Once they vote, what can taxpayers do?

I agree with everything in your April 16 editorial, “Stop the pension penalty insanity.” What I want to know is how we taxpayers can do that? We seem to have no control over our schools and how they spend/waste our money. We can elect board members and trustees but can’t control what they do thereafter.

It is appalling that former District 54 administrator Mohsin Dada received three 22 percent raises in three years, earning $341,747 in 2010. His yearly pension is $236,904, and he’s also currently earning another $160,000 from another suburban district. I felt this had to be repeated.

To answer your question, Daily Herald, yes, I am outraged by this and all the other raises, bonuses and backloading dumped on us struggling property owners. Shouldn’t we be a larger participant in how our money is spent? Also, Illinois is getting a $31.5 million windfall for our schools from the Mega Lottery winnings. Who is going to allocate this? Is it going to bonuses and already inflated pensions or directly to our schools and possible tax relief? I’m asking the Daily Herald to find out who will be in charge of this money and how it will be spent. And will taxpayers have any voice?

Carol Bachar

Arlington Heights