The question I couldn’t figure out was where those expenses were reported–as I mentioned previously, one cannot just list credit card payments, but most list specific expenses. Lafferty tracks down the expenses and spot compares them to the credit card bills and I am shocked, shocked I tell you, to report the expenses don’t match the credit card bill details.
What seems obvious to me is that campaign funds generally have to be spent on political expenses. It is questionable that many of these are political expenses. Some are, others appear to be personal expenses. I believe that is a violation, but I don’t know the intricacies of the law.
But what I do know, you don’t get to charge political expenses to the town and then reimburse. That is a clear violation of the law. Using public funds for political purposes even if reimbursed is illegal. Jeff Trigg claims any personal use is illegal also—I simply don’t know the law well enough to fully understand that issue.
I also want to remember, it isn’t a mystery where the $1300 charge is from labeled Chicago Food and Beverage. It was the VIP Club also.
I too am shocked, Shocked, SHOCKED! I tell you… that more irregularities continue to be found re Mike Smith and his New Lenox credit card. I gotta get me one of those, New Lenox is much easier to deal with it appears, than my husband.
The Southtown also has a pretty good article in Sunday’s paper on the scandal. According to article, he charged more in March then the mayors of Frankfort, Lemont, Lockport, Mokena and Worth did in an entire year- combined. But still the “mystery” about the $1300; you’re the only guy who actually pick up the phone & figure it out. B.T.W. Smith also has a $700 expense paid to BMW of Orland for “automobile repair” listed on his election report this year. Since when is that a “campaign expense?”
Has anyone really delved into this bachelor party. It really shouldn’t be hard to figure out whose it was. It’s not like Smith is in his 20’s and all his friends are getting married. Maybe someone should look at his close friend the Sheriff. Didn’t he just have a daughter who got married? I do believe tha bachelor parties are traditionally associated with marriage.
The Loyalty Day parade takes place on Sunday in New Lenox. I wonder, will Mike Smith come out and march with his New Lenox Republicans?
I went to the parade. Mike didn’t walk – he sat on a float with the old Mrs. with Madsen, Tuminello and Walter riding it with him. There was group of guys throwing down a few brewskies who yelled “Hey mayor, best mayor in Chicago.”
Seems these are his only “friends” for the moment.
Didn’t see any school board members there, or Renee (doesn’t she usually ride in these?)
His buddy Kaupas was walking, though. Weigel was too. I’m surprised – the county probably doesn’t pay their trustees to walk in parades.
Oh, and the story about no one else having any money? Don’t buy that for a minute. This guy’s reputation is to flaunt and I would expect he offered to pay ’cause he’s so generous. He just racks up his war chest to pay his tab.
Wonder if there were any developer contributors there with him.
Someone will start talking.
FYI – Saw Smith at Beggar’s in NL on Friday afternoon flanked by two NL cops in and out of the building. Are we paying for that?
Saw Mayor Smith @ Boston Blackie’s having lunch and a smoke downtown on Wednesday. Why does he spend so much time in the city?