There's always two sides to every story, and that's certainly the case over the complaints Homer Glen Trustee George Yukich voiced at last week's city officials' meeting. Yukich said the Will County Tea Party Alliance broke village rules in preparation for their Crunch Time Rally at the Sportsplex on October 27.
It was reported in the Southtown Star that the rally organizers did not obtain a required permit and notify local safety agencies about the gathering 30 days beforehand. Yukich told his council the organizers were "lucky" nothing serious to endanger their attendees that evening.
Steve Balich, one of the event organizers said Yukich's claims and the Southtown's story were inaccurate. Balich said he did notify law enforcement personnel and then went on to obtain the permit Yukich said they did not obtain. Balich said:
"Sheriff Kaupas and Homer Fire Chief Mike Schoefield were called as soon as we decided the date and location." Ballich said in a commentary posted on the Examiner. "Will County Sheriff Dept. provided auxiliary police. There were professional security guards, security volunteers from the Tea Party, and each Governor had their own security, and State Police.
"Maybe [Yucich] should have expressed his fears for safety to the numerous state police that were present. Instead he chose to falsely attack the tea party organizers who stand against over regulation, increased fees, and more taxes," Balich said.
Balich said Yukich needed to read the city's ordinance which he himself signed. Section 4 says the Village Manager may wave the time requirement for good cause, which he did.
"The permit was issued," Balich said.
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and Mississippi governor Haley Barbour were featured along with State Sen. Bill Brady, who lost to Pat Quinn in the 2010 gubernatorial race. An estimated 1600 plus attended.
