Politicians shouldn't see dollar signs

I see Geneva officials are continuing the tradition in Kane County to put themselves before their obligation to taxpayers ("Geneva officials will be paid for missed meetings," Dec. 16)

Following the lead of the Kane County Board who argued in favor of outrageous pay hikes last spring for elected officials including the board chairman, who holds a certificate in interior design, Geneva aldermen have decided they should get paid for meetings whether or not they show up.

It is a sad day indeed when those elected to public service are overcome with a sense of entitlement to public coffers for their own gain. Does it happen the day they are anointed, I mean sworn in, or does it take a few re-elections for them to assume this "walk on water" attitude?

And with the latest shameful actions of our governor, just how corrupt must these people be before voters will stop re-electing politicians who want to line their own pockets before getting down to the business of governing - if they ever get to that? It took eight years of George Bush for Americans to say enough, but I'm not convinced we've hit rock bottom yet before that tide will turn for local and state elections.

Will Blago be the lightning "Rod" we need to encourage honest, dedicated citizens to step forward with pride and actually get elected to serve the people?

I'm so disgusted I feel like throwing shoes.

Sandy Kaczmarski

Elburn