Code Attorney

Without commenting on the viewpoint of the creator, here’s a video of some interesting construction, like the house with a fire plug blocking the driveway:

Citizens who normally couldn’t gain the attention of anyone when they can’t get the attention of their representatives can go directly to the public by making their own films and posting them on You Tube.

I’m recently back from the Region III conference in Brooklyn Park, MN put on by AMBO.  This year I stayed an extra night courtesy of Mother Nature (my Southwest flight was cancelled due to the snow storm in Chicago) but it gave me a chance to visit with a great group of people.  One of the things that really impressed me is the difference between laws in a state like Minnesota versus those in my home state, Illinois.  Inspectors in Minnesota have more tools at their disposal in dealing with the foreclosure crisis because of their ability to clean a property up and collect the costs on the property’s tax bill.  In theory, Illinois inspectors can do the same thing but the way the 2005 law is written makes it so convoluted that I don’t know anyone who has been successful in collecting any money this way.  Putting a lien on property isn’t sufficient.  Years may pass before the property sells or the lien may be wiped out by foreclosure proceedings depending on local law.  What is the difference between states?  I believe Illinois is in the grip of special interests that defeat bills that would make it easier to get property cleaned up and help local jurisdictions recoup their costs.  Being able to collect municipal expenses on next year’s tax bill for a problem property with a process that is simple and direct is a terrific tool that I wish I could use in my practice. It would eliminate the helplessness inspectors experience during the gap period, from the time the homeowner walks away from a property and the time the lender takes title.   I envy my Minnesota colleagues.