Cronin bent on grabbing power

Rumor has it that there will be an election in November, but State Sen. Dan Cronin, Republican candidate for chairman of the DuPage County Board, is apparently not going to wait for that formality before making a power grab.

In the wake of the recent turmoil within the DuPage County Water Commission, Cronin introduced legislation in Springfield that would return control of the water commission to the county board. The fact that the findings of an independent audit were not yet complete didn't seem to matter to Cronin, who saw an opportunity to consolidate power under the chairman of the county board and took it.

Not unpredictably, the municipalities of DuPage County were outraged, as were most of the private citizens. Seeing this, Cronin entered into a compromise with the state legislature that would leave the commission as an independent body while phasing out the sales tax on water. This bill was approved by the state legislature. A reasonable person would think that the matter was settled and the water commission would continue to be responsible for supplying Lake Michigan water to the municipalities of DuPage County.

Not so fast. Now Cronin is proposing that a referendum be added to the November ballot in an effort to override this legislation. Somewhat like a child who's father tells him no, Cronin is now running to mommy in hopes of getting the answer he wants.

Luckily for DuPage County voters, Cronin has shown his stripes. It would appear he is not a man who will not live with the agreements he has made, and will do anything he can to consolidate power for himself. One has to wonder how long the voters in DuPage will buy the snake oil people such as Cronin are selling. Perhaps in November we'll find out.

Pete Null

Chairman, Bloomingdale Township Democratic Organization