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Last night, during her Trustee report, Judy Sigwalt spoke personally and candidly about how outrage at her recent actions has effected her public and private reputation in the community.
While Carpentersville Action Network is sensitive to Ms. Sigwalt’s experience, it is felt that it is her public statements, actions and policy decisions that are responsible for the recent backlash from the community.
Unfortunately, it appears that Trustee Sigwalt and her supporters would have the public believe that Carpentersville Action Network is responsible for any perceived damage her public actions and statements have done to her reputation.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I have merely published and reported on comments made and actions taken while in office. Trustee Sigwalt seems to think that the reporting of her actions is the problem, rather than the actions for which she is responsible.
I believe that Trustee Sigwalt’s recent decisions to defend the position of a fellow Board member in light of his conviction of Domestic Abuse charges is the reason for any possible repercussions she has felt, either real or perceived. Such decisions are what the people she has asked to serve are recognizing, and to which they are objecting.
The opinions and conclusions expressed on Carpentersville Action Network are based upon information received through news reports, observation at Board meetings, and general comments made in the course of elections, etc on issues of concern to the community.
Carpentersville Action Network has, on several occasions, offered Trustee Sigwalt, along with other Trustees, the opportunity to correct any facts with which she, or they, might disagree. To date, neither Trustee Sigwalt nor any other Trustee has responded to any of these opportunities. While that certainly does not imply agreement with the opinions and conclusions drawn from those facts, it does represent an implied agreement with the facts that have been presented.
In the absence of any contrary evidence, those opinions and conclusions are of a nature that is believed any reasonable person would hold if in possession of the same facts.
The fact that many others in the community have viewed the same information and reached similar conclusions, is also representative of such a belief.
As Carpentersville Action Network has grown as an outlet for the community to express their thoughts and opinions on the public actions of the members of the Board, there have been some who have been working to silence this legitimate voice of the People. In their attempts to do so, they have done some things which may have broken the law.
I have contacted legal counsel to assist in making a determination on the acts that have been attempted. At the present time, I have been advised by said counsel to refrain from posting any additional new articles, etc until such time as an investigation can be conducted regarding these actions.
That said …this blog will continue.
Those who have already been approved to make public comments may continue to do so. In fact, I encourage them to continue to offer their thoughts and opinions on the current, past and future actions of their elected representatives on the Board, to ensure both accountability and integrity in that representation. Additionally, it is a way in which the community may be informed about, and involved in, their governance.
Your continued support of this blog will serve the community as a legitimate voice for bringing about long-awaited and much-needed improvements in Village government. You will also be helping to ensure that our liberties and rights to Freedom of Expression are being protected and defended and will not be suppressed.
Thank you for your continued support of this blog and of the community.
If you have any questions, please email them to me at cvillecan@gmail.com.
I leave you (briefly) with the following quotes to ponder:
The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it. — Albert Einstein
All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing. — Edmund Burke
There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root. — Henry David Thoreau
He who does not punish evil, commands it to be done. — Leonardo Da Vinci
The reputation of the Minutemen got a little more sullied last night as a number of members descended on Carpentersville to weigh in on the fate of Paul Humpfer’s position on the Board of Trustees. Two weeks ago, Humpfer was convicted on four counts of domestic battery, that involved the use of a baseball bat to strike the legs and hip of his wife, Jacqueline.
Mr. Humpfer showed up Tuesday night to face any accusers that would come forward to call for his removal. Prior to public comments being made, Village President Bill Sarto announced that some leeway would be given to public comments, but that members of the public who came forward to speak should keep any inflammatory language, such as wife-beater, out of their comments. At one point, President Sarto did gavel a speaker and give caution about the use of such language. The speaker refrained from making any more such references as he commented on the actions of Mr. Humpfer that make him unfit to hold the seat of Trustee.
Those who spoke on Humpfer’s behalf mostly raised the issue that he should remain because he was a champion of efforts to curb illegal immigration in Carpentersville. Most of them were careful to stay away from talking about Humpfer’s conviction.
They reported that Paul Humpfer was “a good man” and “a good trustee” who helped the Village out of its financial mess several years ago.But not everyone spoke so highly of Humpfer. As many as came forth to call for him to be retained came forth to call for his resignation or removal.
These residents spoke about the actual crime that Humpfer was convicted of. That it did not represent the kind of person they wanted to represent them on the Board. An issue supporters seemed to smoke-screen.
Later in the meeting, an interesting tidbit of information came out about Mr. Humpfer’s “honesty and decency” about his “moral turpitude” (those criteria being the basis for determining whether an official is eligible to hold an elected seat after conviction of a crime).
In December, a police report filed by Humpfer’s wife, Jacqueline, was published on an internet site run by friends and supporters of Mr. Humpfer. At the meeting, it was mentioned that only one FOIA request was approved for the release of that document. The FOIA request was made by Mr. Paul Humpfer.
Mr Humpfer did not deny it, but said that it was likely his attorney who was responsible. Questions were then raised about why Mr. Humpfer’s attorney would obtain a copy of a police report filed by his wife, and give it to his friends to be published on a website. Mr. Humpfer did not respond.
During the evening, those who made comments on the specifics of the Humpfer case in support of Mr. Humpfer, questioned the integrity of the ruling and the Judge, alleging that “he ignored testimony” and rendered a verdict inconsistent with the evidence.
Mr. Humpfer has vowed to appeal.
There was lots more to digest from last night’s meeting as accusations flew around to most everyone involved.
I am also in contact with legal counsel about some actions taken against me and this blog. More on that forthcoming as well.
An article today in the Courier-News quotes a flier allegedly from Carpentersville Action Network.
This flier was not created or distributed by Carpentersville Action Network. I had not previously seen that flier at all, and can only assume that it was created by other residents who simply wanted to point people to my website.
While I do not necessarily disagree with the information contained within, it is incorrect to say that it was distributed by Carpentersville Action Network as I make all statements through this blog or direct email.
There was no vote on Humpfer remaining in his position. He was present at the meeting. He again vowed to stay in office.
The Board voted 4 – 3 to table the resolution on Sarto’s powers. However, this is another thing that never should have been allowed to be brought before the Board. Judy Sigwalt had no authority in any capacity to obtain this, or bring it to the Board.
Lots more later. Lots.
No one speaks for this blog, or as Chrysippus.
There are some out there who will go to any length to tarnish the reputation that this blog has built in Carpentersville — including falsifying emails, even pretending to be people they are not by using one-off email addresses, in a technique called “phishing”which is a crime, and spoofing.This is the kind of element that is supporting Judy Sigwalt and Paul Humpfer.
Put a stop to Paul and Judy tonite for crimes against the People!
(I will explain what prompted this post in a later message.)
More than likely, readers of this blog do not have to be reminded that tonight is a regular meeting of the Village Board.
The meeting starts at 7:30pm, however due to the expectation of a large crowd, it is recommended that you get there early … at least by 7:00pm.
One of the final items of business to be discussed tonight is a resolution seeking to limit the powers of the Village President, Bill Sarto, in order to prevent him from removing Paul Humpfer from the Board of Trustees (even though Sarto was acting within his duties and acting in a manner in accordance with his oath of office, which is why they need this resolution; that is “nothing but fluff”) — this will also be the time that a vote will likely be taken on declaring Paul Humpfer’s seat vacant.
The focus though, is Paul Humpfer, the official proclamation that he committed a crime that is not in keeping with the standards of decency and honesty in our community, and the subsequent declaration that his seat is, indeed, vacant.
Please sign up with the Village Clerk, Terri Wilde, at the front of the Board room before the meeting if you want to speak. Residents will be given the opportunity to speak before non-residents.
With prices on the rise all over the place, a little extra cash couldn’t hurt to help pay for the things you need and want. And, that is precisely what the federal government is expecting to stimulate when it begins sending out checks in May.
Today, the IRS released the schedule of when it would be sending out checks as part of an economic stimulus package.
The order that you will receive your check will be based on the last two digits of your social security number, and whether you specified direct deposit account information on your 2007 tax return — to be filed by April 15 — or will receive a check in the mail.
Those who will receive direct deposit will see their checks beginning May 2. Others who will receive a paper check will begin seeing them go out on May 16.
I posted a calculator in an earlier post to help people figure what their check amount might be, but it seems the IRS now has a calculator that should be able to tell you based on information from your 2007 return.
Enjoy! And don’t spend it all at the gas station.
Carpentersville Action Network would like to thank the Northwest Herald for today’s fair and balanced report. I wish that all reports on this issue represented such integrity and objectivity. Thank you, to Tom Musick, NW Herald reporter.
[Updated: 11:30am]
I am disappointed that Trustee Sigwalt has announced that she will not resign for her imprudent actions in this matter.
Carpentersville Action Network calls on Trustee Sigwalt, if she desires to remain a member of the Board and regain our trust, to show some good faith that she will be responsible to the People in their demand of good government and representatives who show strong moral character and judgment.
It is believed that end can best be met, in addition to supporting the removal of Paul Humpfer, by discontinuing attempts to render unable to fulfill their duties to the People, those members of the Board who have taken initiative to protect our government, in conjunction with their oath of office and the powers and duties provided them by the State of Illinois and the Village of Carpentersville.
Further, Carpentersville Action Network urges all members of the Board who support the will of the People for good government and decent, honest and strong moral character from their colleagues, to vote “No” on this Resolution, and “Yes” to whether Paul Humpfer has committed “an infamous crime”, by virtue of violating community standards of honesty and decency, making him now ineligible to exercise the privilege of holding public office.
According to my research over the past several days, Paul Humpfer’s conviction fits the criteria of “an infamous crime”. The definitions I found for legal opinions stemming from Illinois case law point to the fact that, contrary to what the papers have been reporting, misdemeanors can also be considered infamous. This would be if the committed act “was inconsistent with accepted principles of honesty and decency, or one which involved moral turpitude”.
For all you “legal types” out there … I’ve included some quotes from applicable case law below. For others, let me lay it out simply for you…
At one site (which I unfortunately lost the link to — other sites are linked below) it mentions that, according to the case of People ex rel. City of Kankakee v. Morris ‘An “infamous crime” is one that is inconsistent with commonly accepted principles of honesty and decency.’ Keenan v. McGuane is also of the same opinion, as is People v Tomek.
I believe that this case clearly fits that criteria. After all, who would make the argument that battering your wife — especially with a deadly weapon such as a baseball bat is — is accepted in our community as “honest” and “decent”?!
I hope none of the Trustees would.
Most know that honesty and decency is defined by proper behavior and right judgment, something not demonstrated by Humpfer in either the commission of the heinous act, or his refusal to step down from his trustee seat.
And, as you can see even clearer, if you choose to dig deeper and read further … that is the legal opinion that defines “an infamous crime” in Illinois, for the purposes of determining whether a person is eligible to hold an elected (or appointed) office.
Thus, the conviction of Paul Humpfer fits the definition of “an infamous crime”, in terms of his ability to hold public office. Therefore, the seat has rightly been labeled vacant.
Now … for those of you “legal types” out there (and I’ll grant that I only went so far as 1) I could on the internet; and, 2) as seemed reasonably necessary to establish the facts.
Without further ado, then…
Searching deeper, particularly for Illinois cases, I found that the definition of “infamous crime” is not limited to felony convictions, but to some misdemeanor crimes as well.First … searching through “FindLaw for Legal Professionals” revealed State of Wisconsin v Ragan. Now, before you say, “That’s Wisconsin, not Illinois”, lets look at the text (emphasis added)…
Next, we look to certain case law from Illinois. We find these cases instructive because they address infamous crime in the context of eligibility to hold public office.
Rather than looking to the extent of the punishment, the Illinois cases are built on the common law principle that “[a]n infamous crime at common law was an act, the commission of which was inconsistent with the commonly accepted principles of honesty and decency, or one which involves moral turpitude.” Keenan v. McGuane , 150 N.E.2d 168, 175 (Ill. 1958) (quoted source omitted). See also Symonds v. Gualano , 240 N.E.2d 467, 468 (Ill. App. Ct. 1968); City of Kankakee v. Morris , 467 N.E.2d 589, 592-93 (Ill. App. Ct. 1984). We adopt this test for purposes of measuring whether a crime is infamous under Wisconsin law. Under this test, we conclude that felony theft is inconsistent with the commonly accepted principles of honesty and decency.
So, we see that “an infamous crime” is any one that “was inconsistent with the commonly accepted principles of honesty and decency”. Certainly, domestic battery is not part of the community of Carpentersville’s “accepted principles of honesty and decency”.
Let’s look a little further at this document (again, emphasis added)…
If we were ranking the severity of felonies in a vacuum, we perhaps might say that felony theft falls on the lower end of the scale. However, we deal here with the qualifications of a candidate to hold public office and the eligibility representations made by that candidate when seeking such office. Viewed in this context, the seriousness of such a conviction begins to take on greater significance.
The expectation of attaining or holding public office is a privilege, not a civil right. Morris , 467 N.E.2d at 592. The law is more concerned with the public interest in good government and confidence in its public officers than a defendant’s privilege in holding public office. Id .
Absolutely! And that is the preeminent objection to Paul Humpfer’s remaining in office: interest in “good government” and “confidence in [our] public officers”. And, that’s what the law and those, like our elected officials, should be concerned about safeguarding on our behalf.
But, this opinion is related to the commission of a felony, right? So how does this translate to saying that the commission of a misdemeanor fits the definition of “an infamous crime”?
Let’s keep going … 
Section 1 or Article XIII of the Ill. Constitution of 1970 and 5 11 CS 280/1. An “infamous crime” is
one that is inconsistent with commonly accepted principles of honesty and decency. People ex rel. City of Kankakee v. Morris, 467 N.E.2d 589 (Ill. App.3, 1984). An admission of guilt, pursuant to a plea agreement, to an otherwise office disqualifying offense, constitutes a resignation (10 ILCS 5/25-2).
Going further, we find:
Further it has been said that infamy goes to the quality of the act rather than the punishment; hence, even misdemeanors which violate “ordinary honesty and decency” may be called infamous. People v Tomek, 54 Ill. App 2d 197, 202, 203 N.E. 2d 744, 747 (1964)
This explicit mention as a test for “infamous crimes” which may disqualify a person from office, seems to seal the deal.
Now, some may wonder about the appeal of Humpfer’s conviction that has been mentioned. How does this affect his status?
5 ILCS 280/1 covers it by saying that “If, subsequently, a final order reverses the conviction, eligibility to hold the office, to the extent of the original term then remaining, is restored, and the officer shall be reinstated, for the duration of the term of office remaining.“
And, that should settle it … I hope … so that the Village may get on with the real business it needs to attend to.
Thought I would provide an update on the poll:
63 65 do not want Paul Humpfer on the Board (91%)
6 say he can stay (8%)
1 doesn’t care (1%)
In the other poll,
32 say any Trustee supporting Humpfer’s remaining on the Board should resign. (74%)
8 say no they shouldn’t resign (19%)
3 say they don’t know (7%)
Click here to view the only flier endorsed and approved by Carpentersville Action Network.
The Fox Valley Minutemen are making a call to bring people out to support their “friends”. The text of that is below. I encourage all Minutemen who oppose Domestic Violence to refrain from joining their voice and demonstration. This is not about illegal immigration. This is about Domestic Violence and its place in Carpentersville, as a convicted domestic abuser sits as a representative of the people.
Members of the Minutemen, do not let Domestic Violence detract from the Minutemen’s specific purpose, and muddy its message.
Paul Humpfer’s resignation from office after being found guilty in a court of law of serious domestic assault is what is right and proper. I probably do not have to remind you that, in Kane County, use of a deadly weapon to commit a domestic battery is classified as aggravated assault — a Class 3 felony.
To support Paul Humpfer is to reject the “illegal means illegal” message.
The good news is, they don’t have the support of the community.
Of those that do come, don’t let these people speak for you. They will rely on your voice not being heard; of you standing outside, while they are inside making their pitch for their friends as they have done for the last 1 1/2 years.
Here is their message (emphasis added) …
Dear Members,
Our Friends at Fox Valley Citizens are in need of our support: Here is an important message from them.
Your support is needed at the Carpentersville Village Hall meeting this coming Tuesday, March 18th at 7:00pm. Village Trustees Paul & Judy, who have been our support in the fight to stop the invasion of illegal immigrants in the Fox Valley are being attacked by Village President Bill Sarto. There has been tremendous support from the other side in the past few days to have Paul and Judy removed from the board. There is expected to be a great number of people at the meeting to speak in support of President Bill Sarto and his intentions to have them removed from the board this Tuesday night.
Please gather together your thoughts and as many people who share these same thoughts and bring them all to the Village Hall Meeting this Tuesday night to show our continued support for Paul & Judy.
If there has ever been a need to speak at the Village Hall Meetings, now is the time to show up and speak up in support of Paul & Judy. You do NOT have to be a resident of Carpentersville to speak, just be aware that there is an ordinance that allows residents to speak before non-residents – SO SHOW UP EARLY AND GET SIGNED UP AND MAKE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!!
Thanks in advance and we look forward to seeing you all there!
Additional
Since sending their original request………
It has come to light, since I sent this out, that they are sending spreading fliers around town (in both Spanish and English) telling everyone to be there by 7:00, in the hopes that by being there 30 minutes early they can crowd the Village Hall and force us all outside. So, it imperative that we have a strong showing at the Village Hall Tuesday night and that our supporters arrive early enough to force them out!
Thanks for your help and support!
Remember This Has Been a Battleground Before as People from all over were bused in!!!!!!
Columnist, Chuck Goudie, offers some sage advice today on the state of things in Carpentersville.
He kicks off the column speaking about the power trips, meanness and spite that is plaguing our Village.
Local, small town “governance” can sometimes be plagued by pettiness and a hunger for power that far outdistances the scope of any elective or appointed position.
Now, though, the level of spite, meanness and idiocy in some local governments is reaching new heights. If it wasn’t so sad, it would be funny.
Yes, and that is the kind of kids stuff playing in our Village government that was hoped could be reformed when this blog was started.
Unfortunately, it’s just increased it, to the point that personal interests are overriding the will of the people. We, the People, do not want Paul Humpfer to continue to represent us on the Board.
You, members of the “Alliance”, seem to have other motives in place. Perhaps it has to do with not wanting to see Jackie Humpfer get custody of the kids in the divorce case. Or, maybe you think she “deserved it” for what she did. Or, maybe you want to keep him there simply to “protect the herd”.
Whatever your personal reasons, they are not our reasons. We see a shadow, convicted of a serious crime.
When the verdict was first handed down, I sincerely wasn’t going to get into the personal aspects of this case. But, the apparent intentions of some Trustees have led to delving into Mr. Humpfer’s serious character issues that makes him unfit to serve. And, who would have imagined that he would not respect the community and the office he held enough to step down?!
Getting back to Goudie’s column for a moment, he recounts some of the details swirling in C’ville:
[T]he town government has come to a halt because one trustee has been convicted of walloping his wife with a baseball bat. He hit her in the legs and prodded her in the groin, according to recent trial testimony.
The mayor, in his bid to toss the trustee off the village board, further alleges the trustee doesn’t even live in Carpentersville.
This is something Humpfer refused to answer at the last Village Board meeting., which shows further disrespect for the people he is to represent, and even the Board on which he serves. He has since admitted it, more than 5 months later, in a recent Daily Herald article.
Oh, and did I mention that, according to published reports, the trustee with the baseball bat hit his wife shortly after he learned she had sex with the 30-year-old son of another Carpentersville council member?
In fact, in December, a police report filed by Jackie Humpfer was published elsewhere. Questions remain about how it was obtained. Those responsible say it was via a FOIA request. However, at least one person who was allegedly named in the report said they had their FOIA request denied.
So, how or from whom did they obtain that police report? Since regular citizens — even those supposedly named in the report — have been unable to obtain a copy, it’s a puzzling case. Could someone have used their Trustee or other political position to get a copy of this report? If so, what does that say about character?
Goudie concludes his column with what I believe is a powerful indictment of those elected to serve the people, who instead serve their own interests.
Goudie hearkens us to review the case of Eliot Spitzer, who resigned his office over allegations that he was going to be named as a “customer” in a prostitution investigation.
Justice means you should play fair and do the right thing.
And thats all this blog, along with the People of Carpentersville, is asking for.
As I’ve thought about my response to today’s editorial column by Larissa Chinwah of the Daily Herald, there have been a few things that have recurred in my thinking.
Foremost is the fact that I do not want to be the story, not should I be. This is precisely the reason that I write under a pseudonym/alias, to keep my identity from being the focal point.
Ms. Chinwah also should not be the focus. And, I’ve gone back and forth on whether to go into the rest of the story that does not seem to be included in the reporting or editorializing by Chinwah or the Daily Herald.
In the end, I’ve decided that Ms Chinwah’s editorial really does not require a response. The information that the Daily Herald has not reported is available on this blog in considerable detail — in “The Trouble with Carpentersville” series, and articles like “Burning Down the Village“, “Trustees Held Meetings Improperly“, “Illinois AG’s office issues ‘cautionary note’“, and “The meetings go on“.
I don’t believe I need to restate it or summarize it here.
Yes, Ms. Chinwah is reporting facts. However, for whatever reason, she seems rather selective in the statements she chooses to use, and the topics she chooses to write on.
In each of those instances listed in her column today — while true — readers should take note that such “facts” tend to excuse bad behavior and are lenient toward criticism from those that oppose Sarto.
Could this potentially be a case of “don’t bite the hand that feeds you?”
Because of this blog’s criticism of Judy Sigwalt and Paul Humpfer for their bad behavior in office, neither those Trustees, nor others friendly to them, will respond to inquiries from this blog. (They claim it is because of my anonymity, but I have a strong suspicion that they would not speak to me even if they knew who I was.)
So, did Ms. Chinwah receive similar treatment after writing an editorial critical of Sigwalt and Humpfer for holding unpublicized meetings using Village conference rooms that they obtained permission to use under false pretenses? Did she decide not to be critical of them so that she was sure she would not alienate those sources in the future?
Is that why the Daily Herald and Ms. Chinwah has failed to demand Paul Humpfer take responsibility for his actions, or even acknowledge that what he has done is wrong and has consequences?
Why does Mr. Humpfer get a pass, when someone like Eliot Spitzer in New York, is the subject of extensive criticisms even after he has done the right thing and resigned?
Will the Daily Herald and Ms. Chinwah answer those questions for a public that wants to know?
Yes, I have read today’s column from Daily Herald reporter, Larissa Chinwah. I will offer my response to it later today.
I sent the following email to the Trustees today, copying also the Village Manager, Village Attorney, and members of the print media …
Trustees,
Let me start by assuring you that I am not Bill Sarto. Further, Bill Sarto does not direct nor dictate my opinions or those expressed on Carpentersville Action Network.
That said, I want to state my extreme disappointment that all of you have let politics, and used politics, to stand in the way of doing what is right and proper. Paul Humpfer no longer deserves a seat on the Board of Trustees. His continued presence there will serve only as a distraction from Village business, and to undermine the credibility of the Board. By retaining him, you are lowering your own positions in the eyes of the people.
You all know that there is negligible support for Paul Humpfer’s continued service on the Board. If you don’t believe that, then I suggest that you seek a true recall election for his seat, and see how many people really support him. I would venture that somewhere in the range of 80-90% would vote him out of office. A poll I’ve conducted via an independent website shows that 90% of those voting want Paul Humpfer removed from office. In fact, I admit being puzzled at why he would want to continue on the Board, as this conviction will continue to overshadow any and all actions that he takes in the future. He has clearly and irreparably damaged the public’s trust in, and respect for, him.
At this point, I do not care who first did what to whom. As it should be, that is secondary to this entire fiasco. Please do not continue to make this a bitter political battle. Do not believe your own press.
Let’s everyone put the past in the past — even if just for right now — and stand up for what is right. If Paul Humpfer is not removed from office, it will surely send the wrong message — that Carpentersville supports Domestic Violence. Will they see a message that it is unacceptable to cheat on your spouse (in the case of Eliot Spitzer or Bill Clinton), but it is acceptable to beat them? In other words, can men hit a woman (even with a weapon), but just don’t have sex with her?
Are you all really willing to stand up and deliver that kind of message to the people; to the children you care for, the students you teach, and the community you represent?
I hope you will use the skills and decision-making abilities that the community saw in you when we put our trust in you and you were elected to represent us. I hope you will make the right decision, for the good of the community, those who depend on you, and all the victims in our society.
Sincerely,
Chrysippus
Thought that maybe it might be good to throw in a little change of pace here …
I received the following in an email: Sunset at the North Pole
This is the sunset at the North Pole with the moon at its closest point … A scene you will probably never get to see in person…
It appears that the dog cannot get rid of its fleas.
That is the sad picture of Carpentersville government today, folks.
I believe that it is going to take investigation by a state agency to clear up the nightmare occurrences in this town. It is going to take many citizens to make contact with the Illinois Attorney General’s office; their State representatives — Rep. Ruth Munson and Sen. Mike Noland; their Kane County Board representatives, John Noverini and Hollie Kissane. And, perhaps their US Congressmen … Sen. Richard Durbin, Sen, Barack Obama and Rep. Bill Foster.
I have to do some wondering aloud here again, because I cannot fathom some of the responses that I have seen by 2 or 3 people on some of the other comment sites …
Basically, they amount to claims that Paul Humpfer’s wife Jackie “deserved it”. That is something I find totally unacceptable!
What person sits back and says that a husband has a right to take a baseball bat and hit his wife with it — for any reason?!
I wonder if that’s what these four members of the Village Board are thinking? Is Judy Sigwalt thinking that Jackie deserved it? Is that why she is saying that this is no big deal?
What about Kay Teeter? Or Keith Hinz? Or Ed Ritter?
Isn’t Ed a teacher?
What kind of message is he sending to his students by supporting a wife beater to be held up as a model citizen — which is what our elected officials should be, and what we should strive to expect of them?
Do any of these Trustees care about the image of Carpentersville?
If a course of action is not taken to remove Paul Humpfer from the Board, a message will be sent to people everywhere that Domestic Violence is not a big deal.
In the previous accusations made against Paul Humpfer, injuries sustained required medical treatment — but he was never charged. Had he been charged and convicted in that case, this time it would have been an automatic Class 4 felony. As it stands, it should have been charged as a Class 3 felony for use of a weapon in commission of the battery.
But, we now know the reality … that the State’s Attorney’s office dropped the ball … both in the first case, and in this case.
And now, we have the Village Attorney who will likely drop the ball, along with 4 trustees.
Perhaps the next wave that Carpentersville will have to deal with is an influx of domestic abusers who know they have friends, fellow abusers, and enablers on the Village Board of Trustees.
This thread will be set for sharing the outrage that some are expressing at the fact that Paul Humpfer remains in office…
[Updated 3-15: 1:35pm]
[Scroll to the bottom of this message to see the one in support of Humpfer.]
From Ron H:
It is now time to act. The village of Carpentersville is in many ways defined by the officials that we elect to represent us. With Paul Humpfers conviction for ” wife beating ” lets call it what it is, how do I explain this to my 8 year old daughter. That if you beat your wife its o.k. you can still hold you job as a public servant, I can guarantee that the public opinion as well as that of the courier news paper is that Humpfer must go. I will be at the next village meeting, and if Humpfer has not resigned at that point, you can rest assured my voice and many other will be heard. As if this village does not have enough problems.
From Chris:
I just wanted to reach out as an interested citizen of Carpentersville and profess my thanks for your support of President Sarto and his current effort to bring focus back to the business of Carpentersville with the acceptance of a resignation or a dismissal of a distracted board member as required.
I would hope all of our board members would commit to focus on the future of our village as a high priority, I further hope that they all would value their commitment to their families enough to honorably resign a seat to allow them needed time for the important things if it proves to be a needless distraction for the governing board.
From Ashley, Chicago:
I have recently learned of Trustee Humpfer’s conviction on 4 counts of domestic battery, and his refusal to step down. Although I am not myself a resident of Carpentersville, I would like to urge the Board to remove Trustee Humpfer from his position. How can the people of your village entrust their beloved town to a convicted criminal and wife beater? Domestic abuse if a real problem in this country, and I take your defense of Humpfer as a direct assault on the seriousness of the crime. This is an outrage to women all over the country!
Trustee Humpfer may claim to be innocent, but he his conviction is more than enough reason for him to step down. He is marring the honor of your village. Just as Governor Spitzer had to resign when he was found guilty of soliciting a prostitute, Trustee Humpfer must also resign! I urge the Board to remove Humpfer immediately if he does not have the honor or respect to resign on his own.
From Silvia:
I am sure you have received dozens of emails regarding this issue. However, I felt it necessary to also voice my opinion. As a businesswoman in this community with a large family currently residing in Carpentersville I feel that what happens in the Village affects us all.
I find it impossible to believe that Paul Humpfer has been only charged and found guilty of beating his wife as a misdemeanor. As a woman, a mother, a sister, I find this offensive. Paul Humpfer should be ashamed of himself and should resign for the good of the community he swore to represent. He does NOT represent the people of this Village. He should focus on healing his family and remove himself from the Board in order to do so.
As the Board of Trustees, the Village Manager, and the Village Attorney you need to represent this Village and demand Paul Humpfer remove himself from the Board. I hope you all have the courage to do this so that once again Carpentersville can continue looking forward to the future and to making positive changes.
Thank you for your time.
From Adam R:
I am so outraged and upset that our Village will be dragged through the mud by the unforgivable and illegal actions of Trustee Humpfer. As a public elected official you must present moral characteristics that represent the people you govern. Obviously Trustee Humpfer does not get it and stated publicly he will not resign. There are 6 other board members that will be affected by his decision and not to mention our Village.
If the village and the elected board members, that have a duty to uphold exemplary moral character allow Humpfer to stay on as a Trustee, then in my mind the village & the trustees support actions that are against the law. There is no middle ground here, you are all public figures, you can’t commit a crime and then pretend it is OK. It is not OK, so Trustee Humpfer must resign.
From John H:
Sign me up for the Louis Sluggerville Club, also known as the Village of Carpentersville Trustees.
My battering average is 55+!
From Ling Z:
I am a small business owner in the Village of Lake in the Hills, I often conduct business with several key vendors in the Village of Carpentersville. I will be forced to take my business elsewhere if you continue to allow Trustee Humpfer to remain in office.
I will not have my taxes distributed to a Village that condones Domestic Violence.
From Jane R:
I am greatly surprised to hear that a member of your Board has been convicted of physically assaulting his wife – and, that he is still allowed to be on the Board.
There is no place in public office for anyone who abuses anyone. If indeed this information is true, this man must be removed from office. Send the correct message to your constituents and to the children in your community. Tell them what kind of leadership they have, and what kind of community they live in — a kind, loving, gentle community that will not in any way condone and accept in leadership anyone who is violent to another.
From Jennifer L, Long Beach, CA:
Minuteman and racist, Trustee Paul Humpfer, convicted of 4 counts of battery is still in office. Many of us across the nation are wondering why. This man was convicted of spousal abuse, which not only shows an extreme lack of character, but demonstrates he has no respect for the law. Americans are questioning why this biggot hasn’t been removed, and wondering if the racist ideologies of the Minuteman project had invaded the rest of your Board of Trustees. The Minuteman project has been defined as a hate group. The information they use to bolster their views is from FAIR, which the Souther Poverty Law Center had defined as hate speech.This man committed a crime. He hit his wife with a baseball bat, striking her legs and other parts of her body, like an insane animal. Why is he still serving on your Board of Trustees? An ethical panel would have let this racist jerk go as soon as the charges were filed.America is watching. We are monitoring racists across the country and documenting this information to influence change. Your names will be in the files if this wife beating racist isn’t told to resign!
From Anita M:
I have sent a letter to the Village Manager. 2,000 women die each year due to Domestic Violence. Over 2,000,000 are seriously injured. I cannot believe that the Village of Carpentersville would continue to employ Trustee Humpfer. I am demanding as a Village Resident, the removal of Trustee Humpfer. The Village is sending a terrible message to the community that this crime is not serious enough and that politicians can get a pass. How can we trust one of representatives when he commits such a heinous crime against his own family? No matter with the circumstances may have been Humpfer has the choice to walk out. Domestic Violence usually has a pattern of repetitive abuse, he may have thought that he could get a way with hitting his wife because she dropped a previous “Order of Protection”. By him staying on as Trustee, he is saying to the public that he is not remorseful and that his ego can get him out of any crisis. We must stop this nonsense and be vigilant for the true victims of Humpfer’s rage: Jacqueline Humpfer and their son. Please what’s in the best interest of your constituents.
From Sharon M, Washington (state):
No where in our country ought there be abusers in public office!I live in the state of Washington and stand firmly with those who know that there is NO reason for one person to abuse another, ever.We have tolerated abuse, bullying and conflict as a way to address problems for far too long. This acceptance must stop, NOW and it must stop everywhere.
From Jane VP, Bartlett, TX:
Remove Humpfer. Please. Otherwise you send the wrong message to the rest of us.
From Desiree H:
I am appalled to read that the fate of Mr. Humpher has yet to be determined.Domestic Violence symbolizes fear for many victims. I and many victims of domestic violence who conduct business at the Village of Carpentersville will be reminded of their own horrific personal tragedies with Humpfer still present. You must send a message to the community of Carpentersville that Domestic Violence will not be tolerated and send a message through the removal of Humpfer is from his office.Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
And, one in support of Paul Humpfer … it was forwarded to me from Trustee Ramirez-Sliwinski to let me know that, of the few dozen emails she has received, this is the only one in Humpfer’s defense:
From Chas N:
I wanted to send you a quick email concerning your latest comments which I recently read in the Daily Herald pertaining to the matter of Mr. Humpfer and the emails you say you received that were suppose to be the representation of our “community”. First, I want you to know that I am a resident of Carpentersville.
You said, “”That’s a real shame that he doesn’t represent the board because that means the board doesn’t represent the community,” said Ramirez-Sliwinski, who said the board had received dozens of e-mails from residents and outsiders alike demanding Humpfer’s removal.” This is your statement you used to justify Mr. Sartos recent actions?
I need to ask you how many emails you received? I would also like to know how that number compares to the total number of voting residents we have in Carpentersville so as to understand the percentage of “community” that you refer to.
While I cannot speak for Mr. Humpfer (and personally do not know him other than his work on the board) I can say loudly, that you do not speak for me! It is unfair for you to state that a handful of emails to you and Mr. Sarto represents the consensus of our entire Village. Personally, I find your remarks misleading in that you want people to believe that there is a public majority outcry for Mr. Humpfer’s removal from office. The last time I went to polls I thought the majority spoke. I have had many conversations in my neighborhood and have found only that you would be mistaken with your recent remarks. I have only heard from people that (while in his personal life he has been found guilty of misdemeanor’s) that these personal tribulations that Mr. Humpfer is working through has no bearing on the work he does on behalf of the Village Board (that is my belief).
The fact is, that there are just as qualified a people as Mr. Humpfer serving in our Congress today that have been tried and convicted of far worse in our judicial system (both state and federal) and their past convictions have not prevented them from performing their elected civic duties. I (along with numerous others with whom I live next to and spoke with just today) have no reason to believe that is any different concerning Mr. Humpfer.
You also said “”If we don’t do something to remove him from the board, what message is that sending?” Ramirez-Sliwinski said. “That public officials can get away with anything, that they can do anything to anyone?”".
Mrs. Ramirez-Sliwinski I need to remind you that messages are most often sent through the use of elections. I believe that this is what elections were meant to determine. They show the majority of the will of the people being represented. Messages should not be sent by those few who serve on the board and have political indifferences.
More as they are received…
The people are speaking in significant numbers!
The past few days have been rather exhausting for me, in trying to keep up with all the information that you have provided. But, it has also been somewhat rewarding as I have seen the community — and even those from across this nation — come together in Carpentersville to take action to right a serious wrong. It gives me hope.
The “Emails…” thread continues to grow. For those of you that have sent an email to the Village Board, Village Manager and/or Village Attorney, please copy this blog on that email so it may be added to the growing list of emails that are being shared with the rest of the community.
Also, be sure to vote in our poll; especially if you don’t want to comment or send an email. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your voice heard. All it takes is a click. (Votes are tabulated at an independent site.)
Here are the results as of 2:30pm:
At present, the results are overwhelmingly in favor of Humpfer’s removal/resignation from office. And, those who think that those who support Humpfer should also resign is also noteworthy. (Of course that poll hasn’t been up very long, and its kinda gotten pushed down in the page, with other information being provided, along with many, many comments…)
And many visitors …
Since last Thursday, the first full day after the conviction of Trustee Humpfer on 4 counts of domestic battery… the blog stats show
3,824 views by 1,268 unique visitors!
543 were first-time visitors, with 725 returning
Let’s see this thing through to the end … with the removal of Paul Humpfer from office, along with any of those who think it is appropriate to have a convict on the Village Board!
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