Gonzalez story did not dig deep enough

As reported in the Oct. 15 Daily Herald, it is true that DuPage County Board member Rita Gonzalez works for two different government entities. However, she works two part time jobs. At the Secretary of State she pays payroll taxes for Social Security, just like private sector employees, and contributes to a small supplemental pension.

At this time she is not vested to receive a pension from DuPage County, which she also pays into. If she should become vested, she will have to choose between the pension as a board member and Social Security when she does retire. She cut her hours at the Secretary of State to ensure she had time to fulfill her responsibilities to the people in county board District 1. This will lower her future Social Security income because her pay was lowered as well.

Rita has spent most of her life working for the people of DuPage County for no pay. She was recognized for her contributions by Chicago Magazine, which awarded her Chicagoan of the Year. She is the only DuPage elected officer to have her picture on the cover for her good works in the community. This is in addition to numerous awards she has recieved for voluntary service. Rita has always worked a 60 to 70 hour week when her unpaid service has been included.

To portray a woman who has remained living in the same modest apartment complex she fought to save from demolition many years ago as a taking advantage of those she serves simply proves the Daily Herald is not reporting all the facts. Dig a little deeper in the future, Daily Herald.

Carol B Davis

Chairwoman,

York Township

Democratic Organization

Villa Park