Sayad seems to have the best answers

Approximately 150 people heard the recent mayoral debate sponsored by the Senior Center in Des Plaines. One third of the Des Plaines population consists of seniors but they account for half of those who go out to vote. All candidates agree that our retiring mayor Tony Arredia can be a great help in the next administration, considering his past experience and knowing so many officials in the neighboring communities and in Springfield.

Each of the four candidates explained their ideas and plans for the city should he be elected. The city manager form of government works fine but requires good communication and accountability from the manger with respect and obedience to the mayor and city council.

We are in an excellent location with good transportation, and we must keep a friendly business climate for development. We should ask the citizens what businesses they'd like and support in our town, and start from there. Although a projected income from gambling may be ten million dollars (an extremely optimistic figure) that cannot be relied upon to solve problems for a city with a $130 million dollar budget.

Questions and answers covered flooding, the economy, the casino, among others. One striking moment was when Dick Sayad promised that his door would always be open, and have department heads come up with a reduction in their budgets by a fixed percentage. This is what Ronald Reagan did years ago and it makes sense to do that today. With his many years of experience in city government and work on the city council along with his ideas for tomorrow, Dick Sayad would seem to be the best qualified for this job.

All four candidates spoke well, and those attending came away with a better picture of this election and more confidence that the candidates are qualified. Now it is up to the voters to be aware, to think it over, and to vote.

William McNutt

Des Plaines