Bogusz shouldn't try to build dynasty

I was sorry to see that Des Plaines Mayor Matt Bogusz decided to open a campaign office to promote his choice of candidates for city council. Political backing for specific friends from those in power can intimidate good potential candidates who have ability and fresh ideas. It is hard to match the political and financial strength of those in power. We see this being evident in Chicago.

I do not trust people like Mike Madigan, who for 30 years I believe practiced excess spending to enrich himself and friends, finance favored public projects and provided support and money to friends who agree with him and help keep him in power.

Having the ability to spend tax dollars so freely and promoting friends with high salaries to retain that power is too great a temptation for many to resist. There are too many ignorant or disinterested voters who do not act, making it difficult to vote unqualified people out.

I favored term limits after seeing how politics worked in Chicago. We need better rules. Even with so many good politicians in office they cannot do the job alone, it is the voters who have to be heard and back up those who are trying to change the rules.

On the other hand we can use Rosemont as an example for NOT having term limits. For years they have had the same strong leadership, long term managerial experience, and financial success for their city. Between these two scenarios the Chicago style is more dangerous.

Mayor Bogusz is young with a good future. While his intentions may be good, we hope he will tread softly, compromise and not muzzle the opposition. Be wary of machine politics. We do not need that in Des Plaines.

William McNutt

Des Plaines