The Pulse of 2012
December 30, 2012 8:32PM
George Zartuche (left) and Ryan Daggett (right) react to honking horns of passing vehicles during a machinists union strike outside the Caterpillar plant off Route 6 Tuesday, May 1, 2012, in Joliet. | Matthew Grotto~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: May 17, 2013 8:55AM
It’s that time of year again when Pulse takes a breather and gets ready to tackle a new year of quotes, quips, politics and punditry. So here’s a look back at the best tidbits from 2012 and the date the items ran in Pulse.
January
“That’s the first thing I think of. Isn’t that sad?” — Kenneth Mihelich, the city of Joliet’s budget director, lamenting the fact that he can’t enjoy snow because he worries how much it will cost the city to plow the streets.
February
“It’s not easy. There is a lot of complexity to it.” — Former State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi explaining why his name would stay on the March primary ballot even though he was resigning from office. (Feb. 6)
“We’ll see what the future holds. It’s too early to rule it out. It’s too early to say yes.” — State Treasurer Dan Rutherford on his potential run for governor. (Feb. 20)
March
“I was very surprised when they told me. I was looking down as (Jones) was speaking. I didn’t know what he had done.” — Joliet Township Supervisor Dan Vera explaining why he wasn’t aware that former animal control officer Bryan Jones had pulled a dead kitten out of a bag during a township meeting. (March 19)
“Right now, there’s nothing there but tumbleweed.” — Then U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Chicago, describing land in eastern Will County that is slated to become the south suburban airport. (March 26)
“Tumbleweed is something that rolls around out in the desert and this is far from being arid or desert. Many people make their living farming out there and they’re doing a damn good job of it.” — Will County Executive and Jackson Township farmer Larry Walsh reacting to Jackson’s statement. (March 26)
April
“Yesterday, I bought a shirt with an elephant on it. I’m ready.” — Former Will County Board member Laurie Smith announcing plans to move back to Illinois to work on Republican campaigns. (April 2)
“When it comes to bald-headed men, I’m weak as water.” — Celebrity Chef Paula Deen ogling WGN TV’s Dean Richard during the opening of Paula Deen’s Kitchen in Joliet. (April 9)
May
“It’s great to have an actual working man as a state representative.” — Charlie Hanus, president of the Will-Grundy Central Trades and Labor Council, praising the appointment of Machinists union official and former welder Larry Walsh Jr. to fill a state representative vacancy. (May 7)
June
“It’s not an easy thing to be on a strike line and put your family out of a meal and not be able to provide for them. But some things are worth fighting for.” — Machinists union official Jeff Yost announcing food pantry fundraisers for striking workers at the Caterpillar plant in Joliet. (June 11)
“The 1 percent offer was never made to the county. (The city) offered a negligible amount.” — Will County Board Chief of Staff Bruce Friefeld disputing a claim by Joliet attorney Mike Hansen that county officials were offered 1 percent of casino revenue before the city’s first riverboat opened in 1992. (June 18)
July
“You had to peel your shoes off the blacktop before you could start walking.” — Former Will County Board member Cory Singer, R-Frankfort, reporting on Fourth of July parade conditions during the summer’s brutal heat wave. (July 9)
August
“They want Illinois gamblers to lose money. They want their own residents to lose money so they can fund their government programs. It’s not going to work.” — Gambling opponent Anita Bedell on the legalization of video gambling in Illinois. (Aug. 6)
“I saw Coach (Mike) Ditka the other day and told him I was thinking about it. He said two words to me — ‘Do it,’” — Former Chicago Bear Steve “Mongo” McMichael talking about his plans to run for Mayor of Romeoville. (Aug. 20)
“He has just as much a right to be hired as anybody else’s grandson in this room. To take that cheap shot at me and my grandson I think is out of line.” — Joliet Mayor Thomas Giarrante defending his grandson’s right to be hired as a firefighter for the city. (Aug. 27)
“The inept and often corrupt leadership of Chicago and Cook County has caused significant damage not only to their own county, but also the entire state.” — Will County Republicans explaining their “Will Colony Declaration of Independence from Chicago-style Politics” event. (Aug. 27)
September
“People are coming up to me and thanking me, like they’ve known me all my life.” — Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow ’s on the day after Drew Peterson’s murder conviction. (Sept. 10)
“An all-Democrat Appellate Court reinstated them. Go figure.” — Will County Republican Party Chairman Ed Ronkowski reacting to the court’s decision to reinstate seven Democrats on the Nov. 6 ballot. (Sept. 17)
October
“As you get handcuffed, clench your hands to make your fists as big as possible. That will make sure you have a bit of wiggle room.” — Volunteer Alex Han advising protesters who agreed to be arrested during a sit-in at the Walmart warehouse in Elwood. (Oct. 8)
November
“The whole reason they were successful is they did not fight as individuals. They locked their shields. They fought as one.” — Will County Board Republican Caucus Chairman Jim Moustis, R-Frankfort Township, admiring the battle strategy employed by ancient Greeks. (Nov. 19)
“I think they’re going to find if they’ll come aboard, we’ll be more than willing to work with them in a way that the Republicans in the past have not worked with the Democrats.” — Will County Democratic Party Chairman Scott Pyles on his party winning majority power during the Nov. 6 election. (Nov. 26)
December
“I’m not going to put my neighbor’s kids in jail because I want a job.” — The Rev. Craig Purchase of Mount Zion Full Gospel Tabernacle explaining why he opposes an immigration detention center. (Dec. 17)
“The irony is not lost on me. I’m the only smoker on the council.” — Joliet City Councilman Larry Hug after he was tapped to read the city’s proclamation for Smokefree Illinois Week at a council meeting. (Dec. 24)
Herald-News reporters Cindy Wojdyla Cain, Tony Graf, Janet Lundquist, Bob Okon and Brian Stanley and Associate Managing Editor Matt Cappellini all contributed to Pulse in 2012 and they all wish you a Happy 2013!
