DuPage taxpayers deserve better

DuPage taxpayers deserve better

Misuse of public funds. Unauthorized credit card charges. Lack of financial controls. These are not descriptions that DuPage taxpayers expect to hear concerning a local county agency.

Yet these are just a few of the significant problems uncovered at the DuPage Housing Authority. Your recent articles outlining credit card charges by top staff for personal expenses are the latest insult to DuPage taxpayers. There is no excuse, and no tolerance on my watch, for the blatant disregard and disrespect of tax dollars that public officials are entrusted to spend.

Upon learning of the severity of the problems at the housing authority, I immediately demanded the dismissal of the agency’s executive director. We then moved quickly to hire an interim executive director, who has worked tirelessly to correct many financial and personnel issues at the DHA. I further requested (and received) the resignation of the entire DHA board and appointed six new members to help resolve the agency’s financial crisis and fulfill its essential mission.

While the county board has little authority over independent agencies such as the housing authority, I want to assure DuPage residents that I will do my part to maintain and preserve the integrity of any public body that bears the name “DuPage County.”

In order to facilitate this effort, I’m working with area legislators on a bill that will give the county board more oversight of independent agencies like the housing authority and the water commission.

The abuse of public dollars is simply unacceptable at a time when residents are struggling with the burden of paying higher taxes and fees to support government. As chairman, I will take the steps necessary to hold people accountable, bring in new leadership and make local government operate in a responsible and transparent fashion.

Dan Cronin

DuPage County Board Chairman

Elmhurst