Get it together and support Clearbrook

As the Daily Herald wrote in its May 16 editorial, now is a crucial time in the state budget process. One of the agencies dependent on state funding is Clearbrook, centered in Arlington Heights, which serves the intellectually disabled and autistic populations in our area. The editorial gave an example of what the editors considered a waste of taxpayer money.

We would like to propose Clearbrook as an opposite example, a fiscally responsible agency, whose sole goal is only to provide the best possible services to its clients. Clearbrook provides educational, employment and residential programs to Clearbrook clients, no matter their age or disability, All thrive under the caring guidance of Clearbrook staff.

On a snowy, cold weekend you might have seen volunteers out raising money for Clearbrook by selling jelly beans on streets. Clearbrook programs exist in many communities in our area, including Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove Village, Northbrook and surrounding areas. Fundraising and volunteering is a constant part of Clearbrook. Community support, it has, State budgets and state politicians are another story.

All of us are aware of the gridlock and partisanship wars in Springfield, These wars hurt Clearbrook clients, whose needs are not being filled. How is it that a fiscally responsible and truly respected agency cannot be given a fair shake by our state politicians?

I urge all our area state politicians, no matter what party. to get together and creatively figure out a compromise in this fiscally challenging time. For once, just forget party affiliations and fully support Clearbrook. We will be able to take pride in our representatives who acknowledge what a unique asset Clearbrook is to our communities.

Juli and David Cicarelli

Arlington Heights