Board’s egregious conduct

In 20 years of being deeply involved in DuPage County politics, I have never seen elected officials behave as disrespectfully and unprofessionally as the numerous Democratic Board members during the recent hearing on whether or not the board would remove Henry Hyde’s name from our county courthouse.

The incredibly insulting idea to cancel the name of the prolific Henry Hyde was bad enough. But to cut off public comment on the proposal, after just 30 minutes, was something none of the many current and former officials in attendance had ever seen before. It was a terrible insult to all of the people who cared deeply about the legacy of Henry Hyde. People came from all over to speak at this hearing. Sadly, the majority of the board did not care to hear them.

While these board members try to paint Hyde as a conservative extremist, Hyde’s legacy is not extreme and is very nuanced. Yes, Hyde was pro-life and he sponsored the Hyde Amendment (a bill that both Joe Biden and Ted Kennedy also voted for). Hyde led on the Brady Bill and Family Leave Act. Jesse Jackson Jr. gave remarks at Hyde’s memorial services and pointed to Hyde’s ability to work across the aisle. Hyde was very bipartisan in approach, a concept that is unfortunately lost by politicians today...certainly by the Democratic members of the DuPage County Board.

Hyde’s collaborating and inclusive approach to legislating is sorely missed. We should do our best to remember his name and style, not forget it. Hopefully residents learn about what happened at this hearing. It was evident to all in attendance that the Board cared a whole lot more about pandering to their political activists than about good government.

Kevin Coyne, Chairman

DuPage County GOP

Naperville