Free Republic

Bill McIntosh interviews Federal judicial reform activist Chuck Panici The story of Chuck Panici, four times GOP mayor of Chicago Heights, Illinois, from 1975 to 1991; skilled political strategist is, both a great saga and a sad one. He turned around a seemingly hopeless municipality, brought fresh water from Lake Michigan to his town: built municipal buildings and built a coalition around his effort that united people across racial and ethnic lines. His bright future changed dramatically however in the aftermath of Chicago Heights city council member Nick LoBue´s name coming up repeatedly during Chicago mob boss Albert Tocco´s Federal...

These days the South Suburban Cook County city of Chicago Heights, about 25 miles from Chicago, is known mostly for empty store fronts, dilapidated neighborhoods, and empty space where factories once stood. It wasn't always like this. In fact, once Chicago Heights wound up in the Guinness Book of World records. It had nearly 90 factories during World War II, giving it the most factories per person in the world. (Chicago Heights population is about 30,000) In 1950, Ford Motors moved their plant right next door, and in the late 1970's,

These days the South Suburban Cook County city of Chicago Heights, about 25 miles from Chicago, is known mostly for empty store fronts, dilapidated neighborhoods, and empty space where factories once stood. It wasn't always like this. In fact, once Chicago Heights wound up in the Guinness Book of World records. It had nearly 90 factories during World War II, giving it the most factories per person in the world. (Chicago Heights population is about 30,000) In 1950, Ford Motors moved their plant right next door, and in the late 1970's, the legendary controversial mayor of the Heights