Saverino: Cronin tried to intimidate DuPage County board

Carol Stream Village President Frank Saverino says state Sen. Dan Cronin tried to "intimidate" DuPage County Board members into rejecting $70 million spending plan.

Saverino also said Cronin, the GOP nominee for county board chairman, is out of touch with residents in the of the western side of DuPage County.

Cronin spoke to the board Tuesday before the measure was approved by a 10-7 vote. He said he opposed the plan's timing because of the state's fiscal woes.

Saverino said Cronin exploited his position as the possible future boss of the board.

"He did not want that pushed through, absolutely," Saverino said. "The only reason he showed up was to intimidate everybody to vote against it because he didn't want them to vote for it."

Cronin denied the charge, saying he attended the meeting on behalf of people who have contacted him concerned about the measure.

The debt is expected to reach $125 million when it is paid off in 30 years.

"That does not delight me at all," Cronin said of the accusation. "I've heard from scores of taxpayers angry about the amount of debt and borrowing that the county board was considering. I believe it will put the county under severe strain and I believe it will put the next county board in a position where serious cuts and layoffs will have to be made."

Cronin said the effects of the spending plan will be felt for generations and that he hopes the board is prepared to deal with the consequences of the action.

Saverino said he was "astounded" the vote came out in favor of the plan.

"It's elected officials finally coming through and voting for their residents instead of aligning themselves for personal gain," he said.

The county will borrow the money and pay for road repairs, convalescent center kitchen upgrades and about $17.2 million in flood control, including two major projects in Carol Stream.

The plan comes after a study performed on behalf of the county's stormwater committee presented several options for Carol Stream to alleviate flooding of Klein Creek.

Saverino said Cronin, an Elmhurst resident, does not understand the perspective Carol Stream residents have and Cronin's opposition to the plan was divisive.

"We don't need this," he said. "If he lived in Carol Stream, it would be a culture shock for a guy like that. He's used to being in Springfield making rules and regulations."