Was he really just doing his job?

Back in 2013, an out-of-state company called Bucky's was attempting to build a giant gas station next to the Butterfield Park District. Concerned parents and residents banded together and opposed the massive project.

We were concerned about the health impact to our kids as well as the destruction of the environment. During months of hearings, we listened to expert testimony that confirmed our fears.

The county board agreed in a 14-4 landslide vote and the petition was denied. But that was not the end of the story. A few months later, the lawyer for Bucky's, Tim Elliott, filed a lawsuit and tried to ram through the project again.

Thank goodness for the Conservation Foundation and the leadership of Dr. Larry Reiner, executive director of the park district. Together, they were able to reserve the land until a referendum was put to the voters. That referendum, which was endorsed by this newspaper, passed with 70 percent of the vote and now that land will be protected for future green space and public use.

Tim Elliott is running for District 4 County Board and wants to represent the same people he opposed 2½ years ago. I have to question the ethics of a person that would place profit and big business before the welfare of children.

Some will say that he was just doing his job, but I don't buy that argument. He has a free will and should know the difference between right and wrong.

Kelly Haras

Lombard