On Monday, Illinois Review revealed some "interesting" in-kind contributions made by a Schaumburg-based hotel owner to Democrat State Rep. Paul Froehlich's 2008 campaign (see story here).
Well, IR has obtained a second document showing another Schaumburg area hotel owner whose property was also favorably re-assessed and who also subsequently made in-kind contributions to Froehlich's '08 re-election campaign.
The hotel this time is the Wingate by Wyndham Hotel, owned by Sharad Dani and located at 50 E. Remington Road in Schaumburg. Like the last document we provided, this one also has handwritten notes outlining how the hotel's 2007 assessment would be lowered from $1,154,507 to $949,999, for a savings of $129,304.80 in property taxes over three years. (see above right - click to enlarge)
Froehlich's campaign reports show that Satkar Hospitality Inc, which is located at the same address as the Wingate (50 E. Remington Road), wrote a check to Heidner Property Management for $4,000.00 on Froehlich's behalf.
Why?
Well, perhaps because Froehlich's campaign office, located at 17 West Weathersfield in Schaumburg, is leased from Heidner Property Management. (see reports below)
Satkar Hospitality, Inc. also paid Homestead Studio Suites $8,110.00 for lodging on Froehlich's behalf. (see ISBE graphic below)
Satkar Hospitality, Inc. is listed on the State Board of Elections as making campaign donations only to Friends of Froehlich.
However, just before the 2006 general election, ISBE records indicate a "Sharad and Pratima K. Dani," also listed at the Wingate Hotel address, gave $250.00 to now-impeached Governor Rod Blagojevich.
When asked for a response to this Information, Rep. Froehlich said the reply we published on Monday is "fine."
Statement by State Representative Paul Froehlich via email 03.30.2009:
During my years as an elected official, I have helped many hundreds of local residents appeal their unfair property tax assessments and have helped many constituents save money on their property taxes. Last year, for example, I provided assistance to more than 200 homeowners, 85% of whom were successful in their appeals and had their assessments reduced.
My experience as a former township assessor and as a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer has enabled me to guide my constituents in filling out forms and walking them through the process that is necessary to appeal their property taxes. I have never gone beyond those actions for any constituent and do not have a vote in any property tax case. All I can offer local residents is advice. I have never asked for any fee or campaign contribution in return for my assistance and I never will. I have always held myself to the highest ethical standards, treat each and every constituent in the same manner, and give all district residents the same level of service.
The individuals in question have been supporters of mine for a number of years. In fact, I knew them before they even opened their hotel and long before they ever contributed to my campaign. I was there for the groundbreaking ceremony when they began construction and for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on the day they opened. Their contributions to my campaign reflect their desire to keep in office someone who provides all of his constituents a high level of service and who helps taxpayers cut through bureaucratic red tape.
Related stories in the Friends of Froehlich series
