Crespo fails to show any independence

Gov. Pat Quinn has made keeping the 2011 income tax hike a cornerstone of his re-election, knowing lawmakers like Fred Crespo will fall in line. Quinn, during an editorial board meeting, crowed about his ability to " ... get a lot of legislators counseled to vote 'yes.'"

Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democart and a 4-term incumbent chairing a powerful Appropriations Committee, is key for Quinn's plan to succeed, because suburban state Democratic representatives like Michele Mussman of Schaumburg) and Marty Moylan of Des Plaines are defending their seats in tight races against viable Republican challengers. Both will most likely follow Crespo's lead.

Crespo, who has campaigned on lowering taxes, says he opposes extending the tax hike but voted for a budget in the spring based on making the tax hike permanent. Not unusual, because he has switched positions often.

A Republican as a Hoffman Estates village trustee, he switched to Democrat to run for state representative. Crespo just voted to raise his own pay but under criticism issued a news release saying he's donating the raise to charity.

Crespo says he supports programs for veterans but voted to eliminate Veterans Grant funding for community colleges. Crespo sponsored the doomsday budget bill, taking over a billion dollars away from education, human services and public safety. Only 5 votes were cast in favor of the bill, including Madigan who strong armed it to the floor through Crespo. Speaking from the floor before the vote was taken Crespo stated, "You've got to be for something, folks." No kidding, Fred!

The Daily Herald endorsed Crespo stating he "has the record." You bet he does. Shame on the Herald for not doing their homework, instead issuing an endorsement devoid of the facts.

Mark Kramer

Hoffman Estates