Tea party should focus on stuff that really matters

In Tuesday's paper there was an article by Kimberly Pohl regarding the purchase of clothing for the newly elected officials in Palatine.

Apparently Craig Mijares, a Palatine tea party coordinator, objected to the village spending $431.93 for shirts and jackets for our mayor, Jim Schwantz, and Councilman Aaron Del Mar.

I have been a big tea party supporter for a long time and think that government should be totally transparent. This objection to the clothing purchase was totally ridiculous!

Perhaps Mr. Mijares would do well to check his facts before looking silly in front of reporters. Mr. Mijares should have known, for example, that the elected officials in Palatine are part-time positions with very little pay so asking them to purchase these items themselves is inappropriate; the shirts and jackets are worn at functions where the individuals are representing the village, generally without pay; and the clothing carries the Palatine logo.

If Mr. Mijares wants to object to wasteful spending how about taking a look at Cook County or the state of Illinois. He could splash around in those pools all day! This doesn't mean we should turn a blind eye on village spending, but let's at least know what we're talking about first.

Personally, I have no problem spending this money. Any time we can find people who are willing to contribute as much time, effort and dedication to public service as these people do, $431.93 is a bargain!

Jim Hader

Palatine