Do they think we're made of money?

Elected officials and upper management of the Village of Wheeling seem to have forgotten that the country is in a recession.

The village recently moved services to the new Village Hall that cost taxpayers more than $25 million. Trustees spent the first board meeting congratulating each other and management on project completion under budget.

Now trustees running for re-election realize the economy is the number one issue. It is a shame that they do not realize that the project came in under budget because of the recession, certainly not due to sacrifices by any department. Why do village staff need two stainless steel refrigerators with ice and water through the doors in their lunchroom? Why do they need all stainless steel appliances?

I have worked in the private sector for large companies and employee lunch rooms were never that well equipped or luxurious. I assume the 6.2 percent property tax increase will help pay for these extravagances. What's next, spas and private chefs?

Hopefully all village residents will consider this when they cast their ballots in the local election this April.

Mary Papantos

Wheeling