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Mar 25, 2008 1:57 pm US/Central
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Viewer Comments On Stroger's Cousin's Raise
We asked what you think about giving Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's cousin and the county CFO, Donna Dunnings, a 12 percent raise. Here are some of your responses: I didn't read all the comments, but the thing I wonder about is she the only one at Cook County getting a 12% increase or is she the only one reported because she's an officer? NO ONE deserves a 12% raise - especially not in these times. I have 41 years of experience, make less than 1/3 of her salary and was just notified I'll be eligible for a 2% increase. While working fulltime, I have raised two boys, now teenagers - half of that time as a single mother. Since she has it sooooo bad, I'd gladly trade places with her if only for a year of that salary. Maybe then I wouldn't have to look for a second job at age 59 and have to work until I die. As others have said the fact that she's african american, female, yadda, yadda, yadda, is irrelevant. The fact that she is family only makes it more obscene. I can't believe she feels so justfied to receive this - she didn't learn that from the Northwestern Masters program, I'm sure!
--JJM
I am not surprised. Stroger is not very smart. He does not know what he is doing, let alone run a County. I did not vote for him and I cannot believe anyone voted for him. I tried to convince everyone I know not to vote for him or his stooges.
--Diane
Listen people, you have to understand what's going on here. Little Todd and his cronies on the County Board, especially (Commissioner William) Beavers, are all in bed together, as nasty as that may seem. This has been going on in the county for decades and will continue unless we vote, in mass, to get all of them out of office. Starting from the Daley brother to the bottom with the janitors. Little Todd knows that he will not be voted back into office in 2010; we're waiting on you dude, and now he's gonna get his cousin paid and family paid, friends paid and anyone who has aligned themselves with this idiot, paid! Every time I look or hear about little Todd, first of all, O'm embarrassed that I voted for this damn fool. Secondly, I'm very, very embarrassed that he is African-American. You have let your race down little Todd!!!!!!!! Can no longer come back in the hood, your ghetto pass is revoked and you're a bum on the court. Stay tuned people of Cook County there will be more from this goof, I promise, just wait and see.
--Matthew
Is this crap ever going to be nipped in the bum? Will we ever loose the, "CROOK COUNTY", nickname? Pick a venue of authority, (Govenor, State of Illinois), (Cook County Board), (City of Chicago) (Any Office) or (All of the Above), It's time for a new Elliot Ness! Peter Fitzgerald? The 12% pay increase in itself, is a painful slap in the face to Cook County residents, business owners, taxpayers. It is also a repelling check in the con column, for all voters participating in the next elections. The sales tax increase already kicked the shins of those mentioned above, and will make us smell as bad as the Gary, Indiana steel mills, to all future tourists and visitors. Olympic Games in Chicago? H-MMMMMMMMMMM! Hey Todd!, did you thank your dad and his buddies for the job? I'll bet Donna's thanking you for hers! Pay raises for 23,000 county employees next year? At what percentage? Any more relations working for the firm? The most annoying segmet of this entire story shows it's ugly and arrogant presence in Donna Dunnings' response to questions about and critics of her raise. First of all, upper level executives usually know how to delegate responsibilty. So, blah blah, about all of the supposed hours that you log! Second, fix it or quit and go be a mom! Only responsible and, "hands on", parenting, can truly keep kids safe and on the right path of life. And lastly, the ethnic and gender referrals in your comments are non-important and petty to most taxpayers, (effective,efficient and honest) elected officials and civil servants are what desire and demand!
POLITICS,PATRONAGE,PAYOFFS,PROFITEERING,PUMPED-UPPED PAY --- PATHETIC PARASITES!
--Chris, Mount Prospect
If the county has to raise taxes in order to keep county government and services operating, why such a pay increase? The 12% pay increase should go to pay county bills. County employees making such huge salaries, should take a salary in order to balance the budget.
--Sandy
Stroger needs to resign. He doesn't give a hoot about anyone in Cook County except his relatives and friends. If I were a black person, I'd be ashamed of him.
--Sheila
I myself am a female who works all the time. The last two to three years Ive worked 12days straight before having a weekend off by working two different jobs. I even worked when i was pregnant last year and felt horrible but the thought of loosing my jobs which had my medical was out of the question. Two weeks before he was due my blood preasure went up to high and my doctor was a concered and had me sent to the hospital where my son was born the next day. For 2008 I work Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri at an office and every other weekend at another job so what does she have to complain about. By the time I pay for daycare I'm left with almost nothing to provide my family which makes me feel worse. I work and take care of my children the best way that i can and no one gives me a big raise for being a working mom. Let me play her the smallest violin.
--A mother of four
The nerve, I wish I could get an increase like that. What just because he's got money now he has to go and start spending it, well spend it on the people and services that he cut.
--Theresa
This is one of the funniest cities I've ever lived in, it's full of whiny big mouths, folks that roar like Lions until the going gets tough at which time they act like beat dogs. The first thing I'll say is in defense of the young woman; Donna. She appears to be very educated and anyone who works hard and long to reach the goals of their office should be rewarded, I don't know the entire situation so I'll stop there. Secondly you all vote for the same screwing in your "you know what" over and over and then you complain when you get what you voted for. Lastly, and here's where everyone is going to make up their sissy excuses; I spent most of my life in Southern California and will return there as soon as my child grows up thereby releasing me from my responsibility as a parent. Long before me California had a "VOTERS TAX REVOLT", they gave the government a budget and if the people governing didn't know what to do they had to go. California has the fifth largest economy in the world as a country because only smart money men can take the government jobs otherwise they're out. Californians pay 1% property tax (simple, huh?)and there is no tax on food. So if you really want to do something about this "Perceived corruption" start a tax revolt, make your Representatives work for you again!!!
--Frank
Is she worth the money, most likely, but to give a 12% pay increase when half the city was worried about being laid off 10 months ago and you just implemented the largest tax hike in the country is not a smart move. They should have rolled her salary over till next year when they came out with the surplus report and mixed her 12% increase into the raises for the 23k county employees. That would have been smart though. Have you ever heard of a Blue State being smart about money?
--JP Chvatal
You have got to be kidding, I bet that person who is wondering where they will get money to pay almost $4.00 gallon for gas to get to work, or how they will pay that high electric and gas bill is just thrilled to know she is getting a 12% pay raise. (I never got a 12% pay raise in my life, isn't the average raise 3% ?) I don't care if she has 100 years of experience, this is not right. Come on now, how can you say you have no money then turn around and give her 12% raise, am I living in the twilight zone?
--A very annoyed Cook County taxpayer
Quite frankly, I feel that her attitude on her salary and pay raise is offensive! Why doesn't she go to private industry and drop the Stroger bomb and see how far that gets her? She is defending her salary and pay raise by siting her gender and the fact that she is African-American......Does that mean that since I am over 40, female that I should suggest to my employer that I am entitled to a raise, since most of my coworkers are under 30? The way Mr. Stroger is running Cook County is shameful and I wonder how long it will take the voters of Cook county to wake up and pay attention to how they are being 'robbed' by their government leaders. How much effort does it really take to vote responsibly?
--Betty
Is this Stroger insane ? I am sooooooooo sick of this clown. He NEVER should have gotten this job. Can't this Cook County Board do something to stop all his "Friends and Family" hiring plan ? They want cook cty tax payers to pay his families way through life? NOT FAIR !!!!!!!! I have had enough of my paycheck going to this money grubbing county. And for what ? LOUSY SCHOOLS !!!!!! OUT OF CONTROL HOSPITAL SYSTEM !!!!!!!!! (thanks to Stroger Sr.) NOTHING CHANGES HERE.....Except my paycheck minus MORE TAXES TO SUPPORT HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY............NO MORE TODDY .........CAN WE IMPEACH HIM??????????? I am serious..........He needs to go..........I am sick of this. One thing I did change was where I shopped and did my business...............I will no longer shop or eat in Cook County.......I urge all Cook County residents to shop outside Cook.........And if the shop owners of Cook COunty don't like it .....too bad.......TAKE IT UP WITH YOUR COUNTY BOARD !!!!!!!!
--E. Jaramillo
She should not receive this increase, as we are all tight for money. We all need to budget our money, maybe she should do that too.
--HelenThis is outrageous!!!!! At a time when people are losing their jobs and threats are being made to downsize departments in the County - then taxes are raised to an all time high - the highest in the nation, it appears that Todd Stroger is trying to drive all of the good, decent, hardworking people out of Cook County. What is his problem??? Is he that disillusioned and that out of touch?? This pay raise is an issue because of the financial times we are living in, irregardless of the fact that she is Todd Stroger's cousin. The fact that she is Todd Stroger's cousin just adds injury to insult. How can you justify a pay raise of a 6 figure person now????? I don't get it. You lay off people and give the CFO a raise. Poor taste, very poor taste. The epitome of ignorance and arrogance. This will be the only term Todd Stroger serves, or shall I say dis-serves Cook County. And for the record, I am an African American woman.
--Pamela
It must be nice to get a 12% pay increase. We have so many people losing there jobs and can't find work, but Todd is rewarding her for what? Cook county is a joke. I think Todd Stoger and Family/Friends need to be asked to resign from office before things get worse. This is what we needed such a big tax increase for. I think salaries should be cut big time.
--Michele, Evergreen Park
What are we, the citizens of Cook County, supposed to do with this information? Should we start mayhem, should we scream outside of a government building, should we march down and tell them what we REALLY think of them? I think it's ridiculous that I can't sell my home anymore because it would cost me too much in taxes. I have to do all my shopping across County lines so that I can avoid that horrible tax increase. I have to do everything I can to make my penny stretch as far as it can. I love Chicago but I can't deal with it anymore! My family is losing their houses, I can hardly keep up with my own, and all I want to do is move as far away from here as I can--but they've made that difficult to do as well. When they were voting for the tax hikes, I sent letters to every commissioner and any person I could reach to demand that this doesn't get passed. What are they getting out of this, what is the Mayor pocketing? The tax hike and these family hirings are only angering the citizens that have to pay them. Why can't we vote for who gets hired and what taxes we'd like to pay? After all these scandals have been uncovered and all these crooked politicians have been put in jail, how can we seriously trust ANYONE who works in our government? So tell me, what are we supposed to do about it? Sit here and cry? How can we get them out of the county government? Who is their boss and why doesn't HE/SHE yank them out of there? I'm sure family members and childhood friends aren't the best candidates as they would put their own best interest at heart, not THE CITIZENS THAT PAY THEIR SALARY!
--Brenda G.
This is outrageous – I would love to spend the day with Donna, as a tax payer, and see just what she does on a regular day…. What her fourteen hour day consists of…Am I asking too much?
--Margie
This type of behavior will continue in Cook County until someone stands up and makes a stand. Tony and Forrest should be the ones. The Stroger family is making a mockery of Cook County.
--Bill
With all the downsizing, layoffs and record high fuel prices here in Chicago, Stroger's cousin should re-consider her heft pay increase, especially as ALL of her expenses, including health care are paid for. Her comments about being worth the pay increase is a blatant display of arrogance that the majority of Chicago workers do not appreciate!
--Derek Abrajano, Chicago
Your report on Donna Dunnings made me sick and angry. A 12% increase...that is ridiculous! At a time when most people are trying to pay their bills and put food on the table (and, let me tell you, $50 does not go very far in the supermarket!) because they do not have a job it is totally unfair! I have personally been unable to find a job. I pay my mortgage on time but every other bill I have is one or two months behind. I have had my gas, my water, my phone, my internet and my light shut off at one time or another. Last week I received a notice of a judgement (just as I was leaving for church!) because I have been unable to make a payment. I have never ever been to court; much less for something like this. And, to boot, I don't have money to pay for a lawyer! I feel totally humiliated. I have creditors calling me daily. My daughter and sister help me when they can. My son gives me his entire check. I am ashamed. They have their own lives and because of me my children cannot fulfill their dreams. My son says that this is responsiblity...to help us because we gave him everything. But, I cry everytime he leaves his check on the counter. My children and sister are the ones that have helped me pay my mortgage and bills. I am at my wits end. I do not know what to do. So when I read this article I felt a sick feeling in my stomach. How dare Todd Stroger do this! I must also say that this behavior of Mr. Stroger's will be affecting Mr. Obama's candidacy. I have been a strong Obama supporter. My sister who has dealt with prejudice from African Americans who are employed in the city will not even consider him as a candidate. Her response to his candidacy is that he will put more African Americans in power...and that power will go to their heads, thusly, affecting the employment of other citizens; mostly Hispanics. I apologize for my anger and perhaps I do not know how to word my frustration correctly. I realize that I must sound totally bitter; I am. I am not alone in my sentiments. I believe that Mr. Stroger's behavior has prompted me and others in my family to join my sister, Mr. Obama will not be getting my vote! As far as I am concerned, this is Mr. Stroeger's contribution to Mr. Obama's candidacy. I am certain that Mr. Obama will appreciate this help!
--Julia
Obviously that is what the tax increases are for, to provide for pay increases to Stroger and allies' cronies. This is UNBELIEVABLE. Politics as usual in Cook County. I have never voted for a Republican for a Cook County office, the next election will be my first time.
--Morris
Now don't you wish you voted for Tony Peraica??? I know I did. I don't feel like I made a bad choice. I hope everyone that voted for him does. All he did was lie to get elected. He suckered all you people in to think that he was suited for the job. Good job voting him in. Just think in the next election you can vote for him again and he can raises taxes again. He is inexperienced in the job. He can't even speak to the public about why Dunnings is getting a 12% raise. Hey Todd, why don't you tell the taxpayer's why she is getting a raise??? Why is she so deserving of a 12% raise??? It's my tax dollars that are paying for her raise. I deserve to know why my hard earned tax dollars are paying for her 12% raise. You need a better reason than she is black or has a Master's degree. Come on Todd, give the taxpayers an answer.
--Anonymous
I think it was a terrible mistake putting him in office. I'm not sure he is capable of handling the job. First of all, hiring friends and family was a big mistake, I am sure that there are other qualified candidates with a Master's degree that could do a far better job than his cousin, and probably at a reasonable pay rate. That is the problem in this society, we get in a position and then hire family and friends. Are they not qualified to seek a job on their own with their so called qualifications? Obviously, her qualifications were not that great that she did not stay at her current company. Enjoy the benefits now, because when election time comes, hopefully Todd and his party will be out of a job!
--Sheila Triplett
I will gladly take the position of Cook County CFO at half the current salary. I am also willing to work weekends and holidays at no extra charge.
--Mike O., Burbank
The only reason a manager should get any raise is for doing a good job with measurable, positive results. A manager who has to work 12 to 17 hours per day on a regular basis is obviously NOT an effective manager. Instead, this is typical of a manager who has no clue of how to manage thier responsibilities. Perhaps the county should be looking for a replacement for the CFO since she is obviously drowning in the job and can't justify her raise with good measurable performance of her department. The monumental arrogance (and ignorance?) and cronyism of Cook County public officials is an embarrassment for Chicago and Illinois.
Smart businesses are running for the suburbs and other metro areas for their businesses as Cook County bleeds the residents and businesses with outrageous taxes.
--DR
I do not even live in Cook County and I am furious! If Donna Dunnings feels that she works too many hours, she should step down, there are many people who would beg to work that many hours to make that much money without the raise! She says that she is black and a woman, like that automatically should earn you a bigger raise. There are many, many black women, women of all colors working very hard everyday that do not make a fraction of what she makes. And let us not forget the "masters degree", I would expect more intelligence from someone bragging of a masters degree! If she were as smart as she would like us to think, she would have refused such a raise in the best interest of the people, wouldn't that have made her look so much better. Now she just looks like a greedy, self serving black woman with a masters degree sucking the life out of the people in Cook County. Gee where do I sign up, I could use a really big raise, oh I forgot, I am not RELATED to Todd Stroger!!
--Anonymous
This is just another reason to bolster my support to have my village join our neighboring villages in forming our own County!--RLS
I think that the public is much harder on other people's economic worth than most employers or the free market is. How many times have people complained about how much someone else makes compared to themselves? I remember reading once where a company in the Northwest had a policy that allowed co-workers to decide how much of a raise their co-worker should get. After a couple of years they had to end the program because it was a failure. Nobody was ever getting a reasonable raise and people were leaving the company. The premise of this story is suppose to be that $160,000 a year to manage a $3+ billion dollar a year enterprise is exorbitant. How many organizations pay less than that for such a big responsibility? Very few. I'm not sure what motivated putting this story on the front page. Maybe its personal between the reporter and the CFO or the paper and the Stroger people. Who knows, but this seems like very little thought was given by the Sun-Times other than slinging mud. It doesn't feel like the Sun-Times has much objectivity regarding Stroger so I guess that is something that has to be taken into account when reading their work.
--Kelly Leston
This again goes back to corruption in Cook County Government. I am a former Cook County Supervisor and witnessed this corruption. I am now retired. No one unless politically connected gets those kind of raises. Union workers fight for meager 2-3 percent raises. Cook County voters elected Todd Stroger and got what they deserved. Instead of raising the taxes they are still not collecting payments due to them. Why should they the tax payers are made to bail them out? Corruption in the billing and collection process have gone on for at least 10 years. Have they been fixed no.
--John
Totaty disrespectful. the height of arrogance the city council should now pass an ordinance that ALL county residence 'es employers must give all workers a mere 9% raise.
--Anonymous
I can understand the hours that Donna Dunning works, and the fact that she sees the emloyees more than she sees her two children. I am an Army Recruiter, and I regularly work 12+ hour days, and have been in the military for 25 years. The biggest issue that I have with her comments are "I am the first African-American as well as the first female". What does being African-American and female have to do with her receiving an $18,000 dollar pay raise? Pay raises should be based on production alone - not race, sex, or family associations.
--Anonymous
Hi CBS Team, Just another outrageous thing that Todd Stroger and his family are trying to put over on the taxpayers of Cook County. Is there any way to get this corrupt person and his numerous relatives out of office and power? I think we need to express our disapproval in no uncertain terms.
--Merrie, Chicago,IL
In reference to the queestion should Donna Dunnings get a 12% raise I would have to say no. This is based strictly upon her recent statements. Accourding to Miss Dunnings she is entitled to her raise for the following points:
1. She works long days (sometimes up to 17 hours a day).
2. The limited time with her family.
3. Her has twenty years experience.
4. She is African-American
5. Her gender.
6. Finally her Masters degree from Northwestern.
This is my reason against a 12% raise for Miss Dunnings.
1. Her long work days are her responsibility. If she can not do the job in a reasonable number of hours then sometimes a person needs to work longer. When the US military is deployed works all the time and they are not wanting a 12% raise. Teachers, work long hours even some nights, as well as fire fighters and even accountants yet most of them are not getting a 12% increase.
2. If she spend better use of her time and her staffs time then many she could be home more with her family. Once again this is her responsibility.
3. The twenty years of experience has not proven to be helpful. What positions did she hold for twenty years? How do these positions influence the current problems that the county is facing? Everyone has previous experiences, how does it help the current situation?
4. Her race and sex should not even be brought into the conversation. A company can not discriminate against a person based upon sex, race, creed, religion... so why does she believe she is entitled to be paid upon the same criteria. This is an embarassment of anarguement. She should know better.
5. The Masters degree entitles her to a 12% increase above her already large salary. Northwestern is one of the finest schools in the country. However, just because she went there does not entitle her to a 12% raise.
Here are a few facts she forgot:
1. The taxes are the highest in the nation.
2. There is not likely going to be enough money for next years budget accourding to her recent statements.
3. Cook County hospital is a poorly run and financed hospital. It will eventually be sold to a private organization.
4. Services are being cut
Miss Dunnings and most of the executive staff should be thankful they are employed.
--Anonymous
No one working in the current economic time should expect a 12% raise The taxpayers that are paying the CFO's salary will be lucky to average a 2% raise. Many workers for the county have lost their jobs, including nurses working for Cook County hospital. Why is it that the County can't afford to pay those salaries yet they have money to give the CFO a ridiculous raise. Finally, the Stroger's should realize that the County is not their personal possession. It is time to clean house and get rid of ALL the Strogers.
--Anonymous
A 12% pay raise for the Cook County CFO is excessive in light of the earlier, very real possibility of the shortfall of county funds. We as taxpayers had been led to believe the county was on the verge of closing down if there wasn't a tax increase. And now this. I am disabled and on SSDI, and having a difficult time with the tax increase. I am trying to find areas where I can cut back on my own expenses. So when I see a county board member getting a 12% pay raise, I become very angry. This feels like a slap in the face. How about a 3%-4% cost-of-living raise? That is what we on SSDI receive yearly, never 12% increase.
--Joy Ray
For years, many of us Chicagoans have had to put up with all the patronage and nepotism that goes on here. Why is it with every news report that comes out, our hands continue to get tied. Although todd stronger won the election how much longer do the people of chicago have to put up for this. Why cant we impeach him, he aint that damn special. This raise smacks of not just arrogance but down right thievery on her and her cousin's part. So what if she is a black lady with a master's degree, she isn't the only one. Why does it take her 17 hours a day to do a job that should only take 8. What is she really doing with her time at the office. Im sure she doesn't eat, breath, and sleep Cook County.
--A. Lopez, Pilsen
Unacceptable. What is going on here? Where is the accountability? When describing why she should get a raise, she forgot to tell us what she is doing to reduce expenses and recover lost revenue because of poor processes ie., hospital billing. I don't really care if she went to Northwestern. I only care that she knows how to manage the money for the county.
--Ann Riordan, Orland Park
At a time most will not get a raise and be lucky to hold onto their jobs; add higher taxes to further burden the taxpayers and she gets a 12% increase, that's outrages.
--Anonymous
No….it is not right. I would like to hear Stoger's response to this. I wouldn't be surprised if he gives others raises, included himself.I am looking forward to when we get a new Cook County president and close the book on the Stoger legacy, if you want to call it that. Cook County needs to clean house and get new people / new ideas to get it moving in the right direction.
--Anonymous
The county would have to be CRAZY to give a 12% raise to her. What has she done for the public to deserve an increase Of this magnitude. I work and have worked in a hospital for over twenty years, helping, saving lives and I have only at the most a 3% increase if your lucky. Physicians that I have worked for have been asked to take 20 percent CUTS in pay. I say give her nothing... maybe she can give the use of a county car to get work and take her family to school and other places on my money. That's right my money and everyone elses. Does she live in Cook County, if so maybe were paying the taxes on her home. For that matter, we are probably paying the real estate taxes for all of Todd Strogers family homes. Lord, knows we have paid their medical bills. Let her and her family live on the salary she is getting now for a few years.
My god, Todd Stroger's family is going to take everything they can from the WORKING people. Is there anything left that isn't taxed anymore.... oh wait, the air we breathe. Keep Todd Stroger and family in office any longer and we will be taxed on that too.
Donna Dunnings states that one of the reasons she deserves that pay raise is because she is at work for twelve to seventeen hours a day. Well, so is my husband, and he barely makes a quarter of what she does!
-Olena Fitza
ABSOLUTELY NOT! How convenient raises come AFTER the big tax hike. Poor timing indeed.
-Anonymous
no raise!!!!!!
--Anonymous
To answer your question about the 12% raise for Donna Dunnings, I feel the raise is inappropriate. I am sickened by Chicago politics as usual. Todd Stroger was given the position by his father. I understand that since that time he was elected, but the original position was just handed down like a deed. This is standard in Chicago politics, with several high level positions being passed from generation to generation. With that as the background Todd Stroger fires doctors, raises taxes and puts into office relatives and friends. This mentality needs to stop. I am sure Miss Dunnings is very qualified, with her Northwestern degree, but the county is falling apart and she is getting a raise. I am a finance professional who has been out of work for 10 weeks. I had to move from my apartment, give up my pets, fight off the creditors and I am not even close to earning over $140,000 before a raise. My neighbor who is working on his CPA (he passed 3 of 4 parts so far) is working for 17 dollars an hour, which is less than ¼ of Miss Dunnings previous salary. We both live in Cook County and are experiencing the highest taxes with the lowest benefits in recent history.
Here is an idea for Miss Dunnings and the other executive staff members. Cut your previous salary by 25%. That would provide you a base salary of approximately $105,000 annually using the $140,000approximate base before the 12% increase. That would be a savings of $35,000 for just the CFO position. That does not include the CEO, COO, CIO, CNO and President level positions. With just these changes in salary there could potentially be an additional $300,000 in savings annually. There is nothing wrong with raises but 12% seems high. Try a 3-5% range, which is normally for many companies. Then the taxes can be lowered, businesses will want to come back to Cook County, and the residents will no longer have to carry the burden. I do believe in bonuses for employees. They should be no more than 15% of her base salary. It should be decided by her cousin, friends or other family members as to her eligibility for a bonus. This could be decided by an outside entity, using a blind form as to not disclose the individual.
To respond to statements provided by Miss Dunnings that she works 17 hours a day and she is not spending time with her children. That is her responsibility. If she is unable to spend time with her children then maybe she should have thought about that before accepting the highest finance role in all of Cook County. That is like the President of the United States saying that he is tired of all the meetings he attends daily. Did she not think of the pros and cons of the position before she took it? I am sure Northwestern trained her very well to look at the entire picture. As to working 17 hours a day, she is not the only person who has a tough day. If she thinks that the CFO role is 8 hours with an hour lunch go back to your high school job. This is the big time start acting like it. I do not want to hear that you are black or a woman. With that very short statement she took both race and sex back 50 years. I do not care that you are the first black woman to hold the position. If that is the logic for a 12% raise then the shame falls on everyone who has worked hard to succeed. Miss Dunnings just do your job and stop worrying about your pay check.
Here are a few minor points I would like to bring to her attention. My last position was in a hospital. I worked in the finance department. I earned almost a third of what she made. My CFO earned just in the 6 figures. She was given a very nice bonus at year's end. However, she made money for the company. We did not raise our costs, turn people away or cut services. I am sure that the executive team for Cook County can not say the same thing. They have raised taxes, cut services and are already saying that is not enough money for next year. She has failed at her job, so she is not entitled to a raise. In the private sector she would have been fired.
In a nut shell Todd Stroger needs to put in place very strict hiring practices to prevent any close family member, friends, or anyone else that might cast a bad shadow on him. Miss Dunnings needs to stop complaining and do her very well paid job to better serve me. Why not make Cook County what is was when I was growing up, as the most desired County in Illinois.
--Anonymous
A 12% raise give us a break. All departments are facing cut and her salary is going up?
No one forced her to take the job so please don't claim you are forced to work all those extra hours.
And please don't play the race and gender card. "I deserve the raise, because I am the first African, Woman, to hold the position." That does not justify a raise.
Todd Stroger and his cronies need to go!!!
--Frank, Chicago
No - in a year that has resulted in Cook County having the highest taxes in the nation, I don't see where such an obscene pay increase is warranted. The people she serves are barely getting 2% and in most cases no increase at all. Just because you work 12 to 17 hour days and you are the first African-American as well as the first female you do not deserve a 12% pay increase. Downsizing and budget cuts have resulted in people working a lot of hours just to KEEP a job let alone get a raise. What has actually been ACCOMPLISHED to warrant the increase. As CFO she ought to be ashamed of implementing a tax hike instead of using the brain she has as a result of her masters from Northwestern to determine what is going on in the county that they have no money. That's OK - soon there will be less actually paid in taxes as people go to Will County to buy their goods and services. The sad thing is that those that are least likely to afford to pay the taxes do not have the means to travel to Will to save a buck. And what will the answer be then, another tax increase to be rewarded by another 12% pay increase? I used to enjoy coming to 'the city' for a day of shopping and dinning - I'm priced out of that market. It is a rich man's city or a poor man's hell - no place for me!
--Anonymous
Outrageous, after sales tax increase with neither our "wonderful mayor and governor" did nothing to prevent this from happening now the county CFO will also get a 12 % salary increase. Obviously politicians and officials in goverment are the only ones living the american dream, while us citizens we are living the american nightmare, people making minimum salary loosing their homes and the goverment creating new ways to keep taking money from us. HELL NO TO THE CFO RAISE
--Anonymous
I am profoundly disgusted. This is just another example of why Cook County is in trouble. Instead of tightening their belts they have forced the taxpayers spend their hard earned money for this frivolous raise. Donna Dunning is making way too much money period. This raise is insulting. If she wants to make more money let her go to for profit company!!!!!! This is Cook County/Chicago Politics as usual. Both organizations are so profoundly corrupt and out of touch with reality that we would all be better off if there was some spring cleaning!
--Anonymous
I think it is wrong for any County Official to get a raise in the current stituation. Forget about her being related to Todd Stroger. It is the officials who should help curtail the cost of what is being spent. My wife and I currently are not getting any type of raise this year. I average a raise every two years; if I am lucky it is 3%. That does not even represent the cost of living increases. Politicians should be the first to set an example for the people whom they serve.
Thank you,
Jim Suva
NO,
Anyone that works on salary knows there will be times when overtime is required. Justifying a 12% pay increase because "I work a lot more than the other employees" is terrible. The easy solution is to step down and find a job with less hours.
Cook County residents should be infuriated!! To raise our taxes to the highest in the nation means to continue existing county services and cover for rising costs. To ask for a salary increase with such poor justification may mean that we should verify that she is even qualified for the job.
Regards,
Sam Rose, Park Ridge
I think giving someone working for Cook County a 12% raise is totally wrong. This is unrealistic. I don't care how many hours she is working times are tough and you need to do what needs to be done. I don't think the CFO would be getting a raise of this magnitude if she wasn't related to Todd Stroger. The economy is really in bad shape - the County of Cook should revisit where they are putting the $. The County employees are there to serve our needs not make themselves rich. It must be nice to get a raise especially one of that percentage. The highest amount of increase I ever received was 4% and that was in 2000. I haven't seen the 4% since then - I'm lucky to get a 2% increase now. I don't even get a cost of living increase.
They are raising the sales tax to 10 1/4% when people in the county are struggling to pay for essentials - food, gas, etc. They need to do a reality check. I'll be going to the collar counties to do any purchasing and staying clear of Cook.
--Anonymous
NO! Of course she shouldn't get that raise. At least not until all college graduates in Cook County are allowed to work at jobs using our educations, and being paid at least the average salary for college graduates working in our fields, based on our education.
Funny, I haven't heard any of the Commissioners speak out strongly demanding that employers end long-term unemployment here, and even out the pay disparities.
This would bring in lots more money for the County.
--Anonymous
Did Ms. Dunnings receive 12 precent increases on any previous jobs? Stroger will not get [re]elected, you can count on that.
--Anonymous
Did Ms. Dunnings receive 12 percent increases on any previous jobs? Stroger will not get elected, you can count on that.
--Anonymous
If she is so good, why doesn't she go into the job market and get a real job not one given to her by her cousin. 10.5% sales tax she and her cousin should both be put out to pasture!!!!! Is this what we can expect if Obama is elected???
Todd Stroger is a disgrace to all his father's hard work for Cook County. Taxes are too high already, finances a mess, and Todd just keeps on giving. Please just resign.
--Rudy B., Orland Park
Todd and the antics of the predecessors before him are the reason I moved from CRook County to Will County 24 years ago. Though I'm only 1 mile into Will, I have for years, avoided purchasing anything over the boarder in Orland and Tinley. I'll make the longer drive to Joliet, Frankfort, and New Lenox just so I'm not supporting in-competency which runs CRook County and Chicago. Maybe the boarding communities need to go through the de-annexation effort to send a message.
--Anonymous
No, no, no she should not have gotten a raise of 12 percent or any percent. She already makes way more than the average person, plus the fact very few people get raises of that size when they do get a raise.
It's really disheartening!
--Nancy Warner
I think it is a real shame that they would even consider giving a person making over $150,000.00 a year a pay raise when they are cutting medical for the elderly and poor it is just chicago politics at work. GOOD GOING STROGGER ENJOY OUR TAXES.
--Anonymous
Who gets a 12% raise? There is no hard-working person I know that receives a 12% raise. I could care less that she received a masters degree from Northwestern or that she is a cousin of Stroger. Any sort of raise is usually given after a thorough work evaluation. Let's see some work. Let's see why this raise is deserved. As a nurse in this great county of Cook, I am out in those trenches everyday. I see hard work by so many others that deserve a 12% raise or more. And you know, what? They are happy with any raise, still put out hard work, and hate the fact that their extra earned raise is going right back into the raised taxes of the county and the hands of the people that raised those taxes. Ouch, this is the slap in the face heard across the county.
--Tired and Red-Faced in Cook County
It should never of happened. Fire her and get someone to do the job for 1/3 of her present salary.
She is not worth that kind of money.
It is a shame to Cook County.
--Anonymous
I listened to this person explain her qualifications and I have this to say. She is arrogant, corrupt and belongs in jail with her cousin. I knew this was going to happen when "King Dickie" and the democrats endorsed Stroger. How much more can the citizens take??
A GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE ETC. IS LONG GONE!!
--Anonymous
I'm mad about the raise of taxes. Cry wolf and then give yourself raises. Everybody else has to cut back but not Chicago politicians. The alderman give themselves raises at midnight. Now Tod Stroger gives his cousin a 12 percent raise and the rest of them get a 5 per cent. What a rip off. People losing their jobs and you collect money for a raise. Parents giving up milk for their kids and what does Cook County give up. Nothing
--Anonymous
This is my response to your news story regarding the 12% pay raise for Donna Dunnings, Chicago's CFO. She justifies the raise with her race, gender and long workdays. What a crock. We all work long hard hours, and nobody should get a raise because of their race or gender. Does she deserve it? It depends on how her new paycheck compares to the salaries of CFO's of other large midwestern cities. If she gets a pay raise it's only fair that Police Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics, and Cook County residents serving with the Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan also get a payraise. Thank God I live in Lake County and not Cook County.
--Anonymous
It feels and smells like theives to me. The Stroger business is bad news for Chicagoans. They continue to milk the cow.
--Anonymous
Sounds like typical Todd Stroger. When is this guy going to wake up and realize that his job is going to short lived? It is so nice to drive across the state line to Indiana!
--Anonymous
No, no, no,
How about a freeze on pay raises
How about no new hires
How about pay cuts until the budget is where it should be
How about looking at the welfare system and the abuse and lies that people scam from that system. That would bring tons of cash back
--Anonymous
Seeing as the majority of people who are paying her salary will never come close to making that level of income this is a slap in the face to tax payers. We have a decrease of one percent in our income to pay for a 12% increase in hers. It doesn't even matter whether she's Strogers cousin or not, she makes enough income for five average families not to mention how many low income families her salary would equal. CFO's, CEO's, and all C... make an unequal amount of money in this country in the first place so what gives them the right to have so much more, a masters degree. I have a masters degree and am unemployed at the moment.
--Beth McKay
Once again, Todd Stroger demonstrates that he doesn't have a clue how to run the county. If Cook County is in such dire financial straits, why isn't there be an across-the-board salary freeze?
Since the county can never seem to balance the budget, the CFO of the county should consider herself lucky to keep her job; and she should certainly be embarrassed about getting a raise.
I will be thoughtfully and intentionally spending my hard earned dollars outside of Cook County whenever possible.
M,Murry
Totally outrageous is the only way to describe the audacity of Todd Stroger and Donna Dunning in trying to convince the already tax weary people of Cook County that this 12% increase is justified. If they were doing their jobs and looking for ways to cut county costs instead of adding to them, Chicago would be in a much better financial position. Stop bleeding the hard working, tax paying citizens and work towards seeing where money can be saved instead of spending more.
Cook County government is a system only the corrupt can understand. Where is Mayor Daley? Surely he can step in and try to get things back in order - or perhaps he is too busy with his own agenda.
--Anonymous
This is blatantly wrong! Regardless of her talents or qualifications, her financial betterment should not occur at the expense of a tax increase to people who are equally talented - ESPECIALLY in a time of financial crunch.
This would never even be contemplated if she were not Stroger's cousin
Many of us feel like the Cook County tax hike is due to years of Stroger political mismanagement as it is! How do we stop this fraud?
--Susan
NO
It is absolutely unjustifiable to reward a financial director after she has failed to operate within her budget. Government is NOT an unlimited buffet where Politician's cronies get to eat and eat our dollars until they're full. Donna's justification of her skills, that she has held political jobs for 20 years, is an indictment, not a recommendation!
--Ken, Flossmoor, Illinois.
I think it is unconsciable to give a 12% raise irregardless of whether a relative or not.
She states she has a masters degree. I am 2 classes away from my master's degree and will barely make half of what she makes with my overtime. I am a nurse. Cook county is facing the possiblity of cutting services and 12% is way above the cost of living.
--Linda
Boy, I think it is a slap in the face to all Chicagoans who have to pay the high tax for her to get an 18% raise!
--M. Weinstein, Streamwood
Absolutely disgusting!
Chicagoans are being taxed out of the city and nepotism gets a double digit raise while co-workers get 3.5%?
As CFO what are Ms. Dunning's 2007 accomplishments that solved so many of the city's problems that she earned a 12% raise? How did she save the city money? If I remember correctly, Cook County Hospital was in a lot of trouble as was the CTA. Would she even have this job if she wasn't a member of the Stoger family? Does job performance matter? We all remember how the Nurse of the Year was rewarded for her job performance. She got fired!
Whose fault is this? The voters elected John Stoger for the board while he was incapacitated from a stroke! His son obviously feels that if he can step in for his father so easily, no one can stop him. Is there anyway to remove him from office?
--Rebecca, Chicago
I am very disappointed about this. More because I don't have no control what so ever about making a decision to raise or not raise taxes. This is the worst I have ever seen. My household income between my husband and I is no more than $40,000.00 a year and we have paid our taxes and never been late in our mortgage but now with all of this raising taxes it is getting hard to even have a decent meal at our table. Is this the land of the free???? Why do I feel that I am getting more into debt instead of living the American Dream?? I really think that if we can do something about this I am all for it. This lady should not get this raise this is ridiculous. I wished something could be done because this is not getting any better. How am I supposed to send my son to college with all of these tax increases? Yes she went and had an education. Well guess what me too!! and my husband as well but I have never heard of 12% increase in salary especially at this time. I have always heard between 5 to 8 the most and that is really pushing it. Well I hope I could one day voice my opinion as a citizen of the United States. I wished that instead of making us pay for the debt that we have not caused to the US I wished that money came out from those people who are making all the wrong decisions and not know how to budget the money.
--Maria Loran
No one in Cook County should be getting any raise until they have their budget, finances and spending under control for at least two years.
When you tighten your belt you don't loosen it at the sight of food.
They didn't vote a tax increase for raises and it should not be spent for them.
--Kathy, Tinley Park
The people who voted for Stroger are getting exactly what should have been anticipated, and therefore, they are getting exactly what they deserve, which is an incompetent and expensive county government.
Giving this ridiculous raise is Stroger's was of spitting in the face of the taxpayers.
--Anonymous
SHE SHOULD NOT GET A HUGE RAISE LIKE THIS RAISE.THE REST OF US ARE LUCKY TO GET 3-4%
--LINDA
After watching the interview with Donna Dunnings, I am convinced that giving her the 12% raise was wrong. During the interview she failed to give evidence of what she has done to deserve this raise. However, she certainly gave her resume during the interview. Giving a double digit raise in the current economic times sends the completely wrong message. We should demand that our public service officers be socially responsible and remember who they truly work for.
-- Kelan Coffin, Naperville
Pay raises for anyone, and especially one that is extraordinary at 12% sends a message that the Cook County Board can act in an arrogant and disrespectful manner to those it is supposed to serve.
If this raise is based on performance of measurable results then it may be well-deserved but far out of line of typical raises - 3-5% annually. Given Ms. Dunnings' televised defensive response, I suspect her raise may not have been based on results.
Like Ms. Dunning, I have my master's degree from Northwestern University and recently received an approximate 4.3% for performing excellent (threshold, stretch, excellent) across a well-defined performance development review and meeting expectations.
I believe that the entire Cook County Board should be removed and the county select board members who have the best interests of those they serve; not to those they are related to.
--Anonymous
No matter who she is, she should not get a raise of 12%. Her salary is already sufficient.
--Anonymous
Last month cook county cried how bad they needed the tax increase,Now it seems will be handed down in pay raises. No one should get any type pay increase for 21/2 years in that office. Should not get the raise.
--Anonymous
Todd Stroger should be ashamed of himself. Nobody should be
getting such an outrageous raise now or any other time.
The people of Cook County deserve better. Most of the hard working taxpayers don't make anywhere near what his cousin is already making let alone a 17,000 dollar payraise.
--Patricia Kachold, Burbank, Ill.
What does she do for 12 to 17 hours that she says she works every day. I believe Todd Stroger needs to be recalled from office he has failed to live up to the oath of office that he took. The US Attorney needs to investigate the President of Cook County and the Cook County Government
--Anonymous
Todd Stroger is unbelievably arrogant in the face of the taxpayers but giving anyone a 12% raise. No companies are giving 12% raises, just keeping your job is a bonus in today's economy. It is wrong for so many reasons. If the taxpayers re-elect Stoger then their just fools.
--Bill, LaGrange
NO Raise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lets AX the relatives and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! then fire the clown!!!!!!!!!!
--Anonymous
When most people are getting raises in the 2% range and in many cases pay reductions in much lower pay ranges this is an outrage. The sales tax increase is just another case of poor government management.
--Anonymous
Maybe the CountyCousin I mean the County Government was just rewarding the CFO for the next 4 years since a 3 percent raise is the standard for a solid year evaluation. 4 years @3% equals 12 percent raise
--Anonymous
I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN HELD UP WITHOUT A GUN. HOORAY FOR THE TIMES, IT'S ABOUT TIME FOR THE MEDIA TO START EXPOSING THE CURRUPTION IN COOK COUNTY.
--Anonymous
When most workers are struggling to pay their bills now, a 12% raise is a slap in the face of the taxpayers. My raise this year was only 1 1/2%. Politicians need to wake up and realize they are not royalty. They are public servants and if they think they are worth more, then they need to find a job in the real world.
Put political raises on the ballots. I cannot tell my boss I want more money. They need to ask their bosses, the taxpayers first.
--Anonymous
Giving this kind of a pay raise to ANYONE at this time is a slap in the face to the Cook County
Residents who work hard for their money and most of them don't make anywhere near what Strogers Cousin is already making. I think he should be thrown out of office.
--Patricia Kachold, Burbank, Illinois
No. Why should she get that kind of money when we're trying to pay a $6,000 property tax bill? No one is worth that much money. I don't even get a 12% increase. The largest I've ever gotten is 3%.
--Sharon Readwine
I have been on a five year freeze on any kind of a raise, while the gasoline, natural gas and electric have increased tremendously. On top of that, for Cook county to raise our property and sales tax is a slap in the face to a person in a situation like me.
If anything, they should take a cut in their pay.
--Thomas
Totally unbelievable! Way too high of a raise....I don't care who she is or what her experience is.
--Anonymous
Ludicris!!!! This is the height of hypocrisy. How many people get a 12% pay raise.
--Anonymous
Absolutely wrong, most working class people get on average 3-4 percent raise if that, that are many people having to take concessions after years on a job. She is paid very well is it because she is his cousin, how many other people received a 12% raise that are not related to him. Not many I bet. I guess the old saying that its not what you know but, who you know.
--Anonymous
ABUSE OF THIS MAGNITUDE SHOULD ALERT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS TO WHAT IS TAKING PLACE IN COOK COUNTY. WHY THE WAIT? THIS RAISE IN TAXES TO BENEFIT THOSE IN CHARGE OF OUR HARD EARNED MONEY BELONG IN JAIL FOR SUCH BEHAVIOR.
--Anonymous
The pay raise is bad news, and it is time we get Stroger out of office as well as his cuz.
--Anonymous
She should not get a raise-Especially not a 12% increase!
We have a deficit and now the highest sales tax in the USA!
Shame on them!
--Anonymous
I do not think the Cook County CFO should receive a pay raise considering the current financial situation of the county
--Anonymous
NO NO NO. So they up our taxes so she can get a pay raise. I think not.
--Anonymous
No. If her qualification is so good, she should work for a for-profit organization.
--Anonymous
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