Dunne should ask questions, Bob

I couldn't disagree more with 30-year Elgin City Councilman Bob Gilliam's analogy that the city council is like "a family." Apparently he feels that Elgin's "family business" should not be discussed in public. At a recent council meeting Councilman Gilliam arrogantly questioned Councilman Richard Dunne's concerns about Elgin's past "family business" related to planning and priorities. As a resident of Elgin I feel that Councilman Gilliam's attitude is an insult to the taxpayers of Elgin.

We, as voters, need to have our elected representatives engaged in questioning the business-as-usual city policies in these tough times. And as voters, we have demanded an honest, open and transparent city council. Perhaps that is why councilman Dunn had the highest vote tally in the last election. It's easy to see which councilmen have bought into the "family secrets" form of governing. I hope Councilman Dunne continues to fight against this "family business" form of governing, which is partially to blame for getting Elgin into the financial mess it is currently in.

Remember, council elections are only 18 months away. Mayor Schock and three council seats are all up. Watch the meetings, keep informed and vote for those who are not afraid to "publicly" represent the citizens of Elgin, because isn't that what we elected them to do?

Donald M. Bush

Elgin