Change is good; get out and vote for it

For three years Wood Dale Mayor Ken Johnson was allowed to keep his health insurance without paying his premium. Thank God nothing serious happened to him during that time, but if it had, his expenses would have been covered. Good for him, not so good for the city.

The average person‘s expenses would not have been covered because their coverage would have been dropped for lack of payment. Congrats to the three alderman who wanted to censure Johnson, and shame on those who kept quiet. Local government leaders have become way too powerful. Their legal representation provides them with the knowledge they need to bend the rules and keep within the bounds, but on the edge of the law.

I feel this happens way too often and is kept confidential, away from the public's knowledge. When leaders get caught with their hand in the cookie jar there is always a justification available.

Johnson said his record speaks for itself, and this one blemish shouldn't hurt him in the upcoming election. Hopefully, the citizens of Wood Dale will think long and hard about their choice. Is it possible this is just the tip of the iceberg? Politics most of the time covers up all the little dirty choices that have to be made in order to get re-elected or keep your appointment.

After being involved in politics in Wood Dale for 14 years, my opinion is Wood Dale needs a shake-up and changes in management and legal representation. Everyone screams for open government, but nothing changes because the public allows the same people to operate year after year. Change is a good thing. Get out there and vote the change in.

Joyce Arnesen

Wood Dale