Tom McDermott, Jr. Lies Again

Tom McDermott, Jr., Mayor of the City of Hammond, has blatantly lied to his constituency on his radio show.  In this lie, McDermott made it clear that he has no concept of what ethics in public life is made of.  He also made it clear that there is no limit to the thievery of his family.

McDermott was specifically asked on his radio show if anyone in his family had made any money from the whole transaction the surrounds the demolition and redevelopment of the "River Parks Apartments".  These are the apartments on Kennedy Av. on the border with Highland.

McDermott's answer was very technically correct in the fine Clintonian tradition of splitting hairs, no pun intended, when the then President said "I did not have sex with that women" or "it depends on what the meaning of 'is' is."  McDermott said specifically that no one in his extended family has made any public money from the City of Hammond since his father made a salary as Mayor.  Specifically refusing to discuss any other kinds of funds or his family's actual involvement.

Everyone is sure that this is probably technically true.  Public money means funds paid directly from the City as a salary or as part of a contract.  Although this still raises the question of Daddy McDermott's disaster in handling the City's health insurance contract when Junior took over as Mayor.

The fact is that the McDermott family has been stealing Hammond blind.  They have made money and will make money from the Cabellas deal, both father and younger brother.  Even though the deal is far from clear as being beneficial to Hammond and whether in the end Hammond may not be paying more that it will ever get in.  It is also clear that Cabellas was forced into the deal with daddy by someone in City government.  There is no legitimate American Corporation that would put up with this kind of third world strong arming or middle-eastern bazaar kick-back scheme.

Obviously from the Mayor's answer they are making money off of the River Park Apartment rebuild project.  One should also not forget the Interstate Plaza which is part of Cabellas overall.

When the McDermotts are done Hammond will be left as a shell.  There is no plan to bring more middle class people into the City.  The one source of funds and middle class population, Purdue Calumet, is being undermined by the Mayor with his pal heading the institution and this year decreasing the money being asked for the campus as opposed to West Lafayette.

Again, the main reason is the University funds have limited thievery rights for the McDermott clan, so why bother?  There are so many ignorant Hammond citizens to pluck clean -- let the fun continue.

Comments

[nwi]

D.Brown says "Next time I want a response from a crony I'll ask. I would like to hear from the Dr. on this matter. But I'll answer your questions."

The first sentence it moronic, and the last is ironic. Unlike you, and apparently many other prof detractors, the only issues I have raised are the Cabela's and River Park deals, and the inequity of funding higher ed. The prof is not the only one asking them. Whatever other issues you have with the prof, and apparently other profs, are probably best discussed with a shrink.

You do not seem to have any knowledge of the issues raised, as your comments indicate. The alleged fee in question is a finder's fee, which I incorrectly assumed that you knew. The prof seems to be "doing" in regard to the higher education funding issue, unlike what you claim, don't you think?

[D. Brown]

NWI,
Next time I want a response from a crony I'll ask. I would like to hear from the Dr. on this matter. But I'll answer your questions.
Is it ok to ever question the "leadership and guts" of our politicians? Yes, absolutely don't remember saying that it isn't. I guess if it makes you feel good you got me there! I just said the Dr. makes these claims, but doesn't have any proof. The professor just needs this attention because he is so insecure in his own life. He criticizes others for decisions he is too afraid to try to make. He is no better than those "newspapers" you see in the grocery aisles. You know I think I saw he wrote something about a batboy or the world coming to an end. He makes these statements because he needs your attention not that he actually has facts to prove it. All he has is conspiracy theories he comes up with on his own or with others.
Do you realize that the mayor's younger brother is a commercial real estate broker? No, I didn't. Is this the brother you are talking about professor? Or another brother? Was there some closing documents uncovered that showed he got paid? Probably not just another theory, right? Because if there was we would have known about it way before some political scientist from PUC discovered the "truth".
Do you realize that the mayor's father isn't, and that it is a requirement to collect any fees on a real estate transaction and do you feel like a dupe? No, I don't feel like a dupe considering I'm not the moron that claimed you have to be a real estate broker in order to receive any fees. Well I'll have to remember that and tell the mortgage company, the title company, the attorney, the appraiser, the surveyor, the home inspector, and all the other professionals that charge fees upon closing. Next time you write something like that please have enough intelligence to be able to make a correct statement.
By the way, did you read anything about the inequity of funding higher education that the prof writes about on this blog? Yes.
Do you think that the funding issues that the prof raises might just "help create jobs, attract businesses into the area, or help educate our young people to bring in those middle class jobs? Maybe, but have the guts to TRY to put it into action. Like I said it is easy to play Monday Morning QB. I know that retail clerk jobs aren’t middle class, but the managers, head chefs, etc are middle class jobs. Also what effect do you think Cabela’s and River Park will have on the property values of those small business owners around those sites? I’ll give you a clue (since you obviously need one) they aren’t going to go down!
Please let the professor speak this time since you really aren’t worth my time and minimal effort. My main point is that I had soooo many professors/teaches like him throughout my life. You see NWI these teachers have their delusions of grandeur, but were too afraid of their own shadow to make a difference in the real world. There is a reason he is on this blog and not in the Times/Post because they probably know how he is full of s*&t 99% of the time.
There are many great Dr’s out there, but there are also a lot of Eisenstein’s that hide in books, classrooms, and now the internet.

[nwi]

D. Brown,
Is it ok to ever question the "leadership and guts" of our politicians? Do you realize that the mayor's younger brother is a commercial real estate broker (see: https://extranet.in.gov/WebLookup/Details.aspx?agency_id=2&license_id=416190&)? Do you realize that the mayor's father isn't, and that it is a requirement to collect any fees on a real estate transaction (search here: https://extranet.in.gov/WebLookup/Search.aspx)?
By the way, did you read anything about the inequity of funding higher education that the prof writes about on this blog? Do you think that the funding issues that the prof raises might just "help create jobs, attract businesses into the area, or help educate our young people to bring in those middle class jobs." Funny that you chose only to respond to the McDermott issue. Do you feel like a dupe? Perhaps you should continue to "further your education" with a focus on increasing your coherence and reasoning abilities.

[D. Brown]

Dr. Maurice Eisentein,
Well, those who can't do, teach, right? Seeing you have your doctorate doesn't surprise me at all. I have taken a few classes at PUC during summer sessions years ago and thankfully never had you as a professor. I had heard from many students unless I had a short skirt and sat in the front row bent over I would have a hard time getting an A. Since I am not a female and my goal of college was to further my education, I decided not to take your course. Aren't you married to or dating one of your former students? HUM, not really that surprising. Anyway, I am young, but I don't ever remember hearing your name involved in politics other than to criticize. I don't know the Mayor of Hammond, his family, or any of the other politicians you so easily critisize. However it's really easy to play Monday Morning QB on issues and seem to be some sort of a visionary by coming up with something better than what was decided. However, it takes leadership and guts to do what those politicians do. Some qualities you might think about learning. There is no doubt you are intelligent especially the way you had McDermott play into your hand by criticizing and knowing if he came back how you would respond. But man do you have too much time on your hands. Instead of wasting you “skills” in the classroom why don’t you help create jobs, attract businesses into the area, or help educate our young people to bring in those middle class jobs. I live in Highland and River Park was an eye sore and crime ridden and now it will attract jobs, improve property values, and increase commerce. I am curious what evidence do you actually have to merit those accusations of illegal activities and kick-backs? You have made these claims, but I have yet to hear of anything to actually prove. How do you know the father and younger brother made money off River Park? What does the younger brother do that would make him eligible to receive or get a fee from River Park in order to hid the money? How do you know about this grand jury or whatever it is for Cabela’s? What makes you so important that someone would actually say “hey you know what, I think I want to talk to Maurice Eisenstein about this?” Maybe one day we will see the great and powerful Oz appear from behind the curtain to help save NW Indiana as you think we need, but until that day happens it’s good to know we have some great leaders such as Mayor McDermott in office. I'm sure if that day ever did happen it won't be surprising to find a tired old man who had a reason to hide behind his curtain appear!

[student]

I have to agree, as a former student of yours, you put forth no effort. Its a shame we had to pay for having you as an instructor. Why has PUC not gotten rid of you? Thats the question so many of us ask.

[student]

I have to agree, as a former student of yours, you put forth no effort. Its a shame we had to pay for having you as an instructor. Why has PUC not gotten rid of you? Thats the question so many of us ask.

[Leah Powell]

Wow, I find it truely amazing that Tom Mcdermott Jr. was elected for anything. Politicians should not be allowed to teach on this campus or any other for that matter. It sounds to me like he is truelly intimidated by Maurice. For your general information Mr. Pompous Mayor, many students talk about what a "tool" you are as well. Maybe you should try to master one career ( politics ) before trying to leap into teaching.!! Maybe you should take a few more classes, that way when you speak more than shit will come out.

[John Q. Public]

Dr. M.
I think it is beyond insane to have a single term republicrat teach a Lake County Politics at a respected university which his buddy runs and sits on the useless RDA.

Lets examine a few things: No "public money" well, that's all fine and good, but what about private money that he, is coke addict brother and washed up ex mayor father made. You are correct in saying that a corporate entity doesn't need a 14 yr. ex mayor to do it's work.

Next, all the senior, disabled and minority citizens of Hammond are being pushed out by someone who moved back to the city, only to change parties because he knew DAMN WELL that he would and could not now or EVER beat Dedelow as a Republican.

Secret $15 million dollar loans being pushed through the Council during a non televised meeting as well as skimming casino monies off the top are nothing new. I was under the assumption that the mob did not operate in Hammond. I was wrong, and when the mob boss is the city leader, you know why we're going to hell in a hand basket.

And lastly, I have had the honor to learn from you and have nothing negative to say. I think the mayor should do what he was elected to do and that is run the city, not teach a class and not appoint his chancellor buddy, but to do what is best for ALL citizens of Hammond. I can only hope and pray the the HDCC can get a REAL democrat to run for the post, after all they would work for the residents and not for special interests or universities.

[Maurice Eisenstein]

Dear Bobby Lendi -- whoever you are--

I do a blog about politics in Northwest Indiana. My comments are not polite because cheating and stealing from as well as lying to the public is not a polite activity. Unfortunately, a lot of cheating, stealing, and lying takes place in Northwest Indiana. You don't have to agree with my political opinions, but you should at least be able to debate them on their merits. What you've written to me on a blog dedicated to political activity in Northwest Indiana is misplaced, to say the least.

I spent over 13 years taking care of, first, my mother who died of cancer, and then my father, who gratefully died of old age (albeit in a nursing home suffering from dementia). I did this without any personal assistance (my only family save my wife lives 1200 miles away), and I did this at great cost and expense to my personal and professional life.

You may not have liked my behavior when I was looking after my father. Maybe you were the one who constantly gave him the wrong dosage of medicine? Or maybe you were the one who did not care for him in the manner that a facility charging over $5,000 a month should provide. I don't care to accuse you or anyone else in such a line of work of not doing a good job because, honestly, it must be a very difficult job.

But my role as caretaker for my father meant I had to argue on his behalf when he could not do so for himself. And, truthfully, if I weren't there to make sure he was treated well and taken care of properly, it is probably people like you who would abuse the old and elderly when they know there's no one to look after them.

Truth is, the way in which I cared for my dying father is not something you are in a position to judge. If you wanted to talk to me about this -- you had plenty of opportunity while my father was alive (he died over three years ago) and I was regularly checking in on him.

I will not apologize for protecting my father and his best interests.

[Bobby Lendi]

Maurice,

I had the 'pleasure' of meeting you several times a few years back when you visited your loved one at a certain long term care facility in Munster. At that time, you managed to alienate the staff, other family members, and residents of the facility through your callousness, unprofessionalism, and anti-social behavior.
Over time, you became no more than an obnoxious oaf that spewed out hatred simply for the purpose of hearing himself speak. Absolutely no one in that facility had any respect for you, and as a result, I'm sure you found it difficult to accomplish your communicative goals with anyone there.

Now, I've seen you re-surface as a political pundit. While your writings, opinions, and persuasion are of a different ilk than I had been accustomed, the overall outline is the same: Scream, insult, and recklessly accuse others for all of the negativity that occurs in your life, despite the reality that those you insult have no control over that which upsets you.

In my life, I've had contact with people just like you. You're the type of person that refuses to take responsibility. You've never owned up to any of your own mistakes. You're the type that won't pay your NIPSCO bill, and then rant and rave about overpriced and mismanaged utility companies when your power gets shut off. You want to blame everyone else for your own unhappiness, lack of productivity, and professional failures in life.

As such, I've seen your reputation go from that of a potentially well-respected professor to that of a tabloid reporter. Your voice has become like a banging gong which does not command any notice from its peers, coworkers, community, or students. You have become a joke, Maurice. Your students mock you in the hallways. Your coworkers mock you in the breakrooms. Your community uses your column to line their cats' litter boxes.

Do you wonder why nobody downstate listens to you when you address them regarding higher education funding? Listen to yourself, Maurice, and you shall know the answer.

[Maurice Eisenstein]

Here is my email to the Mayor:

Mayor,
It is good heaing from you after all this time. I have heard from my students that you were going to call me to invite me to address your class because they had all voted, choosing me as their number one guest for the class. I said I would accept; although in spite of their "pressure" I told them that I would not debate you in class.

This coming friday I am going to address the Commission of Higher Education (again) in Indianapolis at IUPUI to lobby for NWI higher education. This has already been confirmed with them and I will be having a number of individuals, interested in the issue, from NWI in attendance.

I believe that it would be greatly beneficial to Hammond and NWI if you could also attend to support this effort. I know that you believe in the value of higher education and the need for equity in spending for Hammond and NWI citizens.

Let me know if there is further infomation that you need.

Thanks,

Maurice

[Tom McDermott Jr]

I think it's funny that you post such crap on your website Maurice. If you only put forth such effort into your teachings at PUC, you would be a much better teacher. That's why your students hate you, and your class, you put forth no effort and are lazy.

I am sure that's why you are so intimidated that I now teach in your department. The students, who are used to hearing only your point-of-view, now hear the truth from the Mayor of Hammond. Instead of hearing from one who could never get elected, they hear from one that got elected.

One of my greatest enjoyments in teaching Lake County Politics occurs when your former students realize what a crappy instructor you really are. It usually takes only a week or two for them to realize that they were ripped-off when they paid good money for your "course." Your a joke Maurice, and an embarrassment to Purdue University, even your 19 year old students think you're a joke!

However, if you insist on lying and dragging my families name through the mud, I will sue you for defamation. Although I am sure you are judgment proof, I will not tolerate such lies to ever be said about me, or my family. You really have no shame,

Tom McDermott
Mayor, City of Hammond