A novice's view of forest board

Recently, I attended my first DuPage County Forest Preserve Board meeting. Primarily, attending in support of a special presentation, I decided to stay for the entire meeting. Well, what an education.

I witnessed the presentation of a proposed budget and levy. However, I also witnessed a debate, as far as this novice could understand, centered around Commissioner Redick's motion to decrease the requested levy by $145,000. What ensued was a weak discussion on the part of those who were in favor of the decrease and those from the "other side," who apparently didn't realize today's public forum was the venue to discuss this surprise motion.

The motion-creating group initiated their discussion around familiar Republican tax-saving platitudes ... a group looking out for me, the taxpayer. What I witnessed was a tired, sound bite-filled discussion supporting the motion. In fact, one commissioner voting in favor of this motion stated this budget is endemic of why people are fleeing our county and state. Come on. Really?

This tax-saving proposal accounted for maybe $20 to $40 per household savings. Those in favor of the original funding level provided a reasonable and forward-looking rationale focused on improving the quality of life in our community. In fact, board President Dan Hebreard commented that in addition to the clear need for these dollars, he has already "personally" reduced his own salary and health benefits cutting this $145,000 savings proposal almost in half.

He invited other commissioners to do the same if they were so interested in saving money. I am continually offended by this lame, patronizing mantra of "saving me tax dollars." My plea: Do your homework. Discuss the larger issues in an intelligent well-thought-out fashion. Lead our county and services forward. Stop. Stop boasting about this single smoke screen issue - saving me money - the equivalent expense of 10 trips to Starbucks.

Dennis Terdy

Glen Ellyn