Stonegate owner well connected, politically speaking

Stonegate owner George Moser was among those posing for photos Monday night with Gov. Pat Quinn during the Quinn fundraiser in Hoffman Estates.

The Taxpayers for Quinn fundraiser at the Stonegate proved Moser is as politically plugged in as anyone in the Northwest suburbs. Moser keeps involved, as state records show he has donated sums of money to a variety of politicians from Quinn to his potential rival in state Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

Monday's event was attended by a bevy of local officials, including Hanover Park Village President Rod Craig, Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod, Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson and Streamwood Village President Billie Roth.

Quinn went out of his way to mention McLeod during comments at Harper College in Palatine. McLeod said he wasn't prepared for the praise from his old friend. The two befriended each other while working with the Citizens Utility Board.

The love fest continued at the Stonegate when Quinn threw roses in the direction of another longtime friend, Hoffman Estates Village Trustee Cary Collins. His sister, Libby Collins, a radio host on 1220 WKRS-AM, introduced Quinn to the Stonegate audience.

The audience lined up for photos with Quinn. Conversation buzzed about how events like these were good for Hoffman Estates and the suburbs.

There were also plenty who felt sorry for the governor, given that he inherited an $11.5 billion budget deficit. Some even offered their personal sympathies to Quinn and wished him good luck.