Barsanti: Planned Parenthood commited no crimes
From the Naperville Sun, this morning:
Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti announced this morning that Planned Parenthood did not commit any crimes while gaining approval for its new Aurora clinic under a subsidiary name….
Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area received approval to build its new 22,000-square-foot facility on East New York Street under the name Gemini Office Development, which has led anti-abortion activists to accuse the organization of deception and fraud. The city hired two lawyers to conduct independent investigations into the approval and permitting processes, and Barsanti reviewed the reports from both attorneys.
Barsanti said his office has no jurisdiction over city ordinances, land use or zoning, and he offered no opinion on those matters. He considers the review to be closed, and has returned all documents to the city of Aurora.
Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. at City Hall to discuss Barsanti’s findings and the reports from attorneys Phillip A. Luetkehans and Richard Martens. The reports will be released to the media at that time.
Planned Parenthood had hoped to open the health center Sept. 18, but the clinic’s temporary occupancy permit expired Sept. 17. It cannot open until after the city’s investigation is complete.
Keep your powder dry….
[HT: reader Deborah H.]
UPDATE, 12p: From the Chicago Tribune:
Barsanti said he could not advise Aurora on how to interpret city ordinances or the zoning code.
“I offer no opinions on matters of which I have no authority or jurisdiction,” Barsanti said.
UPDATE, 12:11p: Misleading MSM headline of the day:
Quite simply, Planned Parenthood didn’t apply for any clinic permit.
UPDATE, 1:27p: See Barsanti press release below.
[HT for that: reader ChicagoPlow]
Click to see pdf view:
Jill Stanek is a nurse turned speaker, columnist and blogger, a national figure in the effort to protect both preborn and postborn innocent human life.
“Barsanti said his office has no jurisdiction over city ordinances, land use or zoning, and he offered no opinion on those matters. He considers the review to be closed, and has returned all documents to the city of Aurora.”
Isn’t this what the review by him was for? It took him a week to announce that he can’t get involved???
I’m confused!
Yes, agree. Stay posted.
There are two issues, first did they commit a crime they can be prosecuted for. Answer NO. Second, are they entitled to a permit. Answer: Pending.
He’s not saying he can’t get involved, he’s saying there was no crime committed.
“Kane County State’s Attorney John Barsanti announced this morning that Planned Parenthood did not commit any crimes while gaining approval for its new Aurora clinic under a subsidiary name.”
Hal,
Thanks for trying to clear that up for me, but the two paragraphs (mine & yours) seem to contradict each other. Sorry, but still confused!
Good point, Jill…I don’t recall seeing PP’s name on anything!!!
As I understand it, he has no jurisdiction or opinion on whether theyt get the permit, whether the zoning laws permit the clinic to open, etc. He has the opinion that a crime was not committed in their attempts to get a permit. You can be denied a permit for reasons other than criminal activity, he’s just saying “no crime, but the city will have to sort out whether they open or not.”
Hal, thanks for your input. Appreciate the knowledge and integrity.
Hal,
Thanks! I’m coming out of the fog now!!!
Mr. Barsanti’s report strengthens the city’s hand, saying he (state’s attorney office) “has no jurisdiction over city ordinances, land use or zoning”. In addition to Judge Norgle upholding the city’s right to conduct the investigation, we know for certain that there is no impediment from the state’s attorney’s office that would prohibit Aurora from exercising their rights. In addition, this opinion leaves the zoning issue wide open. Even though the matter of criminality has been disposed up, this still does not mean the city is obligated in any way shape or form to grant final occupancy.
Hal and Jerry, thanks for clearing things up for me. I had the same confusion that Laura K had.
Are you in law or something like that, Hal?
Yep. try not to hold it against me.
hehe, well, my dad was a lawyer (now a magistrate) so you’re coo with me, dawwwg!
Jerry, great post. Great info. Thanks.
This is not good, now the city board/mayor are just going to say “ah, what the heck, no crimes were commited, let the clinic open”. Not good.
I agree with Jasper. (except the “not good” part)
Seems like the question now is whether the mayor has unilateral power to decide regarding conformance to city ordinances and zoning codes. Who says whether he has overreached his authority?