Pat Botterman was special 'go-to guy'

It is said that when someone who is in the prime of his life dies, that he died too young. This was never truer then in the last few days when Pat Botterman left us in the wake of a heart attack.

Only in the last eight years did I have the opportunity to meet and work with Pat; however, his wit, political wisdom, dedication to improving peoples' lives through the political process and uncanny ability to be successful in that arena will live on in the lives he touched so dearly.

Pat was a true believer in the ability of people to change "conventional wisdom" of "accepted" political thought through dedication and hard work." In Wheeling Township, his efforts have been remarkable in infusing a real hope for a change that we can believe in -- he brought many of us into the process by his indomitable will for decency and a better tomorrow.

Thank you, Patrick, for being that "go to guy." It won't be long before you will be making a difference in your new surroundings as you did here.

Phil Pritzker

Arlington Heights