Koshaba: Elk Grove Township editorial left out pertinent detail

I was dismayed that your editorial (Our view, Sept. 8) regarding Elk Grove Township was unfair in representing my viewpoint and didn't state some pertinent facts.

Mr. Sweeney sent a letter to every township resident to apologize after the township newsletter honored a resident who falsely represented himself as a Green Beret and former Vietnam prisoner of war. The board does not approve the newsletter, it is handled by Mr. Sweeney. Obviously this person was not properly vetted.

Mr. Sweeney spent $12,000 on postage and printing to send this letter. The board was emailed of this when the letters were already sent. I feel this could have been handled at no cost by putting an apology in the newspaper or in the following newsletter.

As to the cost of videotaping the meetings, three trustees suggested that we have audio recordings of the meetings, which would be at no cost. Mr. Sweeney insisted on video recordings posted to YouTube. The cost that ensued is prohibitive and I am certain there could have been a far less expensive way of providing video. Virtually any video recording device can be used, most obviously a cellphone.

Also, the bills were reviewed for payment prior to (us) entering the hall for the August meeting and were, for the most part, mailed prior to the meeting. I believe the approval vote could have been delayed until the Sept. 25 meeting and the meeting of Sept. 6 and its video recording could have been avoided.

The only bill objected to, by Mr. Sweeney and Trustee Ingraffia, was the $140 I spent on seven Township Laws & Duties handbooks for the elected officials.

Andrea R. Koshaba

Elk Grove Township trustee