Rhonda,

Any gutless coward can post derogatory hatefilled racist comments under a pseudonym. "the truth" and "John Write" are illiterate, ignorant, gutless cowards. It wouldn't surprise me if they were elected officials that you have exposed in your reporting.

We all have a first amendment right to free speech, and when we disagree with eachother, we should base our arguments on facts, not personal attacks. The derogatory comments were meant to chill your free speech rights, thereby, limiting the public's access to information. We can not be an effective citizenry if we are not informed.

Thank you for challenging readers to support all the volunteer reporters by standing up and speaking out against these cyber bullies.

Hey, why did Brian change the title of your article from "Firsty Party Supporters" to "Critics"? We all know that one or more of the First Party Supporters are behind these racist and derogatory remarks. Why not post your article as you submitted it. Truthfully.

This is awful.

In May 1961, exactly 50 years ago, ugly intolerance, hatred and brutality were shown toward the Freedom Riders, a group of brave young blacks and whites who challenged local laws and customs that enforced segregation.

Recent comments show that unconscionable bigotry and prejudice still are rooted in the hearts of some. Individuals continue to have abusive or injurious behavior toward groups of people, not because of anything they have done, but simply because they are the groups they are.

All of us should search within ourselves to purge whatever elements of prejudice we have. To support us in this endeavor, I share with you a Prayer for Tolerance.

Dear Lord, we who are
Divided
Unloving
Prejudices at times
Inclined to misunderstanding
Intolerant

Make us instead
United
Loving
Open to learning
Understanding and forgiving
Tolerant

May your Spirit be present in us as you are in all peoples.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be treated respectfully. However, if someone uses crass, racist language, do they not deserve to be called racist? Please use your real name and make arguments rather than resort to offensive personal attacks.

To Jim Kadlec: Beautiful comment. Anytime we get to the point where we post hateful comments, we should look within. Self reflection and prayer is greatly needed.

To "the truth", please stop your hateful comments.

Our country is based on checks and balances. That is why we have develop certain structures and processes to protect all of us. Bolingbrook and it's leaders, regardless of the great job they do on a day to day bases, need to have checks and balances as well. Watchdogs groups, even if I don't agree with what they say, have a right to say it, and many times they help prevent corruption and mishandling of things just because they are there. There is no need call people names. Ignorant comments are just that and reflect poorly not on the person you are directing them too, but reflect poorly on the author. Say something intelligent, offer an argument and back the argument with facts. Get a decent discussion going, not one of ignorance. COME ON.

Rhonda, I was appalled when I read those outrageous statements. Racism is cruel and unjust. It cuts deep and lingers long in individual and community memories. And it is not a thing of the past....We all have a duty to do what we can to eradicate racism from the American landscape.

WARNING!!!

Rhonda, don't respond to anymore comments. This is all a set up!

I'm hearing their strategy is to basically dump on you every time you make a comment. They want to kick you anyway that they can. You don't deserve this, especially if you're not getting paid for it.

Continue to publish your articles on the Patch, but don't answer any of their comments. Your supporters know how to reach you with questions and comments.

Let the readers of the Patch police the site. Don't participate.

Rhonda,
You know that people that try to discredit your hard work and research are just trying to cover up the actions of those they love, or those that pay their bills.

Strong and intelligent women don't let it stop them from doing a good job and bringing the news to the public. The public has a right to know. I support you and Cedra's efforts, as well as all the ladies at the BR. It is nice to have both sites and this one to see the real news. Long gone are the days that the public is left in the dark.

These racists will get use to the idea that you will be around. Many local communities now have watch dog groups and it is a sign of the times. They have to learn to deal with it. It is not your fault that they are ignorant and resort to name calling as a last ditch effort. Learn to ignore them and they will go away.

Move forward with pride and stand tall, as you are a great mom, great accountant, and you work hard for the community as a volunteer. They can never strip you of those credentials, as facts and numbers don't lie...

As for the Happy for Mayor guy, let's just say we have all had our run in's with him and he stands alone. All alone in his thought process.....
And for the person called "the truth", you just need to grow up.

You know what you are writing is going to cause opposition and negative remarks. Things always get heated when talking religion or politics and some people to resort to name calling. It may be sad that people feel the need to do that but either toughen up and learn to ignore those comments or stop blogging. Stop playing the victim.

If people don't like the politicians in office then they should have turned up to vote in the last election. And just because people don't agree with you does not mean that they are the ones in office. I am not in office nor do I work for any of them.

By the way cyber bullying, "involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group"......some of us view your constant bashing of our elected officials as cyber bullying.

After reading the articles and comments in Numbercrunchers and the Patch, I am renewed and encouraged to keep up the fight for transparency in our local government. Those who resort to cyber bullying, name calling, racism and trash talking need to be confronted and also prayed for. The advocates for transparency and elimination of government waste are sticking to the issues and facts. The latest article on DuPage Township was nothing but the TRUTH! I keep thinking about what Jack Nicholson said to Tom Cruise in a Few Good Men. Tom (as LTjg Kaffee) said, "I want the truth!" Jack (as COL Jessup) said, "You can't handle the truth!" I am thinking it’s these local elected officials who can't handle the truth.

I appreciate the host of this site making it a truly pubic site open where all opinions be it truth, misleading, false, ignorant, funny or sadly racist. But some things need to change in order for me to continue my subscription to this site.

It seems to me that there are a few individuals just using this site to promote their own agenda. Rhonda said she started posting on this site to boost her readership on her own site. I'm pretty sure that is why Bonnie Alicea and Jay Washington are on here also. What was once a fun site to visit to get local news and announcements has turned into another Topix, Number-Crunchers or Bolingbrook Report site full the pollutants of ignorance, continuous negative reports against the current administration and snarky and racist replies. Why Brian gives these same people that recently wrote that this site was "politically bought" an open forum is beyond me. Both the Number Crunchers and Bolingbrook Report sites readers comments are reviewed before they are made public; no surprise to me that the replies that are posted are always complimentary. Topix on the other-hand is just a free for all of anger & stupidity.

@Brian - Please don't let some others agenda or the insensitive replies spoil this site. If you feel the need to give them a forum at least consider making it back page blogs where those that want to participate in the negativity need to navigate to it instead of all the non-sense being the first thing one sees on your site.

Kevin,

Excuse me? Since when, as a tax paying resident, do I not get a voice? Anyone can comment on here whenever they wish. I do not push agenda's, and to imply so because I ran for an elected office is not only morally wrong but unjustifiable anger and hatred. This same type of hatred towards naming individuals has cauased racial slurs on this site and name calling and I think if anyone should not be able to post, it is people like you who break the sites rules.

When you individually named me and others, you were liable for those comments and not only am I offended, but I find it slanderous in nature.

Bolingbrook has gone through 20 years of padded news by politically connected officials. There has never been two sides until now.

It is true that I will post articles on web sites that runs in Bolingbrook because I love Bolingbrook, donate my time to making it a better place, and stand strong that my voice needs to be heard. Furthermore, I, of all residents, deserve to be heard. I have had my constitutional rights ripped away from me twice for running for office, I have been lashed out at by elected officials, and I have taken insult by insult from thugs like you that think you can bully me and fail. All because I believe in governments having a watch dog group. I won't be quiet. I have my right of freedom of speech. So do other residents of Bolingbrook. Some of us represent hundreds when we speak. So get use to it, we are not leaving...

WOW!!! I'm not denying you your freedom of speech nor am I trying to bully you. I did not call you any name, nor did I disagree/agree with any of your views My thoughts were that this site should not make yours and others personal opinions on politics, current and future administration as well as the replies that go along with them the forefront of this site. But thanks for proving my point of some people having a personal agenda. Kudos to you for once again making yourself a victim of a government conspiracy and pointing out your personal hatred toward the current administration.

Kevin,
I am sorry, nowhere in my article did I express "government conspiracy or personal hatred". Facts are facts, and once again, this is what the article is about.

I believe many of us are tired of the personal attacks. When someone has a different view from the current administration "they must be crazy", or "they must hate someone", or "they are fat, ugly, crack whores, bad mothers, druggies" or whatever else you guys like to sling for having a difference of opinions.

Watch dog web sites focus on the job someone does, as it is not PERSONAL. The attackers focus on the person.

However, I am the boss of our elected officials. All taxpayers are. We have the right to rate them on a job well done and decide if they keep their jobs. If I point out something they did on the job, work related, it is not personal, it is professional.

When you say I have a hatred towards the administration, I will counter that with "I have no personal feelings about them". Hate is a personal feeling. They do not deserve any of my personal feelings. I save that for a selet few in my life. I do admit that I do not like some of the ways they do their job, or protect their political party when it hurts the residents, but that is all business, not personal.

Do you see the difference of personal attacks verse attacks about a job done poorly or illegally?

the truth left you a message on your Patch profile.

“CANT KEEP PLAYING BOTH SIDES !!! WE ARE WATCHING YOU !!!”

So this is the message I get from somebody who hides behind a screen name, all because I find racism abhorrent.

You mean to tell me that by responding to what I read as a cruel and vicious, racist statement I am playing both sides? You are sorely mistaken. Racism has no place in Bolingbrook or any other community in this state or country. Small narrow minded people resort to name calling and racist comments.

I will stand up for what I believe in all the time and not just for political expedience sake. Just because I felt compelled to support the incumbents in the last local election, does not mean I will not hold their feet to the fire if I think they are doing something wrong. I am not afraid to call Mayor Claar and express my displeasure with him, if I feel he is doing something wrong too. But in the same vein, I will praise them when they do right by our community. This community has grown through the guidance, leadership, vision and planning of Mayor Claar and all of the Village Trustees who have been elected over the years.

I have been involved in politics a long time and I have had and will continue to have friends on both sides of the poltical aisle. I will speak out as I have always done for what I feel is right and/or wrong.

So you keep watching me, if you feel compelled to do so.

Felix Greco

Well spoken Felix.

Anderson,

I would be happy to respond. As I remember it, the Tribune wrote the first article when they were contacted by the FEDS. Then the Bolingbrook Sun covered it. The Brook Report wrote an article about it last. I heard about it shortly thereafter, but got the blame for the entire thing. Which never made sense to me since I never met her or had anything to do with it. However, if she was under FED investigation then I can see where the stress would come from. I feel for her family for having politics involved in her situation.

I am not sure why your asking me specifically, but maybe it was because Mr. Lawler made a mistake when he implied that I was behind it as a political attack and publically said I caused her death at a board meeting. But then again, I sued for defamation and they learned their lesson for accusing people and attacking people personally.

That is the point of this article. I am not a part of the Will County Republican Party, therefore I must be a murderer, right? I must be the cause of all the problems in Bolingbrook, right? Different opinions are suppose to create synergy, leading to a better community. Right now there is no synergy. The current administration does not listen to their residents. They battle with them.

Kathy,
What community are you in? Thanks for the encouragement and you do the same!

Im from Chestrfield MO.
Its a honor to chat with local heros.

To Kathy: I wish you all the luck in Chesterfield. Thanks for reaching out.

To the real Kathy Brooke,

My advice is start a local watch dog group. If people are attacking you it is because you hit a nail on the head and they are worried about their positions, legal action, or lawful action. I know this because I have been through it.

Check the local watch dog groups Bolingbrook Report and The number crunchers- bolingbrook and that will give you some ideas! Good luck and stay in there. You are not alone.

To the Professor,

I know you have PhD (Pizaa hut Delivery) degree and all, but the word you are trying to use is watchdog, not watch dog. My advice to you is to take a remedial English class.

Did the though ever occur to you that people ridicule and attack you is because you and your group are known to fabricate stories? You and your group do nothing for the community other then post conspiracy theories and complain about services, administration, police, fireman and schools without ever suggesting a sound solution.

Phillipe, and many other names this man/woman uses,

Thank you for the advice for the remedial English class, however, Watch Dog is the term used by the BR and other local groups, as Watchdog is the general term licensed and trademarked. So in this case, I was referring to starting her own site, which cannot use "Watchdog" in their title.

I do not appreciate you trying to use defamation on my character by saying people ridicule or attack me because of fabricated stories. First, the stories are never fabricated. Second, they attack me for telling the truth as I know it, and also because I do not belong to a "specific" political party. Those individuals are bullies and I do not step down to bullies.

As far as practical solutions, I did offer one very recently, amongst others, over the last two years. Those great solutions have been ignored, as they ignore most residents input and solutions. I am one of 75,000 residents that they ignore.

For example, recently I gave the school board the knowledge to use Scantron Performance Series to increase ISAT test scores by giving the teachers the ability to do their jobs productivley and by each student. Have they even looked into it? No they have not. This was a valid solution to the test scores and something that is needed.
So thank you for your rude and unknowledgable comment and your attempt to defame me with your mad ramblings. I will not respond to you or your many names again.

World English Dictionary
watchdog (ˈwɒtʃˌdɒɡ)
— n
1. a dog kept to guard property
2. a. a person or group of persons that acts as a protector or guardian against inefficiency, illegal practices, etc
b. ( as modifier ): a watchdog committee
Hmmm?..Seems to be a common noun.

Was the stories that your group posted on Mafia hits on you fabricated or true? Was the stories that your group posted on Mafia hits on you fabricated or true?

Was the story about you negotiating police and fireman's contracts fabricated or true? Was the story about you negotiating police and fireman's contracts fabricated or true?

Was the story about you saving 80,000 jobs in the Gulf region fabricated or true? Was the story about you saving 80,000 jobs in the Gulf region fabricated or true?

So you cut and pasted some information about ISAt test scores, big deal. So you cut and pasted some information about ISAt test scores, big deal.

I guess Bonnie won't answer to someone that refuses to use real names and are just bullies. I think this is the point about the whole article.

1. Mafia hit? Three days after the election a man ran into the back of Bonnie's car at 70 mph when she was at a stand still, almost killing her. This man did have political ties. Mafia hit or coincidence?

2. Bonnie was involved with Union issues and contracts. (See past articles on the BR). Prior to her involvement negotiation was stalled for over a year, while workers had no contract. The talks opened when the BR ran the stories. The Mayor refused to open discussions before that and the Union had to file for arbitration. The day the story was released, the discussion opened again. She also attended the Union village meeting in support of the Union talks and getting contracts completed.

3. Bonnie never claimed she saved 80K jobs in the Gulf region. She assisted BP with company issues pertaining to the oil spill during the crisis.

4. The remaining question I have to Phillip/ Emerson/ Tommy is why you cannot answer my ongoing question as to what you have against Bonnie, why do you try to slander her, and why is it that your elected officials do not take the advice to make Bolingbrook a better place. For example, why did the school board NOT look into the Scantron program if it can do what Bonnie sais it can do?

So stop trying to bully her or other residents and get a life. Move out of mommys basement.

Ya, let's set the record straight. Bonnie was severely injured in the accident. Another person was also severly injured. Bonie was on a ramp with about 30 cars ahead of hers ALL waiting to merge when the guy flew out of nowhere and hit her. She was not the NEXT to merge, as you would make it out to be. It was highly suspicious to all involved, including police and fire crews.

As for the Union, ask John. That is all I will say.

BTW, we never pulled her story. Also, I do not go on Topix but it is apparent you must. Once again, answer the question, what do you have against Bonnie? Why do you harass her? Did she turn you down for personal favors? Call you ugly? Call you a loser? Or are you hot for her?

Jay,
I would not bother with these Topix fools. Bonnie could be Mother Teresa and they would still try to knock her personal path in life. They don't even know her to second guess her, and offer no proof that what she has done for the good of the world is incorrect.
What I don't get, is who are they to challenge what she has done in her life. They don't even use a real name and they probably have minimal education and low jobs. Yet they challenge a mother of two, who has a PhD and has assisted personally with the oil spill in the Gulf and even in Joplin, while they sit behind their computers criticizing her. That makes them losers. Crazy, vengeful, losers.

Tom,

You have proven yourself wrong again on each issue and have passed the line between freedom of speech vs defamation /liability for lawsuits. Remember, everyone is trackable.

All your statements above are blatent lies intending to harass and threaten my good name intentionally. You are a coward and a liar. You have lost all respect on this site, no matter how many names you hide behind.

Tom,

Bonnie does not need to justify anything to you. Had you known her, or followed the news, you would have known that Bonnie refused the ambulance that would send her to the new Bolingbrook Hospital with a bad record of treatment and care, and instead had her family take her to Edwards. I, and other Bolingbrook residents hold proof of that because I went there to see her personally. I took the police report and pictures and ran the story about it. So before you speak for someone, you should get the information or it is called defamation. I mean, who gives you the right to speak for Bonnie anyways?

Also think about what you said earlier... a car hit 70mph would not create injuries? You wrote that either knowing it was a blantant lie or your plain stupid. Many people were injured in this accident. If it was a lie, your just vindictive and petty. If your stupid, then your stupid.

Nice of you to tell Jennifer that Bonnie does not have a PhD. While this might have been true two years ago, as she was working on it, it is not true today. Defamation again.... Plus, who are you to knock down anyone's educational level? Is it a qualification to run for office? Is a PhD not enough education? Fool...

But thanks for pointing out what this whole article is about. Cyber bullying someone you do not know. It proves that your lack of knowledge only leads to ignorant attacks on others, which proves the story in its entirety. Good job moron!

Jay,

Stop talking to this Tom, or other names he uses. It is apparent that ANYONE that keeps two year old articles on Bonnie must be a stalker. He thinks he is a Bonnie expert, which is really scary and demented, since he does not apparently know her.

This is called Obsessive Love. If you wiki it, it states, "Obsessive love is a form of love where one person is emotionally obsessed with another. Obsessive love can lead to dangerous consequences. Extreme obsessive love can be the cause of stalking, rape, and murder, among other things."

Bonnie, you need to watch out for this guy and report him. He is truly a sickened individual who spends his days obsessing over you. I would not doubt he has a scrapbook of you in his home and pics on his wall...

For Tom, please get some help. This young lady is married with children.

Tom,

I think Jennifer is correct. First, you ASSumed that her PhD is not complete. A publisher can only start the publishing process if the entire work is completed, signed off, and passed. Since you know nothing about Dissertations, your ASSumption was wrong and ignorant. Second, I asked you why you were so interested in her school credentials, since she is not seeking employment with you. Once again, is a PhD not enough for you, fool? Or are you helping to advertise her high qualifications?

You also ASSumed that the accident left nobody injured, but then pointed out that the Weekly Reporter stated she was taken to Edwards. So therefore, you have proven you are a liar, like Bonnie stated above.

In finality, I do believe Jennifer is accurate in her comment about obsession. You look to hard into Bonnie's life to say you do not have a vested interest. It makes me wonder when someone is this sickly obsessed with her. It makes me concerned for her and her family. Anyone that attacks someone personally, without knowing them, must be love obsessed or have a lot to lose. Is this Roger Claar? because he is the only one that has something to lose if Bonnie runs again. She is solid with no skeletons, whereas, the current admin has many skeletons. I can't wait for the PERSONAL attacks to be reversed and to see Rogers skeletons. I am sure they are plenty...

Jay,
Did you notice that Tom did not answer your questions. He also did not address the comment that he is obsessed and needs help.

So here are the questions again.

"I mean, who gives you the right to speak for Bonnie anyways?" Surely he cannot, for he is a liar.

"a car hit 70mph would not create injuries? You wrote that either knowing it was a blantant lie or your plain stupid. Many people were injured in this accident. If it was a lie, your just vindictive and petty. If your stupid, then your stupid." Guess he is a blantant liar, vindicitive and petty.

"Plus, who are you to knock down anyone's educational level? Is it a qualification to run for office? Is a PhD not enough education?" He is probably holds a low level of education, based on what he reads on the internet. He hides behind attacks, asks for personal info on Bonnie, while using a false name and having no credentials of his own.

Just let him respond as he wishes. Everyone sees him for the sick F that he is.

Mr Washington, Why do you always assume that the people that are critical of Bonnie are associated with the Mayor? One of your main complaints is that Bonnie is unfairly dragged into everything and that may be true, but aren't you just as guilty when you do the same with the Mayor? Please explain your unnecessary actions.

Joanne,

To have made the attacks against Bonnie this personal can only mean someone has something serious to lose or is protecting a child or spouse.

The only person to lose something would be Roger and his political party. (Money, power, positions, raises, etc.)
The only one that would need to protect family or income would be Roger and his political party.
It is not rocket science. These people have turned it personal. Bonnie was not under PERSONAL attack until she ran for office.

They have ruthlessly attacked multiple people on this site PERSONALLY. They have used discrimination of race, gender, defamation, slander, and whatever it took to try to discredit watchdog members in the community that volunteer their time.

So if you wonder why I blame Roger? What he has said to specific people has gotten back to me and it is the same words used later by him or his lackeys on here and Topix. If it is not him then he needs to control his sheeple.

Either way, trying to bully her by defaming her will not stop her for running from office or speaking her mind. If you think it will, you do not know her. The harder you try, the harder she fights back...

So my question to you Joanne, is how else do you know Bonnie outside of politics since you think you have the right to be critical of her? Why would YOU still be critical of her since she ran two years ago. It would have to be personal to hold a grudge like that for two years...

Additionally; you saying that the people that are making the negative comments about Bonnie because they have something to lose is as ludicrous as if someone said those that have made positive comments about Bonnie have something to gain.

To Kathy Brooke,
Yes, Bolingbrook and your city seem a lot alike.

This person that was using your name was also using another person's name by adding that city. Another blog site apparently has a chesterfield address, but we got an email this week from this gentleman stating that comment was not him either.

It is common practice for Bolingbrook's #1 Identity theft person to keep striking against anyone that defends watchdogs.

For Brian, editor of the Patch, I guess the monitoring of this site has allowed for this person to continue to use identity theft instaead of a real name (which your site claims is a neccessity). This woman is now another victim in the line of victims. Bonnie was also a victim last month to this and so was I.

Are you activley doing something about this? It would appear if we have to use our real names to be on this site, then others should as well.