Water group's self-preservation effort

Most elected officials throughout DuPage County, me included, have been paying close attention to the ongoing issues at the DuPage Water Commission. I suspect many have waited for the completion of the independent audit before coming to any conclusions.

While I'm satisfied that no outright theft occurred, the incompetence identified offers little comfort. At a time when all of us are struggling to balance our budgets and every dollar is under extra scrutiny, poor decisions and lack of oversight resulted in a $19 million misappropriation. Two commissioners/county board members tried to warn the others, but to no avail. Too many others apparently didn't take the warning seriously, and here we are. The public has lost confidence in the commission.

Now the commission wants time to sort it out. One mayor was quoted as saying "give us a couple of years" to get things in order. It's too late. The DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference is now asking municipalities to donate the funds to fight legislation that puts the commission under the authority of the DuPage County Board.

The commission has refused to accept responsibility or accountability for what has occurred. How about those commission members, with all their conviction, raise the money themselves? As for me, I won't vote to give them another single dollar.

I support state Senator Dan Cronin's efforts to move the commission under the purview of the county. I believe he will be the next chairman of the DuPage County Board and he is accepting total responsibility for the future of the water commission. There may be a great deal of risk getting involved this one single issue. I applaud his efforts and will not vote to thwart them. Nor will I vote to allow Lombard taxpayers' money to be spent on an effort for the commission's self-preservation.

Zachary C. Wilson

Lombard Trustee, District 3