Township costs less than county would

Last month, David Hamilton continued his diatribe against township government. Let's see, he thinks that Cook County can do better? He thinks Cook County taking over services will reduce administrative cost? Where has he been?

Residing in Elk Grove Township my household pays 1 percent of our real estate tax bill to the township. With that, township General Assistance provides welfare and emergency assistance, intake services for primary medical care and prescriptions to qualifying residents as well as the food pantry, township registered nurse and a mobile dental clinic. The township provides referral services and application assistance for all residents in need.

Our assessor's office sees as many as 10,000 residents a year for homeowner and senior exemptions, assessed value complaints, board of review appeals and many other services. Our assessor, Connie Caarosielli, receives countless letters from residents commenting on the ease and friendliness of their interaction with that office dealing with their real estate tax issues.

The township handles road services for the unincorporated areas, we have many senior services including free bus transportation, a premier bicycle safety program, youth services including family counseling and psychological screenings. We fund a day care center which provides child care on a sliding scale to those in need and an in-house library. We fund many agencies which care for all township residents in many different areas.

Residents, stop in our office and pick up our resource guide and see what township government does for you! I'm sure you will agree that Cook County could never provide these services to you as conveniently and at such a low cost.

Andrea Koshaba

Elk Grove Township trustee