Time to take a look at election board

Regarding the financial disclosure of Robert Saar, DuPage County Board of Elections Executive Director, if he is not able to understand, nor complete correctly, the financial disclosure forms required of all civil service employees and elected officials, we have a huge problem.

If the board of elections attorney, Patrick Bond, gives questionable advice to his client, we have another huge problem. Although in my opinion, Mr. Bond chooses to skate around on thin ice a lot. If State's Attorney Joe Birkett says, "It's probably a mistake that's made thousands of times a year," huge problem - these forms are a yearly requirement. They are not hard to understand and are generally filled out truthfully.

However, there are times when the forms and rules regulating them are critical to some individuals. The forms are a must for anyone running for a political office. Average people are required to complete these packets properly and truthfully. The average person running for a political office does not always have the funds to hire an attorney; he just wants to give something back to the community. There is no forgiveness for a clerical error or an honest mistake.

The benefit of the doubt, as Mr. Saar received, is not something the average citizen will receive. If contested, if everything in his packet is not correct or untrue, that packet becomes null and void even, if the mistake is an honest one. There is no defense.

Commission Chairman Rick Carney hit the nail on the head with his statements. "It may be legal but it doesn't look good, It's slimy. It's a slimy deal." I hope he follows through on his statements saying he's going to look into whether the activity is acceptable under our new proposed ethics ordinance. It's about time someone took a look at how the board of elections conducts business.

Joyce Arnesen

Wood Dale