Townships must do more to tout accomplishments

Illinois state Rep. David McSweeney wants to abolish Algonquin Township.

I am not surprised by my state rep's stance, so it is important to point out the things effective townships do for their residents. Particularly when the state rep suggesting getting rid of an entire township body has faced less opposition than the Harlem Globetrotters whenever he's been on the ballot for his current seat and has been running for offices since 1998.

Townships take care of three key demographics: the elderly, the poor and community youth. Essentially three groups of people Republicans could care less about. Some of us do care about these people within our own communities and some of us are engaged in our local elections. Little proof, if any, has been shown that eliminating townships is going to save taxpayers money.

Some townships do a very good job of taking care of the people in need that couldn't otherwise receive the services townships provide. These people are forgotten and the services provided by townships are not available to them anywhere else, such as transportation for seniors, youth programs, food pantries, etc. There is a lot of need out there, maybe not where David McSweeney is from, but the need exists and wouldn't be as efficiently provided by a county or city.

The efficient townships need to be shouting their accomplishments out a little bit more and stop allowing the conversation to be one sided. Not all townships are dysfunctional, and keep in mind that there were elections that put these people in place. Before you wander into a voting booth, take a look at the candidates on the ballot and research these individuals. Ask around and demand better leadership by voting better.

Jake Serafini

Dundee Township