It's not over 'til ...

Zane Seipler has learned that the arbitrator's decision in his termination case is being appealed in the McHenry County Circuit Court. The appeal was filed by the sheriff, who labeled the arbitrator's ruling as "repugnant."

There is no way that this case will make its way to the bench by February 2, and I suspect that taxpayers will be treated to months of motions and continuances (and expense!).

Anybody know a good bookie in McHenry County who .... oh, wait. That's probably illegal.

Will it even get settled before November 2? Probably not.

Just imagine this: when Zane wins the Republican Primary on February 2, Nygren becomes a lame duck. He'll be out of the race - totally out and not even able to run as a write-in. What will that mean for the appeal? Probably nothing, because he'll still have nine months to throw taxpayers' money at the lawyers handling it.

And just which lawyers will be representing the Sheriff's Department in the appeal. Will it be the taxpayers' who keep the lights on at the State's Attorney's Office or has the sheriff retained an outside firm to go for the brass ring?

Guess I'll have to swing by the courthouse in a few days, after the clerks have scanned in the filing and read it for myself.

I wonder what the estimate in the budget is for this appeal? $50,000? $100,000?

I predict that Zane will win in Circuit Court and that the County is on the hook for all his back pay - which is now over a year's worth of pay. Add the pay from now until the Circuit Court judge orders Nygren to put Zane back to work, and Zane stands to collect more than $80,000 for his "paid vacation."