Another side of Addison Twp. flap

It looks as though Democrat Party Chairman, Bob Peickert, figured he needs to start the New Year by diverting the people's attention away from his previously favorite elected official, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, by attacking my wife, the Addison Township Board and myself in his Jan. 3 letter. I guess there is such a thing as sour grapes since Peickert did lose two elections in Addison Township. As is his custom, he made some false accusations that need correction: He stated that the Addison Township Food Pantry was closed. That is false, it is still open. And what he didn't tell you is that Township officials can get pay raises only every four years. He also didn't tell you that when Democrats were in control of the Addison Township Board, there was no food pantry. There also wasn't a Clothes Closet like there is today under the Republicans. Or an annual Christmas party for needy children, or a Dial-A-Ride transit program for seniors and the disabled. All without raising the tax levy. Democrats preferred raising taxes instead. What Peickert needs to do is begin a series of apologies for convincing voters in 2002 and 2006 to vote for the champion of all ethics violators, Blagojevich. The Republican Party will be reminding voters not to be swayed by any "spin" tactics. If he wants to talk "backyard" ethics, Peickert had better start cleaning his own yard first, starting with his governor.

Patrick Durante

Addison Township Republican Chairman