Editorial: Self-interest hinders good government decision

One of Gov. Bruce Rauner's priorities is to encourage consolidation in a state with the most governmental units in the country.

He appointed a task force, and the city of Naperville took him up on the challenge earlier this year when it proposed to take on the maintenance of Naperville Township roads.

By the city's calculations, they could do the work for about $800,000 less than the township. It seems like a no-brainer to us and we were supportive in February when it first was proposed.

City and many township officials have publicly backed the plan. But one person is blocking it, and he has the power to keep it from happening.

Township Highway Commissioner Stan Wojtasiak was skeptical of the idea when it was first proposed but now, according to a story by Daily Herald staff writer Marie Wilson, he is actively fighting it. Why? Because it's his job on the line, at least until April 2017 when his elected post is up and he says he will retire.

Some say he's just looking out for township residents and some employees who may also be out of a job.

But his actions and words say he's looking out for himself.

For years, Wojtasiak, who's been in office since 2002, paid for half his salary and benefits out of the road budget as opposed to all of it getting paid out of the general township budget.

Last month, he told Township Supervisor Rachel Ossyra, who supports the consolidation efforts, he would no longer honor that pledge.

"She's trying to put me out of business, so why on earth should I contribute to her budget?" he said.

Ossyra, meanwhile, said she may have to either cut back staff or squeeze social services to cover the unexpected $57,000 salary expense.

And this is why consolidation is hard when public servants are more concerned about themselves than about taxpayers. The highway commissioner has yet to point out where the city's calculations are wrong or what drastic cuts would befall township residents. It's his decision alone to enter into a contract with the city, so if he has info it's time to share.

Meanwhile, residents who want a say will have several options this month. The city council meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at city hall in downtown Naperville.

The township's annual town meeting is at 7 p.m. April 12 at the road district office, 31W331 North Aurora Road, and the proposed highway budget will be discussed at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the township hall, 139 Water St., Naperville.

We encourage all who care about good government and saving taxpayer dollars to attend one of them and let your feelings be known.