABLE TO PROTECT YOU AND PEOPLE ARE REALIZING THAT YOU AND YOUR ILK ARE A SCAM. THAT'S CALLED THE FREE MARKET ECONOMY!

11/21/2009 05:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chi-troit baby! Bring on the fires!

11/21/2009 05:31:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

u have to remember that unions don t set the prices at mcCormick place.Everyone likes to blame the unions for the problems.MPEA have the highest prices in the country for floor space,coffee,beer ,etc..
The workers are subcontracted out by Freeman,Ges and other companies. While the workers get $35 an hour the companies charge $80.
Next thing there going to say is we make to much money because we re a union.W/out unions there would be no middle class

11/21/2009 05:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bring up www.ipsn.org and then enter Ricky Simon, he is Mayor Daley's next door neighbor and provides him with his cigars.

Ricky Simon has come to the attention of John Kass over the years and many people would love to know what happened to his stepfather's girl friend.

He has a lot of influence on what goes on at McCormack Place.

11/21/2009 06:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I never thought i would say this...but I actually want the feds to stick around.It looks as if the "machine" is starting to show some wear. If the feds remain aggessive and keep digging, they will find that this great city is under siege by thieves....heck the whole state is under seige....NO OTHER STATE...not even Nevada has this much corruption....HELP!

11/21/2009 06:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

11/21/2009 09:52:00 AM

True, but the $$$$ people are getting tired of Richie Daley. Even the Pritzkers are second guessing his usefulness these days. Richie is a marked man but hasn't fully realized it yet.

11/21/2009 07:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.


Wait...explain this to me again Robin Hood? How do we win when no one wants to spend $$$ in this city? Maybe I am not as smart as you but I believe lost tourist dolars equals more tax dollars squeezed from us actual "workers".

11/21/2009 08:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heard a rumor. Is it true that detectives from area two are being sent to work in the 003rd district.? Does anyone know anything about this? I didn't know they had the manpower to do this.

11/21/2009 08:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess the only "union" thats on the square is the one you work for, pay differential, uniform allowances that rarely if ever are spent on uniform items, extended medical, that lets you sit on your ass for up to a year when you get pissed at your supervisors or commanders...As far as McCormick Place is concerned, the exhorbitant cost of setting up a booth is very often offset by the fact that it would cost you more to have a sales staff make as many contacts as you'd get in one of the trade shows that come here. But you jagoffs knew all that already, didn't you?

11/21/2009 08:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh, Shortshanks is sooooooo done. Can't wait....

11/21/2009 09:00:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"When the mayor said, "You keep kicking people, and people will leave," he just might have been talking about himself. Daley has been on the warpath about the media in recent months -- to the point of aggressively challenging reporters."

11/21/2009 05:05:00 AM

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out shortshanks !! You've stolen enough already ! Wishing you a very short retirement.

When you die you'll be needing a Porta Potty instead of a grave marker.

11/21/2009 09:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THE CITY THE COUNTY THE STATE ALL BROKEN IN HTHE LAND OF THE CLOUT!! WELL COUT WILL NOT SAVE THE NEXT DETROIT AND MICHIGAN!! GET OUT NOW IF YOU CAN RETIRE AND LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!

11/21/2009 10:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bless You, Mayor Daley, For All You Have Done For Us.
You have done great things for the city of Chicago.
With Our Tax Money, You have helped many.
We are sorry we ran out of funds, and can no longer support you, and your friends.

P.S. Have A Nice Day...........

11/21/2009 11:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I saw on the news that the parking meters are making mega bucks. We can have them back in 74 years. Too bad he sold such a valuable assett.
Daley is raping this city. Getting everything he can, while he can. How can we stop him from selling off the rest of the city before he leaves?

11/21/2009 11:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why any company or organization would choose Chicago over Vegas as a venue to hold a convention is bewildering to me. The rip-offs here are beyond comparison the weather sucks and the night life is nothing compared to Vegas.

I think Obama tried helping Daley out when a few months ago he slammed co.'s for holding conventions in Vegas saying it was excessive. I agree with the poster mentioning the Decorators Union rip-off I know those guys are paid $50-$80/hr to hang signs come on!

11/21/2009 11:26:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I guess the only "union" thats on the square is the one you work for, pay differential, uniform allowances that rarely if ever are spent on uniform items, extended medical, that lets you sit on your ass for up to a year when you get pissed at your supervisors or commanders...As far as McCormick Place is concerned, the exhorbitant cost of setting up a booth is very often offset by the fact that it would cost you more to have a sales staff make as many contacts as you'd get in one of the trade shows that come here. But you jagoffs knew all that already, didn't you?

11/21/2009 08:57:00 PM

Easy Francis...couldn't pass the height requirement for the CPD??? Oh, wait we don't have one...hmmm...musta been the written test, huh? Or maybe you were too busy putting up a those booths. My guess is you're probably another no-show piece o shit who's easy money is being threatened now because of the situation you and your mobbed up cronies created. So listen fuck-wad,go back to your 3 room in Canaryville, and shut the fuck up.

11/22/2009 12:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heard a rumor. Is it true that detectives from area two are being sent to work in the 003rd district.? Does anyone know anything about this? I didn't know they had the manpower to do this.

I am a dick in Area Two. I have not heard anything about this. Rumor is not true.

11/22/2009 01:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"11/21/2009 08:57:00 PM"


yep.

that's the way 'they' do it, get the working stiffs to hate each other, while the big dogs skim the cream right off the top.

'union' isn't a dirty word.

no matter how many times 'they' tell you it is.

everybody wants more for less.

everybody.

always enough for everyone's need, never enough for anyone's greed.

11/22/2009 01:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Wait...explain this to me again Robin Hood? How do we win when no one wants to spend $$$ in this city? Maybe I am not as smart as you but I believe lost tourist dolars equals more tax dollars squeezed from us actual "workers".

11/21/2009 08:23:00 PM"


because it's never 'no one'.

because it doesn't have to be 'no one', not with reasonable, rational and still equitable management of our resources.

we all know what the major portion of the problem is, ie., top heavy management, loaded with practically useless clout leeches.

when shit rolls downhill, where does it come from?

11/22/2009 01:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"...NO OTHER STATE...not even Nevada has this much corruption....HELP!

11/21/2009 06:26:00 PM"


hell, at least the old school mob knew enough to keep the cow healthy while they milked it.

11/22/2009 01:39:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"11/21/2009 05:56:00 PM"


amen.

11/22/2009 01:40:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"I used to work at McCormick Place in the early 90's.....

11/21/2009 04:09:00 PM"


so, what happened?

did you get caught stealing donuts?

11/22/2009 01:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"The Scott question was insulting.

11/21/2009 01:30:00 PM"


no, it wasn't.

it was asked concerning the comments previously made, and referred to in the question, by west side revrunds.

legitimate question.

typically illegitimate response from chucky short dick.

11/22/2009 02:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"You sir are fn hilarious, or a patronage hack, or a ..

11/21/2009 12:21:00 PM"


...working man who gets paid.

just like you want to get paid.

take a pay cut, with a smile on your face, then get back to me on how happy you are.

11/22/2009 02:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it."

First of all CPD and CFD are not unionized, we're organized (sort of). We can't strike, therefore we have no teeth as a negotiating party. FOP is our business manager that must negotiate within certain parameters. What is currently happening at McCormick Place is a snapshot into this country's future under liberal democratic rule. I understand the passion in your statement but it is
misguided.

11/22/2009 06:08:00 AM  
Blogger Stopthepresses2 said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it.
.....
Yep, the union will win when everyone leaves and there is no one left to sponge off of.

11/22/2009 06:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I LOVE HOW THE LITTLE SHITS WORLD AROUND HIM IS CRUMBLING.
YOU PLAY A BIG PART OF IT SCC.

11/22/2009 07:12:00 AM  
Anonymous HATER said...

JUAN OCHOA


GOOGLE IT.

11/22/2009 07:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So true.

I guess the only "union" thats on the square is the one you work for, pay differential, uniform allowances that rarely if ever are spent on uniform items, extended medical, that lets you sit on your ass for up to a year when you get pissed at your supervisors or commanders...

11/22/2009 08:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To 11/21-857PM

Fuck You Mr Stand-Up Salesman....What a sleaze.You are the reason I left a lucrative career in sales to take a pay cut, and become something....The Police

11/22/2009 08:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Take away everything from the unions and the costs are the same just more in lil dicks pockets.
The last give backs by the unions were not passed on to the vendors.

Then make sure your arbitrators look at what everyone else in the city is doing while they decide your fate you can give back too
You can write the city retro check
while your at it.

11/22/2009 09:03:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

pay differential, uniform allowances that rarely if ever are spent on uniform items, extended medical, that lets you sit on your

Oh you salesmen never "padded" an expense account...What a Jag-Off

11/22/2009 09:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I believe Scott Farwell was part of McPier (MPEA)back in the days, before indictment.
I rest my case, your honor.
Pat Fitzgerald, PLEASE take a look over there and clean house.

11/22/2009 09:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I guess the only "union" thats on the square is the one you work for, pay differential, uniform allowances that rarely if ever are spent on uniform items, extended medical, that lets you sit on your ass for up to a year when you get pissed at your supervisors or commanders...As far as McCormick Place is concerned, the exhorbitant cost of setting up a booth is very often offset by the fact that it would cost you more to have a sales staff make as many contacts as you'd get in one of the trade shows that come here. But you jagoffs knew all that already, didn't you?

If you are in a Union and not in sales....as I may think...You Sir are a bigger Jag-Off for these comments

11/22/2009 09:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Skinny Fuckin' Sheehan and his band of theives!

11/22/2009 09:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it."

First of all CPD and CFD are not unionized, we're organized (sort of). We can't strike, therefore we have no teeth as a negotiating party. FOP is our business manager that must negotiate within certain parameters. What is currently happening at McCormick Place is a snapshot into this country's future under liberal democratic rule. I understand the passion in your statement but it is
misguided.


Sorry guy. But read the defintion of what a union is. Striking has nothing to do with what a union is. We are both in what is considered a union.

11/22/2009 10:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

go back to your 3 room in Canaryville, and shut the fuck up.

That's Bridgeport to you, sir!

11/22/2009 01:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Message to Shortshanks:
You don't have to hint about leaving, Mr. short man. GO NOW!
And while the doorknob is hitting you in your short ass, you can take the WEISel/Masters/Hamilton
CPD wrecking crew with your sorry ass!

11/22/2009 01:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I guess the only "union" thats on the square is the one you work for, pay differential, uniform allowances that rarely if ever are spent on uniform items, extended medical, that lets you sit on your ass for up to a year when you get pissed at your supervisors or commanders...As far as McCormick Place is concerned, the exhorbitant cost of setting up a booth is very often offset by the fact that it would cost you more to have a sales staff make as many contacts as you'd get in one of the trade shows that come here. But you jagoffs knew all that already, didn't you?

11/21/2009 08:57:00 PM

_______________________________


We also know that more than half of you fuck-tards have done time. We know that if you weren't connected, half of you would be selling flowers at 111th & Pulaski, and the other half would be booking bets and selling drugs, but you're probably doing that now as your side gig. And for your information tough guy, the offset from the exhorborant cost of setting up a booth, and the sales staff contacts that are made, can easily be done in Orlando or Vegas for a fraction of the cost. So when you are in your break room doin' blow with your bustout co-workers, figuring out what your going to steal at the end of the next show, keep in mind that you, your co-workers, and your union are destroying a great asset that the city, no matter who is in charge, counts on. Fuck all the other workers at hotels and restaurants who benefit from convention business, as long as you get yours.

11/22/2009 05:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Their smartasses are all going to be out of work. Because of their GREED. They just don't know when to leave well enough alone. More and more conventions are not coming back. It hasn't even begun. Everyone is sick to death of the taxes and the theft and the bullshit union costs. That doesn't happen anywhere else. I own a business, I do three or four shows a year and EVERYONE talks about it EVERYWHERE! CHICAGO SUCKS! The only thing they do like is the cops and fireman, you'll be happy to know.

11/22/2009 05:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There ain't a gift show on earth goin' back to Chi-town baby! not after this year. None of the buyers can afford the hotels so they all go to Houston, Atlanta, Cali, Vegas and the warm places. The dealers do too badly and all their stuff get ripped off over night anyway. ha-ha

11/22/2009 05:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I moved my business out of Illinois. Tax was too high. It's almost half in a nearby state. Sales, income tax, insurance everything.

11/22/2009 05:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Daley thinks we won't retire because we won't find side jobs but if retire and just move to another state we don't need side jobs really.

11/22/2009 05:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the exhorbitant cost of setting up a booth is very often offset by the fact that it would cost you more to have a sales staff make as many contacts as you'd get in one of the trade shows that come here.

Get the hell out of this board with that bullshit!
Know how sales staffs make new contacts? They either pick up a damned phone or shoot off emails from their computers. Now, you were saying?

11/22/2009 10:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chicago is the laughing stock of conventions! But nobody really cares! All the top people have milked the cows dry! They are all fat cats and ready to ride off into the sunset! The city has been stripped of anything of value and all those "connected" have had their snouts in the trough for years! Daley is cleaning his slate and preparing to select a "new" king to take over! Mark my words! Whitey Bulger is retiring!

11/22/2009 11:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why come to Chicago when you pay almost 11% and extra feees on top of everything hotel rooms, flights, booking fees, anything associated w/the union is like paying the mob, but if you go anywhere else you'll pay at least half for every single thing. Everything is nicer and the union people are nicer and they don't act like the mob. All your things will still be there in the morning everyday. All the workers are friendly and helpful and you don't pay for each and every single thing. Chicago has gotten what it deserves.

11/23/2009 12:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Blame the city, McPier, the contractors, I.E. Freeman, GES, LEVY food and beverage, who runs the concessions at McCormick for the majority of this mess. The unions DID make concessions last contract, eased work rules, lost time and a half when starting after 430pm, cut crew sizes, but the contractors didn't pass the savings on the exibitors! they charged the same high floor space rates. LEVY charges astronomical prices for food and beverage during a show; the city levies an extra tax in the entertainment district, aimed at the conventions, hotels charge ridiculous rates when shows are in town, that is all a recipe for disaster, I know I worked there, and it sucked; you were always on call, never knew when you would work, when a show was coming in you might work 3 or 4 days on the front, be off while the show was going on, which was 3 to 5 days depending on the show, then work 2 days on the end as they rush you to get the show out so they can cut payroll! they you can be off again for a week or so until another show came in. In the winter you were on unemployment, laid off till Spring. You froze yer ass off in the winter if you did work a small show, because they wouldn't turn the heat on, in the summer, no air, I hated it and glad I got on the job... It's not all the unions fault..

11/23/2009 01:30:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Remember folks "Unions" is another term for "Workers". Thats you and me folks; McCormick place is our fighting ground against the wealthy; we always win there, and they don't like it."

First of all CPD and CFD are not unionized, we're organized (sort of). We can't strike, therefore we have no teeth as a negotiating party. FOP is our business manager that must negotiate within certain parameters. What is currently happening at McCormick Place is a snapshot into "this country's future under liberal democratic rule. I understand the passion in your statement but it is
misguided."


Sorry guy. But read the defintion of what a union is. Striking has nothing to do with what a union is. We are both in what is considered a union.

11/22/2009 10:45:00 AM
Ok ...
Maybe, you know what 'union' I'm in, which one are you in? I show you mine and you show me yours;)

11/23/2009 03:29:00 AM  
Anonymous gfy said...

In other words, when it comes to Mayor Daley's favorite slush fund, Cullerton, Madigan, and Quinn can be every bit as accommodating as our rubber-stamp City Council. They weren't alone, of course. Twenty-five Republicans in the house and 14 in the senate voted for the TIF extensions, including senators Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard—both of whom are campaigning for governor on a platform of standing up to Chicago Democrats.

they are all shit bags

11/23/2009 10:16:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anything associated w/the union is like paying the mob

The union doesn't set the prices, the contractors do..

11/23/2009 03:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ask anyone in Local 134 and they will tell you that the guys lucky enough to get into McCormick Place all have some sort of pull and most are dogs making 150K a year. They are stealing the place blind (legend has it someone once stole a boat, shut down the electricity in the elevator shaft so they could hang the boat in the shaft until it was retrieved later, and when the Otis guys came in and turned the power back on, the elevator crushed the fucking boat) and they drink, snort coke and play cards all day.

What's the matter with you? generalize an entire union due to the acts of a few, that's akin to saying that all cops are thieves, dogs, take money, plant dope, work while drunk, etc. Does the place haver problems? sure, so does every other organization, don't generalize...

11/23/2009 03:27:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

by blaming the unions I meant the politicians because thats who runs the unions with the mob. In chicago they're all the same thing. What do you think Burke is? Wake up and smell the coffee kid? Did you think the 1st Ward just rolled over and died with Greylord?

11/23/2009 11:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Most corporate clients that have to sign an itemized bill at the end of a show at McCormick place are in fear of bodily harm if they dare question their amount due. Why?

11/24/2009 01:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So 6 yrs later and nothing has changed. The show has gone on and more shows have booked. The only thing that has changed is the privitization and total neglect of the building systems. The private contractors that supply the labor have no desire to keep up or maintain the buildings mechanical systems because there is no profit. The only people who got screwed in this new deal are the trades people and exhibitors. The exhibitors are charged more money for the trades people than they were previously when it was a public entity operation. And now the contractor can have the workers start at anytime around the clock w/o OT being paid. The contract for McPlace is completely different than any Union's original agreement/contract on any other jobsite. MPEA was a non-profit and charged accordingly. So nice to get private hands in there to rake in the dough using the same workforce as before with less pay. Amazing on the recent lawsuit payout after work rules were changed having no spotters resulting in someones foot getting crushed.

9/13/2015 05:07:00 PM  

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