Winfield village board just can’t win

Winfield’s free leaf removal program is gone as residents living in the heavily wooded south side of town know all too well. In these difficult economic times tough decisions have to be made. Winfield’s village board decided to cancel this program as they decided it was a luxury the village could no longer afford.

My neighbors and I “swim” in massive piles of leaves every fall. The village board has been under fire for their decision. I’d like to put it in perspective. Failed politicians of the past have wrongly claimed that the board is controlled by Winfield United. These failed politicians also say WU is primarily a south-side organization whom only exist to protect our “leafy green properties.”

Our political opponents love that phrase and have been using it repeatedly during this election season in an effort to divide the town and gain political favor. I feel residents know WU better than that. In the interest of full disclosure I am a director of WU. This is a perfect example of how this board just can’t win. Had they kept the leaf program they would have been attacked for catering to WU and their supposed south-side members. We have members in every neighborhood in town. Our president lives two blocks from Geneva Road. Having canceled this program the board is accused by these same people of instilling a hidden tax on the village. Again, they can’t win.

Was I happy about this decision? Obviously, no. But this should send a message. This board is not controlled by anyone. They make fair and balanced decisions and that’s the best Winfield’s residents can ask for. If this decision saves one of our police officers, firefighters or public works jobs then I am happy to give up that program.

Craig Casino

Winfield