Keeping the 'good ones' around

I am writing to express my support for Jeff Redick to be re-elected to the DuPage County Board. Four years ago, Jeff put his personal and professional life on hold to run against a 20-year incumbent for this position. He did so because he believed we needed representatives that were committed to serving the interests of the people they represent in an honest and ethical manner.

At the time, Jeff told anyone who would listen that he thought county government needed to be reformed. He promised that he would work to change county budget practices, reduce spending, increase ethics standards and “open” county government to allow for greater participation by the public. I am happy to report that Jeff has followed through on each of those promises.

Immediately upon being elected, he was instrumental in changing the county rules to require common sense, long-term budgeting. He has opposed borrowing proposals that jeopardize the long-term financial health of this county. He drafted meaningful ethics and campaign finance ordinance amendments that are the model for other counties. In fact, those amendments have served as the basis for proposed ordinance changes in other counties, like Kane County.

Because Jeff Redick leads by action, he has voted to decrease county board salaries and reduce benefits. In fact, he has voluntarily returned his own stipends, raises and reimbursements and rejected benefits that have saved the taxpayers of DuPage County in excess of $90,000 over the last four years.

I hear people all the time talking about the need to “vote the bums out.” But it's just as important that we keep the “good ones” around. Jeff Redick is a good one and should be re-elected on Nov 2.

Michael Ledonne

Lombard