Wheeling: Bring back Fourth fireworks and parade

I have been a resident of Wheeling for the past 48 years and have lived through the extortion and corruption eras of the past. I have volunteered my efforts to correcting the situation and eventually things worked themselves out to where our Village administration operated to higher standards.

Through all of the bad times one thing was always with us: fireworks on the Fourth of July and lights during the holiday season. This was the one thing that our village gave to its residents to thank them for living here and paying the taxes needed to operate.

Then Judy took over the Fourth celebration and it did become one. She made it where we had entertainment besides the fireworks and our parade. Donations from the residents was solicited to offset some of the costs and it worked.

Our new administration took over and thought the job could be handled by others in others ways and now we come to this situation we are in now. We are told there is no money to provide anything to the residents.

Of course we look at the new Public Works building (without the marble counter tops as proposed) and the new Village Hall and say, why? If money was so tight then why was this done?

They may argue that the other facilities were outdated and too small but the job was getting done. The current buildings could have been expanded to their needs if this was less costly and the people would have had the opportunity to be thanked for their taxes.

I think it is disgraceful of our Village Board to do away with one of the most popular holidays with our Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks which was the most appreciated thing this Village gave its residents. I'm sure this will be noted next election day.

Otto Cacchione

Wheeling