Rauschenberger shows real leadership

There has been much talk lately about the lack of leadership within the ranks of our elected officials. It also has often been said that integrity is doing the right thing, even when on one is watching.

I had the pleasure of witnessing strong leadership with integrity June 13 at the Elgin Township budget hearing and feel it needs to be recognized.

I was the only citizen present at the beginning of this hearing, which I imagine is fairly common. During the process, trustees listened to the supervisor go line by line through the proposed budget and then entertained comments and questions.

Trustee Carol Rauschenberger came very prepared to be the voice of the taxpayer with a list of questions, concerns and ideas that could possibly better serve the residents of Elgin Township, while also better using or saving tax dollars.

Her biggest concern seemed to be that in these current economic conditions while all government bodies should be striving to provide quality services at the lowest possible cost, it appears that the township spends nearly one dollar for every dollar it returns to struggling township residents in the form of general assistance. Clearly, if this is true, changes can be made to better serve the people.

For the most part, township trustees perform their duties without people watching — a sad statement on our civic involvement, but a topic for a separate letter. I want to publicly thank Carol Rauschenberger for leading by example, and doing the job we elected her to do with integrity.

Because of Carol’s questions, concerns and ideas for better serving citizens, the hearing was postponed until 6 p.m. Monday, June 20, at the Elgin Township offices on McLean Boulevard. Join me there if you can.

Laurel Bault

Elgin

Tri-County Civic Leadership Project